Chapter 2

Some time passed. Rehearsal and even the performance went well. During the latter Naruto and Sasuke went by their fake names to ensure they wouldn't be taken away. If it did happen then Kakashi would step in. Things seemed to be going surprisingly well.

After moving from the town, Naruto was calmer. He felt safer. He appreciated Kakashi and Tsunade's hospitality and didn't want to put them in danger. Since leaving, he didn't wear the mask anymore. Sighing, he sat down for supper at the ramen shop at the next town they were in.

Life seemed to be going so well for all of them. Currently they're heading to their next location which is further away from where the two princes fled.

Tsunade had suggested they meet at the local ramen shop for a family dinner, Tsunade and Kakashi's treat. As Naruto say down, he looked around for everyone else.

Kakashi is there already along with a few others. The rest are still needed to arrive. This is done at night of course to ensure those who can't be out in the daylight can join in.

"Hey, Kashi! Tsunade!" He smiled at them as Kabuto came in and sat down as well. Tsunade smiled at Naruto as she sat down by Kakashi.

"Hey," he gave a soft smile, knowing he would have to spend some time with his wife in due course, thinking he just wanted to enjoy this meal first with everyone else.

Shikamaru walked in with Sasuke as Itachi brooded in a corner. The newest additions, Kiba and Neji, came in and sat down by Naruto and Sasuke. The long dark haired male with lavender eyes took in his surroundings.

Meanwhile, the brown haired guy with wolf ears that's probably the circus's alleged wolf man sat beside the second strongman in their group of misfits.

Dinner was served. Tsunade, ever the drinker, ordered sake for everyone. Soon, the group was laughing and talking, the alcohol relaxing them all a bit. A band started playing.

Each of them drank and ate their full. With music on and all it would prove to be a fun night.

Naruto got up to dance as the dance floor started to fill. Grinning, he liked the fast beat. "Sasuke! C'mon and dance!"

"I don't dance," glowered Sasuke, taking another sip of sake.

Naruto stuck his tongue out. "Hey, Kiba! Come on!" Naruto yelled. Naruto refused to ask Kakashi...he knew he had a crush on the boss man, and since said boss was very, very married, he was very, very off limits.

"Sure," yipped Kiba, getting up to trot over to dance with the blonde.

Naruto enjoyed dancing with Kiba. He was laughing and having a good time.

Tsunade was laughing, laying her head on Kakashi's shoulder. Naruto ignored the jealousy.

Kiba enjoyed dancing with him too. It was fun.

After awhile, Naruto sat back down at the table, sweaty, shirt sticking to him. Tsunade had gotten up, dancing as Kakashi wasn't a huge dancer. "What, Kashi, you don't dance?" Naruto asked, panting.

"Not really," admitted Kakashi, turning the page of his book he carries around with him.

Kiba went to sit, but put Neji in his lap because why not. Cleary there's something between him and he isn't going to sit idly by to allow anyone to take him for themselves.

Naruto leaned over Kakashi, looking at the book. "Whatcha readin?" he asked, still breathing a bit heavy. Neji blushed at Kiba's possessive behavior.

"Nothing for younger people to read," he winked before stowing it away on his person.

Kiba nuzzled Neji's neck affectionately. So far he hadn't met any resistance.

Naruto sighed. "Then I need to read it. My mind isn't that creative, and my wrist hurts." He took another swig of sake. Neji blushed at the talk and grabbed Kiba's hand, taking him over to a darker corner.

Kiba grinned, going with him without hesitation to where he wanted to go.

"Why?" he asked the blonde, drinking another swig of sake.

Naruto shrugged. "The guy I like is taken. I messed around with Kiba, but it was boring. I mean, he was okay and a nice guy. But... Then Neji came around, and Kiba is all about Neji. So, my hand is my best friend." Sighing, Naruto took a drink of sake, staring out at the dance floor.

"Ah, I see," frowned Kakashi, wondering how he could help him. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Nah, its ok. I been worse." Naruto shrugged, giving a crooked smile. "I'm gonna head on back. Night, boss man." Naruto got up and tottered out.

"See you later," he watched him leave, thinking he would try to do something to cheer him up later.

()()()

Shikamaru scowled next to Sasuke. He didn't know why, but it pissed him off when Neji flirted with Sasuke. Shikamaru just about gave Kiba a dog biscuit when he occupied Neji.

"You could've given it to him," pointed out Sasuke. "It would've been funny."

"Given who what?" Shikamaru asked, frowning.

"Kiba a dog Biscuit," snickered Sasuke.

Shikamaru chuckled. "Yea. I am just...I dunno...Neji's annoying." Shikamaru finished.

"I suppose," shrugged Sasuke. "Those two are happy and have each other."

"Yea. I need to find a girl." Shikamaru grunted.

"And I need to find a guy," smirked Sasuke.

Shikamaru just shook his head. "You want a guy when all the girls would give their right arm to be with you." He chuckled.

"I don't like girls like that," sniffed the Uchiha indignantly.

"But they are just so..." Shikamaru shrugged. "I mean, what can a guy give that is better than a girl?"

"You'd be surprised," blushed Sasuke. "I'm just not attracted to girls, ok?"

"Alright." Shikamaru said, finishing his sake. "I am goin' home. You stayin' or leaving?"

"I'll head back I guess," frowned Sasuke, finishing off his drink before getting up to leave.

Walking home, the sake floated in Shikamaru brain. Finally, once they got in their tent, Shikamaru looked at Sasuke. "Have you ever been with a girl? I mean, how do you know you don't like it if you don't try it?"

"Trust me a guy's dick feels better than any pussy," replied Sasuke with an impish look. "I've never been attracted to girls. Do I seriously need to keep repeating myself?"

Shikamaru felt himself harden slightly at what Sasuke said. He just looked down, confused.

"Let me know if you ever want to experience anything," winked Sasuke before continuing on his way.

"Wait." Shikamaru grabbed Sasuke's arm. He wasn't able to say anything, but his face was begging.

"Yes?" he searched Shikamaru's face.

Shikamaru blinked rapidly. He couldn't ask. He wasn't gay. But...he wanted Sasuke to kiss him. Biting his bottom lip, he begged Sasuke to kiss him with his eyes, saying nothing.

Figuring it out, Sasuke leaned in to kiss him tenderly before pulling back after a long moment.

Shikamaru closed his eyes. Sasuke felt so good...so...right. Breathing heavy, he just stared at Sasuke.

"Is that better?" he asked quietly, unsure of what Shikamaru felt.

"I...I don't know." Shikamaru's eyes were dark.

"Should we go somewhere private?" he asked, seeing the look.

"Y...yea, I think so." he whispered.

Sasuke took Shikamaru to the room they use. Once there he kissed Shikamaru hungrily.

Shikamaru grunted, grabbing Sasuke and kissing him back just as hungrily, moaning into the kiss.

The two had an intense make out session that lasted for several long minutes. Fortunately no one would be going in there until much later in the evening.

()()()

Itachi had sat by himself most of the evening.

Drinking some sake, Sakura sat by herself as well. Sure, there's the possibility of going to dance. She didn't really feel like it right now.

Itachi came over, sitting down. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" asked Sakura, slightly confused by the reason he decided to join her.

"You just don't seem to be the type to sit alone." Itachi noted.

"Oh," blushed Sakura, wondering if she's that easy to read. "Um, thanks for your concern."

Itachi shrugged. "Of course." Frowning at Orochimaru and Kabuto, he sighed. "Want to dance?" he asked.

"Sure," agreed Sakura, going with him, wondering why he seemed so sad.

Itachi danced. He didn't say much, but he was attentive during their dances. After a bit, Itachi looked at Sakura. "If you will excuse me, I think I should leave." He kissed Sakura's hand.

"It's alright. I hope you'll be ok," she blushed from the nice gesture although felt worried and concerned for his well-being.

"Thank you." Itachi walked out, sadly.

()()()

Kabuto was dancing with Orochimaru, staring adoringly up at the object of his adoration.

Orochimaru danced with him, enjoying the time with the person of his desire and adoration.

"I still can't believe you like me." Kabuto murmured.

"Of course I do," he smirked, continuing to move along with him.

As he lay his head on Orochimaru's shoulder, he stiffened suddenly. "Um...c...can I ... I need to go home."

"I'll take you home then," he offered, picking Kabuto up into his arms before walking out.

"Um...rr...really, I can walk." Kabuto insisted, shivering in terror.

"Nope, clearly you drank too much. So, allow me," grinned Orochimaru.

Kabuto just lay, cradled in Orochimaru's arms. Upon getting back to the campsite he continued to shiver.

"Are you sick or something?" he asked in concern, putting him down on the bed once entering the room.

"N...no. Um. I... probably too much to drink." He smiled weakly.

"I see. Do you need anything before I go to rest?" he asked him.

"No, thank you." Kabuto said, crawling under the covers.

"No problem," Orochimaru then left, closing the door quietly for him to return to the cellar.

Kabuto shivered until he fell asleep.