Damn Roses
Author's Note: This continues to be the story that gives me the greatest writer's block. But I am glad you guys are enjoying it. You're reviews do give me inspiration to fight the writer's block lol.
Chapter Warnings: Swearing and a "naughty word."
Chapter Five
Sasuke hadn't intended to do it. He hadn't intended to fall asleep in Naruto's lap. But the blonde was just so comfortable and he'd been suffering from jet lag. So he could be forgiven for dozing off. It would have been a little embarrassing, but not a big deal. That was if Shikamaru hadn't chosen that moment to walk through the living room.
"What a drag, this is awkward," Shikamaru mutters and stretches.
"It's not what you think," Sasuke starts to say.
"I know you didn't sleep with him. You are both dressed. It wouldn't matter if you had. I just don't want to walk in on you two going at it like rabbits," Shikamaru waves his concern off.
"Oh. Good. Noted. Though that won't be a concern for awhile," Sasuke says.
"Ah trying to take it slow," Shikamaru asks.
"Yeah," Sasuke says and thinks and failing miserably.
The talking wakes Naruto up. His blue eyes flutter open. He looks around, a little groggy. Then he sees Sasuke and Shikamaru talking. He actually blushes.
Shikamaru must think they had slept together. Which Naruto wished had happened, but it didn't. Sasuke was a private person on the best of days. So if he was going to be embarrassed about being walked in on during or after sex, at the very least, they should actually have sex in the first place!
"Morning, Shikamaru," Naruto greets him.
"Morning. It's fine Naruto. I know nothing X rated happened. Remember, I went to school with both of you. Even if it did, as long as I don't see it, I don't care. Oh and try not to do it in front of my fiancee either," he shrugs it off.
"How'd that happen anyway? You and Temari are so different," Sasuke wonders.
"We were on opposing research teams. I could have beaten her, but decided that spending all our resources on one project was stupid. So she "won." But she felt like it was a hallow victory. Temari asked me out to dinner to ask why I had pulled out at the last minute," Shikamaru begins.
Naruto snickers at the pulled out at the last minute remark. Both Sasuke and Shikamaru give the blue eyed man a look that said, Grow up. He puts up his hands in a defensive gesture like, Okay. Okay. I'll behave.
"Naruto, get your mind out of the gutter. Anyway, it was as drag. It was like an Inquisition. Temari has never taken well to being beaten at anything. She's extremely competitive. A classic Type A Personality," Shikamaru continues.
"Sounds like someone I know," Naruto shoots Sasuke a look.
"Oh shut up loser," Sasuke scoffs.
Sasuke was man enough to admit, that it was accurate. But that didn't mean he wanted it talked about. He had always strove to be the best. He had to be exceptional to get his father's attention. Itachi would always be Fugaku's favored son. (Well at least he was his mother's favorite.)
"I think I impressed her or something. She asked for us to collaborate on a wind power project. Guess I swept her off her feet or something," the lazy man says, with a chuckle.
"Nice one," Sasuke says at the pun.
"Thanks. So been awhile since I"ve seen you, what you been up to, besides cuddling up to Naruto," Shikamaru asks.
"I do not cuddle," Sasuke twitches.
"Yes, yes he does. Don't let him fool you," Naruto says with a grin.
Sasuke takes the opportunity to smack the blonde with a pillow. God dammit. He had a reputation as a badass to protect.
"I'm a lawyer," Sasuke answers.
"Yeah I could see that. What branch of law did you go into? Prosecutor or Defender," Shikamaru asks.
"I do a bit of everything. I'm a Prosecutor," was his reply.
"Sasuke, just likes ripping the bad guys a new one," Naruto chirps.
"I could see that. You've always had an eye for an eye version of fairness," Shikamaru offers.
"Well yeah," Sasuke responds.
"What law firm do you work at," he questions.
"Root International," was his reply.
"That's pretty hardcore. Gotta be right up there with Konoha and the Sound. Surprised they hired someone so young. Almost everyone there has at least 20 years of arguing cases under their belt," the genius says.
"Do you know everything," Naruto blinks.
"The company that I work for specializes in research. That doesn't mean legal issues don't arise sometimes. We've had Roots resolve a couple of our issues. Besides, this is nothing you can't find out on Google or if you actually read a newspaper," Shikamaru explains.
Sasuke laughs. Naruto wouldn't touch a newspaper unless he was waiting somewhere and happened to flip to the horoscope or comic section. It wasn't that he had no interest in current events. Naruto was just too hyper to read a newspaper.
"Hmpf," Naruto says at Sasuke laughing.
Sasuke had to admit, that Naruto looked cute when he pouted. Well he'd never admit it out loud, but facts were facts. He didn't even think about it. It was an automatic response. He kisses Naruto's cheek.
"Sorry, we both know you are way too hyper to read a newspaper. It was funny," Sasuke says.
"Well yeah, I guess," Naruto says and smiles at the chaste kiss.
"What a drag. Temari will be waiting for me. We have a big project to work on today," Shikamaru says.
"Oh is THAT what they are calling it these days," Naruto snickers.
"Naruto, get your mind out of the gutter," both dark haired men snap.
"I don't want to! It's fun here," Naruto says cheerfully.
"I really don't know what I'm going to do with you, loser," Sasuke shakes his head.
"Well I have some movies that could give you a few ideas," Naruto offers.
' "I don't need help for THAT," Sasuke says with a slight twitch.
"Good to know," Naruto smiles.
Meanwhile, Gaara and Itachi's plane lands back in Vegas. While Itachi was known as a genius, Gaara had a more subtle intelligence. He was great at seeing opportunities and taking advantage of them. That was how he became the youngest Governor in the country, after all.
Today was such an opportunity. For whatever reason, the older Uchiha seemed more susceptible to jet lag than most people. He'd be out of it. Gaara decides to see if he'd be more agreeable in this frame of mind.
"So Itachi, I was thinking," Gaara begins.
"So soon? I would have thought I would have successfully screwed your brains out for at least another 24 hours," Itachi smirks.
"Uchihas must have a smirking gene. I swear that you and Sasuke have identical smirks. But yes, so soon," Gaara says and suddenly has difficulty remembering what he was about to say.
The Uchiha smirk was a thing to behold. It was equal parts sexy and terrifying. Itachi was Gaara's husband though. So now it was just sexy to him. But he had to focus here.
"Yes. But what is it," Itachi asks.
"We should get a dog," Gaara says.
"A dog," Itachi repeats.
"Yes. I'm a politician. Dogs are a great asset in a campaign. That and I always wanted one, but my brother is allergic," Gaara says.
"They are also a lot of work. Wouldn't a cat be easier," Itachi rubs the back of his head.
"Cats don't usually do well around strangers. Dogs do. Besides, it could double as a guard dog," Gaara reasons.
"So you were thinking a… larger breed then," Itachi asks.
"Yeah. If the dog is an adult and smaller than a cat, I don't consider it a real dog," he says.
"You've thought a lot about this, it seems," Itachi ventures.
"Yes, I always think things through. That's why I married you," Gaara chimes.
"You are adorable, when you are trying to manipulate me," Itachi sighs and shakes his head.
"I'm not trying to manipulate you," Gaara responds.
"Mhm. So you choose now, when you know that I suffer from jet lag to spring this on me," the darker haired man questions.
"Alright. Maybe just a little," the red head relents.
"I thought so. Did you have a specific breed in mind," Itachi sighs, he couldn't deny Gaara anything.
"I was thinking a German Shepherd, " Gaara says.
"A popular choice," Itachi says diplomatically.
"It reminds me of you," his fiance says.
"I'm almost afraid to ask. How does a dog remind you of me," Itachi raises an eyebrow and questions.
"Easy to train, handsome, and very brave," was the red head's response.
"Easy to train," Itachi's eyebrow raises further.
"Mhm. You train a dog by offering them food as a reward for good behavior. The same principle applies to you. Only you are motivated by sex instead of food," Gaara laughs and races into the car.
"…," Itachi couldn't entirely disagree with that assessment, he chases after Gaara.
Gaara fastens his seat belt. Itachi always preferred to be the driver. Gaara didn't really care who drove, so he knew to grab the passenger seat.
"We can get the dog, if it pleases you," Itachi says, as he joins Gaara in the car.
Gaara smiles. Well Itachi knew when he was being manipulated. But he was willing to go along with it. So he still won.
"I wonder if my foolish little brother, finally grabbed his blonde," Itachi muses as he drives them home.
"I think it'd be the other way around. Naruto is more of a chaser," Gaara says.
"Hmm, I guess so. Still they should have gotten together years ago. I think the bouquets will have done the trick though. They just needed a push in the right direction," Itachi says.
"And you say I'm the manipulative one," Gaara mutters.
"I am only looking out for my younger brother. It is not my fault that he can be startling dense sometimes. Truly, a brilliant mind. But sometimes he misses the most obvious things. He's like you in that respect," Itachi says.
"Excuse me," Gaara growls out.
"It took you months to figure out I was your secret admirer," Itachi counters.
"How was I supposed to know that my secret admirer was you? We barely knew each other," Gaara twitches.
"I think I left fairly obvious hints," Itachi says smugly.
"Obvious, what was obvious about food, flowers, sex toys, and purple fingernail polish. Seriously, I still don't get the fingernail polish," Gaara replies.
"I always wear purple fingernail polish. That should have been a clue," Itachi responds as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"…In what universe do you think that I was looking at your fingernails long enough to notice that," Gaara asks.
"Oh good point. You were far more interested in my ass," Itachi concedes.
"That is not the point," Gaara says and blushes.
"The point is, love you…even if you can be a bit oblivious at times," Itachi says and leans over, kissing Gaara lightly, before turning his attention back to the road.
Gaara kisses back. He huffs a bit at being called oblivious. But it didn't really matter. He'd get Itachi back for that crack later.
On the other side of Vegas, Orochimaru places a call to Danzo. Danzo might not trust him. But he knew the lawyer shared a common goal with him. He might be persuadable.
"Danzo, I would like to arrange a meeting. I believe our desires are in alignment on a matter of great importance," he begins.
"Is this about the Hawk," Danzo asks, referring to his codename for Sasuke.
Phone calls were tricky. They could leave a trail. It was not nearly as bad as a paper trail or email trail, but still it had to be considered. It was always important to be as cryptic as possible. (Otherwise Danzo's own ass would have been thrown in jail long ago.)
"Yes, it is. When are you available," the Sanin asks.
"I can clear my schedule for this afternoon. We can have lunch," he responds.
"Excellent. I shall meet you at Ayame's place shortly," responded the pale man.
"Very well," Danzo says.
About twenty minutes later, Danzo arrives. He sees that Orochimaru was there. While Danzo's desires for Sasuke were purely professional (though unethical), he knew the Sanin had more…inappropriate desires for the Hawk.
Honestly, Danzo was as straight as an arrow. He didn't care what body parts a person preferred. But Orochimaru was AT LEAST old enough to be Saskue's father, if not grandfather. The very idea was just revolting to the proper Danzo.
"Thank you for meeting with me so quickly. I know you have concerns about his relationship with Naruto as well," Orochimaru begins.
"Yes. I normally do not pry into the personal lives of my employees. But he has such potential. I'd rather not see it wasted for a pretty face. Unfortunately, the reason he has such potential is because of his keen mind. He is likely to notice if we try anything too obvious to break them apart. Subtly is required," he answers.
"I could have Kabuto call him. Let Naruto overhear it. Jealousy might do the trick," the darker haired man suggests.
"He would wonder how Kabuto got his number," Danzo offers.
"We can say that he looked into the hotel records," Orochimaru answers.
"That would be illegal," the sullen man counters.
"Yes, but he might believe that Kabuto would be willing to do such a thing," was his reply.
"Indeed. I suppose that's as fine a start as anything. Do keep me informed of any progress," Danzo says as he places an order.
"I will be sure to do so. I know we have been competitors for many years, but I find you a worthy adversary. It shall be nice to work together, for a common cause," the long tongued man says.
"Make no mistake Orochimaru. I do not trust you. I do not like you. But you are useful to me at this moment. Should you stop being useful, our arrangement will dissolve. Any attempts to steal my employee away as anything other than someone to warm your bed, will be dealt with most harshly," he places a fake smile on his face.
"And it would be ill advised for you to attempt double crossing me," was Orochimaru's response to that threat.
"I am glad we understand each other," Danzo finishes.
"Indeed," Orochimaru says and places his own order.
At Shikamaru's place, Sasuke blinks when he gets a phone call. Who'd be calling at this hour? He answers it.
"Hello," Sasuke says.
"Ah Sasuke, it is good to hear from you again," Kabuto says.
Naruto had gone to take a shower. So Sasuke thought he was speaking with Kabuto alone. Little did he know the blonde had just finished and come down the stairs. This meant he could overhear everything.
"Kabuto, how the fuck did you get this number," Sasuke asks.
"I looked into the hotel records. I feel bad about how we left things. Clearly, your relationship isn't serious if you were getting a massage from a gay man," Kabuto says.
"I didn't know you were gay! Besides, it's your job." Sasuke twitches.
"You liked it though, before you knew I was gay," Kabuto counters.
"Well yeah. You are a professional. You're good at your job, but that's it," Sasuke answers.
"Meet me for dinner at least," Kabuto offers.
"You're in San Francisco," was Sasuke's response.
"I'm visiting some family in Vegas," was the silver haired man's reply.
"…," Sasuke didn't know what to say to that.
"Besides, they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," Kabuto replies smugly.
"Nothing is going to happen. Don't call me again," Sasuke was about to hang up, when he felt the phone yanked out of his hand.
"Stop stalking my boyfriend," Naruto says and hangs up on Kabuto.
"Naruto, I don't appreciate you yanking the phone out of my hand. Cool it on the possessiveness," Sasuke scowls.
"The creep actually hacked into your hotel records, got your number, and wanted to meet with you. He's a stalker," Naruto says.
"I can handle myself. He wouldn't be the first," Sasuke shrugs it off.
"… Do I have to put a collar on with my name on it, for these people to get the point you are taken," Naruto demands.
"What the fuck, Naruto? Knock it off," Sasuke says rolling his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'm just sick of all these perverts trying to grab your ass," Naruto says.
"Uh huh. Yank my phone away from me again like that and I will kick your ass," Sasuke threatens.
"Oh come on. You were jealous of Sai. Why is it not okay for me to tell the stalker to back off," Naruto demands to know.
"That's a little different. I don't know anything about Kabuto. He could be dangerous. I don't want you to get involved. He might just have wanted a one night stand. But we don't know that. You at least knew Sai. Artists are generally not violent. Well other than Deidara. But he's an exception," Sasuke explains.
"Sasuke, it's not smart to stereotype like that. I mean there can be dangerous artists! But that's not the point. The point is I'm worried about you," Naruto says.
"Worried and jealous. You ever suggest a collar again and my boot is going so far up your ass, you will never be able to walk again," the dark eyed man hisses.
"Alright. Alright. I got it. I was being an overprotective ass. You sure about the collar thing though? You'd look pretty hot in it," Naruto chirps.
"…," Sasuke shakes his head at Naruto.
"So I think that was our first official fight as a couple," Naruto says.
"Guess so. I think we are supposed to kiss and make up now," Sasuke smirks.
He knew that Obito advised playing hard to get. But well he'd given Naruto a pretty stern tongue lashing there. Besides, they'd already made out once and fallen asleep together twice. That genie was out of the bottle, so to speak.
"Yeah," Naruto exclaims happily.
Sasuke shakes his head. He grabs Naruto by the collar and pulls him in for a kiss. He couldn't help but smile into it. Naruto was acting like a puppy that got a treat.
Naruto had been so pissed, when he heard that damn massage therapist had actually called Sasuke! Looking up his number in the hotel records had to be illegal, right?
Oh fuck that shit, he grabbed that phone and told the stalker off. The Uchiha's ass was apparently prime real estate. Naruto was tired of trying to tell others that said ass was OFF THE MARKET. Thank you very much.
He'd gotten a little worried, it looked like Sasuke might be genuinely pissed at him. Somehow they made up. Now Naruto, was in his happy place. Sasuke actually initiated the kiss too!
As was expected, it turned into an unofficial competition. Everything between them always did. Their tongues battled for dominance. Naruto was thinking that he might be getting the upper hand, when there was a knock on the door.
"Dammit," Sasuke growls.
"Cockblocked again," Naruto whines.
"It was just kissing, Naruto. You weren't getting laid tonight," Sasuke says and opens the door.
"Tease," Naruto yells at him.
"Whatever," Sasuke blinks when he sees a fucking cop standing at the door.
"Ah you must be Sasuke. I'm Kakashi. I've heard so much about you. Is Naruto here," Kakashi asks.
"Yeah, he's over there. What have you heard," Sasuke raises an eyebrow.
"That you are a gifted lawyer and Orochimaru seems intent on sexually harassing you," Kakashi answers cheerfully.
"… That sums it up quite nicely," Sasuke mutters.
"Naruto, I've discovered something. I don't know if it means anything. But it'd be quite the interesting coincidence, if it doesn't," the cop says.
"What'd you find out, Kakashi," Naruto asks.
"Sai is on Roots International's payroll," Kakashi responds.
"Wait, Naruto's ex, works for the same people I do," Sasuke blinks.
"Seems that way. Obviously, he's not in the legal department," Kakashi answers.
"That's weird," Naruto says getting a bad feeling about this.
Was it possible that Sai saw him with Sasuke and wasn't happy about it. It was just too weird that they both worked at the same place. Still that was far from proof of well anything. Roots International was huge, with at least thousands, if not tens of thousands of employees.
"I don't like it. What's his job listed as," Sasuke says.
"Public Relations Specialist," Kakashi answers.
At this, Naruto bursts out laughing. He couldn't see that. Sai was at best eccentric. The guy made dick jokes constantly. Who the Hell would be dumb enough to make him a Public Relations Specialist?
"I take it from your reaction, that's not what you expected," Sasuke asks.
"Nah! He's definitely not one that knows social graces. I could possibly see Sasuke doing that shit, but not Sai," Naruto chimes in.
"He did it," Sasuke says.
"Now, Sasuke that's not fair. It's certainly suspicious. But we need something more concrete than he works at the same company," Kakashi begins.
"I know that as a lawyer. But as a person, I know that he did it. He broke into Naruto's house. We have to find something to nail this prick," Sasuke says.
"Are you certain that isn't just jealousy, talking," Kakashi asks.
The detective had noticed immediately their disheveled state. Both boy's breath was faster than normal. One's shirt was wrinkled. Their lips were puffier than to be expected. That must have been one intense makeout session. He couldn't help but feel a little impressed.
"Maybe a little. But even you admit it's suspicious," Sasuke responds.
"Yes, it certainly is. Well I'll keep digging. I'll let you know if I find anything. I just wanted to make sure you were both properly briefed," the silver haired man says.
"Thanks, Kakashi. We really appreciate it," Naruto smiles.
"Anytime," he says heading for the door.
Once he was gone, Naruto pounced. He pinned Sasuke to the couch. Now was the time for some fun.
"Now where were we," he asks as he kisses the man underneath him.
"I'd say right about there," Sasuke says, returning the kiss.