Hi everyone. Welcome to another chapter!
Many hugs to those who are staying safe! Enjoy the next segment of this never ending story! hehe!
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Naruto sat at the table surrounded by the clan representatives that had agreed to come and listen to Naruto. Hinata and Sakura were the ones that were able to get them all to come, and Naruto, being the outstanding young alpha he was, had a connection with all the clans that were here today.
From Kiba's clan, came his elder sister Hana Inuzuka. A beta woman with a laid back personality but had a feral demeanour should she become angry and protective. The clan was legend for their member's ability in attacks and were often called upon during war.
From Hinata's clan, came a clan beta member, Tokuma Hyuga. The young man appeared calm as his eyes took in the situation around him. Hinata introduced him as a selfless level headed person who had a strong loyalty to the clan.
Sakura's clan had sent Yushiro Haruno. The young beta was training in several fighting style techniques, he so explained, to reach his goal. To be the most memorable and honorable protector of the head alpha. Naruto had not many members from Sakura's tribe, so he just nodded his head when Yushiro explained expressed himself in a firm voice.
Ino Yamanaka was an old friend of Naruto's. The vibrant long blond haired alpha woman was strong, loud and excelled in stealth and restraining. Naruto had many memories of saying the wrong thing to the blond alpha woman and ending up in chock holds, pretzel holds, and ending up with bruises on top of bruises.
Shikamaru Nara arrived from the Nara clan. The alpha was quiet, laid back and Naruto at times didn't know if the man was asleep or ignoring him. Naruto had spent about a year with Shikamaru when they were teens and Naruto learned that the man was absolutely brilliant.
"Thank you everyone for meeting with me today," Naruto started. "There are accommodations for you all." The group nodded several times at Naruto's welcoming words. "First of all, many of you may have heard of the situation that just occurred with myself."
"Have you fully recovered then Naruto?" Shikamaru asked. "I understand there was a time that was quite worrisome."
"Oh yeah, it was crazy scary there for a bit," Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "But, thankfully shit has gone back to normal but now I want justice. Not just for me but for Sasuke too."
"Uchiha? The Sasuke hotty Uchiha? What's he got to do with this?" Ino squealed suddenly. Naruto growled immediately in response. "Oh ho! Really Naruto?" Ino snickered in response to Naruto's growl and glare. "I suppose congratulations are in order?" Ino waved her fingers at the blond alpha with a grin.
"Not the right time Ino," Sakura shot out, giving Ino a warning glare. "Go on Naruto." Ino just huffed out a frown, but respected the situation and kept quiet.
Naruto went on to explain his theories on Sai, Sasuke, Orochimaru and Danzo. The silver bullet, how Sasuke was tortured and most likely experimented on.
"So let me get his straight," it was Yushiro. "You believe that council member Danzo has something to do with this? Pretty serious accusation there."
"Not to mention thinking that Orochimaru is involved in illegal testing. The guy is practically honoured by council!" Hana added.
"Look, if Orochimaru is actually responsible for illegal testing, it would make sense right? Being he is a renowned scientist and researcher, but how else does he get so knowledgeable with cures and stuff on creatures without being able to at least experiment?" Naruto explained out to the group. The visiting clans had a mixture of looks. Some of them nodded slightly, appearing to agree, others were shrugging slightly, as if they were thinking about it. "If there is nothing, then we should be able to find nothing, but I seriously think that he has secret labs all over. And with a lot of clans having special abilities, don't you want to make sure your family stays safe? You wouldn't want your sisters, brothers, or own children swept away to be drugged, secured then poked at with who knows what to see how they tick?" That last comment, bringing up family, certainly had all the clan members agree.
"Okay, for argument sakes, what if we do find something? Then what?" Tokuma Hyuga spoke up. "You have a plan on what the next step is should we have hard evidence? I'm just saying that I'm certain that Orochimaru has powerful allies, either within the council or not, no one would be running an operation without some sort of support." There was lots of hums to that response.
"Gathering the information and evidence is the first step," Sakura spoke up. "Once we have that, we will be able to determine our next step with what we have." More hums of agreement came with that.
"I appreciate whoever wants to help out, but completely understand those who are not comfortable with this. But, should you decide to not assist, you need to keep what our pack is doing between you and your alpha. I can't risk any of the wrong people finding out. My pack and I will let you all discuss in private and be back in an hour." Naruto stood up and beckoned his pack to follow him with a simple head gesture out of the room.
"Any news to report on perimeter check as of late?" Naruto asked his three pack members as they took a seat on their porch.
"Another vampire scent, but only once and I don't know if it was the same one," Hinata explained.
"That makes twice a scent has been near our borders in the last year and Tsunade-sama didn't find anything right?" Kiba asked Naruto.
Naruto shook his head. "Baa-chan didn't find any information that may be concerning, but, I did see a vampire last night right outside the club!" Naruto frowned as he recalled the encounter. "But what pissed me off is that it seemed that Sasuke knew it was a vampire right away but I didn't hear it, smell it or sense it until it was practically right in front of us!" Naruto growled out and clenched his teeth. He was disappointed with himself, feeling as if he had failed his alpha status. His hands clenched without him knowing.
Hinata tapped Naruto's knee gently. "Naruto, it's okay. Vampires are hard to sense by alphas, that is why they are so dangerous."
"What was that?" Naruto snapped his head over to Hinata.
"What was what? Why vampires are so dangerous?" Hinata questioned.
"No… being hard to sense by alphas." Blue eyes looked with question.
"Really Naruto? Did you fall asleep during those lessons?" Sakura huffed out when she crossed her arms. "Nobody really knows why, but that's why omegas were often used to lead any attacks on vampires, because they can sense them better. An alpha is more likely to catch the scent if the vampire came into contact with something. Like the ground, a wall, the clothes it wears, stuff like that. Though there is one theory I recall is that because omega's bear young, their maternal instincts are stronger to sense dangers." Sakura explained. "Honestly Naruto, I really thought you were paying attention back in the day! That's why Sasuke –" she stopped herself suddenly. She knew Sasuke's true status and she was sworn to secrecy. She then quickly leaned over and thumped Naruto's head.
"Hey ow!" Naruto feigned hurt as he rubbed his head, completely not hearing Sakura's last unfinished sentence. "Well you know how much I couldn't sit still Sakura," he gave a sheepish grin. Sakura just frowned at him. "But that's what makes you so valuable to our pack, your knowledge where I lack!" Naruto grinned at her and Sakura just blew out a raspberry at him. "But hey, that's interesting that Sasuke could sense the vampire and I couldn't. Perhaps he is that much more stronger!" Naruto slapped a fist into his open palm, his grin getting impossibly bigger.
Hinata looked at Sakura, her eyes showing she didn't miss Sakura's unfinished sentence but Sakura just lowered her eyes.
"But it's odd a vampire would make itself known like that. Something must be brewing." Naruto frowned as his brows furrowed deep in thought.
"Well, I'll start keeping notes on this situation Naruto," Hinata then spoke, redirecting her attention towards the blond alpha. "We don't have anything to go on other than the scents and meeting a vampire in the city. This vampire didn't say anything suspicious?"
"No, just insulted us about making out in public." Naruto blushed slightly when the coos came from the girls. "Anyhow, thanks Hinata. I really want to focus on ensuring Sasuke is out of danger. And if that Orochimaru prick is really doing experiments on others, well that just – just gets me so pissed!" Naruto growled out the last with emphasis.
"We're ready," Hana's voice came out from the entrance to the door, drawing the attention of the pack. Naruto and the pack headed back inside to speak to the other clans.
"We have discussed and came to an agreed decision," it was Shikamaru who spoke while the other clan members looked on. "With what information that you have provided, taking into consideration what evidence you have to state your claim, we cannot assist at this time." He took a deep breath when he released the words, looking at Naruto with a serious face.
Naruto said nothing. He held his facial features, trying his best to look like the alpha leader he needs to be, by not losing a hold on his emotions. His hands though, that were laced together on the table, twitched into a tight hold which had his knuckles turning white.
"But," Shikamaru continued after watching Naruto remain surprisingly silent. "We are willing to keep in contact and offer your pack some insight on any suspicious activity or concerns that may happen within our packs. We all strongly agree with how you were right Naruto, none of us want to have any of our family suddenly become, for lack of a better word, guinea pigs to someone that wants to perform horrendous unspeakable experiments on our family and pack members."
Naruto relinquished the tight grip on his fingers and let out a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you," he breathed out.
"It's not that we don't believe you Naruto," Ino spoke up. "There just isn't enough evidence at this time to present a valid case. But, I myself believe, that something is going on in my region. It hasn't gone unnoticed by myself that stories from families that live in the deep forests of children disappearing." Many eyes opened wider in surprise from others around the table. "I'm not at any meetings personally, but I hear talk. And I'm willing to look a little closer now to see what truth there is to some of these stories." Ino nodded firmly towards the group.
"We will keep in touch with each other, deal?" Hana spoke up, looking at each individual.
The group gave nods and gave out verbal agreements before all looking at Naruto. "Thank you all for listening. If everything is clear here, then lets eat!" Naruto slapped his hands on the table as he stood quickly. "We will fire up the bar-be-que and get the meat started!" The group of people laughed as they got up and mingled with each other while the Uzumaki pack scrambled to get supper going.
Ino stood beside Naruto who was nursing the bar-be-que of thick cuts of steak, potatoes and chicken breasts. "Sooooo….," she sing songed out. "You and Sasuke eh?" She gave a grin and wiggled her fingers at his face. "When did this happen? Do share the juicy details!" She clapped her hands like a school girl and then sat on one of the deck chairs.
"Nothing really to tell." He gave a shrug as he turned the meat but he couldn't supress a smile. "We met at his brother's bar and we just hanging out. Honestly, I can't say much since all the shit happened, kind of put a dent in what we started. Losing my memory sure as hell didn't help and when Sasuke was kidnapped…" Naruto trailed off.
Ino frowned. "Sorry Naruto. I heard about what happened but I don't know the whole details. It must have been incredibly an incredibly traumatic situation to live through. Forgive me for being so insensitive." Ino meant it. Having never experienced something like what Sasuke and Naruto had personally, she could not relate on what either wolf felt during that time.
"Ino, it's okay, you didn't know. But it's still too early for me to be comfortable with sharing with just anyone, and I'm sure Sasuke would feel the same way." Naruto turned to her now. "Just know that we are, let's just say, getting to know each other better." Naruto smiled at her before turning back to the bar-be-que.
Ino hummed and nodded her head in agreement. A few moments passed before Ino spoke again. "Say Naruto, where's Kyuubi?"
==/\/\==
Kyuubi walked about the small city streets, the sun shining brightly, the people mulling about, shopping, chatting with a friend or two, others with quickened steps who appeared to be on a mission to get where they need to be, most likely a job.
Kyuubi lazily zig zagged between the people, not really going anywhere in particular, just out enjoying the sun. He wasn't used to sitting and doing nothing. His outgoing previous lifestyle was itching for release. He was used to running for miles in a day, frolicking within the forest, chasing animals on a hunt, and especially being with his pack mates. His wolf yearned for the closeness, the bonding, the socializing with his pack mates. He felt a small prickle gather behind his eyes and the form of a lump in his throat. 'Shit.' He thought to himself. He needed to let loose, at least for a few hours, thus he picked up his pace and headed out of town.
The large crimson coloured wolf panted out heavily as it crashed through the brush, passed the larger trees and vaulted over fallen logs. Large paws tore up the ground with each push of the earth and birds scattered to the sky when the wolf flew by. Kyuubi felt the wind blowing through his fur and urged to run faster. The feeling of freedom flowed through his body and washed away many of the earlier feelings. He kept running until he came to a lake, its surface shimmering the reflection of the bright blue sky, dotted with fluffy clouds.
Panting with his tongue hanging to the side, Kyuubi took in the scenery and the clean scent before moving in to the edge of the lake. He made sure there were no humans in the area, as he didn't want anyone to see a massive wolf and that would send humans into a panic. Lapping at the refreshing water, his mind still lingered on his pack. A twang of guilt twisted his heart as he thought about the note he left, with no other contact in the months that he had been gone. He wondered if Naruto managed to wake yet and heal. He knew that Naruto was on the mend when he left, it was only a matter of time before he woke and he hoped to the gods that his mentality was in one piece. He had gotten a different sim card for his phone so he could at least use it, but he longed to slip in the old sim and at least send a message, but the fear of leading danger to his pack held him back. He knew there would be a slew of messages from his pack mates if he plugged in that old sim, and he couldn't risk the pack locating his phone by tracking the messages. He flopped down on the grassy embankment with a big sigh and allowed himself to wallow in the loneliness for a few moments while thinking of his pack.
Several minutes went by with nothing but the sounds of nature till the wind changed direction and a new scent passed by Kyuubi's nose. His ears perked up as he took in the scent deeper into his nose. Another werewolf, around his age, omega and the smell of blood. His head lifted suddenly at the smell of copper blood that hit his nostrils and then his body jumped up and ran towards to where the scent was coming from. He ran around the length of the lake, his nose continuously twitching, determining where the scent was coming from. He broke through a heavy brush area, running away from the lake and came to an area that was fenced off by a farmer's barbed wire. He stopped when he heard the faint whimpers coming from nearby. A tangle of brush was moving about and Kyuubi cautiously made way towards the moving brush, his ears perked forward on alert, his nose twitching and tasting the air.
Kyuubi's eyes widened frantically when he came in site of a white gray omega werewolf, who's one front leg was up by its head, tangled against its neck and head by a ring of barbed wire. The barbs had cut into several areas of the wolf's neck, head and leg, most likely from the wolf trying to get out of the entanglement. There was no way the wolf could transform safely back into a human either with all the barbed wire tangled tightly around the neck and head. Kyuubi crouched low on all fours and let out a whimper. Sea green eyes widened in sudden fear when they landed on Kyuubi and the wolf suddenly pulled back, crying out when the barbs cut into the skin even more. Kyuubi whined out loudly, meaning he meant no harm and tried to lay even flatter. The white wolf began to settle down when Kyuubi didn't move any closer, whine slightly and continued to just look back. Satisfied that the white wolf wasn't scared, Kyuubi slowly stood up and began to shift back to human.
"It's okay, I'll help you, and I won't hurt you," Kyuubi whispered out with his palms up and on his knees. When the white wolf didn't make a move, Kyuubi took that as an okay for him to move forward. Slow and steady, he untwisted the barbed wire carefully away from the white wolf. It took what seemed like an eternity and Kyuubi had to wipe the sweat from his brow several times. But with determination, Kyuubi was finally able to free the omega from the twisted metal. He fell back onto his ass and let out a long breath while wiping the sweat from his brow. "Damn, its hot but I'm glad I got that off you," Kyuubi chatted while the omega slipped backwards away from him slowly, the sea green eyes never leaving Kyuubi. Kyuubi of course noticed this but didn't want to scare the little omega. "I still won't hurt you, but I should take a look at those injuries." The omega then growled lowly. "Aw come on. My name is Kyuubi and I live in the town Amegakure, about 80 miles that way." Kyuubi grinned widely and pointed his thumb in the direction. "Do you live there too?" The omega said nothing and only blinked its large eyes. Kyuubi tilted his head in question before running a hand through his red hair and ruffling it up slightly. He slowly stood up, giving a large grin. "I'm taking you to the lake, to get those wounds washed off okay?" He stepped towards the white wolf slowly, releasing a calming scent in the air. The omega's growls softened when it caught the calming scent and let out a long sigh with a whimper. Kyuubi continued to whisper calmly as he scooped up the white wolf in his arms and carefully made his way back to the lake.
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"After reviewing the evidence that Temari and Kankurou brought forward, we have found that Danzo has been attending these events on a regular basis and when he purchases, he uses one on of his bodyguard's to sign the release papers for his merchandise." Gaara shuffled through the photos and papers on the table. "As luck would have it, it's the same name on all purchases, dating back several years. And with Temari and Kankurou at the last event with Kyuubi as a witness to the last few auctions, it is enough evidence to hold Danzo for treason. Unfortunately there was nothing with Orochimaru's name on any documents. If Orochimaru gets supplies from these sales, he may send one of his assistants."
"Hm, but Danzo will have the backing of the council. He has powerful allies not to mention diplomatic immunity in several countries. Bringing him down could be challenge," Kakashi added to the conversation.
"But if we have enough evidence to at least hold him till the rest of the evidence is found…" Itachi hummed in thought as he went over the various photos. "As well, how many subordinates has he got that will protect him with their lives. The fear he instills in people will be hard to overcome."
"Well, we can at least put a stop to the one auction house if we make our move at the next auction," Gaara added. "Which, I will say, Temari and Kankurou do have an invite for. It's in three weeks. Can we gather enough of this evidence to bring forward to any council members that we can trust that are not in lead with Danzo? I suspect that there may be other members that feel they benefit from these sales." Gaara growled with disgust.
"I'll bring this to Tsunade-sama and we will work on a plan for the raid in three weeks." Kakashi stood, closing up his notebook. "Thanks for the tea Itachi, I'll be in touch with the both of you after I speak to Tsunade-sama." Kakashi gave the men his two finger salute before heading out the door, Itachi following to see him out.
Gaara began to gather up the photos and shoving them into his briefcase. "Gaara," a voice came from the door in greeting. Gaara nodded in response to the younger Uchiha. "Good to see you Sasuke, how are you feeling?" Gaara was pleased to see Sasuke was on the mend from his ordeal. He couldn't imagine the trauma the young wolf was going through and grit his teeth that anyone would do such horrific things to anyone.
"Hn, as good as it can get for now," Sasuke responded as he made his way around the table to the coffee pot.
"Sasuke, a quick word." Gaara spoke out as he closed this briefcase. Sasuke turned and leaned against the kitchen counter. "It's about Naruto." Gaara waited to see if the topic would change Sasuke's demure. When Sasuke just stood quietly sipping his coffee, waiting, Gaara continued. "I know he can be loud, brash and sometimes overbearing." Sasuke snorted loudly in agreement. "But his loyalty to those he considers friends, is incredibly deep. Please take that into consideration should he ever do something…brash." Gaara raised his brows at the young Uchiha. Sasuke pinched his lips in thought, staring into his coffee cup. Gaara then chuckled lightly, "too many times that I can count where Naruto has put his foot into his mouth before actually thinking."
"Talking about Naruto I see?" Itachi chimed in as he entered into the kitchen. "The young alpha can certainly rile up a room. I think that is why Tsunade stopped bringing him to any large events. She could not keep him out of trouble." Itachi shook his head with a smile. Sasuke raised a brow in question to the comment. "Though the pride and respect that young alpha has is admirable. You know he approached me the other night otouto, asking permission respectably, as he should." Itachi crossed his arms across his chest while leaning against a counter and nodding at Sasuke who flicked his eyes at him in surprise.
"Ohhh! What an honourable handsome alpha to do such a thing!" Deidara sing songed as he swung open the door and entered the kitchen as well. His long blond hair was tied up into a messy bun, his t-shirt hung loose over a shoulder and his bunny slippers peeked out from his long sleep pants. "Good morning pup!" Deidara went over to Sasuke and ruffled his hair, laughing when Sasuke sputtered his coffee and started slapping Deidara's hands away. "Hello Gaara, did you get enough tea?" Deidara turned to the red head, smiling warmly at him.
Gaara gave a small smile. "Thank you Deidara, I'm just heading out. Sasuke. Itachi." Gaara gave them all a nod and made his way out, Itachi following to see him out.
"Soooo," Deidara started as he got himself some eggs from the fridge. He winked at Sasuke, "did Naruto ask you anything hmm?" Deidara sang out as he grabbed a bowl and frying pan, then fluttering his eyelashes at Sasuke.
"Hn," Sasuke responded, not falling into Deidara's trap of questions. Itachi came back into the kitchen and nuzzled up behind Deidara. Sasuke rolled his eyes at the site.
"I think a camp trip is required soon, when are you going Sasuke?" Itachi called out from Deidara's neck.
"Nothing has been planned yet, I suspect soon, since classes are over shortly for summer break," Sasuke grabbed a bran muffin from the muffin holder, anything to keep from having to see his brother practically fornicating with Deidara.
"Mmm, a camping trip, lovely! We could all go together!" Deidara hummed out as he tilted his neck slightly giving more access to Itachi's lips while mixing eggs.
"Hell no," Sasuke growled out towards Deidara. "Really? We eat in here!" Sasuke grumbled out at Itachi and Deidara.
"Sasuke," Itachi gave a firm tone as he turned towards Sasuke and completely ignoring the last comment. "About this outing. Were you planning on sharing with Naruto about your status this trip?"
Honestly, Sasuke had not even thought about his true status in the past few weeks while with Naruto. Sure, he didn't have his suppressants when he was kidnapped, but Naruto wasn't around for that time to find out. Now that he was back to his regular life schedule, his body was on autopilot. Get up, take pills, eat and go on with the day. It had become such a norm for him, that the mere thought of his omega status had not even breached his mind. Living as an alpha every day for so long, he hadn't contemplated the thought of what Naruto may do if he finds out. His brows creased so hard in deep thought that his muffin began to crumble onto the floor.
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Sasuke pulled on his pack straps as he traveled up a worn trail through the forest. The trail was riddled with roots and headed up hill, thus Sasuke was taking the trail carefully so he wouldn't trip and take a tumble. He was far from society, and he was enjoying the peace and quiet.
"You doing okay back there Sasuke!?" a voice bellowed from ahead.
'Well, it was peaceful until a certain dobe opens his mouth,' Sasuke smirked to himself. Several small clusters of birds took flight nearby that were obviously startled by the sudden yell. "I'm not invalid dobe," Sasuke called out with a hint of mirth in his voice.
"Aw Sasuke, don't be like that! Tell me if I'm too fast for yah!" Naruto's voice rose over the green trees again.
Sasuke continued to trudge up the path. The pair had made plans over the past week, arguing from whether this would be one night or two, tent or no tent, to what food to bring. Sasuke would admit to himself that he rather enjoyed the planning the two made together, while in their outings at the tea room of Chiyo's. Sasuke had developed a strong liking for the place and Naruto was all too glad to take him there as much as possible. Naruto had explained that he often took the pack to this secluded area and enjoyed the solitude of the place. It was quite the trek to get to, on foot (or paw), and in the years that Naruto's pack had been attending, he explained that he had only scented humans in the area twice. Not that it mattered at this time, Sasuke didn't mind humans but he certainly was not into attending busy parks or camps. Naruto picked up Sasuke early morning and Naruto had parked his jeep at Chiyo's tea room. Her place was the starting point of the trail and the pair grabbed their packs and set off deeper into the forest, away from the sea, Naruto leading the way.
By noon, Sasuke estimated they had traveled about ten miles every couple hours and they had left at dawn, therefore making their traveling distance in the half day about thirty miles. And that is only by human traveling standards.
"Hungry?" Naruto popped up in front of Sasuke suddenly causing Sasuke to gasp. Naruto grinned as he grabbed Sasuke's hand and pulled him over to a small rock clearing. "This looks like a good spot to take a lunch break hm?" Naruto pulled his bag off, plopping it on the ground before sitting on a large boulder beside it. Sasuke took a seat and began pulling out a protein bar. Curious, he took out his cell phone and turned it on. "I'm pretty sure we are out of the service area Sas," Naruto spoke up as he heard the cell phone turn on. "But I did give Itachi the land location of where we are going and my pack knows the place, so if anything was ever to happen…not that it would though." Naruto grinned at Sasuke before taking a long drink of water.
Sasuke looked at his phone and confirmed yes indeed, there was no service so he decided to hold up the camera instead. Naruto didn't notice when Sasuke held up his phone camera and took a picture of Naruto while his head was tilted back taking a long drink. The small area they were in had a break in the trees, and the sun's rays were beaming down on Naruto's sunshine hair, creating highlights that gleamed. Naruto was wearing a black cotton tank top that hugged his chest muscles and highlighted the muscles on his arms. His adam's apple bobbed while taking that long swig of water and Sasuke's eyes trailed down the alpha's toned neck to his chest and appreciated all the lines of muscle. The picture he took on his phone captured the moment perfectly and his wolf drooled with anticipation. Sasuke hushed his wolf and told it to behave itself. He quickly put his phone away when Naruto was finished his drink.
"Only a couple more hours to go, we should get there midday," Naruto chewed on a protein bar. "How are you liking it so far?" Naruto's eyes landed on Sasuke's.
"It's pretty," was all Sasuke said while chewing on his own protein bar. Naruto made a humming noise in response and Sasuke's mind began to think about the possibility of telling Naruto about his omega status. But how to start the convo? "Naruto?"
Naruto hummed out in response and turned to look at Sasuke, who appeared to be studying his protein wrapper closely. 'Looks like he has something he wants to say, hmm…' Naruto studied Sasuke's demure closely. He was worrying at his bottom lip again and his eyes stayed downcast. Naruto recognized that look, the same look back in the jeep, when Sasuke was trying to express his emotions.
"What do you know about the Uchiha family?" Sasuke then looked up at Naruto.
"Hmm, what do I know eh?" Naruto brought his hand up to chin and tapped his finger on it. "Well, I know they are a proud family, a long history of aristocrats, maybe even some kings or queens way back when," Naruto chuckled as he winked towards Sasuke. Sasuke smirked in response. "The Uchiha's have a lot of expectancy within their family roots, but I've never seen it in person, so I can't say if that part is true. But from what I've seen, the Uchiha's are suave, smooth and damn hot!" Naruto winked again towards Sasuke with a purr.
"Hmph, idiot," Sasuke muttered under his breath and he turned his head to hide the blush. He heard a shuffle and when he looked forward again, Naruto was sitting cross legged on the ground at Sasuke's knees, his blue eyes wide and sparkling as they looked at him closely.
"I've even heard that Uchiha's are snobs, but you know what I think?" Naruto asked when Sasuke frowned at the word snob. "I think that Uchiha's love so hard that they don't care what or who is around them, they are focused on their love so much, others don't exist." Naruto brought a hand onto Sasuke's knee while holding him with his eyes. "So those others are so jealous of being ignored, they make up stories, like calling Uchiha's snobs." Naruto squeezed Sasuke's knee with a smile.
Sasuke's eyes were lost in vast ocean of blue that took over his entire site until his eyes closed when he felt the alpha's soft warm lips upon his. He succumbed to the fluttering of butterflies in his chest and the warm purr of this inner wolf as he deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue into the alpha's cavern, demanding a dance. A satisfying groan came from the alpha responding to Sasuke's dominance, and Sasuke felt himself being pulled in tight by the blond alpha. Sasuke threaded his fingers through the blond silky hair, guiding the alpha's lips harder into his own. A heat was rising deep within his gut at every nip, taste and squeeze and Sasuke found himself thirsty for more. His wolf was now panting hard out, demanding more essence of alpha, so much more and Sasuke's mind was hazing over with desire. He fisted at the blond locks and released a growl as he pulled the alpha against him, nipping and tonguing at Naruto's bottom lip while twirling his hips against the alpha. Claws had extended from his fingers and traced up Naruto's arm, grasping at the blonde's shoulder tight.
"Mmm…Sas…w-wai—" the blond breathed out, but with every chance he had to speak, Sasuke was latching his lips back onto his and responding with a disciplined growl. Naruto's eyes practically rolled to the back of his head with the heated desire hitting him in waves. With Sasuke's dominance coming from his lips, his grip, his taste, his scent all around him, Naruto was in heavenly bliss.
But with a mere whisper of moral strength, Naruto managed to grab Sasuke's shoulders and pull away from the raven haired alpha. Naruto panted hard as he kept his hands on Sasuke's shoulders while his half mast lust blown eyes looked up to the flushed faced raven. Sasuke was beautiful, was all Naruto could think. Sasuke's lip were glistening from the heated kiss, his black eyes were shining with desire, his hair was ruffled from Naruto's hands going through it and what he loved seeing the most, was the soft red blush in Sasuke's cheeks. Sasuke was panting heavily too and keeping his own eyes focused on Naruto's.
"Sas," Naruto said between pants. "As much as enjoyed that," he raised his eye brows with a smile, "if we continue on, I don't think I'll be able to hold myself back." He winced slightly as his wolf continued to growl and nip within. It wasn't happy with suddenly being halted from primal bliss.
Sasuke panted out slightly, hearing Naruto's words while taking in the sight of the alpha. His peach lips were plump from Sasuke's kissing and biting assault. Naruto's face was flushed red and his blue eyes were slightly darker with lust. Sasuke licked his lips as he appreciated the site. His inner wolf whined at the sudden stop and nipped at Sasuke, causing him to twitch. "Hn," Sasuke responded. He was slightly embarrassed at the whole situation. 'Uchiha's do not lose control.' The strict words of his father ringing through his mind.
Naruto sat back on the ground. "So in closing, before I got distracted," he winked again at Sasuke. "That's what I know of the Uchiha clan. But I can say I know a little more after I met you." Naruto beamed at Sasuke. Sasuke snorted out quietly. "Was it a test?" Naruto asked quickly.
Sasuke wondered how to answer that.
"Well, whatever," Naruto huffed out and waved his hand about, dismissing the question. "We should get moving if we want to get there by mid afternoon." Naruto hopped up and dusted off his pants, then held a hand out to Sasuke. They were off again, deeper into the wilderness and Sasuke was suddenly thankful for the silence.
==/\/\==
"Here we are," Naruto breathed out as the trail broke from the thick forest and into a small opening that was tucked beside a small lake. The lake was calm as the trees were a wind barrier, and it reflected the sun and sky like crystal. "We usually camp over here," Naruto pointed to the left and headed through the tall meadow like grass.
Sasuke followed and his eyes took in the site. The trees were old, tall and magnificent. Calls from all types of birds were heard echoing off the water and Sasuke managed to catch an eagle, diving down to the water, skimming it and coming back into the air with a large fish in its talons.
Naruto came to a small spot a few meters from the shore and nestled against the tree line. "There are still some of the logs here that we last used." He pointed to a small area where the wild grass was cut short and various logs were lying about. Naruto threw down his bag and stretched his arms over his head. "Wanna swim?" Naruto looked over his shoulder back at Sasuke with a grin.
After a brief swim in the crystal lake, Naruto switched into his wolf form to go nab some fish. Having been at this lake several times, he knew where to nab the biggest fish for dinner. Sasuke watched in awe when Naruto transformed into his massive wolf. He has not seen Naruto in form yet, and his dark dirty blond fur was mesmerizing when the sun highlighted the fur when drops of water flew through it. Naruto was definitely an impressive alpha and Sasuke's wolf began to trigger sensory areas deep within Sasuke's being. As each fish was tossed upon the shore, Sasuke's wolf began a possessive streak through him. 'Mine…' Sasuke's mind provided him, over and over. It wasn't long before Naruto was gathering up the fish from the shore and bringing them towards Sasuke. His wolf began to trigger a heat within him as a very naked, gleaming with water tanned muscled blond body was coming towards him. Sasuke's eyes dilated as he took in the site.
"I'll get a fire started and I'll show you how we cook these babies," Naruto chirped out when he got back to Sasuke. Naruto walked past Sasuke a little slower before dropping the fish near the fire pit. Naruto was not blind to how Sasuke had been watching him but would not call Sasuke out on it. He wouldn't do that to the proud stoic little alpha, he wanted Sasuke to be comfortable with him as himself and not because their horny wolves were trying to control them with instincts. He grabbed a towel to dry himself off and then put his clothes back on before starting up a fire.
The night sky came quickly but it was cloudless and shimmering in stars. Naruto brought out a checkered blanket and laid it out on the sandy bank near the water. The fire light flickered off Naruto's body and Sasuke watched him with question. Naruto then gathered up the speared fish that were set up over the fire and checked them to see they were cooked. He then held a hand out to Sasuke, inviting him to stand. Giving him a curious look first, Sasuke then held out his hand and let Naruto guide him to the blanket. Naruto settled down on the blanket, laying the cooked fish on a corner and patted the blanket. Sasuke gingerly sat beside the blond alpha, his eyes again giving Naruto a look. "A picnic Sasuke," Naruto answered the look with a grin and handed Sasuke a fish. "Eat. It's good, trust me." Sasuke smirked in response and grabbed the fish.
After their dinner of baked fish, Naruto brought out a thermos of tea. Both men sipped at their tea in silence for several minutes, looking out over the water. "This is my favourite place Sasuke, and I wanted to share it with you especially." Naruto broke the silence and leaned on his one arm turning his head towards Sasuke. "Do you see how the moon reflects off the stones on the shoreline?" He pointed out along the shore that was a few feet away.
Sasuke looked to where Naruto was pointing and sure enough, the gentle laps of the waves were leaving the stones wet and glossy. And with the moon out, "they look like pearls." Sasuke whispered out as a memory flashed through his mind.
"It reminded me of you in so many ways"
Naruto hummed in agreement. "And the sand here is so soft and fine," Naruto picked up a handful and let it slowly sift through his fingers, "that it sparkles in light."
Sasuke watched the sand slowly pour through the alpha's fingers, the fire light flickering made…. "it looks like it's full of crystals." Sasuke whispered again when a memory hit him again.
Sasuke watched as the sun's rays caused small crystal colours flash about while the sand filtered.
Naruto turned fully to look directly into Sasuke's eyes. "When the moon light falls upon you Sasuke, you glow so warm and beautifully, I feel drawn to it. When soft lights flicker across your face, your eyes have a sparkle like crystals and I become lost in a trance." Naruto slid a hand over one of Sasuke's.
Sasuke watched the blue eyes shimmer in the fire light, holding him in place with the soft words being spoken like a calming breeze. He felt the alpha's hand on his and he welcomed the warmth of it.
"Being surrounded in such a utopia, that completely reminds me of everything about you, I needed to bring you here, to me, to see, to understand, that I want you as my own." Naruto hesitated, his blue eyes watching Sasuke's face. "Will you choose me?" he whispered out in closing.
Sasuke's mind was spiraling with all the information that was just presented to him. He watched hopeful blue eyes that waited patiently for an answer. But how could he answer? He lowered this eyes, painfully so. "Naruto, I…" Sasuke didn't know if he could do this. His wolf tremored in anticipation. Naruto deserved to know the truth, especially after all this. But how would Naruto handle being lied to all this time? Naruto was falling for Sasuke the alpha, not the omega!
Naruto tilted Sasuke's chin, making the dark orbs focus back on him. "Sasuke? What is it?" He could sense the raven haired alpha struggling.
"I'm not who you think I am," Sasuke whispered out finally. He pulled his head away from Naruto's hand to hide his eyes. Naruto leaned back slightly, watching, waiting. Sasuke took a deep breath to steady his heart. His wolf was pushing at him, hitting sensory areas that caused a heat to build in the pit of his stomach but he didn't know what it meant. "You were right," he started. "About the Uchiha's," Sasuke turned slightly so he could concentrate on the flames of the nearby fire. After a few more moments he continued. "I have certain expectations of me, being an Uchiha, and if those expectations are not met, punishment can be expected."
Naruto's eyes widened slightly but said nothing. He knew some packs were still overbearing towards their young, wanting their pups to excel over and beyond others, to rise above all and become successes in several aspects. But years of history has also shown that striving for such power can backfire, the worst result being analyzation of an entire clan. "You don't mean Itachi is…"
Sasuke shook his head quickly, his bangs falling over his eyes. "No, not Itachi. He supported me, protected me, from what I could have been subjected to." Sasuke looked at the flames again, his mind going through the memories of what he had seen, heard and learned in the history of his clan. He clenched his fist. "Uchiha means power, Uchiha means strength, and as an Uchiha, you have certain expectations that fall on your status." Sasuke spit out the last few words like they were poison, his body shaking now with the memories of his family. The continuous disappointed look from his father, the silence from his mother, his father and uncles gloating on Itachi, the elders pointing their noses up and away when they saw him and Sasuke felt strong warm arms embrace him from behind.
"Shh, it's okay Sas," Naruto whispered while rocking Sasuke gently, hugging him close as Sasuke's body tremored uncontrollably. He has never seen personally the effects that clans can have on their children, only stories, but watching Sasuke start to have an anxiety attack just from talking about it, he needed to console the raven.
The crickets continued to sing in the deep brush, the gentle waves lapped against the shore and a slight breeze rustled the leaves in the trees. Sasuke was surrounded in a warm heat that calmed his nerves and he felt secure. His wolf purred out as it basked in the essence of the blond alpha that was currently holding him. Naruto had soothed him when his anxiety had begun to take over. Sasuke mulled it over briefly and came to the decision.
"Naruto," Sasuke breathed out.
"Hmm?" Naruto responded lazily.
Sasuke's breath hitched slightly before he spoke. "I'm not an alpha," Sasuke breathed out quickly, holding his breath and clenched his fists tight as he waited for a response. Naruto's body stiffened at the confession and then Sasuke felt Naruto's arms slide slowly away from him, taking the comforting heat with him. And Sasuke felt something break inside him.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
So I'm curious, were the gifts so-so? Was it what you expected?
Keep smiling everyone and stay safe :D