Ore Wa Kimi No Mono

Chapter 11 – The Journey Begins

A few days into the journey, Sasuke realized how much effort it actually took to live in the forest. It was embarrassing really. He wanted to feel like the protector and to feel like he could look after Naruto but after the first few days, he really felt useless. He had been so pampered and looked after in his home that he really had no clue how rough this was.

Then that made him think of how Naruto had been able to live through this his whole life. The fox had great wilderness survival skills. He ended up taking over and teaching the wolf how to do things. Anything from what plants were safe to eat to where to go to the bathroom to sniffing out a good outcrop of rocks to sleep under... Sasuke was amazed at how much Naruto really knew.

Being out here in the forest, the beautiful fox looked so at home and so content. He looked relaxed. The orange ears were perked up, twitching and listening to sounds. His fluffy tail swung happily to and fro as he walked, so light on his feet.

The black wolf couldn't help but feel their roles had been switched. For once, Sasuke was greatly relying on Naruto to take the lead. Naruto was looking out for Sasuke, saving him once or twice from being bitten by snakes and nasty insects. Even so, the little Kitsune still would not fully trust the wolf. He wouldn't sit too close, wouldn't walk too close, wouldn't even sleep too close despite the chilly nights.

Begrudgingly though, Sasuke kept to his word and followed Naruto without a fuss.

Sasuke had done what he could to research the Kitsune Clan and noted a few points of interest on a map. The only thing Sasuke could really do was follow maps well so he kept them walking the right way. Naruto did the rest.

But one particular day, when the sun was starting its descent into the afternoon sky, the pair finally made their way out of the forest and stumbled upon a well worn path. The Uchiha pulled out his map and looked it over, noting the landmarks and directions before pointing West, towards the setting sun.

"We have to follow this path west. In about a day and a half we will come up by a river."

Naruto shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand and squinted into the distance, "Ok. Why are we going to the river?"

"Well, in my research I found a tiny village close to the river that was a hot spot for Foxes before they moved into our town. They had settled there for a few years and it's the closest location so I figured we could look there first," Sasuke explained coolly.

Naruto paused for a moment, staring at the road ahead, "Ok, but we need to stick as close to the trees as possible. If your father sends people after us or if a lot of people use this road, we can retreat to the bushes easily." The fox looked at Sasuke, waiting for his approval and the wolf, of course, nodded. He wouldn't argue with the blonde boys knowledge. However, he wouldn't tell Naruto that Itachi would probably be the one to come after them.

They continued their travel in near silence. Occasionally, Sasuke would ask how Naruto was feeling or if Naruto had seen or heard anything. Nothing could keep them talking and it kind of broke Sasuke's heart. He knew he deserved it, really, but what he wouldn't give to have Naruto walk beside him...sit beside him...sleep beside him...

What the wolf wouldn't give to have Naruto trust him just a little...

There was a huge crack and Sasuke was instantly alert, his black tail stiff and his ears moving, trying to locate the sound. It came from behind them. He whirled around and yelped as he saw a wagon trundling along, pulled by two black horses. Naruto looked around and cried out too. Sasuke dove towards Naruto and they both went sprawling into the bushes and trees. When they came to a stop, panting and covered in twigs and leaves, Sasuke was on top of Naruto and Naruto was blushing slightly.

Sasuke, wanting to love where they were and love the contact, ignored him and looked back up to watch the wagon, hoping it didn't see them. The wagon rushed past, the horses running full speed with flecks of foam flying from their mouths as they grunted and strained with effort. The wagon didn't stop. Sasuke wasn't able to see who was driving the wagon but that didn't seem to matter. He thought it better that they weren't seen at all.

When the wagon was well out of site, he let out the breath he had been holding and looked down at the little fox squished under him. Sasuke caught the blonde staring at his lips and smiled. When Naruto noticed that he had been caught, he blushed furiously and looked away, "Is the coast clear?"

Sasuke smirked and leaned down a little to whisper into those soft ears, "Kiss me, Naruto..." his voice low and husky.

Naruto shivered and responded instinctually, already wanting Sasuke so bad that he just wanted to submit to that sweet voice. He moved his head back to face Sasuke and leant up a little to get closer to those pink lips. Sasuke happily pressed his lips down onto Naruto's, moaning softly at the soft, tender contact. Heavenly. Like the rainbow after the rain. Like drinking water after days of drought. Like the happiness you felt when you find something you had lost. Wonderful. Cherished. It set his heart aglow.

And Naruto was in much the same state. Upset as he was at the wolf and as little as he trusted him, having the contact back... feeling the warmth and hunger still there, it let Naruto feel a whole lot better than he thought he would. It felt good to have Sasuke there. It felt right. He was silly to think otherwise.

No matter what he was feeling, he knew that this feeling for the wolf would always be there. No matter what happened, this would still feel right.

They broke apart, both flushed and quite satisfied. Sasuke smiled and stared down into those bright blue orbs. "I've missed you," he said softly.

Naruto sighed and relaxed, smiling back, "I've missed you too..." And he meant it. He really had missed Sasuke. Now he saw that he had been a bit silly and over the top. Or had he? It was uncomfortable, that was true, but it also felt comfortable enough to keep the wolf at a distance. Maybe they just had to relearn each other... had to re-grow that relationship. That kiss just proved how much they needed and wanted each other.

Naruto wrapped his arms around Sasuke's neck and pulled him in for another kiss.

...

By the time they had stopped for the night, the pair felt the tension between them slip away. Granted, Naruto was still very wary but as for the contact, they were back to letting themselves be close.

Naruto, being able to see in the dark very well, went to gather fire wood and food while Sasuke set up camp. When the fox returned, they had a nice, small, cozy fire going. They talked with hushed voices and Sasuke shared the things he had learned in his studies while Naruto was locked up. Naruto also shared what had happened while he was in the dungeon and told the black wolf about the things Itachi had shared.

Sasuke went quiet for a moment while he thought it all through. The scary look of the wolfs face made Naruto move closer and wrap his arm around his back and rub comfortingly. "It's ok, Sasuke... We are long gone now, it'll be ok. By the time we cross the river, no one will be able to track us. We will be safe," the fox soothed.

But Sasuke knew better. He knew his brother. He knew his family. He knew that by now, the entire village would be out looking for them. In fact, he was surprised at the fact that they hadn't been found yet. Other than the wagon going by, there had been no sign that anyone was around and that was odd.

...

It angered him a little. Not a lot. Just a little. Mind you, he should have seen it coming seeing as the fox really was much too forgiving and naive. Too easy to sway and corrupt.

It was a good thing and a bad thing all at the same time. He would just have to wait for his chance to plant his seeds. Wait for his chance to break him down and make him go running back to the village. Ah, the rush of adrenaline at the thought of a challenge... it had been so long since he felt this way...

He couldn't wait to see how far he could push this. But patience was key... he had to follow his plans and send out the Whet Boy when the time was right. Soon. Very soon seeing as their friendship was still so fresh and brittle...

...

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TLC