Pandora
You have hated me since my birth, even though I am your saviour. I could not defend myself, I was weak. Now I am strong. What will you? Who will save you now? SasuNaru
MIMZY_NOTES- Sup peeps :D! I just want to say thank you to all that reviewed! It really does me allot to me! I LOVE YOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUU!
I want to say a special thank you to my fabulous beta DemonessOfDepartingSorrows who has done a brilliant job with this chapter!
Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto
"Actually it only takes me one drink to get drunk. The trouble is I can't remember if it's the thirteenth or fourteenth."
Chapter 4
Tsunade was speechless. Her mouth hung open, much resembling that of a fish, as she stared around the table. The elders had gathered to discuss the Naruto 'situation,' as they had put it, but this was not the way she had expected it to go. Did she have any control over this village any more? It would seem 'Hokage' was an elaborate title, which, in the long term, meant absolutely nothing.
Danzo stood with his hands on the table, a satisfied smirk on his decrepit face as he stared at the other elders around the table. Danzo had taken it upon himself to announce Naruto dead, resulting in everyone there to brake out into either cheers of joy or to sit, murmuring with their neighbors. Most there seemed extremely happy with the announcement, much Tsunade's irritation and disappointment.
Tsunade suddenly rose, slamming a fist down on the table, making it shudder violently, her chair falling backwards with a clatter. Her eyes glinted with malice as she looked at Danzo.
"And what evidence do you have to back up you claim?" Tsunade's voice took on an icy tone, making all around the table fall silent.
"The village's best tracking team was sent after him. There was no sign or evidence anywhere. I believe it best to announce his death. The villagers are worried and scared, if you wish to avoid a public uproar about his unknown location, then I highly advise you to follow my instruction in announcing him deceased," Danzo glanced round the table, at this point finding most nodding in agreement, "It will put all the villager's minds at rest. The thought of having a monster running around free is, after all, a frightening prospect."
Tsunade shook her head in disbelief. Would they ever learn? How could they be so cruel, so narrow minded? It was truly shocking.
She'd heard enough. With a final glare at those in the room, she left, slamming the doors, resulting in the wall cracking around the frame. The violence made her feel somewhat better.
People moved out of her way as she walked - well, more like stomped - towards her office. They knew not to get on the wrong side of the Hokage, especially with the feral glint in her honey eyes. Reaching her office, Tsunade found a bottle of sake already laid out waiting for her on the desk. Shizune must have known the meeting wouldn't go well. Taking a seat, Tsunade tipped the bottle back taking a long drag, not even bothering to pour the strong liquid into a glass.
Tsunade felt herself slowly calming down. Most of the bottle had now been consumed in mere seconds. What was she going to do now?
0-0
Sasuke and Naruto had caught up to the rest of the group where the forest had begun to thin. After having a small break, which in Naruto's state, was much needed, they carried on along the now cobbled road to the village.
The break they had allowed Naruto to observe Sasuke and his new team. It was obvious Sasuke was in charge. The way he walked at the front of the group with an air of confidence was one give-away. He held himself with an air of authority.
It was obvious Sasuke never did escape his fan girls. Naruto found himself immediately disliking Karin. She was constantly in close proximity to Sasuke, trying to get his attention, she reminded Naruto of a little child always wanting attention. Suigetsu was never far behind to poke fun at her. Constantly making some witty or snarky comment, which would result in a verbal battle between them. Juugo was a different story all together. He was yet to hear him speak - dethroning Sasuke as the silent one.
Naruto walked slowly at the back of the group, eyes downcast on the ground, dragging his feet. The hill they were currently climbing was killing his legs and Naruto found himself wheezing for breath.
Looking up, Naruto found the other four a good 20 yards in front of him. Naruto began berating himself about how pathetic he must have looked. He hadn't seen Sasuke in years and here he was, holding the group up, looking like an absolute idiot. Sasuke must have thought he was a waste of space.
Not wanting to look weak Naruto pushed the thought of pain to the back of his mind and tried to power himself up the hill, his eyes concentrated on each step, ignoring the searing pain in his muscles. A little Naruto in his head cheered him on. He could do it, he would do it.
The lake of concentration in his surroundings resulted in Naruto's head colliding with a solid object painfully. Naruto felt himself start to fall backwards due to the force and his weak legs, which were as stable as jelly at the moment. But before he even had chance to fall, a strong hand wrapped around his arm, jerking him forward into a solid chest.
Glancing up, Naruto found himself staring at that all-too familiar crooked grin, pointed teeth gleaming in the sunlight.
"Watch where you're going, Blondie." Naruto felt his eyes widen at the closeness of Suigetsu, his face merely inches from his, warm breath wafting over his face.
Suddenly, Suigetsu's grip on his arms loosened and his body moved backwards quickly. Suigetsu's body was replaced with a view of Sasuke's back.
"Keep off him," Sasuke's voice sent a shiver down Naruto's spine, he didn't miss the warning tone of Sasuke's voice. Why was he being so protective?
"Sure thing, boss." Glancing around Sasuke's back, Naruto watched as Suigetsu shot him a cheeky grin before turning and walking on ahead. Risking a glance up at Sasuke's face, Naruto found himself staring deeply into Sasuke's eyes. He couldn't pull himself away.
"Just be careful," Sasuke whispered. Naruto nodded stupidly before Sasuke walked on ahead. Shaking off what had just happened, Naruto carried on walking, this time his eyes not focused on the ground, but on Sasuke.
0-0
"Buuuuuuuuuut ?" Karin's screeching voice was really starting to annoy him. Hell, for the day he had know her all she had done was moan, in Naruto's opinion. The man behind the reception desk had even flinched back at the ear piercing noise of her voice.
Naruto watched from the sidelines as she tried, unsuccessfully, to convince Sasuke to share a room with her at the inn, instead of being made to share with Suigetsu and Juugo.
"Karin," Sasuke's voice was threatening, making Karin stop speaking straight away, her eyes wondering off to glare at something out of the window, a huff escaping her pouted lips.
They had arrived at the village after another hour's walk, which would have been cut in half if Naruto's legs had cooperated and not shook every step he took.
It was like any other village. Small vendors lined the streets, flogging goods, while people went around with their daily business. Sasuke had made him keep the hood of his cloak up so he wouldn't be spotted by anyone. After all, his face was memorable - the marks on his face were extremely well known.
The inn they were staying at was situated in the centre of the village. It seemed to be popular due to the busy reception area, and also the loud noises coming from the bar located on the ground floor.
After the room situation was finally sorted out - after another bout of moaning from Karin - Naruto followed Sasuke up the stairs and to the room they would be sharing. Naruto guessed the reason he was sharing with Sasuke was so he could keep an eye on him, preventing him from escaping - he was obviously not trusted yet.
They reached the room, Sasuke walking in first only to come to a sudden stop, making Naruto crash into a solid back for the second time that day. Naruto was really started to get irritated by his slow reaction times.
Naruto glanced around Sasuke's tall frame to see why he had stopped, and in that instant felt all colour drain from his face. A double bed. This was all just too cliché.
Stifling a cough, Sasuke proceeded into the room, dumping his bag in the corner next to the small window. Naruto followed suite, placing his things, which consisted of his thin cloak, on the hellish bed.
"I'll sleep on the floor. You can have the bed," To say Naruto was shocked by Sasuke's proposal was an understatement, he was gob smacked. Naruto believed Sasuke to be self centred, not willing to give up his own comfort for someone else. What had gotten into him?
"You don't ha-," Naruto was instantly cut off with a sharp look from Sasuke, who then quickly proceeded in walking to the door.
"I'll be back soon, stay here," and without another word, Sasuke left the room, leaving Naruto to stare after him in utter confusion.
He sure was acting un-Sasuke like. What happened to the heartless bastard? The new nice front was scaring him. It wasn't natural.
0-0
After Sasuke left, Naruto immediately passed out when his head hit the pillow, the comfort of the bed enveloping his aching body. He didn't know how long he had been passed out, but he was woken by obnoxiously loud banging on the door, each knock getting louder, forcing him to wake up.
Pushing himself off his cloud (aka, the bed) Naruto slowly made his way to the door, scared of who would be knocking. What if someone had found him and was here to finish him off?
"BLONDIE! Open up, would you!" The loud voice of Suigetsu made him jump slightly, before an annoyed expression settled on his face as he proceeded to march towards the door.
Swinging the door open, Naruto tried to look as intimidating as possible, yet failed miserably due to his skinny stature. Suigetsu stood leaning against the wall, eyes dancing with mirth at Naruto, the ever quiet Juugo towering next to him.
"Yes?" Naruto questioned irritably, eyes darting between the pair.
"Want to come and get some food from downstairs?" Suigetsu questioned while peering around Naruto to look into the room. Naruto glanced behind him, trying to find what Suigetsu was looking for.
"Sasuke's not around?" Suigetsu asked, noticing Naruto's questioning look.
"He left awhile back."
"Good, good. So, you coming?" Suigetsu asked while making his way down the corridor.
"But Sasuke said to stay here," Naruto whispered while staring after Suigetsu and Juugo.
Naruto didn't get a reply from the pair, only a pointed, raised eyebrow look from Suigetsu over his shoulder. Suddenly, Naruto felt extremely stupid. Why couldn't he go and get food if he wanted to? Shutting the door behind him, Naruto followed after them, trying to ignore the worry in his mind.
0-0
Naruto lay back in his seat, rubbing his full belly contently. He could get used to meals like this. The bar was quaint and extremely lively. Your typical inn. People sat at the bar, helping themselves to drink after drink while others enjoyed a casual drink, sitting at tables with their friends.
The three sat in the corner near the fire, keeping away from the main crowd, attempting to hide away from curious eyes - after all, they were a conspicuous bunch.
Suigetsu had disappeared a few minutes ago, leaving Naruto sitting with the ever silent Juugo. Staring around the lively inn, Naruto decided it would be best if he at least spoke to his travelling companion once. Taking a deep breath, Naruto turned to face the intimidating figure of Juugo, staring up at his face with hopeful eyes.
"So did you enjoy your food?" Naruto asked, only to receive a nod in reply. He hadn't even glanced at him. Plastering a disappointed look on his face, Naruto was about to try a second attempt, but was interrupted by the return of Suigetsu, who created a loud clatter as he slammed a bottle on the table along with three cups. Naruto raised an eyebrow at the bottle.
"Sake?"
"Yes, sake," Suigetsu affirmed with a nod, sitting down and making himself comfortable. He proceeded to pour three cups, smiling cheekily all the while.
Naruto stared at the cup placed in front of him. He could smell the strong alcohol hitting his nose, making him recoil back a bit.
"Mmm, how... nice?" Naruto looked up at Suigetsu to find him staring back. A quick nod at the cup then at him made Naruto smile a bit before he realized what he was about to do. He couldn't remember the last time he drank. Oh, wait - he did, and it definitely hadn't turned out pleasant.
Picking up the cup, Naruto quickly downed it. His face twisted into disgust at the harsh taste before the burning liquid made its way down into his stomach. Sitting back, Naruto smiled at the familiar feeling.
Smiling at his companions, he watched as they followed suite, downing their drinks in fluid motions. Their glasses were all quickly filled again thanks to Suigetsu, then downed soon after. The bottle was finished in record time, and soon Naruto found himself swaying a bit, watching Suigetsu walk back to the bar.
Naruto couldn't control his giggles as he watched Suigetsu trip over his own feet before reaching his destination. Naruto tried to stop giggling but couldn't. Looking over to Juugo, Naruto giggled up at him, causing a small grin to grow on Juugo's face. Naruto's face suddenly turned to wonder at having got a reaction from Juugo.
Suigetsu made it back to the table, missing his chair all together, ending up on the floor. The whole scene caused Naruto's giggles all over again.
0-0
Sasuke was not happy - actually, he was bordering on livid, his eyes flicking to Sharingan at moments. He expected to return to the room to find Naruto passed out. He did not expect to find him missing all together. Could the idiot not follow simple instructions? He began to question the company he kept.
Possibilities of what could have happened to Naruto began to run through his mind. There was no sign of struggle in the room, which put him somewhat at ease. After checking for Suigetsu and Juugo and being informed from Karin they had gone to get food his mind calmed, which only enticed his anger further. He thought they would have had more sense.
Naruto was a fugitive, much like themselves, yet he was high profile as he had only recently escaped his execution. If they had any sense what-so-ever, they would have understood the need for Naruto to keep a low profile. At least until things calmed down. Sasuke stormed to the bar, people moving out of his way as soon as they saw the angry look on his face.
The inn was vibrant, many people highly intoxicated stumbling past him in the hopes of making it home in one piece, that's if they could remember where home was.
And then he saw them, and Sasuke couldn't help the eyebrow that rose at the state of two of them. Suigetsu's head was slumped on the table while Juugo, who seemed to be swaying a considerable amount, stared at Naruto, who was obviously trying to convey a story with animated hands.
Walking over, Juugo spotted him first, taking his attention off Naruto and attempting to sit straight. It was obvious he was having some trouble. Sasuke reached their table before Naruto even realized he was there.
Naruto must have noticed Juugo's distracted attention, as he suddenly stopped talking and followed his stare. The look on Naruto's face was almost comical, yet Sasuke found it hard to smirk, due to his anger over his idiot companions.
Naruto's face was flushed; it was the most colour Sasuke had seen in his face since he first saw him. His hair was a disarray of blonde spikes. His eyes widened comically at the sight of Sasuke. A little part of Sasuke's brain appreciated Naruto's flushed state, yet was quickly stomped out by Sasuke's reasonable side.
Sasuke watched in mild amusement at Naruto's next actions. Naruto proceeded to move in over exaggerated movements, picking up the bottle of sake with shaking hands before presenting it in front of Sasuke with wide eyes.
"Sake?"
Sasuke tried hard to keep a straight face, but, unfortunately, his mouth twitched up a little. Naruto must have noticed it because his face broke out into a huge grin.
"No," Naruto's face instantly fell as he placed the bottle back on the table. Sasuke stared at the state they were all in. God knows how long Suigetsu had been passed out; he didn't look like he would be waking up any time soon, either way. After seeing him, Juugo had put on a substantially sober front. The only thing giving him away was the slight sway every now and then.
Noticing the glare that Naruto was now being subjected to, he slowly rose from his seat, making his way to the stairs. After shooting one last disapproving look at Suigetsu and Juugo, Sasuke followed suit. Naruto's steps were slow, holding onto chairs close by to steady himself.
Shaking his head, Sasuke followed after, placing his hand on the small of Naruto's back to steer him in the right direction.
Sasuke stopped just at the threshold of the bar. He could feel eyes on him. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Slowly turning, Sasuke quickly glanced around the room, no one seemed to be watching them, all too interested in drinking themselves into a stupor.
The loud clatter of Naruto tripping over his own feet snapped him back to his charge, quickly moving over to help pick him up of the floor.
0-0
"It was him."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." The taller of the two figures stared at the exit to which he'd just seen him disappear.
"So what are we going to do?"
Taking a drink, he mulled over the question. They would most likely be heroes if they hunted him down, and would probably have a fairly hefty reward to pocket. Downing the rest of his drink, he turned to his companion, smirking, a feral glint in his eyes.
"We're going hunting."
0-0
After Naruto struggled with removing his shoes, which ended in him falling flat on his face three times, he collapsed on the bed, hugging a pillow tightly.
Laying out his sleeping mat, Sasuke slipped off his shirt before laying down. Closing his eyes, Sasuke tried to block out the sound of Naruto wriggling about on the bed.
"Sasuke?"
Sasuke looked over to find Naruto's face peering over the bed, staring at him with large innocent eyes. Choosing to ignore the drunken idiot, Sasuke shut his eyes, turning the other way.
Sasuke was good at ignoring people; he would actually say he prided himself on being able to ignore irritations, yet a drunken Naruto continually poking him in the shoulder while calling his name made him snap.
"What!"
"You asleep"' Naruto's voice was genuinely filled with curiosity, like a child asking their parents something. Sasuke gave him a look he would give an utter idiot, before closing his eyes, shielding them with his arm.
"Hey, Sasuke?" Sasuke hummed in return, giving Naruto a prompt to carry on. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why am I still here? With you, I mean?"
Sasuke finally looked over to Naruto, who was now staring out the window at the full moon. Why? It had run though his head since the minute he couldn't kill him, and he had yet to find an answer to the question.
"I don't know."
Naruto seemed to accept the answer as he nodded, getting himself comfortable on the bed. Sasuke shifted back onto his side, his once sleepy mind running amuck with Naruto's unanswered question.
"Thank you."
Sasuke held his breath, relaying those words back in his mind. Thank you? He shouldn't be thanked. Sasuke was about to reply but the soft snores of Naruto stopped him. He really was a dobe.
-0-
Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun. So who spotted them? And is Sasuke starting to get a bit protective of little Naruto ;-)! Please review peeps! Ill give you sweeties :D!