I'd like to say thanks for the reviews, again. =)
This is my favorite chapter so far, I'm coming to like more of this story now, I hope you enjoy.
*
For the first time in many years, Sasuke liked his life.
Sure, his life had never been actually good before. He was the younger brother of the great genius of the family, almost everyone in his family looked and cared only for Itachi, who, in their heads, had a great future and would chief the family when right time came; in their minds, Itachi would have the title of Commissary, which had been stolen many years ago from Uchiha Madara by that… Sasuke could never remember the man's name, but he surely thanked him for not allowing an Uchiha to have such a high rank in the city. To him, only a few of his family could be considered good people.
It might sound like silly childish jealousy, but it wasn't. Many of his relatives were in the police, still, that didn't mean all of them believed in justice. Although he was young at the time, he remembered a few things… when he got old enough to understand it, he felt ashamed of how deep corruption had gone into his family, all the really virtuous members having died in combat or sent far away to not stand in the way of the "business". Truth was that, when the tragedy happened, Sasuke cried for only five of the near thrity relatives he had. His uncle and aunt, that unlike the others, gave him attention and celebrated his success at school and sports as if they matched his brother's doings; his cousin, son of his aunt and uncle, who was a little kid but had him as hero; his cousin, Shisui, who despite being Itachi's best friend and partner, treated them both the same and was always fair to everyone; and, the last person, surprisingly enough, was Itachi.
Yes, Itachi. Because even though that man had ripped family and money from Sasuke, the boy had a good reason to mourn for him. Itachi never wanted or liked all the attention he received, he had told that Sasuke once; they were actually really close, his older brother always took care of him and made sure he didn't feel unimportant. His most precious memories of his childhood were of the time when Itachi and Shisui started to work as detectives and their office was close to his school, they used to pick Sasuke up and they usually did something fun before going to the huge and cold mansion, full of pressure. And besides, Itachi had let him live, that meant he loved his little brother, no matter what people said.
That didn't mean there wasn't a bit of hatred inside him towards his brother. He let Sasuke live, all right, but killed the few people who cared for him. Why kill Shisui? Shisui had been Itachi's closest friend since… forever! Now that he was older and understood things better, he even suspected they were lovers but wisely kept it hidden from the family. The only explanation for Shisui's body then, was Itachi's madness. And, more important than anything, Itachi had left Sasuke… he left and never sent him any news or sign that he was ok or anything… that hurt more than anything else. As illogical as it sounds, since that dreadful day Sasuke's feelings for his brother were a mix of hate, disappointment, gratitude (he didn't have to deal to his cold family anymore), brotherly love… and probably others things he wouldn't know how to name. That was the main reason he had left Neji's house – beyond the fact that he couldn't stand most of the Hyuugas, which were a "white" version of his family, even though the boy had became one of his best friends. He needed to find Itachi, because he missed him or because he wanted revenge, he would decide at the moment he could find him.
But Sasuke never found him. That Orochimaru had deceived him and even tried to rape him. Not to mention the crap that was his home and it's location. At least, he was free. That was what he usually told himself, he could have ended up in chains like Neji. And he had known his family, even if only a few of them were important to him; he could have ended up like Naruto, who had been kidnapped when a baby by the criminal Kyuubi and when he finally found his father, Captain Minato, many years later, he saw him dieing by the hands of that same Kyuubi.
Nevertheless, the gods were at last smiling at Sasuke. For once in many years, he enjoyed waking up, going to college and then going to work.
After Orochimaru's attack at the alley, he and Kakashi definitely took a step further. Although it had been only two weeks ago, it felt like it had happened ages ago, because his life was feeling so right that he barely remembered all the wrongness from the past. Funny how something like that could make way for good things.
As recommended, he left his apartment at Oto and moved in with Naruto, who gladly accepted him and whose apartment, as simple as his had been, was closer of college and he could actually sleep more, which was great considering he worked till late and that Ichiraku's was a bit farther from his new home. But that was not really a problem.
Sasuke smiled as he changed into normal clothes and folded Ichiraku's uniform into his pack. No, he didn't walk home anymore…
It was five past eleven and the place was already closed. His co-workers were at the entrance, waiting for him so they could lock the door. Sasuke nodded at them and crossed the street, smiling to the silver haired man standing by a brown car.
"Sorry for making you wait."
"You're kidding, right? You didn't make me wait not even ten minutes."
"What did you expect? I was the employee of the month, after all."
Kakashi laughed as they got into the car. They put their seatbelts on and drove off, missing one grey haired waiter watching them with full attention and smirking.
Yes, since that incident, Kakashi had been driving him home every night. At first Sasuke resisted a bit, but the detective was strong minded and ended up convincing him to accept it, Orochimaru was still out there. Of course, he had resisted but as he saw the man was really willing to do it, he would never complain about being so close to him.
Sasuke loved being in that car, it had become one of his favorite places. One, because he enjoyed being in vehicles and nowadays he didn't have many opportunities to be in them (he usually walked to the places se he wouldn't spend money with the bus). Two, he couldn't think of a better company as he watched the driver from the corner of his eyes.
Kakashi's car smelled of something citric. Lemonish he supposed. That's why he had served things with lemon for him, because the fresh smell of lemon was so… Kakashi. It was the same scent he had smelled at the silver haired house. Sasuke suspected it was the man's natural perfume, spreading and marking every closed place he remained. Unconsciously, he breathed deeply, to inhale as much as he could from that fragrance.
"Are you ok?" Kakashi's voice brought him back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You seem a bit in your own world today." The detective said smiling a bit.
"I guess so. Many things in my mind."
"Too much work at college? You must be tired, studying and working it must not be easy, specially when Ichiraku's is full of people like tonight."
"Well, I'm used to it. At least I've been able to sleep more." Sasuke said 'And having wonderful dreams about you.' He almost added but held it back in time "You on the other hand, must be really tired. I suppose leading two cases is very difficult, and considering there is big people involved in one of them… I don't envy you at all."
Kakashi laughed a bit. He loved that sound.
"Yeah, it's hard, but I like what I do. And besides, things are getting better at both cases. As you know, the serial killer made three more victims all at once, three music students, and left their bodies in front of Konoha Stadium. Fortunately for us, he didn't see there were cameras in the area. We sent the tapes to analysis and we hope we may be able to get a face."
"Hey, that's great! I think you'll catch him soon."
"I hope so. You can't tell this to your friend, Gaara, but don't let his hopes very high though, this guy is cleaver and could have covered his face. And don't let anyone know this."
"No problem." Sasuke answered, proud that Kakashi trusted this much at him.
"Your case is a bit slower. Your neighbor isn't easy to find. His record at the police's archive is very long, he is accused of political crimes even. I have to warn you something by the way, a man with the descriptions of Orochimaru has been spotted around the Konoha Forest Park, I recommend you don't go there even if with company. I tripled the patrol there, but you can never be sure."
"OK, I never went there that much anyway. I prefer the wooden bridge by the south of the city." Sasuke said, now looking through the window while his mind tried to forget Orochimaru, failing to see the sudden light in Kakashi's eyes, as if he was taking note of something.
"It is a very beautiful place in deed. During summer you can feel a nice breeze from there, at fall it's nice to watch the brown leaves floating and going with the water, in the winter—"
"You can see the frozen lake and the reflex of things on the ice, and during spring there are swans dating beneath the bridge." Sasuke completed, turning his gaze to Kakashi, both smiling "I see you like it there too."
"Yes, it's one of my favorites."
They looked into each others eyes for a long time, at least as long as driving allowed Kakashi. They entered a street where the traffic was heavy, even at that time of the night, and their eye contact had to be broken.
"So, how tired are you?" the detective suddenly asked, earning a curious look from Sasuke, hadn't they already talked about that? The silver haired began again, clearing his throat first, seeming a bit uncertain "I mean, it's Friday night, you don't have to go to college tomorrow morning and your job is only after eleven… We could… Would you.. would you be too tired to do something? We could go to some place and… do something?"
Sasuke was surprised at first, but soon smiled widely and chuckled a bit at Kakashi's hesitance. Was that sounding like a date? He hoped so.
"It would be great. It's not a night to being spent at home."
"Really?! I mean.. err.. exactly. It really is a nice night to be out."
"Do you have some place in mind?"
"Not, actually. Do you have any ideas? Some place you'd like to go?"
Sasuke thanked that it was night and the dim light of the streets was not enough to reveal the blush that was coming to his face.
"Actually… there is one place."
*
Konoha had two big nature parks. The Konoha Forest Park, at north of the town, and the Rock Monument Park, at east.
The Rock Monument consisted of four faces sculptured on solid rock, the faces of Konoha's heroes of the past. There were some woods around them and there was a road that lead to above the heads, the view from up there was amazing. Many people went there to watch the stars, and that night it was perfect for that, as there wasn't a single cloud in the sky.
To Sasuke, that was a perfect place. Nothing but endless sky upon his head and a nice breeze to refresh everything. And despite being full of people – many of them, couples – it was still peaceful. The noise from the city didn't arrive there, and everyone that came to that place would do it for quiet purposes. Sasuke watched a couple that was standing by the railing, they were not kissing as many others, they were just side-by-side sometimes stealing glances from each other as if it was their first date and anyone could see the love that surrounded them. Sasuke sighed. Could he have hope? Should he have hope? He certainly wanted to, things were getting better for him, Kakashi..
"So, you like to watch the stars, hm, but that couple is not what I would call a star" Said man spoke, again bringing him back to reality and offering one of two hot dogs he bought at the stand on the other side of the road where the car was parked.
"It is a beautiful scene though." Sasuke answered, taking a bite of his hot dog, he hadn't ate at Ichiraku's, the employees were not allowed to.
"Yes it is." Kakashi agreed, biting his hot dog, tonight he hadn't had eaten much "Ahhh, look. It's Sirius, bright as often in Hound constellation, and there's Orion, trying to catch the Pleiades."
Sasuke looked at him with wide eyes.
"You seem to understand about stars and constellations."
"Only a bit. My father taught me, he used to bring me here and tell the myths of their names." The silver haired said, pointing to the sky and smiling at him. "Do you know about them?"
"Yes… my.. my brother used to take me to the roof of the mansion and tell me about the stars and their constellations. He told me once, that one day he would take me here but… well, things happened before he did it." Sasuke lowered his gaze to the ground. How did Kakashi could have the power of extracting confessions from him without even asking?
"Is that why you wanted to come here?" Kakashi quietly asked.
"Yes and no. I've been here sometimes before, as if to fulfill his promise, but I was alone, so I don't think it counts… and of course this reminds me of him, somehow I get the feeling that he is looking to the same stars. But that's not the main reason."
"And what is it?"
"Well… I.. I thought…" again, Sasuke thanked the lack of light to hide his blush, this time stronger "I figure it's time to have new memories, good memories that, I hope, won't be succeeded by bad happenings."
Kakashi seemed a bit surprised by his answer, but his expression quickly changed for a smile.
"I can assure you Sasuke, it won't. From now on, good memories and only good things happening."
Sasuke nodded and they fell into silence, watching each other. Their unfinished hotdogs forgotten upon the railing.
Was that man a god or something? Sure he had noticed before how handsome the man was, but now, under nothing but the glow of stars, his silver spiky hair seemed to cast an ethereal tone of light over his face. His perfect face. It didn't matter that he had a scar, it just made it even more perfect. Slowly, he lifted his hand and let two fingers run through the mark. Kakashi closed his eyes and lowered his face a bit, as if leaning into the boys touch.
"Did it… did it hurt much?" Sasuke asked, removing his hand.
"Yeah… the guy missed my eye for a few millimeters. But with all the situation, I didn't take notice of the pain until the doctor was taking care of it, still, when I received the message that Obito hadn't made it, I forgot it again." The detective opened his eyes "Physical scars are nothing compared to those made on your soul."
"I know what that's like." Sasuke almost whispered "How long did it take for healing?"
"The doctor did a very good job and—"
"Not that one. The one on your soul."
Kakashi sighed, closing his eyes again. Sasuke whished he knew what was going through the others head. Maybe he was pushing it too much?
"It took years, but it healed. Everything heals with time. But, if memories hit it too strong, it hurts a little."
"I know what that's like too."
This time Kakashi opened his eyes with a sad smile.
"Yes. You're a strong person, Sasuke. You've dealt with a weight that most people wouldn't bare to carry… But now you… well, I'd like you to know that I'll help you with it. You can count on me for everything you need it."
To this Sasuke lowered his gaze, a question he had been asking himself for the last few days returning to his mind. It had been one of the things that had kept him from being actually happy.
"Kakashi… all this help you're giving me… is it.. are you doing it because of Obito?" he didn't look up, he couldn't. He was not sure how he would face a positive answer to his question. What if Kakashi was there only because he felt guilty? What if..
Suddenly, a hand gently made him lift his head so he would look into Kakashi's eyes. Sasuke's heart beat raced, his mouth dried, the butterflies that had started living in his stomach since he had met the detective were apparently throwing up a big party right now. Those gray eyes locked on his dark ones and it was like they were alone on top of the world, like the stars had came closer.
"No, I'm doing this because of you."
Relief. It was the first thing that came to Sasuke. And then, slowly, the possibility of secret meanings on those words made it's way to his mind, and his heart raced more, if that was possible. The hand that had been on his chin moved up and gently stroked his cheek.
Sasuke closed his eyes and sighed content. How long had it been since he last felt something nearly close to that gentleness? Truth to be told, he had never felt something like that. He had no idea that a simple gesture like that could show the amount of care he was feeling coming from Kakashi right now.
He felt the man coming closer, at the point of feeling the heat his body produced. He heard him say, almost in a whisper:
"Because of you, Sasuke. Only you. Uchiha or not, I would still have done the same…"
Sasuke sighed again, deeper this time. Eyes still closed, he lowered his head, and slightly leaned more at Kakashi's soft touch.
"Thank you…" Sasuke whispered.
"You don't need to thank me, I told you that."
"I know, I'm grateful for you anyway but… this time…" Sasuke then opened his eyes and allowed his dark orbs to connect with gray ones again "This time I'm thanking Obito, for saving your life."
He watched Kakashi's expression turn to a stunned one. And the air around them suddenly changed. Again, people disappeared as the man in front of him raised his chin again and started to lean down. It would be now, and how much Sasuke wanted it to be now. He was a head shorter than the man, and he leaned in too, slowly standing at the point of his feet and bringing his hands to Kakashi's chest to keep balance, he felt the other's heart beating as fast as his was.
And their lips met in a warm, soft and chaste kiss. It was enough to melt Sasuke entirely, though. It was not long, either, and when they parted he wasn't sure if he could trust his legs. Luckly, they didn't part for too long, just enough so Kakashi could surround his waist and lift him in the air. He quickly put his arms around the other's neck, all in a quick motion and they were kissing again, sinking into each other.
This time, the kiss went deeper. As soon as Kakashi got a soft moan from Sasuke he took the opportunity to slip his tongue into the boy's mouth. They embraced themselves tighter as their tongue danced together, as their passion flowed through their mouths. It was not lustful, though, it was needy. Through that kiss, Sasuke was revealing all of his needs, of his fears, of his hopes, and Kakashi willingly discovered them, taking them and in turn offering everything he had, and even a bit more, glad that the boy in his arms was accepting all of it.
Sasuke was not really sure of how long it lasted, not that it was important. What really mattered was that, when they had to part for air and Kakashi landed him on the ground, those strong arms never left his waist. Panting, he hid his face on the detective's chest, taking as much of his scent as it was possible.
As they were breathing normally again, Kakashi lowered his head and whispered at Sasuke's ears:
"You can't possibly know how much I wanted this."
Sasuke smiled to his chest. He wanted so much too.
"Well… now that you had it, do you still want it?"
Kakashi's mouth came even closer to his ear, almost touching it.
"Always."
His breath sent shivers through Sasuke´s body. He hugged Kakashi tighter and looked into his eyes. It was not long until they were kissing again, this time slower, as if to memorize everything about each others mouth.
Sasuke never believed life could get this good, this perfect. He was finally feeling warm, after all those years. He wanted that kiss to last forever.
It didn't. Sure, he knew it wouldn't actually last forever, but at least for a few minutes…
His cell phone started to ring, suddenly breaking the atmosphere. Why their moments had always to be broken by someone calling?! At least this time they had been allowed to kiss, as it didn't happen at Kakashi's apartment.
At first they refused to return to reality. They remained with their mouths touching but without moving.
"You should probably pick that…" Kakashi said after a while
"Yeah…" Sasuke sighed and picked the cell phone, but refused to leave Kakashi's arm. He turned and leaned his back on the detective's chest, maintaining those strong arms around him as he felt Kakashi giving him light kisses on the top of his head, smelling his hair… stupid cell phone!
"What is it?" he snapped to the person on the other side of the line, could only be one of his friends anyway. He heard Kakashi chuckle.
"Temeee!!! Where are you?! You let us all worried!!"
"Dobe! Stop whining. I'm fine."
"Yeah, but how could we know that when you don't show up after Ichiraku's closed nearly two hours ago?! Where are you?!"
"I'm at the Rock Monument Park." Shit, Naruto would end up making him say.
"Huh? What are you doing there, teme? Don't you know you can't wander alone through the city?! It's dangerous! Orochimaru might still be after you and—"
"I'm not alone, now shut up." Even though Naruto couldn't see him, he was blushing.
"Huh? Not alone? How? Gaara is paying us a visit and Neji didn't know where you were… Who is.. wait… NOOOOO!!!"
"Dobe, shut up." He would kill Naruto.
"You got him, didn't you?! Haha, Sasuke, I knew that hot detective wouldn't resist you!"
"I'll talk to you when I come home." He would kill Naruto in a very painful way. How dared he call Kakashi 'hot'?!
As he put his phone back in his pocket, Kakashi said:
"So, 'dobe' is that blonde one, if I'm not wrong. Does he think I'm hot, then?"
"Yes, he does. And that's why he is going to die tonight. For that, and for breaking the moment." Damn, he had heard everything, the dobe spoke too loud.
Kakashi laughed and span him around, so they were facing each other again.
"Do I hear jealousy on your voice?"
"And what if you do?" Sasuke snapped back, scowling to the side, avoiding the detective's gaze.
"In this case, I have to make sure you know you don't need to be jealous." Kakashi approached their faces, giving butterfly kisses on his cheek and neck "Make sure you know I have eyes only for you, that it doesn't matter what any person other then you thinks of me."
Sasuke tried to suppress a smile, and sighed, loving those kisses, coming slowly near to his mouth.
"And how would you do that?" he smirked to Kakashi, and as answer he received a deep and passionate kiss in his mouth. Sasuke corresponded immediately, enlacing his arms around the detective's neck and being lifted from the ground a bit.
He felt some of Kakashi's fingers wandering beneath his shirt and regretted they were in public. Maybe, they could go to the detective's house? Not that he was desperate, but if he was invited… Kakashi seemed to want it as much as him.
Suddenly, his phone rang again. 'Shit!'
This time neither of them allowed to be disturbed by it. Kakashi took the liberty of taking his cell phone on his pocket and pressed any button to refuse the call(they were still kissing, he couldn't see properly). Sasuke managed to say 'thank you' in the middle of the kiss as Kakashi's hands returned to their wandering.
The detective slowly walked them to a tree that was near to the road, and where there weren't many people. They were both growing more and more hungry in the kiss. And the phone rang again.
This time, really angered and panting hard, Sasuke picked up.
"WHAT?!"
"Sasuke, I'm sorry to interrupt you but.. it's Gaara… he had another attack, I need help, Neji can't come and I can't find his siblings. Please.." Sasuke could hear the tears coming at the other side of the line. Gaara had some psychological problems and that affected Naruto very much, the blonde loved him. Sasuke sighed.
"All right, I'm coming."
He put the phone back into his pocket and couldn't bring himself to look at Kakashi.
"Problems?" the detective asked.
"Yeah…"
"And you have to go?"
Sasuke nodded and finally looked at the other man, fearing that he was angry or sad or disappointed.
"I'm sorry, is that I.."
Kakashi then put a finger upon his lips, quieting him.
"It's ok, I understand. And besides, there's no reason to rush things. I'm patient enough." The silver haired man smiled "Come, I'll drive you home."
The entire way they remained in silence. Sasuke was sure Kakashi was disappointed at him. But he couldn't leave his friends alone. Maybe, if the detective still wanted to see him he could make up to him?
Kakashi parked the car and none of them moved.
"Is there something wrong, Sasuke?"
"I didn't want you to be disappointed at me. It's just that.."
"Sasuke, I would only be disappointed if you had left your friends now that they need you." Kakashi stroke his cheek gently "I would never ask you to choose between me and them. You must be where you are needed."
"But I wanted, I still want—"
"I know you do. And I want too. But we'll have time."
For a moment, Sasuke was lost in that gaze. Those eyes held so much care, comprehension and… love? He put his hand above Kakashi's and closed his eyes, whispering:
"Thank you for understanding." they enlaced their fingers.
"Sasuke… before you go, can I make a question?"
"Sure." He opened his eyes again, to find a very serious Kakashi.
"When did your scars heal?"
"They… well, it took years… most of them are healed."
"Some are still open, then?"
"Yes, but…" Sasuke opened a beautiful smile, looking into Kakashi's eyes, trying to show all of his emotions, hoping the silver haired man could read the most important of them "You are healing them."
Kakashi immediately pulled him into a deep kiss, and when they parted their heads remained close.
"See you tomorrow, then?" Sasuke asked.
"Of course, for lunch and dinner."
"And after dinner?"
"What do you think of going to the movies?"
Sauke's eyes shone at the suggestion and he nodded intensely. With one last peck at the lips the boy left the car, stopping by the building's door to a last look at Kakashi and wave at him before coming in.
He felt he could deal with all the problems of the world at the moment, with the memory of the way Kakashi looked at him. With love. A love that was healing all of his scars.