I'm back! I'd like to sincerely apologize for disappearing and leaving this story unfinished. These past months have been very hectic for me, but trust me when I say that I will continue this fic till I finish it :)

Also, a big thank you for leaving your lovely comments regarding the story; they encourage me to keep writing! Happy reading ^_^

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Naruto franchise.


The sound of voices gradually pulled him into consciousness; abruptly ending his dream.

"-barely met the kid"

Tan eyelids blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the blinding light shooting through them. His body was sore and his energy level felt weak, but he still managed to pull himself into a more comfortable position on his seat.

"seems like a nice kid, a bit weak, but talented. We already offered so might as well see how everything turns out."

"Mm, your right"

He heard a snort "Aren't I always"

"Don't push it"

Narutos lips slightly curled up - these strangers were uncanny but amusing.

"Oh good, your awake"

Blue eyes eventually fully opened and maneuvered there way to the voice.

On the passenger seat, Iruka was looking back at him with a gentle smile. The scar running across his nose seemed to catch the blondes attention though. It reminded him of the scars he knew were visible on his own cheeks and was actually curious enough to ask how he got his scar but decided against it.

"You were out for a while, you want some water?"

Naruto shook his head "No thank you" he quietly answered as he turned his attention to the window. It surprised him how the sun was still out and shining considering they managed to leave close to four p.m.

Without casting a glance to neither man, he asked "How long have I been asleep?"

"For about two two hours" it was Kakashi who answered this time "you managed to sleep throughout the whole way kid"

The blonde nodded even though he knew the silver haired man wasn't directly looking at him.

"You must've been pretty tired" he continued "to knock out immediately once we began driving"

"Yeah" Naruto cleared his throat "these past weeks have been...rough"

"Mm, yes, Iruka said the same thing earlier"

Not knowing what else to say, he decided to remain silent. It wasn't as if he had anything against the two strangers - on the contrary, he was happy that he was offered such a generous job.

It was just the fear that kept crawling its way up his mind. What if these men were criminals or rapists? He should've known better than to accept anything from complete strangers but, he was desperate. Anything was better than staying in a town full of people who didn't give a damn about him.

A low sigh escaped his mouth

Hopefully he made the right decision in trusting them. It wasn't everyday someone offered their home to just anyone over a mural.

"We're here"

Naruto peered outside the window and felt his eyes widen "Woah" he whispered "you guys live here?"

Someone laughed but he was too engraved on eyeing the house to know who.

"Yes we do"

It was jaw-dropping. The house was a series of rectangles constructed of steel and glass; it was unapologetic modern.

How was it that these two strangers were able to afford a house such as this one...

"C'mon kid, you can drool inside"

"Kakashi! Be nice!" Iruka ordered

Naruto scratched the back of his head as he gave both men an apologetic smile "heh, sorry"

He got out of the car with his duffel bag in hand and followed both of them. As he walked, he noticed the grass appeared very healthy and well cut in the front, while the outdoor pathway placed in the middle contained black and white tiles.

It was to be expected of course since the house looked to be very expensive, but his eyebrows shot up in astonishment when he saw Kakashi scan and slide a red card in some kind of contraption placed by the front door. In a matter of seconds, it slid open and a second steel door appeared.

Wow, it felt like a movie.

He watched as Iruka raised up his hand and a red light appeared, scanning his palm up and down.

Just like that, a click was heard and the second door opened.

"Alright Naruto, come on in" Kakashi said

The blonde stiffly nodded. He stepped inside and was greeted with a beautiful interior living room. The walls were fashionable shades of white and the floor polished concrete. Frames of both men were hung, along with glass vases that looked as though cost a fortune.

Although the family room was filled with three beautiful gray and black sofas, a plasma screen and white orchids on a dark cherry coffee table, it still contained enough space to throw a party.

"Wow...you both have a beautiful home"

"Thank you" Iruka responded with a proud smile. He removed his coat and placed it on top of the couch. "Now" he continued as he rolled up his sleeves "are you hungry? I can whip up something for all of us"

Naruto was about to respond when Kakashi interrupted

"I actually have to go to the office" he said while checking his wrist-watch "But you both go on ahead, Ill just buy something on my way"

Iruka rolled his eyes "fine"

Kakashis eyes danced with amusement as he lifted his hands up in surrender "Ma, I forgot I had to get everything ready for Sasuke. You know how annoying he gets when everything isn't in order"

The brown haired man sighed "I know I know, go"

"I'll see you both later then"

Naruto waved him goodbye but was caught off guard when he felt the mans hand playfully tap his head. It actually left him speechless, so he became quiet as a mouse when the silver haired man gave Iruka a peck on the lips and left.

"Alright, follow me Naruto. What do you like to eat? How ab - Naruto?"

The blonde blinked twice in confusion before he noticed Iruka staring at him in concern.

"Oh, heh, sorry" he chuckled softly "have a lot of things in my mind. Do you need any help?"

Iruka frowned "No it's fine. You can just watch t.v or go lay down if you'd like. I'll call you down when the food is ready"

It was a tempting offer, but being alone with his thoughts was a bad idea. Maybe spending some time with the man will help him clear his head.

"I already slept enough in the car, I don't mind helping out"

"Hmm, Well alright, if your up to it. C'mon"

Entering the kitchen made him realize he shouldn't be so surprised. Of course it was going to be just as amazing as the whole house.

"So" Iruka turned to him "Spaghetti?"

Naruto smiled "Sure"

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Thanks for the food"

Naruto said with a gigantic smile decorating his slightly tan face "It was delicious"

Iruka, who was sitting opposite of him, looked up and gave him a similar smile "Well thank you for helping" he replied "it actually came out much more better than when Kakashi helps out"

Naruto couldn't help it. He snickered.

"Alright" Iruka continued with a chuckle "I need to be at the club in two hours. Would you like to accompany me? Kakashi will probably meet us there"

The blonde got up from his seat and picked up his empty bowl from the granite table "Sure" he said as he followed the brown haired man into the kitchen "but um"

Iruka halted mid step at the hesitation and turned to him in question

"Well...how do you dress up to go...to a nightclub I mean..."

"Hmm" the man voiced out "well, you seem very slim" brown eyes began to analyze him up and down "I believe I have something for you to wear. Just go wash up and I'll leave the clothes on your bed"

"Okay but, where's the bathroom?"

"Oh!" Iruka exclaimed "right, your room. Here, leave your bowl in the sink and follow me"

The way to his soon to be room felt like walking through a museum. It was impossible to keep walking when in every wall or corner there were different beautiful objects pulling his attention. The staircase was hidden behind a door, but once they got upstairs, it felt like they were in a whole different house.

"Here we are" Iruka finally spoke up. He opened a white door and let him walk in first. As soon as he entered the room, he was in complete awe. It looked as though he was in some kind of cloud.

White walls greeted him with a variety of paintings hung up; it took his whole breath away. An immense bed was placed in the center by the wall, whereas on the opposite side were two french doors which most likely led to a balcony. As he checked every corner, a smile began to grow, only to gradually fade away into horror.

"Um" he mumbled when he saw a couple of transparent glass walls "the bathroom is see through"

Iruka snorted "yeah, sorry about that. This was someone else's room before and he specifically asked for it to be arranged this way"

Naruto nodded "oh..okay"

"But don't worry, no one will come in. This is your room, we won't invade your privacy"

The blonde simply faced the man with a hesitant smile "are you sure I can stay?" He asked "this all seems...very-"

"Don't even worry about the money Naruto, you working in the bar and painting the mural is enough for us"

"Well...okay. Thank you Iruka"

"No need to thank me. Get cleaned up and I'll wait for you downstairs" he said while walking towards the door "ah, before I leave, there's a curtain you can hang on the glass door to the shower folded in a cabinet"

"Oh, thank you again"

Naruto watched as he disappeared behind the door. Once he was alone, he sat down on the bed carefully, leaving his duffel bag on the floor.

Closing his eyes, the old room he grew up in appeared in his thoughts. It was nothing compared to this room, but he still felt hollow inside.

It made him realize that two complete strangers, in which he just met, treat him much better than the family who raised him throughout his whole life. How was it his heart felt warm with just one simple touch on the head by a random person? It was an experience he never got to feel with his mother nor his father. Was he really a disappointment to them?

He felt the muscles of his chin tremble like a small child as he opened his eyes.

The pain he felt in his heart was caused by the people he grew to care for...the people who despised him.

Silently, pearl-shaped tears rolled down his cheeks as the unbearable memories flashed in his mind, one after the other. Every punch, every hateful word spat in his face made his lips tremble much more. He had always been alone in life -Kiba being the only friend who stayed by his side but, there were times when he couldn't fully pour his heart out to his friend because he felt as though he was annoying him. Lots of anger and sorrow has been kept hidden deep down within him and he was afraid that sooner or later, he was going to burst.

He sat there for a couple more minutes, trying his best to stop the liquid from pouring out until he finally stood up and wiped his tears away. Shaking his whole body, he stepped in the bathroom.

If there was one thing he was sure of, he had to overcome it. No matter how long it took.

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Was it possible to look in a mirror and not be able to recognize the person staring back?

Naruto's eyes roamed his whole profile, trying very hard to identify the person in the reflection before him.

"Naruto?" A voice and a knock at the door interrupted him "are you done? We only have thirty minutes to get there"

"Um" the blonde mumbled out "I, uh..yes"

He gave a turn towards the door and saw Iruka step inside the room with his eyebrows shot up.

"Wow" he said "the clothes fit you perfectly"

Naruto hesitantly smiled "I'm not really used to wearing these kind of clothes. Are you sure they look fine?"

"Tch, you look very handsome Naruto" he responded "let me just fix your choker"

As soon as his hands made contact with his neck, Naruto flinched. It wasn't the first time his body had reacted willingly by itself and of course it wasn't the first time someone noticed. Iruka swiftly removed his hands, a slight concerned frown over-taking his face.

"Naruto" the man crossed his arms "I want you to know that we won't harm you. Anything you need, even if its just to talk, you can count on Kakashi and I"

"Of course Iruka" the blonde forced a smile "thank you so much for everything"

"Well, hopefully you get used to wearing these clothes because its your uniform for the club"

"What?" Naruto's eyes widened "your employees wear these?"

"Of course" Iruka guaranteed him "it's a very high prestigious club and our employees must look nicely suited for such a job"

Naruto was left speechless for what had to be a third time that same day.

"All men are required to wear a slim fit silk like satin luxury dress shirt - long sleeve of course, with slim fit black suit pants, and Doc Marten bentley boots" Iruka explained "of course I provide every employee with one whole uniform, but they can always buy more of the same clothes"

"Wow"

"But let me tell you, you actually have an amazing aura that makes you stand out with this uniform. I was a bit skeptical in making you wear all black, but you look very elegant. The thin choker just adds a bit more charm"

"Uh, thank you" Naruto said quietly

Iruka nodded "alright young man, lets go because we're probably late" he said as he walked out of the room.

The blonde swiftly turned back to the mirror once more and glanced at himself. It was definitely something he had to get used to.

Hurriedly, he too stepped out of the room and carefully went downstairs.

The drive to the club wasn't necessarily uncomfortable nor weird. Iruka kept attempting to make conversation with him, which he thought was nice. The only person he would be able to act like himself with was Kiba, so knowing Iruka was doing his best to help him get comfortable was heartwarming.

Naruto glanced out the window. It was finally dark outside and there was a fresh breeze flowing around. Lots of people seemed to be walking while laughing or conversating. When the car halted in front of a red light, he glanced at a couple hugging while waiting for a green light. They looked so happy and in love, it brought a sad smile on his face.

"Have you ever been in a relationship?"

He maneuvered his attention to Iruka on the drivers side. The man wasn't directly looking at him, but he probably spotted him staring at the couple

"Well" he looked away from him "it was more of a one sided relationship"

Iruka didn't say anything else until they arrived at the nightclub

"I'm sure you'll find someone else who will confidently and willingly fill that other side"

Naruto swiftly turned his head to him in shock.

Iruka offered him a kind smile "C'mon"

The blonde stayed seated for a couple of seconds before his brain caught up with him. He too got out of the car and followed right after Iruka.

They made their way around a huge building before they reached the front of the nightclub. The more they walked up some polished concrete stairs, the more he could hear loud music blaring from inside and see men and women waiting in line to get in. His eyebrows shot up in surprise at how everyone was dressed like luxury with a mixture of sexyness and classiness.

"Mr. Umino"

The blonde jumped slightly at the rough voice

"Lucas, is Kakashi here?"

"Yes sir, he arrived an hour ago"

"What about Sasuke?"

"No sir"

Naruto eyed the big man speaking with Iruka. He looked about six foot or more, and was more on the big side, which most likely was due to muscles. He wore black sunglasses and a black suit; he had to be part of the security team.

"By the way, this is Uzumaki Naruto, he will begin to work here as of today"

Lucas immediately bowed at the blonde "Welcome"

"Um, thank you sir" he replied

"Alright Naruto" Iruka said "let's go in. Thank you Lucas"

The blonde stuck close to the brown haired man as if his life depended on it. He had never experienced being inside a nightclub so he was a bit nervous. The more he walked in, the more his nose was bombarded with the smell of alcohol and his eyes with different colored strobe lights.

In all honesty, he was actually waiting to get hit with the smell of sweat and vomit, but alcohol and cologne was all he was met with.

With his eyes adjusting to the lights flashing, he saw a huge round bar taking the left side of the building with glow in the dark seats. On the right side there was a lounge with elegant sofas and chairs for people to relax in; variety of granite tables filled with bottles and glass cups. A staircase was placed right next to it and when blue eyes looked up, he was able to see a balcony filled with lots of people laughing or dancing.

"Naruto" he was barely able to catch Iruka speaking. It was difficult to listen due to the music blasting.

"Sit by the bar and wait for me" he continued "I'm going to look for Kakashi"

The blonde nodded "okay!" He yelled out

As Iruka disappeared behind dancing bodies on the dance floor, he walked straight to the bar and sat down.

"What would you like young man"

Naruto turned around to face the inside of the bar and saw a girl with long black hair waiting for his answer

"Um, I'm just waiting for someone, thank you"

The bartender seemed to hear him loud and clear because she nodded and walked away to another customer but, before he could even let out a sigh, he felt someone poke his shoulder

"Excuse me, who said you can rest?"

Naruto stiffly turned back around to witness a pink haired girl staring at him with a scowl plastered on her face.

"Well? Are you deaf?"

"I uh, sorry. Are you looking for someone?"

The girl scoffed "this has got to be a joke, who let you in the here? Do you even work here? I've never seen you before"

Naruto felt like a deer caught in headlights. He didn't understand why a stranger with pink hair was harassing him over sitting down.

"I came with Iruka" he tried to explain

"Of course you did bud, that's what all underage people say" she quickly looked behind him and waved her hand "Jugo!"

A large orange haired man walked up behind her and halted "yes Ms. Haruno"

"Apparently this guy is faking to work here by using this uniform" she pointed at Naruto's clothes "please show him the way out"

Blue eyes widened in panic "wait!" He exclaimed "I'm n-not faking. Iruka brought me here"

"Jugo, please" the pink haired girl continued

Naruto watched as the guy named Jugo stepped forward and grabbed him by the arm

"Wait" he continued "there's a misunderstanding - please just speak to Iruka!"

"Don't resist kid" jugo said as he practically dragged him off his chair

The tight grip he had on his arm was painful, it was causing his eyes to glaze up "you're hurting me, please let go" he pleaded. He tried to yank his arm away due to the horrible fear creeping up his spine.

"Listen kid, I said-"

He saw it coming, but it caught him off guard; a balled fist made contact with his stomach. It felt like a semi-truck had just slammed into his gut, resulting in his body doubling over. The grip on his arm disappeared and his knees buckled. As his crumpled body hit the floor, he gasped for air, but oxygen eluded his grasp. Fire ran through every fiber of his abdomen, and the taste of bile kept clawing at his throat, attempting to escape.

"Naruto!"

His ears picked up his name but the pain was too great for him to answer.

"Suigetsu, take him to the bathroom"

"Jugo what the fuck is wrong wit-"

A pair of arms wrapped themselves around his body and picked him up. He groaned in pain; it was too much.

The feeling of bile rising up began to appear once more.

"Vomit" he whispered "I need to-"

"Alright kid, your next to a toilet, let it all out"

The blonde nodded. He grabbed onto the toilet and puked out everything that was knocked out of him. He seemed to taste iron and immediately froze. His hands went up to touch his abdomen, but he didn't feel his shirt damp; thank God.

"Fuck, Jugo messed you up, stay here I'm going to get Iruka"

Naruto didn't respond, he was too focused on trying to get air back into his lungs

His loud breathing was overpowered by the music so hopefully no one would be able to hear him

His teary eyes managed to open, but one glimpse inside the toilet had him closing them; the water was red. He frowned in disgust and quickly flushed it. Very slowly, he grabbed onto the stall door and pulled himself up. Taking one step at a time, he made it to the sink area and began to rinse his mouth with water while also washing his hands.

"You seem better"

Naruto wiped his mouth with a complimentary towel under the sink and turned his head to the side.

A tall guy with black hair and a pale complexion was leaning by the wall next to the exit staring at him with his arms crossed. His vision was blurry due to the punch so he couldn't really see who the stranger was.

"Well?" His voice seemed annoyed and impatient

"It'll..go away" he quietly replied as he turned back to the sink.

"What are your thoughts on firing Jugo"

"What" the blonde swiftly said as he turned to the stranger once again.

"I can fire him"

"Um, I don't think that's necessary. It was just a misunderstanding"

The stranger scoffed "He nearly sends you to the hospital and your willing to let him keep his job?"

"I'm sure he didn't mean it."

"Un, you should wipe the blood off your ear"

The blonde quickly looked in the mirror. He rubbed at his eyes to be able to see a bit more clear and checked his ear - it was true, he did have blood.

While removing the stain, goosebumps began to arise throughout his body. The odd feeling of someone watching him was extreme so he looked back at the stranger, only to find him gone.

"Naruto!"

Iruka appeared running inside with a worried face

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he questioned while checking him over.

Naruto shook his head "I'm fine Iruka, I just - would it be a bother if I went back to your house?"

"No of course not, oh my god I'm going to teach that carrot head a thing or two" he angrily voice out as he helped him out of the restroom.

"It's okay Iruka, I'm fine"

"No you're not, you look a mess! Kakashi will hear from me over his unprofessional employees!"