A/N: Hey y'all! It's Marcus here with the next chappie for A Hokage's Promise. So, here we are again, hopefully you all will enjoy how things progress from here on out. Hehes
Please remember to favorite, follow, etc. along with leaving some nice reviews. You feedback is always appreciated.
Chapter 2: Plume
When it's time to meet up with Kakashi the blonde felt a little nervous. Usually he doesn't go out to somewhere in the village with knowing how they act around him. Somehow being able to find the place Kakashi mentioned he eyed the outside of it reluctantly. Apprehension coursed throughout him, not sure as to whether or not he should go inside. Parties aren't exactly his cup of tea, but he said he would give this a try. It made no sense going back now that he's here. Kakashi is there, leaning against the tree, reading a book. Dressed in elegant clothes consisting of black slacks and a silk shirt along with his mask, he felt in the proper attire for this type of outing, knowing it must be a wreck for the blonde, figuring he could at least come here all nicely dolled up, hoping he could give the blonde a chance to socialize along with finding someone of his interest.
The headband seemed to be gone, but the mask is ever present over his face. As per usual, not wanting anyone to see what's hidden underneath it, "Naruto."
"Yeah, I'm here," said the blonde that wore a pair of gray slacks and a orange and purple top, his fox whiskers along with other features caused by having Kurama have become more defined over time as he's aged.
Jogging over to where he saw the other male he noticed Kakashi is reading that book again. he wondered if he should give him the ones Jiraiya gave him. He's read them, finding them entertaining. He had helped his sensei with his research from time to time after all. Perhaps some of them can be a gift to his former sensei for having helped him out so much over the years thus far.
"Ready?" Kakashi asked, hoping Naruto would find a nice non-shinobi person to be with, trying to ignore the rising jealousy within his mind and heart.
"Yep," replied Naruto, wondering why Kakashi is so eager for him to find a mate although decided not to think about it to much before going inside the building.
After going inside, Kakashi found a nice table in the corner. That way his back could be against the wall. Looking around, he saw all sorts of people dressed up, dancing, talking, and having a great time. No one seemed to notice Naruto in the dim lighting out of his shinobi garb. Naruto felt like a bull in a china shop here. Leaning against the wall he surveyed the room albeit a little nervously. There's a brown haired male leaning on the wall, looking bored. Aside from him, there's a group of other people laughing boisterously nearby. Tilting his head to the side, the blonde hadn't expected there to be someone else against the wall aside from himself. Maybe he would have better luck with one person than a group. The said brunette who remained against the wall not too far from his current position looked up, smiling shyly at Naruto.
"Hi," said the jinchurriki to the brunette, wondering if they've met before, having trouble identifying others in the dim lighting of the place.
"Hey, Naruto," the brunette smiled.
"Do you not have Akamaru with you?" he asked when realizing it's the Inuzuka that he's talking to.
"Nope. He has a cold," answered the hazel eyed male glumly, hoping his canine companion will be ok.
"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that," said Naruto softly.
Kiba gave a small smile in response, "Its okay. I didn't know you came to these things. You came with him?"
"He talked me into coming here," blushed Naruto. "Usually I wouldn't even think of coming to something like this."
"You two together?" Kiba asked.
"No, not that i know of," replied Naruto, feeling a little awkward with the change with the line of questioning.
Kiba grinned, "Do you want to dance then?"
"Sure," replied Naruto, going with Kiba to go dance.
Kakashi watched from the sidelines, frowning at recalling what the Inuzuka is. Another shinobi. Damn,Damn, well, he would have to nip this in the bud. Waiting until about halfway through, he walked up. What he hoped is that this would work out in his favor, not wanting Naruto to end up with the wrong sort of person. Indeed even when it came to his own happiness, he couldn't break the view he had made with Naruto's father.
"May I cut in?" as a slow song started up, Kakashi held onto the hope that this would work better than he expected it to, knowing it could end him up in a predicament no matter which way he looked at it later.
"Go ahead," blushed Naruto, having Kiba step away for Kakashi to take his place.
Kakashi seemed to be rather nimble on his feet. He's trying after all his best to dance through this situation as well. If he acted on it then Naruto would run right to Kiba. It made him question his movies slightly except then brushed those thoughts aside, figuring he would play this by ear. Staring at the oceanic blue eyes of the knucklehead, trying his damnedest to figure out how to push Naruto into the path of life Minato wanted for his son seemed harder than he previously thought it would be. Oh, if only Kakashi knew the way Naruto felt about him. There wouldn't be anything that Kakashi did that would make him run to another man except Kakashi himself. Naruto danced as well even though he's a little awkward at first. Kakashi's mind drew a blank...partially because he couldn't think of a good plan, while on the other hand partially because he's getting lost in those blue eyes as the lights are still dim along with the music being slow. Noticing this, Naruto wondered if Kakashi liked him or felt the same way towards him. Finishing off the dance, the blonde isn't entirely sure what to think either.
"Umm, well, perhaps we should leave?" Kakashi didn't like the feeling bubbling inside of him.
"Yeah, that's a good idea," agreed Naruto, heading outside of the building to be greeted by the cool night air.
Taking a couple of quiet breaths, Kakashi tried to clear his mind, "I much rather my shinobi garb. Do you want to come over to my place? I can whip up some ramen. The night is still young."
"That sounds great," grinned Naruto, perking up at the promise of ramen.
Kakashi led him to the copycats home. It's modest and neat with silvers, reds and grays as the major tones. Taking off his shoes, Kakashi went to the kitchen to fix ramen for them.
"Definitely a double batch." mumbled the silverette to himself. Taking off his dress shirt to avoid splatter, hanging it up neatly in the hall closet to then set off to work.
Naruto looked around his former sensei's home. It looked immaculate compared to his shabby apartment where the blonde lives. Sitting down on the sofa while he waited he pulled out the book he remembered he grabbed from home to give to Kakashi. It's signed by Jiraiya himself. he settled it down on top of where he saw a stack of the same type of books. Shortly after, Kakashi came out with a tray and some tea on it, as well as a bowl with sugar cubes, honey, creamer, and salt. He sat out some crackers and fruit as well. He always tried his best to be a good host to any guests he has in his humble abode.
"It shouldn't take long, but I remember your hunger, Naruto," leaning behind Naruto, he grabbed a black sleeveless top, slipping it over his naked torso, motioning for Naruto to start eating.
"Thanks," said Naruto, averting his eyes from him as he poured some tea into one of the cups to add some honey into it before stirring it, grabbing a piece of fruit to gnaw on.
"Well, I guess your mystery will finally be solved," Kakashi winked as he pulled his mask off, eating a piece of fruit.
"Really?" asked Naruto excitedly, tilting his head to the side as he saw Kakashi's face without the mask hiding it from view. "Why do you wear the mask anyways?"
"Ahem, well," drawled out the onyx eyed male, blushing to cause heat rush to his cheeks, turning them to be dusted with a light shade of pastel pink, "I have been told my face is a distraction. It also helps to block my sharingan."
"That makes sense for the Sharrigan, but your face isn't a distraction. It's beautiful," Naruto told him, blushing as well.
Kakashi blushed, looking away, "Well, they didnt explain what "distraction" meant."
"Oh, ok," nodded Naruto, still blushing a bit although he felt glad that he might have made some progress with Kakashi, taking another sip of tea while he waited for the other male to return as he had left to go check on the ramen.
When he did return, Kakashi carried in two large bowls of ramen. It would be consisting of egg, beef, shrimp, and veggie, along with the proper seasoning. Sitting one down in front of Naruto, he slid his mask down as he had put it back in place before excusing himself to fetch the dinner meal, started to eat his plentiful portion. Naruto gave a smile of appreciation from the hot meal. Happily eating the ramen he had been given, the two dined in comfortable silence within each other's company. When they finished up, Kakashi looked at Naruto, having a plan set in mind for the remainder of the night together.
"Would you like to watch a movie?" He suggested.
"Sure, which one?" asked the blonde, wondering where things would be going between them.
"What do you feel like?" Kakashi still had no good idea for where to go with this considering that no shinobi rule of Minato. He is hoping that he could figure it out with enough analyzation. "Wait! I know."
Kakashi slipped in a disc, settling back on the couch, mask back in place. The music for The Wedding Date came on. Hopefully this would be suitable for the blonde's taste, unsure of whether or not he would like this sort of film, though guessed it's better to try it out to see the reaction he would receive than prolong the amount of indecision within him. Feeling comfortable within the jinchurriki's presence as per usual, he wondered why very few aside from himself are kind to him. Naruto has never shown an ounce of malice akin to the demon's ferocity.
"I like this," murmured Naruto, getting comfortable before starting to watch the movie that Kakashi put on.
Kakashi watched in silence, half concentrating, half distracted by thoughts of Naruto. Peeking out of the corner of his eye, he admitted Naruto is definitely very handsome. So, this shouldn't be this difficult. Why is it for him anyways no matter how much he tried to rationalize it? While Naruto watched he did have thoughts of Kakashi as well. There seemed to be the feeling of being watched grow, but the blonde knew it's just Kakashi and no one else.
At the end of the movie, Kakashi stood, "Well, it's getting late. Thank you for an enjoyable evening, Naruto."
"Um, you'r welcome. I should be the one thanking you," pouted Naruto, getting up to move off of the couch, feeling a little awkward again since he isn't sure what to do now although then he had an idea.
Stepping over to Kakashi he gave him a quick peck, "I left you a book. Hehe, see you around."
The blonde then trotted out of the Hatake house to carefully get back to his apartment. For some reason or another, he felt absurdly giddy as if he's almost like on cloud nine. Kakashi stood there, staring at nothing. He knew, at that moment, that everything he had succumbed to in this life, losing his mother, then his father, failing Obito, inadvertently helping Rin with her suicide, that none of that was as shitty as what had just happened. He had just fallen in love with Naruto.
()()()()()()
After accepting the offer from Orochimaru he had headed to where he had been told to go. Somehow he had been taken outside of Konoha. The area still had a calm vibe about it although there is an eerie undertone to it. This didn't bother the Uchiha in the slightest bit. Keeping in mind he should be wary around the snake Sanin he kept up his guard.
"Worried?" hissed Orochimaru, enjoying the uneasiness of the Uchiha, finding it all too amusing.
"No, of course not," said Sasuke simply in response even though he's lying through his teeth.
Orochimaru slithered behind Sasuke, putting his lips to Sasuke's ear. In a whisper, "You dont lie very well."
Stiffening by being caught, he grimaced, "I suppose I don't."
"We can work on that, too," Orochimaru eyed the Uchiha up and down appreciatively. Opening a door, gesturing for him to enter.
Shivering, Sasuke went inside. He didn't really know for certain what he meant by that, but he can't go back now. It's not in his nature to go backwards after making up his mind about something. Besides, he promised to himself that he would see this through to the end. What he walks into is a small room with spartan sparse decor.
"I will come for you later… Get comfortable for now," as the door closed, Sasuke heard a light chuckle.
One of his brows twitched in annoyance. Looking around the room he noticed it seemed alright. Settling down against the wall he thought back to what his older brother had told him. One day he'll show him that he's not foolish because he will eventually find out the truth of what really happened. A little while later, there's a knock at the door.
Getting up, he went to open it, "Yes?"
Orochimaru stood there with a tray in one hand with food on it, "Hungry?"
"Yeah," answered the Uchiha, stepping aside unless he's supposed to follow him.
Orochimaru came in, setting the tray down, "You must keep up your strength."
"Hn, true," agreed Sasuke, going over to sit down.
There's ramen and sushi on the plate. Orochimaru said nothing, studying the dark haired male while he ate. This is all for him after all. Besides, the serpentine male isn't hungry at the moment. Merely he would observe, knowing the Uchiha must have many questions. All would be answered in due time. It didn't bother him being watched. Eating the meal he wondered what would happen while being here within Orochimaru's clutches.
"Well, would you like to know my plans?" The amber eyed male asked, licking his lips.
"Hn, yes, I would," answered Sasuke, interested to know what they are in great detail as he had finished eating.
"Well, I will help you become stronger, to defeat your brother. I may need some of your cells for my experiments. In time, you will become my lover," explained the Sanin to him, knowing it's a hefty price in return he's asking for except he knows Sasuke is more than capable of accepting such a contract.
"Alright," is all Sasuke said in response, knowing it's better to accept what rolls his way in life than worrying over little things that might make him worried or anything of that nature.
"No fighting this?" Orochimaru inquired, intrigued by this reaction
"No, I see no reason why I should," answered Sasuke with a light twinge of indignance in his voice.
"Heh, heh…good," stated the Otokage,standing. Sleep well, for tomorrow will be hard."
"Hn, I will," is all the Uchiha said in response although he didn't know for certain how much sleep he would receive with a few things cluttering the recesses of his mind.
()()()()()
At the outskirts of Konoha, the Kazekage had decided to visit the Leaf on business. When he arrived he went to the Tower first to get the business needed over and done with. it had been a simple discussion in his opinion concerning the Akatsuki and other matters. When he finished he had heard there's a few good places to go to. Considering it he had accidentally run into a brunette haired male.
Catching the other male before he could stagger backwards, "It hadn't been my intention to literally run into someone today..."
Kiba shrugged it off, "It's okay."
"Are you ok?" asked the redhead upon seeing the upset look in the Inuzuka's eyes, a few swirls of sand rising around him lazily since Shukaku didn't seem too active at the moment.
Kiba shrugged, "Yeah, I guess so. I was shot down by a guy I liked."
"That's a shame. You are rather attractive," smirked Gaara, releasing the brunette from his grasp.
Kiba sized up the red head appreciatively, having sniffed him to sense no threat from him though there's some definite hardness from him, "Well, the night is young..."
"Yes, it is. What about it?" asked Gaara, amused by being looked over.
"Do you want to go get some ramen?" Offered Kiba, not wanting to pass up a good opportunity when he sees it.
"Hmm, sure," agreed Gaara, walking with him to the approximate location.
Upon entering the establishment, they are given two glasses of water along with two menus. The girl winked at them as she went to the kitchen. Setting his gourd down beside where he sat, Gaara looked at the menu. Taking a few sips of water, he eventually relaxed. Rarely did he ever do so because of his position in life, having few moments in between his work to actually unwind. In the menatime, Kiba studied the male, trying to understand what's different about him compared to all of the rest.
"Looking for something in particular?" questioned the Kazekage with a small smirk, placing his menu down after figuring out what he wanted.
"Trying to place the smell," admitted the brunette sheepishly.
"What do I smell like?" asked Gaara coyly with a flicker of amusement in his seafoam green eyes. "To me you smell like dogs and woods."
"Freedom and bondage," Kiba admitted truthfully
"Oh?" asked Gaara, intrigued by the answer. "The latter you must be feeling from Shukaku... I'm not sure where the smell of freedom would come from..."
"The sand? The desert would be so freeing," admitted the hazel eyed male as he had always wanted to see the dunes.
"I could show it to you sometime," offered Gaara. "I'm from Suna."
"Really?" Kiba perked up, remembering the red head from the chunin exams, but hadn't paid too close attention.
"Of course. I am the Kazekage after all. So, it wouldn't be difficult for it to be arranged," assured Gaara smoothly.
Kiba smiled in response, "Thanks."
"You're welcome," said Gaara as the waitress came by again and gave her his order of shrimp ramen.
Kiba started wolfing down his food, happy for the prospects in front of him. It made up for being upset earlier for having not been able to be with Naruto. Being with the Kazekage is a whole new possibility all together. It could open up some doors that he didn't know were there to begin with even though he didn't know how this would play out exactly. It amused him how it seemed easy to please Kiba. Eating his food he did appreciate the nice blend of spices in it.
Afterwards, Kiba paid for their meal, "Well, I need to get back to check on Akamaru. He is sick."
"I could go with you if you'd like," offered Gaara, placing his gourd back on his back. "Dogs aren't difficult to handle."
"Sure," Kiba agreed before warning him. "But if Akamaru doesn't like you then you're out."
"Agreed," nodded Gaara, making sure their meal had been paid before returning to Kiba's home.
Kiba went in, nuzzling the large dog who's sleeping until Kiba came in. Nuzzling Akamaru, Akamaru gave a happy, but congested yip, pulling Kiba into a furry hug. Looking over at Gaara, he sniffed a few times, then settled down with Kiba. Thusly, Gaara sat beside them, but not too close. reaching over he petted the fluffy dog gently. Akamaru reminded him of Shukaku although perhaps not as nice since Shukaku can be a little aggressive even though he means well. Akamaru pulled a fluffy paw around Gaara, pulling him into a cuddle pile as well. Chuckling lightly, he took off his gourd to set it on the ground. Patting Akamaru's head lightly he didn't mind much of being in a cuddle pile. It felt nice. Soon enough, Kiba's snoring lightly, as is Akamaru.
"Perhaps being here won't be so bad..."
()()()()()()()
In another part of Konoha, Neji exited the Hyuga compound. He's supposed to meet up with the team about some training and then they are supposed to prepare to go out on a mission the next day. Inwardly, he worried of what this could be about. They hadn't been debriefed yet on all of the details. Shikamaru walked out, meeting up with the Hyuga, seeing him relaxed Neji mroe so than anything else ever could.
" It's going to be a four team mission," stated the tactician, falling in step with his boyfriend.
"Good," grinned Neji, relieved by hearing this.
"That'll help since I doubt Tenten and I alone can handle our sensei and Lee's…..enthusiasm…"
"Naruto and Kakashi will be going with us too," informed Shikamaru, causing Neji to raise a brow, not expecting this as he hadn't been told until this precise moment. "Can you handle Naruto's ... enthusiasm?"
"He's better than Lee and Guy-sensei combined," replied Neji with a sweatdrop. "I'm sure I'll be fine."
"Ready?" He said, looking over his shoulder after stepping into the training grounds, thinking this could prove to be interesting.
"Always," assured Neji without an ounce of hesitation, following his lover into the training grounds where the others would hopefully be waiting on them although Kakashi seemed to be no where to be seen.
"Ugh, he's late again," muttered the blonde in annoyance, sitting on the ground as he had showed up relatively on time.
Kakashi popped up about ten minutes later, "Sorry, there was a butterfly that seemed lost, so I had to direct it on the path of life."
"A butterfly?" scowled Naruto. "Now you're just making stuff up."
"Kakashi, you're joining us? That's great. We'll power through with youth," said Guy, pleased to have his rival involved. "You know what the mission is, right?"
"Of course, Guy. I daresay that we will be victorious," agreed the silver haired Jounin, appeasing the other man this one time.
"Yep," grinned Guy, excited to go on this mission especially with his rival.
Naruto looked over at his former sensei. he wondered what exactly is between them. Going on. This mission will be good. Why? Well, he didn't know for sure just yet, but he will given enough time. Kakashi looked over at Naruto, then nodded, pleased to see the jinchurriki had come on time with the others.
"So, Sasuke Uchiha has went missing; we believe with Orochimaru is the culprit. The mission is to determine why he left, if it was voluntary, and what the plans are. This is a level S mission," explained Kakashi to the rest of the group accompanying them on this.
"It's not hard to figure out why the teme went. He probably wanted power or something," shrugged Naruto, getting up. "Sounds like it'll be a fun mission though."
"Hn, perhaps," mused Neji, knowing this is concerning to know.
Shikamaru stared ahead, planning his moves as the group set off. All have their own thoughts to take privy to, knowing whatever conclusion they're met with is one they'll either accept or reject. The concern weighing on the former sensei's in the group is if they may or may not run into any Akatsuki considering they have the Nine Tails in their team going outside of the protective walls of Konoha.
()()()()()()()()
After an uneventful day of travelling, the group settled down. They all made camp for the night. Shikamaru set up a tent. He looked at Neji, crawling inside. Assuming he would join him, he hoped that he would. Noticing the look, Neji went to his boyfriend as he joined him in the tent. Laying down beside him, he wondered how precisely this mission would pan out knowing how the Uchiha is.
Shikamaru lay, rolling to face Neji, "This is such a drag. It's going to be difficult."
"True... Will it even be worth it? We both know Sasuke probably went willingly," sighed Neji, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Even I can agree this will be troublesome.."
"Such a drag," grumbled Shikamaru, snuggling up to Neji. "Better sleep now."
"Mmm, yeah," murmured Neji, wrapping an arm around him to hold him close before drifting off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Kakashi looked around, realizing everyone else had gotten into tents, seeing that Naruto's the only one else who hadn't, "I will take watch. You go rest."
"You need sleep too," pointed out Naruto.
"Heh, heh, I will be fine," he reassured sheepishly.
"Are you sure?" asked Naruto, not sure if he is or isn't convinced.
Kakashi swallowed, hard, not being able to afford sleeping in the same tent with Naruto, "I'll-"
"You will rest!" Guy exclaimed. "Rock and I will watch, we have meditated!"
"Do you just not want to sleep with me?" teased Naruto cheekily.
"Yep, Guy-sensei and I'll keep watch," spoke up Lee.
"You snore." is all he said to Naruto, slipping off his jacket and shirt after going into the tent, quickly stripping down to his boxers, crawling under the covers.
"So?" pouted Naruto, doing the same before lying down. "You do too."
Kakashi rolled away from Naruto, as he hardened from seeing the nubile youth strip, "Ha, ha, I do not."
"Oh really?" asked Naruto, doubting him. "Do you sleep with your mask on?"
"Sometimes," Kakashi wanted to grab the youth and shake him or kiss him, something to shut him up.
"Ok," Naruto curled up, wondering if everything would be ok, worried about Sasuke's situation along with his own.
"Naruto, I am not mad," Kakashi could hear the pain in the blonde's voice and it bothered Kakashi, more than he wanted to admit.
"Oh, um sorry," said Naruto, not sure what else to say.
Kakashi sat up, turning to face Naruto, "Why should you be sorry?"
Figuring if he's direct then perhaps Naruto would leave him alone, "Look, Naruto, I am...developing feelings towards you. I have to distance myself from you."
"Oh," said Naruto, saddened by this although managed to hide it fairly well. "If you have to."
"Yes. I do. I promised your father," Kakashi didn't want to think about a future without Naruto in it, but he knew he had to.
Looking away, Naruto really didn't say anything to that. What could he really say? Yeah, he could tell him how he felt, but with being told this it just felt like it would be nearly impossible to do so. It didn't feel like he should with how clearly Kakashi had made himself known to him that he didn't want to be in such a closeness with him of all people. It also gave him reason as to why he shouldn't disclose himself to others, inwardly sighing in disappointment. In turn, Kakashi's heart felt like it's breaking. He didnt realize the depth of his feelings for Naruto. Sitting up, he reached for some sake to dull this pain.
"Do you want some?" he asked Naruto with his back to him.
"No," replied Naruto glumly, knowing that stuff would just act up on him or Kurama, just feeling depressed right now of being pushed away.
Kakashi nodded, pulling his mask down to drink. He commenced to downing most of the bottle of sake until he got a pleasant buzz of numbness. Putting the bottle away, he laid down to drift off to sleep.
"Why am I not enough?" is all Naruto said before getting up to leave the tent, walking slightly away from the campsite although not too far until he's behind a tree to finally just break down, doubting that Kakashi had even heard him.
Kakashi lay there, having heard Naruto. He fought with himself. Creeping out of the tent, keeping out of the Bruce Lee wannabes' sight, after having slipped on pants. Tracking Naruto, he knelt next to the jinchurriki, pulling him into his arms. He would be damned if he let the blonde hurt himself over something as silly as this. Besides, he would hate himself for him being the reason behind it.
"You are enough, Naruto. I just promised your father," he murmured into Naruto's ear.
"I know," he said quietly, reluctantly accepting the hug.
Kakashi held him a bit longer, "C'mon, come to bed."
"Why?" he asked, knowing Kakashi would still distance himself from him no matter what so he didn't see a point, most likely have a talk with Kurama whenever he did sleep.
"Because, I want you to take care of yourself. I also want you to find someone to make you happy," admitted Kakashi, thinking that he wouldn't be the best fit for him.
"I don't want to find someone. I just want you," said Naruto simply since he didn't know any other way to really say how he truly felt about him.
Kakashi couldn't respond. Staring at Naruto, he knew that he needed to get up to walk away. The simplicity and emotion in Naruto's voice short circuited his brain as well as the sake. Therefore, he did the most natural thing in the world, he cupped Naruto's face, leaning in to claim those lips he had been dreaming of as his own. Naruto kissed back, having wanted this for so long. The feeling sent pleasant tingles down his spine. Kakashi leaned into the kiss, pulling Naruto to him, intensifying the kiss as he ran his hands up Naruto's spine, running a hand through Naruto's hair tenderly. Naruto moaned softly with feeling it deepen to a more intense degree. Holding onto Kakashi, he had to break it to catch his breath. Kakashi's face is flushed along with his breathing heavy.
"Naruto, I-" the copycat didnt know what to say, his mind seemed to be a haze of sake, love, and desire all in a jumbled hot mess.
"What is it?" purred Naruto, panting lightly although looked up at Kakashi.
"I don't know," Kakashi admitted, leaning in and kissing Naruto again.
Kissing him back, Naruto didn't mind that answer. He had Kakashi. That's all he cared about along with the passionate moment between them. It's a time he's dreamt about for such a long time ago, feeling exhilaration shoot through him long with a volley of other emotions. What happened from here on out would be a mystery, unsure if they would vitalize a stronger bond between them or cast it all aside.
()()()()()
At the hideout where Sasuke is he had been meditating at the area he had been given to train in. With his eyes closed, he hadn't noticed that the certain individual who had taken him here is approaching him. It's not until he spoke that he acknowledged his presence nearby. The emotions he felt around him confused the Uchiha straight down to the core, unsure of how to act upon it. Noe one including his brother had given him advice as to how to handle touchy feely type of sensations.
"They are coming," Hissed Orochimaru, walking up.
"I know," stated Sasuke, opening his eyes due to having been broken out of his trance.
"They must be concerned...they have sent some of their best, including the jinchurriki and the copycat," Orochimaru mused, eyeing the Uchiha approvingly.
"Hmm, perhaps," shrugged Sasuke, noticing the look. "Why should I care though?"
"I don't know if you should. But they will probably try to convert you," Orochimaru extended a hand to him.
"That's cute," smirked Sasuke, eyeing the hand for a split second or two before accepting it.
"Come, there are cells to be collected, and training to be had," purred the Sanin, pleased of the other male's progress so far within his hold.
"Hn, ok," agreed Sasuke, not looking forward to the cells, but definitely for the training.
Understanding why he had to get the cells Orochimaru needed did help. But the process it's done in isn't exactly pleasant. At least there's the training to look forward to. After the extraction process by Kobito, Orochimaru looked to Sasuke, having a few plans sorted out for him pertaining to some other training aside from the usual type he has to go through.
"Now to your training," smirked the amber eyed male, idly wondering as to how the oncoming team would be handled even though he's not particularly worried about it.
"Good," nodded Sasuke, glad to get the process done with for the day, getting up after the open vein had been cleaned and bandaged.
Orochimaru took Sasuke to a vacant room. Hissing quietly as several snakes slithered out, "Control them… Show me how strong you are, darling. I know you won't disappoint me at all…"
"I will," assured Sasuke, before creating a hiss of his own to have the snakes move, one of them crawling up to coil around his arm and up to his neck.
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow appreciatively, "Perhaps you are a natural…"
"Heh, maybe or I've just been around you too much," smirked Sasuke, petting the head of the snake lightly.
Orochimaru grinned appreciatively, "Perhaps so… Would you like to have dinner later?"
"Sure, sounds good," replied Sasuke to the offer, not afraid although relaxed with the snake around him.
"Well, then, you'll have to find me," said the serpentine man before he left, ten more snakes slithering out in his departure.
"Ok then," hopefully it wouldn't be too hard to locate him.
The snakes slithered towards him. Watching the snakes he wondered what exactly he should do about them. They raised up, ready to hiss, venom dripping off of their lethal incisors.
He heard Orochimaru's voice slither on the wind, "You'll have to learn how to control them all."
Nodding, Sasuke made a hiss. Hopefully this would work. He didn't know if he'd be able to do it since he had never worked on more than three snakes before. After a while, he managed to control them except it's only by then he started to feel exhausted. He had to sit down when he eventually accomplished it. At least he did it instead of giving up. The door opened when he's done.
Kobito clapped his hands, "Well done, my Master said you can join him to dine now."
"Thanks," Sasuke got up wearily, following the ex-medic to where Orochimaru would be waiting for him.
Orochimaru could be seen sitting, waiting on the Uchiha's arrival, "Well done. Much quicker than I thought you would've completed that particular task."
"It wasn't easy, but I did it," is all Sasuke said before sitting down, feeling exhausted mentally, but not physically to the same extent.
Orochimaru lifted a tray where there's a variety of suchi, sashimi, and ramen. He motioned to the tray. Noticing the spread, Sasuke used his chopsticks to retrieve a piece of sushi, eating it. Dining with the Sanin isn't too bad. At least he managed to impress the man.
"So, what is your true ultimate goal?" asked the amber eyed man, watching Sasuke intently.
"To find my brother to ask him what really happened to cause the massacre," explained Sasuke after swallowing the succulent morsel.
"Hn, well that means you would have to find him and his Akatsuki brethren," mused Orochimaru, figuring it would come to this eventually.
"Yep, shouldn't be too hard if Naruto is away from Konoha. He'll be bait," mused Sasuke in response.
"True. They do want the jinchurriki," agreed the other man, knowing all too well of the infamous organization's intentions along with their goals.
"Indeed.. the only way to really get them is if they're away from their village," noted Sasuke, taking another piece of food to munch on.
"Well, after you have some mastery of the snakes, then we can search as well if you would like," offered Orochimaru to him.
"sounds good," replied Sasuke, liking the sound of this plan.
Orochimaru smiled, continuing to eat, as eyes watched them from the shadows. Those would belong to someone both of them know all too well. Although neither of the two men noticed that they're being watched. It would all just be a matter of time…
()()()()()()
Back in Konoha,Gaara jerked awake as if sensing danger. Shukaku had woken him too as if knowing something is wrong. Kiba's still asleep along with Akamaru in a big fluffy pile. Gaara wrote a hasty note explaining that he needed to go find Naruto to warn him. he promised to be back soon along with admitting that he loves him as he can tel this is the one meant to be his mate. Placing a hand on Kiba's head he really didn't want to go. But his sense of duty needing to be done took more priority over it.
"I'll be back," whispered Gaara as he made sure the note is in sight when Kiba would wake up before putting on his gourd after quietly managing to slip out of the pile without waking either, putting on his gourd and then heading out.
Hopefully we're not too late, thought Gaara as he walked swiftly out of Konoha's gates with sand whirling around him in a torrent as he then began to flash step from tree to tree.
You're being followed by someone, cub, piped up Shukaku, also informing his container that he's closing in on Naruto's current location, unsure of who it is exactly that's following them.
"Oh shit," hissed Gaara under his breath, trying to see if he could lose whoever had been following him.
Suddenly, there's the sound of barking as Kiba tackled him, "Why'd you leave? And dont you know Akamaru and I are the best trackers there are?"
"Um, I left you a note. I need to find Naruto and warn him about the Akatsuki," said Gaara, getting up from being knocked down.
"Right! So Akamaru and I can find him. Hop on," Kiba said, crawling on the giant beast to then offer a hand to the sandman.
"I found him, but it's what I sense that worries me," muttered Gaara, getting onto the big dog's back behind Kiba.
"What do you sense?" asked the Inuzuka as Akamaru took off, tracking.
"Extremely strong chakra," answered Gaara, creating a sand barrier around them as they moved just in case.
"From who?" Kiba said, on high alert, sniffing as well.
"Akatsuki," stated Gaara, tensing while he kept on watch.
"Shit," Kiba whispered, the hairs on his neck standing on end.
"Yep," grimaced Gaara.
That strong chakra that the Kazekage had felt is not far from where they are at the moment. Actually, it's almost right on top of them. As the black cloaks swooped down, darkness descended on the trio.
()()()()()
Sensing something is off, Naruto woke up. Heading out of the tent, he could tell Kurama is distressed. Sensing the other jinchurriki in the area he wanted to go help Gaara even if it would come at the cost of his own safety. Kakashi woke up, a dull throb to his head.
Slipping on his mask and headband, he called after Naruto, "What is it?" as
"Gaara's in trouble," answered Naruto, wanting to go after him, but hesitated.
"We have to complete the mission, Naruto. We can send Neji and Shikamaru to help Gaara," Kakashi offered, not wanting to put the blonde in unnecessary peril.
"I know," glared Naruto, perplexed since he and Gaara are like brothers, feeling obligated to go help him.
"If it is the Akatsuki then they probably expect you to come help, so we need to keep you away," Shikamaru stated as the rest of the members packed quickly as Shikamaru looked to Neji. "Let's go?"
"Right," nodded Neji, going with his boyfriend to go attend to the problem to leave the others to go after Sasuke to continue on with the mission even to Naruto's frustration.
The two went to go see to Gaara's situation while the rest went onwards with the current mission on hand. Within mere moments, Neji and Shikamaru arrived on the scene although there didn't seem to be a battle occuring, confusing them both. Shikamaru held back in the shadows, analyzing the situation from afar. Neji stayed out of sight as well until he felt it necessary for him to help out. Standing his ground, Gaara got off of Akamaru with his sand whirling around him in a near storm.
"What do you want?" hissed Gaara, knowing they're after him and the other jinchurriki.
"I am not playing this game," grumbled a lilac haired male with a large three pronged scythe on his back. "Can I have the dog boy for Lord Jashin?"
"No," said his partner with brunette hair and a stitched up face. "He won't amount to any money... So, I doubt he's worth giving him to your so called god, Hidan..."
"Hey! Don't hate on Jashin." Huffing, Hidan turned. "Let's get the strawberry and be done with this."
"Hmm, we'll see. Yes, might as well get him. The other pair should be finding the fox," mused Kakuzu.
"I'm not a strawberry," growled Gaara, sand writhing angrily around him at the threat within punching distance.
"Come on already, Kakazu!" Whined the Jashinist.
"Yes, I know," said Kakuzu as the battle began to uprise in full swing.
Naruto, be safe… I don't know if we'll get out of this in one piece or be captured. If it's the latter of the two then…well, I hope that you don't end up in the same hole that I'm in.
A/N: Eep, done with chappie two! I hope you all enjoyed how things progressed this time along with the pairs. It'll definitely be interesting for y'all to see what happens whenever the next chappie is finished to then be put out here.
Hmm, so, hopefully y'all enjoy the ships along with how they're being written and such. It's going to be fun how the plans continue from here on out. Hehes
I hope you all enjoyed what happened this time. The next chappie will be out whenever I have it finished as per usual. Anyways, enough of me blathering on. Until next time please remember to review loves!