Guard My Heart
Warnings: A SasuNaru fanfiction. Self-edited. Possible cases of OOC-ness. Rated M for future violence and some citrus.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything/anyone from Naruto. I can only attest to the profound love they have for each other.
A/N: Had a bit of delay. -.- Here's Chapter 4! Hope you'll enjoy it~
Chapter 4
Naruto strides the polish marble floor of the building as he made his way towards the elevator. He was not wearing his usual genial smile but rather a scowl was gracing his lips. It was definitely an unexpected sight for those who work under him. No one can blame the employees for scurrying out of his view.
Since this morning, the blonde was already feeling restless and agitated for reasons he can't figure. Starting today, Sasuke will be working as his bodyguard, one to never leave his side and that fact brought conflicting reactions in him. One moment he's feeling all stupidly happy and then the next one, he was already broody more so as Sasuke flashed him his arrogant smirks. He didn't feel better upon arriving in the building. If he was honest, he's gotten worse.
"G- good morning S-sir." One of the staff had the courage to greet a bad-tempered blonde.
"'Morning." The tan guy answered in an almost brusque way and the female employee abruptly moved away from Naruto's line of vision. The others who came across the President was bowing their heads, refusing to meet the deep blue eyes or just vanishing from his presence.
"Do you really have to stand that close to me?" He hissed on his right as he stepped in the metal box. Sasuke Uchiha in crisp suit who was walking nonchalantly beside him ignored the question, instead he moved offensively closer to the blonde until the latter was pressed against the cold wall.
The azure orbs bulged and the tan hands hastily found their way in the raven's chest, pushing him away.
"You bastard! People can see us!"
True to that, some employees who were waiting caught a glimpse of their position before the elevator closed. Naruto just then managed to push the Uchiha away.
"Damn you teme! It's way too early to be a jerk!"
"Hn." Sasuke resumed his stoicism and leaned on the other side, his eyes intently watching the blonde.
Sighing in defeat, Naruto whispered, "God. I don't know if it's a good idea to have you as my bodyguard. You'll gonna be the death of me."
The rest of the short journey was spent in deep silence.
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Sakura was almost gaping at the stature of a said raven who was standing close to his immediate boss. When the blonde entered his office, an unfamiliar man was closely following him. Thinking it was another client; she instantly made her way inside and started jabbering the day's schedule without much of a glance to the other guy. But then as she was done with it, she took a moment to stare at the other man and received a pleasurable shock. The black-haired guy is so handsome that the pink-haired felt she was mesmerized yet the raven paid her no attention. Her reaction however was seen by the blonde.
Naruto grimaced as his secretary gaped at Sasuke. He knows that the Uchiha is indeed an attractive guy and for that he always felt he'll never ever be the one to capture him. He coughed and turned at the woman.
"Sakura, this is Sasuke Uchiha, my— er— his my... bodyguard." He finished lamely.
Sakura blinked and smiled sweetly at the raven. "Oh. Right, bodyguard. I thought perhaps another client, Sir."
The tan guy waved a hand. "No. The Chairman decided this but I think there's really no need. Anyway, he'll be staying with me all the time. Can you please ask someone from the Maintenance to bring up another table and chair in my office? Those of the usual will suffice for the mean time until we can place an order."
Sakura nodded at once. "I'll give the order right away, Sir. Uh, should I give him a tour?" Her voice was expectant. Naruto pondered for a while before deciding that its fine. He'll be busy the entire day that he can't spare any time to show Sasuke around.
"Perhaps you cou—"
"There's no need for that." For the first time since they stepped foot in the office, Sasuke spoke. He coolly looked at the pinkette who was obviously eyeing him in the hope that he will fall for her charm. Too bad, his heart belonged to some idiot since long ago.
"I'll be familiarizing myself with the buildings structure on my own. However, I need the floor plans." His tone was indicating a command.
The secretary's shoulders slumped in disappointment. She thought she can woo this man if they can spend some time alone. She was mistaken, it seems. But there's always another chance. She plastered a businesslike smile and said, "I'll attend to it, Mr. Uchiha. Please give me a moment." She then excused herself and went back on her table, grabbing the phone in an instant.
Naruto sighed and loosen his tie. "You could do better with someone to explore the place. I'm seriously busy everyday Sasuke."
"Dobe, I thought I just said I don't need a tour. Are your ears working fine?"
"Bastard! I was just thinking of..." His voice trailed away. What is it that he will say? That he was thinking of what will be easier for Sasuke?
"Fine. Since you're capable and don't need any assistance. Help yourself with everything and ask Sakura—" He jerked his head on the transparent glass wall that divides his office from the outside where the secretary's table was situated "—if you need anything at all."
The blonde then went over his chair depositing his coat on the back of it and started attending to the papers in his table. He saw Sasuke went behind him and stared at the vast space below, his hands inside his pockets, his face impassive. Naruto decided to give Sasuke his silence as he turned to his own work.
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The Uchiha was overlooking the horizon that was facing him. They are positioned high up in the building that housed the business empire of one of the most influential names in the industry they belong to, the Namikazes. He was given the job of ensuring the heir's safety, of finding the culprit behind the threats to a man who is kind to a fault. His instinct is telling him that the perpetrator will soon resort to more drastic measures to get his point across. But before they can think of harming the blonde, they'll have to face the wrath of one pissed Uchiha Sasuke.
Sasuke's discreetly investigating the case with the help of his comrades in the military. Access to the most secured classified files is handy if you have the right connections. He has to dig up everything that has relation to Danzo, the person who wants to get Namikaze Minato killed and failed to do so. Everyone that's been a direct enemy of the older blonde as well as those who acts in the shadow are worth investigating. He will have everyone around Naruto and his father checked. He will do everything in his power to get the bad guys.
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Sakura poked his head in the door. Her boss looks so busy while his bodyguard was making himself comfortable in the couch, a laptop perched on the table. She took a few seconds to engross in the sight before she stepped inside.
"Excuse me Sir."
The blonde tore his gaze from the documents and look up to his assistant. "Yes?" Naruto saw Sasuke stood and assumed his place right beside him in an instant.
"The maintenance department is outside with the furniture. I have the floor plans here as well." She procured a thick ring-bound folder and rolled blue prints. She handed them to Sasuke. As she was passing them, she deliberately made an effort to touch the pale skin on which she succeeded on doing. The moment their skin made contact she sought the dark orbs, flashing a seductive smile only to meet the cold and annoyed stare of the raven. She abruptly withdrew her hands and coughed to hide the humiliation from the outright rejection.
"Do you need anything more Sir?" In her professional voice, she addressed his superior.
Naruto replied, "Nothing more Sakura. You can go back in your table and please inform those guys to bring the furnishings inside. Thank you."
She bowed slightly to Naruto and refused to look at the raven before she left them.
"Sakura seems to like you, teme." The blonde murmured as he followed the pinkette's retreating back. "She's quite a good catch. A bit on the rowdy side, but nonetheless a fine woman."
The blonde saw Sasuke smirked arrogantly, "When did you start playing cupid dobe? It doesn't suit you." Before Naruto can retaliate, the raven bet him to it, "I have to review these papers. Get your attention back on your own work and try not to play like some matchmaker."
The Uchiha went back on the couch as three guys stepped inside to set the new table and chair for him. They started conversing with the Uchiha about the positioning of the table. The blonde who was still rooted on the spot, blinked twice before he got a hold of himself and went back to his work, ignoring the raven's suave voice as he instructs the employees from the maintenance department.
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It was around eleven when Naruto decided to take a break. He cracked his neck to ease some numbness. The table he had requested earlier for the Uchiha was positioned in the left corner of his office. He saw Sasuke absorbed in what he's reading. Without so much of a consciousness, he was already staring intently at the pale guy. How the years changed both of them, how it changed Sasuke. He's the same yet he's different but one thing never changed: the blonde's feelings towards him.
The sharp beeping of the intercom disrupted Naruto's thought. Pressing a button, he spoke, "Yes Sakura?"
"Sir, I would like to remind you of your luncheon meeting with Director Sarutobi. He says he already made the reservation."
He shot a look at Sasuke who was listening, "Alright. Please tell him that I'll meet him in his office first and then we can head out together."
"Yes, Sir." The womanly voice said and then it was gone.
"You have a meeting outside dobe." The Uchiha stated. Naruto knows where this conversation is going.
"As you've heard. I presume you're coming with me." Said the blonde.
The Uchiha didn't bother to reply. He was thinking of having lunch with Sasuke alone but things doesn't seem to go as planned. He sighed in disappointment.
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The meeting with Asuma went well. They have discussed some business-related matters but mostly it was more of a friendly get-together. Asuma has been a family friend for years and he was one of the people who helped Minato achieved the success of their company.
Sasuke has been standing in a considerable distance at the entire duration of the meeting. Naruto often throw him looks, checking if the raven was alright. The Uchiha's guard was up and he was constantly scanning the entire floor. Most of the diners are executives and the restaurant is obviously well-secured, however he must be vigilant at all times. He saw Naruto said something to the waiter as Asuma handed his card to pay for the bill. The attendant returned with a bag that bore the restaurant's logo and Naruto smiled upon receiving it.
The two men stood and headed for the door. Sasuke moved from his place and met Naruto at the entrance. As soon as they stepped inside the car, Naruto pushed the bag into Sasuke's hand.
"Your lunch." He said without looking at the Uchiha. Sasuke however didn't respond right away. He has a perplexed expression.
"You shouldn't have bothered." Sasuke said quietly.
"I really wouldn't have if you have agreed to eat with us in the first place!" The smaller guy said. Indeed he invited Sasuke to join them. It was no problem with Asuma since he knew the raven too.
"You know I can't. That's being unprofessional. I would have my own lunch at the building's canteen."
"That hardly matters! Uncle thinks the same. At least, eat your meal at the proper time. If we're outside, I won't ask you to join me but have your own."
Sasuke was touched by the concern that Naruto was showing. He couldn't find the words to say how it meant to him. "Hn." was all that he managed.
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They were getting back on their respective offices when the bearded man held Naruto back. "Mr. President, tomorrow there'll be a conference with everyone. We will be welcoming another stockholder in the company who has managed to buy the shares of our former three constituents. He's also the new Vice President for External Affairs."
The blonde knotted his forehead, "I didn't hear anything of it. Who has approved of this?" his voice was sharp. Such major decision should have been consulted to him first before they can come up with a result.
"The Chairman seems to forget it. Minato was the one who gave the approval. Your father has already met the new addition. You'll get your chance tomorrow. This was all done before you assumed your position. You can ask your secretary for this person's file. Then, I'll be going ahead."
Asuma clapped a hand on the tan guy's shoulder and gave a nod to the raven before he walked in the opposite direction. Naruto has still some qualms but decided to brush it off. As he passed Sakura's table he left an order, "Sakura, get me the profile of the new VPEA as soon as possible."
The female staff gave a curt nod. As her superior went inside his office, she walked off over the filing cabinet at the wall to retrieve the documents. When she found it, she went on the office and placed the folder on the blonde's table.
"Here it is Sir."
Naruto nodded at her. He cast the file a look but then decided to just bring it at home. That way, he can also ask his father about the appointment of this new man.
Sasuke approached the blonde, "I'm going to make an important call. Don't leave the office." Naruto opened his mouth to answer but the raven has already swept pass him. The blonde's lips formed a thin line before shaking his head. When Sasuke did ever leave him the control?
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"Are you sure this is going to work?" An anxious voice asked softly as the speaker glanced at the man sitting across him. They were currently inside of a wide room, where every wall is plastered by towering shelves of books.
The person asked smirked, as if amused by the question. Closing the book, the individual said quietly, "The wheels are in motion. There's no better time to act than now." The being then stood to draw the curtains, revealing the grandeur of a well-maintained ground. Without looking at the other, the person spoke, "We cannot afford to fail. Tormenting Minato Namikaze is our goal. I hope you're not forgetting how he made our lives miserable."
The seated one gulped but said in a firm voice, "Of course. You have my allegiance."
An evil leer ghosted on the enemy's lips and said in voice dipped with malevolence pleasure, "Give the orders."
A nod and a click on the door ended the conversation.
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Naruto was impatiently tapping his right foot on the marbled floor. It was already half past seven in the evening and he was still inside the building. He was itching to leave and go home but Sasuke's voice surfaced in his head, Don't leave until I get here or you'll find yourself subjected to my punishment.
He wasn't too keen on the idea of Sasuke getting all sadistic with him but Naruto is never the most patient of people. He was waiting there for at least an hour already. He was looking at his wrist watch every minute and it ticks him off that the raven didn't even bothered calling him since he left the office around four in the afternoon. When the Uchiha took that phone call, his expression became grave and he didn't talk to Naruto the whole time after that. The blonde thought it was some serious matter that the raven didn't feel there's a need to tell him.
That fucking bastard! How long does he intend to make me wait here?!
The tan guy clicked his tongue in annoyance. The sound was enough to catch the attention of the building guards. The securities at the front were casting the President apprehensive looks. Naruto Namikaze seems occupied by something and that something is obviously unpleasant. For one, he was restless and there's a permanent scowl on his face. Both guys exchanged looks before they shrugged it off. None of them wanted to throw themselves into trouble.
When the watch showed it was already eight, Naruto had enough. He fished his cell phone from his inside pocket and dialled Izumo's number.
"Get the car at the front. We're leaving." He shut it off after.
Damn Sasuke and his orders!
He grabbed his briefcase from the couch and made his way at the entrance only to be held off by the guards. He flashed them his most infuriated expression. One of them backed down but the other stood firmly in his place.
"Sir, where are you going?"
"Where do you think?" He challenged the well-built man in suit. He noticed that beneath that smooth outfit, a gun was hiding.
"Mr. Uchiha's order is to make sure you are not to leave the building unless he's the one escorting you out."
The answer made Naruto pissed than ever. "I don't care what Mr. Uchiha said or what his instructions are. I am the President of this company where you are employed. You better move out of my way if you want to keep your job." His answer caused uneasiness to flicker on both men's eyes and even the blonde himself felt guilty. He has never once used his position to get what he wants but there's always a first time.
Damn you teme! Look what you've made me do!
"I am aware of that fact Sir, however Mr. Naminato Namikaze is the one who hired us and therefore, the right to dismiss us remains in his hands."
The tan guy gaped at the man. He was feeling a mixture of incredulity and approval towards the guard for standing up to him like that without being rude in any way. He was about to even the score when he saw his car parked at the entrance and Izumo slid off from the driver's seat. The black-haired guy hurriedly made his way up to them.
"Good thing you're here. Let's go." He threw intimidating looks at the securities and forced his way between the two but it was Izumo who held him this time.
"I'm sorry Naruto-sama but it was Sasuke-sama's absolute command to wait for him."
Oh for goodness sake, this is not going to end!
The guards and the driver were of the same thinking; keep the blonde inside the building no matter what. They were not allowed to manhandle him but if it comes to that, then they will have no choice.
"Now I'm not sure who you men are working for? But I don't give a damn. I'm going home now." He turned to Izumo, "If you're not coming, I'll be the one to drive."
Before any of them can say something, he passed the three and walked in the direction of the parked vehicle. He was not giving attention to the footsteps chasing him; all he wanted was to get home. But just as he was about to touch the handle of the car, he saw the Uchiha from his right, jogging in his way. He has just taken a step towards the raven when a heat pass his left arm, grazing the suit he's wearing and before he can realized what happened his back was kissing the hard stone pavement, Sasuke on top of him and a series of firing assaulted the silence of the night.
"Just what—!"
The blazing look of Sasuke's deep black orbs shut Naruto. The Uchiha examined his injury and then he breathe more freely. He then saw him pulled a gun. When the shooting ceased, the Uchiha lifted himself from the blonde.
"Stay beside me." He breathed. Naruto nodded nervously. He noticed his driver was already in his back, with a phone on his left and a gun in the right.
"Izumo, back me up."
The three of them seek shelter from the car as they stooped their bodies. Sasuke advanced and Naruto scooted after him, Izumo checking the clearance. The raven then inched upwards and pointed his gun from where the firing originated. They can't make out anything as it was dark and the rapidness of what just happened didn't help a bit. Sasuke has his attention focused on the place, but after a few minutes, sirens of police cars broke the silence.
It was Sasuke who spoke, "Come on." He grabbed Naruto's arm gently.
The policemen swarmed all over the scene. Two of them seek the raven.
"Sir." The two saluted and Sasuke did the same. "We received a phone call from Izumo-san. He said there—"
A pale hand stopped him from talking. "I'm going to make a report of it in the station. That's all I can give you."
The two seemed startled for a moment before they nodded. The other men in uniform were already scanning the place and questioning the two building securities.
"Sasuke..." Naruto softly called the raven. His left arm was stinging a bit and when he had touched it, he felt a slight scratch on the skin.
The Uchiha turned his attention to his blonde and clenched his jaw. Without a word, he dragged him to a black car parked not too far from them. It was not one of their own.
Sasuke threw the keys to Izumo and nodded grimly. The blonde was forced at the backseat, Sasuke following on his rear.
As soon as they sped off, the blonde said, "What just happened back there Sasuke? Fuck? Am I being targeted?"
Sasuke's glare was enough to burn Naruto. The blonde cowered and grimaced. It's too obvious that Sasuke will not talk to him any time soon. It was really his fault for not following his orders and now look at what happened. But the incident brought so many questions. Why did he get shot? Would he get killed any day from now? Who wanted him dead? His mind was full of thoughts that he was feeling dizzy already. His head fell on the raven's side but Sasuke didn't brush him off nor said anything. He just let the blonde use his shoulder for the time being.
Roughly fifteen minutes passed and they reached a bungalow house in an exclusive village. Sasuke opened the car and beckoned Naruto to follow him. As soon as they stepped inside, the blonde found himself pressed on the door, Sasuke hovering at him, the pale hands rested beside his head.
"What—?"
"You really are an idiot, Naruto." The Uchiha said in a deep, slow voice but there was menace dripping every word. The blonde attempted to explain, but he was already stuttering before he can say anything.
"At what rate will you stop driving me crazy, dobe?" The hardness was gone to be replaced by soft yet distressed tone. One hand travelled down to the side of his neck, slightly squeezing, seeking assurance that the tan guy is really okay.
The blonde was speechless. He felt his heart constrict. He gathered the courage to look at the dark eyes, there was more than concern filling them. As he was about to speak, Sasuke slowly descended his face unto him, aiming for his lips. Naruto can only close his eyes.
A/N: Reviews are being awaited.