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Chapter 4: An Enigma's Wish

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For as long as he can remember, Naruto has always isolated himself. Not because he hates people. Gods no. Quite the opposite in fact. He loved to be with people. Iruka once commented back when he was still tutoring him that Naruto is extroversion personified. He had many friends and it's not that hard to figure out why. Naruto is a social magnet, a commanding presence who effortlessly attracts even the most hardened alphas. And though his physique is that of a frail omega, his headstrong attitude and his very scent exudes confidence, of danger, of power.

For these reasons, many could never say no to him. May it be of sheer intimidation, respect, adoration or a combination of the three, it always frustrated him how no one would dare challenge him, to make him feel… normal. The only one that challenged him the most was perhaps Kurama, long regarded to be a force in the business world.

But despite for their near explosive meeting, Naruto and Kurama settled into an uneasy friendship. And when the rich magnate fell in love with his twin, their rivalry fizzled almost overnight.

Naruto withdrew to isolation, focusing in growing his twin brother's legacy. His disillusion with people would wane over time but there will always be that distrust, that lingering doubt of his friendships. The question of them befriending him being due to his pheromones or genuine interest always hang over him like dark clouds.

That have always been the case for him.

But now… that have changed.

Over the past few days, and the weeks to come, Naruto would meet a very interesting person. Not in real life mind you. But a game- a game that his company funded. At first, he was only curious why someone spent so much time in the game. It's not like NAO and Bijuu Online were groundbreaking story-wise. In fact, the game has little to no story. What little interactions the players have with the game are triggered through random events, an introductory quest, and the rest are repeatable quests with just a tiny amount of story-telling to give the illusion of an actual story.

If a game master happens to log on, he would use his powers to create and direct in game events and a quest chain, inspired by how an old yet popular game called dungeons and dragon used to operate. Essentially both NAO and Bijuu Online were character driven, or player driven to be exact.

And Naruto found it boring at first. Especially when he's forced to be creative when trialing the games during their early take over. But the promise of a virtual reality, of a world that connects players from across the world without pheromones, without biology, without even knowing how the other looks like in real world had him drooling.

He long wished for genuine human connections, one that's untouched by corruption of innate biological desires. Here, people can be who they want, make friends with who they want without the restrictions of society's gender roles, of the social strata that the sub-sexes imposed. Here, a female omega is free to play a dominant male, to explore the world in all its colors without society's limits, without stereotypes on how she should dress, act or speak.

This was why he altered his appearance when he started with the game, even altered the way he spoke. And he can't believe it actually worked.

The more he spent time with Taka, the more he felt liberated. As Narushiki, he's the damsel in distress, the one who depended on someone rather than the captain of the ship. He has no pressure here, no need to lead a multinational company that's the heart of many people's livelihood and even lives. And with Taka, the man who never even knew who he was, never even know what sub-sex he is, Naruto knew that the man is genuine, wants him for who he really is.

True during some of their playthroughs, Taka may act rash and impulsive, uncaring to his enemies, but the man wore his emotions clearly. Maybe it was because he believed that his anonymity could shield him that he allowed himself to be more vulnerable, but the isolation helmet was built to capture every facial twitch, every rise in blood pressure, every movement and translate it to his avatar in game.

This was the reason why Naruto believed he could feel connection with Taka. There's this subtle sadness, a lonely aura that came with Taka's presence, especially when the man is contemplating the quest objectives, or sitting idly as he admired the game's scenery. And when the man confessed to him on their first date, Naruto can't help but be swept away.

And their friendship and relationship in game have been blooming stronger and stronger.

Still, Naruto had to remind himself that despite their growing closeness, Taka only saw him as an NPC, a quest giver that came with the game. And that he shouldn't fall too hard, lest he hurt himself in the end.

But he can't help it. Taka is a sensitive man, a man who knew what loneliness felt like, much like Naruto himself. And the Enigma can't help but fall hard.

Naruto flicked the notifications impatiently.

He never realized how much he grew to crave his interactions with Taka. His nights were incomplete without them hunting a missing nin together or apprehending a tailed beast. And like it or not, Naruto had to admit that they make for a pretty good combo in game.

[Taka has logged on]

Blue eyes widened as his phone vibrated. Finally. The much awaited moment has come. He had been looking forward to this the entire day. He quickly placed the isolation helmet over his head and let the game take over his senses.

"Welcome back, Hokage-sama…" He steadied his voice as he tried to calm his shaking body. He had been excited… far too excited to play now. But as always, he must play his part as Narushiki. But with Taka's warm soft lips on the back of his left hand, he sure is making it difficult.

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Sasuke hummed to himself, a soft smile playing on his lips. It had only been a week since he started with Bijuu Online and the very thought of Narushiki always brightens his day. While neither mentioned their awkward first night together, where Sasuke poured his heart to Narushiki in that dinner event, it's as if that dinner event was like a small pebble that triggered an avalanche-an avalanche of emotions outpouring from either of them. It's as if all the love, all the sorrow and the loneliness they kept with them together, would be unleashed, and there's nothing holding them back. Sasuke could feel kinship with the A.I, who grew more and more brazen with each passing day.

The A.I would even chat him randomly on his office, and it's during these times that Sasuke can appreciate that his parents didn't delegate an important position in Uchiha corps to him. Because he had been sucked completely into the world of Bijuu Online and it's all thanks to Narushiki.

Though he's not going to lie, his productivity did suffer a little. But he found he cared little for it now. Before Narushiki, he'd beat himself up for every little mistake his department has made. But now, he's content with whatever his underlings can come up with, especially since he can outsource most of their task to Suigetsu and Juugo. And while the two rarely see each other eye to eye, they can be pretty efficient in their task.

He left his office and readied himself as he relaxed at the back seat of his driverless car. He scrolled his phone and frowned at the distinct lack of messages from Narushiki. He missed the NPC, to be honest.

It amazed him how the A.I is so much more human-like when texting. Perhaps this humanity is what's making him hold on to this quest giver. For someone who have been alone pretty much his entire life, the fact that someone is giving him his full undivided attention… it makes Sasuke feel like he exists… like he's not invisible.

And sure, he's mother and father have taken notice of him recently, but it still doesn't compare to the sheer intimacy and depth of his conversations with Narushiki. In a way, the A.I have become not just an escape, but an all-encompassing need for security… for closeness that he never felt before.

After grabbing himself a light dinner, he headed straight for his game room. He didn't even bother showering.

He missed Narushiki that much. He longed for the A.I's warm and pleasant presence. And while he's surprised that the A.I never contacted him during the day, he didn't pay it any attention. Because he knows that at night, Narushiki is his and his alone.

As he slipped the isolation helmet on his head, the world around him vanished. And the slow but comforting hum of the game's engine coming to life around him calmed his anxious nerves. He knows he'll be seeing his Narushiki soon.

And as he opened his eyes, those golden eyes peered back at him. A warm smile greeted him that had him unconsciously taking the other's hand and bringing it to his lips. The soft, warm and velvety voice tickled his ears.

"Welcome back Hokage-sama."

He looked up to give a half-hearted glare to the A.I.

"Naru… how many times have I told you to stop calling me that?"

"Ahh yes. I forgot. My apologies, Taka." Narushiki grinned goofily, scratching his horn adorably in embarrassment and Sasuke can't help but feel his heart skipped a beat at the sight. The gentle voice, the warm and kind aura coalescing to blanket him in a metaphorical blanket of wantedness, of belongingness.

"So, Taka, a group of Rock nin moves to take up positions around the outskirts of Konoha. In your absence, a supply train have been embargoed just at the border by their vanguards. A diplomatic remedy opens up following your successful takeover of the Kage summit. However, a military option is also available to recover the stolen supplies. It's your choice."

Sasuke rolled his eyes as the pop up box appeared in front of his vision.

[Diplomatic Route: Takes longer but opens up reconciliation with some hostile villages. Military Route: Resolves Faster, legendary drop potential. Premium Route: Skip quest chain and receives bonuses for both routes.]

"Way to ruin the mood, Naru." Sasuke whispered to himself. But he smiled. He's not really in the mood for questing today. So he clicked the premium route. The confirmation window verified his payment and disappeared quickly.

"Actually, Naru, I want to invite you again. For dinner. Please?" Sasuke didn't even wait for the A.I's response, he already initiated the repeatable quest and Narushiki just smiled.

"Alright, Taka. So where will it be this time?"

Sasuke just smiled cryptically.

"You'll see."

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Narushiki found himself lying on Taka's lap, and he must admit he doesn't hate their current position. The stars glittered on the skies above, a purplish hue spreading like gradient on the clear night sky.

"So, how was your day, Taka?"

"Boring without you." Naruto can't help the blush that tinged his cheeks. He had been too busy organizing the upcoming meeting with Itachi that he actually forgot to check his phone. And Shikamaru have been pestering him with more and more revisions. They have been going back and forth with Itachi's team, ironing out the kinks in the contract before they jointly present their partnership to the board. And to be honest, the Enigma felt a bit guilty.

When Sasuke noticed the NPC's silence, he picked up a piece of dango and placed it close to Narushiki's lips who ate it without much protest. This gave Naruto some time to recover from his initial guilt. As he swallowed the sweet dessert, he looked up and raised a hand to caress the man's chin.

"Really now? I thought you'd be annoyed with my constant nagging." Naruto retorted, feeling his confidence returning.

"Don't doubt it. But if it's you nagging, I wouldn't really mind."

"Oh? So you won't mind if I ask you something then?"

"Of course, Naru. What is it?"

"Ya know… I've always been curious… Do you have someone important, Taka? In real life, I mean?"

Sasuke scoffed. Is the A.I feeling insecure? "What, you jealous, now?" But he smirked at the growing redness on Narushiki's cheeks.

"You are, aren't you?" Sasuke asked with a growing smile.

"Don't push it, bastard." Narushiki glowered, intense eyes boring into the other.

He chuckled and ran a hand through Narushiki's soft hair. Feeling the feathery softness vibrating through his skin.

"You don't have to worry about a thing, Naru. Apart from my brother, I have no one else. I told you before didn't I?" Naruto frowned. It was such a simple statement. But the weight they carry was heavy. Evenmoreso when there's a tinge of sadness in Taka's eyes.

"Which is why…" Naruto felt Taka's arms around him tightened. "I always cherish our moments together, Naru. This isn't just a game to me… I know this is hard to understand. But the life we built here… it gives me purpose. It gives me the direction, the energy I need to get up every morning. To finish the day without being exhausted. And it's all thanks to you, Naru."

Naruto's chest tightened for some reason. Should he risk it? Should he really ask to meet with Taka in real life? He can't stand to see the man like this. But he's afraid. Afraid that if exposed to him, just like the others, Taka would submit to his pheromones and lose his headstrong personality, his strong and unique will and sassiness, lose what made him his loveable Hokage.

"Sometimes, I wish you weren't just an NPC, but… I'm content either way." Sasuke leaned down to his forehead and gave a small kiss to it. "Just us like this, fighting against ninja, collecting tailed beasts… I don't mind. Because at least I know that no matter how tiring my day is at the office, I get to come home to you."

Taka looked up at the stars above, hands still playing with Narushiki's hair.

"It's… nice you know? I never cared about someone like this before. You probably wouldn't understand. But… it's… nice to just unwind with you before I end my day."

Naruto couldn't take it anymore. Maybe he can't arrange a meeting with this man just yet. Call it cowardice, call it his hesitation to lose all that's good that they've been building in the matter of days; or his selfishness. But he wants to keep this man with him for as long as possible. Narushiki grabbed Taka's wrist and pulled the man down.

"Alright, Taka. Just you wait. I'll pester you even when you're at work, too. Then you'll never be rid of me." Narushiki grinned as life returned to Taka's eyes. He found hope shining in those dark depths.

"I'll count on it, Narushiki. And don't think you'll get rid of me that easily, either. I love you, and no matter what happens, I'll find a way to be with you, always."

Naruto's breathing hitched at the man's declaration. It feels so genuine. So unfiltered. Naruto always wished for this. For someone to love him without the pheromone's influence, without his biology talking.

Maybe someday, it will come true. For now, Narushiki only smiled as he leaned closer to the other man.

Even an Enigma can wish right?

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A/N: My apologies for the slow updates. I've been reading and playing more than I'm writing again, sigh. But I hope this can somewhat make up for it. Anyway, feel free to tell me what you think. And as always, until the next update.