Chapter 3: Collision Course
Monday morning came too early for Sasuke's liking. Even after spending a marvelous weekend with/in Neji, his mood was less than sunny, especially now that he had nothing to look forward to on the weekends. Their rendezvous had to end due to Neji's prior commitment. Both were aware of the eventual expiration of their casual relationship, but Neji had a wife to look forward to. While Sasuke…well, he had work, which right now was becoming less fun every day.
I better get some good news today, or I may finally set some poor idiot on fire, thought Sasuke as he glanced though his emails on his MacBook.
"Sasuke-sama, are you available to take a call?" asked Ino, peaking into the office through the partly opened door.
"Who is it?" Maybe an idiot with a death wish? Please let it be so… Sasuke pleaded silently.
"It's Itachi-sama," replied the blonde meekly, "Should I patch him through?"
Sasuke leaned back in his chair, damn, too bad he is the devil himself, so fire won't work…well, I did manage to avoid him the whole weekend… he thought with a sign.
"Fine," said Sasuke grimly before pushing a button on his phone.
"Little brother," the smooth low voice answered over the line.
"Itachi, what do I owe for the pleasure speaking to the ruler of underworld himself on such a fine morning," replied Sasuke dryly.
"And here I call bearing gifts…." said the coy voice. Sasuke could practically hear him grinning on the other line.
"If it has to do with taking over the Sacramento branch, this discussion can wait," replied Sasuke. Not interested in the conversation in the slightest, he started to rock his chair back and forth. Itachi has been bugging him about expanding his ownership to the west coast for the last 3 months, and he wasn't ready to make a decision until he finished some projects in New York.
"Actually, it's concerning the recent blemish to the company's reputation," replied Itachi, his voice not losing the hint of humor in it.
That got Sasuke's focus. Suigetsu was able to gather quite a bit of information on Rasengan Industries over the weekend, after he linked them to the new web browser. However, Itachi had ways of getting information that even startled Sasuke at times.
"If it's about Kurama, I already know about the browser," replied Sasuke, not wanting to give away his interest in the topic.
"Tsk-Tsk, little brother. I said I called bearing gifts, not days old left-overs." Itachi said, almost sounding offended, but Sasuke knew better.
"As you know, Kurama is the new browser designed by Rasengan, it's supposed to have most advance online security, yata yata yata…" Continued Itachi, sounding disinterested in the publically disclosed details. "Kurama is also the name of the new face representing them. I know you've been trying to track down the company owner for the last 3 weeks without success."
Sasuke looked out over the city, not denying the fact. It was pointless to argue with Itachi, he knew what you were thinking even before you did.
"Well, little brother, how would you like to meet them face-to-face?" Sasuke could practically see the sinister smile on his brother's face, which caused a shiver run down his arms and the hairs to stand up on the back of his neck.
I have a feeling that this is going to cost me my right kidney, thought Sasuke, but Suigetsu sure isn't getting anywhere fast, so…
"Elaborate," said Sasuke trying to curtail his curiosity.
"I will tell you exactly where and when they will be next weekend, if you do me a favor." Replied Itachi, knowing that he has won this even before he dialed his brother's number. "You have to promise me that after Christmas, you will seriously consider Sacramento. And, I want to go with you." Itachi slipped the last part in on a whim. He didn't have anything planned since Deidara out of town, and was going to be bored anyways. He may as well take the opportunity to tease his little brother.
"This better be good," mumbled Sasuke, knowing he has lost this battle.
"It always is," the amused voice replied over the phone. "Rasengan Industries is going to be doing a presentation at the Innovation Conference in Silicon Valley this weekend. In addition, on Saturday night, they are holding a debut gala to meet the public face of the company - Kurama," finished Itachi, giving his brother few seconds to process the information.
Sasuke sat with his elbows on the desk, fingers linked together in front of his lips.
Damn it Suigetsu! What the hell do I pay you for again? The raven glared at the speakerphone. Closing his eyes and letting out a sigh, deal is a deal.
"Send me the details," was all Sasuke said before pushing the 'end call' button and summoning Ino to make changes to his schedule.
~X~X~X~
San Francisco tech world was buzzing with excitement about this weekend's convention. By the end of the week, Naruto and his team have made all of the arrangement for their upcoming presentation and release party.
On Friday night, introductory video presentations were planned for emerging companies such as Rasengan Industries. On Saturday, an opening gala was scheduled for the board members and some 200 exclusively invited guests. Kurama was going to be the star of the show, since he to be the representing face of Rasengan. The amount of enthusiasm over the enigmatic redhead only increased over the week, making Naruto excitedly nervous over the prospect of appearing live.
Naruto made his way to the garage with his weekend bag slung over his shoulder, and set the security system on the way out. Walking into the wide-open room, he eyed the cars parked on the shiny black lacquered surface.
It's been a while since I've taken Claire out, but Sakura may need some room, so I'll just take Killer B. Thought Naruto as he grabbed the key fob off the hook and opened the garage door. Walking up to white BMW X6M, he opened the back door and tossed his bag into the back seat. Getting inside and buckling the seatbelt, he switched his glasses to a pair of prescription aviators. Naruto choose to not wear his contacts today, in hopes that his regular glasses may disguise him a bit more. Not that anyone would know who he was since he stayed off the radar for almost a decade. Kurama looked completely different from him besides the height, skin tone, and eye color; and this was California after-all. Being tan, blue eyed, and tall was fairly common. Pressing the start button, he felt the whole car come alive with excited vibrations, the engine purring.
Nice, thought Naruto. Killer B was a pleasure to drive, especially for longer distances. The luxurious leather interior along with almost 600 horsepower gave him just enough thrill, while still being practical. It was early in the morning and traffic was still light, allowing him to avoid most of the congestion. Making his way down the freeway, he dialed Sakura over car system.
"Good morning, Naruto," answered the cheery voice.
"Good morning, Sakura. I am on my way and should be at your place in less than 15 minutes," said the blond as he switched lanes to pass another car.
"Sounds good. Can we stop by the café? I told the team I would pick up some coffee and donuts."
"Sure, I brought Killer B, so we should have plenty of room," said the blond, as he weaved in and out of light traffic.
"Great! I have a couple of bags, but I gave Sai my dress clothes to take along with yours." Sakura replied.
"I'll see you in a bit then," said Naruto, pushing the end call button after his assistant said bye. Within 10 minutes, the white sporty-looking SUV pulled up to the large brick house on the outskirts of San Francisco.
"We're going to make great time in B," said the pink haired woman as she stepped out of the front door, and locking it behind her.
"You bet cha, she's not Claire, but if traffic is good, we'll get there in no time." Naruto said, getting out of the car and taking a bags from Sakura.
"I'm really looking forward to this weekend," she smiled. "We have a kick-ass presentation and you are going to be fantastic at the gala, I just know it!"
"Thanks, I'm kind of nervous about Saturday. After a decade of being behind the scenes, it will be strange to be out in the light." Naruto said, pulling out of the neighborhood.
"But it won't be you completely. It will be Kurama, so use this as a step toward getting out there eventually. You won't stay a secret forever," said the pretty woman looking out the window at the passing by trees and houses.
"I know. This will be good practice for how to act in public, because we all know that my personality is not exactly professional all the time," replied the blond, glancing at his passenger and grinning a toothy smile.
"Amen to that," said Sakura, rolling her eyes and smiling back. The rest of the drive was uneventful, talking about the plans ahead and making sure they had everything. Within 25 minutes, they made it to the café near the hotel. One large box of donuts later and seven cups of coffee in a carrier, they were on their way to the Four Seasons Hotel, where this weekend's conference was taking place. Sound of Sakura's phone interrupted their conversation.
"Hey Kiba, what's up?" asked the pink-haired passenger, putting him on speakerphone.
"Hey, Sakura, have you guys left San Fran yet?" Kiba asked on the other line.
"Yeah, we are 2 min away from the hotel."
"Shit… We left an adapter for the projector at the office, and all of us are here already," replied the deflated voice.
"Crap. OK, one of us can go and get, don't worry. Is it in that box in media room?" asked the assistant, biting her thumb. They still had plenty of time before their presentation, so it shouldn't be a problem.
"Thanks Sakura. Yes, it should be in the box on the table," replied Kiba, sounding much more cheerful now. Hanging up the phone, Sakura looked at the coffee and donuts in the back seat.
"There is no point in both of us driving all the way back. And you need to check out the other presenters while we have the time. Mind if I take B and go get it?" asked Sakura.
"That's true, and I don't mind. But are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Naruto asked as he pulled up to the building.
"No, you go ahead. Could you take the coffee and donuts though?"
"Sure," he said and switched his glasses.
"Wow, I've never seen you in glasses, do you usually wear contacts?" asked Sakura, as she eyed the stylish black frames that perched on his nose.
"Yeah, but I figured they may help me blend in." said the blond sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"They look good, make your eyes stand out even more." Sakura opened the door and got out of the car.
"Thanks," replied Naruto, a light blush tinting his cheeks, the blond was not great at accepting compliments and got embarrassed easily sometimes.
He hoped that playing Kurama would improve his self-esteem. As accomplished as he was in his professional life, having so many failed relationships takes a toll on a person's confidence.
He got out of the car, grabbed the leather messenger bag that held his laptop, and put on his lanyard with the company tag. Walking over to the other side, he got the box of donuts and Sakura stacked the two drink carriers side by side. Lucky for him the box was large and sturdy, allowing him to balance the coffee on it easily. Saying his goodbyes to Sakura as she got in the driver's seat and adjusted the settings to fit her smaller frame, he made his way toward the large upscale hotel.
~X~X~X~
Sasuke walked along side Itachi down the long carpeted hallway of the Four Seasons hotel. He was dressed in dark-blue pair of dress pants and a light-blue shirt with a narrow designer tie. His brother was able to get his hand on much sought-after tickets to the event, as well as room to share at the sold-out hotel. Something about a recent company purchase that was supposed to present at the conference today. However, their product didn't deliver, so the company was sold off to the highest bidder - Uchiha Corporation, for a steal. Sasuke didn't care about how, as much as he cared about laying his eyes on his new competition in person, because god forbid he wasn't going to trust anyone else to not screw up again.
"When is your flight back, Otouto?" The longhaired older version of the raven asked.
"Sunday afternoon," replied Sasuke.
"What would you say about having brunch with me on Sunday?" asked Itachi while they made their way down another hallway. The place was starting to fill with visitors as they got closer to the center of the event.
"I have a feeling, that if I say no, I'm going to regret it even more than the pleasure of your company." Sasuke replied, earning a smirk from his brother.
"Who do you take me for?" Itachi asked trying to sound offended. "But you're right," said the handsome man. Continuing their trek through the hotel, both noticed some familiar faces from the industry. But for the most part, it was filled with hipster and geeky looking nerds, and quite a few girls that were increasingly becoming more accepted in the tech world.
Rounding another corner, while trying to avoid a cart filled with AV equipment, Sasuke realized too late that directly around the turn, a tall blond was looking at his phone while attempting to balance a large box with cups of coffee on top.
"Shit!" without enough time to avoid the tall man, raven collided with the broad chest. The box of donuts and cups of warm liquid spilling all over the blond, knocking him back on his ass. At the last second, before Sasuke fell on top of the coffee drenched man, Itachi grabbed his shirt and yanked him back.
"Ouch," said the blond, looking over himself as the coffee seeped into his shirt and sweater vest. When he looked up to see who collided with him, his face froze.
Holy shit! In front of him, it was none other than Uchiha Sasuke. The last person on Earth he expected to find glaring at him while wiping coffee off his sleeve.
Damn it! I can't believe it! Sasuke fumed. How did I managed to run into some fool and get fucking coffee all over myself? Someone is about to die a slow painful death… He looked down at the offending man; his eyes froze on the stunned face of a handsome blond. His face was flushed, mouth frozen in an inaudible syllable. Those stunning blue eyes were wide behind the dark framed glasses that fell low his nose, shock playing out all over his whiskered features.
Recognition washed over Sasuke. I know this idiot…his name is… fishcake or something…
He studied the blond who was soaked through with coffee, donuts littering the floor around him. Based on his reaction, the man recognized him as well.
The raven's eyes narrowed, "Oi, Dobe, you ok?" asked the raven, after the blond didn't move for another few seconds. Naruto shook his head, to try to clear his mind from the daze. He adjusted his glasses and looked around at the mess they've made.
"Yeah. I'll live, but my shirt won't." Naruto looked down, his mind finally getting over the shock of seeing Sasuke after nearly a decade. How did I end up on my ass in front of him, AGAIN? FML! His mind spinning.
An outstretched hand came into his line of sight. Following up the slender wrist, over the coffee stained shirt, he caught the magnetic midnight gaze of one of the world's most powerful man. A small smirk graced the handsome features of the ice prince.
"We've got to stop meeting like this, Dobe." Sasuke said with a small smile.
Itachi raised an eyebrow, for reasons beyond the surprise of his brother knowing this person. Sasuke rarely acted less than frigid toward anyone, a smile and a kind gesture? Well this is most unusual. Itachi thought as he eyed the blond.
Naruto grasped the offered hand, pulling himself up while looking over the dark-haired man.
He looks even more handsome than I remember, Naruto thought. What the… what's with that again, must be the pale girly Uchiha skin. The blond's blush deepened as he let go of the hand the moment he was up.
"And who is this, little brother?" A man stepping around Sasuke, Naruto immediately recognized him as Itachi Uchiha.
Greaaaat, I get to embarrass myself in front of both of them this time. Naruto thought in displeasure.
"This is… Naruto was it?" Sasuke answered, eyeing the blond. Unable to exactly recall all of the details of their last encounter some years ago. He remembered finding the blond lounging in his office, and after some harsh words between them, he fired the poor sap. The man was quite upset, promising him that he will regret his decision. Looking over the tall man in front of him, Sasuke's eyes landed on the tag attached to the lanyard. Realization ran through him like a lightning bolt as soon as he saw the swirls. Interesting… this may turn out even easier than I expected.
"Yeah, I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Teme here, fired me from Uchiha Corp about 10 years ago." Naruto said to Itachi, missing the calculating look that passed over the raven's eyes.
"Well, nice to meet you, Mr. Uzumaki. I'm Itachi Uchiha," extending his hand to the handsome blond.
"Just call me Naruto." The still soaked man replied with a bright smile. It's not every day you get to meet people of such caliber, as much as he wanted this, he did wish it happened under more dignifying circumstances. "Darn it, Sakura just left with my bag," said the blond as he tried to shake some of the powered sugar off his sweater.
Perfect. "We're staying at this hotel, I can lend you a shirt until yours can get dry cleaned." Sasuke said looking over the blond.
Itachi nearly fainted from shock. What's going on here? Sasuke hasn't bit his head off for making a mess out of him, and he is offering him clothes… What am I missing? Itachi looked between his brother and the blond, who was almost an inch taller than the Sasuke. Looking down the stained torso, he saw the tag and his eyes narrowed. Ahh... I see what you're playing at, little brother, very clever.
Naruto froze once again, looking into the dark pools of the man before him. This is not the reaction I would have expected from Sasuke Uchiha. But, I don't have a lot of options, no one in our group is my size anyways, and I think I can fit in his clothes, he eyeing the raven.
"Um, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate it. But are you sure?" Naruto smiled while rubbing the back of his head.
"It's no problem." Sasuke turned around and made his way down to the elevators.
Naruto looked at the mess he made on the floor, not wanting to leave it for someone else to take care of.
"Don't worry about it. I'll have someone come and get this cleaned up." Itachi said, after noticing the concerned look the blond had while he eyed the cups and donuts all over the floor.
"Thank you, Mr. Uchiha," nodded Naruto.
"Just Itachi. It's no problem, go get cleaned up." Itachi waved him off and pulled out his cell phone. The blond nodded and jogged over to where Sasuke just stepped into the elevator, holding the door for him.
"Thanks." Naruto said, getting into the compact room.
"Hn." Sasuke replied dismissively, and pushed the 32 on the panel.
After a few floors of silence, the blond decided to speak. "What a surprise seeing you here." Naruto said and looked at the reflection in the mirror. Noticing the dark eyes following his as the raven leaned back against the wall, hands in his pockets.
"Same to you. I see you were able to find a more suitable place for your… talents," said Sasuke smugly. Looking over the blond again, getting a good view of the broad shoulders, narrow waist, and well fitting dark-blue jeans.
Noticing the shifting gaze, a shiver ran down Naruto's back as if following the appreciating look he was receiving from the usually emotionless man. He was surprised by the glint of something else in those dark eyes. Clearing his throat, and hoping that his face didn't heat up any more that it already has, he turned toward the raven and stepped back, leaning against the adjacent wall.
"This side of the country suited my personality better. I'm surprised you actually remember me," Naruto said, looking over the handsome face of his ex-boss.
"You made quite an impression that night." Smirked the stoic black-haired man, reaffirming his gaze onto the deep azure eyes. Naruto shifted uncomfortably, unused to receiving such intense looks from a man. Folding his arms over his chest, he took a deep breath, relaxing his shoulders.
No need to be nervous. We're on even ground now, even if he doesn't know that, I do, Naruto thought. His features relaxed and his eyes becoming more calm. Looking back at the raven as the doors opened, he motioned with his hand, 'after you'. Letting him lead the way down the hallway to the room, Naruto assessed the man before him.
He is just about as tall as I remembered. Same cocky attitude, but had less arrogant air around him. And still just as breathtakingly beautiful….Seriously, what is wrong with me? I think I may have hit my head, again. Dismissing any further thoughts on the subject, he followed the man a few more feet before they reached his hotel room.
The brothers checked into the hotel late last night, not wanting to drive from Sacramento early in the morning. Sasuke just ended up flying into the nearby airport where Itachi picked him up. Turning on the light of the spacious suite that housed two queen size beds, a large flat screen and all the other amenities needed. Sasuke walked over to his side of the closet.
"I'm guessing you're close to my size." Sasuke said, looking over the neatly pressed dress shirts.
"I'm sure I can make-do with whatever." Naruto replied, setting his leather bag on the chair next to the bed.
Sasuke came back with a dark teal shirt, handing it to the blond. "Give me your vest. I'll soak it in the sink before the stains set in." His set voice left no room for argument.
"Thanks." Naruto said hesitantly, pulling the sweater vest over his head and handing it to him.
He is being unusually nice. I have a feeling this may not be just an innocent gesture of kindness, thought the blond, just as his hands ran over his lanyard. Ah, I see. He must have seen my tag. Well, two can play at this game. I'm not surprised to find the Uchiha here, makes sense to use direct approach to find us, since other ways have failed thus far. Taking off his tag and stuffing it into his bag, Naruto turned towards the headboard and unbuttoned his dress shirt, letting it fall off his shoulders.
In the bathroom, Sasuke dried his hands after soaking the sweater in cool soapy water. Walking into the room at the exact moment the blond slipped off his soiled shirt. Sasuke stilled, his mouth slacked at the sight before him.
Dammnn…
The strong back muscles rippled with each movement, accentuating the toned shoulders and arms. Velvet-smooth tan skin had no tan lines in sight, as his eyes roamed down to the narrow hips where he could see two dimples adoring the lower back. Dark jeans hugged the muscular ass, a black belt accentuating the cut hips.
Maybe he could be useful for more than just information. Sasuke thought, as he leaned back against the doorframe to appreciate the view before him. Naruto put on Sasuke's shirt, noting it fit well in most places, but a bit tight around his shoulders and biceps. He glanced behind him to see the raven studying him intensely with a small smirk on his lips.
"Enjoying the show?" Naruto asked with a glint of humor after buttoning up the last button and crossing his strong arms over his chest. Fabric straining against the muscles tightly, assuming a relaxed stance, he watched the other man.
"Hn." Sasuke pushed off the wall and walked to his closet. When he came back, Naruto noticed a new belt in his hand.
"Your belt doesn't coordinate with the shirt color now." Raven said as he got closer to the blond, his predatory strides stopping only a foot away, his gaze locking onto him. Naruto raised an eyebrow, but didn't question the dark-haired man before him. Keeping his eyes on the sea-blue irises, Sasuke reached across the distance with one hand, threaded his finger through the belt flap, and unbuckled the clasp. Naruto held his gaze, feeling his face heat up, but refusing to back away. He stayed still as the raven undressed him. Hearing the loud swoosh and feeling the friction of his belt slid out of his jeans. Naruto sucked in an involuntary breath when the leather hit the floor with a heavy thud, but remained motionless.
Sasuke smirked at the response and took a small step forward, now just inches away from the tan statue. Hooking a long, pale finger in a belt hoop, he threaded his light-brown leather belt through the slot. Continuing the same treatment with each hoop, he stepped another inch closer to reach around his waist, almost leaning against the tall man. Sasuke inhaled the masculine scent, which had been mostly masked by the coffee that permeated his clothes earlier. As the pheromones reached his senses, his pupils dilated slightly, urging another small gasp from the blond. Sasuke closed his eyes, taking another deep breath in, letting the other's scent wash over him, feeling a tremor run through the blond.
Opening his eyes, he could see the hooded, glazed-over blue eyes looking back at him. He finished looping the belt through his dark blue jeans. Grasping the ends with both hands, pulling on the leather to make it the right length, feeling the resistance as it slid across Naruto's hips. Completing his task, he buckled the belt, but didn't let go. Naruto's breath hitched. Sasuke grasped the buckle, his fingers curling just inside the front of Naruto's jeans, pulling him closer, their lips practically touching.
"Have dinner with me tonight." Sasuke said in a sultry tone, his minty breath washing over the dazed man.
"W…what?" Naruto replied in a low rough voice, his brain not keeping up with the current situation. All he knew is that one second he was putting on his shirt, then next he felt like he was being undressed by the handsome raven before him. In reality, he was now safely secured in his pants.
I definitely feel anything but safe right now. Naruto thought, his adrenaline pumping.
Naruto felt like he was caught in the mesmerizing gaze of a cobra, ready to strike at any second. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. His body ready to fight, flight, or fuck, and at this point he wasn't sure which one he would prefer.
As his brain fuzziness cleared somewhat, he asked, "Why?" still holding Sasuke's gaze, but slowly coming out of his trance.
"As an apology for drenching you in coffee and powdered sugar." Sasuke replied, his voice low and husky.
The back of Naruto's mind told him that he was not functioning on all cylinders at this time, and he should probably reject the offer. Not only Sasuke was dangerous competition, Naruto realized that he was responding to him in way that he hasn't before, ever. He was always straight and never had any lewd thoughts toward the same sex, except for that night 10 years ago. He knew that when it came to the Uchiha, his mind didn't always stay on straight and narrow. Not that he'd switch his orientation just because he found the man attractive. Looks were never the main factor when it came to his relationships.
"Sure." Naruto replied, getting his voice back and stepping out of the other man's reach.
Sasuke took a step back and turned around, walking over to the bed and collecting Naruto's clothes.
"What time should I pick you up?" He asked, folding the shirt and put it in a paper laundry bag.
Naruto took a few seconds to think over the evening schedule. His company was presenting at 7, which should last about half hour. If everything went well, they'll go out for drinks to celebrate, or if it doesn't go well, either way. He planned to give them the rest of the night off, since the gala won't be starting until 7:30 tomorrow night, giving them plenty of time to sleep if they go out and party. Kurama would have to start getting ready around 5, so late evening wouldn't effect him much either, as long as he was back in his hotel room by 1 am.
"How about 9 pm, you can pick me up at the Bridgestone bar." Naruto said, stepping toward the bathroom to get his sweater.
"Don't worry about it. I'll bring your things with me when I pick you up," said Sasuke.
"Alright. Thank you," He eyed the raven skeptically. It's amazing how 10 years can change a man. Naruto thought, picking up his bag and slinging it over his head. But, I'll need to keep my guard up. I have a feeling he is trying to play me. He walked toward the door.
Giving Sasuke one last look over his shoulder. "See you at 9." He opened the door and walked out into the hallway, shutting the door behind him. Leaning on the wall next to the room, Naruto took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly.
Well, that was very unexpected, thought the blond as he pushed off the wall and made his way to the conference.
On the other side of the door, Sasuke adjusted his jeans. Damn, I feel like a need a cigarette. Sasuke ran his hand through his hair. Pulling out his phone, he texted Itachi that the coast was clear, knowing that his brother was probably hovering somewhere near by. His guess was correct, since the door handle turned about 30 seconds after he pressed send.
Itachi walked through the door, taking in his brother's slightly flushed appearance.
"My-my, Sasuke. Did you find yourself a toy to play with during your visit?" His brother asked amused.
"Something like that." He replied dryly, not enjoying having Itachi all in his business.
"So did you find out anything useful about his connection to Rasengan?"
"No. Not yet." Sasuke replied. "But we're having dinner tonight, so I'm sure I'll find out plenty then."
"I'm impressed. And quick thinking about getting him out of his clothes." Itachi smirked, giving his brother a wink.
"Don't get too excited. I'm pretty sure he is straight." Sasuke thought back on their encounter and the blond's lack of substantial response compare to what normally happens for him. On the other hand, he had a feeling that Naruto wasn't opposed to some attention from him, since he didn't push him away or punch him when he got handsy.
"Well, then you have your work cut out for you," said Itachi matter-of-factly.
"Hn." Sasuke walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him with a small smile gracing his lips.
~X~X~X~
Couple of hours later, their booth was ready. Naruto and his team were eating lunch that he had delivered for them, since the earlier attempt to bring food failed so spectacularly. Shikamaru, Sakura, Kiba, Lee, Choji, and Shino were there for the booth and presentation part of the event. Sai, Jiraiya, and Kakashi were coming tomorrow for the gala.
Naruto stayed mostly in the back of the booth, managing the video up on the big flat screen TV. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, he just observed from the back as his team talked to the visitors and explained the nuances of the new browsing platform. He was impressed with how well they handle the tough questions, but not surprised. These guys have been with him for years, Sai being the newest member since they needed a creative director for the campaign. Over the next couple of hours, they accumulated quite a crowd. Many technical questions that pertained to the base algorithms of the program became overshadowed by the persistent questions about whether or not Kurama was here. After couple of hours of constant flow of people, things finally settled down. Looking up over his glasses, Naruto immediately recognized the midnight hair approaching them.
Finally. Sasuke and Itachi walked up when the booth wasn't being accosted by techies.
The group looked at the two brothers, each set of eyes widened. Except for Shika, he remained as indifferent as ever. Sakura blushed as soon as she saw them. After getting over the initial shock of seeing the Uchiha in person, Kiba became annoyed. Lee continued to talk excitedly to a visitor left on the side of the booth, not noticing the chilling presence approaching them.
"I better take this." Shikamaru sighed in a bored tone, knowing that these two are not to be trifled with. Naruto watched from his perch on the bar stool as the brothers came up, Sasuke looked up at him. Naruto lowered his gaze, pretending to type something on his laptop to seem busy.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of seeing you two on this fine day?" Shika asked in a flat tone.
"I'm assuming you know who we are, so we were hoping you would return the favor. We would like to speak to the owner of your company. It seems we are having a challenge tracking them down." Itachi said. He knew the reason for their failure was because Rasengan was purposely trying to conceal all traces of the mystery man or woman, and quite successfully he may add. Under normal circumstances, Itachi would have known the information he needed within a day, but unlike his previous competition, this group had some very skilled people.
"I'm going to take that as a complement, it's not often someone outsmarts the Uchiha." Shikamaru said with small amount of amusement in his voice.
"Take it as you please. Eventually we will obtain the information we seek." Itachi replied, purposely not looking up at the blond in the back.
"Well, since you put it that way…" Shika closed his eyes. I figured they would find out we were here. I was hoping to slow them down by last minute registry update for the conference to stay under the radar. No such luck, huh, he sighed.
"My name is Shikamaru Nara. I am the vice-president of Rasengan Industries. As for our founder, they wish to remain anonymous for the time being." The brunette was willing to divulge some information.
These two need to calm the fuck down. The number of daily hacks attacking out firewalls is becoming annoying, and I have a feeling that these two are responsible for most of them.
"I see." Itachi said, giving up of pursuing a lost cause. "Then how about I ask you some technical questions."
Sasuke stayed back and studied the information provided on the posters and video. Glancing over at the blond, who was still busy looking down at this computer. This gave him a chance to take a good look at the tall man. His blond hair was still a bit disorganized, but much shorter than at their first meeting almost 10 years ago. Glasses set high on his straight nose, framing the amazing blue eyes that he still remembered to this day. There wasn't many similarities left besides his eye color and the whisker marks on his cheeks. Even his hair color seems brighter, sunnier. Naruto was no longer the tall, gangly, and pale computer nerd. He could see the musculature that had been accumulating after years of hard work, leaving a lean, toned man with power behind him. His gaze was focused, but his posture relaxed.
Now he is a tall, hot computer nerd. Sasuke mused at the change.
Averting his eyes to another poster, Sasuke made his way around the room, but not before his studying gaze was caught by Shikamaru and Itachi. Both chose not to comment on the matter. After a few more minutes of questions, Itachi was satisfied that he got everything he could out of the VP. Shikamaru on the other hand didn't divulge much more than what will be publically available within the next few days. Knowing what the Uchiha could do with any information he gave out, he made sure that they wouldn't be outplayed by the brothers.
Thanking the team for answering their questions, Itachi and Sasuke made their way out. But before getting completely out of sight, Sasuke looked over at Naruto, whose eyes were trained right on him. Their gaze met. Sasuke smirked, nodding a small goodbye on his way out. Everyone caught that look. As one, all heads turned to Naruto, raised eyebrows and open mouths voiced the silent question.
"What the hell was that about?" Kiba asked, his disbelief and disapproving tone evident.
Naruto chuckled slightly, rubbing the back on his head, "Nothing?" He tried.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "It looks like the little Uchiha has his eye on our blondie." Shikamaru interjected in a bored voice.
"What!? Why?" Kiba almost yelled. "I thought you guys haven't seen each other in a decade! And last time he was a total doucherocket! Plus, what do you mean 'eye on him', I thought he was straight."
"Oh, please," replied Shika incredulously, almost rolling his eyes.
Naruto gave in. "Well, I kind of ran into him this morning…. and he spilled coffee all over me. And he wanted to apologize, so he is buying me dinner tonight." Naruto said, the last part in almost inaudibly.
This even caught Shikamaru by surprise. But it does explain all the thirsty looks Sasuke was throwing Naruto's way.
Good luck climbing up that tree, Uchiha. That boy is oblivious. Shika thought, deciding to tune out the rest of the shouts from the team. None of my business. Naruto knows what he was doing, otherwise he wouldn't be where he is now with less than 15 people knowing his real identity, that takes skill.
Before he left the tent, he heard Sakura shout: "So does that mean that you're wearing Sasuke's shirt?!"
Shikamaru chuckled to himself, this just became more interesting… but still troublesome.
Thank you for reading! Leave a comment if you like it so far! XOXOXO