Well, this chap was certainly a challenge for me.
I was out of the country for a week and missed working on it, so when I got back I had some friendly nudges from my amazing friendly authors in getting this chapter done. Their encouragement and ideas are a treasure I hold deep.
Not much else to say, but thanks ya'll who wanna leave a comment, flame or whatever floats your boat :)
-XOXOX0-
Later that afternoon, Sasuke sat at his desk, typing away on his laptop and drilling away at his school work. His phone buzzed on the desk and Sasuke glanced over to notice it was an unknown number. He frowned. Sasuke only had a select few numbers on his phone and the majority were from his brother's pack. There could be only one person… Sasuke ignored the phone, he should probably get his number changed again and rubbed his forehead. What a hassle. He ran his hands through his hair and leaned back in his chair, head tilted back, eyes closed. Fucking hell, he didn't need this right now. He shuffled through his books and papers and noted that he needed to make a trip to the library. The fresh air will do him good, he grabbed his backpack and headed out.
Sasuke's form sat at a large wooden table alone, in a corner of the vast city library, several books open around him, his hand writing notes continuously. His eyes skimming the books around him as he concentrated, and he was startled as a pair of arms slicked across his shoulders to his front, a chest hit his back and someone breathing near his ear. Sasuke's body froze, "Jee-zuz!" whispered Sasuke harshly through clenched teeth, keeping his voice down the best he could.
"Nice to see you Sasuke," the voice whispered in his ear, the arms remained looped around Sasuke's neck.
Sasuke clenched his hand around his pen, flared his nostrils, as he listened to the voice near his ear. His emotions began to whirl and he felt feelings of disgust, anger, and violation. " .Me," Sasuke growled, he could feel his eyes flicker and the hairs on his skin stand up.
"Tsk, I missed you too," the voice purred while rubbing against Sasuke's face and giving him a tighter squeeze. "You weren't answering my calls or texts, I got worried."
Sasuke ground his teeth together hard as he stood up quickly, moving his arms through the other's to force them off his body. The chair flew back into the intruder, and Sasuke felt some satisfaction as he heard the person behind him grunt out in displeasure. He spun around, locking his dark orbs on another set. "I thought I made it clear, Sai, piss off!" Sasuke hissed at the man.
Sai put his hands on his hips and smirked at Sasuke. "Mmm… that's how I like you baby. You still remember what I like," he licked lips while moving his eyes up and down Sasuke's form. "Are you feeling better? You left pretty upset last time we met up, I certainly gave you enough time to cool off." Sai moved his one hand and slid it up Sasuke's forearm to his neck and moving his other hand to Sasuke's hip.
Sasuke felt sick. Sai touching him had bile rising in his throat. Sasuke felt his inner wolf try and submit to the overwhelming alpha touching him, trying to force Sasuke to become a mindless pup who was rolling over for any tummy rub. Sasuke fought those mental feelings hard, feeling the pain between his eyes as he fought his instincts. Sasuke's hands clenched by his sides and he could feel the tremors going down his arms. No! He will not make me submit, he has no right! Sasuke tilted his chin up, sparks in his eyes as he stared Sai down and pushed against Sai's chest, hard enough to get him the hell away from him.
Sai stumbled back a few steps, balancing himself and then slowly lifted his eyes to face Sasuke. His lips snarled up slightly, showing off his canines, but his eyes held a challenge as he focused hard on Sasuke's eyes. Sai's growl was deep and low, a surefire threat to any who defied an alpha. As he straightened himself up and moved forward towards Sasuke, he didn't get far, when another deep sounding growl was heard coming from a muscular blond haired alpha who was now standing directly in front of Sasuke. Sai stood tall, not showing any weakness towards the interfering alpha, as he stared directly into the yellow gleaming eyes of the blond alpha and snorted.
"Take a hint, you aren't wanted," the blond alpha snarled through his teeth, his body tense, hands clenched into fists, his body positioned ready to strike.
Sai snuffed out a huff and crossed his arms. He leaned slightly to look at Sasuke behind the blond and gave Sasuke a fake smile. "Sasuke, I do believe we should continue our chat, in private," Sai glanced at the blond and nodded his head at Sasuke to suggest leaving.
The blond stepped closer to Sai, their chests millimeters from each other. The blond snarled, "you should leave, now! Before you regret not taking some friendly advice."
"Excuse me…" Sasuke spoke as he side stepped the blond. "I don't have anything to do with either of you, so excuse me," Sasuke continued speaking as he began to close up the books and shoved his papers into his bag. "Take your cock measuring contest somewhere else, I have no interest in what you two are doing here."
"I am checking up on what's mine and ensuring loyalties are still in place," Sai's tone made no mistake on his status and he tilted his chin and eyes down on Sasuke.
"And you need to take a hint, you ass," the blond huffed through his teeth, glaring at Sai, "Sasuke here made himself perfectly clear."
Sai raised a brow at the blond, "and who are you to interfere? This is none of your business. What business I have with my significant other, is not your concern." Sai's voice grumbled with annoyance, eyes flickered with red and his teeth pointed out. An essence of warning and possession wafted in the air off Sai.
"Names Uzumaki Naruto, who doesn't think significant others who tells the other too piss off aren't much of an item!" He stepped forward towards Sai, showing off his elongated canines and releasing a warning scent, this other alpha was seriously pissing him off!
Both alphas pushed their chests at each other, both growling lowly and eyes flashing at each other. Sasuke was heading for the door before either noticed.
Naruto was first to turn heel, "Hey! Come on…Sasuke…wait!" he called out in a loud whisper, the other alpha already forgotten.
Sai watched the blond chase Sasuke and inhaled deeply. He smirked as he slowly made his way to the exit.
Sasuke speed walked outside to the sidewalk. He did not want to deal with any arrogant self-centered alphas, one was bad enough but two?! He heard steps coming up quickly behind him and he mentally groaned. "Sasukeeee!" Sasuke hurried his steps as he heard the lungful howling whining sound coming from behind him.
Naruto quickened his pace, "Hold up Sasuke, come on, just wait! Hold it!" Naruto dodged random persons on the sidewalk, catching up to Sasuke and slowing to a trot beside him. "Hey…"
Sasuke said nothing and kept walking.
"Sasuke wait!" Naruto put his hand on Sasuke's shoulder in hopes to stop the man or at least slow him down. He didn't expect Sasuke to quickly slap his hand away and keep walking. Naruto was suddenly intrigued. This superior alpha was amazing that his inner wolf started panting and pawing at the walls, wanting to practically go for a tumble with this dark haired alpha. Naruto inhaled deeply, smelling the anger radiating off of Sasuke, as well as an earthy tone with a hint of the alpha's scent. Naruto felt lighter than air, as his mind radiated with eagerness, his feelings practically rolling around in the scent that was Sasuke. A smile grew on Naruto's face as he continued to scent the air, hesitating while Sasuke was getting away. His eyes suddenly focused and saw that Sasuke was practically a block away already! "Shit!" Naruto moaned to himself but then smiled, at least he knew where to find him! Naruto began walking off in the other direction, he had to hatch a plan and he knew who to see.
Sai watched the quick exchange then headed for a car parked in the alley way and hopped in. As he stuck the key in the ignition, he glanced in the rear view mirror to another set of eyes in the back. "It's going to plan, we will be ready on time." Dull yellow eyes bore at Sai through the mirror, nothing was said as Sai drove off.
-XOXO-
Sasuke slammed open the door to the house, kicked off his shoes and stomped off to his room. He ground his teeth and snorted as he made up the stairs to his room and tossed his bag on his bed. 'Of all the nerve!' He ran his hands through his dark locks, dragged his hands down his face and let out a snarl. 'How dare they!…how could they!…' He began to huff and pant as he thought more about it, the irritation in his mind was beginning to rise higher, clouding all senses in anger and he embraced it. 'The audacity! Of the most irritating…fuckin…' Sasuke stopped pacing and he hunched over, hands gripping his knees, he ground his teeth and his eyes flickered around. 'Stupid…Idiotic bone headed…egotistic self-centered…' His skin began to burn and he welcomed the feeling. The rage wanted to release his wolf yet his wolf demanded vengeance of being denied submission and forced into a void. The pressure in his skull screamed and wailed against the walls. Small drops of blood began to release from Sasuke's nose but he did not notice. His wolf demanded submission, Sasuke refused, he wanted to relish in the anger, the anger he could control…his security blanket. His eyes were squinted shut as he felt the anger wash through his body as he recalled the alpha interaction.
*knock knock*
Sasuke whipped his head to the sound at the door as a deep rumbled growl was released from his lips. He felt the outrage and fury tingling through his arms, his inner wolf snapping at the air and clawing at his mental walls, demanding release. His legs tremored with rage. 'Fucking assholes! I wanna… just…just…' His nails began to lengthen into points, he could feel his neck stretching with hackles rising and he welcomed it. The rage fogging his mind as he recalled the pheromones reeking off the two alpha's at the library. 'Fucking… I will not submit! I will not submit!' He screamed at his inner wolf as he grabbed his hair, pulling his head back and letting out a cry as he felt his skin rippling, his wolf wanting to release. He wanted the anger to remain, where he felt safe and secure. The overwhelming submission that his wolf demanded rose high, pushing hard attempting to overwhelm the anger.
"Sasuke calm down!" A booming voice cracked through his turmoil crusted mind, followed by a long low growl that echoed through his body and Sasuke instantly felt his body tremble and fall to his knees. His fingers became normal, his skin tightened up and his face fell to look at the floor. Sasuke panted as sweat drops fell from his forehead to the floor, along with a couple drops of blood from his nose, but his body remained on his knees, his head bowed, and a quiet whine escaped his lips. Sasuke felt the arms of his alpha coming around him, he could smell his calming and protective scent and Sasuke rested his forehead against the strong alpha's chest. His body continued to tremble, his breathing came in quick pants as his heart rate tried to slow. His wolf instantly calmed the raging inside his mind as Sasuke submitted to his alpha. Itachi ran his hand through Sasuke's hair, "shhh…otouto, shhh…" Itachi spoke softly to Sasuke as he held him securely in his arms, releasing his calming scent to surround his little brother.
Sasuke rested his head, his body tremors slowly succumbing to the calming and protective scent of his brother. Sasuke's breathing soon steadied and he found himself suddenly exhausted both physically and mentally. He allowed his body to relax as he felt secure and safe within the cocoon of his alpha and he slipped into sleep. Itachi felt his brother's body relax into sleep and he made his way up, cradling Sasuke in his arms and taking him to the bed.
"Okay un?" Deidra whispered as he came up behind Itachi who was settling Sasuke under the covers, "I could feel you from downstairs."
"Hn."
"That was a sudden action. We haven't seen him that upset since…well, you know un," Deidra rubbed a hand up Itachi's back while giving Sasuke a soft look. "What got him that riled up? Do you know un?"
"No, there was no time, he was already accelerating when I got up to the room. Does anyone know where he went earlier?" Itachi ran a hand through Sasuke's hair a few times to ensure he was asleep and then made his way to the door.
Deidra shook his head, following Itachi to the door. "He had only mentioned working on his paper, I didn't even know he had left the house."
Itachi furrowed his brows and tightened his lips as they walked down the stairs. "I think we should plan a trip soon." Deidra nodded his head in agreement, "I'll let the pack know."
-XOXO-
Naruto hopped up the steps to the cabin style porch and door, making his way into the home. "I'm back!" he bellowed into the western decorated home. He tossed his shoes off and headed for the kitchen. "Oi! Anybody home?" He headed straight for the fridge, hearing a call from the other side of the house.
"'Sup boss?!" A brunette ruffled haired man came strolling into the kitchen, grabbing a can of pop and plopping down at the table.
"Kiba! Where's everyone else?" Naruto asked as he grabbed various food articles out of the fridge, placing them on the counter.
"Out checking the perimeter and some at work. Same old same old," Kiba answered while cracking open his can and taking a big swallow. "How was class today?"
"Was awesome! Totally ran into Sasuke today! I had no idea that he attends the same uni," Naruto happily chatted while slapping a sandwich together.
"The one from the club?" Kiba asked, eyebrows perking up at Naruto.
"Yup!" Naruto nodded his head while taking a bite of his sandwich.
"Well…details man. Did he instantly fall for your charms and is now mated to you for life?" Kiba chuckled as he attempted to reach for Naruto's sandwich.
Naruto held his sandwich up, "Dude! Make your own! And no, he kinda…" Naruto brought his hands down and tapped on his sandwich, as he appeared to be thinking of his next words, "didn't want to talk to me." Naruto then just stared at his sandwich.
"Burn," Kiba stopped trying to take his sandwich and gave some comforting pats on Naruto's shoulder. "Then what's next? Moving on then?"
"No… never!" Naruto gave his fist a pump, which happened to have his sandwich, in turn ended up having pieces flying across the kitchen. "Sasuke is so… so…" Naruto began, his eyes stared into empty space, a slight smile on his face, his arm holding a sandwich in the air as Naruto let out a content sigh.
Kiba snapped his fingers at Naruto, "earth to Naruto, hey…Naruto!" he snapped again at Naruto's nose.
Naruto blinked and focused on Kiba, "oh sorry, yeah," he chuckled. "Sasuke is strong headed, smart, fucking smoking hot and his aura is just so compatible with mine. My wolf agrees, I can feel the desire, the need! I can't explain it Kibs, when I see him, I just need be around him! Even though he smells angry like all the time, I see more than that…like you know? Can it be any more perfect?" Naruto's voice got quieter and quieter as his eyes appeared to glaze over and stare into space. Kiba swore he could see sparkles in Naruto's eyes that day.
"I need to ask Sasuke for a date…but how?" Naruto looked at Kiba as if he had all the answers.
Kiba shrugged his shoulders, "probably just ask him dude." Kiba grabbed Naruto's sandwich and sprinted out of the kitchen.
Naruto was deep in thought to not notice his now missing sandwich. He slumped onto the kitchen chair, resting his chin on his fist. 'He works at the club, I can meet up with him there. What's his work hours? I dunno…perhaps I can ask Itachi? Kakashi may know something too…hmmm…'
Sakura strolled into the kitchen and sat down across from Naruto, staring at Naruto's face as he stared at nothing in particular. 'Apparently deep in thought eh?' Sakura chuckled to herself as she watched Naruto's eyebrows scrunch up and down and his lips smack now and then. Sakura, beta and friend for several years to Naruto and now member of Naruto's pack, her eyes softened as she watched Naruto apparently plan world peace since he had not seen Sakura enter the kitchen. 'Must be serious,' she thought and cleared her throat to get Naruto's attention.
Naruto blinked and sat up quickly as he focused on Sakura. "Hey! When did you get here?" Naruto asked with enthusiasm, waving his arms out to show his surprise.
Sakura giggled. "Just now Naruto. What's got you thinking so deep?" she asked sweetly, tilting her head at him as she rested her chin on a fist.
"Trying to ask an incredibly sexy strong alpha on a date!" Naruto grinned and clasped his hands together, "help me out Sakura please?" Naruto held his hands together in a prayer like fashion and fluttered his eyelashes at her. He looked sickenly cute.
"Oh for goodness sakes Naruto! Just ask this incredibly sexy strong alpha out when you see em!" she mocked his voice when stating the sexy alpha bit. She waved her arms around emphasizing her words of wisdom. "Quit making it harder than it actually is!"
"But Sakura, he's so…so…"
"No excuses! Just be the strong confident alpha I know you are and ask! Honestly, why are alpha's so insecure about these things?!" Sakura huffed out, crossing her arms and blowing her bangs out of her face. She rolled her eyes as she watched Naruto stick out his lip in a pout. She let out a big sigh and looked at Naruto. "Look Naruto, what does he like? What interests him? What do you know about this alpha? Have you even thought about if this alpha could be someone worth courting? Have you studied up on courting rituals at all?" Sakura gave a pointed glare at Naruto.
Naruto opened his brilliant blues wide at Sakura, his mouth open in an o like fashion. He straightened up his posture, brought a finger to his chin and stared at the ceiling for a moment. Sakura chuckled. 'I can almost see that lightbulb flashing over top of his head.' She sighed quietly with a small smile. Naruto had been her close friend for years now, was her biggest supporter when she started her nursing program and working under Naruto's grandmother, a well known and respected doctor of werewolf biology and the previous alpha leader of the pack. She had been with him since they were pups, growing up together in a pack as pack siblings and they had seen a lot of things together. She was with him when his parents died, he was with her when her own parents were near death. Sakura shuddered at the memories. Wars between species were not to be taken lightly, and she shook her head to not go down memory lane of those darker times. Times were now more peaceful, and she was thankful to still have a strong bond with Naruto.
"I know!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed, bringing Sakura out of her musings. "I'll just have to observe him in his element!" Naruto gleamed his brilliant smile and made to stand up.
"What have you planned?" Sakura asked, smiling at her long time friend.
"Well, I know where he works, I know his brother and apparently Kakashi is familiar with him, so I'll ask em what he likes!" Naruto stood and headed for the door, "starting tonight! Thanks Sakura!" Naruto bound over to Sakura and gave her a firm hug.
Sakura let out a giggle. "Okay Casanova, go get em!" and she slapped him on the back and pushed him out the door, "go get ready!" She smiled as she watched Naruto head out of the kitchen, 'I certainly hope this alpha is worthy of you,' she thought to herself as she made her way to the fridge to get a start on dinner.
-XOXO-
The club was hopping, the music was thumping a continuous beat, the lights were flickering in time and bodies filled the dance floor with jumping and hip twisting patrons. A normal weekend night. Sasuke held his position behind one of the bars, serving customers and pouring drinks with practiced ease. His face was sober, his dark eyes hard and lips hard pressed. He was a marbled beauty to those who laid eyes on him, a quiet mass of elegance that persons often tried to reach out and caress, but Sasuke was sure to ensure no one could reach in with his cold blast of indifference. And Sasuke preferred it that way. He ignored the flirtatious glances and body language given by the customers and continued with the orders. After he woke from his episode, he did not speak to anyone. Annoyed beyond belief with his inner wolf demanding to submit the pretentious alphas that appeared in the library that afternoon left him furious. Furious with his wolf and livid with his apparent weakness in his inability to keep his instincts at bay. He was tempted to double his dose of medications that suppressed his omega scent status but was quickly reminded of the side effects should he decide to do that. It's not like he hadn't done it before, and let's just say, he learned his lesson. He would just have to double his mental efforts in ensuring his omega instincts stay buried, along with his 'quick to submit' wolf. He huffed at himself, 'I'm not fucking weak!' as he felt his wolf paw at his mental walls.
Itachi glanced at his brother quickly from the other side of the bar, watching for any signs of fatigue. He frowned to himself, as he watched his otouto slip into a silent void of himself, again. Itachi knew this was Sasuke's defense mechanism and he hoped it wouldn't last long. He sighed as he made drinks for customers, forcing a small smile for a blushing woman that fluttered her eyes at him. The night was busy, thank goodness, 'should keep Sasuke's mind busy', he told himself. He saw in his peripheral vision a blond haired individual slip into a seat at his end of the bar. Itachi rolled his eyes, 'give me strength' and let out a silent sigh as he turned to look straight at Naruto.
"Hey Itachi!" Naruto exclaimed while giving a brilliant smile.
"Naruto," Itachi responded flatly, "the usual?" Itachi asked as he began grabbing a glass and ice.
"Thanks Itachi," Naruto nodded his head and leaned slightly to see Sasuke working at the other end of the bar. Itachi watched as Naruto's eyes zeroed in on Sasuke. He shifted into Naruto's line of site while placing the beverage on the bar. "Say…Itachi," Naruto began to speak.
"No," Itachi spoke point blank and firm.
Naruto sputtered as he blinked up at Itachi, who folded his arms across his chest. "No what? You don't know what I was going to ask!" Naruto spout out, his lips jutting out in a pout.
Itachi gave Naruto a frown but said nothing. He turned to attend to other customers. Naruto peered around Itachi again, seeing Sasuke at the other end of the bar. He watched Sasuke attend customers, never giving them more than his attention on what drinks were requested. His facial features held a continuous impassive look as he danced around the bar, creating beverages of all sizes and colours, opening bottles and pouring draft. Naruto was captivated by Sasuke's movements. The way he side stepped and shuffled, reached and bent and twirled about in a seductive waltz that pulled Naruto in like a siren's call. Naruto subtly sniffed the air to catch Sasuke's scent. 'There!' Naruto inhaled deep and his eyes fluttered at the earthy accent and slight alpha smell rising from Sasuke. The scent of anger was also present, and Naruto frowned. 'Why is he always so angry?' This concerned Naruto and his inner wolf. His wolf pushed against his mental walls, the feeling of wanting to soothe overcoming Naruto's senses. Naruto clutched his drink, focusing on the liquid, contemplating his next move. He didn't notice a form sliding next to him.
"Naruto," a deep silk voice spoke.
"Ack! GEEZ!" Naruto yelped as he was pulled out of his thoughts. He whipped his head around to face teal green eyes laced with black eyeliner and fire red coloured hair.
"Gaara!" Naruto beamed a brilliant smile and pulled the red headed man in for a hug. "Great to see you! When did you arrive? How you been? Where's your family?..."Naruto babbled out question after question while giving the well-built man a few pats on the back during the tight forming hug.
"Urk!…Na-Naruto…" the redheaded man known as Gaara chocked on his words as he was being squeezed beyond belief by a loud mouthed muscled blond, "c-could use some air…here," Gaara coughed out as tried to push back from Naruto's hold.
"EE! Sorry!" Naruto chuckled and a blush creeped across his face as he pulled back and held Gaara at arms length, his hands still resting on the man's shoulders. "So good to see you man! Let me get you a drink!" Naruto smiled and motioned his arm and hand out to the bar stool, inviting Gaara to sit.
"Hn," Gaara responded with a nod to his head as he took a seat.
Naruto waved his arm at Itachi who was a few feet away tending customers. "Oi, Itachi!" Naruto bellowed, while still waving his arm about. Itachi glanced in Naruto's direction, then went back to the customers he was already tending too. Naruto huffed then called again. Itachi held a pointer finger up at Naruto's direction without looking at him, indicating that he was busy at the moment. Naruto flopped on his stool and harrumphed.
"Still as impatient as ever ne?" Gaara chuckled at Naruto's antics and watched him pout.
"What?! No way!" Naruto flustered a response and stuck his tongue out at Gaara. Gaara snorted into a smirk. Naruto grinned at Gaara and patted his shoulder. "It's good to see you man! I didn't know you were in town! What brings you by?" Naruto questioned Gaara as he grabbed at his drink for a sip.
"Discussions with the council regarding movement in the northern territories. Determining if the situations are hostile, colonization issues, boundaries, territories, etcetera etcetera," Gaara explained with a shrug of his shoulders. "Uncle is ensuring I understand the full dynamics of council and political reasoning by attending these meetings."
"Has he given a date of abdication?"
"Nothing solid yet, just more lessons," Gaara responds flatly, "doesn't matter to me, it'll happen when it happens." He shrugged as he looked up behind the bar.
"Gaara," a smooth baritone voice speaks respectively.
"Sasuke," Gaara responds with a respective nod towards Sasuke.
Naruto's mouth shapes an o as his blue eyes are wide and shift between Gaara and Sasuke. He is momentarily speechless as he watches the interaction between one of his good friends and the sexy amazing alpha he is currently striking out with.
"Drink?" Sasuke raises an eyebrow in question as he asks Gaara.
"Scotch with rocks should do," Gaara replies and glances towards Naruto's sure shocked facial expression while Sasuke moves to the side to prepare the drink. Gaara gives Naruto a look of question and Naruto closes his mouth with a snap.
"How…?" Naruto sputters out while waving his hand back and forth pointing at Gaara then Sasuke and then back again.
"The Uchiha's have always had seats on the council Naruto, along with my family, and shouldn't you know all this?" Gaara asked out simply.
"Ahh…well you know granny, she always said the council were old biddies, stuck with no desire to advance and well…heh heh… you know," Naruto started scratching the back of his neck, a blush rushed across his nose and he looked anywhere else but at Gaara, "the Uzumaki's just never wanted to stay on council…I guess?" Naruto chocked out a laugh and grabbed his drink. He quickly sipped at it, his blush still vibrant and Gaara's teal eyes just watched him. "But that still doesn't answer how you and Sasuke know each other!" Naruto quickly added as he finished off his drink.
"Classic idiot," a voice grunted out from behind the bar. Naruto looked up to see Sasuke return with Gaara's drink, Sasuke rolling his eyes at Naruto as he placed the scotch in front of Gaara.
Naruto stared heatedly at Sasuke, no words coming from his mouth. Naruto could practically feel Sasuke's addictive scents floating around the area. He took a breath in, shuddering at it overtook his senses. His inner wolf rolled against the mental barriers, rubbing against the sensory areas, triggering several sparks within Naruto. 'He still smells slightly angry…'
Gaara nodded at Sasuke for the drink then glanced at Naruto. Gaara's eyes widened as he focused on Naruto's sapphire eyes and noted a yellow ring around the pupil. Gaara's lip twitched into a half smile at Naruto, noting his eyes were focused on Sasuke as he turned and headed to the other end of the bar, his gaze appeared to follow Sasuke's every move. 'Interesting…' Gaara thought to himself as he sipped his drink.
Naruto blinked and turned to face Gaara. "So…" Naruto propped his elbow on the bar, "you know Sasuke…cause…" Naruto trailed his question urging Gaara to finish, his eyes wide and blue, beaming directly into Gaara's teal green.
"It's all political Naruto, there is nothing more to explain," Gaara sipped his drink.
"Ugh, so not fair." Naruto frowned and slouched in his seat.
"Why the interest? Never pegged you for being interested in political dealings," Gaara simply asked Naruto.
"I don't think that it's the political aspect that has expressed an interest for Naruto," Itachi spoke up as he approached. "Gaara, good to see you," Itachi nodded towards the red head.
"Itachi," Gaara nodded back.
"Gah! Of course you would know Itachi too!" Naruto waved his hands up, showing his frustration at the whole ordeal. Itachi just raised an eyebrow at Naruto and Gaara chuckled. Naruto sighed loudly while giving a longing glace in Sasuke's direction. "What does he like Itachi?" Naruto asked indirectly, "and what does he do for fun?" Naruto peeked his vibrant blues up at Itachi while resting his cheek on his fist.
"Look...Naruto," Itachi stared straight at Naruto, his face serious, "it's not a good time right now."
"Don't you think Sasuke should be the judge of that?" Naruto snapped back quickly.
Itachi let out a loud exhale and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He squinted his eyes shut as he felt the pressure behind his sinus'. "All I'm saying is that with work and schooling, I don't think he should take his focus off that right now."
Naruto said nothing as he watched Sasuke continue to assist customers. He pinched his lips together and pulled out his wallet. He pulled out a couple bills and laid them on the bar top. "For mine and Gaara's drinks." Naruto then inhaled a breath while putting his wallet back in his pocket. He then glanced over at Sasuke and then to Itachi. "Look Itachi, I'm not asking for much, but I don't think it's up to you to make that decision. I get the importance of education, I'm a student and work as well, remember? And I would like to think that Sasuke is mature enough to make his own choices on who he associates with," Naruto stated firmly. He turned to Gaara with a smile, "Gaara, give me a call later and let me know how long you are in town for! We'll hook up!" Naruto then turned to Itachi and gave him a nod, "have a good night Itachi," he said respectively. And with that, Naruto turned on his heel and headed towards the exit.
Itachi watched Naruto leave, his face stoic, his arms crossed across his chest. "Hmph…" Itachi hummed to himself and smiled. He glanced to Gaara, who appeared curious on what just happened. "Another Gaara?" Itachi asked as he noted that Gaara's glass was empty.
"If it gets me a story, then sure," he responded with a hint of satire, holding up his glass.
Itachi grabbed a new glass with ice, then poured Gaara a new drink. "Naruto has an interest in Sasuke, but Sasuke blew him off when Naruto made a horrible first impression," Itachi explained while pouring the golden scotch over the ice.
Gaara chuckled, "that sounds like a Naruto thing," his lip twitched into a half smile.
"Sounds more like an idiot," a new voice came into the conversation. Gaara looked over to see Sasuke leaning his hip against the bar top with his arms crossed his chest, a smirk on his lips.
"He can be boyish, loud, impulsive and sometimes, yes, there can be some idiocy at the wrong times. But," Gaara raised his glass up, holding it at eye level as Gaara appeared to be focusing on the contents, "you will never find a more honorable, dedicated, caring and steadfast individual like Naruto Uzumaki. Some would gladly go to war for him just as he would give his all, including his life for any friend." Gaara finished speaking with a firm finality in his voice. He flickered his eyes away from his drink and focused on Sasuke, raising a nonexistent brow, making his point clear.
Sasuke tilted his head and his eyes widened as Gaara spoke about this Naruto Uzumaki. Sasuke was never wrong on judging an alpha's character with his many experiences on meeting them, and he has certainly met his fair share of self-centered arrogant pompous ass alphas, but Gaara wouldn't lie. 'Is this really that same dobe from the other night and from the library?' Sasuke suddenly felt the deep mental stirring of his inner wolf at the mention of the name and could have sworn he heard it purr.
-XOXO-
