Chapter 15

Gaara took in Naruto slowly, eyes running down the man's frame with unnatural care. His blond hair was mussed, and his eyes were misty with a look that made Gaara's breath quicken. Several buttons of the blond's shirt had been undone, giving off glimpses of tan stomach. It would have been an intoxicating sight- and it nearly was- if it wasn't for the harsh knowledge that the effect was all the Uchiha's doing.

But that didn't really matter, did it? The game had only really just started. So the Uchiha finally had a grip on things, did he? Too bad Naruto didn't. The man may not understand it yet, but there was a bond between them. Gaara had taken careful steps to ensure that. If there was no affection there, it was simply because Gaara had been too far in the lead. Naruto had still believed this was all business- Gaara had known it was personal from the very beginning. Now they were all on the same page. Which meant things could truly begin.

"U-U-uchiha-sama! I'm sorry! I tried to stop him, but…" Temari followed him in, looking every bit the panicked secretary. Gaara's earlier irritation with her was soothed slightly by the knowledge that she really was quite useful. He doubted many other women would have maintained such control- pushed in one direction by Gaara, and another by the Uchiha.

"S-sabaku-s-san." Naruto was clearly struggling for breath- though whether or not it was from the shock of Gaara's sudden appearance, or from his earlier…activity…he couldn't be sure. "You're here." Naruto finished lamely, unable to form a more complex sentence. Gaara raised a nonexistent eyebrow.

"So it would appear." He responded calmly. The door was pushed open wider, and Kankuro slid in behind the red head. Temari gave Sasuke a hesitant glance, and when the dark haired man waved her out she fled. There was far too much testosterone in one place for her liking.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Sasuke drawled out coldly, letting his arms fall over the rim of the couch, making no attempt to look formal. Somehow, however, the image of him- suit wrinkled, hair mussed, face dark- was far more intimidating than the passive, icy business man exterior he usually wore. Naruto's cheeks flushed briefly, and the blond raised shaking hands to try and straighten his wrinkled clothes.

Gaara, much to Sasuke's irritation, moved forward and calmly straightened Naruto's dress coat for him. The blond stared, blue eyes wide and mouth opened slightly with shock. Gaara was careful to run his hands down the full length of the Jacket's flaps, fingers occasionally brushing against the blond's stomach. Sasuke felt his lip curl, as if he was preparing to growl, but kept himself steady. Gaara's silly little tricks meant nothing now. Naruto was his, damn it. Nothing that red-headed freak did would change that.

Nothing.

"It would seem that we have a slight problem, Uchiha-san." Kankuro said from his place in the doorway. Gaara released Naruto and turned to eye Sasuke with those infuriatingly dispassionate green eyes of his. "With your brother." Kankuro added his voice harsh and effective. Sasuke went stiff.

"Oh?" The dark haired man said, voice clipped.

"It would appear he has been dabbling in some...unattractive activities." Kankuro continued, coming to stand behind his younger brother. Naruto glanced at Sasuke with concern. Something was about to go wrong. He could practically smell it.

"Has he?" Sasuke forced out through gritted teeth. "Well that's not my concern, is it? My brother is not my responsibility."

"Ah, but family reflects on character, Uchiha-san. Kishimoto is a company that stands for values and ethics. It would be…distasteful…for us to enter into a partnership with a company that may be involved in inglorious activities."

Inglorious? Naruto thought with a frown. Was this guy serious?

"What exactly are you saying, Sabaku-san?" Sasuke demanded, voice a low almost-hiss. He was looking and speaking directly at Gaara, though the red-head hadn't said anything since the initial comment to Naruto.

"It may be necessary for us to rethink this merger, Uchiha-san." Kankuro replied, voice soft and respectful. Sasuke didn't buy it. His blood had run cold, and he could feel his fists clenching at his sides.

"There will be questions." Sasuke said sharply. "It isn't normal to break off a merger so far in without reason. People will ask around."

Kankuro shrugged his face passive. Naruto licked his suddenly sand-paper dry lips nervously. He didn't like where this was going. If the press found out why Kishimoto had broken off the merger…

"I'm afraid our priority is protecting the reputation of our company, Uchiha-san, not yours." Kankuro's voice was sharp and harsh. Naruto's throat tightened.

"I see." Sasuke's voice had a tremor of rage in it, and for a moment Naruto feared he might tackle Gaara right then and there. "And I suppose there is some sort of…deal that can be struck to keep Kishimoto interested?" Sasuke spat out, dark eyes glaring at Gaara furiously. Gaara's head tilted to the side, eyeing Sasuke with what could have almost been amusement.

"We will need assurance that our dealings are handled with character and morality." Kankuro informed them, and Naruto caught a flash of satisfaction in his face. That bastard.

"And how do we go about assuring you of that?" Sasuke replied slowly, moving to stand closer to Naruto.

"We request that all matters concerning Kishimoto be handled specifically by Uzumaki-san, whose character is as of yet unquestioned." At this, Naruto's eyes widened, and confusion made his shoulder's tense. His eyes flickered over to examine Sasuke's face. The Uchiha was scowling openly now, and the dark of his eyes against his pale skin held unmasked contempt.

"I see." Sasuke half-whispered. "So that's it then. Naruto will be placed at the head of all further counter-interactions." Naruto's eyes widened further, and he gaped at Sasuke. He was agreeing with this? He was willing handing the reins over to Naruto? That was…that was…so not Sasuke. "But all communication must be done with me present."

"That isn't really necessary, is it Sasuke-san?" It was Gaara speaking now, his voice strange and smooth. It reminded Naruto of the way he had spoken at his apartment. That voice that seemed so unnatural. "You trust Naruto-san's judgment, don't you? I'm sure he's perfectly capable of negotiating…without you present."

Sasuke snarled to himself. He was trapped. He could feel Naruto staring at him, with those expectant eyes. If he said no, Naruto would be crushed. He couldn't stand here and say he didn't trust Naruto. But how could he agree to this? It was like giving Gaara free range…

"Very well. But all final decisions must be agreed upon by both Naruto and myself."

"Of course, Uchiha-san. I'm glad we could come to such amiable terms. It would have been quite regretful for all parties if our negotiations were to end so abruptly." Kankuro practically purred. It made Sasuke want to punch him.

"Yes, quite regretful." The dark haired man hissed coldly. "Now get out." Kankuro smirked, and Gaara inclined his head in what Sasuke could only assume was a mock bow.

"Of course, Uchiha-san. We will be speaking again soon, I'm sure." Gaara said softly, and turned, green eyes locking briefly with Sasuke's before he left.

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Itachi could help the laughter. It poured from him, erupting in sharp gasps. It really was too much, wasn't it? Poor Sasuke-kun, poor Naruto-kun. What a cruel joke to be played on them! Gods, Kankuro really was a bastard, wasn't he?

"I had thought you would be angry." Kankuro drawled, eyeing Itachi with distaste. "You were just used to screw over your brother."

"Ah, but I was born to screw over my brother. Sasuke was always such a good little boy- it only seemed natural that I do all I can to rough him up. It's good for him." Itachi responded pleasantly, taking another deep swig of sake. "I do wish I had seen his face. He must have been practically spitting with fury." Kankuro tilted his head, giving Itachi a thoughtful glance.

"He will be out for blood, you know. Yours, probably."

"Ah, let him come. I can handle my otouto."

"You're drunk." Kankuro responded dryly.

"So I am." Itachi stated cheerily, holding up his glass and staring at it thoughtfully. "Does that matter?"

"It's affecting your judgment."

"Oh I doubt that. I am nearly always drunk; it has little effect on my judgment anymore."

"You sound proud of that." Kankuro grumbled, giving him a cool look.

"You sound like Sasuke. Stiff bastards, all of you. As long as my work still gets done, it's really no matter that Sasuke knows. You played a dangerous bluff, though. If you had broken off the merger, and the press had found out about my…minor indiscretions…I know several people that would have been out for blood."

"You included, no doubt." Kankuro said voice dry. "Gaara knew what he was doing."

"Mm, no doubt about that. But I wouldn't bank on him knowing for much longer." Itachi responded, voice distant. Kankuro's eyes narrowed.

"What's that mean?" He demanded, unable to help the suspicion in his voice. Itachi chuckled.

"You'll see. Naru-kun has that effect on people."

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"I don't understand. What do you mean, we will no longer be reporting to you?" Sakura's voice was sharp and suspicious. Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation.

"I mean exactly what it sounds like I mean. I am no longer in charge of this particular facet of our business. Any and all information on the merger is to go straight to Naruto. Is that clear, or do I need to give you directions to his office?" The Uchiha grumbled grouchily. Sakura's cheeks reddened, and she huffed.

"This has to do with Gaara's little spur-of-the-moment visit, doesn't it?" Ino demanded, blue eyes narrowed with suspicion. Sasuke bristled, and beside him Naruto flushed and glanced down at his hands. "What the hell did he do?"

"It doesn't matter. Stop asking so many damn questions." Sasuke growled.

"You pay me to ask questions." Ino retorted.

"That could change." Sasuke growled back, a threat clear in his tone. Naruto stood, and gave Sasuke a stern frown.

"What he means to say is that this decision is not open to discussion at this time. If you have a problem, you may speak with us privately after the meeting. But as of now, this decision is final." Naruto said voice apologetic but firm. Ino and Sakura exchanged glances, and from the back of the room Kiba sniffed. Hinata patted his arm, and tossed Naruto a soft, supportive smile. "Reports will be turned in in triplicate- one for me, one for Sasuke, and one for file. Report to me tomorrow morning to be briefed for Friday's meeting. Meeting dismissed." The board members of Konoha rose and left, still casting Sasuke and Naruto curious glances. Once they were gone, Naruto's face fell and he reached out to touch Sasuke's shoulder. The Uchiha moved back.

"Sasuke?" Naruto whispered, concern flashing across his features. He knew Sasuke. This maneuver of Gaara's had wounded the Uchiha's pride, and now he was trying to recover.

"What is he up to, that bastard?" Sasuke growled, sinking into one of the vacant chairs, a contemplative look on his face. Naruto lowered himself into the chair next to his, watching the side of the other man's pale face. "What does he mean by this? It has to be more than just…" Sasuke let the sentence fall, a frown deepening on his face.

"More than just what?" Naruto asked, blue eyes mixed with concern and confusion. Sasuke's dark eyes lifted and examined him carefully. "Sasuke?"

"Naruto." Sasuke rose, standing over Naruto's sitting form. He placed his arms on the back of Naruto's armrests and lowered himself down until his face hovered over the blond's. Naruto's heart was pound mercilessly, and felt his face grow hot.

"Sasuke, the door…" Naruto murmured, glancing over at the boardroom door that was still slightly ajar. Anyone could just walk in, and see them….like this…

Sasuke either didn't hear him, or didn't care. He brought one hand up and buried it in Naruto's hair, tugging his face forward until their lips were touching.

"You have more important things to worry about, dobe." Sasuke murmured, his lips brushing against Naruto's as he spoke. It was maddening. "Gaara's up to something."

"Mmmhmm." Naruto managed out in a slight hum that vibrated through Sasuke's lips. The Uchiha had the urge to groan. "Worried?" The blond finally managed.

"I can't help but worry about a dobe like you." Sasuke sighed, running his tongue over his own lips, which resulted in the tip whisking across Naruto's. The blond shuddered, and instinctively his lips parted. Sasuke couldn't help himself anymore. His tongue slipped past slack, soft lips and delved into the heat of Naruto's mouth.

"Mmnhgh….Kami…" Naruto gasped when Sasuke pulled back briefly for air. Almost immediately Sasuke's mouth returned, his tongue pressing and lips sucking. Naruto's own tongue responded- meekly at first, then with increasing confidence when Sasuke let out a haggard moan. Sasuke was almost straddling the blond now, one knee resting on the side of his chair, the other stretched in a slightly awkward fashion to let him half lay on top of Naruto. The blond had one arm around his neck, digging into the fabric of his shoulder. The other was pressed gently against his chest, as if trying to feel the planes of Sasuke's chest through his shirt.

"S-sasuke." Naruto whimpered. "Sasuke." The Uchiha pulled back from the blond's mouth, only to catch his neck. Naruto jumped in surprise, and let out a little mewl when Sasuke's teeth scraped playfully over his skin. I don't want him to be alone with him. With…that man. Sasuke thought ferociously.

"Be careful, do you understand?" Sasuke growled, running his tongue across the curve of Sasuke's ear. "Be careful and weigh what he says, what he does."

Naruto squirmed. He felt so light headed. Sasuke was talking, Sasuke was explaining. Focus, just focus.

"Don't let him push you around dobe. Only I'm aloud to push you around." With that, Sasuke pulled back abruptly and smirked. "Got that?"

Naruto gaped up at him, face flushed and filled with disbelief.

"I…Uh…You…ur….gah…" Naruto sputtered, not quite understanding the sudden lack of Sasuke. Around him, above him, on him.

"Good." With that, Sasuke walked calmly out of the meeting room, leaving Naruto panting and torn between horror and fury.

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Author's notes

You guys are so sweet!!! I got so many compliments on my author's notes. And here I thought I was just rambling on incoherently….

….Hm…

Actually, I'm positive that I was just rambling on incoherently. So incoherent works for you guys, huh? Neat.

Okay, I have another fanfic suggestion. It's not on thought. Here's the site link: and it's by QuestofDreams and it's called Conviction. Bitchin' good story. SasuNaru all that way, with some yummy angsty scenes and all.

I've been looking for new pairing I like, just for fun. I've picked a couple favorites so far:

Kiba/Hinata- because how cute would that be? Kiba being his brash self, and Hinata blushing away….

Kiba/Shino- boy/boy love. Can't help myself, I'm addicted. Besides, uke Kiba is cute too.

Shikamaru/Ino- for all you Temari/Shikamaru shippers: I hear you, and I don't mind a good S/T. But I just connect more with S/I stories. Ino just seems like the perfect anti-Shika.

And, of course, those lovely love tangles with Sasuke, Naruto, Gaara and Neji. (My next story is going to be one so of those. It should be nice and freakin' complicated).

I have also come to realize, not to completely change the subject or anything, that economics is the most boring subject ever. Are you all aware that when a lot of people want something, the demand for it is high? I mean, oh-my-god what a revolutionary new idea! I was floored. I'm glad that I'm paying a hundred buck a credit hour for such mind blow information…

I shouldn't be talking about this. I'm a business major….Bad me…

Enough incoherentness (ha-ha. Not a word), I'll wrap this up so I can update now...

Sincerely,

The most esteemed, AthenaAlpha (snickers at the word esteemed)