The days were still cold, sometimes there would be a light dusting of snow in the morning but it was usually gone by late afternoon. Naruto strolled down the streets, passing several shops decorated fully with red, pink and whites. The season of love covered every corner of the shops and down every street. Not to mention, his own home! The women at home were giggling and flittering around the house adding pink and red hearts on all surfaces it seemed! Baking heart shaped cakes, making cupcakes and chocolate molds of cupids and arrows, Naruto was so done. Don't get him wrong, he enjoyed the sweets, but the women going on about what they hope shows up to them on the big love day was making him want to skip town. But, thankfully, Naruto started to think about his own plight and decided he needed to head out and pick out his next gift. He had a few in mind but had a plan on how and what to present. Can't rush these things now. He felt his wolf nudge his inner satisfaction as Naruto continued to practically skip down the sidewalk.

Carrying a small bag in one hand with the items required for his next project, and a few other things for the house in another bag in the other hand, Naruto shuffled his way down the sidewalk to his jeep. Tossing the articles into the passenger seat of his jeep, Naruto felt his wolf give a shudder of excitement suddenly. Naruto hesitated, focusing on the sensations raising the hair on his arms. 'Hmm.. nothing to worry about, but what could it be that…' Naruto stood up straight, looking over the top of his jeep and happened to notice a familiar tuff of styled black hair reflecting in the sun, giving a blue highlight, stepping into a coffee shop right across the street! 'Hot damn! Sasuke! Maybe I can buy him a coffee!' Naruto ran his fingers through his hair and smoothed out his jacket. He quickly looked at his reflection in the window and smiled, focusing on his teeth. He took a deep breath and then finally headed around his jeep to cross the street. His wolf vibrated with anticipation, making Naruto feel like a giddy school boy. 'Down boy, you know how he is. Relax!' Naruto mentally scolded his wolf as he trotted across the street and walked down the sidewalk. His heartbeat suddenly began to flutter as he came to the coffee shop door. He stopped suddenly, hand stationary on the door handle, and took a few deep breaths. He had no idea why he was suddenly so nervous. 'Okay, lets do this!' He pulled the door open and stepped inside.

The coffee shop was not overly busy, a few customers in line and about half the tables and booths were used. Naruto ran his eyes quickly over the small shop, the large windows giving the space a natural light and homey feel. The décor was made to be a vintage shop type, complete with red brick wall, distressed looking wood panels giving the impression of being inside a barn, wooden signs with words of wisdom painted on them and antique looking chairs at the tables. The atmosphere was to portray a quiet country place. Naruto hummed appreciatively to himself, it did give off a relaxed vibe. Naruto's eyes found his target, tucked away in a corner by one of the large front windows, sitting at a quaint small square table with two chairs. His head was tilted down looking at an open book laid on the table top. Naruto smiled as he focused on the black haired beauty. His face was sculpted to enhance his lined chin and the slope of his nose blended well with his cheek bones. His blue black hair fell at the perfect length around his face, highlighting his cheek bones and chin. His neck was sleek and just the right length to show a hint of the marble smooth skin peeking out from his jacket collar. Naruto found himself daydreaming of nuzzling his nose into that collar to inhale the pure scent of Sasuke. His wolf agreed whole heartedly as it released a shiver of lust into Naruto's groin. Naruto released a deep purr of acceptance while he swooned in line.

"Hey, excuse me!" A sharp voice snapped at him from beside him. Naruto shook his head as he was brought out of his daydreams and he turned to the sudden voice. The disgruntled look of a young man, with a messy top bun on his head, his arms crossed and eyes giving a glare. "You gonna order something? If not, step aside! Your holding up the line!"

Naruto blinked at the man, then gave a grin. "Sorry man," he responded and turned to the counter. He flashed a grin at the young girl behind the counter who blushed across her nose, surprised to have such a handsome man show her attention. Naruto gave his order and was asked to wait at the far side of the counter for his order. Naruto glanced over at Sasuke, who appeared to have not noticed the outburst of the impatient young man behind Naruto and was sipping his beverage while not moving his eyes from the book. Most likely because the ordering counter was situated way in the back opposite corner, the furthest away from Sasuke. It's probably why Sasuke chose the location he is currently in, private and most likely more often quiet. Naruto waited patiently for his drink order while watching Sasuke and mulled over how to approach him. 'Hey, looking good, mind if I join you? Nice reading you got there, can I join you? Fancy meeting you here, drink here often? Maybe he should make like he was surprised to see Sasuke there?' Naruto shook his head. All of them sounded stupid. A small voice called behind him and Naruto turned to see a timid young man hold up a cup. He called out the name again in a question like manner and looked at Naruto. Naruto flashed a smile and nodded at the timid young man. With his drink in hand, Naruto turned and decided to just wing it and approach Sasuke.

Sasuke turned his face to look out the window. He was not impressed at the unexpected visitor. What the hell did he want now? Sasuke hoped that if he didn't respond to him, he would take the hint and leave. His day was turning out so well. He was caught up in his classes, work was going smoothly, since Itachi had heightened up security though he was still hovering over him like a protective big brother, but since he had bonded with his wolf, Itachi was a little more lenient. Their next camping trip would be coming up in the next couple weeks or so, Sasuke was actually looking forward to it. He had also started a small training regimen after his unfortunate meeting with Orochimaru, to tone up his core muscles and self-defense techniques. Apparently Itachi's insistence on hot yoga earlier had some positive outcomes to his muscles and Sasuke was pleased with the results to his torso. He was eager to enjoy a hot cup of his favorite tea, catch up on his favorite book at one of the few coffee shops that he could tolerate. It was out of the way from the hustle and bustle of the inner city and with the shop's meager offerings, not many people visited here. Sasuke frequented here often for some 'Sasuke time' as Kisame called it and would always give a tease. He grumbled to himself as he heard the second chair scrape across the floor and his unwelcome visitor now settled into the seat. "What are you doing here?" Sasuke snapped out in a low growl, his face still staring out the window.

"Can't one get a refreshing warm drink in this establishment? It is a public place after all," the voice purred out, trying to sound surprised that Sasuke would ask such a question.

Sasuke turned to throw a glare at the person who sat down at his table. He frowned as he looked to see there was no other drink order on the table. He closed his book, grabbed his now empty cup and made to get up. His nice quiet time was now ruined. He pushed his chair back and moved away from the table. A hand grabbed his wrist hard, halting his progress to leave. "Remove your hand," Sasuke growled out as he stood still, refusing to look at the trespasser and not wanting to cause a scene.

"That's no way to talk to your mate," the voice purred out, while the hand squeezed harder on Sasuke's wrist, giving a quiet warning. Sasuke turned slowly to look down at the appendage holding him steady, his frustration building, but he certainly did not want or need to attract attention. The owner of the wrist gave a small smile and his eyes focused on Sasuke's face, flickering a flash of red. "Come now, come sit. I haven't seen you for quite some time and we should catch up." He held out his other hand, gesturing to the other chair. Sasuke's eyes narrowed at Sai as he appeared to consider his options. Opting to not make a scene, he jerked his hand from Sai's grasp and slid back into his seat, across from Sai. "There's a good mate," Sai poured out the words and curled his lips into a smile, "I wanted to know how you've been." He placed his forearms across the table, his hands resting close to Sasuke, and eyes wide giving off an innocent look.

Sasuke leaned back in his chair, no intention of getting close to Sai's hands, and held his book in his lap. "You are not my mate!" Sasuke seethed through his teeth, keeping his voice to a low murmur, "nor will I ever be, so get that idea out of your head!" His inner wolf perked up suddenly, feeling the emotions of Sasuke as it heightened its senses, as if wanting to know what was going on, sensing an alpha scent. Sasuke suppressed the wolf emissions, hoping it would get the hint that now wasn't the time.

"Tsk tsk Sasuke, you certainly are feisty today," Sai responded sweetly and intertwined his fingers together but didn't move his hands away, "you're looking really good, how's things with classes?" He grinned again, making like they were having a normal conversation.

"Fuck off!" Sasuke hissed out again quietly, a ripple of irritation going through his skin. He leaned in slightly, "what the hell is your problem? Get it through your head, we are nothing!" Sasuke's wolf tremored slightly feeling the alpha's presence. Sai was emanating a subtle scent of dominance, Sasuke could smell it and he felt sick. His wolf pushed persistently against the mental barrier, trying to submit to the alpha. Sasuke shuddered and clenched his fists as he tried to push down his inner wolf and instincts. Now was not the time.

"Ah, still fighting I see. You know how much better it is if you just let it be, Sasuke," Sai rolled his name off his tongue, licking his lips afterwards. "We are meant to be, you and I, remember how much fun it was when we were free?" Sai took that moment to slide his chair a little closer to Sasuke. "The feeling of just flying through the trees, letting our instincts rule us and not having a care? And making out wherever and whenever?" Sai whispered as he leaned close to Sasuke's ear.

Sasuke didn't move, he stared down at the table top, his body quivering as he fought against his instincts. Sure, his wolf was a little more understanding now that they have bonded, but the wolf still didn't understand why he wasn't obedient to an alpha that was obviously interested. Sasuke felt the hair rise on his arms and he felt Sai's breath on his ear, whispering about a time he would rather forget. His wolf rose harshly to the surface, pushing out pheromones to entice the alpha, while Sasuke struggled against it. It doesn't understand! Don't! He felt a sudden pain in his frontal lobe as punishment for suppressing a natural release. He squeezed his eyes shut from the sudden onslaught of pain, as it had been sometime before he had been subjected to it. His teeth clicked hard together as he began to breath through the pain, withholding a whimper in his throat.

Sai inhaled deeply, his eyes becoming half lidded and he slid a hand onto Sasuke's leg. He fingers rubbed small circles on Sasuke's thigh as he took another breath, "god you smell amazing still. Your wolf remembers me. Accept it Sasuke, we were meant to be," Sai continued to whisper into Sasuke's ear. "I wish you would stop taking those suppressants, you have no idea how much I desire you again and your full scent." He gave a small squeeze to Sasuke's thigh and moved his other arm to rest behind Sasuke on his chair.

Sasuke's eyes flew open at the squeeze. He clutched his book and stood up so abruptly that his cup quietly tumbled to the floor. Sai leaned back at the sudden movement, looking up at Sasuke who was staring straight ahead, his jaw clenched tight. Sasuke side stepped away from the table, slightly stumbling but caught himself quickly and then promptly marched towards the exit. Sai relaxed back into his chair and gave a small chuckle. He knew that Sasuke didn't like to make a scene, thus nobody had noticed his sudden departure. All except one, who's blue eyes were wide with surprise.

-intermission-

Naruto drove back to his home, his mind a ramble of emotions. His wolf was growling in the shadows at the apparent move of another alpha on his intended and was demanding a challenge. Naruto on the other hand, was confused, pissed and felt a tad bit humiliated. He needed to think. His hands continuously flexed around the steering wheel as the image of what happened in the coffee shop between Sasuke and the other alpha replayed over and over. It was grinding at his nerves. 'Was Sasuke seeing someone else? Was he already taken? Is he a player?' Dozens of questions rambled through his thoughts, raising his anger getting him more and more irritated and humiliated at the thought of being played. He suddenly remembered the other alpha now, at the library where he found Sasuke that one afternoon.

~ "and who are you to interfere? This is none of your business. What business I have with my significant other, is not your concern." ~

"Fuck fuck fuck FUCK!" Naruto chanted while slamming his hand against the steering wheel, not feeling the discomfort. His rage was slowly seeping out, he ground his teeth together as he thought about what the alpha had said during their confrontation at the library. He drove faster down the dirt road, kicking up loose stones along the way, suddenly having the desire to throw punches into something. Spinning his tires on the grid wasn't as satisfying. He slammed on the brakes, making the jeep fishtail into the driveway at the cabin and twirling to a stop. He pushed open the door hard, stomped out of the jeep and promptly slammed the door. His fists were gripped tight, as he took long strides towards the cabin and he barely felt his nails digging into his palms. Panting hard, he felt his wolf stimulate his rage at thinking about Sasuke playing him along for a fool. He embraced the anger, letting it in with open arms as it slowly fogged over the logical thinking area in his mind. He needed release. He stomped up the porch steps, arms quivering slightly as he slipped off his jacket, placing it over the banister. Next, he kicked off his shoes, as a ripple went up his spine and he ground his teeth harshly. He strode back down to the driveway, taking solid long strides, his body rigid and firm, and began to release. Naruto huffed hard through flaring nostrils, his teeth cracked with how hard he ground them as he felt his wolf begin to flow into his muscles and initiate the change. He flexed his arms to the side, bent his knees and embraced the burning in his muscles. He shook his head hard to loosen the muscles in his neck as it outstretched, his face tilting up and mouth opening wide in a silent screen as the skin on his face began stretching into a muzzle. He cried out in frustration as he felt his arms bulge and expand in length while claws began to form from his fingertips and his shoulders cracked as they shifted. He howled out in an agony sounding wail as his legs began to adjust into hind quarters and swell into long powerful legs.

Sakura heard the wail from inside the house and jumped up from the table. She ran to the entrance, meeting up with Hinata and Kyuubi who came running from other parts of the house. She glanced at them, giving a nod before flinging open the front door. Three pairs of eyes watched just as Naruto finished his transformation, his thick dark dirty blond fur ruffling as he shook it and his huge paws scratched at the ground while he heaved and panted. His hind legs gave stance before pushing off the ground and leaping into a run towards the tree line, small tufts of dirt flying in the distance.

Hinata and Sakura watched the wolf disappear into the trees and then looked across at each other for an answer, which neither of them could provide. They both turned to look at Kyuubi, who crossed his arms and hummed. "Don't know what the issue is, but he's obviously pissed about something," he muttered out, giving a snort of annoyance, while his eyes watched the tree line. He glanced over at the two women, who eyed him skeptically. "What?" he asked shrugging his shoulders, "I grew up with the furball, I've seen his tantrums and man did he get wild!" Kyuubi chuckled after his explanation. "Not much you can do when he gets like that though, except let him run its course." He turned around to make his way back to the house, not getting far when he was grabbed at each arm and forced to stop.

"Kyuubi, go after him," Sakura snapped at Kyuubi, her hand gripping his forearm tight. Her glare spoke of no argument.

"What? Why me? He won't listen nor will he want to talk to me!" Kyuubi whined in response. He lightly tugged on his arms, trying to release from the women's grip. "You women don't understand! He won't want to talk!"

"Kyuubi, he needs support," the quiet voice of Hinata was next. Her large light coloured eyes opened wide, pleading silently. "If he's frustrated, I'm worried he might hurt himself, or worse!" She looked up at Kyuubi, her bottom lip quivering slightly as she gave a squeeze to Kyuubi's forearm.

Kyuubi moved his head to look from Sakura and Hinata, his mouth fell open, and he tugged both his arms free and flailed them in the air. "Fine! Oh my god! I'll go, I'll go! Yeesh!" he wailed out in a whine before stepping back from the women. As he slipped off his shirt, he threw it to Hinata and mumbled under his breath something about mind controlling women, before starting to transform. He grunted out in frustration, clicked his teeth hard as his wolf released his form quickly, the final coat being a crimson coloured fur. He shook out his coat and huffed towards the two women, who were hugging each other and giving him thankful looks. He gave another snort and bound off the way Naruto had gone.

Sakura and Hinata watched Kyuubi disappear in the darkness of the forest before releasing each other. Both smirked a grin and looked at each other before releasing into a fit of giggles. "Oh my god! He is always so easy!" Sakura snickered out as she headed to the door, Hinata snickering behind her.

Hinata wiped her eyes between chuckles. "Oh yes, Kyuubi can always be counted on with a flicker of eyelashes! I do hope Naruto is okay though, to be that pissed off, I hope Kyuubi can calm him down. What do you think could have gotten Naruto upset?" Hinata looked over at Sakura as they walked into the cabin.

Sakura seemed to think about it for a bit. "The only thing that I have seen as of late that could possibly be a factor is his courting. Maybe something didn't go right? Maybe his incredibly sexy strong alpha has declined the courtship?" Hinata's eyes widened in shock at Sakura. Sakura looked over at Hinata's wide surprised eyes and smiled quickly, "Ah but, I don't think that's it! Maybe someone just took the last copy of a Blu-Ray he wanted!" Hinata walked into the kitchen, her eyes cast down and she nodded her head and hummed in agreement. "Yes, maybe that's the issue," Sakura muttered as she shuffled through the kitchen with Hinata, grabbing the kettle to put on some water as they waited for Kyuubi and Naruto to return.

-XOXOXO-

Sasuke laid flat on his bed with his arms tucked behind his head, staring at the ceiling, listening to retro rock music from his phone in his boxers and oversized t-shirt. He was quietly seething as he found he was unable to work on any projects, since he was just shaking with outrage after the coffee shop incident with Sai. After leaving the coffee shop, he headed straight home and into the shower. He could still feel Sai's hand on his thigh, his breath near his ear and he scrubbed his skin raw in the scalding shower. He was infuriated with his wolf for pushing his omega instincts hard without his consent in Sai's presence. His wolf didn't understand the consequences of those actions and he had repeatedly spewed profanities in his head as punishment. What else could he do? It's not like he could whip the thing for discipline. What made his anger flare up more was how he felt weak and feeble in Sai's presence. Stupid, fucking, idiotic furball! After years of training to control the instincts, dealing daily with the mental and physical strain on his body because of it, he was able to surpass any alpha that came near him. Now, since he bonded, it seems that all that work was for nothing. He slammed his arms and fists down on the mattress several times, releasing his frustrations. Why? Fuck! Can't you just fucking listen?! Since he was unable to suppress the omega wolf instincts when needed, his mind reeled on what he could do to not lose control like that again. He sighed loudly and closed his eyes, feeing extremely frustrated and drained.

His eyes flew open suddenly and he rolled over to the side of the bed, opening the drawer to his bedside table. He grabbed a small box, bringing it with him as he rolled back over to the centre of his bed, this time rolling to a stop on his stomach, his ear buds quietly falling out to the bed. Little voices came out though the buds, he didn't notice. Resting on his elbows, a small smile graced his face as he opened the box and pulled out the grey white pearl, placing it on his palm. He tilted his hand about, making the pearl roll around slightly and catching the light, making it gleam and sparkle. He propped his head on his other hand, while he watched the pearl roll about on his open palm. A feeling of calm and serenity washed over him while watching the small circular object in his hand. He remembered when Naruto gave it to him:

~ "It reminded me of you in so many ways," Naruto said quietly as he blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his head nervously. ~

His lips twitched up a little, releasing a little snort of amusement as he recalled Naruto's smile and looking nervous before presenting it to him. He allowed the comfortable emotions to sedate him into peace of mind. His wolf purred deeply, as he thought about the blond alpha and his affectionate manner. His wolf silently and subtly sent images of a shirtless Naruto, his body glistening with a mist, his muscles defined sharply, his hair damp and blue eyes filled with lust staring at Sasuke. His jeans were hanging low on his hips, the sharp outline of his V hip and a wisp of a blond hair trail, starting below his navel and disappearing down behind denim. Sasuke's eyes fogged over with a shiver, a small smile on his lips as he continued to roll the pearl about in his palm, becoming lost in a trance. The vision of Naruto in his mind began to run his hands up his tanned chest, fingertips circling rose dusted areola's and Sasuke could see the nubs perk up. Vision Naruto gasped lightly, his tongue peeked out to moisten his lips and he moaned softly. Sasuke's lips then relaxed open as he began to pant lightly, his cheeks flushed red as heat rushed into his face, and the pearl still rolled, catching the light. Vision Naruto then ran a hand down his torso to below his navel, fingers descending below the hem of his jeans, slowly and teasingly. Sasuke licked his lips as his heart rate quickened. Vision Naruto's fingers slowly dipped lower behind the jeans, his other hand running through his blond locks and dazzling blues held Sasuke's gaze hard. He whispered Sasuke's name as his hand disappeared into the front of his jeans. Naruto pulled on his hair, forcing his head to tip back, exposing his Adam's apple and releasing a wanton moan while his hand moved around beneath the denim. Sasuke couldn't breathe, his eyes couldn't leave vision Naruto as he moaned out Sasuke's name, touching himself and putting on the most erotic display Sasuke had ever seen. Sasuke felt his cock instantly come to life in an almost painful speed as Naruto's hips started to thrust in a provocative way that had Sasuke gasp and his wolf roll over with need. Naruto's body began to quiver as he bit on his bottom lip, his hand running around his neck and down his chest. His hidden hand moving faster with his hips thrusting to a hidden beat. Sasuke bit his lip and held his breath, watching, waiting…

"Sasuke! Are you awake!" A sharp knocking at his door had Sasuke yelp, lose his balance and roll over onto his back. The pearl rolled quietly atop the comforter and Sasuke blinked several times, bringing his brain back to the present. "Oye! Sasuke! You working tonight?" The voice boomed behind the door, rapping harshly against the grains of wood.

"Oh-my-god—YES Hidan! I am working!" Sasuke hollered back, his voice giving a loud bite of annoyance. "I am capable of knowing when it's time… ASSHOLE!" He heard a hearty chuckle fading from the door, as Hidan clumped down the hallway. Sasuke let out an exasperated breath. Fucking prick! He then ran a hand through his hair, giving himself a painful pull of his locks. He slapped at his cheeks when he thought back at what he was just thinking about. .fuck…was that?! How the hell…? Sasuke sat up suddenly, his hand patting around on the bed. His head flipped around until he stopped, feeling the small hard object under his hand. He relaxed and let out a breath as he grasped the small pearl back into his hand. He quickly slipped it back into the box, reached over and put it on his bedside table. He slid over to the side of the bed, hanging his legs over and placing his head into his palms. His face scrunched up in confusion. What the hell was he thinking shit like that for? And about Naruto? Sasuke shook his head, bringing his hands up to his temples. It had to be his asshole of a wolf. He needed to get control, his wolf needed to understand the norms of the 21st century werewolf. We don't go around humping everything that moves, jeezuz Christ! Sasuke looked down at the presenting problem in his boxers. Stupid, horny mutt. Deciding to ignore the issue, Sasuke stood, heading to the shower to get ready for his work shift tonight.

Thanks to those who still are hanging on :) More will come, I promise!

inluvwnaruto = my tumblr handle for anyone that wants to peek