Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.
Chapter 33: Desires
''How long are you going to keep giving me the silent treatment?'' Asked Kurotsuchi to the purple-haired ANBU following her through the streets of Konoha's marketplace.
Still, Yugao just kept walking after Kurotsuchi, arms crossed and a serious look on her face that despite looking serene one could tell that she wasn't happy at all.
''I had to do it. Naruto was going to die. I couldn't just stay doing nothing and not hate myself for the rest of my life'' Said Kurotsuchi with a glance over her shoulder to look at Yugao.
Yugao stayed silent for a moment, making Kurotsuchi think that she wasn't going to respond until she finally spoke to her for the first time that day. ''You do realize that your little stunt has put not just me but my entire ANBU squad on probation?'' Yugao frowned in discomfort just talking about it. Being on probation as if they were some kind of rookies when they have always performed their task at their best of their abilities was humiliating. ''Excuse me for not being too happy about that''
''It can't be that bad'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''The Hokage has hated my ass since the first day she laid eyes on me and I have managed'' The girl tried to joke but a glare she got from Yugao tod her that she didn't find it funny in the slightest.
''It's not the same and you know it'' Said Yugao harshly. ''I have been too easy-going with you. I won't drop my guard again''
''Don't be like that'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''I thought we were friends''
''Are we?'' Responded Yugao. ''If we are friends why did you put me in this position? friends are honest with each other''
''If I told you what I wanted to do would you have let me?'' Asked Kurotsuchi rhetorically.
''Of course not'' Said Yugao without a second thought.
''Exactly'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''I'm sorry that you had to get in trouble because of me but I had to help, I just had. You would have done the same in my place''
Yugao sighed. The girl did have a point. If she could have done anything to save Hayate she would have done so, no questions asked. She knew perfectly well what it was to live knowing that you couldn't keep the person you loved most from dying. ''Fine, I'll concede you that. I too would have done stupid things for the man I loved''
Kurotsuchi stopped dead in her tracks at that comment, almost stumbling from the shock. ''L-Love?! W-Who says I love Naruto?! Of course I don't love the idiot that's ridiculous! Haha...'' Yugao's deadpan look told Kurotsuchi that she didn't believe her one bit and that she should probably stop making a fool of herself. ''Are we too obvious?'' Asked Kurotsuchi, resigning herself.
''Yes you are. Though you used to be much better at hiding it'' Said Yugao. ''I'm pretty sure that even the Hokage knows by now''
''What?!'' Asked Kurotsuchi in alarm. ''How do you know?! What makes you say that?!''
''Kakashi-Senpai told me what happened. About how she was about to punish you until you defended your actions to protect Naruto, rather passionately also might I add'' Explained Yugao. ''Judging by her weird reaction I can only guess that she realized why you are so protective of him''
''Damn it'' Muttered Kurotsuchi as she glanced to the floor in mortification. This complicated things. If the Hokage already found out about her and Naruto things would get more complicated. She had to be more careful in the future then, it might be too late now that Tsunade knew but there had to be some part of this that could still be salvaged.
''I fully expect the Hokage to talk to you about this in the near future if that's the case. I would be ready for that talk if I were you'' Warned Yugao.
Kurotsuchi just nodded solemnly. That was probably the reason why the Hokage told her they needed to talk. Nothing good could come out of that.
After a moment of silence, Yugao's eyes widened when she recalled something Kurotsuchi said. ''Wait. Did you say 'we'?
''Uhh?'' Asked Kurotsuchi, not understanding.
''You asked 'are we too obvious?' so that means that you know about Naruto's feelings too?'' Explained Yugao
Kurotsuchi was starting to panic, already knowing where this was going.
''And that also means that you both know that you have things to hide'' Concluded Yugao before she looked at Kurotsuchi in alarm. ''Y-You guys haven't...you know...''
''We haven't done anything of the sort!'' Exclaimed Kurotsuchi, blushing furiously in shame.
''You sure?'' Asked Yugao skeptically with a raised eyebrow. Hard to imagine that a couple of infatuated hormonal teenagers hadn't done anything sexual. ''Not even kissed?''
Kurotsuchi couldn't keep eye contact with Yugao, deviating her gaze to the side at the question.
At the lack of response, Yugao knew what that meant. ''So you did kiss him!''
''Okay, we kissed, alright?!'' Exclaimed the embarrassed Kurotsuchi. ''But that's all we have done, I swear!''
Yugao eyed the girl suspiciously for a moment before she decided to take her word for it. If she got flustered this easily she probably hadn't done more than that, thank god. Yugao gave a sigh once more before she brought a hand to her forehead. This whole situation was too stressing. ''Just...try to not get caught. And for the love of god don't do anything more serious'' She already knew that Kurotsuchi would not listen to her if she told her to stop being intimate with Naruto, so the only thing to do was to advise her to be more secretive, and hope that she didn't go beyond just kisses. Kurotsuchi making out with Naruto was a good enough reason to incite war if Iwa ever found out, let alone if they were to sleep together.
''I know that already, you don't have to remind me'' Said Kurotsuchi. No one knew better than her that she had to be careful.
Worries aside, Yugao turned to look at Kurotsuchi with a devilish smile. ''So, is Naruto a good kisser?''
''Wh-What!?'' Asked Kurotsuchi incredulously. She had just berated her for kissing the guy and now she wanted to gossip?
''I'm just curious that's all'' Said Yugao. Even if the kissing was a serious issue there was nothing she could do now, except have a girl talk about it, she was still a woman after all.
''That's none of your business!'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''Honestly, first you imply that I slept with him and now you want to know how he kisses?! I didn't know you had such a dirty mind!''
''Oh, so I'm the one with a dirty mind now?'' Said Yugao slyly. ''I'm not the one that has sweet dreams about Naruto''
Kurotsuchi's went pale at that remark. ''What?!'' How did she know that?!
''Oh please, don't play dumb. I look after you all the time after all'' Said Yugao. ''Even at night. And boy do you say Naruto's name out loud while you sleep, and rather loudly too sometimes. I wonder what you could be dreaming about to warrant such reactions'' Said Yugao cheekily with a finger on her chin.
Kurotsuchi stared agape at Yugao, her mind blank. What could she possibly say to explain that?
''I guess that those Icha Icha books that you totally don't read have nothing to do with that, hmmm?'' Teased Yugao.
''Sh-Shut up!'' Yelled Kurotsuchi with a blush so intense it would make Hinata proud. ''Why don't you go back to ignoring me? Geez!'' Said Kurotsuchi before turning around and walking away looking like a tomato.
Yugao smiled triumphantly as she followed suit. Good thing that the street was empty or else she could not have teased her with such delicate topics. That's what the girl got for getting her in trouble with Tsunade-Sama.
-Hokage's Office-
Shizune dropped a pile of paperwork on the desk of her master while said Sannin just kept refilling her cup of sake before taking small sips from it.
''Tsunade-Sama, don't you think you should finish this paperwork first?'' Said Shizune in mild annoyance. She was tired of seeing the paperwork pile grow bigger and bigger while Tsunade just kept ignoring it.
''I'll do it later. Stop pestering me about it, will ya?'' Responded the Hokage as she rested her head on her palm with a thoughtful look on her face and a sake cup on the other hand.
Shizune frowned in concern. She knew that Tsunade could be negligent with her duties sometimes but rarely with such...apathy. ''Tsunade-Sama, it's everything all right? You have been like this for a while now'' Ever since she came back from visiting Naruto at the hospital she had been acting strangely.
Tsunade gave a deep sigh before she continued to stare at the wall with an unfocused look. ''I was a fool for taking this job, that's what's wrong''
Shizune rolled her eyes. Tsunade always said that everytime work got to her. ''That doesn't really tell me anything''
''It's Naruto, who else? Who aside from him gives me these headaches'' Tsunade elaborated. ''Who else but Naruto is so hellbent on making my life exponentially harder?''
Shizune got worried for a moment. Was something wrong with Naruto then? ''Is Naruto okay? he wasn't hurt too badly was he?'' She was pretty sure that she was informed that he wasn't in danger anymore after being treated but she was still afraid that she may have heard wrong.
''He is in love...'' Said Tsunade in distaste before taking a sip from her cup of sake.
Shizune's surprise at hearing that remark was soon replaced by excitement as she grinned contently. ''Really?! That's great, good for him! Why is that so-''
''With the Iwa girl'' finished Tsunade, shutting Shizune up, once again making her apprentice go back to a shocked state.
''Oh...'' Said Shizune at a loss for words.
''Is that all you have to say? 'oh'?'' Asked Tsunade incredulously.
''I-I just don't know what to say'' Said Shizune. ''Are you sure?''
''You wouldn't ask that if you had been there'' Said Tsunade as she poured herself another cup. ''The way the stupid girl talked about Naruto...You could see it in her eyes. That look was unmistakable. I used to be a silly girl in love too, you know''
Shizune didn't have to be reminded of that. The Sannin's love for Shizune's late uncle was what led her to become her mentor in the first place. ''Maybe it's a one-way thing. Maybe Naruto doesn't return her feelings'' Said the younger medic.
''As if that makes the situation any better'' Said Tsunade. ''Besides, I highly doubt that's the case. No sane woman would go to the lengths that the girl goes for someone they love if their feelings weren't reciprocated''
Shizune bit her lip in concentration. ''This doesn't have to be all bad. Maybe we could use this as a chance to promote peace between our nations. Like an arranged marriage or something like that''
Tsunade snorted at the ridiculous notion. ''Promote peace you say? Peace will be the farthest thing from Ohnoki's mind when he finds out. We have his granddaughter hostage while we charge him a ridiculous amount of money for her safety. What do you think will happen if this issue gets out? He will think we have brainwashed her and turned her traitor, not to mention that hooking her up with Naruto would seem like the biggest insult of them all. Might I remind you who was Naruto's father, Shizune?''
Shizune knew that there was very little they could do to salvage this, she had just tried to be optimistic. They had Iwa controlled for now but only because they were still recovering from the Akatsuki's assault and Kurotsuchi was in Konoha's custody. But if they got word of this it would seem as the ultimate insult for them; not only did they defeat them soundly during the third great ninja war, had their best Kunoichi and future Tsuchikage as a prisoner, but also had said Kunoichi fall in love with Konoha's pariah and son of their most hated enemy. This could very well be the straw that broke the camel's back in Iwa's eyes.
''Do you have any ideas, Tsunade-Sama?'' Asked Shizune hopefully after a couple of minutes of silence.
''Do you think I would be like this if I knew what to do?'' Asked Tsunade. ''That fucking idiot. Why does Naruto always has to follow the path that makes the most trouble for me?''
''I guess we love who we love. As the saying goes: we don't choose who we fall in love with'' Said Shizune, trying to argue at least a little bit in Naruto's defense.
''Whoever is the idiot who said that obviously didn't have to worry about avoiding an all-out war between two military powers'' Said Tsunade in annoyance.
''So, what are we going to do about this?'' Asked Shizune tentatively, almost afraid to hear the answer. Even if the situation was delicate she still felt bad for Naruto, he finally found someone he cared about and cared for him and the relationship could never be.
''I wouldn't be here lamenting with you if I knew, would I?'' Responded Tsunade before taking a gulp of sake.
Shizune frowned in worry, that was true this wasn't something that had a simple solution. Well, it technically did have an easy solution, they could just split the teenagers up, but she knew that Tsunade could never bring herself to do something like that to Naruto, not to him.
''By the way, Shizune''
The raven-haired medic turned to look at her master again at her call.
''I need you to deliver a message to Naruto at the hospital'' Informed Tsunade. ''I was supposed to tell him this earlier but with these recent events it completely slipped my mind''
Shizune tilted her head slightly in wonder. ''A message?''
-Konoha's Hospital-
Naruto licked his lips as he unpacked the Ichiraku Ramen takeout that Kurotsuchi had so kindly brought to his room. ''Tasty tasty ramen, how I've missed you!'' Exclaimed the blond as he sat straight up on his hospital bed. ''Thanks, Kuro-chan! Itadakimasu!'' Declared the blond before digging into his meal.
''You are welcome'' Said Kurotsuchi with a smile, glad to see Naruto in high spirits. ''Just try to not make a mess, will ya?''
''Don't worry, I'm always tidy'' Said Naruto as he devoured his noodles.
Kurotsuchi shot him a deadpan look. Naruto didn't even take a second before contradicting his statement.
Naruto noticed Kurotsuchi sitting silently and looking intently at him, so he stopped eating for a moment to address her. ''Sorry, do you want some?'' Offered the blond.
''I'm not hungry, thanks'' Replied the girl. ''Enjoy yourself''
Naruto didn't have to be told twice as he went back full-force to eating his ramen.
''So, any word on when you'll be discharged?'' Asked Kurotsuchi.
Naruto slurped a mouthful of noodles before answering. ''Sakura-chan said soon, and that as long as I get plenty of rest I'll be as good as new in a few days''
Kurotsuchi was glad for that, she hated seeing Naruto in a hospital bed. It was a reminder of how close he had been to dying. Thankfully he seemed to be healing fast, due to the Kyuubi. At the very least the stupid fox was helping Naruto get better considering that it was because of him that the Akatsuki fucks were after Naruto in the first place. Luckily, Naruto's appetite was just as healthy as ever. That was a good sign of his rapid improvement. She couldn't help but smile at how content the blond went through his food, seeing him in high spirits also cheered her up especially after almost losing him not long ago.
Naruto stopped eating momentarily when he felt Kurotsuchi quietly looking at him with a soft smile on her face. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve before looking at her too. ''What is it?''
Kurotsuchi shook her head gently. ''Nothing, it's just that...You really have no idea how happy I am that you are okay''
Naruto grinned sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head. ''Thanks. I'm also glad that you didn't get hurt'' Naruto wasn't exactly sure what else he could say or how he should act. One thing that he hadn't considered was how different his relationship with Kurotsuchi felt now. Now that both knew that they liked each other he didn't know what was he supposed to do, he didn't have any experience in this kind of things.
Kurotsuchi noticed Naruto's uncertainty and she had a good idea of what he was thinking. She herself didn't even know how to act now with him. Now that they both confessed there were no more pretenses or excuses, they both knew that they were head-over-heels for each other and it made things weird. They never established what their relationship was now; was she his friend? His girlfriend? She didn't know and she suspected that Naruto didn't either. She guessed that this was precisely why people often said that falling in love with your friends was a bad idea. Let alone falling in love with who should be your mortal enemy.
Their awkward silence was interrupted when they heard someone knock on the door. Both teenagers directed their attention at the entrance of the room when the door opened and Shizune walked in.
''Hello, Naruto-Kun'' Said Shizune with a pleasant smile as she entered. ''How are you feeling?''
''Shizune nee-chan!'' Exclaimed Naruto with joy. It had been a while since the last time he saw the raven-haired medic, it was nice of her to check on him. ''I'm doing great!''
''I'm happy to see that'' Said Shizune amicably before she turned her attention to Kurotsuchi. ''Nice to see you here too, Kurotsuchi-San. thank you for keeping Naruto company'' Said Shizune politely, but she couldn't help watching intently the Iwa girl after the conversation she had with her master. It was werid to see her knowing what was really going on with the teenagers.
''Same'' Said Kurotsuchi, returning the cordiality. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination but for some reason she felt as if the older woman was staring at her oddly.
''Hey, Shizune-Neechan, You know when I'm getting out of here?'' Asked Naruto. ''It's awfully boring in here. I'm feeling much better, I don't need to be trapped in this place''
''I just spoke to the head nurse, in fact. She wanted me to tell you that you are free to go'' Shizune informed him with a smile.
''Really?! Awesome! I'll get going then, I can't stand this hospital bed any longer'' Said Naruto with eagerness, already starting to kick the cover off him.
Kurotsuchi was relieved to know that Naruto could return to his apartment. Now they could have more time for themselves to sort out their new relationship.
''Actually, I had something else I had to tell you'' Informed Shizune, catching the attention of both teenagers.
Kurotsuchi couldn't help but feel a bit concerned at the grave face of Shizune at the comment. Whatever she had to say had to be important.
''Orochimaru is dead, Sasuke killed him'' Said Shizune.
Naruto stared agape at the medic, which soon turned his expression to one of joy. ''Does that mean that Sasuke is coming back to Konoha?!'' Said Naruto. He knew that there was no way that Sasuke was going to let the treacherous snake do as he pleased with him. And now that He wouldn't have Orochimaru whispering promises of power in his ear he ought to come back to Konoha.
Kurotsuchi huffed in annoyance. Any time Sasuke was mentioned it was enough to sour her mood. ''Naruto, I don't think that's the case'' Said the Iwa prodigy. ''He left to kill his brother, remember? That's why he wanted power in the first place. I don't think he'll be back until that's done'' Or he got himself killed by the very same insane brother he was trying to kill, and if Kurotsuchi could have her way she would love to see both Uchihas kill each other. That would be a pretty good way to get rid of the Uchiha bastards at the same time.
''Kurotsuchi-San is right'' Said Shizune. ''Sasuke will most likely go after Itachi next''
Naruto glanced at the floor in disappointment. Why couldn't Sasuke just come back? Why did things always have to be so complicated? Still, he couldn't just stay here while Sasuke chased someone as dangerous as Itachi by himself. ''We have to go look for Itachi before Sasuke gets to him'' Said Naruto. If they managed to find Itachi first it was just a matter of time before Sasuke had to go to them if he wanted to see his brother.
Kurotsuchi suppressed a groan of exasperation. Why couldn't Konoha just let the Uchiha go fuck himself?
''That's the plan'' Said Shizune, happy to see that Naruto got the gist of the idea quickly. ''But only after you are fully healed. Tsunade-Sama just wanted you to know about Sasuke as you have the right''
''Of course we are going! Screw it, I'm feeling fine, really'' Said Naruto without missing a beat. ''I won't let Sasuke face that freak by himself!''
Kurotsuchi gave Naruto a look of reprimand. ''Naruto, you aren't fully healed yet. You aren't ready to go''
''That's right. It isn't wise for you to go on another mission just yet after just getting out of the hospital'' Said Shizune.
''But I can't just stay here and do nothing while Sasuke-'' Naruto started rambling just to be interrupted by Kurotsuchi putting a had over his own and looking at him with a frown.
''You promised me'' Muttered the girl softly as she looked into his eyes.
Naruto widened his eyes at that. That was right, he had promised her that he wasn't going to chase Sasuke until he felt strong enough to take him on. The blond bit his lip as he pondered on this. He really felt a strong urge to go. This was another shot, a new chance to bring Sasuke back and make up for all the other times he had failed to do so. But seeing Kurotsuchi's expectant face staring at him in anticipation he knew that he would hurt her deeply if he broke a promise to her of all people. He never got back on his word and Kurotsuchi was the last person on earth he wanted to disappoint. So, with much difficulty he made up his mind.
''I-I'm sorry, Shizune-neechan, you guys are right. I'm not ready to go just yet'' Said Naruto somberly. He didn't want to abandon Sasuke but he had made a promise.
Saying that Shizune was shocked to hear Naruto's decision was an understatement. She thought for sure that Naruto would go straight to his apartment to pack his stuff and leave the village in search for Sasuke as soon as possible. However, it was a good thing in this case. Naruto wasn't in condition to be fighting Itachi and Sasuke. Still, it seemed that Tsunade-Sama wasn't kidding; if Kurotsuchi had this much influence over Naruto she had to be very important for the boy. Shizune wondered if that was a good or a bad thing. While she was trying to be happy for Naruto it also worried her a bit that a foreign Shinobi held this much sway over him.
Kurotsuchi gave the boy a small pleased grin. She knew how hard it must have been for him to turn down this mission and he had done it for her. If it wasn't for Shizune watching them she would embrace Naruto to show how grateful she was for taking her feelings into account.
''I see'' Said Shizune, simply nodding before turning herself to leave the two teenagers alone. ''Very well, I'll take my leave then. I have to report back to Tsunade-Sama. See you later, Naruto-Kun. Get well soon''
And with that, the medic was gone.
Kurotsuchi sighed, glad to be left alone again with Naruto. However, she eyed the blond who was looking in silence at the covers of his bed deep in thought. She knew that this had to be very difficult for him. She put her hand over his palm and gripped it gently, hoping to offer some comfort.
''What do you say if we get out of here?'' Suggested the girl. ''You must miss your place''
Naruto nodded curtly. That did seem like a nice idea. His apartment wasn't anything special but he preferred it a hundred times over the hospital. ''sounds good''
He might not be going after Sasuke, but at the very least he would leave this boring place. That was something nice going for him he guessed.
-Naruto's Apartment-
''Home sweet home!'' Exclaimed Naruto as soon as he crossed the door along with Kurotsuchi. He flung himself over his bed, glad to be on his own mattress after being in that piece of concrete that they call hospital bed.
Kurotsuchi smiled at the scene. It was good to see Naruto in high spirits again even if he had to turn down the offer to chase Sasuke. ''So, you want anything to eat? That takeout ramen couldn't have filled you up much'' Offered Kurotsuchi amicably. After all that has happened to Naruto he deserved a proper meal at the very least.
''It's okay. I'm only going to take shower and I'm off to train!'' Said Naruto as he sat on his bed with determination. ''I might not be able to bring Sasuke back just yet but I can hurry up and make myself stronger so I can get him quicker''
Kurotsuchi frowned in disapproval. So that's what this was about. He just wanted to train so he could go after the Uchiha?
''You are still recovering. Take it easy for a while'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''The Uchiha idiot is not going anywhere''
''The sooner I train the sooner I get stronger'' Said Naruto stubbornly. ''Besides, I'm feeling fine already. The stupid fox heals me fast. So there's nothing to worry about''
''We already talked about this, I'm not going to discuss this issue of the Uchiha again'' Said Kurotsuchi in annoyance. ''You know that training yourself to the ground as fast as you can is not the answer, so stop acting like I won't have an issue with it''
Naruto deflated at her words. Of course she was right, she almost always was. ''I...I know. It's just so hard, you know'' Said Naruto somberly. ''I just don't want Sasuke to die fighting Itachi''
Kurotsuchi's features softened. Even if she didn't like hearing Naruto talk about Sasuke she could understand that it burdened Naruto. ''I know that this is difficult for you, Naruto'' Said the girl as she sat beside him on the bed and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. ''But try to imagine how difficult this is for me too. I also don't want to see my boyfriend overstraining himself''
Naruto stared at her in surprise just to find her blushing just as hard as he was. ''B-Boyfriend?'' Muttered Naruto, the word feeling alien in his mouth.
Kurotsuchi glanced to the side, unable to hide her embarrassment. ''Well, y-yeah. I mean, I like you, you like me so...'' Said the Iwa prodigy as she fidgeted nervously.
Naruto gulped timidly before he found his resolution. He rapidly clasped Kurotsuchi's hand, grabbing her attention as she stared at him expectantly. ''Kurotsuchi...'' Started Naruto with some difficulty but he steeled himself to continue. It was time to properly define their relationship. ''Would...would you be my girlfriend?''
Kurotsuchi couldn't find any words, she just stared dumbly at the face of the blond, her face getting even redder. Still, she managed to give him a content smile. ''I thought you were never going to ask. You bet I want to be your girlfriend, idiot''
Naruto grinned gleefully, he couldn't express his joy right now. He would never have thought he would be so lucky to have a girlfriend like Kurotsuchi. the pink-eyed girl shared his sentiment. It was nice to finally be able to say without a shadow of a doubt what they were. That fact gave her newfound confidence, now she didn't have to worry about doing something that wasn't appropriate with a friend. She felt compelled to lean in and give him a simple kiss, but that wouldn't have been enough for her right now, no, this was a special occasion. She decided to be more daring, even if she had to swallow her nerves to try something different...
Naruto was a bit surprised when he felt Kurotsuchi put her hand on his cheek before giving him a tender kiss, which was something that he welcomed but it was soon replaced with shock when he felt the girl get on top of his lap. Still, Kurotsuchi didn't seem fazed by his reaction as she still continued to gently smooch his lips. Naruto decided to go with the flow and also closed his eyes, returning and deepening her kiss. She muffed a moan as he did so, encouraging him to go on, this time with a bit more confidence.
Getting more comfortable, Kurosuchi broke the kiss momentarily before resting her head on Naruto's shoulder. ''Aren't you glad you didn't go to train instead? Because I am. Na-ru-to-kun'' Kurosuchi purred in his ear in a playful manner.
The alluring way she said that sent shivers down Naruto's spine. He found the softness of her voice along with her breath on his skin beyond sexy and he couldn't help but feel his blood pressure steadily going up.
Kurotsuchi was quick to notice that too when she suddenly felt a peculiar pressure against her leg. The unexpected reaction from Naruto halted Kurotsuchi in her shock. She was a fool for not having considered that Naruto was a hormonal male teenager, of course this was going to happen. She took a quick glance at the boy's face only to find him averting her eyes, his face bright red in shame as he knew that she had noticed his body's reaction.
Kurotsuchi bit her lip in guilt. It hadn't been her intention to make things uncomfortable and her shocked reaction just served to make Naruto feel dirty for not controlling his urges. Still, she resolved to show him that it was alright. She gently grabbed his face and slowly forced him to look at her. He still averted his gaze momentarily before he finally locked eyes with her to see that she wasn't angry or disgusted, and instead she shot him an understanding smile before she gave him a peck on the lips. He was unsure at first but soon enough he started relaxing again.
Kurotsuchi continued to give him small soft kisses, trying to make him see that it was okay to experiment; he didn't have to feel pressured or anything of the sort. Right now they just needed to do what felt right to them, to have fun. And at the moment, just making out was enough. If they ever wanted to get any farther than this they would cross that bridge when they got there later.
And with that, both teenagers spent the rest of the afternoon just enjoying each other's contact, with the muffled groan of pleasure here and there.
-Hokage's Office-
Tsunade finished signing another document before angrily putting it away and starting another one, taking a gulp of sake before continuing. She cursed this damn job. She wasn't in the slightest mood to be doing this right now but if she kept delaying it she would be here all her life.
''We are almost done, Tsunade-Sama'' Said Shizune, who had agreed to help her master with the documents to be done with them quicker. ''There's no need for that face''
''It's my face, I'll have the expression I want to have'' Responded the moody Sannin.
Shizune just sighed but she still kept doing her part of the work.
Tsunade was ready for smash her desk when she heard a knock on her door. She swore that if it was more work she was going to punch the poor soul that brought it.
''What is it?!'' Asked the impatient woman.
''T-There is a message for you, Hokage-Sama'' Responded a man at the other side of the door, he sounded scared, no doubt knowing that his leader wasn't particularly cheery right now.
''Go away. I'm busy'' Said Tsunade as she signed yet another document.
''I really think that you need to see this, Hokage-Sama'' Said the man reluctantly.
Tsunade took a deep breath to calm her rage before she signaled Shizune. ''Take this for me, will you?''
Shizune promptly obeyed as she went to answer the door. As soon as she did a Chuunin at the entrance gave a small bow of respect before he quickly handed her a scroll. Shizune thanked him before the man went away.
The young medic didn't waste any time and opened the scroll. She lifted the parchment up to her face, shielding her features as she read the contents.
Tsunade eyed her protege curiously, waiting for her to tell her what the urgent message said. She frowned when she noticed Shizune gripping the piece of paper tighter and tighter.
''So, what does it say?'' Asked Tsunade with impatience. Judging by Shizune's reaction it couldn't be anything good. Of course she would get bad news, when did she ever get good news? Still, whatever it was couldn't be worse than recent events.
That thought died when Shizune finally put the scroll down and stared at her master with a tearful face. ''T-Tsunade-Sama...I'm so sorry...''
The color drained from the Hokage's face at the expression and tone of voice from the younger woman, already dreading to hear whatever the message was.
Author's note:
Yes, guys, I'm alive. I'm sorry for my longest disappearance yet, life had been really crazy as of late. It just seems that every time I think things can't get crazy again they always end up doing it. I really should stop doubting it, at this point it's like asking: 'What could possibly go wrong?' It just seems like I'm jinxing it, so I'll stop doing that.
I know that I haven't updated in a while and I have no excuse once again. But c'mon guys I'm not dead yet. A lot of people seem to think that I abandoned this story along with my other one too, and I can't blame you for thinking that. But I'll tell you guys right now, the day I really give up on this fic I'll have the courtesy to let you guys know, along with a summary of what was supposed to happen. I hope that never happens but until then I'll keep going.
Now, regarding the fic itself, the chapter was alright I guess. I know that not much happened but I'm trying to have our leads explore their evolving relationship a bit more and I can only hope I'm doing it alright.
But that's what reviews are for, right?! As always, feel free to Review or PM me with any comments on the story. See you guys later!
