Chapter 3

Three days later they made it to the next town. This was a bustling city, and they were booked for three nights. They had arrived two days early. Naruto threw himself into the work of setting up the circus. He was strong and scrappy, and would most likely be mistaken as the help instead of a performer. He enjoyed the physical labor...it also made it easier to sleep at night, tiring himself out. No trace of royalty shone through his tanned skin and hardworking demeanor.

Sasuke fell into step with Naruto of working hard. With his calloused hands and all he can be easily mistaken as a worker rather than one of the performers. So far the two enjoyed their new life here.

"Sas, you need to get a guy" Naruto said as they helped erect a tent. He worried about his brother and didn't like to see him lonely. "What's with you and Shika guy, anyways? I thought maybe something was there, but the last couple days he hasn't been talking to you," Naruto started tying the tent to the stake.

"There is something between us I think. He doesn't know what he likes and isn't exactly comfortable with me being open about it," explained Sasuke, helping him out.

"Gotcha," Naruto grunted. "Well, if he hurts you I will kick his ass." Naruto moved on to the next stake.

"Good," nodded Sasuke, moving onto the opposite side. "What about you?"

"Me? Eh, single and mingle." Naruto stayed evasively.

"You sure?" he teased.

"Yea. Who I like is very, very taken." Naruto stood, wiping the sweat from his brow, pulling off his shirt. "Shit it's hot."

"Hn, I see," nodded the Uchiha, having his shirt already off with noticing it's rather hot out here today.

The brothers worked as Shikamaru went up to Kakashi. "Hey boss...I uh, need to talk to you...privately."

"Alright," the silverette went to a private area to speak with him. "What's wrong?"

"I, uh...I need to change tents. I, uh, things are just weird with me and Sasuke after the k...after the dinner." Shikamaru was nervous.

"Why?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Um, well...I mean...I fucked up Boss." Shikamaru looked down.

"How?" he prompted for an explanation.

Shikamaru let out a big breath. "I...I kissed him." Shikamaru kept looking down.

"That's not failure," smiled Kakashi, lifting his head. "That's you figuring out what your preference is. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"B...but I never have liked guys...always girls." His face was confused.

"Tastes can change over time," stated Kakashi. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."

Shikamaru looked over to where the brothers were. "But...Naruto is gross, sweaty, loud, and nasty." Taking a look to Sasuke, Shikamaru gulped and blushed, admiring the sheen of sweat on Sasuke's body.

"But you look at Sasuke and what do you think?" asked Kakashi.

Shikamaru's breathing picked up as his face flushed. He shrugged, at a loss for words.

"See? Obviously you're attracted to him," pointed out Kakashi.

"You're not letting me change tents, are you?"

"Nope," Kakashi patted his shoulder. "You'll be ok."

"Damnit..." Shikamaru grunted, shuffling off.

Kakashi shook his head, hiding a smile while getting back to work on things.

Naruto came up a bit later. "Uh, Bossman?" He asked tentatively. "Uh. I gotta problem..."

"What would that be?" asked Kakashi, noticing there seems to be a lot of problems today.

Naruto promptly passed out as he face planted against the older male, the hilt of a dagger showing from between the youth's ribs.

Frowning, Kakashi took Naruto to his quarters to see to him. Getting out a medical kit he disinfected the area along with using some rubbing alcohol. Then he carefully dislodged the dagger to then clean up the wound, staunching the blood flow, and lastly applying some gauze to ensure it would heal properly. He wondered what and who could've done this.

Itachi walked in about then, unannounced. "Kakashi...I found this." It was a medallion of a tree, used by The Root, a rival circus.

Accepting it grimly he knew that he would have to deal with them about this.

"I see," he frowned.

Itachi looked the scene over and then picked up the dagger, examining it. Holding it out to Kakashi, the same tree emblem was on the hilt. Itachi bent to grab Naruto. "I will take him back to his quarters." Itachi offered.

"I'll do it. Send the other circus a message that I wish to speak with their leader," replied Kakashi, picking up Naruto to take him back to his own room.

Itachi nodded, heading out. Naruto groaned as he was picked up. His eyes fluttered open. "Wha...huh?" He asked, confused.

"You were stabbed by someone from the opposing circus," explained Kakashi, taking him to his room to deposit him on his own bed. "I patched you up."

"T...thanks. I remember hurting, but not knowing why." Looking around, he frowned. "Where am I?"

"You are on my bed. I put you here because I'll need to change the bandages. You'll be taken on leave from the show until you're feeling better," explained Kakashi, sitting nearby.

"Nope, nope. Not happening." Naruto said, getting up and wincing. "I am not getting Granny pissed off at me for being in her bed."

"She won't," replied Kakashi firmly. "You aren't in a fit shape. Move too much and the wounds will open up again."

Naruto winced, and then laid down. "Thanks, Kakashi." he said, falling asleep, an adorably peaceful look on the blonde's face.

"You're welcome," he said softly, thinking Naruto looked cute while he sleeps, getting up to bring back some food and water for when Naruto wakes up again later since he'll need to regain his strength.

()()()

Shikamaru went in, sitting down on his bed, thinking.

Having been given a break, Sasuke is there taking a rest. There's no rush after all of getting things prepared. There's also the rival circus to be wary of.

Itachi walked in. "Sasuke, your brother was stabbed. Kakashi has him and is taking care of him. He will be fine." Itachi slipped out as Shikamaru stood, instantly going to Sasuke's side.

"What?" he sat bolt upright, frowning although nodded as he felt better that the ringmaster has taken care of him. "How did this happen? And why?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "Itachi's a dick sometimes. Sorry. It's probably the Root. Kabuto's mom and dad run it."

"Oh," he looked down, wondering why they would target Naruto.

"You okay?" Shikamaru asked, putting an arm around Sasuke reflexively.

Leaning against him, Sasuke replied with, "Not really. Naruto was stabbed and probably for a good reason unless the Root is just looking to take all of us out."

Shikamaru shrugged. "Kabuto won't talk about them. I know they like demons and stuff, and they want to collect jinchurriki, but not much else is known."

"I see," mused Sasuke, not feeling at ease with knowing this at least he knows why.

"So I dunno why they targeted Naruto." Shikamaru hugged Sasuke.

"It's ok," he sighed, hugging him back.

Shikamaru stiffened. "I, uh...yea, cool." He went over and sat back on his bed.

Nodding, Sasuke looked over at him for a short time before going back to taking a rest from the hard work he's done so far.

()()()

Itachi walked through the acrobats' tent, searching for Kabuto. Upon seeing Sakura, he jogged up to her. "Let everyone know that The Root is here. Naruto got hurt, but will be ok. Everyone needs to be careful."

"Gotcha," nodded the rosette, hoping Naruto would be ok. "Kabuto is probably down in the cellar with Orochimaru if you're looking for him."

Itachi stiffened. "Of course." Frowning, he headed off in that direction. Getting to the cellar, he found Orochimaru, but no Kabuto, as Kabuto had just left to collect some ingredients.

"He went to find some herbs for me," informed the half-dead stitched up male, taking care of his snake and spider. "He'll be back shortly."

Itachi just glared.

"What?" snapped Orochimaru, annoyed at being glared at.

"You're an asshole." Itachi stated.

"Aw, thank you," he smirked, feeding his snake a dead rodent while he fed the spider some flies as both are used in his performances.

"Fuck you. Tell Kabuto his parents are back in town, and trying to kill us." Itachi stormed out.

"Alright," Orochimaru wondered what bit him in the ass today, waiting for when Kabuto would return.

Kabuto returned a few minutes later, laying down the herbs.

"Itachi came by. Your parents are in town and stabbed Naruto. He's ok and being taken care by Kakashi," explained Orochimaru, hugging Kabuto because he knew he tried his hardest to be away from the Root.

Kabuto frowned, shaking slightly. "T...they are here?"

"Yes," Orochimaru held him close. "I won't let them take you away, understand?"

"Th...there are worse things than being taken away." Kabuto mumbled.

"Like what?" he asked, not knowing much about Kabuto's past. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"I don't want to." Kabuto mumbled, hiding his face in Orochimaru's shirt.

"That's ok," he said softly, holding him protectively. "But we will have to talk to them eventually you know."

Kabuto shivered uncontrollably.

Orochimaru held him close, not letting go. He knew this is hard for him.

"C...can I stay down here tonight?" Kabuto said, vulnerable.

"Of course, love. Anytime," murmured Orochimaru, knowing he's in a weakened state with the terrible news.

Kabuto stayed close to Orochimaru, not talking much.

Orochimaru understood. He had him lay down with him on his bed. He would protect him for anything that would prove him harm because he does indeed love Kabuto. He has for a long while.

Kabuto fell into a troubled sleep, clinging onto Orochimaru.

()()()

Naruto woke up, looking around, he remembered he was in Kakashi's bed. Blushing furiously, he sat up. He felt better. That was the blessing his mother had bestowed upon him...fast healing. He was tender, but better.

"How are you feeling now?" Kakashi asked, having a bowl of ramen ready for him nearby along with some water.

"Alright...better now!" Naruto grinned, reaching for the ramen. "What happened why they chose me?" he asked around a spoonful of ramen.

"The Root are after jinchurriki and anyone else powerful like Sasuke or someone else," explained Kakashi, not minding to provide some answers. "They tried getting you, but I'm not letting that happen."

Naruto paled. "How did you know I'm a jinchurriki? Damnit, I try to keep it hidden." His voice became gruff with anger.

"Sorry, but I could tell by how fast you're healing," said Kakashi softly.

Letting out an angry puff of air, Naruto just dug back into his ramen. "I wanted to escape all that shit." he mumbled.

"I can tell. I don't leak out your secret to anyone else," promised Kakashi.

Naruto looked up. "Thanks." Finishing the ramen, he got up. "Well, I better get back to the tent. I'm sure Granny misses you. Thanks Bossman." Naruto had tried to start using the nickname to keep himself from getting closer than was possible with Kakashi.

"You're welcome. Just be careful, ok?" he worried about the blonde as if he were his own.

"Thanks." Naruto's shoulders slumped even lower as he felt the pricks of tears in his eyes.

"I mean...yea. Sorry." Shaking his head, he left the tent.

Frowning, Kakashi wondered what could be wrong with him. He would need to talk to Tsunade about things. Maybe she would know.

()()()

Shikamaru looked at Sasuke. Gnawing his lip, he opened his mouth, and then shut it. Sighing, he pulled out a book.

"What?" he poked his side; teasingly. "You ok?"

"Yea, yea." Shikamaru grumbled. Huffing, his brain was trying to work this sexuality thing out.

"Ok," Sasuke dropped it, being lazy.

Shikamaru just sat there the rest of the night, worrying the matter over in his brain.

()()()

Itachi had set up the meeting. Wandering back to the tent, he'd tell Kakashi about it tomorrow. Sighing, he realized he really had to give up on Kabuto. The thought hurt him.

Taking a walk outside of the circus he wondered how things would go with the other circus to be wary of.

Looking up, Itachi saw Sakura. "Hello."

"Hi," she waved at him.

"Hi." Sakura was a girl, maybe she would know. "Sakura, could I ask you a question?" He felt comfortable with her. Sakura could've sworn she heard Ino giggle.

"Sure," nodded the rosette, wondering what this could be about.

"Have you ever loved someone, but they love someone else?" Itachi asked; voice in pain.

"I've never been in love before," she admitted to him. "But if I had then you would need to let them go, and be happy for them."

"Easier said than done." Itachi muttered.

"I know," Sakura placed a comforting hand on his shoulder after going over to him.

Itachi sighed, putting his hand on Sakura's.

"Will you be ok?" she asked worriedly.

"Yes, I will." Itachi smiled sadly.

"Ok," she's not really convinced, but will drop it for now.

"Goodnight." Itachi walked off into the night

"Night," Sakura went back to her quarters, hoping he would be ok.

()()()

Kabuto awoke with a start.

"You ok?" asked Orochimaru, laying beside him.

"Y...yea." kabuto said stretching and getting up.

"Good," he got up as well, but grimaced at noticing it's the day and he can't leave the cellar.

"I gotta go to do chores." Kabuto kissed Orochimaru gently as he got up.

"I know," he kissed him back, hoping he'll be ok.

Kabuto headed out, walking cautiously, but doing chores.

()()()

The stocky leader known as Danzou walked into the main ring. "Kakashi, I was summoned to see you " he sounded bored. Itachi had told Kakashi, Danzou would be at the tent at this hour.

"Yes, you or someone in your group attacked one of my performers," said Kakashi, glaring lightly.

"I believe you are mistaken." Danzou said, still looking bored.

"Am I?" Kakashi doesn't look convinced.

"Yes. We didn't try to attack your performer." Snarling, Danzou whirled and threw a blade at Kakashi as he spat, "he got in the way of us attacking you!" Right then about a hundred Naruto's ran into the tent. Charging for Danzou and pinning him down, one threw himself in front of Kakashi, the blade embedding in his chest to the hilt. As Danzou fought the clones, many of them poofing into smoke at the hits, the one who took the dagger lay at Kakashi's feet.

Grimacing at the blade in his chest he managed to ensure it hit in a non-fatal area.

For him it's another blade that Naruto didn't manage to block.

Shikamaru ran in, as did Itachi, Sasuke and many of the other performers, easily subduing Danzou and the three men Danzou brought. Naruto looked up at Kakashi, frowning as blood leaked out of his mouth. "S...sorry, Bossman...I thought I got them." The blade was deep, and to the left center of Naruto's chest. Tsunade ran up to start healing Kakashi.

Sakura went to heal Naruto since Tsunade is taking care of the ringmaster.

"It's not your fault," reassured Kakashi, not wanting the blonde to blame himself for this.

The blade had shattered, some had embedded in Naruto's lungs, and others in his heart, and his beat was weakening. "T...thanks, Sakura." He coughed up some more blood.

"You're welcome. Don't move too much," frowned Sakura, trying to ensure he wouldn't fade away on them.

"I don't feel so good." Naruto whimpered. "B...but I need to tell bossman something. Get him, please?"

"I'm right here," waved Kakashi, having been healed, motioning for Tsunade to help heal Naruto, moving over to sit beside him.

Tsunade started working with Sakura. The wounds were deep, but with two skilled medics, the wounds should be healed. Naruto felt horrible, feeling the beast inside him straining to release, keeping the beast in check by sheer willpower, which was slowing down the healing power. Grabbing Kakashi, he tugged for Kakashi to get close to his ear. "I...I know it's not returned...and you have... Granny...but...in case I don't make it..." Naruto coughed again, blood still trickling, "I'm in love with ya."

"I love you too," he whispered quietly for only Naruto to hear, knowing it would bite him in the ass later whenever Tsunade found out that his love for her has waned.

Naruto's eyes brightened briefly before he coughed again. "D...don't let me pass out." He kept trying to keep the beast at bay. "T…the beast."

"I know," Kakashi held one of Naruto's hands in his own. "They should have finished healing you shortly. Just hang in there for a few more moments, ok?"

Nodding, Naruto just gritted his teeth and sweated until Sakura was done. He felt weak and dizzy.

"Let's take you back to your room for you to rest," suggested Kakashi, getting help to transport him.

Naruto didn't fight. Once he was in his cot, he promptly passed out.

Kakashi passed out on the floor, having given the last of his strength to help Naruto.

Some other workers rushed Kakashi to his bed, calling for Tsunade, who came in and tended to the silverette.

()()()

Shikamaru pulled Sasuke behind a tent after the fighting was done. He started examining Sasuke for wounds, pulling off the man's shirt and examining him.

There are various scrapes and cuts. There didn't seem to be any too fatal wounds.

"I'm ok," he said quietly.

Shikamaru just grabbed Sasuke, hugging him tightly. "I...I can't anymore, Sasuke. I'm sorry. I don't know what the fuck is going on with me, but I love you."

"Good, I love you too," he shared a rare genuine smile, holding back.

"C'mon, I'll fix you up." He took Sasuke to Sasuke's bed, urging him to lay down while he got out a medic kit and started cleaning up the scrapes.

"Ok," sighed Sasuke, laying down on the bed while his now boyfriend helps him out.

"Don't expect me to buy you flowers and shut." Shikamaru said as he patched Sasuke up

"Heh, I wouldn't," he gave a little laugh by the joke.

Afterwards, he lay down with Sasuke, holding him tight.

()()()

Kabuto was facing the woman in the cellar, whimpering. Orochimaru had been outside.

"Now, Kabuto, be a good boy and come with me," she growled, fangs bared.

"Why should he?" Orochimaru stepped out to move in front of Kabuto, looking down at the fanged creature with slightly narrowed amber eyes.

"This is none of your concern." She hissed as Kabuto shook.

"Yes, it is. Kabuto is my mate," growled Orochimaru, standing his ground.

"He is my mate, not yours. He was promised to me at birth."

"Too bad," glared Orochimaru, not budging.

Kabuto whimpered, trying to step behind Orochimaru. "Fine." Pulling out a sword, she rushed at Orochimaru.

Bringing out a metal crowbar he parried her sword.

Snarling she fought hard.

Kabuto finally was able to stab her in the back while Orochimaru kept her attention.

That's how they managed to kill the person that was supposed to be Kabuto's arranged mate.

Dropping the knife afterwards, Kabuto just started shivering again, staring at his blood stained hands.

"You'll be ok now," murmured Orochimaru softly, putting his weapon away before wrapping his arms around his lover.

Kabuto just curled into Orochimaru, sobbing quietly. He was not a killer.

"This was necessary. I know you're not a killer, love," he held him protectively in his arms.

Kabuto nodded, holding close to Orochimaru.

Taking him out of the cellar he put him to his cot and stayed with him. The reason why he stayed away from the sunlight was because people would just mock him outside of the circus family for how he is a stitched up mess.

Kabuto just held him. "I think you are beautiful."

"Aw, thanks," he grinned, holding him close. "If only others would agree with you, love."

"Does it matter about others?" he asked.

"Perhaps not," sighed Orochimaru.

Kabuto hugged him tightly. "I'll always be here for you."