Come hither, here is another chapter. I know its a little short, but my feet got cold and I needed to post something before I went and slid my cold toes on my partner. XD

So with Naruto Shippuden playing in the background for the past two weeks, as my youngest binges it, how could I not be inspired to write and write and write some more :D

Please enjoy! This chapter I wanted to add a little bit of information regarding our background characters. Wanna comment? By all means do so, they are enjoyable to read.

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Itachi sat with Kakashi, Tsunade and Gaara in a small room at the Uchiha residence. Gaara had contacted the group with news of his siblings return from the auction that was held.

"Kankurou and Temari had returned just the other day from where the auction was held with intel from the office there. First of all, I would like to inform Tsunade," Gaara's teal eyes flickered to the elder alpha leader. "Kankurou and Temari had met a surprising ally." Tsunade squinted her eyes in confusion. "It so happened they met up with a spunky young alpha by the name of Kyuubi." Tsunade and Kakashi gasped in unison. Gaara smirked. "It appears that Kyuubi has become a member of the sale team." Gaara held up his hand and shook his head when the crew turned in unison with looks of murder intent. "Before you all get to guessing what role Kyuubi has, they all managed to talk and Kyuubi managed to get himself involved undercover. He had made himself trustworthy so he could get inside and gather intel. Apparently his pack does not know where he is or what he has been up to."

"Little brat," Tsunade began. "What the hell was he thinking?! Obviously he didn't think about the risks he is putting his pack into not to mention himself!"

"I am sure his thoughts at the time were for the best of the clan and though his unexpected hasty decision may not have been the best thought out," Tsunade snorted out at this. "His currently situation will most likely give us an advantage now." Itachi folded his fingers together on the table. "Tell us more Gaara."

Gaara continued to explain the information that was gathered and that Kankurou and Temari were waiting on another invitation to the next gathering. "Should they get another invitation, I believe we should utilize that time to make our next move. Should an invitation not be received, communication with Kyuubi may be beneficial to find out when the next auction is. Either way, we should make compile our plans for that time." All heads nodded in agreement. The group then continued on with what sort of evidence Kankurou and Temari, along with Kyuubi were able to gather, and discuss their plan.

"Was there any more information regarding Sasuke's memories Itachi?" Gaara had asked Itachi after the groups previous discussion was over.

Itachi leaned back in his chair and sighed slightly. "Sasuke has only recalled the voice of Orochimaru while he was held. His memory does not show any signs of where he may have been. But," he hesitated for a moment. "Judging by the injuries on him when we found him, I would think that he was continuously drugged during his time wherever he was."

"I have to agree," Kakashi piped up. "The injuries suggested that he was most likely intravenously pumped full of who knows what. Most likely supplements to keep him alive and drugs to keep him weak. It is lucky at all he could recall a voice."

"Gathering up the information we have gathered from Sasuke and Naruto we can be certain that it was Sai that kidnapped Sasuke and shot Naruto. Unfortunately, no one has been able to locate Sai at all. If Sai kidnapped Sasuke, we can assume that he did so for Orochimaru and himself. I am aware of what history Sasuke had last with Orochimaru." Kakashi shook his head sadly recalling when Itachi and the pack had brought Sasuke back from one of the labs they could only assume was run by Orochimaru. There was never any evidence of Orochimaru owning or running that lab, only based on Sasuke's story about running to him.

"Without solid evidence, I do not believe we could bring a charge against Orochimaru," Gaara added. "But with what we have now, we can at least start with Danzo." The group agreed.

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Naruto fidgeted with the item in his pocket of his jacket as he made his way across the green grass on the campus grounds. To say he was nervous, was a slight understatement. A full week had passed from his last interaction with Sasuke and the smaller alpha let it be known that it would be difficult to get back into his good graces. Within the last week Naruto had practically written a novel on the memories that just kept coming and that seemed to have no end. His hand cramped on several occasions but through all the irritation, headaches and hand cramps, Naruto was able to put together the time line of the times he and Sasuke had met. Feeling achievement, he recalled where his courting was going and decided that he may as well try and put it back into action. So with a straight back, a somewhat confident attitude, he grabbed the item and headed to class early with hopes to run into Sasuke.

Naturally, as luck would have, there he was, making his way across the green towards the library. Naruto figured that Sasuke would be there, as he usually was before all the shit went down, and he changed his destination to follow the raven haired man.

Sasuke quickened his step as he made his way towards the library. He had his order of books to pick up before heading home. His wolf suddenly quivered in excitement and Sasuke stumbled slightly at the intensity of it. He huffed out knowing only one thing could get his wolf that excited. He righted his step and continued on towards his destination, though he slowed slightly, but he wouldn't admit it. His ears picked up the hurried steps that he now could identify as the blond alpha coming up behind him. His lips gave a small smile together with the thrilled emotions coming from his inner wolf.

"Hey Sasuke," the alpha called out softly yet loud enough to make sure he was heard but not startle the other. Sasuke didn't stop but tilted his head slightly to show that he had heard the alpha. The blond fell into step with Sasuke, but kept a respectable social distance. "How are you feeling?" Naruto felt to start a conversation with something neutral.

"Hn," Sasuke responded as he continued to walk.

"I hope that means you're feeling better ya know," Naruto chuckled lightly. Naruto caught the familiar scent of earth and anger and his inner wolf was hazy with excitement at the scents of the other wolf. "So, will you, umm… be in the library long?"

"I don't stay in the library anymore," Sasuke spoke out with a sad tone. "I'm going to pick up my order."

"Oh, well yeah, that makes sense." Naruto brought a hand back to his neck, pulling slightly at his neck hairs. He hadn't expected Sasuke to not stay at the library. The plan was to sit with the black haired alpha in the library, hopeful that they could chat a little. To hell with his class that he was obviously missing now. "Do—do you have class afterwards?"

"No."

"Plans after?" Naruto suddenly sounded hopeful.

"I have assignments to work on—at home." Sasuke added that last bit of finality in his voice. He had reached his destination and stopped on the bottom step of the stone steps that lead up to the library. He turned suddenly, adamant on asking the blond alpha what the hell it was he wanted. His breath hitched as he caught the citrus scent of the blond alpha and he had to squint his eyes as the sun reflected off the golden locks. Naruto looked as he was a child of the sun. With his hair sparkling, his sun kissed skin that glowed and his ocean coloured eyes had Sasuke's heart flutter suddenly. His wolf purred out with acceptance at the site and urged Sasuke to reach out and envelop himself into the strong alpha's arms. When Sasuke saw Naruto in the hospital, he was still healing and was somewhat pale and thinner. At the club, Sasuke certainly wasn't in any frame of mind to appreciate the alpha. But now, here in the sun, where Sasuke could see the defined muscles behind the cotton shirt within his open jacket, his broad shoulders and his jeans hugging his strong legs. Naruto was certainly the stereotypical match of the definition of a strong handsome alpha.

"Sas? Sasuke? You okay?"

Sasuke shook his head suddenly, realizing that Naruto was calling out and waving his hand at him. He folded his arms across his chest and gave Naruto a stare. "Spit out what you want dobe," he growled out, trying to sound irritated but failing.

Naruto beamed a smile, his eyes sparkling like the Caribbean beach on a cloudless day. "Can I invite you to java or tea? My treat!"

His whole aura reeked with hope and happiness, and Sasuke felt that he could almost be pushed down just from that alone! He eyed Naruto, as if pondering his answer. Sasuke, by instinct, wanted to say not a chance, but because of their last meeting….well… "Okay." Naruto's mouth hung open, his eyes stared straight forward and his whole body seemed to freeze. Sasuke smirked out, "hold it open any longer and you will attract flies, dobe."

Naruto snapped his mouth shut with a snap and jerked his head up at the comment. "W-What did you say?" Naruto stuttered out.

Sasuke twerked an eyebrow up at the blond questionably but humoured him, "Your mouth dobe. Close it before you catch flies." He snorted out a chuckle before turning and heading up the stairs. "I'll be right back out," he called out and lifted his hand.

Naruto began screaming in his head a victory cry as he recalled that last comment. He remembered where Sasuke had said it before, the night in the coffee shop after his shift. He was completely giddy with the excitement of going out with Sasuke again and that he could remember that night clearly. Naruto pumped his fist and hissed out a yyyeeesssss in celebration.

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Kyuubi nursed a drink at the bar while Nagato wiped the area over and over. Kyuubi noticed the old wolf was stealing glances at him now and then. He wondered if the old wolf wanted to say something, though he couldn't imagine what he would want to say, considering since Kyuubi joined up with the 'club' for the auction, Nagato had made his disappointment known through his silence. Kyuubi just ran a finger around the rim of his glass, watching the condensation run down the outside. It was midday, and the pack that rough necks he worked with probably wouldn't be in today since a sale was just finished not but a week or so ago.

"Look like you've lost your buddies today," Nagato growled quietly as he wiped a bit closer to Kyuubi. Kyuubi answered with a sarcastic snort. "Didn't think you could go anywhere without them these days." Kyuubi then gave him a glance, a sign he heard him. Nagato couldn't read the expression on Kyuubi but he could tell that what he said irritated the young alpha. Nagato sighed loudly, "well I guess that's how a lot of young 'un's think now a days. Can't do anything independently anymore, always need a second ormore than one to back em up." He snorted out slightly at his comment. Nagato had seen his fair share of wolves while working a bar for several years. And after the falling out with Yahiko, it just seemed to heighten his vision on the type of persons that visited the bar.

"The world isn't always what you think it is you know," Kyuubi grumbled out as he continued to hunch over his drink. "Ever hear of don't judge a book by its cover? Don't ever assume that your eyes tell the whole story? Figured an old fart like you would have heard many by now," Kyuubi huffed out.

"True, true. You got me there," Nagato just chuckled lightly as he grabbed some clean glasses and began to stack them. "But then you got, fool me once shame on me, food me twice, shame on you. With sayings like that, why would one want to trust anyone then for fear they are going to get stabbed in the back?" Purple eyes then held steady at Kyuubi.

Kyuubi's brows wrinkled as he sat up straight at looked at Nagato. "Are you implying something about me old man?" Kyuubi felt a stab of hurt. Did Nagato really feel that Kyuubi betrayed him? How the fuck?

"If the shoe fits." Nagato simply shrugged before turning and stacking more glasses.

Kyuubi was speechless. He couldn't explain why he was here, what he was doing, as that information would only put Nagato and Konan in danger. "You don't have a clue on what I'm going through right now, so you have no right—"

"Can't have a clue unless you share right?" Nagato didn't look his way. "But then I guess you really don't know much about me either, but what we talked about in the beginning."

Kyuubi felt that stab. Sure Nagato and Konan were hesitant and cautious at the start, but they did start sharing more information, personal information, with him as they talked more often. "It's better to not be involved," Kyuubi mumbled out as he took a swig of his drink.

Nagato stopped stacking glasses before turning to look back at Kyuubi, his purple eyes glaring at him. "Are you sure about that?" Kyuubi didn't answer. Nagato sighed as he moved to stand in front of Kyuubi. "Look kid, take a lesson would ya? Sometimes you just can't let life happen to you, you have to make life happen. Life is all about choices and mistakes, and you know, you are gonna make a whole lot of both of em!" Nagato then took his bold move and ruffled the red hair of the young alpha. Kyuubi pulled back sputtering out like a kid, Nagato just chuckled before he moved back to his dishes.

Kyuubi ran his hands over his hair, getting it back in control before he nodded his head slightly and smiled. "You know you're annoying at your age," Kyuubi teased quietly.

"Look who's talking," Nagato snapped right back, mirth in his voice.

"Touché," Kyuubi chuckled and nodded his head. "Got me there old man." He threw Nagato a warm smile. Nagato just clicked his tongue at him and continued to go about his work.

A short while later Nagato brought out a beef dip and fries, placing it before Kyuubi. "Can't talk on an empty stomach. Another ancient lesson to learn pup," Nagato winked before grabbing a stool and sitting across from Kyuubi, purple eyes giving a soft look. Kyuubi glanced behind him warily. "Ah it's still early. Nobody else here that matters. Go on, eat."

Kyuubi thanked for the food before digging in. The beef, as always was soft, juicy and just the right heat. Kyuubi felt his eyes roll up as his taste buds exploded with excitement. "MMph, as always, sooooo good," Kyuubi said in between bites. Nagato just grinned. Smacking his lips as he swallowed, Kyuubi smiled in return. "I'm not what you think I am," he whispered out. "So please, just bear with me. That's all I dare say, for both of your safety," Kyuubi added.

Nagato gave a firm nod. "Another drink?" he asked as he moved towards the other end of the bar to the bottles. He began to mix another drink when Kyuubi nodded his head in response. "Well, I'll believe you," he stated before placing a new drink in front of Kyuubi. "But only because you haven't done anything towards us that would suggest you would give us harm. But I'll talk to Konan, I know she's been slightly troubled since, well, you know." He shrugged out. "She really likes yah you know," he smirked and winked. "But remember what I said," he pointed straight into Kyuubi's nose, "she's mine!" Nagato pressed his lips into a frown, his purple eyes squinting at him promising a world of hurt should Kyuubi not take the warning.

Kyuubi eyes widened slightly, staring at the older beta wolf in shock, still holding part of his sandwich in midair. Nagato burst out laughing at the site and patted Kyuubi's head before moving back to the other end of the bar. Kyuubi swallowed the lump of food that was in his mouth and let out a big breath. Holy, that old man was something else. He inwardly smiled and continued on his food feeling a bit lighter knowing that Nagato and he talked somewhat.

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Naruto walked along side Sasuke down the sidewalk in comfortable silence. The air was warm, the sun was shining down and Naruto felt light and excited. The quiet setting in the coffee shop had both of them conversing on light subjects such as classes, weather and pack members. Neither discussed previous traumatic events as Naruto figured that for one, Sasuke certainly wasn't ready for that and neither was he for that matter, and two, Naruto wanted to set the atmosphere between them as smoothly as possible. Recalling how stoic the alpha is, inhaling his constant scent of anger and understanding the introvert ways of Sasuke, Naruto was certain to make this as easy as possible for Sasuke. At this current moment, he considered the meeting a success and was ecstatic when Sasuke allowed him to walk him to his car. With his hands shoved in his jacket pocket, his fingers continuously caressing the item tucked away in there, he felt his heart begin to quicken as their short walk was coming to an end.

"Say Sasuke," Naruto began and Sasuke tilted his head to inform that he heard him. "So, ummm, thanks for sitting with me today. I really enjoyed talking with you." Naruto couldn't hold back a smile as he looked towards the smaller alpha. "And—and if it's okay with you, I'd love to do this again?"

Sasuke looked over at the blond alpha. He smirked as he saw the familiar motion as Naruto brought his hand to the back of his neck, most likely pulling at the hairs on his neck, as he nervously asked the question. 'Hmmm, this could be fun…' he inwardly chuckled. "Like—a date?" Sasuke laughed on the inside as Naruto suddenly stumbled over his own feet, his eyes wide and surprised and Sasuke quickly grabbed the dobe's arm to steady him. "Careful idiot, I've got enough to carry and I can't carry you too." Sasuke tried to sound irritated but he knew he failed.

Naruto stammered to his feet again, running his fingers feverishly through his hair as he coughed out a thank you and caught his balance. His arm was radiating with heat where Sasuke had grabbed him and he savored the feeling. Sasuke's hand was still on his forearm and he secretly hoped that Sasuke wouldn't remove it anytime soon. "Uhh, sorry sorry. I'm such a klutz sometimes." Naruto began to walk beside Sasuke again and frowned slightly when Sasuke removed his hand. "S-So another outing, yeah—umm, not like a date per say, but—well I guess maybe?" Naruto stuttered suddenly. 'Why is this so fucking hard?' "B-but no!" Naruto shouted out when Sasuke turned his head and gave a glare. "It's just a coffee date! No wait! I don't mean date! Well, it on a day which is technically—"

"Dobe, stop rambling," Sasuke chuckled with a firm tone. The firm jaw clicked shut and a pout protruded out from the blond alpha. Sasuke couldn't help but to smile at cute pout as they came up to his car. Their outing was over. The omega wolf purred loudly, causing Sasuke's skin to tingle as he loaded his books and bag into the car. He turned to face the blond alpha when he closed the car door and was faced with the soft smile, radiant cobalt eyes and sun kissed skin that made his knees almost buckle. The overwhelming scent of the blond alpha had Sasuke's wolf practically salivating and clawing at sensory areas that Sasuke was certain he never felt before. He leaned back against the car and quickly folded his arms across his chest, looking nonchalant as possible.

"So, umm Sasuke," the blond faltered his words as he stepped closer and Sasuke suddenly held up his hand, stopping the blond in his tracks. "Sorry, sorry, I understand," Naruto took a small step back from the sudden startled alpha before him. It was so hard to keep his wolf away from the other, but Naruto was not going to rush this. Sasuke needed time. Naruto inhaled deeply, finding Sasuke's earthy scent calming and the slight anger scent that was always there, but it was so Sasuke, that Naruto couldn't find a reason to question it anymore. "How about tomorrow?" Naruto asked with a slight tilt to his head.

Sasuke pulled out his phone and swiped. "Give me your number, I'll text you when I know." Sasuke felt he was blinded when Naruto grinned wide.

Naruto was beaming from ear to ear as he watched Sasuke drive off. 'Sweet! This worked out great!' He felt his wolf trembling with excitement at seeing Sasuke again and Naruto felt like dancing on the spot. He waved to the back end of Sasuke's car, not caring if Sasuke saw him or not and shoved his hands in his pockets, his one hand falling onto the item tucked inside. "Ah shit!" he called out in frustration. In all his excitement and thrill, he completely forgot to give the item to Sasuke. He ran his hand through his hair, blowing out an over exaggerated breath before relaxing his shoulders. 'Ah well, next time.' He smiled to himself again and walked with a slight skip in his step.

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"Konan, a word please?" Nagato called out when he entered the small one room apartment that part of the building that the bar was in. He had just finished the closing procedures and locked up. He told Konan that he would finish up and let her head home. He noticed that Konan was quieter than usual in the past few weeks and he couldn't say that he wasn't worried. He knew that she was a strong omega, who often voiced her mind and in some cases could fight her way through an argument and be victorious. "Are you in here?" Well that was a silly question, he could smell her in here, but couldn't help but ask anyhow.

"Hmm?" Konan called out from the one bedroom. Nagato made his way into bedroom and found his blue haired omega lying on the bed reading a book. He settled on the edge of the bed and brought her feet onto his lap. He began to rub the soft skin and rubbed his thumbs on the arch of her foot. She gave out a pleased moan at the gentle caresses and she dropped her book, eyes closed.

"I'm worried about you. What bothers you?" Nagato whispered out gently as he continued to rub her feet. He knew that she became putty in his hands if he rubbed her aching feet. She fluttered her golden eyes opened and settled them on Nagato's face. 'She looks exhausted,' Nagato thought to himself. When she didn't answer he prodded again with the same question and more concern in his voice.

"Nagato?" she asked quietly.

"Hmm?" Nagato responded immediately.

"Do you ever wonder if maybe…maybe we should leave?"

Nagato's hands briefly stopped massaging Konan. He didn't expect this. "Leave? Where?"

Konan rolled onto her back, removing her feet from Nagato's lap and laid out starfish like on the bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling. "I dunno. It's just…" she trailed off.

Nagato turned to lie beside her, draping his arm over her chest and resting his head on her pillow, next to hers. "Go on. Tell me."

"I feel like—like we are attributing to the shit that keeps happening. And—and it's not right Nagato! I don't want to keep doing this! My heart can't take it anymore!" Her voice began to quiver the more she went on. A tear slipped from her eye and Nagato touched it softly with a finger. "I don't want to be here anymore," she began to sob out. "Especially now."

Nagato moved to pull Konan into his chest while leaning against the headboard, tucking her head under his chin. She shook slightly as she cried and the tears quietly released into his shirt. He held her and stroked her hair as she let it out. He could understand her struggle. It hadn't been easy since Yahiko left them so long ago after the disagreement. It was so long ago Nagato couldn't even recall what the original argument was about. He missed the other beta and he knew Konan did to. They were a trio after all, having grown up together and having been through experiences like a full pack would. And then when they were in danger of losing everything financially, the council gave them an offer that appeared to be a saviour for them, until things started to turn to the way it is now. He couldn't imagine what they would be threatened with should they leave though. "I'm here for you love, no matter what, we will make it through." He kissed the crown of her head.

Konan lifted her head up to look into Nagato's purple eyes. She saw love and respect in those eyes and her wolf tremored feeling protected and safe with this man. "Nagato," she whispered out. "I'm scared."

Nagato's heart broke, feeling his mate's fear and he hugged her in close. "I know baby, hold on okay? I promise I'll look after you."

"But can you protect us both…" Konan trailed off as she tried to snuggle in tighter to Nagato. She felt Nagato stiffen in question. She gave a sad smile he couldn't see and reached for Nagato's hand. She pulled it down and nestled it onto her abdomen. "Can you promise to protect us both?" She then looked back up to wide shocked purple eyes that began to shimmer with tears. Leaving his hand on her small swollen abdomen, she brought her hand up to cup Nagato's cheek. "Promise me," she whispered as she brought her lips to kiss his.

"I promise," Nagato chocked out in a whisper as he rubbed gentle circles on Konan's tummy, dropping his head to kiss his mate and silent tears slipped down his cheeks.

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I am found on tumblr, you can put me in the search bar as 'heartsns or inluvwnaruto' ! I printed my other story, TELL ME and it is also available for purchase if you like! (you only pay for shipping and printing)

The most amazing artist SoraROCK made the cover for it, and what a talent she has! I was SO lucky she chose me to make a cover for TELL ME!