Sasuke blinked his eyes a few times. 'Where…' His mind was a jumbled mess of confusion. He knew he was safe, in a comfy bed, but it took a few minutes to determine exactly where he was. 'I'm in my bed, my room…' He continued to mentally diagnose himself until he was able to focus on the room and a figure sitting in the arm chair in his room. 'Itachi…' The room was dark, it appeared to be dusk, or it was sunrise, either or, it didn't matter. Sasuke let out a small moan as he rolled onto his side. His back clicked and popped in several places, his muscles reminded him that lying dormant for too long wasn't approved. The side lamp popped on, Sasuke squinted at the sudden onslaught of light in the dark and Itachi came into view.

"Welcome back otouto," Itachi spoke softly, his eyes overseeing Sasuke's form.

"How long was I out for?" Sasuke rasped out. His throat felt like he swallowed a cheese grater.

"About 5 hours. How do you feel?"

"Like I'm the one who lost in a fight." Sasuke rubbed his eyes then slowly began to sit up, Itachi coming to his aid. Once settled against the head board, Sasuke eyed Itachi.

"What do you remember?" Itachi asked as he sat on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on Sasuke's forehead, testing his temperature.

Sasuke lightly slapped his hand away and huffed. "Pain."

Itachi checked Sasuke's forehead again, giving a low growl as a warning. Sasuke frowned, putting out his bottom lip in an almost pout while he allowed his brother to touch his forehead, his cheeks, then run a hand through his hair and ruffle it. Sasuke then threw both his hands up and started flapping his hands at Itachi like a pup playing with a string. Itachi chuckled as Sasuke huffed while trying to slap away Itachi's hand again.

"You suffered from a transformation that was disorderly." Itachi shook his head.

Sasuke turned his head, eyes wide at Itachi. "How…?"

"It wasn't easy, I had to enforce your wolf." Itachi watched Sasuke's expressions. Itachi had taught Sasuke all he knew about transformations and the dangers if you are not in control. Sasuke only transformed when he was forced to attend outings with the pack, therefore lacked full training, experience and of course, the full bonding with his wolf. Itachi sighed quietly to himself as he continued to watch Sasuke mull over what he had just heard.

Sasuke felt Itachi's eyes and he was hit with an invasion of guilt and remorse. He placed his face into his two hands, covering his eyes. He needed to not see the sorrow and disappointment in Itachi's eyes. Sasuke suddenly was overwhelmed with shame and felt he had dishonored his pack, anguish coming up his throat like bile and he hiccupped out a shaky sob. The mass emotions of disgust with himself of being a burden to his brother, his pack, had his eyes prickle with the promise of tears. He ground his teeth, trying to overcome the sudden emotional onslaught caused by his omega senses. He had caused his alpha to worry about his wellbeing, to be the disappointment of the pack and be the cause of the stress on his brother. The emotions continued to rip at his mental stability from his inner omega. 'I'm a failure! Not worthy! A burden to the pack! Good for nothing…' Sasuke couldn't hold it in anymore, thus, he wailed. He collapsed forward, his hands pulling at his hair, shoulders shaking as his sobs ripped through his lips, as he felt the onset of disappointment rip through his mental barriers like a flaming sword through paper. Tremors rippled through his body as he wailed, his sobs coming out in heavy breaths as they tried to expel faster than Sasuke could keep up. 'A burden…failure…hindrance…' his mind continued to abuse his self-worth as his skin shone with sweat and his body trembled with grief.

Strong arms suddenly wrapped around his body, a deep purr was rumbling through the air as Sasuke felt himself being lifted into a cloud of warmth. His hair was being stroked slowly, helping to release the pain pounding in his skull. His head was cradled to hear the loud soothing rumble of his alpha, his alpha's scent wrapped around him, holding him close, securing him and soothing the omega. Itachi rocked Sasuke in his arms, soothing him with his alpha sounds, brushing his fingers though the blue black locks and scenting the air. He murmured soothing words to Sasuke, till Sasuke's sobs and wails slowed to sporadic hiccups. Itachi looked down at Sasuke's tear stained face, noting his eyes were closed but he knew Sasuke was not asleep.

"Otouto…"

"Hmm?" Sasuke breathed out a slight response, still not opening his eyes. He was completely relaxed and surreal now, his body practically melting into a pile of goo.

"I'm so sorry. Sorry for pushing you, making demands when clearly you aren't ready…I – I just don't know what to do," Itachi whispered, his breath quivering. "I – I thought I was doing the best thing, but I have truly failed." Itachi closed his eyes as he rested a cheek on Sasuke's head and inhaled deeply the scent of his precious otouto. "If only you could understand how your wolf is a part of you, if you would just listen to it, let it in… I don't understand why you are so defiant towards it."

Sasuke opened his eyes. His hand reached up and touched Itachi's hair, giving him a gentle pat. Itachi moved his head as Sasuke shifted to sit cross legged in front of Itachi. He grabbed Itachi's cheeks and forced him to look into his eyes. Itachi could see the red rimmed eyes from tears, slightly puffy but the pupils focusing on him.

"You have never failed in my life Itachi," Sasuke spoke firm, "you are the strong one and I have been foolish. Don't ever think that you are a failure." Itachi gave a small weak smile as he looked into Sasuke's eyes. Sasuke leaned his forehead onto Itachi's. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath he whispered, "I don't know how nii-san, bonding I mean, how do I know it won't take over my mind and I lose who I am?"

Itachi's looked at Sasuke's face, feeling surprised that he would question the process. But it made sense. Sasuke was scared. He thought back. Had he ever explained how the bonding goes and what to expect? He doesn't think so…they were so focused on suppressing and masking the omega status within Sasuke, bonding was just…forgotten. With all the other training, Itachi had failed his little brother in the most important area, bonding. He felt an itching of guilt twinge his heart.

"I don't want to lose control of who I am nii-san."

"Sasuke. Your wolf is an entity that is a part of who you are," Itachi explained as he stroked Sasuke's hair. "It is there for guidance, companionship and security, to name a few. There is nothing to be afraid of, I promise."

Sasuke leaned back, opening his eyes and focusing on Itachi's pure dark pupils. "Teach me to bond with my wolf. Fully," he gave out a strong huff, indicating his seriousness. "But I'm not stopping the suppressants. I – I don't…can't let father know. I'm not weak but – but I know he would never accept my omega status." Sasuke's voice dropped to a whisper.

"You don't know for sure Sasuke." Itachi hoped that someday Sasuke may tell their father, but, now isn't the time for that. "For the record, you were never weak." Itachi pulled Sasuke in for a squeezing hug. Sasuke endured it for several seconds until he began to flop his hands against Itachi to let him free. Itachi chuckled and released Sasuke, who was giving him a mocking glare. "Go shower otouto, then come down to eat. We get started on your training tonight!" Itachi rubbed Sasuke's hair and slipped out of the room, he had a smile on his face and felt lighter than he had in years.

-intermission-

Training to bond was hard. Sasuke was mentally and physically exhausted every night for the past few weeks. Between uni, work, studying and the task of mentally and physically bonding with his wolf, Sasuke found himself passed out by 9 pm every night that he didn't work. And he had not even worked much, as Itachi felt that bonding and education was much more important. So with constant meditation and hot yoga, some new age technique Itachi felt worked wonders, there was the physical aspect of training, where Sasuke needed to concentrate on his transformations. During their trips, Sasuke would often painfully go through the transformation because it was expected of him. Because mentally he did not want to transform, the technique would always be riddled with pain throughout. Meditating to mentally bond, then concentrating on that mental bond to do the physical conversion was definitely harder than one may think. With several trial and error attempts, physical and mental fatigue for several weeks, Sasuke was finally in a better place mentally and physically by December.

Itachi wandered into a sitting room where Sasuke was sitting in a large arm chair, wrapped in a blanket, open book in his lap and gazing out the window. Itachi smiled, for he knew that was Sasuke's favorite sitting spot. Itachi then frowned as Sasuke absent-mindedly rubbed a spot on his shoulder. Itachi knew what that spot was. The mark left as a reminder of when Sasuke was lost to his pack. A dark and sad time for Itachi as he desperately tried to locate his otouto. Itachi shook his head as he walked towards Sasuke.

"Uh oh, I know that look," Sasuke smirked at Itachi.

Itachi stopped and his eyes widened. He then looked to the side and faked hurt. "How could you think that I have something to hide otouto?" Itachi whined his voice and gave a little pout, placing his fist over his heart, "oh how you pain me! Always doubting me!" Itachi placed the back of his hand on his forehead, dipping his head back, closing his eyes and faking sobs.

"Oh please nii-san," Sasuke rolled his eyes and chuckled slightly, "don't be such a drama queen. What is it you have to say?"

Itachi laughed and walked to stand at the big bay window. "We have an event to attend. The annual holiday gathering of clan members, council members and others," he explained while staring out the window. "Naturally, I'm expected to be there, and I would like you to accompany me." Itachi turned to watch his brother's reaction.

Sasuke gauged Itachi's face. Sasuke was familiar with the events, having attended a very small handful of gatherings in the past couple years, but they were often of small size, mostly council. Sasuke attended to get a grasp of the political aspect of the communities as well to meet a handful of other younger clan members. Ones that were closer to his age. Itachi had kept his meeting others to a strict age limit as well only a small number. They could not risk any of the elder clan and council members discovering Sasuke's secret, they would never understand. Itachi figures the newest generation of werewolves would have a better understanding of Sasuke's situation if he was ever discovered. "Should be no issues nii-san. I will attend." Sasuke got up from his seat and stood beside Itachi, looking out at the season. "Should be no problem at all."

============================XOXOXO============================

The grand hotel was dazzled out in Christmas directions on every inch of the place. Twinkling lights lit up the night sky in an array of green, red and whites, laced on every bush, tree and corner of the building. Light sounding music played through speakers hidden well within the foliage, classical Christmas music playing 24-7 to embed the Christmas spirit. Inside the grand hotel within the large lobby, a 20 foot tree stood tall and proud with its lights and glittering decorations. The tree was the pinnacle of the room. People would stare, with smiles and mouths open admiring the beauty and grandeur. Couples and families would have their pictures with it. It truly was a spectacle.

Naruto had made his way into the hotel with Tsunade about an hour ago, dressed sharply in his black tux, complete with matching tie and pocket square. His colours matched Tsunade's dress, as he was her successor and they were from the same clan. His hair was styled in a respectable waved position, the far cry from his fluffy untamed sunshine locks he usually wore on a daily basis. Naruto had fawned over himself after he had got ready at Tsunade's home. He stood at a mirror, admiring "how hot" he looked and asking Tsunade over and over if he really did look this good. She finally bopped his head and told him if he didn't get into the car that he would be spending his time babysitting the pups instead of being with the adults. Naruto felt good walking into the grand hotel with Tsunade on his arm as he led her to the grand ball room where the gathering of the clan heads, council members and random others were. He practically thought that he could handle anything at this gathering, he felt that good. 'Look good, then you feel good, he would grin to himself at this thought, while admiring himself in a mirror.' As he stayed connected to Tsunade, as it was expected of him, while they made their rounds, speaking to every clan head and council member, Naruto began to get bored. His good feelings turned into sluggish monotony and he was finding it increasingly difficult to be able to continue to smile and bow respectively to clan heads. His eyes found no comfort in glancing around the room to entertain himself, as it was just as festive in this room as anywhere else around the hotel. Naruto let out a suppressed sigh as he waited for Tsunade to finish chatting with yet another wrinkled legislator, or leader or baby-kisser or whatever! He couldn't recall what the old man's position was, but he wasn't in a position to care at this point.

"And this is my successor, Naruto Uzumaki." Tsunade touched Naruto's hand with her own to get his attention. Naruto turned his head to focus on who he was supposed to be greeting.

"Pleasure," Naruto responded politely and tilted his head in a short respectable bow.

The elder gentleman gave a short nod, indicating and accepting Naruto's respectful greeting. "Naruto-kun. Such a pleasure to meet you, Tsunade-sama here had spoken many times in meetings regarding you. I've heard great things."

Naruto gave a polite smile. "Thank you sir, I look forward to meeting with you again in the future."

Tsunade gave a smile and turned on Naruto's arm and whispered in his ear. Naruto nodded and directed them towards the bar. Naruto gave a small sigh of relief, mentally thanking whatever great force there was for allowing him to have a breather. The room was overrun with the scents of alphas and betas. The odd omega was about, usually on the arm of their mate or an employee for the hotel. Omegas that worked were not a common site. Omegas were expected to stay at their home, whether that be with their parents or their mate. Naruto mentally snorted. He hated how old lifestyles were still practiced. This was the 21st century for fucks sakes!

Naruto sat down at the bar, grateful to be able to sit for a bit when he felt a solid hand clutch his shoulder. Naruto let out a smile as he knew that scent. "Gaara," Naruto spoke with mirth in his voice as he turned around in his chair towards the palm on his shoulder.

Gaara gave a half smile and a twinkle in his green eyes as he nodded at Naruto and took a seat beside him. "Good to see you Naruto. I wasn't sure if you were going to be here today. Finally taking in the important side to pack leadership?" He let out a small chuckle.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Man, these events are simply amazing daw-ling," Naruto mimicked a poor southern accent in a sing song voice while flicking his wrist, "faw-bulous company, I certainly cannot wait till the games begin daw-ling!" Naruto let out a snicker and Gaara just snorted with a smirk. "Seriously, I don't know how people handle this!" Naruto outstretched his arm, flaring it out to motion the entire room. He grabbed his drink and took a gulp.

"Best to get a hold of what goes on here Naruto, so you won't be surprised in the long run," Gaara added while ordering a drink. Naruto just raised a brow at him and let out a snort. "So, how's things?"

Naruto sucked in his bottom lip and placed his drink down gently on the bar. His fingers lightly traced the condensation on the side of the glass as Naruto's eyes watched the drops fall, he focused on the beverage inside the glass for a moment before taking a breath and glancing at Gaara. "The pack is great, things are going well for everyone…"

Gaara tilted his head, his eyes watching Naruto appear to struggle with his next words. 'Naruto having troubles finding the right words? That's interesting…'

"I'm doing alright in uni, solid B average I'm sure and work is awesome." Naruto continued to stroke the sides of his glass unconsciously, his eyes wandering from the glass to Gaara to the glass again. He then raised his hand and raked it through his golden locks, causing the neat style to now be razzed. Naruto realized what he did when he pulled his hand away quickly, "ah shit…"and he gave a half assed smile. He took in a deep breath, his shoulders raising as he did so before letting it out again and appeared to be slumping in his seat.

"Naruto?" Gaara asked attentively.

"Ah, nothing," he finally let out with a smile, "tell me more about what's been happening with you."

Gaara focused his gaze on Naruto, he knew that Naruto wasn't telling it all, but Gaara wasn't one to push. "Hn, nothing new but political parties and bullshit."

Naruto let out a hearty chuckle. "Seriously, how's your brother and sister?"

"Doing well. They are busy with their own political parties and packs."

Naruto eyes widened. "Woah, time flies." He ran a hand through his hair again, his face looking shocked at the news. "Seems like the times are changing all around, not the same pups around like the ones I grew up with." He leaned against the bar, leaning his head into his one hand, eyes glancing up at the ceiling as he exhaled a long breath.

Gaara tipped his glass up to Naruto, "here's to us then." He then tipped it back and finished the drink off, placing the empty glass on the bar top.

========================XOXOXOXO======================

Sasuke stepped out of the car, right behind Itachi, as they arrived at the hotel hosting the gathering. Sasuke scrunched his nose at all the Christmas lights and twinkling decorations. 'Seriously over commercialized.' He walked along side Itachi as they made their way indoors, acknowledging the vast Christmas tree with a glance before walking into the ballroom. Both brothers made their entrance cloaked in their black tuxes, trimmed to fit perfectly in all the right places. Their ties and pocket squares matching in their clan colour of blood red, their faces holding impassive looks, their large dark eyes intimidating yet their skin looked of unblemished marble that drew in looks of desire from many men and women who looked.

Itachi immediately moved about the room smoothly, as he glided from guest to guest, making small talk and motioning to his brother every so often. Sasuke, always held his expressions placid, keeping eye contact and nodding at appropriate times. He grabbed a flute of white wine when a server passed, his eyes flickering to the server briefly before focusing back on his brother and the elder. He knew that the server was an omega and he felt irritated as he watched alphas harass the server. Some sneered at the omega and appeared to try and dominate, others touched, pinched or grabbed areas that certainly weren't appropriate in Sasuke's thoughts. Sasuke turned quickly when he heard a sudden gasp from the omega server and the sound of a tray hitting the floor. Sasuke looked around others to see the omega on his knees trying to pick up the fallen flutes, the tray and wipe up the spill.

"Stupid shit, watch where you are going!" An older alpha, dressed in a black suit snarled at the omega quivering on the floor trying to gather the mess up. "Fucking omega, should be at home taking care of the house, not working," the elder alpha grumbled out while giving a short kick to the omega's thigh. It wasn't hard enough to bruise, but the intention was to make the omega feel inferior. Sasuke's anger flared at the obvious intent of domination that the elder alpha was demonstrating on the omega and he stepped forward.

"Hey asshole, what the hell is your problem?!"

Sasuke stopped his movement. He knew that voice. His eyes scanned the area and fell upon a golden head of hair stomping through the crowd of onlookers and getting directly into the face of the elder alpha that made a ruckus.

"Insolence! How dare you talk to me that way!" the elder alpha puffed up his chest and glared at Naruto. The elder alpha's eyes flared yellow at Naruto, warning him to back off. Naruto did not back down.

"You have got some nerve treating him like that!" Naruto pointed to the omega who was still trying to quickly clean up the mess. "What kind of alpha are you to treat others with such disrespect?! People like you make me sick!" Naruto spit out and brushed by the elder alpha, knocking his shoulder against his. He then knelt down beside the quivering omega who was having troubles picking up the mess due to his shaking body. "Hey, hey, are you okay?" Naruto asked the omega calmly as he picked up a couple flutes for the omega. The omega meekly nodded his head, not making eye contact with Naruto and fumbled to get the flutes on the tray, along with the sopping wet towels. "Let me help you, its alright, accidents happen right?" Naruto grabbed the omega's elbow and helped him to his feet. The omega bowed towards Naruto and quickly spun around, making his way through the crowd to the kitchen. Naruto turned and glared at the elder alpha. "Being a bully doesn't gain you respect and where I come from…"

"How dare you speak to me in such a manner!" the elder alpha spat out, "I will have your title for this, you…you…"

"Enough!" A loud voice boomed out. People shushed immediately and gasped at the same time. Tsunade came waltzing through the crowd and stood between Naruto and the elder alpha. The elder alpha growled at Tsunade, bearing his displeasure for her interrupting. Naruto huffed behind Tsunade. Tsunade threw a quick glare at Naruto and bared her teeth before turning back towards the elder alpha.

"Danzo-sama, please excuse my grandson, he is in training and still learning about the roles of others. I promise he will be reminded thoroughly of his place after this event." Tsunade glanced back at Naruto again, giving him a glare, which caused him to gulp and step back slightly. "Come, lets go meet with the syndicates that just arrived from overseas." Tsunade grabbed Danzo's elbow and gently led him away from Naruto. Naruto eyed Tsunade and Danzo as they turned away and he continued to glare at the elder alpha's back, letting out a snort.

"Always making a spectacle of yourself. Some things never change."

Naruto huffed and turned to look at Gaara, who was holding a drink out to him. Naruto nodded at his friend and took the drink. "Those old farts really piss me off when they think they can bully any omega around them. Their ways of thinking make me embarrassed to be an alpha leader."

Gaara hummed in agreement and took a swallow of his drink. "A good reason to start educating yourself on the views of political thinkings in council. Those old ones won't be around forever and who do you think is going to step up to take their places?" Gaara lifted an eyebrow and quirked his lips at Naruto.

Naruto stood silent. He appeared to be focused on a thought. Gaara snickered and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder to break the spell. Naruto looked at Gaara, blue eyes suddenly vibrant and practically sparkling. His face broke out into a huge grin.

"Your right! Holy shit your so right! No time like the present to get started eh?" Naruto patted Gaara on the back, "lets go chat some more about this." Naruto stepped through the crowd, Gaara following behind him.

Sasuke watched the blond blend into the crowd, now more curious about Naruto Uzumaki, as he had heard the entire exchange. Itachi floated up to Sasuke's side. "Well that was interesting. The most excitement I've seen here in years," Itachi let out a soft snicker. Sasuke looked at Itachi, his eyes questioning his comment. "What? I'm serious. These gatherings are horrendous for their entertainment values. The most action that happens at these gatherings is people drink to much. Considering our line of business, that's hardly entertaining, wouldn't you say otouto?" Itachi mused as he took a sip of his drink. Sasuke nodded and turned his head to watch where Naruto blended into the crowd. "Come otouto, we have several others to greet." Sasuke hummed in response, turning to follow Itachi into the crowd.

-intermission-

Naruto stood near the dance floor, watching the elders continuously waltz through an array of classical music. He held back a yawn. He was so bored. He spent about an hour or so with Gaara, going over roles, responsibilities, classes and tutoring ideas, then he was called back to duty with Tsunade, meeting members from overseas and such. More bowing, smiling and pretending you are pleased to meet them and to be working with them in the future. Naruto cringed at the thought of working with the shallow minded elders who appeared to be afraid of change. Naruto giggled to himself. Now he knew what Tsunade was talking about, when asked about why she wasn't on council. Naruto glanced up at the dance floor again, it looked as if the classical stuff wasn't going to end anytime soon. He needed some air if he was going to stay awake. He headed to the patio doors situated on the other side of the room.

Naruto stepped out into the cool night air, closing the patio doors behind him softly. There was no one else out on the patio, 'perfect' he thought to himself. The patio was rather large with green vines shading the corners and a sitting table for two in each shadowed corner. Though the green vines were not green this time of year, they still were full vines from years of growth. Naruto took a deep breath, releasing his heated breath that turned to white mist when expelled into the cold air. Naruto smiled to himself as he moved to the railing that separated the patio from the back garden of the hotel. The Christmas lights flickered around the foliage, light Christmas music could be heard drifting up through the air, and Naruto focused on the moon. It was a clear night and the moon shone in its glory down on the garden. A scent moved across his nose. Naruto's eyes widened suddenly as he inhaled deeply. He knew this scent. Alpha, earthy and always laced with anger. "Sasuke," he spoke softly to himself. He turned, noting that there was still no one on the patio. His eyes turned back, overlooking the garden. He squinted and leaned far over the railing, as his nose chased the scent. 'He's in there, I'm sure of it!' Naruto jumped the railing and trudged across the frosted brown grass into the gardens.

Sasuke wandered slowly through the rows of brush and empty flower beds, his hands shoved in his pockets. He needed to clear his mind, get away from the overwhelming thrums of people and scents. His inner wolf was content, having now bonded with Sasuke. The constant mental discomfort, physical pain in the form of headaches, migraines, nose bleeds and constant aches in his muscles and joints is finally no more. He took in deep breaths, admiring the glow of the moon and wondered to himself how come he didn't bond before. When one comes of age, the person will bond with their wolf within the first week. He ran a hand through his hair, wondering why he was ever so afraid of bonding. He took a deep breath as he felt his anxiety finally ease off. He certainly wasn't expecting to come across an old acquaintance at this gathering. Sasuke had froze and felt the goosebumps develop on his arms when his eyes locked on Orochimaru at the other side of the ballroom, who was holding a flute of wine, and animatedly talking to council member Danzo. The man still carries the title as a renowned scientist and researcher within the clans, though rumors were constantly spread about his "research" work on werewolf biology. Though the rumors were always just that, rumors. No one could prove that Orochimaru did any harm towards the werewolf species, or any others, and many still went to him today for cures, medicines and advice. He was highly respected with many clan heads and was often still called upon by heads and officials for his medical consultations. Sasuke just shook his head at the thought. Though Sasuke did go to him during his rebellious stage, the time was still blank. Sasuke recalled running to him, desperate to seal away the wolf within him since he couldn't expel it. He rubbed his arms as he recalled the memory, willing away the guilt and goosebumps that formed. He felt his inner wolf release senses to sooth and relax him. Sasuke exhaled heavy, embracing the comforting sensations his wolf released. He stopped at a frozen pond and admired the beauty of the glass like ice.

Naruto hesitated as Sasuke came into his site. He could see that Sasuke was in deep thought, as his form stood at the frozen pond. The moon caressed Sasuke's form, giving him a delicate glow of beauty, that had Naruto gasp. His black locks shone in the moonlight, flickering highlights of deep blue when his hair moved in the slight breeze. Naruto's absorbed Sasuke's form, burning it into his memory, as he was afraid to move. Afraid that if he moved, Sasuke would bolt like a startled deer, never to be seen again. Naruto inhaled and caught Sasuke's scent. That deep earthy scent that verified his strength and gave Naruto goosebumps. The anger was laced within, but also with…with anxiety? Naruto's wolf quivered with unease, feeling the questionable trouble of emotions coming from Sasuke. Naruto watched the small puffs of air coming from Sasuke's lips and decided to make himself known. He stepped forward, slowly, but with enough noise to inform Sasuke of his presence.

Sasuke's chin suddenly tipped up as he caught the noise coming from behind him. His senses on sudden high alert. His wolf tripped his senses to bolt if it was danger, readied itself to hightail it out of there if it was someone that Sasuke did not want to see. He whipped his body around, tense and ready, to find brilliant blond hair and a robust body wrapped in a strapping black tux that perfectly highlighted the strong and brawny areas. Sasuke let out a gasp, as he had not expected Naruto to be so…built? before relaxing and then tensing up for a perfectly different reason, other than bolting. He felt his wolf release a suggestive emotion and Sasuke mentally rolled his eyes. He kept his charcoal black eyes focused on Naruto, his face placid as he waited to see what the blond alpha was going to say.

Naruto locked eyes with Sasuke and let out a smile. He stopped walking towards Sasuke when Sasuke motioned a step back, indicating that Naruto was close enough. Naruto took the hint well. He didn't want to appear as a threat to Sasuke, so he stopped and shoved his hands in his pockets, tilted his head and spoke, "evening Sasuke." He had not seen Sasuke for several weeks since the incident at the university. Though Naruto had been back to the bar a few times, Sasuke had not been working and Itachi wasn't giving a single hint of where Sasuke was or when he was returning. Naruto didn't even see Sasuke at campus, though he did try and seek him out, but to no avail. He did not let that worry him though, he knew he would find Sasuke soon enough, and here he was. He then faintly took in Sasuke's scent. The anxiety was no longer there, and Naruto relaxed. At least he didn't have to worry about Sasuke bolting at this moment. "So, how you been?" he asked while rocking on his heels, his hands now clasped behind him.

Sasuke stared at Naruto, assessing him carefully. He inhaled the scent of Naruto; alpha, fresh air and citrus like, laced with a tranquil feeling. Sasuke felt himself calming as Naruto radiated warmth. His wolf purred and rolled around in agreement. "As well as one could be at an event like this," he responded carefully, still not sure what to make of Naruto's quieter demure. It seemed so unlike him to be… quiet, for lack of a better word.

Naruto beamed a brilliant smile back at Sasuke. "Yeah, I hear ya! These gatherings can be so stuffy! It's a wonder how the elders can stay standing straight and awake for so long! I found myself aging faster the longer I stood there!" Naruto chuckled.

Sasuke felt the corners of his mouth twitch in a smile. 'The idiot is right about that!' he mentally chuckled. "Hn," Sasuke responded nonchalantly.

Naruto quickly assessed Sasuke. Calm, relaxed and appeared to be in a relatively good mood, despite the light scent of anger around him. "Say, Sasuke, would you…" Naruto suddenly worried at his bottom lip, his one hand went straight to the back of his neck and his fingers curled at his hair, threading it constantly through his fingers. It was obvious he was nervous, as his eyes went to the ground then back up to Sasuke and down again. "Would you like to, like…umm…" Damn it! What the hell is wrong with you?! Naruto mentally cursed himself. His heart rate sped up like he was running a marathon. He felt his forehead release a slight sweat and suddenly his collar was to tight. He glanced up at Sasuke who was giving him a questionable look. He pulled his one hand down hard and wiped his palms on his pants slightly, trying not to attract attention to what he was doing. "Would you like togoforlunchwithme?" Naruto tumbled out of his mouth and he suddenly let out a big sigh. Sasuke's eye widened with confusion as he moved back half a step, he was suddenly cautious.

"Want to try that again dobe?" Sasuke responded, slight humour in his voice, trying to defuse the confusion as he smirked at him. He felt his wolf let out a mental shiver of amusement. Yes, his wolf was amused of the proud alpha. Sasuke found himself amused more while in the presence of this loud-mouthed blond, and attractive, alpha. Sasuke mentally whipped his wolf for suddenly bringing that thought up, not amused right now!

Naruto ran a hand through his hair this time. He inhaled deeply, hands clenched at his sides briefly, then he brought his brilliant cobalt eyes to lock onto Sasuke's deep depth coal coloured ones. Sasuke inhaled suddenly, the essence of confidence stemming off Naruto, mentally smacked him back.

"Sasuke, would you please join me for lunch?" Naruto managed to speak clear and firm. His blue eyes watching Sasuke, waiting for a response.

Sasuke just stared at the blue eyes, his face remained an emotionless marble, as the moonlight reflected off his skin. His wolf shuddered suddenly, as if pushing Sasuke to make a move. Sasuke blinked and resurfaced his thoughts on what Naruto had just asked. 'Lunch? With this idiot? Um…' Sasuke suddenly found himself in a position that he wasn't familiar with, uncertainty. He was hesitating, which was also unlike him and he found himself breathing quickly to offset the unfamiliarity of the situation. "Lunch? With you?" he decided to answer the question with a question to buy himself some time. He felt his wolf rub his sensory areas, sending shivers of…anticipation? Sasuke wasn't to familiar yet with all the sensory areas his wolf gave off. 'Give me a break! Give me time to get it!' Sasuke mentally scolded his wolf.

Naruto smiled softly, his eyes gentle as he stepped towards Sasuke. "Well, yeah! I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want it to be with me!" He stopped again, thrusting one hand in a pocket and the other through his hair as he waited for Sasuke's answer.

Sasuke felt a blush cross his nose. He mentally smiled to himself, his wolf urging and pushing these new emotions to the surface. He lowered his gaze to the ground, having his hair cover the top half of his face, too embarrassed of the rising heat in his cheeks and the fluttering in his stomach. 'Jee-zuz! Calm the fuck down! What is wrong with me!?' Sasuke bit the inside of his cheek to get control. He took a hard breath and brought his chin up firm and focused his gaze at Naruto. His heart suddenly clenched painfully as he felt bile rise to his throat, a sudden flash of anxiety struck his system and he fought to keep breathing normally. He suddenly hardened his eyes while staring at Naruto, "that's funny, I'm pretty sure I told you I'm to much for you. Your better off chasing those who will roll over at the call of a whistle." He smirked hard at Naruto, but inside his wolf was grieving.

Naruto frowned at Sasuke's response. Did he read him wrong? He was sure that just a moment ago Sasuke was certainly going to accept. He inhaled the sudden anxiety that came from Sasuke. 'What the? Did I say something wrong?' Naruto racked his brain, going over their conversation.

"Sasuke-kun. How good to see you again," came a deep sugary sounding voice from behind Naruto.

Naruto raised his eyebrows and turned to see a tall slender man coming from the shadows. His hair was black and long, matching his long face, his skin was pale with dull yellow eyes and he licked his fake smiling lips as he strode towards the two boys. Naruto suddenly shuddered at the appearance of this man and his wolf rubbed off a mental warning call. The man looked at Naruto and gave a small smile.

"Oh so sorry for interrupting! And you are?" The pale man stopped by Naruto and tilted his head in question.

Naruto quickly glanced at Sasuke, who appeared suspended and tense. His eyes remained hard and uncaring, lips tight and standoffish. Naruto raised a brow at this Sasuke who suddenly replaced the softer at ease Sasuke whom he was talking to not a minute ago. 'Wonder what this man is to him?' Naruto looked back at the elderly man and gave a shallow bow, "Naruto Uzumaki sir, pleasure to meet you. And you are?"

"Uzumaki-kun! Ah Tsunade's successor. Pleasure indeed! I am Orochimaru Sanin. Long time acquaintance of Tsunade. I've heard about you and expect great things indeed from you." Orochimaru's eyes squinted shut as he licked his lips into a smile, folding his hands together in front of him. Naruto mentally shuddered.

"Thank you for the kind words sir, I look forward to working with you in the future," Naruto politely purred out in practice and gave a small bow again.

Orochimaru turned towards Sasuke, brushing off Naruto. "Sasuke-kun, how have you been? I haven't seen you for some time." He began to walk towards Sasuke, who didn't move and kept his dark eyes fixed on Orochimaru's face as he stopped inches from him.

Naruto watched the sudden interaction and noted that Sasuke appeared frigid, almost lifeless while Orochimaru got into his personal bubble.

"I have been well Orochimaru-sama, thank you for asking," Sasuke responded giving a small nod of his head. He remained in an austere state.

"How I have so missed our…conversations, Sasuke-kun," Orochimaru pulled one of his fingers up to Sasuke's cheek and ran a fingertip down to Sasuke's jawline, "perhaps you can drop by soon and we can…catch up? Certainly there is some excitement or good news…you would like to share?" Orochimaru licked his lips as he trailed the back of his hand up the other side of Sasuke's face and up the opposite cheek. Sasuke stood perfectly still, his eyes focused on Orochimaru's face.

Naruto had had enough. He grit his teeth hard. "Sasuke and I were just heading back to the party Orochimaru-sama. Care to accompany us?" Naruto spoke up clear and forceful, this situation did not sit right with him at all, and his wolf agreed as it mentally paced, huffing and grunting in frustration. He moved slightly closer to Sasuke, his eyes focused on Orochimaru.

Orochimaru clicked his tongue while bringing his hand back down away from Sasuke's face to rest with his other hand, lacing his fingers together and covering them with his long jacket sleeves. "Ah, I was just getting ready to leave when I had seen Sasuke-kun here. I just wanted to portray my season's greetings to him, as it has been some time since I had last seen him." Orochimaru turned to Naruto, "and seasons greetings to you as well Uzumaki-kun." Orochimaru then gave a nod and began to walk back towards the hotel. Naruto let out a long breath and felt his hands release, his palms tingling as his nails had left crescent moon shapes in his skin. He didn't realize his hands were clenched so tight. He watched the back of Orochimaru to ensure he was indeed heading back to the hotel before turning back to Sasuke. His scent was that of anger and frustration, his face was still rigid, his jaw stiff and eyes cold and hard.

"Sasuke? Are you okay?" Naruto shuffled slightly to face Sasuke more, watching for any reaction and being careful not to get into his personal space.

Sasuke blinked suddenly and turned to look at Naruto. He saw the concern in the blue eyes and instantly felt vulnerable. He despised the feeling instantly. 'Fuck!' Sasuke harbored his vulnerability and grasped the anger he felt of himself and brought it up front to feed from it. He ground his teeth and began to glare at Naruto. "I'm fine!" he spat out at Naruto and began to walk towards the hotel.

"Wait, Sasuke!" Naruto reached out and grabbed Sasuke by the wrist. Sasuke whipped his head back, his eyes flashing red, promising pain and fury, thus Naruto let go quickly. "Hey…hey, I get it, your okay," Naruto held his hands up in surrender, "about lunch…"

"No." And with that, Sasuke spun on his heel and stormed off towards the hotel, leaving Naruto stunned and gaping after him.

Naruto watched Sasuke fade into the shadows, his mouth hanging open, his body frozen on the spot and his eyes wide with confusion. "What just happened?" Naruto said aloud and scratched his scalp suddenly, trying to put the puzzling pieces together. He lowered his eyes as he thought about where they were at, then when that creepy elder showed up and now this. He was sure that Sasuke was going to say yes to a lunch, but… Naruto shook his head hard. He would figure it out but needed to be in a better frame of mind. He hoped that Tsunade was finished and they could leave. Suddenly he was very tired. He would find Sasuke in a better mood again, perhaps at the bar and ask him out again. He wasn't about to give up just yet. He smiled to himself and made his way back to the hotel.

Sasuke headed straight for the bar when he reentered the ballroom. His anger radiated from him and several persons stepped out of his way, giving him wide girth. He ordered a straight up scotch and did not hesitate to slam it back then motion for another.

"Can't appreciate the full flavor if you just let it bypass all the sensory areas," a deep silk voice resonated from behind him.

"Fuck off Gaara," Sasuke spat out before downing another scotch.

"Hn. Just saying there are better drinks to use for what your questing for," he smirked and sat down at the bar, glancing at his own scotch and rocks.

Sasuke chose not to answer. He signaled for another scotch, but this time gazed at the liquid in his glass for a moment.

"He get to you yet?" Gaara asked while swirling his ice in his glass a bit before taking a sip. He didn't look in Sasuke's direction, but he knew he was heard.

Sasuke didn't respond. He continued to examine the contents of his glass, appearing deep in thought.

"You may not want it to happen, but it just does. You seen what happened tonight. That's him in a nutshell. He will be unforgotten now. Unforgotten by everyone that was involved, everyone that had seen, hell…even the ones that hear the story. It can be a blessing and a curse. There will be those out there that want to harm him because of what he is, but…because of those who care about him for what he is, they will protect him." Gaara took another swig of his drink, "until next time, be well." Sasuke looked up at Gaara when he stood from his stool, Gaara nodded and walked away.

"Well done otouto, the night is finally over." Itachi came from the other side and took a seat beside Sasuke. He focused on Sasuke closely, "has something happened?"

"Orochimaru spoke to me," Sasuke replied quietly.

Itachi growled lowly and ground his teeth. He knew of the man and his reputation, his ability to show his expertise of werewolf species to the clan heads and politicians to gain their respect and approval. And of course, he knew of the rumors about the dark side of his so called expertise and how there is no evidence of his dark experimental ways. Though after finding Sasuke in the state he was in and knowing Sasuke was with him, Itachi would never trust Orochimaru ever. He didn't need hard evidence. "What did he want," Itachi spit out quietly through his clenched teeth.

"He wanted to catch up some time," Sasuke forced out the sickening words to his brother, "making like we were old friends, since Naruto was with me."

Itachi's eyes widened. 'Well, thank goodness for that. Guess I'll owe that pup a thank you later.' Itachi let out a breath of relief.

"He left after Naruto said something about going back to the party. I was frozen nii-san, I couldn't move, I'm still so fucking weak!" Sasuke squeezed the glass he was holding and clenched his other hand into a fist, shaking it slightly as he spat out his feelings of disgust. He hung his head, hiding his eyes as they squeezed shut and he panted heavily through clenched teeth.

Itachi placed a hand on his shoulder, giving Sasuke a squeeze. He leaned in close to Sasuke's ear whispering harshly, "you're not weak otouto! Stop beating yourself up! Things take time." Itachi squeezed his shoulder again before standing, "it's time to head home."

Sasuke took a few deep breaths, willing himself to calm down. His wolf pawed at him mentally, concerned about the sudden onslaught of anxiety. Sasuke smiled to himself and mentally thanked his wolf for the concern. He stood and followed Itachi through the crowd heading for the exit, as twinkling blue eyes watched his retreat.