Authoress: yay! I'm back again for the next Hensou chapter!
Neji:…pancakes? You couldn't think of anything better…and what's with the bananas!
Authoress: all in good time, my bishounen!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto…now really…did you actually think I did?
Chapter Six
(Naruto's POV)
I glanced back in the side mirror, smirking to myself when I saw Sasuke in it. He was still wearing that amazing tank top, now with a pair of black shorts that, if they were a few inches shorter, they would have been…absolutely sexy. Shaking such an image from my already sex-oriented mind, I watched the Uchiha out of the corner of my eye. He had been pacing around the back of the car for the past few minutes, obviously trying to decide on something. I had no idea what it was he was thinking about since I had leapt into his convertible as soon as we had finished cleaning the breakfast dishes. It had taken Sasuke a few more minutes to get outside.
So, now, I squirmed in the passenger seat in anticipation. He wanted me to meet his parents! If that didn't mean something for our relationship-if it could be called even that-I don't know what did. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sasuke stop his walking, then turn to look at the car. At me.
"Oi, we going, teme?" I asked, turning my head so I could look at Sasuke over my shoulder. He did the usual 'Sasuke-frown' and stuffed his hands into his shorts' pockets. It was kind of cute, seeing him pout so openly, but then again, I had already seen him at his 'cutest.' I had seen him blush and smile-all within a few moments of each other! I almost wanted to dance. My eyes returned to the car's grey dashboard and I covered a smile with my hand. I had learned more about Sasuke in the past hour than I had in the months of tutoring and drama club. The one thing that I had yet to ask the Uchiha was why he seemed so…against visiting his parents. No, against wasn't the word. Even right now, as he slid into the driver's seat, he was trying to hide his fear. Sasuke was…scared to death of going to see them. It was unnerving to see Sasuke like this.
"You sure you want to come?" Sasuke said softly, turning to look at me. Even if I had reconsidered his request, the look in his eyes was enough to convince me that I had to go with him. I forced myself to smile as I nodded my head. I didn't want to go, now that I could see how disturbed he was over the idea of going to his parents', but I had never seen him like this. Against my conscience, which was telling me I was being too nosy, I rested my hand on Sasuke's and squeezed. Fear wasn't alien to me and I knew how powerful it could be. Something that got this much emotion out of Sasuke was certainly something that would have seriously scarred others.
Seeing the small smile on his perfect lips as he returned the comforting pressure, for the first time, I saw Sasuke wasn't any different from anyone else. He was just as easily injured as the rest of us.
/\
"…no way…you live here!" I exclaimed as I watched the trees fly by. According to the last sound out of Sasuke, about a kilometer back, this is where his family's estates began…and had yet to end. We had yet to come into contact with anything but the cherry trees as Sasuke took the black road at an alarming speed. Once he had started the car and peeled out of his driveway, I had yet to let go of the handle at my side. (A/N: called the "oh-shit handle" in my family…especially when my grandfather or myself are driving…around turns…/smiles/ hehe…)
After about an hour of driving, I had slowly started growing accustomed to the fact Sasuke was a scary driver. I shouldn't be one to talk, though. The first time Iruka had allowed me to drive had also been my last. Kakashi has had problems with vehicles since then. He has yet to set a foot into any car while I'm around-let alone when I'm already sitting in it. I inwardly puffed out my cheeks, remembering that day.
It wasn't my fault that traffic light was hidden…I thought to myself, glancing over at Sasuke long enough to assure myself that this wouldn't be a repeat of my driving experience. It wouldn't-there were no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings this time. "So, teme, why did you move?" I had to ask. From what I had seen of the vast expanse of countryside, this place was wonderful. There wasn't a single loud sound, like those in the city-or anywhere else for that matter. It was completely silent except for the crunch of gravel as Sasuke sped along-that and the brief chirp I could hear as we flew by a bird. As beautiful as the landscape was, I was beginning to wonder when we would return to civilization. My answers must have been heard, since not even a second later, the trees ended and I was left staring at the single largest building to have existed.
The house was modern in shape and style, but I could see Japanese architecture as well. The outer walls were similar to ones I had seen before, but on a grand scale. They, literally, stretched out as far as the eye could see and were at least two stories high. Somehow, the breath had been knocked out of me as I studied the massive construction. I didn't even realize Sasuke had stopped the car and gotten out until he opened my door. I stared at the pale hand that stretched into the car with wonder. No one had ever helped me out of a car before. It was kind of nice. I smiled and took his hand, deliberately making it difficult for Sasuke to pull me out. Once he finally succeeded in his gentlemanly act of wrenching me out of my seat, I 'tripped over' and fell into him. I innocently brushed my hands across his chest as I tried to steady myself.
"Dobe…" Sasuke mumbled as he looked at me. His eyes were amazing. I really must have been dense not to realize he wore contacts all the time-that and his brother was none other than Itachi. Looking at him right now, as he held me up by an elbow, his other hand wrapped around my waist, I could see how similar they were-and how they could have nothing in common. Sasuke's eyes held the same color as his brother's, but thankfully were nowhere near as cold and…evil…as Itachi's. Nothing about Sasuke could be mistaken for being similar to Itachi. "What are you staring at?" I smiled softly as I shook my head, dismissing his question. Even their voices were so dissimilar. I liked Sasuke's, with its almost melodic quality and masculine deepness. Not too deep, though-but I could just imagine it would be a rich baritone in a few years. Just the thought of Sasuke in a few years was enough to make me nearly squeal. I stood on my tiptoes until I was at eyelevel with the Uchiha. That would be one thing that would never change about Sasuke. Even though our heights were quite close, he would always be taller than me-enough to be able to look down at me with that glare of his. Before he had a chance to pull away, I brushed my lips against his cheek. As I pulled away, I saw his offended cheek turn pink.
No matter how many times I saw it, his blush was unrivaled in its adorableness. There was just something about the way that reddish tint made him look like…someone actually his age. That realization made me quickly step away from Sasuke. I hadn't noticed it before, but he looked far older than his sixteen years. Perhaps his adoptive parents were to blame for that…or whatever happened to him in the past. I had always known Sasuke held some dark secrets and I always romanced the idea he had some terrible childhood, filled with pain and torture. But, in this day and age? Not likely.
He probably just was, luckily, adopted into a rich family when he and his brother were very young and he had some kind of tiff with them a few months back, so he moved to Konoha to rebel against his parents. It's what I'd probably do in his place…but I wouldn't let Iruka worry like that…or Zabuza for that matter…when they get hysterical…they're frightening…I reminded myself as I wrapped my hand around Sasuke's. He didn't pull away, but I got the feeling he wanted desperately to hide the fact I was something more than his 'friend from school.'
"Maa, are we going to stand out here all day?" I asked, loosening my grip on Sasuke's fingers enough to let them limply fall back to his side. Sasuke's eyes met mine for a moment and I couldn't help but feel regret for agreeing to come. He really didn't want to be here.
I'm going to have to ask him about that later…I thought to myself as I took a step away from the car and began walking towards the huge doors in the outer wall. Sasuke followed docilely behind me, his longer legs quickly allowing him to catch up to me as we entered his parents' home.
/\
(third person…ooo…a new POV!)
"Neji-kun!" Said boy turned to look at the Biology teacher who sounded desperate. Seeing Iruka trying to end a conversation with the usually energetic Gai, Neji took a step towards two of his favorite teachers and patiently waited for Gai to finish his newest scene change. Ever since TenTen and Ino had finished that sunset backdrop, the spandex-lover had been running around school with it. …he was a one-man, traveling troupe.
"Sensei?"
"I…I was wondering if you've seen Sasuke or Aoi today…neither one were in class today and the rest of the drama club wouldn't tell me what happened yesterday," Iruka commented, looking back at Gai long enough to see the man grab an unsuspecting first year and begin crying over the innocence of youth as the girl cried rape.
Eye twitching, Iruka took a few hesitant steps away from his old friend, then watched Neji shuffle his weight from one foot to the other. He knew well enough, from his son's own antics, that this was obviously an act of anxiety. The Hyuuga glanced up at Iruka and sighed. "…Sasuke was in an accident and broke his arm…Aoi is taking the week off to stay with him…"
"An…accident! What happened?" Iruka, nearly, screamed. It wasn't so much that one of his students was injured, but that Aoi would be the one to take care of him. That was just too frightening for words.
"H-hai…a car accident. He'll be fine though, he just needs some rest," Neji replied softly, his voice betraying only concern for his friend. Iruka smiled, not wanting to ruin the boy's lie. If he hadn't already heard from Tsunade-sama that those two had been in a fight-leaving Sasuke with a broken arm and Aoi a little emotionally unbalanced-Iruka would have actually believed the aspiring actor.
"A week seems with Aoi seems like punishment enough, ne?" Iruka stated, his voice hinting at the fact he knew more about the previous day's events. Neji looked at him curiously, then smiled as he nodded his head.
"No other sentence could be so befitting," Neji said, watching the teacher snicker. The drama club had already decided to tell the story of Sasuke's car accident (and Aoi's tending to him) in case anyone asked. Somehow, the fan club had accepted that and already had begun plotting a way to kill the blonde. That's what he gets for making out with Sasuke in the middle of the night…Neji decided as he bit his lip to stop from snickering. Of all people for Sasuke to get involved with…it had to be a beautiful blonde boy. At first, it had come to Neji as a surprise. But, then again, Aoi was the best actor out of them all, so why not pretend to be a girl? And it was so believable, he had even convinced the Homophobic himself.
No wonder Gaara made such a strange bet with Sasuke…but how did he know Aoi was a guy? Neji wondered as he bid Iruka goodbye and continued on his way to the roof. I'm going to have to ask Hinata how long she knew about Aoi… Luckily for curious Hyuuga, he was going to meet her for lunch right now.
/\
(hell, let's continue with the third person POV!)
"What do you want?" the usually quiet man asked gruffly as his young assistant slipped into the room with a silence that would have almost been surprising if it hadn't been for the fact he personally had trained the boy. Nothing less than perfection could be expected.
"Sasuke-sama is waiting for you in the gardens…and he has brought a friend with him," the silver haired man replied, bowing low as he approached the uncluttered desk. "A young girl…" A thin eyebrow arched upwards at that comment. It was normal, when they had these 'family gatherings,' for his foster child to bring one of his odd friends with him. Now what were their names? The pale man wondered as he slowly stood up, which his assistant took as a dismissal. Ah, yes…one of those damned Hyuugas and that strange redhead. If their families weren't so powerful…I would have disposed of them years ago… But, knowing Sasuke had returned with a girl, one that Kabuto hadn't named as the Hyuuga heiress-who was also a frequent growth on Sasuke's side, it seemed. That was an interesting piece of information. Wondering how his son knew this girl, the aging man slowly stood up and slithered out of the room with all the grace of a snake.
(A/N: aw, hell…take a wild guess on who that snake-bastard is!)
Within moments, he was glancing at a pair of teens from his concealed position behind a thick growth of foliage. Even though his white skin was a sharp contrast to the dark green leaves, he knew neither his son or the blonde fidgeting next to him could see that he was there. He studied the raven haired boy for a moment, noticing the slight changes in Sasuke's posture and expressions. Whoever this mysterious girl was, she was someone Sasuke was comfortable around. His eyes shifted to the girl, noticing a few odd details in her features. He had always liked his women to have large chests and had assumed Sasuke would have a similar preference, but this girl was as flat-chested as his adopted son. Not only that, but she was wearing (unflattering) boy's clothes and had her golden hair cropped short, which left the locks to stand up at odd angles.
Staring at the girl who had obviously attracted his son's attentions, he realized something else. She looked almost identical to someone he knew many years ago. It can't be…he thought in amazement as he studied those blue eyes. But there was no other way to explain her astonishing similarities to him.
"Oi, teme…what should I call your father?" the girl whispered, as if she didn't want anyone to hear their conversation. It was almost as if she knew someone was nearby. That just confirmed his ideas on her heritage as he smirked. This day was already starting to look better. Before his son had the chance to answer, he stepped away from the shrubbery and onto the path where the two could clearly see him.
"Sasuke-kun…you've never brought such a lovely woman home before," he stated, noticing how the girl shivered as he spoke. He had that effect on many people. Smiling, he continued, "gomen, I have yet to introduce myself. I am Sasuke's father, Orochimaru…and you are?"
Naruto glanced from Sasuke, who looked to be on the verge of bolting, to the slimy thing that had just appeared out of nowhere. If this creature-since it obviously wasn't human-was the reason Sasuke hadn't wanted to return home, then the blonde had no argument against his reasoning. The amazingly pale man-what Naruto guessed to be male (although he couldn't be sure)-held himself with an air that made both boys sit back on the bench, trying to move as far away from him as possible. Kuso…I didn't think people could be so creepy…Naruto thought to himself as he took a deep breath, forcing himself to remember his manners. "Konnichi wa, Orochimaru-sama. I'm U-Uzumaki Na-" He nearly bit his lip, realizing how close he was to slipping up due to his irrational fear of the man. The way he looked at Naruto-as if his eyes could pierce through his skin; that he knew everything about the blonde and was gloating over it. "Aoi…"
"Uzumaki…Aoi…" Orochimaru repeated the name, letting the sound of it sit on his tongue. Deciding he liked the sound of her name, he smiled. That smile only broadened when he saw how the girl cringed at his bared teeth.
"Anou…sa….It's very nice to meet you…" Naruto stated, forcing himself to remain polite. Those eerie eyes shifted from the blonde to Sasuke, who was glaring at him with an intense hatred. Orochimaru chuckled at that, remembering the last time he had seen his beloved son. Sasuke had actually fought back that time. It only succeeded in turning his father on. He had been disappointed that, the next morning after that, he woke up with a throbbing pain in his head and an empty bed. After pondering it over for a few hours, he realized Sasuke had actually had the audacity to smash a ceramic vase over his head when he was least expecting it. It took the rest of the morning to discover Sasuke had ran off and, even after forcing is wife to call the Hyuuga clan along with his other little friend's house, they couldn't find the boy. After a few weeks, Sasuke had actually called and said he was living in a small town southwest of their estates and wouldn't return. He had even been courageous enough to threaten his father that, if Orochimaru would come near him again, he would file charges. That was easy to overcome-he sent his other adopted son in, who religiously sent back reports on Sasuke's progress.
Now, thinking back, Orochimaru knew he still had the dent from that tiff. He then looked at the boy mere meters from his touch and felt that familiar ache to just reach out. He fought back the urge to force the child into submission when he saw the undeniable changes in his pet. Since he was only allowed to hear Itachi's reports for eight months, he was surprised to see the differences in the once quivering, jumpy teen, even most of the ones Itachi had somehow missed. Sasuke was letting the girl actually sit close to him-closer than anyone else had ever been allowed. Even if someone was a hair closer to Sasuke than his massive personal space bubble allowed, the boy (literally) flipped out. Even though his wife had actually argued with him about his relationship with Sasuke, the boy hated her as well.
"The pleasure's mine, Aoi-chan," Orochimaru replied, giving a smile to the girl as she moved even closer to Sasuke. That confirmed the pale man's suspicions on what kind of relationship his son had with the blonde-and how Sasuke had changed so much in mere months. They must have been lovers, but that idea just didn't pan out in Orochimaru's mind. He knew for a fact that Sasuke was terrified of any physical contact-whether from male or female-and the mere idea of sex had always gotten the boy to shudder. All Orochimaru had to do was lick his lips or move his hands in a suggestive manner and Sasuke would bolt out of a room. But now? The boy might have grown enough of a backbone to actually take some of the harassment. The man couldn't wait until to try out his toy's new attitude…and find out what this pretty girl had taught him.
"Sasuke-kuuun!" Said boy flinched at the voice, Naruto noticed and, as the blonde looked at the creepy man in front of them, saw that the old man also shivered at the sound. Naruto was about to ask his friend what was wrong, but received his answer when he saw a blur of off-white fly past him and into Sasuke.
Covering his mouth to muffle a snort, Naruto watched as Sasuke's face was smothered in a massive chest. He studied the woman as she rubbed the raven-haired teen's head between her breasts, squealing about something. All Naruto could pick up were 'worried' and 'home.' Once Sasuke had finally regained the ability to use his body, he pushed the woman away as quickly as possible and, once his face was free of her cleavage, he took a deep breath.
"Sasuke-kun! I was so worried you wouldn't come home in time. Kimimaro will be so happy to see you! You've gotten even more handsome since I've last seen you! And don't think you'll get out of telling me everything you've been doing…oh…who's this?" the woman asked as soon as she noticed the blonde sitting unusually close to her precious Sasuke. As deep blue eyes met soft brown ones, Naruto lifted an eyebrow. There was something about the woman's eyes that immediately made him edgy.
"Uzumaki Aoi…a friend of Sasuke-kun's…" Orochimaru replied, noticing the immediate stiffening in his wife's back as soon as his statement registered. She looked from one teen to the other, quickly coming to the same realization Orochimaru had. Koibito? I thought Sasuke couldn't deal with people…this girl must be amazing…she thought to herself, smiling.
"Aoi-chan! Nice to meet you, I'm Sasuke's mother, Mitarashi Anko. You can just call me Anko, though," she stated, bowing slightly to the blonde. Naruto looked from the purple-haired woman to Orochimaru, then back, wondering how such a pretty lady had ended up with that monster. Love has no boundaries, I guess…neither does money…Naruto surmised as he looked at the odd pair, smiling politely. He realized that this pair must have been the reason Sasuke had been apprehensive to go home. Hell, he'd be afraid to be near these people. The man gave off a very creepy vibe and the woman…she was a little…too cheerful. And who is the Kimimaro that she mentioned? A friend of Sasuke's? "If you don't mind my asking…what are you to my son, Aoi-chan?"
"…t-to Sasuke?…" Naruto glanced nervously to the teen, remembering before how Sasuke had pulled away from him. He didn't want anyone to know about us…now I can see why. "We're classmates. Sasuke and I both had a day off school today."
"A day off school? That's strange, I didn't think today was a holiday," Anko said, waiting to see a reaction out of either teen, but didn't find anything except stubbornness from her son and…fear?…from the girl. No wonder the girl was afraid…meeting her boyfriend's parents was a trying event. She pulled her gaze away from Aoi, and it landed on the white bandages surrounding Sasuke's forearm. "Sasuke-kun! What happened to your arm!"
"Car accident…I totaled one of Gaara's cars…" Sasuke replied without even hesitating. Naruto, having learned to read every small change in the Uchiha, could tell there was a good reason he wasn't even going to give them a reason to doubt his story. Car accident…it is a good…j-joto mate!…Gaara? Naruto stared at the teen, dumb-struck. Is it the same Gaara?
"Sabaku no Gaara…how is he?" Anko asked, remembering that manners were to be expected from her. Orochimaru, on the other hand, merely raised an eye at the look of dread that passed over the blonde's face. Sabaku no Gaara! Shimatta…I didn't know Sasuke and Gaara knew each other…no wonder Gaara overreacted when I said Sasuke…Kuso! Naruto bit his lip, wondering how long it would take Sasuke to find out that he was Gaara's ex-lover.
"Fine…" Sasuke answered curtly, his eyes raising to Anko's, as if challenging her to ask something else. "What did you want me for?" He knew that something had happened, or else he would have never gotten call from the bitchy woman; at nine in the morning at that! She had never called him before. The only person, besides an occasional call from Itachi, to actually phone Sasuke was Kabuto and the twins-the three were actually not that bad, their evil tendencies put aside. His foster father's 'assistant' was actually the one who usually patched Sasuke up after each of his father's outbreaks. Kabuto always was very gentle to Sasuke, never asking if he 'wanted to talk about it,' like his psychiatrist so often questioned. The twins, Sakon and Ukon, on the other hand, were the ones who always fought with Sasuke when the Uchiha wanted to let off some steam. The pair were the ones that had actually taught Sasuke the most about fighting, next to Gaara and Neji. He glared for a moment longer, then remembered that she had mentioned something about Kimimaro. "What happened?"
"Kimimaro had another relapse…and the doctors are going to let him go…Sakon actually was the one who suggested we call you before they shut off his life support…" Anko replied cheerfully. Naruto's eyes widened at her comment-and how she said it. He was amazed at how she could talk about death so easily, as if it didn't matter that someone was going to die. She said it so nonchalantly that it was as if she was talking about the weather, not another person's life. What…a monster! Naruto thought to himself, already gaining a deep hatred for the woman.
"I'll see him…then we're leaving…" Sasuke stated coldly, quickly standing up. Naruto, unsure what he was supposed to be doing, got up to follow the Uchiha. Sasuke turned his head to look at the blonde and gave Naruto a death glare that obviously meant to not follow him. Touchy bastard…Naruto mumbled inwardly as he watched Sasuke stalk off in the direction of an entrance to the massive house, Anko following at his heels.
"You've changed my son a great deal…" Orochimaru said, his voice dripping with hatred, as soon as the two were far out of earshot. He glared at the blonde only a meter away, wishing that he could just grip that slim neck until she stopped breathing. She had dared to alter his toy without his permission-but he would take his time for revenge. First things first. He had to find out if Sasuke's changes would be more entertaining the next time he was alone with the boy.
"Sasuke changed himself," Naruto retorted, his gaze never landing on that sickeningly young face. From his voice, Orochimaru didn't sound that old, either-but Naruto had learned the wonders of medicine and what it could do from Tsunade and Jiraiya. "And whatever it is you did to him to fuck him up so badly…I'll make sure you don't get the chance to do it again…"
"Bold words from an Uzumaki…your father wouldn't have died if he wasn't so annoying…" Orochimaru smiled, showing off his slightly pointed teeth, when he saw how that comment had infuriated the blonde. "Nani? Don't want me talking about that idiot?"
"Don't you dare talk about my father, you evil snake-bastard!" Naruto retorted, clenching his fists. If the bastard wanted a fight, then who the hell was he to deny Orochimaru? He didn't know much about his biological father, except that the man was a legend back in Konoha-loved by everyone. That, and that his father died in a tragic accident when Naruto was still a baby. His mother died soon after giving birth to him, so after the event that claimed his father's life, Naruto was sent to an orphanage, where he was labeled as a monster. He was blamed for his parents' deaths, teased by everyone else because he was slower than them in everything…even the workers in the orphanage wouldn't come near him, as if he was a pariah-a leper. (A/N: damn…it's the Easter season…and I'm Catholic…/sighs/ those of you who got that…you must be part of one of those religious 'cults' too…leper…it just came to me, kay…)
At sometime between his fifth and seventh year of life, Naruto decided to run away-which he did. Since no one cared that he was gone (probably being happier that he was no longer in their care), Naruto found himself totally free-and alone. For months-maybe years…he roamed the streets of Konoha, learning how to take care of himself; no matter what the methods he used. Stealing, cheating, lying…they no matter brought up moral issues to Naruto, until he met the people who would change his life.
/Flashback…deal with it……and unlike other flashbacks…I won't italicize the whole thing…makes life much more simple this way…\
"Maa, Irukaaaa! I'm hungry!" Naruto peered out of his dark alleyway, noticing the loud voice immediately. Labeling the tall man as easy prey, he smiled. Seeing the large bulge in his dark green vest didn't make Naruto's smile weaken either. Judging from how large the lump in the thick vest was, Naruto estimated he'd have enough to buy himself enough to eat for weeks! As if his stomach understood his thought, the organ rumbled softly, giving the boy a cramp in his abdomen. Naruto looked down at his midsection, hoping that his stomach would be quiet. He couldn't blame it for growling at the mere thought of food, though. It had been over four days since Naruto had last eaten. People were harder to steal from in this in-between weather. They kept their jackets close, unconsciously keeping their grip on their pockets-as if that would help keep them warm in the chilly autumn winds. Naruto himself shivered as such a wind blew past him, easily permeating his threadbare clothes and freeze the boy even more. But he had to keep himself moving, or else he'd only get colder. Chuckling, for no other reason than imagining his next meal, the blonde pipsqueak darted out of his hiding place and hurled himself forwards, forced tears in his big blue eyes.
Bingo! the blonde thought to himself when he felt his body collide into the tall man, who was unable to stop as the ball of brown flew at him. He quickly slid his hand into that jacket, which was amazingly warm, considering the sub-zero weather, and slid out the mass of leather before loosing contact with the man. Twisting his body just so, Naruto managed to stuff the wallet into a secret pocket in his ragged shirt, then fall onto his bottom, tears sliding down his grime-coated cheeks. The man instantly bent down to check Naruto, who was already beginning his second best act, all while thinking what a sucker this man was. Letting his lower lip pucker out, the boy shook his lower jaw and started sniffling.
"Iie, iie! Don't cry! Sumimasen! I didn't mean to hit you!" the man said between shushing noises. Naruto looked up at the man who was now kneeling down next to him, surprising himself into silence when he saw the man's mismatched eyes. One was a deep brownish black while the other was blood red. Creepy…Naruto thought to himself as he watched the man's eyes smile. He didn't know how he knew the man was smiling, since half of his face was being covered with a black turtleneck-or something to that effect-but he just knew the man was glad he stopped his crying.
"Kakashi-sensei! BAKA!" a young voice exclaimed. Naruto tore his gaze away from those odd eyes to look at the source of the statement. A girl, probably somewhere around Naruto's age, glared at the silver-haired man as she shifted a large grocery bag in her arms. She was very pretty, with long black hair loosely waving around in the wind. It seemed to defy gravity, curling in various directions, framing her round face. She was wearing a flowing kimono, which somehow seemed to fit her. She seemed almost soft…but there was something about her that made Naruto realize she wasn't someone to be messed with-unlike this 'Kakashi-sensei.'
"I didn't mean it! I didn't even see her!" Her! Naruto decided at that moment that this man would die for his mistake. He wasn't a girl-he didn't even look girlish!
"I'm a boy!" Naruto scoffed, glaring at Kakashi as he slowly stood up, which made him tall enough to be face to face with the man sitting on his ankles. The man's eyes widened as Naruto started pouting-Act Three-until he started waving his arms around, apologizing. What a spaz…Naruto thought as he watched the man's wild antics, praying he would be done soon so Naruto could go reap the benefits of his scheme.
"And you'll be returning his wallet," another voice stated coolly. Naruto looked away from Kakashi and found himself staring at the kindest pair of eyes he had ever seen-and they were looking right at him. No one had ever looked at him like that…without hatred…without pity or fear. This man was amazing, Naruto decided as he took in the rest of the man's features. Very young, guessing from the lack of any wrinkles on his face or grey hair in the mop of chestnut hair that was pulled back into a tight, spiky ponytail, but there was something about the man that made him seem older. Perhaps it was the scar stretching across his delicate nose, or the look of understanding in his large brown eyes.
"Wallet? What are you talking about, Iruka…my wallet's right he-" Kakashi groped his vest, his eyes widening in amazement when he discovered his money was gone. Stunned, he looked at the small boy standing proudly in front of him. He didn't think a child so young…so innocent and cute looking…would be capable of such pick pocketing-especially to such a degree he had felt nothing and hadn't even missed the weight. "…you…"
"Heh…" Naruto, knowing from experience to pick his battles wisely, smiled. He knew these men could easily catch him if he tried to run, so he pulled the black leather out of his shirt and handed it back to the man, who was now standing up. Naruto had to crane his neck just to see the man's hips, which made him realize how tall this man was-and how tiny he was.
"Ahem…" the brunette, Iruka, coughed, giving Naruto a reprimanding gaze. The boy sighed, wondering if this man was some kind of cop-or ex-pickpocket-as he reached back into his shirt and pulled out a few bills that had 'slipped out' of the wallet. "Much better…now, you should be getting home before it gets any colder…"
Naruto let his eyes drop down to the ground, hoping the man wouldn't notice the fact he was wearing no shoes. Most people, upon seeing Naruto's disheveled appearance, took pity on the boy…and Naruto couldn't stand charity. Obviously the brunette had noticed exactly what Naruto had been trying to hide and somehow was familiar with the boy's feelings, since he dropped to his knees and smiled at the child.
"I've got a job for you…if you're willing to work, that is," Iruka stated as he slid his jacket off and held it out to the boy. Naruto looked at him with distrust in his eyes, but sighed after a moment of wondering what the man was up to, and nodded his head. "I need someone to help around my…business…and a quick pair of hands would be invaluable. What do you think?"
"What do I have to do?" Naruto asked, hoping that this man wasn't some kind of pervert like so many promising 'homes' were. He knew what kinds of things could happen to a kid like him if he was too trusting…too hopeful. They would end up either being raped or killed-maybe both. He had had his close calls with these kinds of people, but something about the man screamed that he wasn't going to harm Naruto.
"Chores…run errands…and in return, I'll give you a place to sleep and meals…" Iruka replied, smiling when he saw the boy's eyes light up. Knowing exactly what was on the boy's mind, he added, "and as much ramen as you can eat."
That sealed the deal for Naruto. He jumped into the air, screaming "YOSH!" Before Iruka even had the chance to cover his ears from the cry, Naruto had launched himself at the man and was hugging him tightly, afraid that this miracle might leave if he let go. Iruka slowly stood up, holding the tiny boy in his arms, amazed at how light the child was. Having lived on the streets himself, though, Iruka knew how hard it was to get decent-routine-meals and inwardly applauded the boy's spirit that was still, obviously, unbroken from such a hard life.
He looked to his life partner as he wrapped his jacket around the small frame of the boy, smiling when he saw that bored expression on his boyfriend's face. "Come on, Kakashi…I promise I'll keep him out of trouble…" The tall man sighed, glaring at the ball of dirt in Iruka's arms, knowing that this would just be a fight after the boy was not in earshot.
"You said that about Haku here too," Kakashi pointed out, glancing over at the girlish figure glaring at him. He obviously didn't like what Kakashi was suggesting-and said as much with a well-thrown orange at the silver head of hair. "Itai!"
"You're more trouble than me, Kakashi-sensei! At least Zabuza-san and I contribute to the income of the household," Haku retorted, sticking his tongue out. The man raised an eyebrow, chuckling. He had no idea how much trouble he would get into when he took in a drowned-rat-of-a-brunette, then let his friend and Zabuza's 'charge' live in the small apartment. Now, looking at the (now) unconscious body sleeping contently in Iruka's arms, he could do nothing else but shrug his shoulders.
"Whatever makes you happy…" he mumbled, noticing the upturn on his lover's lips. That smile was the reason he had gotten himself into this trouble in the first place. He knew Iruka or Haku couldn't see it, but the pair had caught the slightest of movements underneath Kakashi's mask. All it had taken was that smile-and Kakashi had found himself letting a fifteen-year old orphan with the most beautiful eyes live with him. As luck-or fate-would have it, it was that same orphan who had more than repaid Kakashi for his moment of uncharacteristic kindness. Iruka, knowing what that smile was for, stepped towards Kakashi and stood on his tiptoes to peck the man on his cheek.
"Arigatou, itoshii," Iruka whispered in Kakashi's ear before he stepped back. "Remember the first thing I said to you…after you took me in?" That question got the man to sigh, not out of exasperation or anger, but out of happiness-the same happiness that Iruka had rekindled in him.
"Hai…'If you're not a pervert, then you are the kindest person to exist'…" Kakashi replied, giving Iruka a lecherous glance. The shorter man smiled and bit his lip. The brunette's comment didn't have to be voiced as their eyes met.
I always knew you were more than just a pervert…
/aww…wasn't that cute…/gags on a spoon/ maybe another time I'll go back to talk about how exactly Iruka and Kakashi met, then 'got together,' and such…only if reviewers ask for it though (and if I did write it, it'd probably be a side fic, or a whole chapter to itself…dunno…so, back to the present!\
Smiling inwardly at remembering that day, Naruto found a new surge of anger. This man dared to mock his family-whether or not Naruto knew them-it had the same effect on the boy. "My father was a great man…unlike you, you bastard!"
"Do you know what I could do to you, Uzumaki?" Orochimaru asked, his voice suggesting a threat even worse than death-which he could also do, but it wasn't the hebi's style. "Come near my son again…and I will make sure you pray for death…"
If said in another manner-and by another person-the statement could have been called paternal; protective, but coming from the pale man, it was frightening. He was challenging Naruto to become close to Sasuke, as if Sasuke belonged to him. Naruto caught that definite sense of possession in his voice, which made the deepest parts of him quiver. This wasn't someone to mess around with-not even in joking. He was seriously someone who could do far worse than what Naruto had heard of in his years on the streets; and this knowledge made every instinct in the boy scream: run! "Don't tell me or Sasuke what to do." Naruto forced himself to push back his senses of self-preservation as he gave the man the middle finger. No one talked about Naruto's friends like they were property-or even less than that. He knew all too well what could happen if people started believing they were worthless.
"You're just as bold as your father…I will take pleasure in breaking you…" Orochimaru stated coolly as he took a step towards Naruto, noticing immediately how the blonde's muscles tightened as he took another step closer. For good measure-and to satisfy his own sadistic pleasure-the hebi added, "like I did Sasuke…"
"Teme…" Naruto growled, glaring at the man who, surprisingly, took a step backwards. Orochimaru wasn't stupid and knew that the red glint in the teen's eyes was a warning. The blonde's entire body was held in a way that told the man that this child wasn't just a pretty bed partner of his son. This child had seen blood…and had done the spilling herself. (A/N: not a typo…Orochimaru still thinks 'Aoi' is a girl…kay…/smiles/ gomen nasai…for interrupting…)
Orochimaru smiled, realizing how much fun it would be to break such a spirited, murderous, person. He waved a hand at the girl as he took a deep breath. "Kukuku…you might be more fun than I thought…well then…Sasuke's coming back…I hope you won't tell him what we were talking about…he'd hate to hear you know how precious he is…"
Naruto broke his eyes away from the man as he heard feet pounding-coming closer with every second. He immediately recognized the heavy steps as Sasuke's and noticed that the boy was running. He took a step towards Orochimaru and smiled, letting the man see his sharpened canines. "Only if you never say a word about me to Sasuke…" The snake returned the toothy grin and brought a hand to Naruto's face and caressed the strange scars. "It was nice meeting you, Orochimaru-sama…"
"Iie…I already said the pleasure was all mine, Naruto-kun…don't be so surprised…" A long nail traced the top scratch on Naruto's face as the snake chuckled at the amazed expression on the boy's face. Even though he had only mouthed the name, the boy had gotten his meaning-his knowledge. He hadn't been sure until a moment ago, but as he stood only a hairsbreadth away from the teen, he could clearly see that the indescribable beauty Naruto held wasn't only because he was slightly feminine-it was because he was, somehow, beyond gender. His features were raw, unmarred by age and experience, and it was so tempting to take that away. Standing so close to Naruto, he could see the telltale male features of his new interest. A small Adams apple had somehow missed Orochimaru's inspection of the teen until now. The name had come to him before, when he dug through his vast mass of memories to remember what the blonde-whose features mirrored the short blonde in front of him-had named his child. It then clicked in the snake's mind as he remembered that the man didn't just have a child, he had a son, who he had named Naruto. How could I have forgotten? Orochimaru wondered as Naruto finally jerked his face away and stepped away from Orochimaru right as he felt a pair of eyes glaring at him and the snake who was still clucking to himself. Naruto turned to look at the Uchiha and smiled.
You really are an amazing person, Sasuke…
/…same time as all that…I just had to write it…so, read on!\
"Sasuke-kun…if you don't mind my asking…how long have you…known that girl?" Anko asked curiously as she followed her handsome son. She still couldn't believe her luck. Out of all her husband's adopted children and attendants, Sasuke was by far the most handsome. Only Itachi and, perhaps, Kimimaro came in anywhere close to the boy in looks. And her oldest adopted son hated Orochimaru almost as much as Sasuke, so she never saw much of him. And then, there was Kimimaro-who was going to die soon. She had to admit, she wasn't sorry. She actually was glad that the boy was finally going to be gone. The sickly teen had always made her feel slightly uneasy-afraid that in one of his tantrums, he could do serious harm to her. Sasuke, on the other hand, never had a fit, like the rest of his siblings. He merely took things in stride, always remaining calm and quiet as he gave glares to people. Anko knew of the kinds of things Orochimaru was capable of, and what he did to Sasuke to get the boy to bolt so abruptly, but she wasn't going to lose her status-her well earned riches-to stop the man's sole hobby, and by doing so anger Orochimaru. She had tried once, right after Sasuke and Itachi had moved in, and still had the marks from her attempt.
"Months…" Sasuke replied coldly as he took another turn down the winding corridors. Anko followed him, wondering if that meant he had been with her for months, or if they had had a platonic relationship earlier. She didn't put Sasuke as the type to have a friendship with someone who rivaled him in natural beauty-she always thought he'd be the one to 'bed now, never ask questions.' Sasuke was someone who hated getting close to people, especially on an emotional level. That meant that this girl must either be as emotionally barren as Sasuke, or she could take all of his angst and still stand by his side. Either way, this girl was obviously made for her son-and she had gotten Sasuke to change, which made her wonderful in Anko's eyes.
"I'm…happy for you," Anko stated softly, knowing that Sasuke wouldn't believe her. He huffed, but didn't turn around to look at her. It had always been that way between them. She would try to be nice to him-at least kinder to him than anyone else-and he would just ignore her. She knew she made mistakes in raising her children, especially Sasuke, but she never had a motherly instinct. She was just as lost as he was whenever something happened. While Sasuke merely bottled things up, Anko ignored them completely. "Sasuke-kun…I know I've made some mistakes…in raising you…demo-"
"Don't try to be a mother now…" Sasuke retorted, his voice even more cold than Anko was accustomed to. She frowned, knowing that Sasuke was right-but, as stubborn as her son, she wouldn't admit it, even under pain of death. "I don't need it…"
"I know…" Anko replied, watching her son's back as she stopped walking, and studied those proud shoulders as he continued walking. Sasuke didn't notice Anko was no longer following him until he reached Kimimaro's room. He opened the door and slid into the room, immediately noticing the distinctive smell of hospitals…of death and sickness. He watched the thin form on the bed, noticing that the machinery hooked up to him moved more than the white-haired boy did.
"Sasuke…didn't think you'd come…" the immobile boy whispered as Sasuke moved closer. He opened his eyes, revealing deep green orbs filled with pain. Sasuke couldn't help but smile at the irony of it. Kimimaro was, probably, the strongest out of all Orochimaru's adopted children, but he was beaten by an illness he had from childhood. The dying boy raised an eyebrow, which made the two red dots on his forehead shift slightly. "Nani?"
"…I didn't think I'd come back either…" Sasuke replied, noticing how his comment had lessened the pain in his 'brother's' eyes. He sighed and sat down in a chair next to the bed, moving his hand up to the teen's face to brush away a few pale hairs. "…you look like shit…"
"Arigatou, bastard…" Kimimaro retorted, trying to sit up, but knew it was impossible for his weakening body. Sasuke, somehow knowing what his paralyzed brother wanted, gently pulled Kimimaro's body forward with one hand while he rearranged pillows with his broken arm. The large cast didn't escape Kimimaro's eyes and, as soon as the teen was laid back down, now being able to look at Sasuke eye-to-eye. "What did you do?"
"Got in a fight…open fracture…" Sasuke said calmly, raising an eyebrow as Kimimaro tried to snicker, but it only came out as a painful cough. "…a girl from my class…"
"…a girl?…what kind of girl would hit the Ice Prince?" Kimimaro asked curiously, closing his eyes as a wave of pain hit him. The doctors had used so many painkillers in his years of life that he had become almost immune to their effects. Nowadays, he preferred not to be on anything and was glad he had made that decision. He wouldn't have wanted to be unconscious or hazy when Sasuke came to visit. "She must be a lesbian…" He cracked an eye open quickly enough to catch the quick blush that swept over Sasuke's face. But, just like that, it was gone. "Ah…a girlfriend?"
"I-iie…I only kissed her…" Sasuke retorted, forcing himself to keep his emotions from seeping into his voice. Kimimaro smiled at his reply, remembering all the times Sasuke cringed away from any human contact, let alone letting someone get close enough to him to kiss him.
"Did you bring her with you?" Kimimaro wondered, the information Sakon had given him only a few minutes ago finally making sense. The twin had told him that Sasuke had brought along a 'bombshell of a blonde,' which he had said were Kidoumaru's words, not his (but Sakon merely scoffed at the idea of the newcomer being pretty, since he was attracted only to his own brother). The pair had wondered for a moment why Sasuke had returned, let alone bring a beauty along with him. Sakon guessed that Orochimaru would be attracted to her, which gave Sasuke even more of a reason to keep her away. But, hearing that she had actually bested Sasuke in a fight, Kimimaro knew that this pretty thing could take care of herself.
"Hai…" Kimimaro turned his head long enough to see Sasuke's eyes widen in realization. The ill teen knew exactly why. Sasuke had left his girlfriend alone with Orochimaru. Sasuke, without even saying another word to his dying brother, flew out of the room and ran back down the hallways all the while praying that Orochimaru had kept his preferences to boys only. Sasuke, so caught up in his own thoughts, didn't notice that he ran past Anko, who was munching on dango as she slowly walked back towards the gardens. He didn't slow down until he reached the area he had left his pedophilic father and the blonde, at which point, he froze and studied the pair standing uncomfortably close to each other.
"Iie…I already said the pleasure was all mine," Orochimaru said softly, then mouthed something at Aoi, which had gotten her expression to quickly change to amazement…and fear. Sasuke glared at the man who dared threaten her as he caught the rest of his father's statement. "…don't be so surprised…" Bastard…he thought to himself as he began plotting out the snake's death. Before he had the chance to implement his murderous idea, Aoi turned to look at Sasuke and…smiled.
"We're leaving," Sasuke stated gruffly as he walked forwards, forcing himself to take deep breaths after his sprint. He grabbed Aoi by the wrist and gave his 'father' a look; a challenge, before he started to pull Aoi away from the slithery man.
"How was Kinimaro-kun?" Orochimaru asked, laughter in his voice as he watched the pair leave, the blonde cursing at Sasuke for hurting her wrist. This will be fun…the man thought to himself as he watched the bickering couple walk away.
/ yay…next section…I promised to talk about Gaara's love (check ending rant for last chapter)…so this'll be a long chapter!\
Sasuke and Naruto rode in uncomfortable silence for nearly half an hour before the blonde started to fidget in his seat. Is he mad at me for something? Naruto wondered as he watched Sasuke's hands loosen in their death grip of the steering wheel. "Dobe…I didn't mean to leave you there with him."
"It's okay…I could have skinned that slimy bastard if he tried anything!" Naruto exclaimed, showing off a few karate moves from in his restrained seat, which only led to Sasuke chuckling as the blonde tried to figure out how he twisted his seat belt around his entire body-and somehow untangle himself. Once Naruto had finally beaten the thin confinement, he looked at Sasuke, who was looking slightly better than before. At least that murderous glare was gone. "Oi, teme…when did that guy adopt you?"
"When I was six…" Sasuke replied, his voice warning Naruto not to ask anymore questions about the pale man. Naruto watched Sasuke, able to see that there was something that hurt the Uchiha-and it didn't have to do with Orochimaru. As if knowing what Naruto's next question would be, Sasuke added, "my biological parents died when I was young…"
"How?" Naruto hated to ask-hated to make Sasuke relive that which obviously pained him to even think about. The blonde watched Sasuke, noticing that the raven-haired teen slowed the car down marginally as he sighed. "Y-you don't have to tell me…"
"…an accident…" Sasuke said calmly as he returned to his original speed. Naruto tightened his grip on the handle as he watched buildings wiz by. Not even Zabuza-on a bad day-while drunk and making out with Haku drove this recklessly--and Naruto couldn't help but eep when he saw Sasuke run a red light-or whatever that red spot was about two blocks back. He turned to look at Sasuke, who had had assumed would look mad, but the Uchiha was actually pretty calm looking-as if the tragic fact his parents died in an accident didn't affect him. Naruto smiled sadly as he looked down at his own hands, knowing that he had done the same thing when something was so painful that he couldn't deal with it. He ignored it-pretended like it didn't hurt; like it didn't happen. And when realization finally hit…it was far worse than taking it slowly.
"Gomen…" Naruto said softly, knowing that, while an apology wouldn't bring back Sasuke's parents, it hopefully would make the Uchiha realize Naruto understood the pain. Sasuke glanced over at Naruto and sighed. "My parents died when I was still a baby…I can't remember either of them…"
"…how?" Sasuke was reluctant to ask until he saw the water appearing in the blonde's blue eyes-not tears of sorrow or pain, but of loss. He inwardly sighed as he watched Naruto smile again. Here he was, having the opportunity to actually remember a bit about his parents, but the blonde couldn't even picture his family. And Sasuke couldn't bear to think about his real parents most of the time; maybe it was because of how he lost them.
"…my mother died giving birth to me…and my father died in an accident a few weeks later…" Naruto replied softly, turning to look at Sasuke. "I wasn't adopted until I was about eight…" He was surprised to see Sasuke's eyebrow go up at his comment. Naruto thought it must have been that Sasuke had only waited a few days before being adopted--too bad he was adopted by terrible parents.
Sasuke had actually been surprised to know that no one had wanted to adopt such a bouncy, cheerful child when she (A/N: NOT A TYPO!…kay…)was a baby. And having to wait years until someone was willing to take her in? People must not have realized how special Aoi was. He smirked, thinking of something to get the blonde back to her usual demeanor-annoying. "The only people who wanted to adopt you were a bunch of gays…"
Naruto bit his lip to stop himself from laughing at Sasuke's form of a joke. He shook his head, making golden tresses fly in every direction. "Oi, teme…don't talk about my fathers!" Sasuke glanced over at Aoi, seeing the usual smile on her face. "They're great! And I'm sure they would love you!"
Sasuke twitched slightly at that. He knew he was desirable-for a person of either sex (obviously, considering Orochimaru's attentions towards him, as well as his brother's)-but hearing it from Aoi's mouth made it sound…different. "No wonder you're so messed up, dobe."
"Messed up? That's not my fathers' doing-it was totally my brother's and his boyfriend's fault!" Naruto retorted, smirking when he saw the surprise in Sasuke's eyes. Most people believed that gays couldn't raise a child, but Naruto and Haku were perfect children (both bisexual, but otherwise the same as other teens their age). "And what was that look for? My brother's even prettier than you!"
That got Sasuke to look away from Naruto so he wouldn't see the smile on the boy's face. "I'm not pretty!" Sasuke retorted as soon as he got his expression under control. Naruto snorted, raising an eyebrow. The Uchiha, since he was keeping his eyes off of the blonde so he wouldn't have the odd urge to laugh again, didn't notice Naruto's hand drifting closer to him until it was too late.
"Nope…Kawaii!" Naruto cried as he slid his hand underneath Sasuke's tank top and tickled for all he was worth. The Uchiha, obviously trying to keep a straight face as he continued driving while squirming away from Naruto's unbelievably warm fingers, surprised himself at how ticklish he was, especially on his sides. Naruto snickered as he saw Sasuke's resolve crumble and the stoic boy let out a giggle. "…did you just…giggle?" Naruto asked, staring at the, now, blushing teen. Sasuke, taking deep breaths as he tried to stop a second sound from escaping his lips, glanced over at Naruto and glared for all he was worth.
"I did not giggle…" Sasuke snapped, with less venom than he usually would have had. The blonde simply smiled and nodded his head, then unhooked his seatbelt so he could lean against Sasuke's shoulder. Naruto didn't mean to yawn, but did so anyways as he snuggled closer to the raven-haired teen. Sasuke glanced down at the digital clock on his stereo and was surprised to see it was already almost four in the afternoon. It had somehow slipped his mind that Orochimaru's estates (the ones that they visited, that is) were a three hour drive (with Sasuke behind the wheel) from Konoha. While the ride itself didn't seem that long to Sasuke, he had forgotten that the blonde resting against his shoulder had gotten only a little sleep the night before-and probably even less the night before that. Sasuke looked through the windshield, noticing that the buildings were becoming more familiar. "Oi, dobe…"
Naruto mumbled softly, already starting to fall asleep on Sasuke's comfortable shoulder, about bastards and being loud. Sasuke sighed and gently shook his shoulder to wake up the blonde. When that didn't work, Sasuke suddenly wrenched his shoulder away from Naruto and smirked as he heard the teen curse. "The hell was that for?" Naruto grumbled as he slowly sat back up in his own seat.
"For falling asleep on me, usuratonkachi," Sasuke replied before glancing over at the blonde. "Where do you live?" Naruto raised an eyebrow as he looked at Sasuke, wondering where that question came from. "So I can drop you off, dobe."
Naruto smiled sheepishly as he put his seatbelt back on. "Um…y'know the club Masquerade?" Sasuke nodded his head slightly. He had become a regular at the club ever since Gaara had shown it to him, so he knew how to get to it from this direction. Why? Sasuke wondered for a moment before he saw, out of the corner of his eye, the blonde open his mouth. "I live in an apartment above it…"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at this. He hadn't known there were even apartments in that area, let alone right above a night club. How did she ever get any sleep? He wasn't going to ask, since it was none of his business why his classmate was willing to live above such a loud business. Naruto noticed Sasuke's change in expression and smirked. "It's my place…no one helps me pay rent or anything…it's…real freedom…" Naruto commented as he watched Sasuke's reaction, which was understanding. Sasuke had to go quite far just to get away from Orochimaru's influence. And, every time he entered his home, he was reminded that the snake had nothing to do with this small place-Sasuke had gotten it with his own money (his inheritance) and furnished it with things he wanted-he was even able to do whatever he wanted; have whoever he wanted over. "Of course, my brother lives next door and my parents are always close by, so I'm never really alone…" Naruto added softly, wondering what it had to be like for Sasuke. To live alone, without any family around to help him if he needed it, it must have been hard for Sasuke. Naruto inwardly shook his head, remembering that Sasuke had Neji, Hinata, and Gaara here-and he also had the entire drama club now.
"How long have you lived there?" Sasuke wondered out loud as he took a sharp turn, which made Naruto lurch to the side. The blonde glared at Sasuke for a moment, rubbing his aching shoulder that had been slammed into the door before thinking about the teen's question.
"Hmm…ever since the beginning of this school year. My family used to live on the other side of town…but we all moved closer to my fathers' work in August," Naruto replied truthfully. Kakashi and Iruka had gotten jobs as teachers in the high school, something that even surprised Iruka at the time. Before then, Kakashi and Zabuza worked as bodyguards for some kind of celebrity, while Iruka worked as a teacher in an elementary school-despite the fact he had gotten his masters for teaching science. Iruka actually had the credentials to be a college professor, but it seemed that no high school or college wanted a teacher with such a questionable upbringing to work for them. Haku, like Naruto, didn't actually have a paying job at the time, except for whatever errands he ran for neighbors-and the allowances Iruka always slipped to them while Kakashi and Zabuza weren't looking (neither man would admit it, but they were very thrifty when it came to money, unlike Iruka who loved to sneak the boys away and go shopping).
Haku's other job was home schooling Naruto-which, in itself, should have been a paying job. He wasn't a bad teacher, in Naruto's mind, since he himself was taught by Iruka, but Naruto had always had a problem understanding things. The only thing that had ever come easy to the boy was athletics and acting. It still amazed Naruto that, after just a short while of being tutored by Sasuke, he was finally understanding all his classes-even math!
Naruto smiled when he saw Sasuke's eyebrow raise. He wouldn't say anything about his family's night jobs-not yet, at least-to Sasuke, but somehow, the raven-haired teen understood. By sheer luck, Naruto and Haku had picked out their own apartments right over a warehouse that, in a few weeks, was turned into a raging nightclub-whose owner just happened to be a good friend of their fathers. Jiraiya and Tsunade were partners in business and, once the blonde woman had caught sight of Naruto's odd family of five men, kidnapped them all and dragged the group to Jiraiya, who had immediately recognized Kakashi as his pupil's own pupil (a confusing relationship in Naruto's mind), and he also had looked at Naruto oddly, as if he had seen him before.
It had taken Naruto weeks to drag it out of the old man how exactly Jiraiya knew him. It still amazed Naruto that this man actually had known his real father-not only that, but the ero-sennin had been able to tell Naruto that Kakashi knew his late father as well! Knowing that, Naruto didn't let the perverted author go until Jiraiya answered most of the questions Naruto had been dying to ask for years-as long as he could remember. While the man had never exactly told Naruto why his father died-or what exactly he was or did-he told Naruto that his father was a highly respected teacher in the nearby high school and that Jiraiya had taught him while he was still a child. And, in turn, Naruto's father had taught Kakashi. After learning that Kakashi was very close to his father, Naruto started liking the silver-haired pervert and respected the scarecrow a great deal more. When he learned his father had gone to, and taught at, the same school where Iruka and Kakashi were going to work, Naruto had jumped at the chance to apply to the, as he found out, very selective school. It wasn't the fact he was home schooled that made them reject his application, or that he wasn't legally adopted-it was that people hated him as soon as they saw his name. Naruto, seeing no other choice, created a fake identity-Uzumaki Aoi-in order to get into the school. He had originally planned to be male, but found that people accepted him easier when he didn't correct them on his gender. No one ever acted like he was some kind of monster while he hid under the name Aoi-no one suspected…not even Iruka, Kakashi, Jiraiya, or the other teachers who had met Naruto in his 'male form' either while he worked his afternoons in the club or at a party for one of his fathers (most of the teachers were old classmates of silver-haired man and had jumped at the chance to rekindle their old relations with him…and his cute lover). Naruto had only told one person about his deceit, Haku, since he needed someone to cover for him during the day and also to help him pull off his act. The older teen was the one who got Naruto to agree to wearing the long haired wig, but it was Naruto who had discovered that stage makeup could cover up the unforgettable scars on his face. The pair had worked on Naruto's act for the few weeks before the school year began, making sure Naruto walked like a woman, talked like one, acted like one even down to figuring out to blush and cry whenever he (she) wanted. And, the day before school began, they put Naruto's disguise to the test and the dolled-up teen went to the club.
Naruto was scared at the time, but was surprised that no one gave him an odd look. Instead, most people just looked at him with hungry eyes, except for the (obvious) gay customers. Not even Zabuza had given him a second look as he walked up to the bouncer (another one of Tsunade's ideas) and was let in. He had actually held a conversation with Kakashi on the Icha Icha novels for nearly half an hour that night-and the lecherous man had only tried to grab Naruto once. Somehow, Iruka had seen from the other side of the crowded room, and flew over like a bat out of hell and dragged the man away, grumbling about horny boyfriends. That had ended their conversation. Confident in his disguise, Naruto began school as Aoi and acted exactly like he and Haku had planned-until he caught a glimpse of Sasuke. For some reason, Naruto just couldn't act 'feminine' in front of Sasuke-as if the boy would have just seen through the act anyways. It had been coincidence that Naruto had actually met Sasuke, then accidentally mentioned the drama club in Sasuke's presence…and the rest was history.
The blonde was proud he found an amazing actor hiding behind that angst-filled boy. Not only that, but Sasuke had changed because of the drama club. He had become more outspoken, less 'glare,' and, if it was even possible-Sasuke actually started acting human; with feelings. "Dobe, we're here," Sasuke said coolly as Naruto blinked. He hadn't realized he had gotten caught up in his own thoughts-something that had never happened before he met Sasuke.
"Hehe…" Naruto moved to open his door, but was surprised to see it was already open and a pale hand was waiting, impatiently, for him. With a snicker, Naruto let his own hand rest in Sasuke's and let the boy 'help' him out of the car. Naruto pulled Sasuke towards the building. Seeing that it wasn't anywhere close to opening time yet, Naruto was surprised to see Zabuza leaning against the club's entrance. Naruto glanced over at the steps that led up to his apartment, then back to the large man-who looked like he was angrier than usual. There was no way Naruto and Sasuke could slip by without the man seeing them. Naruto took a few hesitant steps towards the rusty steps, freezing when he heard Zabuza cough.
"Baka…you're brother's been flipping out for two days…" the man said gruffly. Now Naruto realized why Zabuza was in a bad mood-when Haku got hysterical, worried, or emotional in any way (other than horny) he denied Zabuza sex until whatever got him bent out of shape was fixed. And, Naruto not coming home for two days, was on Haku's list of reasons for 'flipping out.' With a sheepish grin, Naruto waved at Zabuza.
"Aww, don't worry, Zabuza…Haku'll make up for it tonight," Naruto replied, smirking when he saw, not only Zabuza, but Sasuke blush slightly. The man huffed while Sasuke's mouth opened slightly. Continuing on his journey to his apartment, Naruto pulled Sasuke along. Once he reached the metal staircase, Sasuke snapped out of his stupor.
"That…was your brother's…" Sasuke mumbled in amazement. He had always thought Zabuza was the straightest thing he had ever seen-the man certainly didn't seem like the 'gay' type in Sasuke's mind. But, then again, neither did Gaara.
"Boyfriend? Yep…they've been together for…five years, I think…" Naruto replied, smiling when he saw Sasuke raise an eyebrow at the 'five years' thing. "That's nothing compared to my fathers. They've been together since they were teenagers…" That would be…over ten years…damn…their fifteenth anniversary is going to be coming up soon…Naruto thought to himself as he led Sasuke up the creaking steps. The steps looked dangerous, but were actually quite safe. They hadn't broken yet and that, in Naruto's mind, meant they were fine. Naruto stepped up onto the landing after mentally counting the twenty steps-something he had always done…in case he was walking up the steps while drunk-which he had done a few times-and didn't want to misjudge if there was another step there or not. The pair passed three doors, stopping at the fourth and Naruto looked at the brass number 10 (the numbers were far from in order). "So…do you want to come in?" Naruto asked softly, turning to look at Sasuke while wondering how terrible his apartment looked this week. Inwardly, he smiled, realizing how this was exactly how things had happened in Icha Icha Paradise, Volume 2, even down to the cliché dialogue-and if they ended the same, Naruto wouldn't be one to complain.
"…" Sasuke looked from the door to the beautiful blonde waiting for an answer and an image from Icha Icha Paradise Volume 2 (page 227) popped into his head and his face flamed up. Naruto looked at the blush that passed across the teen's face curiously. "I-I…" Naruto smiled and tightened his grip on Sasuke's hand as he bent forwards, capturing Sasuke's stuttering lips in a gentle kiss.
………Sasuke couldn't even think of something to think when he felt the blonde's soft lips on his, except to return the pressure. Naruto smiled when he felt Sasuke lean into the kiss and brought one hand up to rest on Sasuke's shoulder while his other pulled Sasuke's arm so it wrapped around his waist. Sasuke tightened his grip around the smaller teen's waist, bringing him flush against his chest, and deepened the kiss. Naruto, for all his experience, was at a loss for what to do as a whirlwind of pleasure enveloped him. Not even Gaara had made him feel so lightheaded…so…amazing. Naruto let his emotions take control as the handsome teen licked every corner of Naruto's mouth.
Naruto moaned softly into the kiss, weaving his fingers into Sasuke's hair as he shifted to give the Uchiha more access to his mouth. Sasuke, like Naruto, decided to 'go with the flow' and just live for the moment. His body had never felt like this before-he had never trembled like this, as if the blonde was the only thing holding him up and that they were the only people existing in their own little world, where everything Sasuke thought he knew about anything was lost. Sasuke finally understood why, every time he turned around, Neji and Hinata were kissing, holding each other; as were every other couple he knew. The blonde's kisses were amazing, to the point, Sasuke couldn't even think of a word to describe it, except that it was addictive, even more so than any drug he had tried-and its effects were far greater. Realizing that, if he didn't stop kissing his classmate, he wouldn't be able to stop whatever might happen next, Sasuke reluctantly pulled back. As he did so, he gingerly touched those lips with his own, now swollen and a flushed pink from their impassioned kiss.
Sasuke slowly opened his eyes as he stood back up, not being able to remember when he had actually shut his eyes. He looked down at the blonde, noticing how Naruto's face was flushed and he was taking short gasps for air. Sasuke blushed slightly, grasping that he was the reason his dobe was out of breath.
"Wow…" was all Naruto could say as he looked up at Sasuke, whose eyes said that the Uchiha was thinking along the same lines. No way he's never been kissed before! Kuso! I know I'm good at it…but not that good! Naruto inwardly cried, realizing that Sasuke was now his rival in something else…that had nothing to do with school or acting.
"I-I better be going…" Sasuke mumbled, loosening his grip on Naruto. He glanced down and saw the blonde pout for a moment, but the usual smiling expression returned quickly. He bowed his head low enough to brush his lips against Naruto's cheek, then stepped back, away from the blonde.
I…I just…with…Sasuke…AAH! Naruto stared, unable to get his vocal cords to work properly until Sasuke, finishing his descent down the stairs, walking away from the warehouse. "Oi, teme!" Naruto called, smiling to himself when he saw Sasuke start walking faster. "I'm talking to you, hentai!" At that, Sasuke screeched to a halt and turned around to look up at the blonde. Naruto leaned over the rickety balcony and chuckled. "I'm going to come visit you tomorrow, bastard!"
"I'll lock my doors," Sasuke retorted quietly, but from the snicker that drifted down to him, he knew the blonde had heard him. He shook his head and smirked as he continued his walk to his car, his head filled with confusing thoughts.
"What the hell was that!" Naruto spun around to find a screeching Haku, waving a spoon at him. He raised an eyebrow at the shaking spoon, then remembered than Haku had adopted one of Iruka's nervous habits-cooking. He coughed, glancing back down at the ground, but saw that Sasuke had disappeared. "You-you leave without so much as a 'sayonara' or 'ja ne' two nights ago…two nights!…and I nearly worried myself sick, having to make up excuses for your absence for Iruka and Kakashi…and I come out for a breath of fresh air and find you playing tonsil tennis with some unknown guy! What happened to Gaara! And who was he!" Haku pointed with the spoon over the balcony, accidentally throwing the spoon through the air. The blonde raised his eyebrow at that and Haku just glared at his favorite spoon flying away.
"…Gaara and I broke up two nights ago…and that guy's the one I was telling you about, aniki," Naruto replied, rubbing his aching ears with a finger. Haku's furious expression changed drastically at Naruto's comment. As expected, the older teen's eyes started to water and he glomped Naruto.
"Aww…I'm so sorry to hear about you and Gaara!" he cried as he cradled Naruto's head between his chest and arms. Naruto, struggling for breath, squirmed out of his brother's grasp and took a step back. Naruto took a deep breath, wondering how much he should tell Haku, knowing how easily he overreacted (obviously). "…mate…he's…the one guy from your school!…" Haku grabbed the front of Naruto's shirt and pulled the boy in front of his face. "There weren't guys like that where I went to school!"
"You only went to school for two years…when you were in elementary school," Naruto pointed out, which Haku ignored as he raised a thin eyebrow at his brother, giving Naruto the 'explain yourself' look. "He…I…I hit him yesterday when we got into a fight at school." Disregarding Haku's 'you got into a fight at school!' outburst, Naruto continued, "I broke his arm…and I went over to his house to apologize last night after thinking some things over…and I kissed him…"
"You kissed him last night…and were making out in the open today? That kiss didn't look like something that happens on the second day, if you know what I mean," Haku stated, his voice revealing that he already didn't like Sasuke. "And that doesn't explain why you couldn't have called today!"
"…anou…sa…I fell asleep at Sasuke's last night and we went to visit his family today…since we were both kicked out of school for a week…" Naruto mumbled, wincing in preparation for Haku's exclamation, but it never came. He looked up and saw his brother smiling. "Nandattebayo?"
"…if he brought you to meet his family…then I guess I could get to know him…" Haku said softly, loosening his grip on Naruto's shirt. "He knows about you being a guy, right?" Naruto nodded his head, then lowered his gaze to the ground, but Haku caught the blush on his face. "You didn't…"
"Iie! What do you think I am, Haku!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes snapping back up to meet his brother's. "I passed out at his house and, when I woke up, I found out Sasuke had changed me out of my wet clothes!"
"…it was raining last night, wasn't it…" Haku muttered to himself thoughtfully, then looked at Naruto's face. "If you got sick from wandering around in the rain again…Iruka'll have my hide!" Naruto smiled and pulled his brother into an embrace. Haku relaxed in Naruto's arms and sighed. "You really scared me, gaki…"
"Will you ever forgive me?" Naruto asked innocently as he nuzzled his nose into Haku's neck. The older teen snickered as he wrapped his arms around Naruto's broader shoulders and held him tightly. He knew the pain of rejection, and also how it felt to be rejected by the one you love; and every time Zabuza had pushed him away, he had ran to Naruto for comfort. It was about time he could repay the debt.
"Only if you eat everything I've been cooking…" Haku replied gently, closing his eyes when he felt Naruto's shoulders shake slightly. The blonde tried so hard to pretend that other peoples' words and actions didn't hurt him, but there was always going to be a breaking point. And that point's name was Gaara.
"Then you better give Zabuza the best sex of his life…he looked like he was about to eat me before…" Naruto whispered, his voice wavering, as he smiled into Haku's warm neck. He felt Haku let out a sigh and reveled in the warmth he always felt around his brother.
"He's just horny…"
"Nah, he's a pervert like the rest of 'em," Naruto replied, chuckling when he felt Haku rap his head gently. Haku was the only one allowed to talk badly about Zabuza; it was the rules. "Gomen…he's more than just a pervert."
"Same could be said for you, Naru-kun."
/\
Authoress: twenty two pages /whistles/ okay, since I'm on Spring vacation…for two whole weeks…can you handle it!…okay…yeah…it's a lil' late for me…so, since I'm on vacation, that means I'll definitely put up chapters every day or two (maybe not to this story, but definitely to one of them!…maybe even start a new one…)
Gaara: You were supposed to have me in this chapter…
Authoress: YOU WERE MENTIONED, WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT!…/sighs/ okay, he's right…I was supposed to have Gaara finding his one true love this chapter…but if we did that…this chapter would be so long, no one would want to read it (I have that problem a few times…it's just like…/looks at the tiny sliver of a scrollbar/ WTF! That'll take me hours to read!…yeah….I spaz a bit…)
Neji: I wasn't even in this chapter…you shouldn't complain…
Gaara: true…
Authoress: oh, and to GET EVERYBODY ON THE SAME PAGE OF UNDERSTANDING HERE! (caps were used to make sure people took notice in my rants…) this is for my reviewers, like sugarpixie02, Hikari no Kurai, looli, and all my other reviewers with questions…yes…Aoi is Naruto in disguise (we figured that out this chapter…along with the 'does he stuff' question…yep…Naruto stuffs his shirt…there's no other way the whole disguise would work…)…Naruto screamed "Sasuke!" while having sex with Gaara (and we all know how possessive and jealous Gaara can be), which got them to break up…making this a definite Sasuke/Naruto fic…and, for the list who knows that Aoi is Naruto…
Naruto (obviously)
Haku (…okay, we've figured out that out this chapter…)
Hinata (who the hell do you think changed Naruto at Sasuke's the other night!)
Neji (…he doesn't know "Aoi" isn't Naruto's real name…but he knows about the cross dressing)
Orochimaru (that came as a surprise, even to me…I was really hungry when I wrote that section…)
And, last but not least…/drum roll/
Gaara (he knows all!…well…he was able to put two and two together himself…A. Naruto cried 'Sasuke,' which means he knew our angst-king…B. he has no real life, so he hangs around the club most days…and noticed that Naruto is nowhere to be found during the day…C. Sasuke has a crush on a beautiful blonde who (coincidentally) sounded like his (at that time) boyfriend…so…voila! He knows the whole deal without even being told!…he's so smart/gives Gaara a cookie/)
Gaara/glares/
Authoress: Until next time…/smiles/ hey, I wrote twenty three pages!…in two days…I'm proud of myself!….Sayonara…and arigatou for the reviews!
