Warning: Light Yaoi, BoyXBoy situtations, drug references, prostitution references and all around dirty and bad things that if these bother you, you should have chosen another fic by now.

Author's note: Hello Dear Readers! This chapter was going to be a few thousand words longer but Tandy got tired. So I ended where I did and you'll get answers to a few more questions in the next chapter. More to be revealed in chapter 13! After all, I gotta keep ya coming back for more, right? ALSO - I just wanna give you a small reminder that at the beginning of this fic (chapter 2 or 3, I believe), I stated that I would be taking full creative license when it came to the female Naruto characters. I really wanted to add more depth to the ones I'm giving screen time to. So like them or hate them, it's fine. I only hope that I've made them interesting enough so that they become active parts of the story that add color and dimension to this fic. Okay! Enough blah blah blah… I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Oh Kishi, the wonderful toys you gave us all to play with. Thank you. And I fully acknowledge I make zero money from anything I write. All characters are sole property of Kishimoto Sensei.

Special THANK YOU OH SO MUCH! To my wonderful beta bae, Kizu! You are the cream in my coffee and the rainbow to my rain 3 LOVE YOU!


Chapter 12: A time to talk of many things

Naruto took a long pull on his smoke and let out a fast breath. "Well first off, it turns out that the deal you have in the works with the Hyuga isn't much of a secret.

Sasuke examined his drink and nodded. "I had a feeling the word was out. That Kakashi knows about it too." He took a swig and eyed the blond. "Am I to gather that you now know the exact nature of the upcoming deal with Neji?" The look on Naruto's face told him that the blond did know, but Sasuke waited for his reply anyway.

Naruto's two day journey into the city had definitely left its mark. And even though, Sasuke wanted nothing more than to insist the blond shower this very second, he was curious to see if the man would attempt to withhold anything else from him.

"I'm guessing opium." Naruto immediately turned his eyes downward and inspected his cigarette. "When I asked my old connection if he'd seen or heard anything involving the Uchiha clan, he told me that the rumor mill was churning about something big going down between the Hyuga and the Uchiha." Naruto brought his eyes back up to Sasuke's black ones. "He said it's been hard to get a clear read on what kind of deal, but that he noticed a couple of opium dens in Chinatown close abruptly and then re-open after a visit from Uchiha Obito.

Sasuke noted the disapproval on Naruto's face but quickly shifted gears at his last comment and leaned forward. "He was sure it was Obito?"

"He bribed a kid leaving the same den he saw the man come out of, and that was the name the kid gave him." Naruto could see Sasuke turning the information over in his mind. He hesitated for a moment, not knowing if Sasuke would let him in and then decided to just push forward anyway. "You didn't know."

Sasuke kept his eyes on Naruto. Nodding slightly, he sat back and took a drag of his cigarette. He knew the blond wanted in and it wasn't like Sasuke was blind to how beneficial having Naruto know everything would be. Still, as he tried to find the words, a touch of apprehension twisted in his gut. Not out of distrust but out of the knowledge that having Naruto so closely involved would make Sasuke vulnerable and vulnerability wasn't a feeling he was accustomed to.

Making his decision, Sasuke let himself relax against the couch. "I wasn't told the Chinese would be involved. Brooklyn and Queens were the only boroughs we'd be controlling. Or so I was told."

"By Madara?"

"By Madara and Obito." Sasuke finished off his drink and poured himself another. He then refilled Naruto's glass and handed it to him. "Well, Naruto, it seems like your little excursion has already paid dividends." He lifted his glass to his lips and took a sip. "Is there anything else you learned on your trip? Like whether or not Madara was involved in my brother's death?"

Naruto took a drink and stared back at Sasuke. He knew the Uchiha was referring to him sneaking off on his own.

Doing his best to stay focused on their conversation and not how attractive Sasuke looked draped casually against the couch, Naruto swallowed and kept his eyes directly on Sasuke's.

"I met with another connection of mine deep in Chinatown yesterday afternoon. I needed to go it alone to make sure they'd show." Naruto didn't flinch from the raised brow Sasuke was now giving him. "I know you already know I ditched Kakashi's man at the dock."

"Then tell me what I don't know," Sasuke replied.

Naruto snuffed out his cigarette in the nearby ashtray and then looked back at Sasuke. "I had lunch with someone who witnessed the explosion at the docks the night Itachi died."

Sasuke's eyes widened. "Uso-tsuki!" Sasuke growled and slammed down the crystal glass that was in his hand.

"Sasuke, please…," Naruto put up a hand and softened his eyes at his former lover. He knew talking to Sasuke about his brother would be difficult, but he was determined to try and keep the man calm. "I know this is going to be hard to hear but I want to make sure I tell you everything how it was told to me."

The anger that was welling up within him had Sasuke grinding his teeth. If Naruto had ditched Kakashi's man to come back with nothing more than street gossip, there would be nothing to stop him from unleashing his anger at the young blond for not only wasting his time but dragging out the memory of his brother for this ridiculous game.

"I'm not interested in worthless underground gossip, Naruto," Sasuke spat out.

"Then hear me out," he said firmly. He knew there would be no keeping Sasuke from pitching a fit but dammit if he was going to let the man go on a rampage before Naruto even got started.

Forcing himself to breathe, Sasuke did his best to unclench his jaw. His eyes narrowed at the blond. "You're going to tell me everything?" he gritted out.

"Yes." Naruto tilted his head and a small furrow appeared on his brow. "I only ask that you hear me out before making any decisions outright. I know… I know you'll ultimately make whatever choice you think's best, but you sent me to find information and I did." Naruto took a deep breath and went on. "Please, Sasuke. Hear me out."

The Uchiha relaxed somewhat at Naruto's words. The blond was obviously trying to concede his position of holding all the cards for the moment and the knowledge calmed Sasuke's temper.

After a moment Sasuke stood up and Naruto watched him walk over to the table where the phone was.

"Yes. Send up that bottle of Glenfiddich and a couple of steak sandwiches. And another pack of cigarettes." Sasuke hung up the phone and turned toward Naruto. "I was saving that bottle for something special but, for some reason, I think I might need a little something special to help me swallow down whatever it is you're planning on telling me."

"You think I'm gonna try and feed you a bunch of bullshit?" Naruto bristled at the accusation. He hadn't counted on having to keep his temper in check but there was no way he was going to stand by and let Sasuke insult his intelligence or his integrity.

"In case you still think I'm some stupid thug off the street, Sas-suke, I'm well aware of your ability to see through any lie." Naruto stood up from the velvet couch and clenched his fists. "What the fuck did you hire me for if you're never going to take me seriously?"

For just a moment, Sasuke took pleasure at the familiar look of defiance blazing in the blond's blue eyes. Trying to push away his growing desire for the blond, he kept his patience and answered softly. "I do take you seriously, Naruto." He then walked back to the couches and sat down directly across from him. "I was referring to my inability to hold my tongue... or my temper for very long." He cast his dark eyes up to where the blond was still standing and saw the man's posture ease a little. "Please, have a seat."

Naruto stared unbelieving, at the crime boss. Not only was Sasuke calm but he actually said, please. He took his seat slowly and tried not to gape at the man sitting in front of him.

"Okay… well… I guess I'll just start at the beginning." He ran a hand through his dirty blond hair and then leaned back.


Konan's amber eyes lit up at Naruto's words. "Really." She said flatly. "What? You think you can convince me to lay off your Uchiha?"

Naruto tried to hide his irritation at her calling Sasuke, 'his Uchiha' by bringing his coffee cup to his lips and taking a sip. "When I say we have a lot to talk about, I'm referring to the fact that maybe you and Sasuke might have something in common."

He saw the curiosity flash in her eyes. He knew Konan wouldn't be able to resist an opportunity to get her foot in the door and he fully intended to use that to his advantage. "Depending on what you know, I might be able to help you."

"Naruto, you do understand what I'm telling you, don't you? I'm not here to negotiate terms. There's nothing you can say that will keep me from taking Madara down." Konan took another sip of her coffee and signaled the Italian for a refill.

After the man left, Naruto resumed their conversation. "I'm not here to try and convince you to back off. I'm here to find out what you know."

"What I know? About what?" Konan eyed Naruto suspiciously.

"What you know about Uchiha Madara." Naruto leveled his gaze at the purple-haired woman and saw his comment hit home. The knowing that washed across her face was too easy to read, even for Naruto. "Tell me, Konan. Please."

"It turns out that the person I met with has been tracking Madara's every move for years." Naruto reached for the cigarette pack and pulled out two. "Where he goes, who he meets…" He handed a cig to Sasuke and then leaned in to light it for him.

Sasuke kept his gaze on the blond as Naruto shook out the match and then looked up back at him. They both locked eyes for a moment. "And how he spends his free time," Naruto finished.

A knock on the door drew both of their attention. Naruto moved to get up but Sasuke held out a hand to him, motioning for him to keep his seat.

Again, Naruto tried not to stare open-mouthed at the mobster as he watched him get up to open the door. Sasuke let in a man from his kitchen staff and stood waiting at the door while the man rolled in a food cart and then carefully set the cigarettes, sandwiches and booze onto the coffee table. After placing silverware and napkins alongside each plate, he then rolled the cart back out and quickly bowed to Sasuke before leaving the suite.

After closing the door, Sasuke joined Naruto.

"I know you came straight here before showering or eating." Sasuke reached for the scotch and opened the bottle. "This was a gift to me from an old friend in Europe. He told me to drink it in good health." After pouring a glass for each of them, Sasuke raised his to the blond. "To your health, Naruto."

Sasuke could tell the blond was trying to figure out just what he was playing at with his calm demeanor, and it amused him. Maybe he should try being nice to Naruto more often. He smirked around his crystal glass and then swallowed the smooth alcohol. "Please eat."

Naruto drank to the Uchiha's toast and again noted his use of the word, please. "Uh, thanks," he said after a quick swallow of the scotch.

Trying to ignore the strange behavior, Naruto returned to their previous discussion. "Turns out Madara has been frequenting the Hyuga's brothel and opium den." He noticed the lack of surprise on Sasuke's face. "I take it you already knew that."

The Uchiha raised both his eyebrows at the blond.

"Then you must also know who he's been seen there with on occasion." The humor left Naruto's eyes and he watched Sasuke lower his brows and a give him a questioning look. Naruto let out a heavy sigh. "It seems a certain pink-haired employee of yours has gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd."

Sasuke leaned back into the couch. "Hn." He took another sip of the scotch. "I know she's been doping but I had no idea she was spending time at the bordello." He examined his glass and then looked up to see Naruto staring at him. "I know she's a friend of yours and that the redhead cares for her but she's a lost cause, Naruto."

Hearing about Sakura from Konan had been one thing but to get confirmation from Sasuke made it all the more real. Naruto snuffed out his cig and took a big gulp of his scotch before setting down the glass. He ran one of his hands through his hair and looked back at the crime boss. "Is she…?"

"If she's frequenting the brothel, I'm guessing yes." Sasuke could see the storm already forming in Naruto's blue eyes just like when he found out about that Hinata woman. For a man so clearly adept on the streets of New York, the blond still had a touch of naivete about him. The world they lived in was a hard world and though it would do Naruto well to remember that, Sasuke couldn't help liking the man for his steadfast refusal to accept it.

"Nar-"

"I think it'll be better if we stay on topic." Naruto pushed away the thoughts of what this information would do to Gaara and tried to stay focused. "My, uh… friend has been tracking Madara all over New York," Naruto continued. He didn't want to look up and see the same disregard in Sasuke's eyes that he saw back when they had talked about Hinata so he reached for the cigarettes instead.

Sasuke watched Naruto light his smoke and then take a long deep drag. He knew the blond was stalling and not wanting to meet his eyes. Though he couldn't quite understand exactly what Naruto was feeling, he did feel a touch of sympathy for the young street hood. Taking a cue from the blond, he took a long drag of his smoke and waited.


"Why Madara?" Konan creased her brows. "That deal coming up with the Hyuga has got everyone jumpy."

Naruto gave her a snarky look and she sighed.

"Well, I have been watching every move that bastard has made for the past four years. The brothels, the opium dens, the cops he meets with and even that crooked judge from Queens." Konan pulled out her bag and took out her cigarettes. Immediately, Naruto took out his matches and leaned in to light one for her.

"Is that how you found out about the shipment on the Passaic?" Naruto couldn't help the small grin that came to his face.

Konan leaned back in her chair and smiled. "That was just a shot across the bow. A little taste of many things to come." She eyed Naruto for a moment and he casually sipped his coffee.

Looking at her now, Naruto could see how incredibly attractive she still was. Her soft features only accentuated her deep amber eyes and even after all this time, he still found her to be one of the sexiest women he'd ever seen. But as he sat across from her, waiting on her next words, there was no mistaking the fact that the longing he had once had for her was now gone.

"The Uchiha and Madara have made many enemies, Naru. I'm not the only one who wants to see them taken down."

"But you're the one organizing them. Right?"

"Naruto," she said softly. "I simply saw an opportunity and took it. With the right connections, anyone can heist a booze shipment or block a drug delivery."

"You said you would be taking down the Uchiha Clan. How do you plan to do that with a few connections and only a handful of successful rum runs?" He took another sip of his coffee and signaled for a refill.

A sly grin remained on Konan's face while the Italian topped them both off and then headed back to the kitchen. "Now, what kind of woman would I be if I showed you my knickers before you showed me yours, eh Naru?"

Naruto let out a loud laugh and held both his hands up. "Alright, alright, so you're not gonna show me all your cards." He shook his head and brought his coffee cup to his lips. "Then," he said after a sip. "Can you at least tell me what you know about the night Uchiha Itachi died?"

The woman's eyes immediately darkened. "How did you know?"

"Know what?" Naruto creased his brows at her and Konan snapped her mouth shut. "Konan, you just told me you been tailing Madara all over New York. Are you really gonna sit there and try and tell me that you got no information on his whereabouts on the night Itachi died?"

"That's why you came today." Konan took another drag off her smoke and narrowed her eyes. "How did Sasuke find out?"

"Konan…"

"You're here because Sasuke suspects Madara took out Itachi."

"Did he?" Naruto leveled his blue eyes at his long ago sweetheart and waited. "You've never been good at lying to me, Konan. You've got a great poker face with everyone else but for some reason, I can always tell when you're lying."

"I know the reason," she said slyly and smirked around her coffee cup as she sipped it.

Naruto let out a cough and shot her an unamused look. Not being able to resist the humor in her eyes, a slow smile came to his face. "Yeah, well, I know you know something, so give."

"And what do I get in return?" She gave the blond her best smile and tilted her head.

"Not so sure I wanna go up against the ginger I hear you're now running with," Naruto replied.

The purple-haired woman's smile broadened. "And that goes same for me and your Uchiha."

Naruto clenched his jaw and Konan giggled. "Oh Naru, you know once that man set his sights on you, there was nothing you could have done."

He opened his mouth and then shut it. Naruto gave her a hard stare and went on. "Look, I know you want a way in and I'm someone that can help you. So please, tell me what you know and I'll do what I can to get you a spot at the table."

"You already have that much sway with Sasuke?"

"Konan!" Naruto scrubbed hands across his face and then took a deep breath. "I don't have much time. You know about the hit, you know something about what happened at the docks that night and you know I now work for Sasuke." He leaned forward and locked eyes with her. "I'm not gonna fucking lie to you. I hate that you're set on trying to stake a claim in Brooklyn."

"Afraid Sasuke will-"

"No." Naruto kept his eyes glued to hers. "I hate the business. I'm getting out. All that stands in my way is finding out who put the hit on Sasuke and helping him get to them first." He leaned back into his chair. "I don't know why you and Sasuke love this kind of life so much but I hate it." He took a swig of his now cold coffee and then reached for his cigarettes. "But," he said as he clenched one between his teeth and lit it. "If this is what you want, so be it. I'll do what I can to get you a place at the table but you have to tell me what you know." He let out a long drag and looked at her. "Konan, I'm not here to stop you from going after Madara. I'm here to find out whether or not I should convince Sasuke to help you."

He could see her chewing on her bottom lip, considering his offer. He figured that was a better sign than an outright no.

After a moment she took a deep breath and finally spoke. "Me and my partner followed Madara to Greenwood that night. I thought he was trying out a new contact since all Uchiha shipments were known to come in through Red Hook…"


"Apart from keeping an eye on his personal habits my contact happened to follow him to Greenwood the night your brother died." Naruto kept his voice low and his eyes on the gangster.

Sasuke took a hard swallow of the scotch and then immediately refilled his glass. He worked to unclench his jaw and breathe as he waited for Naruto to continue.

"It was dark when my friend arrived moments after Madara. They were there for at least an hour before your brother showed up."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the blond but again, he held back. Instead he took a last drag off his cigarette and then crushed it out before leaning back against the plush velvet cushions. "And your friend is positive it was Itachi," he said after a moment.


"You saw him, right? You remember what the man was like." Konan's eyes glazed over for a moment and a faint smile crept across her lips. "The hair, those eyes. The man was divine." She shot a look to Naruto, daring him to object but the blond just smirked back at her.

"He walked like royalty."

"Yes!" Konan laughed. "Had it been pitch black and pouring rain, I still would have recognized Uchiha Itachi walking down the main port that night in Greenwood."


"You brother was easily recognizable." Naruto tugged on his smoke and examined the drink in his hand. "But more importantly, I know my informant wasn't lying."

Like a flash, Sasuke understood just who Naruto's connection was, and again he clenched his jaw hard at the realization and fought to hold his peace. The blond had been forthcoming and so far hadn't held anything back other than his informants identity. But as the realization flooded through him, Sasuke had to work hard to hold his anger down. With fierce speed his mind went through every word and each statement made by the blond. Taking a deep breath and determined not to repeat the argument they had about the Hyuga woman, Sasuke motioned for Naruto to pass him the cigarette pack.

A quick grab of the smokes and Naruto was already pulling one out and lighting it for Sasuke. "Your brother was seen walking down the port to meet with someone. They spoke for a few minutes and shortly after the other man walked away, an explosion took out the dock."

Sasuke took a drag and leaned back. "And the other man?"

Naruto shook out the match and leaned back as well. "My informant didn't know. It was too dark. But as they were about to leave, a car pulled up not far from where my friend was staked out, and picked up the unknown man right before high-tailing it outta there."

Sasuke drank off the last of his scotch and reached for the bottle. "Any make on the car?"

"When the car pulled up, the back door opened, and Uchiha Madara was spotted in the back seat."

Naruto and Sasuke stared at one another.

Still holding the scotch bottle in midair, Sasuke then looked down and refilled his glass before motioning Naruto to bring his in for a top off.

Knowing that Sasuke was probably chewing his tongue to bits to keep himself from barking obscenities, Naruto hurriedly held out his glass and then raised it to the crime boss.

Sasuke raised his glass back and stared at Naruto as he drank. He knew the blond would come back with information but he figured it would be more vague hearsay or gossip. Something that would allow him more time.

"Did your friend witness anything else?"

Naruto ground his cigarette into the ashtray and shook his head. "No, they left right after to avoid the cops."

"Hn."

Naruto watched Sasuke look away while slowly tugging and exhaling on his smoke in an even breath. He knew it couldn't be easy hearing about the final moments of his brother's life or the confirmation that his own uncle was directly responsible.

Tilting his head his head in curiosity, he noticed Sasuke's sudden avoidance. It wasn't like the Uchiha to concede authority by not meeting Naruto's eyes. It took him a second and then he realized, he's trying to hold down his temper. Naruto almost smiled. The man in front of him was still full of surprises. Just as the softness reached his blue eyes, his mind whispered, 'don't forget about the tattoo,' and the blond had to take a quick gulp of the expensive scotch to keep from gritting his teeth.

After a moment, Sasuke looked back at the blond. "I believe you have a message for me?"

For just a moment, Naruto gaped back at him. Then he quickly shook his head and let out a low chuckle. "There's just no getting anything past you, is there, Sasuke?" Naruto couldn't resist giving his boss a small smile before taking a sip of his drink.

Sasuke took one look at the blond's bright blues and lifted a brow in response.

Naruto set down his drink and leaned back. The alcohol was starting to have an effect on him. He glanced down at the sandwich Sasuke had offered him and then looked back up at the Uchiha.

"Naruto, you haven't eaten or rested… or washed yet." Sasuke gave a blond a slight grimace. "At least eat before you end up drunk."

"Do I smell that bad?" Naruto asked as he reached for the plate of food.

Sasuke held onto his uninterested look as he watched Naruto take a bite of the steak sandwich. "If it weren't for the matter at hand, I would have already dragged you into the bath and washed you myself."

Naruto coughed and almost choked on his food. He reached for his napkin and immediately wiped his mouth and tried to swallow down his bite.

He looked back at Sasuke and clearly saw the gleam in the mobsters eyes, even if his face gave nothing away.

"But since we still have things to discuss, your bath will have to wait." Sasuke took a swig of booze. "So you eat and I'll talk."

Reaching for the scotch, Naruto kept one eye on Sasuke. He washed down the food with a large gulp and did his best to not encourage the man by returning the look Sasuke was now giving him. He held out a hand, signaling for the Uchiha to continue and slowly took another bite.

"It seems my uncle and most likely, my cousin Obito, are working together to shut me out." Sasuke left his cigarette in the ashtray and relaxed against the couch. "While you were gone, I played several scenarios out and came to same conclusion."

Naruto lifted an eyebrow and continued to chew his food.

"Madara is already head of the clan. So why shut me out? Taking out my brother only puts him in direct odds with my father and the other board members and creates instability within the clan." Sasuke tugged at his tie and loosened it. He then unbuttoned his collar and took in a deep breath. "Expanding into Chinatown means my meeting with Neji was a farce. He and Madara have already made a deal and everything we discussed that day was just another attempt at misdirection."

Feeling a little better, Naruto put down his sandwich and wiped his hands and face with his napkin. "You think they're planning on combining the two clans?"

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair and regarded the blond for a moment. "I think the friend you lunched with yesterday, suspected just as much and planned to use the clan upheaval to her advantage."

"How d-"

"You were quick to refer to your first contact as a he. Once you began to discuss the other informant, you withheld using either a male or female descriptor. It's a simple skill using deduction and active listening, Naruto so stop fucking looking at me like I'm Harry fucking Houdini."

He threw the blond an irritated glare and Naruto snapped his mouth shut.

"I guess we're done with being patient," Naruto mumbled and he downed the rest of the alcohol in his glass. "Sasuke…"

"Is that why you ditched Kakashi's man? So you could sneak away and pump your friend for information?"

"Sasuke, enough." Naruto glared at the man across from him and tried to keep his cool. "I know finding out everything at once is doing a number on you but don't use it as a reason to come at me."

The Uchiha gritted his teeth and stood up.

Naruto watched as the man began to pace. "Yes, my informant was a woman. No, we are not romantically involved. Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

"Clever choice of words, Naruto." Sasuke turned and faced the blond. "But you were once."

"It was years ago, Sasuke but yes, we used to-"

"Fuck?"

"Goddammit, Sasuke!" Naruto got up and moved toward the gangster. "Fine, you wanna do this now? Then let's get to it because this possessive jealousy streak of yours is wearing on my nerves."

"Jealous?" Sasuke rolled his eyes but Naruto stepped closer to him, ignoring his attempted dismissal.

"How about we talk about my tattoo then? You fucking mark me like cattle and then stand there trying to deny that it doesn't burn you that I met with an old girlfriend of mine?"

"You agreed to join the clan and that includes bearing the Uchiha mark," Sasuke sneered.

"The clan symbol, yes, but your name? You branded me property of Uchiha Sasuke!"

"You're overreacting."

"I'm overreacting! Jesus fucking christ, Sasuke, do you hear yourself?"

Naruto was now only a few feet away from Sasuke and the two men stared heatedly at each other. He could feel his anger being fueled by the booze as he stood there with his fist clenched at his sides. Staring at Sasuke's midnight eyes, he wanted the asshole to answer for the goddamn tattoo and tell him exactly why he marked him like his fucking personal property. Then, just as the alcohol began to heat his veins, the realization fluttered down to him and he blinked at the sudden knowledge.

Immediately, Sasuke turned away from the look in Naruto's eyes and ran his hands through his hair. This is not how he intended this all to go. It all was quickly turning into another argument and despite his irritation at Naruto evading his tail to meet with an old flame of his, Sasuke knew they had to try and get back onto the situation with Madara.

Slowly he turned around and met Naruto's searing blue eyes. The blond was flushed and breathing hard, making Sasuke want nothing more than to pin the man to the wall and brutally kiss him.

Reading the look in Sasuke's eyes, Naruto let out a long breath and slowly unclenched his fists. "I'm leaving in October, Sasuke." Naruto tried to slow his breathing and keep his voice even. "I can't stay here. I won't change my mind."

Sasuke stared at Naruto for a moment and then understood his meaning and nodded tersely at the blond before walking back to the couches.

Naruto watched as the crime boss sat down and refilled both their glasses with the expensive scotch.

"Then I guess we shouldn't waste any more time. Come tell me the message your friend wanted you to get to me."

For a moment Naruto just stared at where Sasuke was seated. The sheer grit the gangster was showing at trying to continually control his temper had Naruto almost dumbfounded. After a minute, he then walked around and took his seat across from the dark-haired man. Though he was still plenty pissed at Sasuke, he couldn't help feeling a touch of sympathy as he took the scotch-filled crystal Sasuke was holding out to him.

"So I know that your friend is interested in how all these events will unfold. I know that… she has been stalking Madara and I know that now you're going to try and convince me that she would be a useful ally." Sasuke clinked his glass against Naruto's and took a drink. Naruto kept his eyes locked on him and followed suit.

"What I don't know...," Sasuke continued, "... or rather what I can guess but would like you to confirm for me is, why."


"You're crazy if you think that will work." Konan stared disbelieving at Naruto.

"No more crazy than you thinking you can take out Madara on your own," Naruto shot back.

"Who says I'll be on my own?" She steeled her eyes at the blond. "I'm not a fool, Naruto. I know what it's gonna take to take Madara down. I'm just biding my time until the right moment."

"You mean once Madara takes out Sasuke?" He kept his eyes on her and watched her slightly flinch. "You knew it was Madara who took out Itachi and that means you were already expecting Sasuke to be next. You're just sitting back waiting for them to take each other out so you can swoop in and pick off the pieces."

"Naru…"

"That's fine, Konan. I know you're gonna do what it takes to get a piece of the borough, but what I'm offering you is something more than just breadcrumbs." Naruto drank off his coffee and lit another cigarette. "Side with me and Sasuke and I'll get him to guarantee you a share of Madara's turf." Naruto let out a long drag and stared at Konan. "Once he's taken out."

"You're gonna get Uchiha Sasuke to agree to that?" She let out a huff and gave the blond her best sarcastic glare.

He took another hit of his smoke and waited.

The purple-haired woman shook her head and crushed out her cigarette. "It's not just about a piece of the borough, Naruto. Madara…"

The blond watched her chew on her lip and fidget with her coffee cup. He gave her a moment and then saw her lift her amber eyes at him.

"I owe that man a painful ending, Naru," she said quietly. "And I don't care who I have to use or buy or con to make it happen."

"Your brother."

Konan cringed at his words and immediately took a drink of her coffee. "Tell me exactly what you're proposing and then I'll give you my answer."


Naruto smirked at Sasuke. His blood was beginning to cool and with the booze already doing its work, he could feel his affection for the young Uchiha returning. He knew there was no chance for the two of them but damn if he didn't love the way the man's mind worked. "I'm starting think Harry Houdini is a fake and you're the real thing."

Sasuke couldn't resist giving him a small smile back.

It's not like he wanted to pick a fight with the blond, but the more Sasuke thought about Naruto leaving in October the more he bristled at the idea that there were other opportunities waiting for the man once he left Sasuke's side. More than anything it bothered him to learn that he might need the blond, since all his life, he had never needed anything other than his brother's approval and this new awareness Naruto was stirring up made him uneasy.

"The Akatsuki," Sasuke finally said and Naruto nodded back at him with a half-grin glued to his face.

"You're brilliant, you know that?" Naruto lifted his drink to the Uchiha and saw a slight blush rise to Sasuke's cheeks.

"You're just easily impressed," he answered mockingly and took a drink.

Naruto tilted his head and softened his eyes. "No, I don't think that's it at all."

Sasuke cleared his throat and leaned back. "So are you going to tell me what you have in mind?"

Following Sasuke's lead, Naruto decided not to pursue the compliment any further. He leaned back against the velvet cushions and took another drink. "She's willing to join you in taking out Madara for a cut."

The Uchiha stared at Naruto and waited for the rest.

"I convinced her to lay off any shipments coming directly to you and she agreed as long as she got a place at the table once all the dust settles."

Sasuke nodded slightly and examined his glass. "But that wasn't her message to me, was it?" He quickly cast his eyes up and held them to the blond's. "There's a caveat."

"How d-"

"Naruto, please." Sasuke shot him an impatient look. "Do you really need me to explain myself again?"

The blond held out both his hands and laughed at the mobster "Okay, okay! Heh, I was only curious. But by all means, keep your black magic a secret."

Naruto smirked and his boss rolled his eyes back at him. "I think the scotch is getting to you," he huffed and drank off the last of his drink.

Biting down on his tongue, Naruto had to hold back from responding. The booze was definitely having an affect on him. The more he drank the less he cared about the tattoo and the less he cared about his reasons for not wanting to get back in bed with Sasuke. He blinked and tried to remember. He and Gaara. California. Sasuke and the Uchiha Clan.

"Naruto."

"Yeah. I mean yes, there's a caveat." He snapped back to the present conversation and took a deep breath. "When the time comes, she wants to be the one to take Madara out."

Sasuke stared at the blond. "He killed my brother."

"She knows."

"I'm not gonna step aside for some two-bit, wannabe hood," Sasuke spat out.

"And I told her that," Naruto shot back.

"You did?"

"Yeah."

"And what did she say?"


"It's a deal breaker, Naru, I won't change my mind."

"Then the loss will be yours." Naruto leaned forward. "With or without you, Sasuke is going to stop Madara. If you side with him, you got a shot at coming out of this with something more than just table scraps."

"Madara is mine."

"Konan," Naruto said softly. "Even if I could get Sasuke to agree to that, you'd never pull it off and you know it."

"That's not-"

"Do you know the level you're playing at now?" Naruto shook his head at the woman. "Do I need to remind you how Madara operates? Or Orochimaru? Or even Sasuke? Do you wanna know what that man did to one of hit men that night at The Palace? Without hesitation, Konan! This is not you, me and Shika pitchin' quarters for beer anymore, don't you fucking get it?" Naruto slammed his hands down on the table and the Italian quickly came out to see what was going on. he glanced at the man and then leaned back into his chair and lit another cigarette.

The Italian watched him for a moment and then went back into the kitchen.

Naruto took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "Konan, if you honestly think you have a chance at taking Madara out yourself, then go for it." Naruto waved a hand at her. "But Sasuke will never agree to step aside. It'll have to be every man for himself." He took a quick drag of his smoke and then pointed the cig at her. "You think you can get to him first? Have a go."

"Why are you angry with me, Naru?" Konan softened her amber eyes at her old friend and Naruto let out a deep sigh.


Considering everything Naruto just told him, Sasuke then he reached up and slid his tie completely off. He had done his best to keep his temper in check but it still had gotten away from him. Now with all the cards on the table the only thought in his head was of his brother. He blamed the booze and the nearness of Naruto for his sudden nostalgic weakness and both thoughts flared his irritation.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke." Naruto's voice jerked the gangster out of his daze and he uncharacteristically creased his brows at the blond, in confusion.

Naruto sat forward and looked straight at Sasuke. "It can't be easy. Finding out that Madara was responsible for Itachi and now knowing what you're up against." Naruto looked down for a moment and then back up at dark-eyed man. "I can't even imagine the kind of weight you're carrying right now but I do know... that I plan on keeping my word to you. I'll help you settle this."

Sasuke stared back at Naruto and worked to hold back the words, 'but only until October.'

Instead, he hitched in a quick breath and shook his head ever so slightly. "I can't help wondering what my brother would do." Immediately Sasuke's eyes twitched at his own words and he reached for whiskey. They had already finished off the scotch but Sasuke wasn't done drinking. Silently, he kicked himself for again being so open with the blond.

Feeling the alcohol, Naruto watched as Sasuke deliberately looked away to refill his glass. It took all his strength not to reach for the man's hand to keep him from using the whiskey to chase the memory of his brother away. He knew Sasuke was hurting but more than that, he knew the young crime boss was in over his head and no matter what pain he endured, he would never admit to it.

"Sasuke-"

"My father's travelling upstate." After refreshing his drink, Sasuke leaned back and looked at Naruto. "I have to find a way to keep him out of this. I know he's going to want Madara's neck but if he gets in the way while I'm trying to prevent an all out clan war, I won't be able to protect him or my mother from danger."

"Can you convince him to stay upstate until this is all done?" Naruto reached for the whiskey and took hold of the decanter. Sasuke immediately leaned forward and placed his hand over Naruto's.

"I think you've had plenty." The two men gazed at each other.

Naruto tried to ignore the electric feeling of having Sasuke touching his skin and Sasuke did his best to not take advantage of the heady look the blond was now giving him.

"Sure," Naruto grinned at his boss. "How about we talk about my tattoo instead?" He raised an eyebrow at the Uchiha and so help him, Sasuke couldn't resist smirking back.

"If you're expecting an apology…"

"I'm expecting you to move your hand and let me drink away my anger at you." Naruto hardened his look and kept his eyes fixed on Sasuke.

"I can think of a better way to get rid of that anger of yours," Sasuke answered.

Before he could stop himself, a lustful smile formed on Naruto's lips. Suddenly remembering himself, he pulled back his grin and his hand and quickly stood up. He then set his glass down onto the table and went for the suite door. "I think I should go before-"

"Naruto."

Naruto stopped and turned around. With his heart racing, he watched Sasuke get up from the couch and walk towards him. Without his tie and with his vest undone and open, the man looked disheveled and seductive. The only clue that anything was amiss was the weariness in the Uchiha's dark eyes and it panged Naruto to see him in such a state.

"You look tired," Naruto said in a low voice and Sasuke nodded at his words.

Stopping just a few feet from the blond, Sasuke took in all that was Naruto. The man was positively filthy from his time on the streets. His hair was grimy from the sea air, his clothes were dark and stained from sleeping in god knows what, and the smell of sweat and fish permeated off of him. But as he stood there watching him slip on his boots, Sasuke wanted nothing more than to yank the man to him and kiss him until the outside world disappeared and again it was just the two of them in his bed for hours and hours.

Naruto looked up after putting on his shoes and saw the look his former lover was now wearing. He knew it was better for them both if he left before things got carried away but now looking at Sasuke, Naruto also knew he didn't have it in him to hurt the man anymore than he was already hurting.

"Her name is Konan," Naruto said quietly and saw the immediate understanding in Sasuke's eyes. "It was years ago. I was… we were young. And then after a few months she left. She didn't say, 'come with me' or 'I'll be back', she just left." He held Sasuke's eyes firm to his own. "She didn't try to find me until now. She's after a piece of the borough and settling a score with Madara. She knows I can help her and that's the only reason she contacted me. She went looking for me, Sasuke. I didn't..."

Sasuke took a step closer to Naruto.

"There's nothing between her and me anymore. I wanted you to kn-"

In an instant, Sasuke was there, his hands in Naruto's hair, gently pulling him in closer. He softly brushed his lips against Naruto's and felt firm hands take hold of his hips and grip hard.

Slowly he kissed the blond and felt him sigh. Sasuke worked his tongue into Naruto's mouth and his cock surged at the sweet taste. Before he could stop himself, he walked Naruto back and pressed him up against the door as he deepened his kiss.

Naruto couldn't help but respond and he opened his mouth wide, his tongue searching alongside Sasuke's, slow and soft, while his disobedient hands pulled the Uchiha's waist closer.

Feeling Sasuke's hardness pressed against his own, he begged himself to push Sasuke away, but instead felt his hands grip the man tighter and for a brief moment they stood pressed against one another, tasting and lapping at the flavor of the alcohol that remained.

Finally finding his strength, Naruto lifted his hands up to Sasuke's chest and rested them there as he pulled back, breaking their kiss. Another sigh fell from his lips and Naruto leaned his forehead against Sasuke's trying to will himself to turn away and walk out the door.

"Stay with me tonight," Sasuke whispered and Naruto felt his whole body ache for man in front of him. He tried to think through the booze soaked thoughts that were screaming at him to stay and to grab Sasuke's hand and drag him to the bed.

Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Gaara. California and the pull of the Uchiha Clan. "I can't… I won't change my mind."

Sasuke looked up and into the blond's blue eyes. "California."

Naruto nodded. "In four months-"

"Then stay with me until you leave." Sasuke's eyes burned into Naruto's.

"Sasuke…"

Again, the mobster moved in and brushed his lips to Naruto's "I can handle it Naruto, you don't have to-"

"But I can't." Naruto froze and Sasuke pulled back and stared at the blond.

He stepped away from Naruto and searched his blue eyes for the truth. The same noble intentions and deep character that intrigued Sasuke so much stared back at him, making him work to steel himself against the rejection. He wanted to hate the blond. He wanted to curse him for being so fucking naive to think that California held all the answers. But as he stood there and watched pity flood Naruto's face, the only thing he hated was himself.

Sasuke turned from Naruto and walked back to the couches. He tugged off his vest and tossed it onto the cushions before working to unfasten his cufflinks.

"Sasuke..." Naruto's heart felt heavy in his chest.

The gangster didn't turn around. "I have some things to think over. Thank you… for your honesty, Naruto. Tell Konan the deal is set and I wish to meet with her soon. As a sign of good faith, she can pick the place and I will be there."

Sasuke didn't turn around and Naruto watched him walk to the washroom and pause before heading in. "Lock the door behind you on your way out," and with that, Sasuke entered the bathroom and shut the door.

Naruto stared after him. He wanted to go to him, bang on the bathroom door and tell Sasuke he was sorry. Instead he slammed his head back against the suite door and closed his eyes. "Fuck."

Naruto swallowed hard and took a deep breath. He knew it wouldn't do him any good to try explaining to Sasuke that continuing their affair until October would only make leaving harder for them both. If he went to talk to him now, either they would just end up fighting again or right back in bed where he knew all his weaknesses would be realized.

And he wasn't walking away for only himself but also for Gaara. He could never bail on his best friend. Their plan was to leave for California together, and no matter what feelings he had for Sasuke, Naruto had no intention of going back on his word.

He stared at the bathroom door.

There was no sense in trying to ignore the pull of Sasuke anymore. He already knew the man would always occupy a place in his life no matter how far he travelled from New York. But setting himself up for more pain than what would already be coming at his departure, didn't sit well with him.

The sound of the bathroom shower being turned on brought him out of his haze and he took that as his cue to leave.

'Better get word to Konan,' he thought and then walked out of the suite, locking the door behind him.


Gaara walked through The Tokyo Palace lobby and nodded to desk clerk as he passed by. He had gone back to Pierrepont to shower, eat and change but hadn't rested at all. He knew it would be pointless to go to his room to try to fall asleep. His mind kept going back and forth over yesterday keeping him far too wound up to do anything other than jump back into the Chevrolet and head right back to the nightclub. So if Naru was going to be tied up with the Uchiha all afternoon, it was better if he kept himself occupied.

Once down on the club floor, he glanced around and saw that a few band members were setting up and the cleaning crew was already taking care of the tables and bar. The club would be opening again tomorrow night, so he figured he might as well as get started on some of the prep while he was here and headed to the box office to see if Tenten was around.

"Hey Gaara." Tenten immediately opened the door when Gaara knocked. "I didn't expect you in today. You just get back?"

"Yeah. What's the prep?" He was hoping Tenten would set him up with a bunch of tedious tasks that would help take his mind off of the little side trip he took into Queens while Naruto had been meeting with Konan.

"Well," Tenten sat down and resumed cleaning the tommy gun she had been working on and then deftly pulled the trigger to make sure the tension was smooth. "All the stashes and triggers need to be checked and then the kitchen and backstage runs need to be cleared and checked." Having finished with the cleaning, Tenten began to reassemble the gun. "If Naruto's with ya, you both can head up to the roof and check the explosives. The weather's heatin' up and if we don't monitor that shit, we're all gonna end up with a helluva surprise one of these days."

"Naruto's with Sasuke." Gaara hadn't meant to imply anything other than that the two men were in a meeting but Tenten glanced up at him with a curious look just the same.

"Ah, well then, let's get that grumpy redhead to give ya hand." Tenten reached over to the phone. "Get me Atlantic 4522, please." She smiled at Gaara and he did his best to ignore the tightening of his stomach and not turn away.

"Yamato. Can you get Sasori and Sai over to the club? Yeah, some prep. Thanks." She hung up the phone and turned back to Gaara. "Is it serious between them two? Blondie and the boss?"

Gaara stared back at her not knowing what to say.

"It's alright, Red. I know you're pretty tight-lipped about your friend's business but a girl gets curious." She flicked her eyebrows at him and then got up and headed to the box office window, where she pulled out a pair of revolvers that were stashed just below it.

"I gotta say though, I ain't never seen the boss act this way with any of his other fellas." She brought both weapons back to the table where she had cleaned the tommy and began working on the revolvers. Gaara stood by watching her, still not really knowing how to respond.

"That friend of yours has got the boss all shook up. Not that I could say I blame him. That blondie's one fine dish and if I had me an eye for men, I'd probably fall head over heels for him too." Gaara stared hard at the brunette and she looked up at him; humor dancing in her eyes. She let out a laugh and nudged him slightly with her elbow. "You didn't know? Ah well, I guess none of us here at The Palace advertise our private affairs huh?" She winked at the redhead and then went back to disassembling the handguns.

"I uh… I honestly don't know," Gaara said quietly and Tenten looked up at him. "If they're serious, I mean. I heard the Uchiha isn't one to keep his affairs around for very long."

Tenten smirked at the redhead and nodded. "You got that right, Red." She looked back down and kept working on the guns. "The boss ain't never taken to anyone the way he's taken to Naruto. I never say anything but I notice the way they watch each other whenever one thinks the other ain't lookin'." She paused her cleaning and glanced up at Gaara. "I think your friend's taken a shine to the boss as well."

Gaara nodded slightly at Tenten and watched as she returned to taking apart the handguns piece by piece.

"I'm gonna start on the prep." Gaara turned back toward the box office door.

"Hey, Gaara. I didn't mean anything by what I said." Tenten's eyes softened. "The boss told me you and Naruto are leaving for west coast in few months and… I don't know, maybe it's the girl in me that was kinda hoping for a happy ever after, ya know?"

Gaara nodded at her. "Yeah."

Tenten smiled at him and went back to cleaning the revolvers.

"Tell Sasori to come find me. I'll be checking the backstage run first." He then turned and walked out of the box office and shut the door behind him.

Feeling uneasy, Gaara scanned the club. He hadn't been prepared to face Tenten's questions about Naruto and Sasuke's relationship. Was it a relationship? Naru had told him that it was only business between him and the Uchiha now, but would Naruto mention it if things did get serious between him and Sasuke?

The redhead creased his brows and headed for the stage door. He needed a distraction and clearing the backstage run would be a good place to start.

Tenten had devised several exit strategies after the shootout last month. Given that there was one door leading through the kitchen and another that led backstage, it was the crew's job to make sure both paths were checked for anything suspicious as well as for clutter and objects that would prevent a smooth exit. Both runs had to be clear of boxes or carts and checked for any signs of tampering. They still weren't sure exactly how the two hitmen had managed to get their weapons into the club. Was it a handoff from the two suspected inside men or had the guns been stashed somewhere? Ultimately, neither scenario mattered much. What mattered was that steps were taken to prevent anyone else from getting another chance at taking out the young Uchiha.

Once backstage, Gaara worked to concentrate on the job and not on all the thoughts that were tramping through his mind.

He quickly darted his eyes down the hall and spotted a few potted plants and leftover food carts that hadn't been wheeled back into the kitchen yet. He set to work and tried to get his mind to ease up but it persisted.

Were Naruto and Sasuke serious? He knew his best friend always had a hard time letting go. Even though Naruto had never outright said so, Gaara knew he had taken it hard when Konan left the gang years ago and he knew that Otoha had been tough on him as well. Naruto always seemed to create bonds with whoever he met, but when it came to the girls he had affairs with, it seemed like those bonds ran extra strong. The string of girls he had passed the time with after Konan took off were no different. Naruto had made it clear to each of them that he wasn't looking for anything serious but they still came back around weeks or months later and Naruto never turned any of them away or dismissed their attempts at friendship.

But now, this whole new affair with Uchiha Sasuke changed everything. Gaara really couldn't see how Naruto would be able to brush off their supposed one-time fling. Not only was it not in the blond's blood to walk away from anything so easily but it was pretty obvious that Sasuke had Naruto wound tighter than Konan ever did.

Gaara bent down and poked around the base of the potted plant that was pushed against the hallway wall. Satisfied, he stood up and walked the corridor until he came to the dressing rooms.

He knew he'd have to clear the rooms but suddenly wondered if Sakura might be inside. The band was already setting up on the stage and if they were getting ready for rehearsal, then Sakura was sure to be somewhere around as well.

As he stood there staring at the dressing room door, he hesitated.

The few days away from the club had allowed Gaara some time to think over the situation with his old childhood friend and trying to figure out just what the situation was had been frustrating enough. He knew he had to think of some way to get Madara to back off and leave Sakura alone, but now with a clan war on the horizon, Gaara knew any approach on Madara would be dangerous.

He would simply wait and watch, then pick his moment. He had mulled all of this over at the dock but each time he had set his mind to try and find some kind of angle he could work, Sakura's words same floating back to him.

'Don't make me go through losing you all over again,' she had said. While he and Naruto had been down at South Street Seaport, he had played those words over and over in his mind while staring out into the ocean, listening to the sea. Even during his long trek into Queens and back, her words continued to sound in his head.

He knew that leaving Sakura and Hinata behind had worn on his conscience all these years, but he had always figured blame would come in the form of bitterness. He expected tears of 'how could you leave me in that place' or 'I waited for you to come back,' not 'don't make me go through losing you all over again.'

Gaara rested his hand on the doorknob. Just before he was about to turn it, faint voices drifted from the other side.

He hadn't wanted to accidentally walk in on someone changing, so, now knowing the dressing room wasn't empty, Gaara slowly opened the door and listened to see if it was safe to walk in.

The sound of Sakura's voice floated toward him.

"I'm done, Hinata. I don't want the money or the ahen."

Instantly, Gaara's heart panged in his chest at Sakura's words.

"Are you sure, Sakura? Of course, I respect your wishes but you've said this to me before and I've had to come all the way back just to bring you another vial." Gaara heard a light sound of glass being tapped.

"Hinata, please."

Gaara stood at the door frozen. Everything was now painfully clear to him and he gripped the doorknob harshly, more to keep himself from reeling than anything else. He hated standing there listening like a rat, but he couldn't will himself to let go of the handle.

"Sakura, these men are important to the deal Madara and Sasuke have been finalizing for the past five months. At least meet with them. Show them a little... American hospitality. After all, they only just arrived and would love a chance to socialize."

"Hinata, I told you-"

"I'll leave this with you, just in case you change your mind. And if you do, call me later and I'll swing by and pick you up tonight."

Choosing his moment, Gaara knocked on the dressing room door. "Hello." He worked hard to keep his voice flat and not show the turmoil building inside of him.

"Gaara?" Sakura's eyes widened at the sight of the redhead entering the room.

He cast his expressionless green eyes at the two women as he entered the room and nodded to them both. "I gotta prep the room for tomorrow night."

"Gaara!" Hinata gushed and walked over to him. "I had the pleasure of getting to talk to Naruto when I was here before but I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to catch up as well." She smiled softly and Gaara did his best to keep his tongue and only nod in return. "How've you been? It's been years since you and Naruto escaped the orphanage. I honestly thought the both of you left New York and I'd never get a chance to see either of you again."

"I manage," he said flatly and then glanced over at Sakura and back to Hinata. "I hear you're working for the Hyuga now."

"Well," Hinata started and a slight smirk came to her face. "I wouldn't say I work for him. Rather I work with him." A gleam came to Hinata's eyes as he smiled at the redhead. "I have an equal authority within the Hyuga Clan." She raised her eyebrows and tilted her head. "Not bad for a former working girl wouldn't ya say?"

Gaara nodded back at her and then walked over to Sakura. "I need to clear the room for tomorrow night."

Sakura swallowed hard and pulled her gaze away from the redhead. "Uh, Hina, Gaara has to get the prep done for the club opening tomorrow night and I have to get back to rehearsal." She moved passed the redhead and walked toward the silver-eyed woman. "Maybe we can catch up another time."

Hinata smiled at the pink-haired woman and then shot a quick glance over at Gaara. "And what shall I tell your date for this evening?"

All the blood rushed to Sakura's face and she froze at Hinata's words.

"You can tell him, she'll be with me tonight." Gaara steeled his eyes at Hinata and he took a step toward her.

The gleam left Hinata's eyes and she stared back at Gaara. "You sure you wanna upset your boss? Madara won't like-"

"Uchiha Sasuke is my boss, Hinata." Gaara moved closer to her and leveled his eyes at her. "You can take it up with him."

Still holding onto her smile, Hinata nodded at the redhead and then looked over at Sakura. "I'll be sure to let Madara know." She gave Sakura a sly grin and turned to walk out the door. "Oh!" She stopped and looked back at them both. "If you change your mind, you be sure and give me a call." Hinata then turned again and walked out of the dressing room door.

"Gaara." Sakura immediately turned and faced her friend.

Before she could say another word his hand came up, signaling for her not to speak. "I… I will take you back to Pierrepont with me tonight. After prep and your rehearsal." His eyes were soft but behind them was rigid authority.

She opened her mouth but Gaara was quicker.

"We'll leave it for tonight." He swallowed around his words and looked at her for another moment. "Where is it?"

Sakura stared at the redhead and creased her brows. "I don't know what-"

"The vial, Sakura. What did you do with the opium she handed you?" Gaara's green eyes blazed at Sakura and she recoiled slighty at his words.

Gaara hadn't intended for his words to come out so harsh. After all, he wasn't exactly angry with her but instead furious that he had been blind to it all until now.

Sakura tore her eyes away from his and looked down. She opened up her hand and Gaara saw the small glass vial she had been clutching. Holding her hand open she lifted it up to Gaara but still didn't meet his eyes.

Quietly he took the small jar from her. He opened his mouth to say something but didn't quite trust his voice. Slowly, he closed his hand around the glass and he lifted his gaze to Sakura. He could see the darkness forming in her eyes and tried to steel himself against it. He didn't understand these new emotions she was bringing out in him and he figured rather than take a risk of saying something he'd later regret, Gaara turned away from her and walked out the dressing room door.


Naruto reached the side entrance of The Palace, opened the door and stepped out and into the late afternoon sun. Immediately he pulled out his cigarettes and lit one. He knew he should go back to Pierrepont to shower and rest but his meeting with Sasuke still had him trying to shake off the urge to walk back to the suite and bang on the door. He leaned up against the side of the building and wondered what he would say to Sasuke if he did do just that. 'I'm sorry?' Or would he say, forget California and drag the man to the large satin covered bed and again drown himself in the pleasure of the two of them all night long.

He ran a hand through his hair and took a long pull of his smoke. This whole thing was for shit and he knew it. He wanted Sasuke and he wanted to go to California. There was no way to win this one.

"Didn't expect to find you out here."

Naruto turned his head and saw Kakashi near the street sidewalk and walking towards him. With his trademark fedora pulled low over his left eye, he smirked slightly at Naruto as he took out his own cigarettes and nodded hello at the blond.

"Taking a quick break before heading back to Pierrepont," Naruto answered and tossed Kakashi his matches.

Kakashi lit his cigarette. "You meet with the Uchiha already?"

Naruto nodded back. He could see Kakashi looking him over and trying to get a read on situation. For a man with only one eye, he sure made good use out of the one that remained.

Naruto shifted under his gaze and continued to smoke his cigarette.

"Any news from Chinatown?"

Naruto snapped his head up at Kakashi.

"I lost you at Five Points, but yes, I tracked you there." Kakashi's voice was smooth and even, giving no trace of accusation or presumption.

"Not so sure it's my place to say." Naruto stood up straight and waited.

The one eyed man nodded at back. "Fair enough." Kakashi then took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair before placing the fedora back on his head. "Well, even though you're not willing to share information with me, I'm in a generous mood today."

Raising his eyebrows, Naruto shot Kakashi a curious look and waited.

"Would you like to know where your redheaded friend ran off to while you were in Chinatown?"

To be continued...


A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I want to let you know that yes, you will find out the end of Naruto and Konan's meeting AND you will find out just what Kakashi knows about Gaara. Oh and just in case y'all wondering… yes, Hinata is going to be a bit dark in this story. I hope you all can handle it! Thanks so much for reading! Much luv and blessings to you all! 3