Beta: Ancestral Romance
It Wasn't Me, It was the Voice
Chapter 7
Later that evening, in the comfort of his own apartment, Kakashi replayed his earlier conversation with Jiraiya. He toiled over the new information. He knew he was a desperate man, that he would do anything to save his Godson, but bribing medical professionals? Drugging Naruto? The poor kid thinks he's truly crazy!
He sighed and swirled his drink as he stood up. He stared out of his window up into the starry night sky. "Unless what...do demons really exist?" He asked himself, searching the sky for answers that would never come.
He now knew everything since that tragic night.
The box, the demonic possession, the drawings, the secret therapy visits, the bribing of Kabuto and paying off the medical board; he even knew about the drugs they feed to Naruto every day. He knew the real reason for the two guards that followed Naruto everywhere; they were there to knock him out and drag him back to the hospital, should he ever have a psychotic break down in public. He now knew that everyone, aside from Kabuto and now himself, knew only half truths about Naruto.
And to think, after all the information he was given, Minato and Kushina's death was still shrouded in mystery.
Did Naruto really kill them?
If so, how?
Was he even capable of such a feat?
Jiraiya claims Naruto could never have done such a thing; but if not him, who? And why frame Naruto? What could a child at age five possibly do to warrant that?
OOO
"Listen to Kakashi."
Naruto nodded as he stood in the foyer watching men in suits and jackets take Jiraiya's suitcases and pack them into the back of the SUV. The harsh security lighting bathing them pale and sickly looking. It was pitch black as far as the eye can see; it being eleven at night.
"Do everything he says." Jiraiya patted his jacket pocket again for the umpteenth time to check for his passport, wallet and mobile phone.
"If you have any problems, call him. You have his number, right?"
"Oh for fucks sake old man, leave already!"
"Yeah, yeah it's in my phone." Naruto shoved his hands into his pant pockets as cold air wafted in through the door. He regretted not wearing the sweater that Sebastian had laid out for him earlier.
"Behave. Just because I'm not here, doesn't mean you can do whatever you want." He leveled his gaze at Naruto.
"Uh. Yeah. It does. That's EXACTLY what it means!"
"And try and cooperate with Sebastian. He's only trying to help you."
"Pfft, if you think any school work is going to get done you really are an old geezer."
"I know." He shuffled uncomfortably. "He's been...a big help actually."
"Seriously kid you and I need to sit down and have a chat about who you chum up to. Sebastian is your butler. NOT your beloved."
Jiraiya smiled tiredly as the last of his luggage piled into the SUV and the driver climbed in, idling. "I know. He tells me you're actually trying to comprehend what you learn now- and not just answer the questions."
Just then, the man in mention entered the foyer, his arms loaded with Naruto's sweater and coat. "Sir, please." He draped the coat over his forearm as he helped Naruto into the sweater. "It's cold out there and we wouldn't want you getting the chills."
A fond look crossed Jiraiya's face as he watched Naruto wordlessly allow Sebastian to help him put on the sweater and coat without arguing. So much has changed within the last couple of days; almost everyday Naruto matured more. He couldn't help but think that if he didn't know the truth, he would believe that Naruto was just a normal teenage boy. Well a rich, normal teenage boy.
"He's doing good." Kakashi's voice spoke from beside him, surprising him. "Sorry. Did you not hear me come in?" He gestured to the open door with his car keys.
"No." Jiraiya frowned and smoothed down the front of his black suit. "Yes, he...he's doing well." He cleared his throat and turned to face him. "Do you have everything you need? Are your things in your room?"
Casually, Kakashi smiled and nodded. "Yes, yes I'm fine. You should probably get going. What time's your flight?"
"One. A.M."
"In the morning?"
"No, the other A.M." He sent him a sidelong glance and a shake of his head.
Suspiciously, Kakashi checked his watch. "You think you'll get there in time? It's already a little after eleven."
"Don't worry, I will." His voice was soft, but his eyes were locked on Naruto who was now struggling with Sebastian as he was trying unsuccessfully to button up his coat. He didn't say he was going to leave as late as he possibly could; he didn't mention that he was really and truly reluctant to leave his Godson, and he didn't hint that this might be the last time he ever saw him. He didn't need to, it was all written on his weary face.
OOO
The following morning Naruto climbed into Hinata's car to go to school. "So your Grandfather left today right?" Hinata asked as she casually shifted the car into gear and cruised out of the driveway; Kurenai and Asuma were not far behind. Naruto glanced in the side mirror to see them turn into the street, Asuma was driving today.
"Yeah. He left this morning." He smiled at her.
"Look at the way her lips curve boy. Look at it. And her hair, the way it falls around her face, oh the skin! Look at her skin! So fucking beautiful!"
Naruto swallowed thickly and quickly adverted his eyes; he wasn't stupid. He knew exactly how beautiful Hinata was- but he also knew how lucky he was that she even notices him. He was very much aware of his shortcomings; he was tall, but not as tall as Shikamaru, he had muscle, but not nearly as much as Kiba, and he wasn't anything like Sasuke who was cool, and silent but reeked of strength and wealth.
He was a little taller than average, with enough muscle that he didn't look wimpy. The scars on his face detracted from any good looks he had and the fact that there was a demon in his body didn't help his chances with anyone. Let alone Hinata.
"If you're going to be so depressed about the old fart leaving, let me take over." Kyuubi demand, this would be the fourth time this week. Which was unusual. Usually he would kick and scream and demand to be in control about once a month, but then he'd settle back down.
Something was wrong. And Naruto wasn't sure he would be able to handle it.
A cold sweat broke out as he thought back to Monday night, when Kyuubi tried to forcefully take control. He'd almost succeeded. If it weren't for Asuma's intervention, Kyuubi would have won that fight.
"Naruto?"
"Pay attention, boy!"
"Yeah?"
"You okay?" She glanced at him as she pulled up to a red light, concern written on her face. "What's wrong? You look stressed."
"Say something-no! Not just anything! Say you're okay! No! NO! Say you miss her!"
Naruto scowled and shook his head, he was tired of listening to Kyuubi; he was tired of arguing, and he was tired of being bossed around. All he wanted to be, was to be at peace and happy for once in his life.
He was finally happy, but he wasn't at peace.
He felt contented living with Jiraiya, and he even grew to enjoy the time he spent with Sebastian. Though he was still apprehensive about Asuma and Kurenai, there were times when he saw that they went out of their way to help him and make his life a little easier.
But nothing would make Kyuubi peaceful.
Nothing stopped him from ranting and raving, from shouting and whispering evil thoughts into his ear.
He always wanted more. More time, more food, more Hinata.
"Naruto?" Hinata's voice was soft and concerned as she pressed down on the gas, eyes flickering to the rearview mirror as she changed lanes.
"I'm...I'm not doing too well Hinata." He whispered, squeezing his eyes shut as he braced for Kyuubi's wrath.
And boy, did it come.
"YOU FUCKING IDIOT! I SAID TO TELL HER YOU MISSED HER! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU, TURNING ON THE SYMPATHY FOR?! WE ARE PAST THAT FUCKING STAGE! HOW STUPID ARE YOU BOY?! MOVE IT! MOVE IT!" He shouted, causing Naruto to cringe as the battle of wills for control began. "GIVE ME CONTROL! NOW!"
"What's wrong, Naruto? You know you can talk to me about anything." Hinata glanced at him to see his face pale as she pulled into the school parking lot. "Are you not feeling well?"
Naruto took a deep breath as he fought to remain in control of his body and smiled shakily at Hinata as she parked. "No, no. I'm not sick it's just…"
"Does it have to do with your Grandfather leaving?"
He shook his head no, then yes. "I don't know...I'm not...happy. I mean, I'm happy, but…"
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!"
"Oh." She pulled the key out of the ignition then reached over and squeezed his hand, her fingers slim, but strong. "I understand." Her warm, soothing eyes gazed up at his sad, worried face. "Depression is a hard thing to struggle with. But you're not alone, Naruto."
That made Kyuubi stop his ranting and fighting.
"I'm always here for you. Whenever you need me, day or night." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "I'm not supposed to say anything...but I think you need to know this, it might help." She glanced around as though someone were watching then dropped her voice low. "Every year before Christmas, we all go on a trip to the mountains. Around that time it's all snowy and cold; we light the fireplace and roast marshmallows. And if you can believe it, Ino and Sakura can cook and they make the most delicious dishes." She beamed up at him. "But keep it quiet- we were going to tell you after school at the dinner."
"You made her think you suffer with depression. You fucking idiot." Kyuubi huffed. "First you're gay, now this." He sneered disgustingly. "Can you do anything right?"
OOO
Much to Naruto's surprise, Kyuubi remained silent throughout the school day. If he didn't know any better he'd say the Fox demon was giving him the silent treatment; but Kyuubi never sulked. He planned and weaseled his way into getting what he wanted and in the back of his mind, he knew he had to be extra careful. A silent Kyuubi was a lot more deadly than a pissed off one.
But for the first time, he was allowed to be just himself without anyone whispering in his ear or manipulating him. He was able to ask his own questions freely, laugh when he wanted to and smile when he felt like it; it was liberating.
"Hey man, looks like your Granddaddy leaving freed you up some." Kiba chuckled as he looped one arm around Naruto's shoulders and steered him towards the parking lot after school. "Guess he's the one that pulls the strings not Mama or Daddy huh?"
"Oh can it Kiba." Ino huffed as she fell in step beside Naruto. "We're going to the diner right? I'm hungry."
"What? For another stupid salad?" Kiba snarked. "If you ate real food, you'd feel less hungry you know."
Naruto grinned and nudged Ino's shoulder with his elbow before she could start fighting with Kiba. "Guys, I can't stay out long today." He glanced over his shoulder with difficulty, since Kiba's arm still hung there. He saw Hinata and Sakura trailing behind with Sasuke and Shikamaru bringing up the rear. Chouji had left early to catch a flight back to Japan, well- so Ino told him during lunch. He was going back to help his father run their restaurant since his mother had taken ill.
"Aw, how come?" Ino asked, pulling her car keys out of her purse. "It's friday, what can be more important than us?"
"I've got tutoring this evening." He shrugged and Kiba slapped him on the chest.
"Blow it off. We've got plans man."
"If you want, I can come over later and help you." Ino suggested as the crossed the parking lot to the far end where they all parked. Everyone lined up their cars side by side; Hinata, Ino, Sasuke and Shikamaru, no one ever dared to ever accidently pull up in any one of the four spaces. "I can drop you home and, if you don't mind, crash the night and we can study."
At that Kiba snorted and withdrew his arm. "Right. Study." He grinned and elbowed Naruto in the ribs. "She's going to take you home to study."
Even Naruto chuckled at the dirty joke and shook his head as he leaned on Ino's white, Ford Focus. "No, it's okay. I just can't blow it off you know. Not that I don't like spending time with you guys but…"
"But what?" Kiba needled as everyone gathered around and started pulling out their car keys and shifting their bags.
"But, tonight's the first night he's gone and I don't exactly feel like raising the alarms so soon." He quirked one side of his mouth up in a smirk. "I want to enjoy a little freedom before they-"
"Put you under house arrest?" Kiba grinned. "I get it."
"Right." Sakura clapped her hands then shoved her way past Kiba to the passenger side of Ino's car. "We should get going then. I am hungry."
That was the cue for everyone to start moving. Naruto jumped into Hinata's car while Kiba rode with Sasuke. Shikamaru, with his spacious SUV, drove himself. The diner wasn't too far, ten minutes at the most and soon enough everyone was crowded around a circular booth near the back perusing the menu they knew like the back of their hand. After about five minutes of bickering back and forth they ordered their drinks then set about arguing about what appetizers to order.
"I want wings." Sasuke stated from his seat at the end.
"Then grow some." Naruto muttered, uncomfortably squeezed between Hinata and Ino.
His remark earned him a bark of laughter from Kiba and a snort from Shikamaru at the other side of Hinata.
"Naruto, you've been spending too much time with Kiba." Sakura spoke from beside Ino. "By the way, who's going to tell him?" She glanced around the table.
Before anyone could say anything two waitresses appeared with their drinks. They were both middle aged with dark hair, but had pleasant dispositions about them. "Hey kids, no trouble this time alright?" One of them smiled as she set the tray down and handed Ino her water with a lemon slice and Sakura her raspberry ice tea.
"What happened last time?" Naruto asked as he accepted his Coca Cola from the waitress.
She smiled and winked then passed Sasuke his Coca Cola. "Oh, last time, these two," She motioned at Kiba and Ino. "nearly tore the place apart!" Her laugh was light and airy. "Now what can I get you kids?"
"Wings."
"Fries."
"Fruit salad."
"Chips and dip?"
Everyone answered at once and the waitress' just laughed and nodded. "Alright. Be back with your appetizers."
Naruto sipped his Cola for a few seconds before he felt Hinata nudge his shoulder and looked down at her face. She was shoved up right against his side, so close he could see the light blush she applied still dusting her cheeks and smell the faint waft of her perfume still clinging to her. "Yes?"
"You seem happy."
"I am."
Just then Ino wrapped her arm around his neck, which was a feat in of itself considering the confined space and his height compared to her. "Then I'm going to make you ten times happier!" She grinned and tapped his nose with her fingernail. "Because, wait for it…"
"Hey, who said you're telling him?" Kiba scowled.
"Yeah, we agreed everyone tells him." Sasuke piped up from the side. "And it's my fucking place, I should-"
Ino ignored everyone and grinned. "You are cordially invited to our annual pre-Christmas vacation at Sasuke's cabin!" She announced loudly, earning a glare from Sasuke. "It's always fun; we make a campfire, cook-don't worry you won't have to do that," She pinched his cheek. "There's camping trails the boys will drag you on, oh! And-"
"Ino, shut up." Sakura grabbed her elbow and yanked her back, freeing Naruto. "Sasuke's right, he should be the one to invite him it's his place."
Sasuke peered over at him from his perch at the end and jerked his chin out. "You're invited. I'll text you the details later." His cool gaze slid over to Ino. "That is, if she doesn't blab everything thing to you."
"Thanks, man." Naruto nodded and glanced down at Hinata. He lowered his voice so only she could hear and settled one arm behind her; not touching her, but enough that it caught her attention. "So this holiday thing, it's what you were telling me about earlier?"
She smiled up at him, her large eyes staring into his own. "Yeah." She breathed, nervously biting one side of her lip. "I hope you can come. I know how...strict your...caretakers are."
At that, he frowned. It didn't even cross his mind that Jiraiya might not let him go. And since Jiraiya was out of the country now and he didn't know for how long, he might actually have to ask Kakashi instead.
"Hey," She grabbed his hand resting on the table and gently squeezed reassuringly. "I'm fairly certain you'll be able to come. Even if they are going to tag along as well." Her eyes darting over the diner at Kurenai and Asuma sitting discreetly at a table.
"Yeah...yeah let's hope." He gently squeezed her hand back and smiled.
"So I was thinking- that it's about time you learn to drive." She changed the topic with a grin. "You are...seventeen right?"
"Eighteen." He corrected easily.
That, unfortunately gained Ino's attention. "Wait- you're eighteen?" She demanded, grabbing his arm. "When did this happen? Hinata said you're seventeen-when's your birthday?"
At suddenly being put on the spot he began to cold sweat and swallowed thickly. What did he do now? Why is she so mad? It's just a birthday. No big deal, so he's one year older. Everyone's one day older every day so why's everyone looking at him so funny. "October tenth."
"Fuck!" Kiba swore and reached around Hinata to punch him in the shoulder. "You never said a thing man!" He scowled. "What's wrong with you?!"
"What?"
"What?!" He repeated and waved over one of the waitresses. "You are suppose to tell your fucking friends when it's your fucking birthday!" He impatiently waved at the waitress walking over. "Finally! Listen- this guy conveniently forgot to tell us it was his birthday this month, so can you fix him up something nice?"
Just then Sakura's hand shot out, gaining the waitresses attention. "Like a small cake?"
"Try a large one." Kiba added.
"A pie might be nice." Shikamaru mused outloud.
"A large birthday pie." Sasuke stated. "How about coconut creme?"
"Good choice." Shikamaru pointed at Sasuke across the table and nodded then looked at the waitress. "One large coconut creme happy birthday pie. Can you make that happen?" His tone suggested that she better make it happen, if she wanted to keep her job that is.
OOO
Hours later, after many laughs, arguments, and Birthday toasts and celebrations, Naruto quietly walked through the foyer with an exhausted Asuma and Kurenai trailing behind. They waved him goodnight and trotted upstairs, tired from their day of what essentially amounted to glorified babysitting.
He decided to go pecking in the kitchens, having worked off the diner food with all the laughing and shoving. He to cut through the living area instead of turning on the hall lights, figuring that might be his best bet at avoiding anyone.
"You're late." A low, calm voice spoke from the shadows of the living room, startling Naruto.
"Sorry!" He shouted as his eyes fixed on the body hovering at the edge of the room. Slowly, the person stepped out to reveal none other than Kakashi. He wore dark slacks and a simple white button down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow.
"I'm disappointed in you." He spoke and motioned for Naruto to take a seat on one of the chairs.
Wearily, he sat down on the loveseat closest to him and watched Kakashi slowly pace the length of the room in front of him. In all the months that he's been here, this has never happened to him before. Sure he's been shouted at by Kurenai and Asuma, frowned upon by Jiraiya and yelled at by Kyuubi, but to be sat down and stared at with such disappointment and worry was new territory.
"No phone call. No text message or email. Nothing. School's been over for-what time is it?" He glanced down at his watch and frowned. "It's almost ten O'clock Naruto. You should have been home at least two hours ago."
It was actually only nine fifteen, but Naruto decided that correcting him wouldn't improve his situation in the least. "But-but didn't Asuma or Kurenai call?"
"Of course they did!" He hissed.
The scary part was that Kakashi didn't shout. He hissed, he muttered, he scowled but his voice didn't raise and his gaze remained level. He was perfectly in control.
"But you didn't even make an effort to contact me and let me know you're safe, Naruto."
Naruto heard an intake of breath in his head, as if Kyuubi were about to say something but nothing came of it. "I-I didn't know i was suppose to."
At that he blinked and his steps faltered. "Jiraiya doesn't have you call him?"
Slowly, Naruto shook his head 'no'.
"No text message?"
Again, he shook his head.
"No...contact?"
"No." He scratched the back of his head in confusion. "Uh...we don't really talk actually…"
At that Kakashi's eyes grew wide. "You don't?"
"No...I mean we have dinner or something once a week but...not the way you're suggesting…"
Kakashi sighed and nodded, massaging his forehead with the tips of his fingers. "Okay, alright I can't fault you for that now can I? But where were you? What could have possibly kept you out so long?"
"Uh...it's Friday?" He tried with a half smile. "I mean, doesn't everyone hang out on a friday?"
"Naruto." Kakashi's voice warned.
"Right, sorry." His face grew warm. "They uh, that is my friends found out that it was my birthday earlier this month so they decided to celebrate it. With pie. Coconut pie."
Once again, Kakashi sighed, he really couldn't shout at him for that. He seemed so happy and pleased that his friends celebrated this thing he didn't understand- so he just waved him off and sunk down into a chair, his brain clicking.
Jiraiya did care; why else would he give all of his staff a vacation when Naruto first came to live with him? Why else would he slowly ease him into the lavish lifestyle? Why else would he meticulously search for a butler young but responsible enough to handle Naruto? And personally take the time to brief each and every member of his staff about his Godson? No, he cared. In his own, strange way Jiraiya cared about Naruto.
OOO
As soon as Naruto scurried upstairs and into his room, he came face with Sebastian. He looked so worried and sick he immediately felt regret swell up into his gut. "Sir!" He visibly relaxed for a second before composing himself once again. "You're back, welcome. Is there anything I can get you? Food? A drink? I've already laid out your pajamas for the night." Though he tried to maintain that unshakable mask, his voice betrayed him with emotion. Apparently no one told him that he would be home late; usually Jiraiya would pull him aside and let him know Naruto's schedule. Things were going to change until Jiraiya came back- that much was obvious. Otherwise, everyone's nerves would be shot by the end of the week, and Naruto would most likely be back at the hospital under Kabuto's care. Again.
"Something to eat, if you don't mind." Naruto mumbled as he began removing his clothes, wondering idly If he should ask for Sebastian's mobile number and if it would be too forward of him.
Grateful, he bowed. "Yes, Sir."
Fifteen minutes later, Sebastian returned with a tray of sandwiches, water and apple slices, setting them on the table. "Here is your food, Sir, I hope you enjoy it. I will start setting up for your lesson."
"Lesson?" Naruto repeated, taking his seat and picking up a sandwich while Sebastian sat down as well, pulling over several books and notebooks, out of his pocket came his favorite pen. "Of course, Sir." He answered, then set to work.
While Sebastian wrote out math problems for him to solve, Naruto ate his food and idly picked up his mobile phone to check his messages. There were several waiting text messages blinking on the screen, much to his surprise.
Three from Hinata:
Hey Naruto, do you want to go for breakfast tomorrow?
Just the two of us?
How's the tutoring with Sebastian going?
Two from Sasuke:
Don't forget to ask your parents. And that grandfather of yours.
I don't want them crashing my place again because of you. Even if they were cool about it.
And one from Ino:
Naruto! You sure you don't want me to come over?
His face grew warm as he read the messages again and quickly replied to Hinata- but paused In his typing, Kakashi's anger niggling in the back of his head. Should he ask Kakashi? He never had to really ask to go out before- but then again, he never had to call when he was late either. Absently, his gaze wandered over to Sebastian seated beside him; glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, shirt sleeves rolled up, and tie loosened. Even though this was his butler, he also viewed him like a friend. A very bossy, demanding, stiff friend. "Sebastian?"
"Yes?" He answered immediately, hand still writing even as his eyes glanced over.
"Should I...ask Kakashi if I could go to breakfast tomorrow?"
Sebastian scowled at the informal way in which he spoke of his 'uncle,' but stopped writing. "Who do you wish to go to breakfast with, Sir?"
"Hinata." He fiddled with his mobile as a blush worked its way up his neck.
"Ah." A slow smile curved along Sebastian's mouth. "I see."
He nodded.
"Well, as you've noticed Mr. Kakashi is different than Mr. Jiraiya- I do think the right thing is asking for permission." He stated with that same knowing smile. "I'm sure he'll understand, but right now we have work to do. So, as I have written here the equation is-"
"Do you have a mobile phone?" Naruto cut him off, wiping his hands on a cloth napkin.
That caught Sebastian off guard and he stared at Naruto in surprise. "Uh...yes, yes I do..."
Realizing that he should have gone about it a bit more tactfully, Naruto's face grew warm but he soldiered on. "I only asked because...well things are different with my Grandfather gone, and well...Kak-Uncle Kakashi isn't doing what uh, he used to- so...I just thought to avoid what happened again tonight next time, I'll just call you or text or something..." He trailed off uncomfortably, his eyes locked onto that other half of his sandwich sitting on the dish.
Warmth spread through Sebastian as he realized what Naruto was saying and a smile spread across his usually emotionless face. Naruto genuinely did care, in his own air headed, naive way. As much stress and work he gave him he did care about his butler. "Yes, I'd appreciate it very much Sir."
And so math lessons continued into the late evening.
OOO
It took about nine hours on a direct flight to Cairo, and when he arrived, Jiraiya was more than a little exhausted. He hated to admit it but he was getting old; all he wanted to do was check into his hotel room and sleep. The car was waiting for him as soon as he grabbed his suitcases, just as the Stranger said. Much to his relief, the driver helped him pack it all into the car and soon enough they were off into the busy roads of Cairo. But Jiraiya was too tired and worried to take in much of the foreign scenery; or even realize the amount of near accidents the driver avoided with his years of practiced skill-his mind was racing with thoughts of the Stranger.
Who was he?
Where was the driver taking him?
He had booked his own hotel room but had the nagging feeling that he was about to lose his money on the room since the driver completely ignored him when he tried to give the name. Absently, he patted his jacket pockets as his phone vibrated and withdrew it, unlocking it to see another text message from the Stranger. "Welcome to Cairo, Mr. Jiraiya! I trust your flight was well?"
With a frown, Jiraiya glanced at the driver then quickly texted back. "Yes, thank you. It was a lovely flight."
"Wonderful. Now within the next forty five minutes you will arrive at the hotel Palace. One of the finest in the city. I hope it's to your liking."
"You've set me up in a hotel?"
"Of course. You will have the remainder of the day to recuperate yourself. Have a enjoyable day, Mr. Jiraiya."
True to the Stranger's text, forty five minutes later the driver rolled up in front of one of the poshest hotels he ever laid eyes upon. The 'Palace' rose so high, his neck hurt from craning up. Within seconds of putting the car in gear, a bellhop was opening his door and bowing. "Good Day, Sir. May I help you?" The young man offered his arm to Jiraiya, and though he hated to even admit it, he accepted the arm.
While the young bellhop helped him into the hotel, another tended to his bags; within minutes he was in an elevator riding up to one of the top floors. His room was large and spacious complete with a living area, kitchen, two large flat screen televisions and a king sized bed. Absently he tipped the bellhop and waved him off before wandering over to one of the sitting chairs and sank down in it with a sigh.
"I should call Kakashi." He mumbled, but was too tired to even do that.
Within seconds he was fast asleep, unaware of the door creaking open.
OOO
That night, Naruto lay in bed, the darkness surrounding him. He reveled in the quiet of his mind and the soothing calm of the sheets and blankets. When would he next experience this amount of quite? This level of contentment in life again?
He took a deep bracing breath and sighed. "Kyuubi?" He whispered into the dark.
It took a few seconds before Kyuubi responded, but when he did, his voice was deadly calm. "Yes?"
"Uh..." Naruto wasn't sure how to navigate this new situation. Never before had Kyuubi been so angry, that he ignored him for so long. This was new territory for the both of them. "How-how you doing?"
"Fine." He snipped then cleared his throat. "I see you had a good day without me."
At that Naruto's eyebrows shot up into his hairline. "Yeah..." He stared into the darkness beside his bed, hands clenching. "Yeah I did actually."
"I heard they invited you out to that rich idiot's cabin." He, much to Naruto's shock, sounded almost hurt.
"They did."
"And you're going?"
"I have to talk to...probably Kakashi...and Asuma, and-"
"But you're going. Without me." He insisted petulantly.
"Kyuubi. You're in me. Of course you're going." Naruto rolled his eyes dramatically. What was Kyuubi thinking; of course they're going together. There's no other way.
Kyuubi huffed and muttered something so low Naruto couldn't even hear him. "Whatever. Goodnight."
OOO
Reviews do make me write quicker.
All constructive and unconstructive criticism welcome.