Warnings: Drug use, underage drinking and swear words.
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Chapter 10
The next afternoon Sasuke was walking to Danzou's office. He had been summoned and Sasuke was hoping that he would be able to return to duty. He wanted to get out of this village and get back to fighting and doing something with his time. Sasuke didn't know why Danzou wanted to see him and not Tsunade, but right now he didn't care. If he could get back out there on missions he was all for it. Kakashi was going to be gone for his mission for at least a week and Sasuke didn't want to spend the time getting drunk. He knew Kakashi didn't really like it when he drank so much and he knew that Kakashi worried about him while he was away. He didn't want Kakashi to worry about him so he was going to try and keep himself from getting drunk all day and night. Sometimes he couldn't help it though. He had done it within the Sound and it was just a way for him to get through the day and make it to the next day. Now he was struggling with the memories and everything that had happened to him. He knew Kakashi understood, but Kakashi also had his own demons he was fighting. Sasuke had to try and get himself together so Kakashi didn't have to worry about him.
Sasuke arrived at Danzou's office and knocked on the door. Once he was told to enter he walked inside the office. He closed the door and went over and stood in front of Danzou's desk. He kept his face neutral to make sure Danzou wouldn't see how desperate he was to be told he could go back out onto missions.
"You requested to see me Sir." Sasuke said.
"Tsunade informed me that you are looking to return to duty."
"I am. I'm cleared medically and there is no reason for me not to return to active duty and serve my village." Sasuke said calmly.
"I agree, but how you serve will be the question. I am willing to offer you a Jounin ranking and a position on ANBU."
"You want me as ANBU?" Sasuke asked slightly surprised that he would be offered this position. The only Uchiha to ever be in the ANBU was Itachi and Sasuke figured after that it would never happen again.
"I do. You are very powerful and would excel very well within my ANBU squad. You have proven your loyalty to this village when you left for the Sound on that mission for the Higher Up. You would be valuable to have within my ANBU. I wouldn't be surprised if you were a Captain within the next year. You would be foolish to turn down this opportunity."
"I agree and I accept." Sasuke said more than happy to be a part of an elite squad, something he never thought he would get to be a part of since Itachi's betrayal.
"Good. I have your contract here. You are not allowed to tell anyone that you are within the ANBU. When you wear the uniform you must wear your mask and go by your code name at all times."
"Which is?"
"I thought Hawk would be appropriate for you."
"I like it. I do live with Kakashi right now, will that be a problem?"
"Define live with."
Sasuke knew by the tone in Danzou's voice that there was only one answer for that question.
"We're roommates. We thought the company would be healthy having being away for three years from my mission and his temporary retirement."
"Kakashi was a Captain he will keep your identity a secret. You will not be able to speak to him about your operations."
"I'm aware."
"Read the contract and sign it. I have your uniform and mask here."
Sasuke grabbed the contract and went through it. It was a basic contract and he was shocked at how much money ANBU could make. He was going to be making a base annual amount and then a commission amount on any missions over the annual amount of sixty. Once the contract was read through Sasuke signed it and then took his uniform and his hawk mask.
"When will my first mission be?"
"Now. You will leave once you are dressed and prepared. You will be going with two other ANBU and eliminating a target. The squad leader, Dragon, has the target information. He is waiting for you outside the front gate with your other squad member. You should return within three days."
"Thank-you for this opportunity, I won't let you down."
"I suspect you won't. Dismissed."
Sasuke picked up his new black uniform and mask and headed out of the office. Sasuke went and got changed into one of the change rooms before he made his way to the front gate to get his first mission as an ANBU under his belt.
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It was three days later when Sasuke finally returned from his first ANBU operation. It was a straight forward elimination and they were successful. Sasuke was the one that was able to get to the target the easiest so he was the one that killed the target. It used to bother Sasuke a lot when he was in the Sound and had to first kill someone. It still bothered him now, but nowhere near as much. Sasuke headed back to his place so he could get a shower and get changed. It was just after five and Sasuke figured he could get cleaned up and then go grab something to eat. Sasuke was hoping that he would be able to sleep tonight as he hadn't while he was on his mission. He was never very good at sleeping alone since being in the Sound. Sasuke couldn't wait until Kakashi got back and they could spend the day together in bed. That was Sasuke's favorite part. Just being in bed and being held by Kakashi. It always made him feel safe and he could always fall asleep when he felt safe. If Kakashi was gone for a week then he would be back in four days at the latest and Sasuke was looking forward to it. They could celebrate his return to duty and his new position with the ANBU.
Sasuke walked into the house he shared with Kakashi and locked the door behind him. He knew that Kakashi wasn't here, but he had been hoping that Kakashi had finished his mission sooner and he would be back. Sasuke headed in the bathroom and removed his uniform and mask before getting into the shower and turning on the hot water. He let the hot water blanket his body and try to remove the soreness in his muscles. Sasuke stood there for a good thirty minutes with the hot water before he washed his hair and body and then got out. Sasuke dried off and headed into the bedroom to get changed into some dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt. He grabbed his black converse shoes and his leather jacket before he headed out. He locked the door and made his way down the street to grab something for dinner. Sasuke picked a restaurant that interested his mood and he grabbed his food to go. Sasuke wasn't feeling like being social and he wanted to go and sit down somewhere he could enjoy his dinner without having to deal with the looks.
Once Sasuke got his dinner he headed out for the top of the monument. He used to like to go there when he was younger after the Clan's death and just sit there and be by himself. Sasuke made the climb up there easily and he sat down with his back against one of the stone walls and took out his dinner. Sasuke loved the village like this at night. The sun was almost completely set and it made this pink and orange colored sky that Sasuke always felt was beautiful. Sasuke knew that he would have to bring Kakashi up here so they could have dinner and enjoy the view. Sasuke was looking forward to having a normal relationship with Kakashi. They tried in the Sound, but with everything that was going on it wasn't that easy to have a normal relationship. They couldn't really go out for dinner or to a movie. They couldn't do normal things outside of fighting and killing criminals. It was the little things that Sasuke was looking forward to the most and he was truly hoping they were going to be able to have a real chance at a normal life. Sasuke knew they both had demons within themselves that they needed to work through, but when he was with Kakashi Sasuke felt like he could face those demons. They would do it together, one demon at a time.
Sasuke stayed up there until ten that night. He was enjoying the fresh air and the time alone after being with people for the past three days. Once it was getting late Sasuke decided he would start to head back to the house. Sasuke noticed the smoke and flames coming from part of the village once he got back on the village streets. Sasuke started to run so he could try and see if there was anyone who needed help. As he got closer he noticed that it wasn't a house on fire, it was the whole Uchiha Compound. Sasuke stopped running and just began to jog. His mind couldn't believe it. The Compound was on fire. As he got there he noticed that everything was up in flames and there was nothing anyone could do to put it out. Sasuke didn't even know any water techniques that would work on it. Sasuke saw the Compound walls had faggot and whore spray painted onto it.
Sasuke just stood there in shock at the fact that his childhood home was being burnt down to ashes. Everything he had left of his family was being burnt away to nothing. All of the family photos were gone. Everything he ever had left of his family was gone. Sasuke felt someone running over to him. Sasuke looked over and saw Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, Sakura and Naruto coming over to him. Sasuke figured they were either close by or they lived close by and came running once they saw the flames. Shikamaru at first thought that Sasuke set the Compound on fire until he saw the graffiti on the walls and knew that someone or someones had done this to Sasuke.
"Are you okay? Were you inside?" Shikamaru asked Sasuke with concern. He didn't see any injuries on Sasuke and he didn't have any soot on him, but he wanted to make sure.
"I wasn't." Sasuke said with a distant tone to his voice.
"Someone's gonna be here to put this out right?" Kiba asked with concern of it going to other homes.
"Someone would be on their way to put it out." Neji said.
"I told you Sasuke it was only a matter of time before someone attacked you. I told you that you couldn't be drinking and doing drugs and being gay while being a ninja. You are putting the village's reputation at risk and now they are attacking you back. What did you expect?" Naruto said with no sympathy to his voice.
"I'm sorry Sasuke, but this is what you get when you act out the way you have been." Sakura said.
"You had this coming. After the way you have been you deserve this." Naruto said with anger and disgust.
"I deserve this." Sasuke started softly and they could all hear the deadly anger in his voice. Sasuke turned to face the others and they could see the anger and hurt in his eyes. "I deserve this. I spent three years in the Sound around blood, death and pain. For that I deserve to have my property burnt down. Because I didn't come back all sunshine and smiles after being in a place like the Sound for three years. After being tortured for six months straight, non-stop, I deserve this. Because I don't act like how you want me to I deserve this pain. Everything I had left of my family, of my parents was in my old house and now it is gone. I don't have a single picture of them. Nothing is left. Tell me again how I deserve this, because I'm not perfectly okay after the horrors I've seen and been through for three years while you got to live your safe little lives." Sasuke said with anger and hurt in his voice.
"You don't deserve any of this Sasuke. Naruto and Sakura are just idiots." Kiba said with his own anger.
"You do deserve this and it's only going to get worse. We know what you did to Kakashi-Sensei. We're not going to let you keep hurting him like this." Naruto said with anger.
"What the fuck are you talking about? I have never hurt Kakashi." Sasuke said with anger.
"Cut the bullshit Sasuke. Iruka already told us about how you drugged and tried to rape Kakashi after you returned." Naruto said and Sasuke saw red.
Sasuke went to attack Naruto and Shikamaru grabbed Sasuke, but he was having a hard time holding onto him. Kiba went to help while Neji put his hand on Naruto's chest to hold him there. Neji could tell that Sasuke had blacked out after he heard Naruto's comment and Sasuke would have gone in for the kill without realising it. When Sasuke finally could see again Shikamaru had a grip on his right arm and Kiba a grip on his left arm. Sasuke was breathing heavy and he felt like he had just fought for an hour, but no one had any injuries on them and he knew it hadn't been anywhere near a few minutes.
"I would never, ever do anything like that Kakashi. Iruka is a lying son of a bitch!" Sasuke snapped out with venom.
"You think I'm gonna believe you over him? He told us about how Kakashi told him he wanted nothing to do with you after what you did to him. And now you're living together. I don't know what Jitsu you used on him, but I will find out and I will break it. I'll set Kakashi free from you." Naruto hissed back.
"There is no Jitsu on Kakashi and he would say the same thing. I never hurt him. I never drugged him and I would never hurt him like that. I love him and he loves me. Iruka can't handle it because Kakashi dumped his sorry ass for me. You are nothing more than a pawn in his pathetic games." Sasuke hissed back.
"Kakashi and Iruka aren't gay. Your lies won't work on me Sasuke. I'm going to free Kakashi from you and I hope I never have to see you again. This attack on the Compound is only the start. Ninja all over this village want you gone and they won't stop until you leave or end up in jail." Naruto said.
"You ignorant, homophobic idiot. You know nothing about Kakashi and me. There is nothing you can do that would make Kakashi leave me. The village can go fuck itself. I don't care they will all be begging me to fight for them, to protect them the second this war shows up here. Nothing will matter to them then. Go fuck yourself!" Sasuke said with hatred.
"You can't keep acting this way Sasuke. You should leave. Break the Jitsu you have on Kakashi and leave him alone. What you are doing to him is wrong, it's rape and a form of torture. We can't let this continue." Sakura said.
"You think I don't know what torture is? I know all about it I went through it for six months and I would never put Kakashi through anything remotely close to it. There is no Jitsu we love each other nothing you say or do will change that." Sasuke hissed back.
"You're delusional. Kakashi would never love you like that even if he was gay, which he's not. Orochimaru really has messed with your mind. You're turning out to be just like him. What is it Sasuke? You went for Kakashi, because you killed your last lover. Did Orochimaru teach you that Jitsu so you can destroy Konoha in between you fucking him?" Naruto said with anger.
Sasuke lunged to attack Naruto, but Kiba and Shikamaru held him back. Shikamaru had enough of this though and he was done letting this go on. Naruto was an idiot if he thought for one second that Sasuke would ever need to put a Jitsu onto someone to get them to sleep with him. He could have any guy or girl he wanted and Shikamaru knew that for a fact. Not only that, Sasuke was probably raped by Orochimaru during those six months of torture, to think for a second that Sasuke would ever willingly sleep with Orochimaru was insane.
"Sasuke stop. He's an idiot and he doesn't know what he is saying. He's too stupid to know. The both of them. Think about Kakashi, what would he think and feel if he came back from his mission to find you in jail for killing Naruto? He wouldn't want you to put yourself in that danger or position. I will deal with them. You need to walk away and cool off. Do it for Kakashi." Shikamaru pleaded with Sasuke.
"Shikamaru's right Sasuke. Just walk away." Kiba added.
"When Kakashi finds out what he just said to me, he won't care if I kill him." Sasuke said back with complete confidence.
"Maybe not, but the village will. After everything you went through to protect people. After everything Nitto went through to protect you. Don't let that be for nothing Sasuke. Don't end up in jail or as a missing-nin after everything you've had to endure, the both of you had to endure." Neji said trying to get Sasuke to see reason right now when he was so enraged.
"Only because of him." Sasuke said before he pulled his arms free from Shikamaru and Kiba and turned around and headed down the street.
Shikamaru and Kiba both let out a breath they had been holding when Sasuke finally walked away. They both knew they wouldn't have been able to stop Sasuke in a fight. They were lucky they had been able to hold him off that long. With Sasuke gone Kiba, Neji and Shikamaru turned to Sakura and Naruto.
"What the fuck was that bullshit about Sasuke putting a Jitsu on Kakashi? Drugging and trying to rape him are you fucking serious or just that stupid?" Kiba asked with anger.
"Great now he has you swearing and fooled. Kiba you know Sasuke can't be trusted with the way he has been acting. Iruka and those other ninja were right Sasuke's been with Orochimaru for too long and he's been corrupted." Naruto said back.
"He's not corrupted Iruka is just pissed off at Sasuke and he's using you and those idiot ninjas to attack him." Kiba said.
"Kakashi isn't under some Jitsu. A Jitsu like that doesn't even exist and why would Sasuke put one on Kakashi of all people in the village?" Shikamaru said annoyed with Naruto and Sakura.
"He obviously had feelings for Kakashi-Sensei before he left for the Sound. You can't allow Sasuke to keep doing this." Sakura said.
"We're not allowing Sasuke to do anything other than heal and cope with the trauma he had endured in the past three years. There is no such Jitsu out there that would control someone like this." Neji said.
"Oh and you know every Jitsu out there Neji? You don't know what secret and dangerous scrolls Orochimaru had. Sasuke could have read and copied anything during those three years for all we know." Naruto said back.
"Something needs to be done and clearly we are not the only ones that feel this way. Look at what they did to the Compound. This is only the start and it won't stop until Sasuke is in jail." Sakura said.
"Ya or the war starts and they are all on their knees begging Sasuke to put an end to it." Kiba said back as he rolled his eyes.
"They won't fight beside a ninja like Sasuke. They all see him as a traitor and a disgrace. They won't stop until he is gone or in jail or they kill him. They don't even know what he has done to Kakashi and once they do they won't hold back. Sasuke should leave Konoha and the village alone." Naruto said.
"Sasuke has every right to be here and if you actually believe that he would have to drug and use a Jitsu on someone just to have sex you really are an idiot. He was getting laid before he got with Kakashi. He didn't need Kakashi for that. They love each other and Kakashi would tell you the same thing. You can look all you want, but you won't find a Jitsu like that, because there is no such thing." Shikamaru said.
"Kakashi would just say he wasn't under a Jitsu. I'm not going to take his word or Sasuke's word over Iruka's. I trust Iruka and I believe what Kakashi told him. I will find a way to free Kakashi from Sasuke." Naruto said with determination in his voice.
"You do know that once Kakashi gets back in the village he is going to find out about all of this from Sasuke and then he's going to be pissed. He won't tolerate you doing this to Sasuke or other ninja doing it." Kiba warned.
"I don't care. Once he is free from Sasuke's Jitsu he'll be thanking me. Come on Sakura let's get out of here." Naruto said clearly over with this conversation.
"You shouldn't be around Sasuke. He's dangerous." Sakura said to Kiba, Neji and Shikamaru.
"You're right he is, but not to us. I suggest you both be careful you don't say the wrong thing to Sasuke, because he won't hold back for long." Shikamaru warned.
"We can handle him." Naruto said before him and Sakura turned and walked away and back down the street.
"Ya he can handle him. Sasuke just killed Orochimaru, a Sanin, I'm sure Naruto will be able to handle Sasuke." Kiba said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.
"He's an idiot, still is after all of this time. You would think after being gone for almost three years training with Jiraiya that he would have matured, but apparently not." Neji said clearly not happy with Naruto or Sakura's attitude.
A squad of ninjas came over to the Compound and began to use their water Jitsu to put out the fire. Kiba, Shikamaru and Neji stood back to let them work.
"I feel bad for Sasuke. He comes back after being in the Sound for three years, he gets drugged and locked in a closet for nine days by a religious nut and now his childhood home is completely gone. Everything he ever had for his family is gone. He doesn't even have any pictures left. He doesn't deserve this." Kiba said as he watched the ninja work on putting out the fire.
"He doesn't deserve this. Sasuke is trying to cope and deal with the trauma he's experienced from being in the Sound. You heard him, he had been tortured for six months. He admitted to us that he would have killed himself if Kakashi hadn't been there. He doesn't deserve this shit and now ninja in the village think he's corrupted and Iruka is going around spreading this lie about him drugging and trying to rape Kakashi. You saw the way Sasuke spoke about Kakashi, we heard the story. There is no way Sasuke would ever do anything hurtful to Kakashi." Shikamaru said.
"He wouldn't, but they don't know the whole story or the truth for that matter. They are believing the lies that Iruka is telling for his own jealous reasons. Sasuke is going to be struggling even more now after this tonight." Neji said.
"Maybe something survived. I'm gonna wait and go in after they cleared the fire. Maybe a photo or an album survived in one of the houses." Kiba said.
"I'll help you look. You might be right if Sasuke or one of his family members had a trunk it might have survived." Shikamaru said.
"I'll help as well. You never know something could have survived the fire." Neji said.
"What are we going to do about Sasuke? How long do we let him cool off before we go and check on him?" Kiba asked.
"Tomorrow we can go. He's going to be too pissed off tonight and he'll probably get drunk tonight. It would be better to wait until tomorrow night to check in on him." Shikamaru said.
"Perhaps bring him something for dinner. I doubt he will have eaten much of anything." Neji said.
"I'll grab something for him." Kiba said.
They stood there and waited for when the ninjas would be done putting out the fire before they would be able to head inside and go through the burnt houses for anything that could have survived the fire. They knew it would take a while, but they also knew that Sasuke deserved this. He deserved to have something left for his family, especially after everything that he had been through in the past three years. This was something they could give back to him and show that they are on his side.
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Sasuke had rage going through his whole body at the words that Naruto had thrown at him. The insanity behind Naruto's words that Sasuke would ever drug and try to rape Kakashi, that he would put a Jitsu on him and take away his free will, to force him to be in love with him. Sasuke was pissed, he was enraged, at the mere thought of anyone thinking that Sasuke would ever do that to Kakashi. Sasuke went to his old apartment that he had before he moved in with Kakashi a few days ago. He still had access to it as he hadn't told Tsunade that he had moved in with Kakashi. Sasuke went in and immediately went to his kitchen and opened the cupboards. He had a few bottles of whiskey there that he didn't bring with him when Kakashi and him were here to get his clothes. Sasuke figured he could always come back for them if he really wanted them. At the time he was so happy that he didn't even think about them, but now he was pissed off and in desperate need of getting drunk and ignoring the memories that were flooding his mind. Sasuke put the whiskey bottles into a bag before he headed back out of his old apartment.
Sasuke then headed down the streets to a side alley where he knew he could find what he needed the most right now. Sasuke saw one of the drug dealers that he knew would have the drug he needed to forget. Sasuke went up to him and pulled out the money from his pocket. He already knew how much it would be from being in the Sound. The man looked at Sasuke and gave him a smirk.
"And what can I do for you Uchiha?" The man said with a smirk of arrogance on his face.
"An ounce of H and don't tell me you don't have it. We both know you do." Sasuke said with a deadly tone. He was in no mood to deal with any bullshit tonight.
"It's gonna be a grand ya know."
Sasuke held the money up between his index and middle finger. The man smiled at Sasuke as he pulled out the ounce of heroin from his pocket.
"This is the good shit too. I'm figuring you would come back here and kill me if I gave you any of the shitty stuff."
"You figured right." Sasuke said in a deadly tone.
The man handed the baggie over and Sasuke gave him the money.
"Let me guess, you were never here." The man said with a knowing smirk.
"Your intelligence must be what is keeping you alive." Sasuke said rudely before he turned and walked away.
Sasuke headed back to the house. He already had a few syringes in his bag that he hadn't used yet. Sasuke wanted to forget about all of the memories flooding his brain and heroin was the only way to do it right now. Sasuke got inside and locked the doors he immediately put the whiskey bottles down on the counter before he went into the bedroom and grabbed a clean needle. He got the heroin ready and once it was liquefied he injected the heroin into his system. Sasuke let out a sigh of relief as he felt the warmth taking over his body. Sasuke knew Kakashi hated it when he used heroin, but right now he couldn't help himself. He needed the release and relief from the horror that was filling his mind. Kakashi wasn't here to be able to help him through this and right now he didn't know if that would even help. Sasuke got up and turned on the television to fill the silence and give him something to watch. He went into the kitchen and grabbed a rocks glass and a bottle of whiskey before he went over and sat down on the couch where he would be spending the night.
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It was the next night just after six when Kiba, Neji and Shikamaru arrived at Sasuke's place. They had spent the night and this morning going through the Compound looking for anything that could be salvaged. They had been able to put together two paper boxes of phots and albums from all of the houses that were in good to decent condition. They had then gone home to get cleaned and then sleep for a few hours. Kiba was carrying a pizza box and Neji spoke.
"Why pizza?"
"My cousin told me once that when he gets drunk he likes to eat pizza. The grease helps with the hangover and to soak up the booze." Kiba explained.
"Hopefully he's not passed out drunk on the floor." Shikamaru said before he knocked on the door.
They could hear some shuffling around inside so they knew that Sasuke was awake. They hadn't heard of Kakashi returning to the village and they figured they would have by now. After a moment the door opened and they saw Sasuke on the other side in some faded blue jeans with a few style rips in them and a black t-shirt. He had a glass in his one hand that had whiskey in it and they could see him sway slightly as he opened the door. It was clear he was drunk and hadn't slept last night.
"What?" Sasuke said and it surprised them that he didn't slur any of his letters.
"Can we come in for a little bit? We brought some dinner." Shikamaru said.
"You think because you bring food I'm going to let you in?" Sasuke asked calmly.
"No, we're hoping you will let us in and the food is because we're hungry and you look like you could use something to eat." Shikamaru said calmly as well.
Sasuke let a shrug and he moved back to let the others in. Sasuke closed the door as he spoke.
"You moving in or something?"
"No this is for you." Neji said as Kiba went and put the pizza down on the island counter top.
They all noticed the bottles of whiskey on the counter as well as the needle on the counter next to the lighter and baggie of white powder. They all shared a look as Sasuke spoke.
"And what would be in it? Something that explodes when I open the lid?" Sasuke asked as he went into the kitchen to pour himself another drink.
"No nothing like that. We stayed around while the ninja put out the fire. We spent the rest of the night and this morning going through the wreckage to see if there was anything salvageable. We were able to find photos and photo albums that weren't that badly damaged. We put everything we could find in these boxes for you." Shikamaru explained.
They could tell Sasuke was shocked at the generosity and care from the three of them. It was one thing to come over with lunch and hangout talking, it was another to actually go through all of that trouble and hard work just so he could maybe have a picture of his family. Sasuke wasn't used to people doing nice things for him. Kakashi did, but they loved each other and were together, it was different. These three they weren't demanding something from him. They weren't lecturing him about his drinking or drug use. They acted like it didn't matter to them at all. They just let him be himself and what he needed to be at the time. They were the type of person Kakashi was telling him he should be finding for friends. Someone who would just accept him as he is and not try to lecture him or change him. Sasuke was drunk and high, but even he could see that the three of them went out of their way to help him. They went out of their way to go through a burnt down Compound for hours in the hopes of finding something left of his family.
"Thank-you." Sasuke said with a genuine smile on his face that the others didn't expect.
"You're welcome Sasuke." Neji said sincerely on the others behalf.
Sasuke grabbed some plates from the cupboard and brought them over to the island and set them down beside the pizza box. They all grabbed a couple slices of pizza and headed over to the living room. Sasuke sat down on the couch with Kiba while the others sat down in the chairs.
"So Kakashi is still out on his mission. When is he due back?" Kiba asked trying his best to ignore the track marks on the inside of Sasuke's arm. There were three needle marks and Kiba knew it was from heroin most likely. He didn't know much about drugs though, all he knew was that heroin was the most popular with a needle. He learnt that from one of his older cousins as well.
"Three days or less. He was gonna be gone for a week at most, it's been four days now."
"What was the mission?" Shikamaru asked.
"He had to deliver a scroll and then return. Tsunade is trying to keep his missions simple, but she can't give him C-Ranking missions without people asking questions. She doesn't really want him out on missions right now, but people will wonder why." Sasuke said.
"He was supposed to be on retirement and now that he is back it will look weird if he is healthy once again that he isn't returning to duty. She can't tell them that he was on a top secret undercover mission. How is Kakashi dealing with everything? He must have gone through some horrible things during those three years." Kiba asked.
"He's dealing. We have each other and as stupid as it sounds it helps to go through this together. To have someone who understands what happened and doesn't hold it against you. We get through it together as something comes up."
"That's not stupid at all Sasuke. You both went through horrible experiences. Having someone around who already knows with you having to explain it helps a lot. You both can just be yourselves around each other without having to constantly worry about judgements." Neji said.
"Ya you guys can deal with one problem at a time together. It's a good thing." Kiba added.
"It helps. What happened after I left last night?" Sasuke asked as he ate.
"Naruto ran his mouth some more and then left." Kiba answered.
"He's really not giving up on the idea that Kakashi is under a Jitsu. I don't even know how he plans on finding out that he isn't or what Jitsu was apparently used. He's backed himself into a corner on it, or Iruka has I should say." Shikamaru said.
"I never would have expect Iruka to be so petty and childish. Kakashi had left for three years, it is not like Kakashi had a long term love affair with you. Kakashi left and had no contact with Iruka for three years, most would take the hint that they were no longer together." Neji said.
"Ya apparently not though. Iruka is behind this all and I don't want to even imagine what Kakashi will do when he hears about this." Sasuke said.
"He's going to flip out I would imagine. Kakashi has control though so he won't do anything to put himself or you at risk. Hopefully Iruka smartens up, but I don't see that happening." Kiba said.
"He won't and he's got Naruto and Sakura involved in this now. They would have told Lee, Hinata and Ino by now too. It's only going to get worse." Shikamaru said.
"They'll fuck themselves though, because I'm a Jounin now. They risk insubordination and other charges if they try anything against me. Assuming they walk away." Sasuke said.
"You're a Jounin now? Since when?" Kiba asked.
"Four days ago. I was gone for a mission for the past three days. I was actually feeling good yesterday too, until last night anyways."
"Congratulations though Sasuke, that's a huge accomplishment. Only Neji and myself are Jounin out of our rookie group. You deserve it." Shikamaru said.
"You do deserve it after everything you have done in the past three years. Naruto is still a Genin. He will have to listen to you and not do anything against you or he could end up in jail himself." Neji said.
"I don't see him thinking about that though. He's too stubborn and stupid to be thinking clearly. He thinks Iruka is right and that Kakashi is trapped in some special Jitsu. He's not going to stop until he figures out there is no Jitsu on Kakashi." Kiba said.
"And how does he plan on doing that? You can't ask Kakashi he'll deny it and there is no Jitsu you can use to see if a Jitsu is on someone. Unless Danzou knows of one and I doubt he would help in this situation." Sasuke said.
"I don't know. Maybe Kakashi will be able to get Iruka to see sense and get Iruka to let this go and fix it." Shikamaru said.
"I don't see that going over very well." Neji said.
"It won't for Iruka. If he's smart he'll fix this before Kakashi gets back, but I doubt it." Sasuke said as he finished his pizza and went to grab another slice.
"He won't do that. It's going to take Kakashi going over to speak to him and scaring the hell out of Iruka before he fixes this. And that is even a big if." Shikamaru said.
Sasuke went back over to the couch with two more slices of pizza.
"He'll regret it that's for sure." Sasuke said.
"Most likely. Kakashi doesn't seem like the type to hold back when someone he cares about is being hurt or in danger." Neji said.
"He's not. He's very protective like I said. He won't tolerate it." Sasuke said.
"It must be nice though right? I know you don't need protecting, but it must feel nice to know that someone is there that can protect you. That wants to protect you. I can't imagine there are many people out there strong enough that could protect you. The feeling must be nice for you." Kiba said.
"Growing up Itachi was the one person I knew would keep me safe. I haven't had anyone like that since. I forgot what it felt like to not have to be the strong one all the time. It's really nice knowing that I don't always have to be tough or strong. Kakashi will when I can't and I will when he can't. It feels really good." Sasuke answered honestly.
"I'd imagine it would for you Sasuke. We all got that feeling from our parents and family. You didn't get to have that and now you do with the man you love and who loves you. I hope one day I get to experience the same with a woman I love." Shikamaru said.
"It is a feeling that everyone deserves to have. You are lucky to find Kakashi at your age. You get to experience this love for a long time." Neji said.
"I hope so." Sasuke said.
They finished their food so they went and put the plates into the kitchen sink. There were a few slices left so Kiba put the box into the fridge as Neji spoke.
"I have to say I never thought you would be one for pizza Sasuke. I've never seen you eat it before."
"I never used to eat it. Before the Sound I always ate healthy and didn't eat any sweets. In the Sound though I have found a new love of foods that I never let myself indulge in. I always found out that when drunk pizza tastes really good for some reason." Sasuke said with a shrug as they headed back into the living room.
"That's what my cousin said. Something about the grease and it helping with hangovers. Whenever he gets really drunk the next morning he'll eat like half a pound of bacon for breakfast." Kiba said with a smile as they sat down.
"I don't get hungover so I wouldn't know." Sasuke said.
"Really? Ever?" Shikamaru asked.
"Nope. Don't know why something in my blood that makes me process the alcohol differently. I got hungover once and that was after doing drugs and drinking for a week, non-stop."
"That couldn't have been fun." Neji said.
"The week was fun. The morning after not so much."
"I'll bet. So when are you going on your next mission?" Kiba asked.
"I don't know yet. They'll let me know." Sasuke said.
"I have one tomorrow. I am hoping it will not take long to complete." Neji said.
"What's the mission?" Shikamaru asked.
"I don't know yet. Tsunade will tell me tomorrow when I go in to receive it officially. She just informed me this morning that I would have one." Neji replied.
"Well at least you'll have one. I've been here for a week now without one. I'm going crazy not being out of the village and doing something." Kiba said.
"You'll get one soon I'm sure." Shikamaru said.
The four of them hung out talking for another two hours before the others headed out as they were tired from being up all night and morning. Once they were gone Sasuke shot up before he turned on the television and sat down on the couch fully prepared to not be sleeping again that night.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It had been a week since Kakashi had left for his mission and he was finally coming back into the village. He hated being gone from Sasuke for the past week, but he didn't have a choice. The mission took longer than he had wanted and he had come across a few enemy ninjas that he had to fight and take out. After a week on sleeping on the ground and dealing with threats Kakashi was looking forward to being home and taking a hot bath and sleeping in his bed with Sasuke curled up in his arms. Kakashi was hoping that Sasuke's week had been fine without him. Kakashi was worried every time he left Sasuke alone. He was always afraid of what Orochimaru might to do Sasuke and now he was worried about what Sasuke will go through being in Konoha. Kakashi was hoping that Sasuke was alright.
It was just after eight that night when Kakashi finally arrived at the front gate. He was shocked to see Shikamaru standing there though and Kakashi was hoping it was just a coincidence and not that something was wrong with Sasuke.
"Shikamaru, is everything alright?"
"Evening Kakashi. And not really. Sasuke is okay physically, but something happened while you were gone."
Kakashi nodded his head into the direction away from the front gate so no one would over hear what Shikamaru had to say.
"What happened?"
"Some ninja or ninjas burnt down the Compound four nights ago."
"What?" Kakashi asked shocked and angry that someone would hurt Sasuke like that. Kakashi knew that everything Sasuke had left of his parents and his family was in the Compound.
"It's burnt down almost completely. Kiba, myself and Neji went through it once some ninjas put the fire out. We were able to get two paper boxes together of photos and albums that were in decent shape. Sasuke was there while it was on fire, he got there first. Kiba, Neji, Naruto, Sakura and myself arrived not too long after. Naruto and Sakura said some hurtful and stupid things to Sasuke. They said he deserved it after the way he's been behaving. That ninja were attacking him because of it."
"They said what? That's bullshit. Every ninja I have spoken to has expressed loyalty and honor to Sasuke for his sacrifice in the past three years. They think he's an elite ninja because he survived an undercover operation from the Higher Up at a young age. I have never heard any ninja saying anything bad about Sasuke." Kakashi said with anger.
"Apparently there are a select few that have a problem with him. The wall on the Compound had whore and faggot spray painted on it. Unfortunately, that is not the worst of it."
"And what would that be?" Kakashi asked with anger.
"Naruto and Sakura spoke to the rest of our group. Ino, Lee and Hinata all agreed that Sasuke needed an intervention of sorts. They felt like he was ruining the village's reputation and yours. Naruto and Sakura went to speak to Iruka about what they could do to help Sasuke. They even thought it would be a good idea for Sasuke to live with Raji for a little while to straighten him out. Neji, Kiba and myself told them it was a bad idea and to leave Sasuke alone. He needs time to cope and deal with the trauma he's experienced. They didn't agree and went to speak to Iruka. He was shocked to hear that you both were living together. He told Naruto and Sakura that you had told him that Sasuke had drugged you and tried to rape you. That you wanted nothing to do with Sasuke. Iruka has them believing that Sasuke put some kind of Jitsu on you and it is making you think you love Sasuke and he is just using it to force himself onto you." Shikamaru said calmly already prepared for the anger that was bound to explode out of Kakashi.
"He fucking told them what?"
"Kiba, Neji and I know that isn't true. Sasuke told us what happened between the two of you, well vaguely. He told us how you were there with him. Sasuke was pissed and then Naruto said that he wouldn't have been surprised if Sasuke was sleeping with Orochimaru. Sasuke blacked out. Kiba and myself were able to hold him back until he snapped back in. Sasuke was prepared to kill Naruto, but we got him to walk away knowing that you wouldn't appreciate coming back home to him in jail or on the run."
"I would have understood. He had no right to say that to him. Not after everything he went through in the Sound just to survive." Kakashi hissed.
"I'm sure. The three of us tried to get Naruto and Sakura to see that no such Jitsu even existed and that Iruka was using them to fuel his own anger and jealousy towards Sasuke. They didn't believe us and are determined to find out how to break the Jitsu and set you free. They won't stop until Iruka tells them to."
"I will deal with that bitch. How is Sasuke?"
"He's not dealing with it too well. I think it brought up some memories that he couldn't handle. He's been drunk and getting high ever since. I've been checking in on him every day for the past four days. He hasn't slept in about a week and he's barely eating. I cook him something for dinner or bring something by so I know he's eating once a day, but he's drinking whiskey and shooting up heroin all day and night. He's not doing too well right now." Shikamaru said sadly.
Kakashi let out a sigh before he spoke. "It goes in phases. It depends on what triggers his worst memories. Mentions of rape always does it. I'll get him through it. I know what he needs."
"And as hard as it is right now you need to put him before your anger. He needs sleep. I don't know how long he's gone without sleep before, but he hasn't slept in a week that won't help his mind. He needs sleep desperately."
"I'll take care of Sasuke. I will deal with Iruka later. Thank-you for telling me and for keeping an eye on Sasuke these past few days." Kakashi said sincerely.
"He's been through a lot and he's going through a lot right now. He needs people around him that won't judge him or hold anything he does against him. I don't like him drinking and doing drugs, but I understand why he is. He's just trying to cope the only way he knows how right now. Being in the Sound for three years is not something you just get over one day. I'm glad he's opened up to me and Kiba and Neji. I think he needs friends his own age, someone else outside of you that he can talk to." Shikamaru said.
"He does need friends his own age and I am glad that the three of you are being there for him and are understanding. He's struggling, but having people around him that care is helping him."
"If you need anything you know where you can find me. And I know you are talking to Asuma, but if you ever need to talk I'll always listen."
"Thank-you I appreciate that. You are turning into a very good man Shikamaru, your parents must be proud."
"They are and thanks."
"I need to go and see Sasuke and get him to sleep. Be safe Shikamaru."
"I will and you as well."
Kakashi and Shikamaru headed back to the gate and they walked into the village. They both went their separate ways back to their homes. Kakashi was furious at Iruka, Naruto and Sakura for doing this to Sasuke. Kakashi knew he had to get his anger under control and wait until he could speak to Iruka. The only way this was going to stop is if Iruka tells them that he lied or was mistaken. There was no way Naruto and Sakura were going to believe Kakashi if he told them that he wasn't under some Jitsu. Kakashi hated that Sasuke had to deal with this. Kakashi just wanted Sasuke to be able to heal and recover from the level of trauma he experienced in the past three years.
Kakashi arrived back at the house and he walked in. He locked the door and he noticed the empty whiskey bottles on the table and island counter. Kakashi also saw the used needles and the baggie of heroin on the table. It wasn't the first time Kakashi had seen Sasuke used heroin before. He didn't like it when Sasuke used heroin, but Kakashi understood why he did. It wasn't often, Sasuke's normal drug of choice was cocaine or ecstasy. When Sasuke did heroin it was because he was extremely hurt with the memories of his rape and torture at the hands of Orochimaru. It always pushed him to find that one thing that will ease the hurt and memories. Kakashi couldn't blame Sasuke for turning to the heroin. It wouldn't have mattered if he was here or not, Sasuke would have turned to the heroin regardless. The only difference would have been that Kakashi would have been able to get Sasuke to sleep.
Kakashi could sense Sasuke out back and he knew that Sasuke would be having a smoke. Kakashi headed to the backdoor and looked out. Sasuke was there leaning against the railing and putting his now smoked smoke into the ashtray. Kakashi could see Sasuke shaking slightly and Kakashi knew it was from not sleeping all week and doing heroin non-stop for four days. He just needed some serious sleep and water into him and then Sasuke would be fine. Kakashi opened the door and Sasuke turned to look over at Kakashi. Kakashi could see the dark circles under Sasuke's eyes as well as the extreme hurt in his eyes. Kakashi could feel his heart breaking slightly at the sight. Kakashi went over to Sasuke and placed his right hand against Sasuke's cheek as he pulled down his mask with his left hand. Kakashi lowered his head so he could gently kiss Sasuke. Sasuke kissed Kakashi back and after a moment Kakashi pulled back and kissed Sasuke's forehead before he pulled back fully.
"I missed you baby." Kakashi said with a warm smile.
"I missed you. Are you mad at me?" Sasuke asked with a slight fear to his voice.
"No baby I'm not mad at you. I've never been mad at you when you drink or do drugs. I understand why you do it. I'm not mad at you at all baby. Shikamaru told me what happened while I was away. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you."
"I would never do that to you. I would never hurt you like that. I would never hurt you or hit you. I love you I would never do that to you." Sasuke said in a hush and Kakashi knew he had been worried that Kakashi would think there was truth behind Iruka's cruel words.
Kakashi placed his hands on Sasuke's face as he spoke.
"I know you would never do that to me. I know you would never lay a hand on me. Just like I would never lay a hand on you. I know Iruka was lying about it all. The only thing I care about right now is making sure you are okay." Kakashi said with concern.
"I'm not okay." Sasuke admitted with pain in his voice.
"I know baby. You need some sleep. Why don't I run us a hot bath and then we can curl up in bed and sleep as long as you want."
Sasuke just gave a nod and Kakashi gave Sasuke another warm smile.
"Come on baby I'll get us a bath going."
Kakashi gently guided Sasuke inside and into the bedroom. Kakashi went into the master bathroom and started the water for the tub. The tub was more than enough room for the both of them and it was something they both loved having. Once the bath was ready Kakashi turned to Sasuke and began to help him get undressed before he got undressed himself. They both got into the bath with Sasuke's back pressed against Kakashi's front. Kakashi wrapped his arms around Sasuke and held him against his chest. Sasuke curled into Kakashi's arms and allowed his body to relax with the hot water and Kakashi's presence.
"It's all gone." Sasuke said sadly after a few moments and Kakashi knew what he was talking about.
"I know baby. I'm so sorry." Kakashi said as he kissed the top of Sasuke's head.
"Shikamaru, Neji and Kiba went through it and found some photos and albums. I haven't looked through it yet. I was waiting for you."
"We can do that when you are ready baby."
"I'm not ready yet."
"And that's okay. Whenever you are ready we will sit down and go through them together. Tonight is about relaxing and getting some sleep. Push those thoughts away for tonight baby."
"Ok" Sasuke said with his eyes closed and Kakashi knew the hot water was doing what he had been hoping it would to Sasuke.
Sasuke was exhausted and the hot water always made him tired. It was why he didn't like to take baths during the day. Kakashi just continued to hold Sasuke and rubbed his thumb along Sasuke's arm soothingly. They stayed in the hot water like that for a good forty minutes before the water was starting to get cold. Sasuke was barely awake so Kakashi got up and picked Sasuke up in his arms at the same time. Kakashi got them both out of the tub and dried off. He brought Sasuke over to the bed and he pulled the covers back and set Sasuke down on the bed. Kakashi then went and turned off the lights before he went to bed. Kakashi crawled into the bed and put the covers over them before he pulled Sasuke into his arms and Sasuke put his head against Kakashi's chest. Kakashi ran his hand through Sasuke's hair.
"I love you." Sasuke said with a very heavy and tired voice.
"I love you too baby." Kakashi said back softly.
Kakashi held Sasuke as he fell asleep and once Kakashi was certain that Sasuke was in fact in a deep sleep he allowed himself to close his eyes and fall asleep with Sasuke safe in his arms once again.
