All the best to you all!
I really don't have much to say about this chapter, but I will say, that an error on my part in Deny Thy lead to a certain situation happening in this story. I wanted to share that tidbit of info, cause...really I don't know why, maybe as some sort of supportive pat on the back for myself to say, it's okay... it turned out alright didn't it? Due to that error in the early chapters of Deny Thy, my muse certainly made a wild plot twist become born. Wild eh? I'm certain nobody is reading this, so, I think I'll just ramble on my own. I could probably put winning lottery numbers here and nobody would notice heh. What bout my phone number, wouldn't surprise me if I put it here and I didn't any calls! Haha! No matter, no matter, I'm rambling as I said, I think because I'm happy I got this chapter going.
I'll stop now!
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
The three wolves raced through the wilderness for several days, stopping to sleep, eat and sniff out the area. The three didn't switch back to human form, as Naruto and Kakashi were hoping to reach the Beaufort Sea shorelines as soon as possible.
They reached their destination, it was night, but they had made it, the cold wind blowing off the sea and ruffling their fur. The cliffs were dark in colour, and icebergs dotted the waters in the distance. It was spring and the ice was starting to break up that made cracking groaning noises in the air as the ice flowed slowly.
Utakata huffed out and nodded his head to the others, a sign to follow him. He made his way around the cliffs, quickly and smoothly, Kakashi and Naruto following close behind. Finding a tucked away cave, Utakata led the way inside, sniffing about.
A short while later, the three had set up a fire and were cooking some wild game that Utakata had found for them.
"He hasn't been here for a while, but he does come this way. He has certainly gained more area since I last have been here." Utakata hummed out as he poked at the fire. Naruto and Kakashi exchanged a glance.
A howl carried over the land and Naruto perked his head up. "Kakashi...that's him!" Naruto stood up suddenly, stepping towards the entrance of the cave. "I-I can't understand…" he whispered out, his head tilted as if trying to hear the call better. Naruto stumbled slightly as he continued to the entrance, straining his ears to try and hear the continuous call. He stopped at the mouth of the cave, his head still as the howl continued.
Kakashi stepped up quietly behind Naruto, watching, listening. "Naru?" Kakashi put his hand on the blond's shoulder, but Naruto didn't turn, his face remained still, staring out towards the sea, listening to the wolf's song. "What is-"
Blue glistening eyes turned and looked at Kakashi. The pain in those eyes had Kakashi's heart twist and he pinched his lips in a frown.
"H-he's in so much pain, Kakashi...the-the sadness, oh god...I've never heard such anguish coming from him like this." Naruto turned back to look out over the darkened waters, the mourning continued to echo over the water while tears trailed Naruto's cheeks.
"I need to go to him, I need to help him, fuck-" Naruto stepped forward but Kakashi held him back firmly. "What the fuck Kakashi!" Naruto's eyes flashed yellow at him, but the gray haired man stood firm.
"We need to plan Naruto, and determine the best way to get to him." He nodded firmly, squeezing Naruto's shoulder.
Naruto bore his eyes into the older wolf, before ripping his shoulder out from under Kakashi's grip, looking away from him and giving out a growl. But he didn't move. He continued to look out at the dark salt waters, fists clenched, his shoulders shook as the heartbroken cries continued out through the darkness.
The next morning, Naruto was up at the first sign of light, going through his pack and making something to eat. His wolf was anxious to find their alpha brother, their missing pack mate and the overwhelming need to soothe the cries of pain was ripping at him. The cries went well into the night, tearing at Naruto's soul with each minute. His alpha cried out in agony as Naruto just stood and listened. The headache he got from the alpha was to be expected, and Naruto had just as much trouble falling asleep, since his alpha clawed out, persistent that they go out now. He waited for the other two wolves to wake so they could come up with a plan.
The plan was simple, or so Naruto thought. Find Kyuubi, coax him to transform and talk to him, then get him to move his ass back home. Naruto sniffed the ground, seeking Kyuubi's scent. Utakata and Kakashi not to far off, doing the exact same thing. A sharp bark had Naruto lifting his head and sprinting off in the direction of Utakata's call.
The three met up, caught up with Kyuubi's scent and took off through the thick forest. Racing between trees, the trio came up to an area where a swift flowing river ran. Naruto inhaled the air, and took off down the shores, Kakashi and Utakata on his heels. He slid to a stop, his head looking over a large cliff, where the stones lead down to a waterfall several meters down. The water rushed so fast that a fine mist created small beads of water on the wolve's coats. Naruto found his way along the rocky cliffs, making his way down to where the waterfall met the flowing river beneath.
The ice that was still on various areas of the river, hung heavy and low over the ledge of the waterfall, creating a marvelous crystal creation that the water ran through, when hit by the sun, created sparkles and rainbows that could only be explained as breathtaking. But Naruto, who would normally make it known the beauty that nature was showing, bypassed the sight and had his nose to the ground, all around the shoreline. The rushing noise of the waterfall drowned out all other noises and Kakashi had to head butt Naruto to get his attention.
'His scent is here, but it ends, like he disappeared!' Naruto called through their bond.
'Perhaps he went in the water,' Kakashi added.
Utakata stepped up between them, huffing out and shaking his head towards the waterfall. Naruto and Kakashi looked at him with question. Since they weren't in a pack together, they couldn't communicate through a bond. Utakata barked sharply and then jumped into the water. Kakashi and Naruto just watched as Utakata made his way across the large mouthed open area to the other side, where the waterfalling hit the water. Utakata climbed up a rocky area near the waterfall and shook his coat. He sniffed the air and then walked carefully up to the falling water, before glancing at them briefly and stepped into the falling water.
'What the hell!' Naruto called out, his paws stamping restlessly at the wet ground.
'There may be something behind there, let's give him a moment,' Kakashi called out.
Several minutes passed, nothing but the loud noise of the waterfall could be heard. Naruto was ready to go into the water when a large black figure jumped through the waterfall and into the body of water below it.
'Kakashi! Did you see that?!' Naruto barked out. He began to prance along the shore line, whining out and watching the water. Kakashi stepped closer, narrowing his eyes at the water line as well, watching for whatever went in must be coming up soon.
Utakata's form jumped out from behind the waterfall as well, making a large splash in the water, but he popped up right away, his wolf ears sopping with water, his muzzled breathing out heavily out mists of water. He barked as he paddled towards Naruto and Kakashi.
A few meters down the way, the figure popped out of the water near the shore line, Naruto catching the form in his peripheral vision. 'Kakashi! Look!' Naruto took off down the shore line towards the figure.
Kakashi looked at Utakata's form first, to see that the other wolf was definitely alright before following after Naruto.
'Kyuubi!' Naruto howled out, both through bond and his wolf form as he barrelled towards the large maroon coloured wolf that began to scramble up onto the shore. It's massive body was soaking wet, but the muscles it sported showed that this wolf was impressive in size. 'Kyuubi! Wait!' Naruto called out again, sprinting as fast as he could towards the wolf.
A large growl and sharp rows of teeth immediately were snapping towards Naruto as he came closer. Naruto slid to a stop, looking towards Kyuubi's threatening warning barks and snarls. yellow eyes flashed dangerously at Naruto, that showed that Naruto was not to come any closer if he valued his life.
'Kyuubi, can you hear me?' Naruto called out, his wolf whimpered slightly. The maroon coloured wolf showed no indication that he had heard or understood what Naruto was saying. Kakashi came to a stop behind him, nudging Naruto slightly. 'Kakashi? Do you think he...he's really that-' Naruto didn't want to finish that sentence.
Utakata came up behind them, stamping his paws slightly and shaking his head. The maroon wolf crouched and snarled louder, his yellow eyes flaring at all of them, his muscles shaking as the wolf tried to determine if it was going to fight or what. It was flight, and Kyuubi turned so fast, he took off between the trees.
Utakata barked wildly and began the chase. 'Naruto, quickly, we need to corner Kyuubi!' Kakashi ran off, his paws throwing dirt behind him and Naruto jumped into the chase as well.
Kyuubi knew his way around as he dodged trees, leaped over boulders and skidded around to sharp turns. His bounds were powerful and long, froth was building up around his mouth with every heavy breath as he continued the chase, as if he knew the three were still behind him. The forest was thick, but Kyuubi was keen on knowing where to go, he suddenly changed direction, throwing Utakata into a quick stop.
Utakata stopped at the top of a hill, the forest was a little thinner but the rocky terrain had him hesitant on going after the dark red wolf. Naruto and Kakashi quickly came up beside him and stopped, but when they started to head down the hill, Utakata growled and barked at them to stop.
'What the hell! Why aren't we continuing! We can't let him get away!' Naruto growled and barked out, his teeth snapping at Utakata.
Utakata responded with his own nipping and barking then head butted Naruto in the shoulder, causing Naruto to stumble. Naruto jumped back up and lowered his head, snarling loudly at Utakata.
'Naruto!' Kakashi called out and stepped up to the young alpha. 'Hold on, stop and think!'
Naruto huffed out his annoyance and lapped out his tongue at his teeth, calming himself down. His inner alpha demanded he catch up to Kyuubi and bring him down, causing Naruto's hackles to rise and say to hell with these two. He was alpha for fucks sakes! Naruto shook his head of the thoughts before listening to Kakashi who was trying to talk to him.
'Can you smell it Naruto?' Kakashi head butted Naruto gently.
Naruto stopped fidgeting and stuck his nose up to the air. The smell of pine and spring was heavy, the sun was still out but the warmth it created was almost peaceful. Naruto could smell the small animals around, the trees, the salt from the sea and-and-
'Shit!' Naruto then understood. There was a village down there, hidden in the thick forest, but full of humans none the least. They couldn't go rushing down there, close to a village, risk of being seen was high and being as it was midmorning, it wasn't like they could be stealthy. 'What the fuck now?' He couldn't believe Kyuubi would have run this close to a village, risking himself being seen, what the hell was he thinking?
'We need a better plan,' Kakashi snorted out and turned away from the hill.
"I don't know if he will return to his den," Utakata explained when the three were back at the cave. "I knew that cave was there from years ago, that's what I first suspected when his scent ended just near the shores of the river and waterfall."
Naruto nodded in agreement. It certainly was a good place to not be found. Wet, difficult to see if there was an opening behind gallons of rushing water, not to mention not many would brave the swift water just to see what's under the waterfall.
"It would be best to corner him where he can't run and can just listen, if he will, that is." Utakata poked at the fire with a stick.
"Why would he take off to a village though?" Naruto asked, still slightly puzzled at why Kyuubi headed there.
"It had to be a tactical move," Kakashi now spoke up. "What would human's think if they saw a number of wolves coming near their village?" He glanced up at Naruto, Naruto just shrugged. Kakashi sighed, "it is definitely easier for one wolf to not be seen around a village, in broad day life, but don't you think it would be difficult for the three of us to all remain hidden?" Kakashi then pushed his shoulder into the blond alpha wolf.
Naruto pinched his lips into a frown. "Makes sense...so if Kyuubi was thinking like that, it's a good chance that his human thoughts are still in there!" Naruto brightened up, his blue eyes wide with hope.
"Hn," Kakashi nodded.
The trio headed out, mid afternoon, going towards the small village, finding Kyuubi's scent. The three circled the village area and were quickly able to find Kyuubi's scent.
'He's gone towards the sea,' Kakashi called out, taking off into a run. 'The scent is a few hours old, hurry, he may have let his guard down, not expecting us to get back on his trail!'
They found Kyuubi, his scent strong in the wind, sitting on a large rock bed, staring out over the sea. He almost looked peaceful, but Naruto tried to feel the bond. There was nothing, it was if Kyuubi was not from his pack, but a stranger, like Utakata.
The three nodded at each other, as they took their positions. They slowly padded their way towards him, the three of them forming a semicircle, the open cliff was before Kyuubi, the wind keeping them all downwind. They had decided not to rush him, but to slowly show that he needed to not run as the three of them would try and convince him to stay and hopefully...listen.
When the three were in position, Naruto let out a throaty gruff, to indicate that he was there and Kyuubi just looked over his shoulder, his yellow eye narrowing at Naruto. Naruto could see that the deep red coloured wolf could tell he was in no position to escape when Kyuubi slowly turned his large wolf body to face the others. Kyuubi's fur coat had lengthened somewhat, the deep red fur waving in the sea winds, tufts of hair sticking out from the tops of his ears, his tail appeared bushier and more fur on his paws made him look massive but elegant and beautiful.
'Kyuubi! It's me!' Naruto called out through the bond. When those yellow eyes did not focus on him, but continued to look between the three wolves, Naruto tried barking out a call. Kyuubi looked at him warily, his yellow eyes narrow and his body was tense, ready to bolt. Low growls vibrated through Kyuubi's chest and Naruto recognized those as a warning. 'I'm going to try and get closer to him…' Naruto called out to Kakashi, who snorted out an agreement.
Naruto took a few steps towards Kyuubi, his yellow eyes bearing on similar yellow, snorting out softly, trying to show Kyuubi he meant no harm. Kyuubi's eyes didn't leave him, those eyes were watching every small movement Naruto made, with a subtle glance now and then towards Kakashi and Utakata.
'Come on goofball, where are you? I know you can hear me! You have to! I've come to bring you home!' Naruto continued to talk through the bond. Kyuubi growled louder as Naruto got closer. 'You've been gone for so long, you missed so much, we have all missed you! Come Kyu'bs, please!'
Kyuubi launched himself towards the blond with his muzzle wide, teeth bared, snarls erupting from his throat. His claws were extended to the max as his muzzle bit down onto Naruto's scruff.
'Naruto!' Kakashi cried out as he ran forward, Utakata charging with him.
Naruto began whipping his head around, snapping his jaws out, growling out and trying to get at Kyuubi who had a piercing bite on his neck. The red wolf shook his head roughly, with his strong jaws locked on Naruto, while striking out his claws on the blond wolfs back and legs, trying to slice the blond wolf open. Naruto flipped about, trying to get Kyuubi loose, with only thoughts of trying to get free, when he felt his body falling, it was then his mind wasn't on fighting himself free of Kyuubi anymore. Even Kyuubi suddenly released him and Naruto felt the air rushing past him.
'NARUTO!' Kakashi howled out through the air as he watched the two wolves fall over the cliff.
Utakata and Kakashi slid to a stop at the edge of the cliff. They could see both wolves just before they hit the water of the cold sea. Thankfully Naruto and Kyuubi didn't hit the side walls of the cliff, that was littered with rocks and roots, but there was no telling what was under the water. Utakata released quick barks to grab Kakashi's attention and took off alongside the cliff. 'He hopefully has a way down,' Kakashi thought to himself as he raced after Utakata.
==/\/\==
It's dark…
Cold…
Heavy…
Can't breath…
Where am I?
==/\/\==
Kakashi and Utakata made it to the bottom of the cliff, both panting hard but not stopping as they raced along the rocky shoreline. The waves were crashing at them, the tide was coming in. Clouds were starting to collect in the horizon, the wind had suddenly picked up, creating a mist of salty spray when the waves crashed against the rocks. But they still ran, both wolves scouring the water line, searching for anything out of the ordinary.
'Fuck...Naruto...Kyuubi…' Kakashi breathed through in his mind as he and Utakata continued to run.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Nagato held his new born pup close, while sitting beside Konan on the bed, Kimimaro sitting on the futon near the bed, still holding Sasuke's hand as Sakura grabbed a chair. Nagato took a deep breath and explained how Kyuubi showed up at their bar, how the two got to know him but in the beginning they weren't close. Kyuubi had mentioned that he was seeking his own place, having just left his pack, and it wasn't odd for a young 2nd in command alpha to be on his own, so Nagato and Konan never questioned it. But when Kyuubi started to get involved with the illegal auction house, they began to keep their distance.
Nagato shared how they knew of the illegal auction that was going on beneath their bar, how Konan would try to console the cubs that were brought in and how their lives were at risk right from when the auction house started. Nagato explained how their pack mate left them, shortly after they were all threatened with their lives and livelihood, if they didn't keep it quiet. They were forced to serve those who worked the auction and their partner left before they all got too involved to find help.
"So you never saw your pack mate again?" Sakura asked, her voice concerned.
Nagato shook his head sadly. "He wrote once, explaining that he found a job and the packs nearby were probable ally's but he needed more time. He never wrote again, but we knew that if he tried to keep contact, we could be at risk of being found out. He never wanted us to be harmed, but we don't know what happened to him, it's been over 18 months since we heard from him." He pulled the sleeping cub into his face, rubbing his cheek on the infant, who sighed out in content but didn't wake. "We can only hope that he is happy, healthy and safe." He placed the bundle back near Konan, tucking the cub in close to his sleeping mate.
"Maybe we can help there, we know a lot of packs, and I'm certain someone may have heard of him, what's his name?" Sakura gave Nagato a smile.
"Yahiko, the three of us grew up together. We were orphaned from one of the wars that eradicated our pack." Nagato sighed out loudly, his voice barely a whisper.
Sakura looked at Sasuke and gave a nod, which Sasuke returned. He pulled out his phone, gave Kimimaro a squeeze, noting he wanted his other hand and Kimimaro gave him a small smile. Sending a text off to Itachi, Sasuke put his phone away and asked, "how did Kimimaro come to you?"
Nagato smiled at Kimimaro who was suddenly blushing. "Kimimaro was a cub in the auction, long ago and remembered Konan."
Kimimaro suddenly started nodding his head. "She was so gentle, kind, even though she couldn't help me from being sold, I never forgot her." Kimimaro moved his hand up to the sleeping Konan, gently touching her covered leg.
"You were sold?" Sasuke asked with disgust in his voice. "How...where?" He was so disgusted he couldn't form another sentence.
"I finally ran away. I lived in the forest for many seasons." He turned to look at Sasuke and hold his hand. "It was hard, but it was better than where I was." His face was sad and Sasuke pulled Kimimaro's hand into his own, giving the little omega a supportive squeeze. Kimimaro smiled up, his purple eyes bright with happiness. "But then Kyuubi found me!"
"Yes so this is where we learned that Kyuubi was actually working undercover. He came to us, asking to care for Kimimaro because something was going to happen. He couldn't let us know what was going to happen, said our safety was dependent on it but left us Kimimaro the night before the raid." Nagato dropped his head and slumped his shoulders and whispered, "we didn't see him again after that. I hope he's alright, we owe him our lives."
"Why didn't you see him, Kyuubi I mean, again?" It was Sakura.
"The night of the raid, the three that Kyuubi worked with, Sakon and his lackeys, Jirobo and Kidomaru, broke into our bar, yelling how Kyuubi was going to pay for being a traitor. I-I tried to stop them, but they were too much," Nagato's voice cracked, his hands started to shake. Kimimaro shuffled over to Nagato throwing his arms around him. "Thanks Kimimaro," Nagato laid his head upon the small omega's crown before continuing.
Nagato sniffled slightly before sitting back up. "They secured us to some chairs, but thankfully Jirobo was an idiot, and miss-tied a knot on Kimimaro. After they started the bar on fire, Kimimaro was able to get out of the hold and got Konan and myself untied so we could all escape."
Kimimaro fell back onto the futon, next to Sasuke. "There was no time to save anything. Not even the bag Kyuubi got for me, nothing," Kimimaro sadly whispered out.
"It's alright, you got yourself and your friends out safely, that's all that matter," Sasuke whispered back, stroking Kimimaro's soft white hair.
"That's right," Nagato added. "If it wasn't for you, we all may have perished. I was thankful that the slip of paper Kyuubi gave me was still in my pocket. We snuck out as quickly as we could and just ran. Luckily Kimimaro knew the forest and was able to get us through, but when Konan started to…"
"I'm glad you all made it here too," Sakura added. "Konan will be okay, you are all safe here along with your new pup."
"But we don't know what happened to Kyuubi," Kimimaro whined out suddenly. "Why isn't he here? Did he come here?"
Sakura shook her head sadly. "We haven't heard from him for over a year. He left to go find answers about the silver that poisoned our alpha and the politicians that may have been behind it. Stumbling upon an illegal auction ring was totally not expected though!" Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Our pack, along with Sasuke's, helped get that raid organized."
Nagato and Kimimaro looked on with surprise.
"But I'm sorry that the fire happened, and what happened to you three. Losing your pack mate and then your business…I'm so sorry…" Sakura gave Nagato a squeeze on his shoulder.
"It's not all a loss, we weren't happy where we were. Always walking around on egg shells, not knowing what kind of persons were coming and going...and seeing the cubs being sold…" Nagato shuddered.
A moan broke the silence. All eyes were on the sleeping omega on the bed.
"Konan, she's waking up!" Nagato exclaimed. Kimimaro scrambled up to his knees, looking down at the purple haired woman. "Love...love, can you hear me?"
Long lashes began to flutter and lips began to murmur quietly. Nagato began rubbing his palm over Konan's face, whispering encouraging words of love, Kimimaro gently patted at her hand. Sasuke took this time as his moment to leave. The small pack would need time together and he nodded at Sakura before tucking away the futon and left the small room. It was a good time for nap.
==intermission==
Sasuke walked through the darkness, the fog was thick, he couldn't see anything, couldn't hear anything, his eyes were wide trying to see anything.
"Not again…" Sasuke spoke out loud, to hear if there was an echo, but there was none. "Hello?" he called out, only to be met with silence.
Sasuke stopped, looked around him, trying to peer through the fog. He thought he heard a sniffling sob, someone was crying...he held his breath.
Nothing…
He turned his head, he heard it again, he began to quicken his steps through the dense fog. The sniffles began to get louder, a few hiccups that sounded like heavy sobs… Sasuke ran faster.
Something caught his foot and Sasuke flailed his arms as his body went falling to the non existent ground. Tears pierced his eyes as he fell hard onto the front of his body, his body screaming at the pain that was inflicted on his arms and chest. Groaning out, Sasuke managed to secure his hands flat and lift himself slowly.
"What the fuck…" he cursed and questioned together. His hands were pushing on what seemed like leaves, moss… a forest floor? He shuffled to his side, and his question was answered, he was in a forest, it was dark, but the ground did not mistake what he thought. He rolled over and sat up, looking around him. Tall dark trees surrounded him, the fog was still there but higher up, so he couldn't see if there was a sky. There were no welcoming sounds of a forest, only silence, not even the crunching of the forest floor.
"Okay...weird…" he spoke out again.
A maniacal laugh echoed through the darkness that had Sasuke's hair rising on the back of his neck. He spun his head around quickly, stumbled to get to his feet, crouching and ready to attack, but the laughter continued.
"Who are you!" Sasuke screamed out, his eyes looking every which way.
The silence that followed his yell unnerved him.
SASUKE!
Sasuke turned his head to the call of his name. "Naruto! Where are you?"
SASUKE! SASUKE!
"NARUTO!" Sasuke felt the panic rise in his gut as he ran through the darkness and trees, the way he thought he heard his mate's panicked cry. "Naruto! I'm coming!"
Suddenly he was falling. There must have been a hole, something he didn't see, because he was falling into darkness, no more trees, no fog, just darkness and the panicked voice of his mate began to fade in the distance. "Naruto!"
Sasuke's eyes flew open and his body had jerked violently, as if he was falling. His heart was pounding in his chest and Sasuke ran for the toilet. He arrived to the bowl just in time before his breakfast came hurtling up in a mass spasm of reflexes and he heaved over and over. His eyes watered as his body expelled what was in his stomach, his heart was still pounding and he could feel the adrenaline pulsing through his body. His arms laying on the seat, he rested his forehead on his arms and took deep breaths when his body was finally done. Reaching up to flush, he spit the reminisce of the acid aftertaste and fell back onto his ass against the bathroom wall. Breathing heavily and grabbing a towel, he wiped his lips and face then let the dizziness settle in his head.
After several minutes, when his heart rate was back to normal and he was able to not see spots in front of his eyes, Sasuke trembled as he pulled himself up to the sink. Grabbing his toothbrush, he brushed furiously and then washed his face. The dream still was hanging around in his head; the maniac laughter, the fearful cry of his mate echoing in the distance and the pain of sorrow, sadness, despair from the sniffling and crying from who? He didn't know. All the emotional onslaught left him feeling nauseous again and he gripped the side of the sink, forcing deep breaths. Glancing at himself in the mirror, his eyes were bloodshot and he had shadows under his eyes. 'Great...just great...can't hide this,' he grumbled to himself. When his stomach had settled, he decided to run a bath to help settle his heart.
When he was done with his bath, he slipped on one of Naruto's hoodies, the alpha's scent just noticeable and the omega within was depressed suddenly, not catching much of Naruto's scent. Which in turn made Sasuke depressed, noticing how Naruto's scent was slowly fading from the clothing. Sasuke knelt by one of the dressers, opening up the bottom drawer and pulled out a pair of orange basketball shorts. He tossed them on the bed and then immediately pounced on them. He rubbed his cheeks all over the material, his omega purring out and releasing warm feelings that left Sasuke feeling high and sated. The basketball shorts were of course Naruto's. The alpha had them on days before he left and Sasuke had left them in the drawer, with a few other of Naruto's clothing, for as long as he could. He didn't want to risk going through all the clothes, just in case Naruto was delayed...and delayed he was. His inner wolf seeped out, bringing out the wild animal in him and he rolled about on top of the shorts, like a wild dog enjoying a scent. His omega within purred out and pawed at the shorts, inhaling, rolling, but Sasuke stopped his omega from licking...he wasn't willing to go that far.
After some time had passed, Sasuke was finally sated enough to feel relaxed, his omega purring loudly in his head, releasing relaxing sensations all over. The dream he had during his nap was just a wisp of a memory now, but he wondered why he would dream of such things that could actually get him so upset that he would lose his lunch. Ever since he had accepted his omega status, so many new emotions were surprising him around every turn. Sasuke shook his head, it would take some time to get used to.
He decided that it was time to act more in control, thus slipping the basketball shorts away, slipping on some warm sweats and making his way to the kitchen to make something to eat. No doubt there was news since Konan was waking when he left. He grabbed his phone, noticing that Itachi had messaged him while he was sleeping and it was well into late afternoon. Quickly glancing at his message he pinched his lips together in thought. This was worth finding out more information on. He tucked his phone away into his pocket and headed down to the kitchen.
Finding Sakura and Hinata in the kitchen, they both smiled at Sasuke when he entered. "Hungry Sasuke? You slept right through lunch, I figured you needed it so we didn't want to disturb you," Hinata explained out.
"Hn, I can make someone myself thanks," Sasuke responded. He wasn't used to being waited on, only by Naruto. With this pack it just felt...weird.
"Oh no Sasuke, sit, let me get you something, unless there is something you are craving?" Sakura asked while looking into the fridge. She began to list off things that were in there. Sasuke chose the leftover fixings for a BLT sandwich and popped some bread in the toaster while Sakura pulled out the other ingredients.
"So, you know that Konan was waking up ne Sasuke?" Hinata asked while drying some dishes.
"Hn," Sasuke responded as he took a glass, passed it to Sakura who offered some juice.
"I told Hinata what Nagato told us, and I was just going to update her on Konan's medical situation." Sasuke nodded while sipping at his juice and leaning against the counter, waiting for his toast to pop.
"Sit Sasuke, I'll get your sandwich together," Sakura piped up, moving the food to the table. Sasuke decided to sit and let the pink haired beta create the sandwich. Sakura began to move about the food on the table while she talked. "Konan is awake, but having Nagato and Kimimaro there certainly helped keep her calm. Nagato was able to explain to her what had happened and I'm happy to say that mom, dad and cub are doing excellent now as the bonding is at full strength!" Sakura hummed out, sounding happy.
Sasuke suddenly felt something drop at that information. If he had ears he felt that his ears would have drooped and his omega was feeling the pinch, though Sasuke isn't sure what he was feeling. He shook it off as Sakura kept talking.
Sakura began layering Sasuke's sandwich. "They named the little cub Iwai, meaning celebration. Isn't it adorable?!" Sakura finished building the sandwich, putting it on a plate and sliced it. "Do you want a pickle too Sasuke?" Sakura was smiling brightly now.
"Thanks and no," Sasuke responded, taking the plate. Sakura gave an okay and started putting the food back in the fridge. "And Kimimaro?" Sasuke noticed that Sakura didn't mention him.
"Oh he's alright, he's been sitting in there with them, watching over them and learning about Iwai. He's quite taken with the cub. Think it has something to do with him being a young omega," Sakura winked. Sasuke just frowned.
"I'm going to phone Tsunade-sama to give her an update shortly. Has Kiba returned yet?" Sakura looked at Hinata.
Hinata shook her head, "he won't be back for a few hours."
"I need to ask her about their pack mate, Yahiko," Sakura hummed out as she cleaned off the table with a wet cloth. "I personally haven't heard the name before but there is a good chance Tsunade-sama has."
"I'm going to see my brother," Sasuke suddenly thought. He thought of the message that he had read before coming down.
Hinata and Sakura both looked at him, saying nothing, as if waiting for him to say more. Sasuke shrugged.
"Okay then, just let us know if you are coming home tonight or not okay?" Hinata asked politely.
Sasuke nodded in response. The two betas continued chatting about whatever it was that women chat about, Sasuke figured, as he finished his sandwich to calm his hunger, then grabbed his keys and headed out.
==intermission==
Sasuke stepped into his brother's packs home, inhaling the rich scent of the Uchiha pack. His omega rubbed his inner sensors, making him feel safe and home. Not the home feeling of with his mate, but a family home, a place where he always knew he was safe. He followed his nose through the front of the house and into the kitchen, where he found Deidara making muffins and shaking his hips about.
"Hn, suzy homemaker day?" Sasuke called out as he opened the fridge, looking for a drink.
Deidara turned quickly, popping the earbuds out of his ears, where music still played through them. "Sasuke un! Come 'er!" Deidara wiped his hands on the apron he was wearing and grabbed Sasuke's shoulders, pulling him in for a hug. "I didn't know you were coming today un! Not that I mind you coming, always such a pleasant surprise." Deidara nuzzled his nose into Sasuke's neck, giving a loving hug rub. "How you doing un?" he asked out into his neck.
Sasuke let the older omega coddle him, it felt...good. "Hn, just needed to talk to Itachi."
"He's in the den, looking over some paperwork or something," Deidara released Sasuke and turned back to his muffin batch. "Hungry un?I'll make you something." He stirred the contents that were in the bowl.
"No, just some tea would be good." Sasuke turned to go find Itachi.
He found Itachi, exactly where Deidara said he was, going over various papers and books at a large desk. Dark eyes that matched his own looked up at him, giving him a soft look of welcoming.
"Otouto, good to see you," Itachi spoke as he rose from his chair, moved around the desk and enveloped Sasuke into a warm hug. Itachi nuzzled Sasuke's neck and the omega within purred at the alpha's attention. Sasuke returned the embrace and felt the heat of safety pouring out of his elder brother, relaxing him immediately. Itachi pet his hair lovingly as he hugged and nuzzled him. Itachi pulled back first, his eyes looking over Sasuke all over. "You don't look well otouto, have you been eating? Sleeping? Come...talk to me," Itachi lead Sasuke over to a couch.
Deidara came in not seconds later, carrying a tea tray and setting it down on the table near the two. He ruffles up Sasuke's hair and Sasuke just slapped playfully at Deidara, trying to get him to stop with the treatment. Itachi smiles warmly at the two before Deidara comes and plants a loving kiss on Itachi's lips before leaving the room. Sasuke wrinkles up his nose at the display of affection and shakes his head with a snort. Itachi just chuckles while pouring them each a tea cup.
"So, otouto, I can see how you have not been eating nor sleeping well. What's going on?" Itachi got straight to the point. "Is Naruto not home yet?"
Sasuke's shoulders drooped and his omega howled out in agony. He shook his head sadly and his hands began to shake slightly when he was holding the cup of tea. His omega got overly emotional when Naruto was mentioned, and Sasuke would not admit that he was beginning to not be able to control it. He took several breaths before speaking.
"Naruto has been gone for 8 weeks now, though he and Kakashi suspected they would only be gone a month...but we have no idea how long it will take." Sasuke took another sip of tea, to help get him focused on speaking. "We hear from them, once in a while, when they can send us a mail message. But they are getting far and few now, and my wolf isn't handling the separation very well."
"Foolish otouto. Remember your wolf is not a separate entity from you, your wolf is a part of who you are." His voice was soft but firm. His brother still had a long way to go to fully and completely accept his inner wolf, too long had he spent blaming the entity for his ways of thinking and being.
Sasuke let out an irritated sigh while running a hand through his hair. He looked away from his brother, knowing that he was probably right, and hated looking into those big brother eyes who would often 'hit the nail on the head' regarding his emotions. Naruto being absent was affecting so many emotions in him, many he wasn't even familiar with, let alone know how to deal with. He never had to deal with this when he was an alpha; no relationships, nothing but work and studies, things like this he wouldn't dare let invade his space. But now...with him mated, bonded with his omega wolf and Naruto, accepting of his omega status, a host of unknowns had hit him all at once and he wasn't sure if he wanted to deal with this anymore. It was all so-tiring. He felt himself sigh once again, suddenly feeling depressed.
Sensing his distress, Itachi purred out, "Sasuke…do not get so distressed at this time." He placed his palm on one of Sasuke's cheeks, catching his otouto's attention to look back at him. "I'm here for you, we," Itachi nodded, "are all here for you." Sasuke's eyes flickered back and forth between Itachi's eyes. "Try not to think you can take all the new situations and changes that you have accepted into your life on your own and immediately. That's really not healthy," he smiled out and then ran his fingers through Sasuke's hair. "Take time otouto, to seek out each situation individually and don't think you have to get things settled right away."
Sasuke leaned into his brother's caress. He suddenly felt exhausted, as if he didn't just have a four hour nap just before coming here. The alpha's warmth was like a large fuzzy blanket, wrapping around him, protecting him with a sprinkle of feeling cherished. It reminded him of so many times when he was younger, when Itachi would hold him close and chase away the demons,. The demon thoughts he would have of despair, helplessness and of being a failure. Itachi pulled a throw from somewhere, Sasuke had no idea, and draped it over his shoulders.
"You can nap here Sasuke, I will watch over you, always," Itachi gently pulled Sasuke's head into his lap, running his fingers on Sasuke's scalp, just how he knew how his otouto liked it. His alpha purred loudly, enjoying having his little otouto in the room.
"Mhm," Sasuke mumbled out. "But...I came to ask about-about Yahiko," Sasuke yawned out while speaking his sentence. His eyelids were heavy and Itachi rubbing his scalp wasn't helping.
"Hn, yes, I recall," Itachi whispered out.
"You-you said," Sasuke yawned again. "That the name is familiar." Sasuke's inner wolf began rubbing at his relaxed areas, sleep was coming heavy and fast.
Itachi continued running his fingers through Sasuke's hair. He could sense that Sasuke was near sleep. "True, I did mention that. I recall the name now, after you mentioned it." Itachi's voice was getting deeper and softer.
"And?" Sasuke mumbled out, his eyes now closed.
"The name…from the club..." Was all Sasuke heard before sleep took him.
==/\/\==
"I'm sure they would enjoy be honoured to help un," Deidara hummed out while stirring rice in a frying pan, dipping his head to the side.
"Hn, even if they aren't needed, I'm certain they could use the break." Itachi hummed out while he kissed the back of Deidara's neck.
Deidara groaned out a mewl while his alpha triggered sensations all throughout his neck. The alpha always got more possessive when Sasuke was home. "G-go see if Sasuke is up, he might be hungry...nghh-"
Itachi had now pulled his omega in close, his hard bulge pushing against Deidara, in turn had the omega releasing rich heedy scents that urged the alpha on. "He knows where to go to get food," Itachi mumbled through nips and kitten licks.
"Sup boss," Kisame's voice rang through the room. "Woah…warn a wolf would ya!" Kisame covered his eyes and started laughing. Itachi paid no mind to the beta.
"Stop taking up space dog breath, your ass could block a river," Hidan's voice was next to enter the room. "Shit man, why didn't you warn me!" Hidan turned to leave the room.
"Hidan, hold it," Itachi suddenly barked out and he heard Hidan sigh loudly and Kisame chuckling. Itachi turned and faced the two beta's, but kept his ass pressed against Deidara who kept frying the rice and veggies. "I have a mission for you two."
Kisame lowered his hand and Hidan came to stand beside Kisame, both taking on a serious look.
"I need you two to help Naruto and Kakashi locate Kyuubi." Itachi nodded his head when both beta's nodded in agreement. "The pair left two months ago and have possibly been...detained. I want you two to offer any assistance needed. They shouldn't be too hard to locate…" Kisame and Hidan took seats at the table when Itachi motioned for them to do so and listened to Itachi give the details.
==intermission==
White hair whipped through the breeze, sea green eyes sparkled in happiness and the sun sparkled off milky coloured skin. The young man twirled around, as if he were dancing and his smile and laughter echoed all around.
His fingers reached out, to try and touch the smiling and dancing omega, to run his fingers through the silky strands of hair that rustled through the wind. Sea green eye eyes sparkled as they looked at him directly, beckoning him to come closer and giggles escaped those pink lips.
HIs fingers brushed those of the omega, he could feel the warmth radiating from him, the smile, the green eyes softly looking through him. Red and orange flames shot up from nowhere, turning the air rancid with smoke, and the scene turned blazing hot and the omega's eyes turned wide and fearful, his lips released a painful torturous scream as the fire began to engulf the milky soft skin turning all the areas it touched charcoal burnt. The silky strands of white hair caught flame and the omega's entire head was now consumed with flames and the cries of pain broke through the air that pierced his heart painfully. He tried to reach out, to save the omega from the flames that were suddenly surrounding him but he couldn't reach, no matter how hard he tried.
"Kyuubi! Help! Please! Where are you….help!" the omega cried out, his cries laced with piercing pain as he reached towards him. He couldn't reach...he ran, but the omega continued to burn before his eyes, those green eyes pleaded before closing and the piercing scream cried out behind a wall of flame…Kimimaro...
The pain of loss suffocated him and pain thrummed through his heart as he tried to crawl away from it. The alpha within howled in agony, ripping at his mental walls, snarling and biting at what small human self that was still within. He felt himself curl away into himself, trying to hide his eyes, his face, his whole self away from black shadow that brought misery, grief and utter torment as it showed him the scene of the small innocent omega begging to be saved from the flames that took him.
His alpha pulled his human self under a blanket of security, tucking his small form into its body, as it snarled and lashed out at the black shadow that threatened to continue to push the agony of grief upon him and Kyuubi let it. Alpha could protect him, save him, shield him from continuously feeling and hearing the cries of the small omega, who burned in the unforgiving heat of fire, the one he failed to protect. Though it was cold, he no longer could hear the echoing screams of the small white haired omega, haunting his thoughts.
The warm touch startled him. He looked around in the darkness. What was that? Had the fire come to take him as it did Kimimaro? Kyuubi felt his alpha loosen its cold grip from around him, the warmth was spreading and his alpha was letting it come in. It-it was inviting, soft, safe…'Who's there?' he called out and purr echoed through the darkness. It was familiar, like a scent from a time long ago, where he was happy, loved and at peace. He felt around in the darkness, seeking out the source of the warmth that seemed to be spreading, but it was still dark. 'Hello?' he called out again, his eyes looking about and saw the shadow that showed him nothing but the pain of grief and sorrow but it was shrinking and fading. It was suddenly very warm, his body was tingling from the warmth, his alpha lifting from him and letting him go fully. He wanted to be scared but couldn't...the purring warmth offered softness, support and...love. And Kyuubi succumbed to it, to tired to fight.
"Kyuubi...it's alright, you're safe," the voice was whispering, purring, was soft and soothing. Kyuubi's mind was reeling as it tried to sort out the sounds and smells that seemed to suddenly crash into his mind.
"He's waking up. Take it easy pup, you're safe, take your time." The soft deep voice continued to whisper out words of encouragement. It was so familiar and safe.
Red lashes fluttered open to reveal green eyes.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Beta rambles: well, I have been busy this holiday season with going over amazing stories by amazing writers, and loving it! We have not gotten anymore blizzards yet, so I'm kinda bummed, but meh...I'm on holidays currently.
I've been trying to keep my tumblr and twitter active, for any of those who look at me there. You can message me on either if you have something to say, ask or whatevah!
A comment notification is just as exciting as getting a chapter update notification!
Keep smiling all of you and stay safe :D