Chapter Four: Romance and Promises
It was fairly boring being a courtesan. The only thing Naruto really enjoyed was the freedom to walk where he wished and the comfy bed to sleep in at night. Those were about the only real perks he enjoyed from being a courtesan. Otherwise, he didn't have much else to do. Gaara solicited his company everyday for at least a few hours, as did Neji and Sasuke but they never did anything interesting. Neji preferred to talk with him, Sasuke often asked him to sit with him in the palace gardens and drink tea with him. To be honest, it was becoming very boring very fast.
"Ah, who knew that it was this boring being a courtesan," Naruto sighed as he walked down the steps into the palace gardens. It was early morning still and he had time before his three favorite nobles would badger him. He stepped lightly onto the grass and out into the gardens. The early morning air was something the blond always enjoyed. It was his habit now to wake up earlier than the rest of the palace and walk in the gardens when the morning dew was still settling. There was a cool dampness to the air that Naruto liked. It was a comfort for him, as he remembered when his mother would wake him up early just to walk with him in the gardens of his old home. It was a feeling of nostalgia that was both pleasant and bitter at the same time.
"My, my, who knew that you would be awake at such an hour, Naruto," a soft, familiar voice called from in front of him. He knew that voice.
"I like to have a few moments to myself in the early morning, Itachi-san. It brings back special memories for me," Naruto sighed in reply. He hadn't expected to meet someone this early in the morning. The sun hadn't even really risen yet.
"Is that so," Itachi hummed lightly. "And yet you seem so bored."
"The life of a courtesan doesn't suit me, Itachi-san. I haven't had such luxuries for a long time, not since I was a child. And even if I may move about the palace freely, there is nothing to do here. I'm not some child that wants to go exploring," Naruto sighed, stepping closer to the older man.
"You know, meeting like this, privately and so early in the morning; it could seem suspicious if certain people were to see us together. They might think we were lovers." Naruto felt his cheeks redden as he turned his face up to look the black haired man in the eyes. Itachi was grinning at him in a sly manner and Naruto's nervousness suddenly faded away. He let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding.
"You wouldn't take me as your lover. You don't think I'm in the same class as you. You just enjoy teasing me," the blond replied.
"Now how do you know that?" Itachi watched Naruto carefully. Blue eyes watched red in a moment of great tension.
"No particular reason. It's just a feeling I have," he shrugged in reply. He shivered slightly at the morning chill and pulled the blanket he had already wrapped around his middle back, up around his shoulders. "I forgot how cold it could get in the morning, even in the summer…"
The sudden feeling of two arms wrapping themselves around his neck and shoulders made Naruto jump slightly. He hadn't heard Itachi move at all. There had been no sound, to his eternal fright.
"Don't be so nervous, Naruto. It's not like I'm going to hurt you. You said you were cold," Itachi explained softly from behind. The blond could feel the vibrations of the man speaking and it made him shudder.
"I'd say thank you, if I didn't know that you were just trying to get revenge for my earlier comment, Itachi-san," Naruto retorted softly. He didn't really care either way. The only thing he was worried about was Gaara coming out here to look for him. That could cause problems. Especially since, Itachi seemed to like seeing Gaara become hot under the collar.
"You are so cold, Naruto. No wonder my brother has taken such an interest in you." The man tightened his grip around Naruto slightly. "My brother hates me. And though I pretend not to care, it really does bother me. He is a beautiful boy, would you not agree, Naruto? I'm sure he'll become a good man, worthy of being at Gaara-sama's side…"
As the grip around him loosened, Naruto turned to look up once again at Itachi's face. There was a mix of guilt, anger and anguish in his eyes. It was a look the blond didn't think had ever been on Itachi's face before. He lifted a hand up to gently brush Itachi's cheek and let it fall to rest on his chest.
"Itachi-san…" Naruto started in a soft voice. He didn't really know what to say. He was worried about the suggestiveness of his position in Itachi's arms, as well as what Itachi was telling him. He wanted to believe it, but he was also afraid that the man might just be playing his kindness to his advantage. Naruto had a tender-streak that he couldn't help.
"Now we really do look like lovers," Itachi whispered gently in Naruto's ear. The blond blushed bright red and smacked the man. He's been embarrassed beyond all measure by this. No matter the person, Naruto was always open-minded to their personality and Itachi took advantage of that. He was just as perceptive and deceiving as any other politician or member or the court.
"Why are you so mean to me?"
"I'm not mean. I just enjoy teasing you. You make it so easy, so it's no wonder those three like you so much. It's part of your adorability, I suppose. You're right, Naruto. I'm not particularly interested in you romantically, but I do still like you. And it's fun to watch them squirm while I get so close to you," Itachi hummed into Naruto's ear.
"See, you are mean. You're torturing your brother by causing a misunderstanding about our relationship. Maybe that's why he doesn't like you," Naruto said coldly.
"Maybe, but it only bother's me so much. I don't have time to waste with him. I'm busy with fending off the jackals of the court."
"Ah, then your job must be difficult," Naruto hummed, obviously amused by Itachi's impression of the court. "So there are things even you consider tedious, then."
"There are, but those are none of your business," he laughed in reply. The sun had finally begun to paint the sky it's many colours as it rose. "Ah, the sun, she rises. Soon the rest of the palace will arise, too, just like the sun."
"I never knew you were a poet, Itachi."
"I'm not. It was simply a fleeting thought that I had. You should come to the courts sometime. It would be nice to see you there. And if none of your three prospects will bring you, then how about you accompany me some time? I do so enjoy your company, Naruto," Itachi suggested with a tone of arrogance.
"Do you never get tired of being so arrogant, Itachi?"
"Never, ever," he replied with a grin. "Now, give us a kiss and I'll let you go."
"…You!" Naruto turned bright red. Itachi laughed. "What do you need a kiss for?"
"Because I like to tease you. Now, how about my kiss?"
"…" Naruto remained silent for some time before he could bring himself to look at Itachi's face again. He took the hand that he'd left at his side and brought it up to lightly place it on Itachi's shoulder. He then brought his other hand up from Itachi's chest to place it on his other shoulder. Pushing up slightly to reach the man's face, Naruto leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. As he pulled back, he mumbled, clearly embarrassed, "There, I did what you asked. I kissed you."
"You consider that to be a kiss? You really are innocent, Naruto," Itachi grinned at him slyly, with those same dark eyes as before. Naruto couldn't bring himself to reply; those eyes frightened him. The black haired man grabbed the blond's left wrist with one hand and wrapped his other arm around the small of Naruto's back. The boy looked at him, afraid of what he knew was going to happen next. It was coming. And it did come. The grip on his wrist tightened slightly, the hand on his back pulled him closer and then he felt them. Itachi's lips pressed against his own. He was gentle, not demanding like Gaara was. He softly kissed him, not forcing anything. It was a feeling Naruto had never felt before in a kiss. And then, just as suddenly as it had started, it had stopped. "That, my dear, is a kiss."
Naruto turned an even brighter shade of red. He turned his head down so he wouldn't have to look Itachi in the eyes. It was just too embarrassing. There was too much meaning in that kiss. The hand holding his wrist loosened and eventually let go. Then the hand on the small of his back slowly dropped down to take its proper place at Itachi's side. Naruto stepped back away from Itachi and looked up at the rising sun. Since he and Itachi hadn't been attacked yet, he assumed that no one had seen them. This was becoming a dangerous game. He wasn't in love with Itachi, yet he allowed the kisses. It was an awkward feeling, almost unwanted.
"Well then, Naruto, I shall take my leave. Please enjoy your walk through the gardens," Itachi dismissed himself softly, bowing his head lightly. Naruto bowed his head back. He turned at began stepping off before pausing momentarily. He turned to look at Naruto and called back, "Please think about my offer, sincerely. You would be nice company."
"I will, Itachi-san," Naruto called back. The black haired man smiled slightly and turned back to be on his way. Naruto sighed and turned to continue on with his walk. This was a moment he would never tell anyone. He only prayed that Itachi would keep the little moment to himself as well. He didn't want to think about the repercussions of Gaara finding out about it. He shuddered at the thought. There may not even be a palace left if he did. So distracted was Naruto by his thoughts, that he didn't even realize that he was about to walk straight into someone. And so he did, slamming straight into the person and falling down to the grass. "Oww…I'm sorry…I was lost in my thoughts and not paying attention to where I was going…"
"It's quite alright, Naruto-san," an older sounding voice said from above him. It wasn't a gruff voice, but it wasn't smooth, like Itachi's, either. A hand was extended out to him and Naruto took it without much thought. "There we are. Up you go. May I ask what Naruto-san is doing in the gardens this early in the morning?"
"Ah, well, I like to walk in the morning and have a few moments to myself. It's a bit of a habit, really," Naruto smiled shyly as he replied. When he finally got to look at the man, Naruto was rather surprised. Snow-white hair framed a gentle looking face. The man had a patch covering one eye, with a single scar showing slightly at the top and the bottom. "Ah, you must be Hatake Kakashi-sama. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"You know me?" The man had to good graces to look embarrassed. Naruto smiled at him.
"I do. You're considered to be one of the best general's of the empire. You're quite famous, Kakashi-sama," the blond replied with a smile. "Might I ask what you're doing out so early? Military business?"
"Ah-ha…Something like that. There is a war council meeting today…again. As I am a general, I'm required to be there, though I'd rather be elsewhere," he sighed in a manner of defeat. Naruto giggled, clearly amused by the man's lack of interest in his rank.
"I always thought that generals were more interested in their ranks."
"Ah, well, most probably are. I'm just a little different."
"I can see that. It's a pleasant change," Naruto said lightly, turning to look at the rising sun again. "The people of the palace…well, most of them all seem to be the same to me, but there are a few interesting people here."
"There are," Kakashi agreed lightly. Faintly, Naruto could hear yells and the sound of steps tromping down the hall he'd come from. That meant that Gaara, Sasuke and Neji were probably all looking for him at the same time. The blond sighed in a defeated manner. Wonderful. Kakashi laughed in a light and amused way. "It seems that you're being requested, Naruto-san."
"That's a kind way of putting it, Kakashi-sama," Naruto sighed, trying to smile. The sound of the yelling and the footsteps was getting closer. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Kakashi-sama."
"And to meet you, Naruto-san." Kakashi took one of Naruto's hands in his own. He raised it to meet his slightly bowed head and pressed his lips to it lightly. Naruto knew his cheeks had turned a faint pink colour. The man slowly let his head come back up and let got of the younger one's hand. "See you later then, Naruto-san."
As Kakashi walked off, Gaara, Neji and Sasuke came speed walking up to the blond. Naruto figured they'd have been running, but perhaps they'd slowed down when he came into view. He smiled at them lightly, turning so that he was facing them completely.
"G'morning, Gaara-sama, Neji-sama, Sasuke-sama," the boy said pleasantly. He smiled softly at them all. "Is something the matter? You're all moving so quickly…"
"You weren't in your room. These two just happened to follow me," Gaara growled in annoyance. He didn't like the fact that the Hyuuga and the Uchiha were here as well. "So, we went looking for you."
"That's very sweet, Gaara-sama, but then why would you be running? It's not like I would leave the palace, and you know that I prefer to wake up early. So, why were you running?"
"…Itachi," he quickly replied. Naruto could barely understand what he said, but he knew it was a name.
"P-Pardon?"
"My brother. We saw him walking down the hall, coming from the gardens. When he saw us, he looked rather smug…like he'd done something he knew would make us mad," Sasuke replied for Gaara. Naruto felt his cheeks turn just a bit rosy as he recalled the kiss Itachi had given him. It didn't escape the other three.
"Yeah, Itachi-san and I happened to bump into each other in the gardens earlier," Naruto replied lightly. He tried to forget what happened after that. "We talked for a bit and then Itachi-san went on his way. That's all. Then I had the pleasure of meeting General Kakashi-sama."
"All you did was talk?" Gaara raised an unbelieving eyebrow. Oh, dear.
"Yes, all we did was talk, Gaara-sama," the boy sighed in a somewhat exasperated manner. He closed his eyes to pause momentarily before opening them and looking at the three again. "So, am I to accompany all three of you today?"
"Ah…No, that is…" Well, that was rare. Gaara didn't know what to say.
"Let's forget that for now. Have any of you even eaten breakfast yet?" He asked with a sigh, pushing the previous topic aside for the moment. To be honest, he didn't really want to know which of the three he'd be accompanying for the day. At least, not right now. The sudden grumbling from all three of the boy's stomachs told him all he needed to know. He began to laugh as the others flushed red. "I see. So, your concern for me outweighs the need to eat, then?"
"We do worry about you. There are some people in the palace that are less savory that others, Naruto," Neji commented softly.
"I know. And I appreciate the concern. However, I can take care of myself, so you needn't be at my side at all times," Naruto nodded, acknowledging the comment of concern. He turned in the opposite direction and began walking away. When he didn't hear them following, he paused and turned back to look at them with an amused smile. "Well, are you coming with me or not?"
"Where are we going?" Neji asked, walking to catch up with Naruto. Gaara and Sasuke followed soon after.
"To get breakfast, Neji-sama. To get breakfast," Naruto replied and continued walk. However, when Neji had caught up to him, he reached out to hook arms with him. This surprised the Hyuuga, but not as much as it surprised Gaara and Sasuke. "Walk with me?"
"O-of course," he replied, still slightly taken off guard by the sudden action. He allowed the blond to hold onto his arm and lead them to where he wanted to go. What none of them expected was that Naruto was going to lead them to the palace kitchens. "Naruto, what are we doing here?"
"Getting breakfast, Neji-sama," Naruto replied. He let go of Neji's arm and moved into the kitchens. There weren't a great many servants that were moving about just yet. Breakfast was never a busy time since many people only ate fruit. The servants that were there smiled when Naruto came in and then returned back to work. Naruto took off the blanket he was wearing around his shoulders and set it on a wooden chair. Pulling up his sleeves, the blond tied them back with a thin piece of cloth. "I can't eat food unless I make it myself. Or, at least, help make it."
"Naruto-san is a very good cook," one of the female servants called as she worked. "He makes very good food."
"Eh-heh…thank you," Naruto flushed slightly. He moved about the kitchen as if he had been working in it his whole life. It was natural to him. The three watched in some form of awe. Although they should not have been that surprised. The boy had lived on his own until Gaara brought him into the palace. They watched as the servants and Naruto worked side by side, silently doing what they had to do. None of them had ever seen the servants work before. They never did anything that would cost them time. Each movement had purpose and accomplished something. The same was true for Naruto. When he moved, he didn't do anything that was without some sort of purpose. Just watching the boy was enticing. Naruto turned to look at Neji, Gaara and Sasuke and smiled at them softly.
It didn't take him long to finish his cooking. He set out the food on four different plates and made tea as well.
"Four plates? Naruto-san is sharing his home cooked food today?" The same female servant from before asked, looking over.
"Ah, well, it seems that Gaara-sama and his friends haven't eaten yet, so…" Naruto shrugged.
"Ah, how sweet!" Another servant sighed in an excited voice. "They must be so happy to get breakfast made especially by you."
"Yeah, those three all seem to have gone into quite a tizzy ever since you were brought into the palace, Naruto-san."
"Oi," Sasuke whispered as he nudged Gaara. "Don't they realize we're standing right here?"
"I guess not…" he shrugged back. He was, however, curious if Naruto chatted with all the servants this way.
"Oh, they have not. They're just having some fun because I'm not infatuated with their rank," Naruto sighed in reply. Gaara, Neji and Sasuke felt some form of shock run through them. What was Naruto saying? And he knew they were here, waiting for him to finish his cooking.
"What do you mean, Naruto-san?"
"Well, most women don't concern themselves with what they are actually like as people. They've fallen in love with the rank, not the person. So, they've had women fawning over them for a long time. But I could care less about rank or title. I'm more interested in the person under the shroud of the rank. But because I don't fawn or bow down like I should, I piqued their interest," Naruto sighed, untying the cloth that was holding up his sleeves. "It makes me a little sad, too. Had we met under different circumstances, we probably could have become close friends…and maybe more…who knows those sorts of things…"
"That's so depressing, Naruto-san!"
"Ah, well…It's just how I can be at times. I'm a very lonely person after all," Naruto gave the servants a sad smile. Gaara looked at Neji and Neji looked at Sasuke. Were they really that bad? "Are you three just going to stand there all morning, or are you going to help me carry this out?"
"Eh?" All the servants paused in their work to see who Naruto was talking to and realized that it was the topic of their previous discussion. Oh, dear. Naruto piled some fruits into a bowl and handed it to Sasuke. He forced Gaara and Neji to share the duty of carrying the plates with their food on it. The blond carried a teapot and four cups.
"See you girls around then," Naruto waved in an absent manner as he left the kitchen. His companions followed him back out to the garden. They ate in relative silence and when they were finished, two of the afternoon kitchen staff carried away the dishes. "I hope it was to your satisfaction."
"It was wonderful, Naruto," Neji smiled at him. Things had been awkward ever since Naruto had voiced what he believed were Gaara's, Sasuke's and Neji's motives for spending so much time with him.
"Well, if that's all for now, then I'll be on my way," Naruto said in a quiet voice as he pushed himself up off the ground. They watched the blond walk off without a word. Gaara was annoyed. No, he was more than annoyed. He wanted to touch the boy, but unless they were along together or Naruto touched him first, he couldn't. It was driving him mad.
"I suppose we must be on our way as well," Neji sighed, standing. Sasuke stood as well. "There is yet another war council meeting that we are all required to attend."
"Yes, yes…I'm coming," Gaara growled, stood and headed to the council chambers.
(scene/ time lapse)
Really, this was just his luck. His brother always had to cause trouble for him, didn't he? It was just plain annoying. Sasuke sighed in agitation. He kicked a stone pillar to vent his frustration. His brother had decided that he would attend the war council meeting in his place…without telling him. So, when he stepped into the room and saw his brother sitting in his seat, he turned a fine shade of embarrassment. He had left without saying anything, but now he was bored out of his mind. He didn't even know where Naruto was.
"Sasuke-sama? I thought you had a war council meeting today?" A sudden voice spoke to him. It was familiar, too. No, it couldn't be. Looking up, who should be there, but the person he'd just been thinking about. "Is something the matter? You seem troubled, Sasuke-sama."
"Ah, it's nothing. My brother just decided to take my place in the meeting without telling me. That's all," Sasuke said through gritted teeth.
"Well, Itachi-san can be like that, Sasuke-sama. He prefers the freedom of living according to his own rules and principles. It makes him happier," Naruto replied, trying not to sound too awkward. He didn't know Itachi that well, but he could understand some things just by watching the things he did. "He's also a very detached man. Things that normal people enjoy, he finds those types of things boring. He has to force people into odd situations to enjoy himself."
"You understand my brother so well," Sasuke said flatly.
"Not at all. I merely observe such facts," Naruto replied with a smile. Sasuke felt his cheeks twinge light pink.
"Naruto, since I have nothing to do, will you please keep me company?" Sasuke asked suddenly.
"I'd be happy to, Sasuke-sama." Sasuke extended his arm to Naruto and the blond took it without any sign of hesitation. They began walking at an easy pace down the hall to nowhere in particular.
"You seem to be getting used to life in the palace," he commented lightly.
"I am. It's still a little awkward here and there, but I don't mind for the most part," Naruto replied, nodding. "However, your brother asked me to join him in the royal courts if you three don't invite me some time. I found it to be a rather odd comment…"
"Itachi…" Sasuke gritted his teeth and began clenching his fists tightly. His fingernails were digging into his skin and making him bleed.
"Ah! Sasuke-sama! What are you doing?" Naruto exclaimed, grabbing the Uchiha's hands and holding them open in front of him. "Are you out of your mind?"
"I…I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was doing it," he lied in a small voice.
"Liar," Naruto sighed in exasperation. "C'mon. We need to take care your hands."
"I'm fine Naruto," Sasuke pressed on.
"Look here you, I'm offering to let you be alone with me inside my room and you're turning me down nonstop," Naruto snapped at the black haired male, very annoyed now. "Now, will you just be quiet and come with me?"
"Ah…uhm…That is…." Sasuke couldn't think of a reasonable response. Why shouldn't he want to be alone with Naruto? He was trying to win the boy's love from Neji and Gaara, after all. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that what Naruto had said was true. He wanted to boy because he only gave respect where respect was due. Never more, never less.
"At last, the rumored playboy of the empire is at a loss for words," Naruto said, amused at Sasuke's stumbling. He giggled when Sasuke gave him a dirty look. The blond led the way back to his room and forced Sasuke to sit on his bed. He could care less about the implications of such an action. He pulled out a washbowl and filled it with water, then grabbed a cloth to wash the mini wounds.
"Give me your hands," Naruto commanded. Sasuke did as he was told and held out his hands. The blond dipped the cloth into the water and dabbed it over the little wounds. Sasuke hissed at the stinging sensation. "Don't be such a baby, Sasuke-sama."
"Thanks for the cheering up," Sasuke said sarcastically. The blond ignored the comment and continued until both hand were clean. He then bandaged both hands tenderly and when he was done, he did a strange thing. He kissed each hand softly before getting up to put away the things he'd used. However, he didn't get very far, as Sasuke suddenly caught his wrist to stop him, holding him in place.
"Sasuke-sama?" Naruto looked at Sasuke with a tender but questioning expression. Sasuke tugged on Naruto's wrist and brought the blond crashing down onto the bed next to Sasuke. This was not good. "S-Sasuke-sama?"
"Don't leave me just yet, Naruto," Sasuke whispered into the blond's ear as he lay down next to him. Naruto blushed but still nodded in acknowledgement of Sasuke's desire. His captured wrist was released and the hand moved to rest on his hip now. Sasuke used that hand to pull Naruto closer to him; he didn't resist. "You're being very obedient."
"I don't mind stuff like this…" Naruto explained. Sasuke chuckled slightly. "You're laughing at me…"
"No, I'm not…"
"Yes, you are."
"I can't help it. You act so adorable…" Sasuke laughed again. He looked down at Naruto, who was blushing still. He smirked slightly and changed their position so that Naruto was lying on his back and Sasuke still beside him. He then leaned over and kissed the blond meaningfully on the lips. There was no protest or reciprocation to the kiss. When Sasuke pulled back and looked at Naruto, he saw embarrassment. "You are a courtesan, Naruto. Courtesans do these sorts of things…"
"It's not that, Sasuke-sama…Well, actually, that's a lie. That is an issue for me. You ask me to surrender to passion and allow pleasure with no meaning. But that sort of thing…it's impossible for me; such casual intimacy. When I give someone my most intimate embrace, I would hope they are giving me and only me their most intimate embrace back," Naruto explained with a sigh as he pushed himself up on the bed. He didn't get up and leave though. Instead, he undid the sash that was around his waist and took off his shoes. What he did next, took Sasuke rather by surprise though. He took off the pants he was wearing. Since he was wearing another of the longer robe-like tops, it wasn't like he was exposing himself completely, but the top only went until just above the blond's knees. Then and only then, did Naruto get back onto the bed.
"Naruto?" Sasuke looked at the blond with questioning eyes.
"This is what you desire, is it not, Sasuke-sama?"
"Well…it is," he admitted, hesitant but unashamed. He pushed his own body up and looked at the newly exposed skin. It was beautiful, like looking at a doll. And the boy was untouched intimately as well. Sasuke gently brushed one of his hands over the exposed thighs, and could feel Naruto shudder. He peered up at the boy's face and saw that it had been stained bright red. Sasuke grinned and leaned over to kiss Naruto's inner thighs this time; one kiss per thigh. The reactions were most amusing. Naruto made a small sound that seemed to be a mix of pleasure and shame for enjoying such a thing. The Uchiha pushed himself up even farther, removing his own shoes, so he could scoot up to match Naruto on the bed. He continued to brush his fingertips along Naruto's thighs. "You seem so sensual for someone that only wants to share this sort of thing with the one you love."
"I understand my position in the palace, Sasuke-sama. I am what I am. I can accept such a thing. However, you are sorely mistaken if you think just because you're touching me means you can have me," Naruto retorted to Sasuke's jab. Sasuke paused in what he was doing and began to laugh.
"No, I suppose not. You are you, after all," he managed to say through his laughing. Naruto took the pause as an opportunity to change his position and tuck his legs under him. Sasuke noted this, but didn't much care. He'd had plenty of fun with the boy already. He was sure Gaara would rip his balls off if he got the chance, but he was fairly sure he'd manage. Leaning closer to Naruto's face, Sasuke whispered, "Kiss me, Naruto. Kiss me, like you would mean it."
"Ah…Alright…" Naruto mumbled the reply, clearly embarrassed. He turned to look at Sasuke, his eyes full expression. He slowly leaned towards the other male and pressed his lips against the black haired boy's. Sasuke was actually surprised by how much passion was in that kiss. It almost felt as though there were need. He pressed his own lips against Naruto's just a meaningfully before beckoning the blond to open his mouth. Naruto did so and Sasuke slipped his tongue in, exploring as much as he could. All too soon, it seemed to Sasuke, the kiss ended and their lips parted from each other. When Sasuke looked at Naruto, he saw faintly flushed cheeks and lidded eyes. Ah, success.
"Well then, I think I'd like to rest for a while, Naruto," Sasuke said in an offhand manner, though Naruto knew what he meant.
"You can use my legs as a pillow if you want, Sasuke-sama."
"Thank you…" Sasuke said as he laid his head down on Naruto's legs.
"You know that Gaara-sama will probably try to kill you if he sees us like this," Naruto commented lightly as he began to comb Sasuke's hair with his hands. "Considering I don't have my pants on and all…"
"Let me deal with that when it happens, Naruto…" Sasuke sighed. "Right now I want to rest."
(time/ scene lapse)
"I hate my father…Why? Why does he have to be such an idiot?" Gaara grumbled as he walked down the hall to Naruto's room with Neji at his side. He also had yet another person with him; someone whom had expressed an interest in meeting Naruto.
"Highness, your father, the Emperor, isn't an idiot. He's just a very driven man," Neji said, trying to make what Gaara meant sound more appropriate.
"Neji…He wants to go to war for no reason…again! I could care less about fighting. Fighting is the fun part. I enjoy fighting. But I'd rather do it against someone I actually have a quarrel against than attack someone for no reason." Gaara looked at Neji like he was an idiot. Neji shook his head and laughed.
"And what about you, sir? What do you think of fighting?"
"It's troublesome." This was all Neji got for a reply. Quite the talker, this one.
"So, why are you so interested in Naruto?"
"His description sounds like someone I know…or knew, a long time ago."
"We're here," Gaara interrupted the conversation gruffly as he pushed the doors open. "Naruto? Are you he-"
"What's the matter?" Neji asked Gaara when he stopped his sentence midway. Looking into the room, Neji saw Gaara's reason for going into shock. Naruto was on his bed, pants nowhere to be found, and Sasuke's head was lying in his lap. Not to mention, Naruto seemed to be stroking Sasuke's hair. "Oh, my…"
"UCHIHA!!" Gaara suddenly roared. His whole face was bright red. Oh, yes, Sasuke was in for it.
"Huh?" Sasuke sat up, bleary eyed from his nap. "What's going on? Naruto?"
"That…" Naruto pointed and Sasuke followed his finger to see an enraged Gaara. "I think he's about to draw his sword. You might consider running now…"
"I could, but I'm still tired and I'd never make it very far," Sasuke shrugged in reply. "It's your fault anyways. Why don't you calm him down?"
"You should probably leave first."
"Indeed," Sasuke conceded. He slid himself off the bed and grabbed his shoes before heading for the door. He just couldn't help one last parting remark though. "He's delicious…"
"GET OUT!!" Gaara screamed, not looking at the man. His eyes were fixed on Naruto. He managed to calm himself down somewhat, but it wasn't enough to restrain himself. "Neji, would you show the new guest around for a while, please. I have some things to discuss with, Naruto."
"You're not going to kill him right?"
"Don't be stupid."
"All I care about is that you don't kill him. I'll give you an hour."
"Good." With that, Neji left and shut the doors behind him. Gaara and Naruto were alone.
"Naruto…." Gaara growled, clearly ready to kill something.
"I am a courtesan, Gaara-sama," Naruto said rather simply. "I am here to please the desires of men of the palace. Sasuke-sama is a member of the court and lives at the palace from time to time, does he not? Then, I am bound to my duty to serve him. It was nothing more than duty, Gaara-sama…Or can't you accept that? You're the one who made me a courtesan."
"You, made me promise to be loyal to you for six months and now you're allowing other men to touch you. It's like you're asking me to lose control of myself," Gaara hissed at Naruto. The blond sighed and slid himself off the bed. He stepped lightly across the stone floor, stopping only when he was in front of Gaara. He reached out and took one of Gaara's hands in his own.
"I…will never let a man have me, that I can promise you, Gaara-sama. I am not that cruel of a person. However, it would be suspicious if I did not let members of the court at least touch me some, as I must touch them. I am a high-class prostitute, no matter how much you may want to argue the point, Gaara-sama." Naruto gave a heavy sigh. There was no better way to explain it than this. "I promised you, Gaara-sama, that if you could remain true to me only, then I will be yours. I will not break that promise. In six months, if your fidelity holds out, my virginity…my heart, will be yours. So, please be understanding. I am in a position now, where I am to quell the desire in people or at least be a companion to them. I will not break my promise, Gaara-sama, so don't be so angry when I do what I must."
"Do what you must, eh?" Gaara watched Naruto closely. The blond looked like he was stuck between accepting his fate and wanting to run away at that very moment. Gaara couldn't really say he blamed him. The boy had a heavy burden to carry and he was a very prideful creature. And yet now he was being forced into submission. "Indeed, do what you must…"
The red head pulled Naruto to rest against his body. He didn't let go of the blond's hand and instead laced his fingers with Naruto's. Naruto rested his head against Gaara's chest and brought his unoccupied hand up to rest on Gaara's upper arm. That arm wrapped itself around Naruto's lower back, keeping close to Gaara. The two stayed like this for some time before Gaara pulled away just a little. He bowed his head down and kissed Naruto quite soundly. His lips were just as demanding as they had always been, and this time Naruto obliged. He opened his mouth to allow Gaara what he wanted and the young prince took it, sliding his tongue in and explored. When the kiss ended, Naruto was blushing and trying to take in a little more air than usual.
"I'll take that as your bond to your promise," Gaara said softly. He kissed the blond once more, though it was more of a peck on the cheek before letting go and turning to open the door. "Neji, you can come back in now. I know you never left."
"You're a clever one," Neji said sarcastically as he opened the door. "I was still somewhat afraid you were going to hurt Naruto. I'm sorry for my concern."
"Oh, shut up and bring that visitor in here," Gaara snapped at him. Neji said nothing and disappeared for a moment before coming back with the man. When he stepped into the room, Naruto let out a surprised squeak. "Naruto?"
"Sh-Shikamaru? What? How? Why?" Naruto began all at once, walking over to the person in question.
"I'd love to answer your questions, but first- and this is just a suggestion- maybe you ought to put some pants on," Shikamaru suggested in a bored tone. The blond realized he still was half naked and turned bright red.
"I dunno, I'm kinda liking this look," Neji commented off to the side, grinning. Naruto turned even redder and quickly put his pants back on.
"So, now will you tell me what you're doing here?" Naruto asked, managing to get his blush under control.
"Perhaps this would be a conversation best kept for private," Shikamaru said, quickly glancing at Gaara and Neji.
"Ah…yes…perhaps," Naruto agreed with a nod. He shooed Neji and Gaara out so he could talk to the other male privately. When he had them out, he turned to Shikamaru. "Now, start explaining, please."
"It's simple. I wasn't in the country when it was attacked," he shrugged, explaining his presence easily. "The country I was in adopted me and gave me asylum. So, here I am, your Highness."
"Stop it. I'm not a prince anymore," Naruto demanded, turning away.
"You are all that remains of that line, you are technically now the Emperor of that country," Shikamaru continued on calmly. "Not everyone died, Naruto. Kiba, Choji, Lee and myself all survived. And those are only the people I've been able to track down."
"So what are you asking me to do?"
"As troublesome as it is, since you are alive, it is your duty to revive the nation your father built. And yet, now you are a courtesan for the very nation that destroyed ours."
"I loved my country, but I was not wanted. I was not a legitimate child."
"You're so troublesome…" Shikamaru sighed heavily, getting annoyed. Naruto was being a baby about this.
"I'm sorry for being such a bother," Naruto half-shouted at Shikamaru before running out onto his small balcony.
"For the love of…" Shikamaru sighed again and followed after the boy, walking at a leisurely pace. "Does this mean that you are happy being a courtesan? Look at how far you've fallen from your position. It's disgraceful."
"I'm not happy with this life, Shikamaru. How could I be? I just…I don't want to reunite and then have tragedy befall us again. My father's dream was a great one. And he was so close to making it come true. I'm afraid, Shikamaru. I'm afraid of what might happen should I try to rebuild the nation my father dreamed of," Naruto spoke softly, explaining his reasons for being so afraid. Shikamaru could understand that, too.
"Just…consider it, Naruto," Shikamaru sighed in some form of defeat.
"I will….I promise," Naruto replied, nodding his head. He heard Shikamaru leave and let himself fall to the ground. People from his old life were alive. They were alive and safe. It made him so happy that he wanted to cry and he did. However, it wasn't just because of that. Shikamaru had suddenly added a new weight to his shoulders. He would now have to consider becoming the ruler of an empire.
So, uhm…I got really inspired and wrote a lot, for one. And I'm updating really quickly. I hope that makes some people happy. Don't get your hopes up for the next one though. I have a shitload of summer work to do. I can't afford to do this for you guys all the time. So, savor what you can in the chapter. There's no telling when I'll update again. Much Love to you all.