The week dragged on. What should have amounted to a painful couple of days turned out to be an agonising five. Naruto initially thought that Itachi was suffering from a brain tumor, but that was clearly not the case. For Itachi to have carried on the way he had, he must have been on some heavy duty drugs. Naruto doubted the man knew just how close to death he truly was. He said he didn't know how to tell his family he may not see the new year, but he wouldn't have lived to see the end of summer. Life was a fickle thing, It was a terribly sobering thought.
Jiraiya and the rest of the Jinchūriki were supposed to fly back home Monday but none felt comfortable leaving the selfless fox alone. They knew he was more than capable of taking care of himself but that didn't mean they'd allow him to do so. All he could do was rest and the only thing his mind allowed him to do while he rested was think. After piecing together how close Itachi was to death the realisation of just how short life for normal people was. Every facet he'd been precariously pushing back reared its head and he could do nothing but finally confront them. The only question was what was he going to do now?
Friday afternoon Naruto had seen his family off. It was the first time in eight years they would be separated and it made him feel uncomfortably empty. He was always used to being alone in the past, but having a family to belong to had been everything for the last eight years. He was definitely going to miss them in their absence. Even with the melancholic feeling inside, he couldn't help revelling in the thought of actually having almond milk again.
Itachi had called Naruto Saturday morning to confirm the time the blond was to arrive. He may have been invited because of Itachi's transparent scheme, but he was still supposed to perform a song or two. The thing was Jinchu's music was hardly appropriate for an Uchiha's birthday party. Like every Uchiha birthday, the majority of their family would be there in celebration as well as people from their company and other associates.
Naruto sighed as he hesitantly placed his well thought out item in his trunk. He wasn't sure if he'd use it or not but if he decided to follow through he couldn't do it with anything but that precious cargo. The blond was nervous for tonight, and he didn't do nervous. A few words of self encouragement and one reluctant text later and Naruto was on his way.
With Sasuke's birthday being during the heart of summer, the party was held in the evening out back of the spacious property. Tables were set up, lights were beautifully strung about, an open bar was offered as well as catering and all the servers any respectable Uchiha party could ever need.
Uchiha's may be a busy bunch, but they always came together for family functions. Sasuke's birthday certainly fell into that category. Everyone from his second and third cousins right down to his grandfather and grandfather's brother were there. Itachi had also invited the majority of their employees as well as other business associates. Their father's work ethic had been instilled in them, and they thrived in allowing business to take centre stage.
Sasuke gives Itachi, who's looking at his phone with a psychotic grin on his face an uncomfortable look. "Itachi stop smiling like that, you're creeping me out," All week at work his usually stoic brother had been unbearably perky. It was a rather disturbing experience and he hoped it wouldn't carry over into his birthday. But alas, he was not that lucky.
"I have to agree with him, it's kinda creepy," Kisame agreed with a hearty chuckle.
"Hn," Itachi hums, making no attempt to deny his unorthodox behaviour.
"Really? You're not going to elaborate?" Sasuke sighed before grabbing a flute of champagne from a server who was passing on their way outside. Itachi and Kisame found him hiding in the mansion avoiding everyone in the air conditioning.
"Nope," Itachi pocketed his phone. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to check on something."
"I'm coming with," Kisame begins to follow his retreating beau.
"You're not going to invite me to come with?" Sasuke grumbles in disbelief. He didn't want the party to begin with.
Itachi throws him a wicked smirk over his shoulder. "It wouldn't kill you to go mingle. I'm sure everyone's dying to see you."
"There's not enough alcohol at this party for me to agree to that!" Sasuke shouts at the duo who ignore him as they continue walking away.
"Not enough alcohol for what?" A deeply chilling voice asks.
Sasuke internally shudders before turning around. "Grandfather...nice to see you."
"You really are evil. You just fed your own brother to Madara," Kisame snorts at his diabolical boyfriend as they disappear from sight.
Itachi chuckles. "He'll live. Interacting with Madara builds character."
Kisame shakes his head fondly. "If you say so. Where are we going anyways?"
Itachi's smiles creepily. "We're getting my dear little brother's birthday present."
Kisame raises his thick brow at him. "You really need to knock that off."
Itachi shrugs. "Don't count on it."
"So...what'd you get him anyways?" Kisame finally asked as they made their way out the front door.
The front of the manor was extremely spacious and usually had plenty of space to spare but with these parties it always started to resemble a parking lot towards the last guests arrival. Luckily for them the valets they hire always did an excellent job at parking vehicles in an accommodating way. It was packed but in a neat and organised manner.
"That's my gift," Itachi points his chin towards the colossal masked vocalist who was dressed in a blinding white suit with black and white checkered vans on. The fox was still down the a ways and was leaning against his neatly parked car looking at his phone.
Kisame looked at where Itachi gestured and had to do a double take. He'd heard about how tall the man was, but seeing it in person was a little daunting. Kisame wasn't used to being around anyone taller than him. He wasn't jealous though, no definitely not. "You got him arm candy?"
Itachi chuckles out a scoff. "No idiot. He's here to perform."
"I'm not hating on your gift, in fact I love Jinchu, but you already have a band performing. Besides, is his music really approved for an Uchiha gathering?" Kisame gives him an incredulous brow raise.
"He said he has a few songs that won't potentially kill any of our elders." Itachi waves dismissively while making his way towards the fox.
Kisame didn't really know how to respond to that so he just followed his lover as they approached the oddly intriguing vocalist. Kisame made a show of wrapping his arm around Itachi's waist as they finally reached the man. Itachi made sure to elbow Kisame in the side as a signal to cool down his possessiveness. The Uchiha was sort of amused, he'd never drawn this reaction from his beau before, he found it mildly amusing.
"I'm glad you decided to come," Itachi smirked at the fox.
"Like you gave me a choice," Naruto rolled his eyes but his voice was laced with amusement. "Besides, I told you I'd be here and I never lie." Naruto finishes as he pockets his phone and pushes himself off his car. In all honest it filled his chest with warmth seeing Itachi looking so healthy.
"With how you've been dodging me this week I wasn't sure you'd make it," Itachi confesses. After the miracle regarding his health he needed to tell Naruto, but the blond hadn't returned a single one of his calls. He was a little surprised when the blond picked up his call today.
"Sorry about that. I've been a little under the weather," Naruto rubbed the back of his mask sheepishly. He wasn't lying, just omitting the part where he was recovering form an infuriatingly idiotic man's terminal disease.
"Oh. Well I'm glad you're feeling better," Itachi offered and understanding nod.
"Shit," a mumble escaped Kisame without his own approval causing both males to look over at him curiously.
"Hn?" Naruto hummed at him in question. This was the first time he'd seen Kisame since he left. It was odd to be taller than him now. It may have only been three inches, but he could tell the sharp toothed man wasn't used to being outdone in the height department. He internally chuckled at how he's act if he met Han.
"Shit sorry. You're just not what I'd expected," Kisame responded sheepishly. He was a little embarrassed he'd let his reaction slip out. "Wait, he does that single syllable shit too?"
Itachi shakes his head in amusement before playfully cuffing him upside the head. "And you call yourself an attorney?"
"Hey! I'm a damn good attorney, thank you very much!" Kisames crossed his arms feigning offence. Already forgetting that nobody answered his statement about the fox and Uchiha's similar verbal habit.
Naruto snorted. "It's fine, really. Wouldn't be the first person my height has shocked."
Kisame turns his attention to the fox. "It's not just the height though it's your voice as well. It's way more bassy in person than I'd thought it would be."
Naruto shrugged. "It's-"
"Itachi, have you seen your brother?" A sweet little voice yells, cutting the fox off.
Itachi sighed before looking at the fox, he refused to yell back at his mother. "Shall we?"
"After you," Naruto responded and followed behind the raven. Kisame walked beside him instead of Itachi looking like he was mentally measuring himself against the fox. Naruto had to suppress his urge to chuckle. Kisames was acting like a toddler who was trying to make sure he still had the shiniest toy.
The trio finally approach Mikoto. "I left him inside with Grandfather." Itachi finally allowed himself to answer.
"Oh, that's nice dear," she clearly didn't hear what he said as she couldn't tear her gaze away from the giant fox man outside her front door. "Who's this?"
Itachi couldn't keep his brow from raising. "Mother this is-"
"Kurama, nice to meet you Mrs. Uchiha," Naruto answered for himself with a polite bow.
The deep voice was something the woman hadn't expected. His rumbly cadence sent vibrations throughout her chest. "Oh, nice to meet you Kurama."
"He's Sasuke's gift," Itachi quickly adds. He wasn't sure how long it would take his mother to snap out of it. It wasn't everyday she saw someone taller than her eldest son's partner.
"Sasuke," she quietly mumbled to herself before her face snapped back to Itachi. "Sasuke! Where was it you said he was? I have a nice young man I want him to meet."
Itachi deadpanned. "Mother, you know how much Sasuke hates you playing matchmaker." The whole thing was even more uncomfortable given Naruto was standing right behind him.
Mikoto looked a little affronted. "I know dear but a nice boyfriend would be so much better than all those floozies he's being seen with."
Itachi pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just leave him be, mother. At least for today."
She waved him off. "Nonsense. It's the perfect time to introduce them. Now where was he?"
With a defeated sigh, Itachi concedes. "I left him near the kitchen with grandfather."
"Uphill both ways in a blizzard!" Madara's flushed face showed that he fully stood by his own story.
"Mhmm." Sasuke pretended to pay attention. Madara's stories were making him die inside, he only wished it was enough to put him out of his misery.
After Itachi fed him to the wolves, Madara had dragged him outside by the bar and into a conversation with several members of his family. That's how he got roped into listening to Madara and his brother Izuna tell his father and uncles about the old days. And Itachi wonders why he doesn't like family gatherings?
"You old fool, it's impossible to go uphill both ways," Izuna admonished his brother.
"You weren't born yet, how could you know?" Madara waved him off dismissively. No one but Madara's younger brother Izuna and Mikoto were brave enough to call the old man out on his bullshit.
"Madara I think you've finally gone senile brother. If you went uphill both ways, you'd constantly be climbing. It's impossible. You can only go uphill one way before returning back down."
Madara scoffs. "What would you know?"
"I believe you uncle," Izuna's son Obito flattered. Obito was in a tragic accident that disfigured his face leaving him with only one eye. Obito was also gullible and kind of an idiot.
"Of course you would," Sasuke's uncle Kagami scoffed quietly.
Madara defiantly crossed his arms at his younger brother. "You should listen to your son Izuna. At least he turned out wise."
Fugaku sighed, trying not to take offence to his fathers ridiculous words. Obito was a lot of things, wise wasn't one of them. Sometimes he wondered how his father was the same man who could strike fear into the heart of a demon. "Father, maybe you should slow down on the drinking."
"Nonsense! It's not everyday that my grandson turns a quarter of a century old." Madara made a show of waving the bartender over to refill his scotch.
"I'm surprised he could do that math." Kagami mumbled just loud enough for his uncle to hear him.
Izuna elbowed his nephew gently with a smirk. "Careful, he might hear you one of these days."
"Still, at your age you should pace yourself," Fugaku tried to plead with his father without sounding like he was actually begging.
Madara glared his son down before turning to his dear grandson. "I can act just as young as Sasuke here isn't that right boy?"
"Hn," Sasuke hummed in response to his name. His attempt to listen to the band playing over his family wasn't working out for him. Internally he couldn't help but wonder how these people were responsible for making the Uchiha name prestigious.
"See. Besides, maybe if I drink like him I can pull some of the tail he does." Madara smirked.
"Father! Please stop!" Fugaku was mortified. Izuna's face palmed and Sasuke looked like his eyes were about to run away from his skull.
"What? I've been with men. You haven't lived until you've both taken a beautiful woman and been taken by a large virile man," the man's face was downright lecherous as he sipped his topped up scotch.
"I think I'm going to be sick." Fugaku grumbled. He didn't want to think about his father canoodling anyone.
Madara clicked his tongue at his son. "Tch, don't be such a prude boy. Just because your mothers been gone over twenty years doesn't mean I'm condemned to a life of celibacy. I can still hack it."
Izuna snorted. "Please brother, you probably couldn't even hack it with a handful of pharmaceuticals."
Madara scowled at his brother. "This body is perfectly capable on its own, thank you very much."
"Can I go?" Sasuke turned to his father and pleaded. In this situation he wasn't above begging.
Fugaku looked like he was contemplating for a moment then shook his head. "If I have to listen to this then so do you."
Sasuke sighed and hung his head. "Fine."
"Tell me Sasuke, have you taken a woman before?" Madara asked and Sasuke swore the man wiggled his eyebrows.
"That's none of your business," Sasuke shrieked indignantly. He was now refusing to make eye contact with anybody. If life was merciful something would cut him down where he stood.
"Come one Sasuke, lighten up," Obito says as he hands the youngest raven a tumbler of whiskey. Even the idiot knew he needed something stronger than champagne to get through this conversation.
Sasuke kept his back to the crowd of guests, most of which he didn't even know. Next year was going to be the year he finally put his foot down, no more birthday parties. He downed his drink in one large gulp. The burning sensation was a welcome feeling. He only wished it would numb more than his throat.
"Come on, what's the h-" Madara stopped when he caught sight of another one of his grandsons. "Itachi!"
'Thank fuck,' Sasuke internally celebrated. Now his brother could take some of the heat and he could hopefully sneak away.
"Grandfather," Itachi loosely greeted the elder.
"And who do we have here?" Madara looks up sizing up the new individual among them.
Sasuke had his back still turned toward the guests as he waited for the bartender to refill his drink when that deep rumble made him damn near purr. "I'm Kurama sir."
"His band's signed to Tsukuyomi," Itachi added. Everyone else nodded but continued to observe the odd man closely. They didn't exactly know how to receive a giant fox masked man.
With a skewed face, Madara continued to look the fox up and down. "What's with the animal mask?"
"It allows me freedom I wouldn't otherwise have," Naruto shrugged.
Finally receiving his refill, Sasuke turned around and what he saw made his mouth run dry. How could a faceless man's body affect him so? The form fitting blinding white suite the fox was wearing was impeccable and adding checkered vans was a unique choice that hit all the right marks.
Itachi smirked at his brother's reaction, Kisame mirrored his lover. This was the first time Itachi was able to see his brother's reaction to Kurama, and he wasn't disappointed.
"Sasuke! There you are. I've been looking all over for you. Come with me I have someone I want you to meet." Mikoto's statement was clearly a demand. She gently grabbed her son by the elbow and began to pull.
Sasuke was torn. He wanted to desperately leave seconds ago but the alluring fox was here now. Not to mention he didn't exactly want to meet whoever she planned on introducing him to this time.
"Leave the boy, he's spending time with the boys," Madara spoke up, trying to avoid eye contact. Ironically Madara's greatest weakness was Mikoto's wrath. He learned the hard way the first holiday his son had been married to her. She chased him out of the kitchen and beat him with a wooden spoon.
The tiny woman's eyebrow twitched. "I wasn't asking father."
"I wouldn't want to be rude to Kurama, mother," Sasuke added, his voice may have slightly wavered. He was powerless against his mothers wishes.
Naruto hid his shit eating grin behind his mask, he was highly amused. "It's fine Sasuke, I don't mind. Happy Birthday by the way."
Sasuke chose to think the warmth that flooded through his cheeks was from the champagne and the whiskey he'd just hammered back. "T-thank you."
Not a single person around Sasuke missed his stutter or reaction.
"You're welcome," Naruto didn't bother hiding the amusement in his voice which made Sasuke cheeks flame up more.
"Hn, looks like Sasuke's found his own large virile man," Madara smirked.
"Grandfather!" Sasuke shouted out, utterly mortified.
Fugaku simultaneously shouted out. "Father!"
Mikoto thought about what Madara just said then took in her son's reaction and compared it to the visual of the large fox man. 'Maybe Mr. Kaizer can wait,' she thought to herself with a blush.
"Oh, he has?" Naruto tilts his head slightly at Madara, feigning innocence.
Madara smirks perversely. "Tell me fox, have you ravished a man before?"
Had Sasuke taken a drink it would have been projectile out of his mouth. "Grandfather! Enough please!"
"It's fine Sasuke," Naruto waves dismissively. "Yes I have actually."
Even though Sasuke was secretly cheering mentally at the fact the fox did indeed go for men he couldn't help but mildly panic at the way his grandfather was blurting shit out. "Kurama you don't h-"
Madara blatantly ignores his grandson as he leans closer to the fox. "Took or taken?"
"Both," Naruto answered easily with a hidden smirk. Who knew the Uchiha's could be so much fun? He'd have to be crazy to deny fate when it was practically gift wrapped a chance at embarrassing the raven.
"Women?" Madara adds on. He's quickly liking this strange fox man.
"Yes," Narutos answers with the same amusement.
"Father please stop," Fugaku pleads, he was apparently at his limit as well.
"You're asking for a miracle," Kagami mumbled to his brother.
"He is rather rambunctious tonight isn't he?" Izuna rubs at his temples. He usually got a little crazy at these things but his interrogation questions to strangers were never quite up to this caliber before.
Madara crossed his arms obstinately. "I will not. See Sasuke, you could learn a thing or two from this man."
"Just kill me now," Sasuke mutters as he hammers back his second whiskey in minutes. Somehow that warm burn wasn't helping ease his embarrassment at all.
Mikoto lets go of her son's arm in favour of rubbing soothing circles on his back before looking at Madara. "Father, you're making everyone uncomfortable."
"She's right," Fugaku was quick to agree.
"I'm not uncomfortable," Obito beams.
"Of course you aren't," Kagami shook his head.
"Just because you're going to hate him doesn't mean you need to embarrass him with your perverse questions." Izuna scolded his brother.
"I'm not embarrassed," Naruto shrugged casually as he brushed over the hate part of the statement.
Madara extended his arm, gesturing towards the fox. "See? He's fine with it. Besides, I like him, he seems fun."
Every person slowly turned towards the elder like he'd grown a second head. Madara didn't like anyone, not even his family most of the time. For him to openly admit to liking the odd fox man was flabbergasting.
"Thanks sir, I think you're fun too," Naruto bowed his head slightly. He wanted to snicker at the looks he was now on the receiving end of. After all he must be nuts to actually find the crazy old bat fun.
The party was going on behind them but somehow time froze for everyone around that bar. Finally Itachi cleared his throat. "Well on that note what do you say we get you set up for your performance Kurama?"
Naruto turns towards Sasuke. "What's the birthday boy want?"
Sasuke nods dumbly. "Yes!" He clears his throat awkwardly after realising his voice cracked during his outburst. "I mean yes. In fact I'll accompany you."
Itachi raises an amused brow at his brother before looking back at the fox. "Alright then, come along," he tipped his head, gesturing for them to follow him and Kisame.
"I'm coming too!" Madara goes to stand.
Izuna is quick to push the lush back down on his stool. "You just stay here you old fool."
Madara grunts with indignance. "I'm only eight years older than you are."
As the trio walked away Kisame grinned at the fox. "Man, I like you. You're like a goddamn Madara whisper."
Itachi snorted. "You can say that again."
"Madara?" Naruto questioned.
Sasuke sighed. "The perverted old man with no verbal filter."
"Ah," Naruto nodded his head in understanding.
"Yeah. Sorry about him," Sasuke couldn't keep the grimace from his face.
Naruto shrugged. "It's fine." He found the whole situation rather amusing and wasn't the least bit embarrassed.
As they walked through the sea of guests they were stopped on multiple occasions for people to wish Sasuke a happy birthday and to comment on the beauty of the party. By the time they finally reached the stage Shisui came bounding over to them. He was the one who provided Itachi with a decent band for the event.
"There you are!" Shisui enthusiastically jumps on the fox's back. "I didn't believe Tachi when he said you agreed. You never do these types of things."
"Shi, get off him," Sasuke grumbles with an eyebrow twitch, clearly a bit jealous of his overzealous cousin. Though he felt fuzzy inside hearing that somehow his birthday was the fox's exception.
Naruto reached around and pinched the curly haired Uchiha's ear in a teasing manner. "Yes, please get off me shrimp."
"Ow ow ow! Fine, geez," Shisui pouted as he hopped off rubbing his abused ear. "And I'll have you know I'm not a shrimp, I'm just compact!" He playfully sticks his tongue out like a child.
Naruto couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Whatever you say."
"Does he always do that?" Itachi quirks an eyebrow at Naruto.
Naruto lets out an exaggerated sigh. "Unfortunately yes. That is unless we're having a meeting."
"You make a habit of harassing your talent?" Kisame snorts.
"No, but with him I can't seem to help myself," Shisui uses his thumb to point at the fox. " I mean c'mon, he looks like a living jungle gym!"
Jungle gym pasted on the image of the vocalist caused a whole bunch of inappropriate images to run through Sasuke's mind and he had to use every bit of self restraint to keep them from getting too wild.
"He's not that tall." Kisame muttered as his lips pulled into a jealous frown. All three Uchiha's turned to look at the man with an incredulous eyebrow raised. Naruto couldn't help the snort that escaped him.
"Kisame, you aren't by any chance jealous are you?" Itachi teased.
Kisame clicked his tongue and crossed his arms over his chest. "Tch, like I'd be jealous."
Shisui clutched his hands together and squealed. "Oh my god he is!"
Even Sasuke couldn't hold his amusement in. "Wow, I didn't think I'd ever see the day."
Kisame scowled at Sasuke. "You shut it."
Sasuke's brow lifted in amusement. "Is that anyway to talk to someone on their birthday?"
Itachi sighed. "Alright you two that's enough."
"C'mon Tachi, it was just getting good!" Shisui protested.
"Don't start Shi," Itachi chided before looking at Naruto just as the band's song came to an end. "How do you want to do this?"
"Well I don't exactly have the music for any of them to play," Naruto awkwardly gestured towards the band that was now climbing down the temporary stage. "So I was thinking you could just set me up with a guitar and let me have at it," he shrugged. Truth was he didn't trust other artists with his music.
"If that's what you want," Itachi gave an understanding nod before looking at Sasuke. "Is that alright with you?"
Sasuke looked down at his nails to try and hide his eagerness. "Yeah, that should be fine."
Naruto hadn't felt that awkward in a long time. When he finally got on stage and announced himself the whole yard became deadly quiet. Apparently his voice never ceased drawing out shocked reactions. It's almost a guarantee that once he's heard people have to do a double take to make sure it's someone's real voice.
The band that was playing was undoubtedly bummed out when they found out they wouldn't get a chance to play some of the legendary Kurama's music, but Naruto couldn't help that he didn't trust anyone but his family with his music. The band was a relatively new group that Shisui seemed to rave about so he knew they would do great things on their own in time.
Naruto was only going to play a couple songs but when supper was about to be served and Itachi asked him to announce it to the guests he found he was actually having a good time so he lifted the spirits of the otherwise dejected band when he asked them to play some covers with him. He figured that no harm could come from playing other people's music together. The band acted like he had given them the entire world, it was moderately endearing.
As the night went on he received many compliments and couldn't help but notice how Sasuke seemed to gravitate towards the stage regardless of giving his guests the perfect opportunity to bombard him. The night was drawing closer to its end and Naruto still hadn't decided if he was going to follow through on his plan. During one of his breaks he gave Itachi his valet number so he could get his precious cargo out of his car for him and set it in a predetermined room. He didn't want to chance Sasuke seeing it just in case he decided against his plan. Upon Itachi's return his smile had encroached into unattainably creepy territory.
Finally deciding he'd had enough performing he turned the mic back over to the band and hopped off the stage where Sasuke was of course waiting for him. "Thanks for performing. You were great."
Naruto gave him a dismissive wave. "It was nothing."
"Still, thank you." Sasuke gave him a slight smile before using his head to gesture towards the bar. "Would you want to accompany me for a drink?"
"I can't exactly drink with this on," Naruto pointed at his own masked head.
Sasuke hung his head thinking he'd been rejected. "Oh, of c-"
"But I'll come sit with you." Naruto finished. Even after all these years Sasuke could still be adorable and awkward, it was somewhat reassuring after all the things he'd heard about him in the news.
Sasuke looked up with one of the most hopeful looks he'd seen on him in ages. "Alright, let's go."
Naruto strolled side by side with Sasuke as they made their way towards the outside bar. A lot of the guest's were coming up and saying their goodbyes as they left but the atmosphere was calm. It was kind of nice.
"So, how'd Itachi rope you into this?" Sasuke finally asked. The question had been burned into his mind since he'd first found out.
"He asked, I accepted," Naruto shrugged.
"But how do you two even know each other?" Sasuke's brow furrowed.
Naruto wasn't comfortable with these questions, but he can't say he wasn't expecting them. He's surprised Shisui didn't bring it up at all. "We just sort of wandered upon each other when we were shopping."
"Shopping? Seriously?" Sasuke clearly couldn't picture it. "How does shopping turn into you agreeing to play at my party?"
"Like I said, he asked and I agreed," Naruto looked away from the raven.
Sasuke's face drew up like he was mentally calculating something. "It just doesn't make sense. From what I know about you, and what I've heard, you don't ever do these types of things."
Naruto sighed, but didn't still look at the man. "What is it you really want to ask?"
Sasuke looked at the fox curiously. "Why'd you agree to it? Why for me?"
Naruto drew in a large breath and looked down at the bar's countertop. "I don't know. It just sort of felt like I had to, I guess."
"What does that mean?" Sasuke asked as he stared down at his untouched drink. More questions were being raised than answered.
Naruto slowly turned to look at him. "Has anything ever drawn you in and you can do nothing to fight it?"
Thoughts of his pull towards Naruto when they first met flashed through his mind and a sad smile pulled at his lips. "Yeah, I have." Sasuke let out a pitiful chuckle as he looked up at the fox. "That's how it started with Naruto."
"You wanna talk about it?" Naruto asked, sounding nowhere near as awkward as he felt. He wasn't sure which topic was safer, this or why he's here.
"Hn, I wouldn't want to bum you out." Sasuke sighed before finally taking a sip of his drink.
"I'm not easily bummed out," Naruto playfully punched the man's shoulder.
Even the light touch from the fox through his clothing was enough for his breath to catch, rendering him useless to throw the fake glare he would have. Sasuke swallowed whatever saliva had accumulated to moisten his throat so he could finally speak. "It's just that talking about it won't help me. There's this restlessness inside me that just keeps growing and I'm powerless against it."
"Sasuke there you are!" The raven's cheerful mother called out causing both men to turn and give her their full attention.
"Yes mother?" Sasuke answered casually. It's not like he was particularly hard to find this time.
Mikoto smiled at her youngest. "I wanted you to come meet that young man before he leaves."
"Mother, you know I don't like being set up," the raven sighed. He really didn't want to be subjected to his mother's wrath though.
The little woman's smile turned into something dangerous. "I wasn't asking Sasuke. Besides, he says he already knows you, his father is apparently one of your business partners."
Sasuke swallowed harshly at his mothers aura. "I wouldn't want to be rude and leave my conversation with Kurama. After all, he was kind enough to play for me tonight."
Mikoto pauses and contemplates for a moment. "Okay fine."
Sasuke lets out a relieved breath. "Thank you moth-"
"I'll bring him here instead." Mikoto finished before turning around without letting her son have another word.
Sasuke turns and dramatically drops his head on the bar with a groan. "Why me?"
Naruto was highly amused. "She does this often?"
"You have no idea," he mumbles before lifting his head and looking at the fox. "Sorry for dragging you into this."
"I survived Madara, I'm sure this will be fine." Naruto chuckled.
Sasuke thought that deep chuckle could cure all his anxieties. Kurama seriously had some divine power over him. "You say that now."
"Here he is!" Mikoto's cheerful voice rings out.
Naruto turns before Sasuke follows suit. Sasuke's face turns into an enrages scowl. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you mean? You invited me." The man seemed confused.
"You two know each other?" Mikoto hesitantly asked.
"I can promise you Dave, that I didn't invite you." Sasuke spat, making sure to put extra emphasis on the name. Seemingly not even hearing his mother.
"And I thought I told you last time my name's Sebastian asshole! " The man shouted." And here I thought you invited me to apologize for being a dick!"
"What's going on here? What's he talking about Sasuke?" Mikoto demanded as a few of the remaining guests' attention began to draw towards them.
"Nothing important," Sasuke grumbles, refusing to look his mother in the eye. Naruto was sitting back looking amused. Seeing something like this should have made him feel angry, but it oddly didn't. Uchiha's sure knew how to throw parties.
Sebastian snorted sarcastically. "Nothing? If you call me to suck your dick then kicking me out afterwards nothing."
Mikoto's face paled. So much for introducing her son to someone respectable. The man turned out to be one of his floozies anyways. She looked at her son with disappointment. "Sasuke? Did you use this man?"
Sasuke didn't dare speak, he was angry and embarrassed. Of all time this could happen it had to happen on his birthday in front of both his mother and Kurama.
With her hands on her hips she glared at her son. "Answer me young man!"
"Yes but it's not my fault. He ended up being a complete moron!" Sasuke sneered at the man he thought he'd never see again.
"You know what? Fuck you Uchiha," the man spat before swinging his arm and slapping the raven across the face rather hard. Sasuke's pale face would definitely be marked.
The patio surrounding the bar was now deathly silent as the few guests absorbed the sight of the youngest Uchiha being slapped at his own party. Mikoto was just as shocked. She was torn between scolding and or comforting her son, or going after the man that just assaulted her baby on his birthday.
Naruto's offer made her decision easier. "I'll tend to him if you want to go do damage control?"
The woman looked to be deep in thought for a moment, but decided to take the fox up on his offer. "That would actually be very helpful, thank you." She didn't know how angry that man was but she didn't want him in her house any longer just in case he was even more spiteful. She may be upset with her son but that doesn't mean she'll stand for someone hitting her baby.
"Of course," Naruto bowed his head slightly.
Before Mikoto left she turned to Sasuke. "We'll talk about this after."
Sasuke couldn't bring himself to answer so he just nodded. He sat there feeling like the biggest bag of shit, he hated disappointing his mother.
Naruto observed the hollow look on Sasukes face and sighed. He thought he'd be angrier about witnessing one of his ex lover's boy toys up close and personal, but all he felt for the raven was pity. Sure he felt bad for the man who was clearly used as well, but Sasuke had a look on his face that could only be taken for disappointment. Naruto just didn't know which part of the situation made him feel that way.
Naruto looked at the bartender who was clearly trying his best not to look at them. "Can I have some ice and a towel please?" The fox asked him politely.
"Of course sir," the man answered before dutifully producing a clean towel and a bucket of ice.
Sasuke still hadn't spoken a word so Naruto used that time to wrap a generous amount of ice in the towel the towel before handing it to him. "Here this will help with the swelling." It had been years since he had to worry about icing an injury but he fell back into it just like clock work.
Sasuke looked like he was going to protest but Naruto was having none of it. "Just take the fucking ice."
"Fine," Sasuke grumbled. "Thanks."
"No worries," Naruto responded dryly.
Placing the ice on his inflamed cheek Sasuke looks at the fox confused. "Aren't you going to ask about what happened?"
Naruto shrugged. "No."
Sasuke was baffled. "You're different."
"Hn?" Naruto hummed to signal him to elaborate.
Being fluent in the language of the single syllable sounds, Sasuke had no problem understanding. "Everybody else would be all over me for answers." He looked behind him at the few people still staring at him and shot glares at them that dismissed them immediately. He turns back to the fox. "See?"
Naruto leaned over the bar and rested his masked cheek in his palm. "If you wanted me to know you'd tell me."
"You're not curious at all?" Sasuke questioned.
"It's not my business who or how you sleep with people." Naruto answered truthfully. He dodged the curiosity question because of course he wanted to know why he was the way he was, but soulmate or not, it wasn't his place to know seeing they weren't together anyways. That and the fact that he still doesn't know he's Naruto.
Sasuke groaned as he re-adjusted the ice. "You make me sound like a giant slut."
"Your words not mine," Naruto quipped.
"So you don't think I'm a slut?" Sasuke sounded oddly hopeful.
"Do you make it a habit of going around and hurting people like that man?" Naruto answered his question with a question.
"No, he's the first person I've kicked out part way through." It was true, usually whoever he'd pull would just leave afterwards. That man just got under Sasuke's skin with his moronic comment. The fact that he was on edge thinking about getting railed by either the vocalist in front of him or his ex lover didn't help matters that night either.
"Then it doesn't matter what you label yourself. You're a single guy and as long as you're not hurting anybody it shouldn't matter what you do." Naruto shrugged. He didn't like telling the raven he could pretty much fuck anyone he wanted as long as he wasn't hurting anybody but it was true and he himself was no angel.
Sasuke looked flabbergasted. "I think you're the first person who hasn't looked down on my manwhore ways."
Naruto sighed. "I'd be a hypocrite if I did."
Sasuke was torn between shock and arousal. "You? But how? I've never seen so much as a rumor about you."
Naruto points to his mask. "Another perk to this."
Sasuke fought back his jealousy at whoever those lucky fucks were. "So there are people who know what you look like? You know besides your band."
"I have a life separate from Kurama, Sasuke. I have people who know me but have no idea who Kurama is," Naruto couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him at the irony of this conversation.
Sasuke scoffed at the jab. "Fine Mr. Big-Shot-Double-Life." He really wanted to know what Kurama's libidinous reasons were, now that he'd admitted to being similar.
The fox speaks as if reading his mind. "You can ask, I'm not shy."
Sasuke places the ice down on the bar counter before looking at him curiously. "Why do you do it?"
"Sleep with people?" Naruto guessed.
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah."
Naruto tilted his head in contemplation. "We'll I'm a sexual being, I like sex. But I've also used it as a distraction."
"I get the distraction part," Sasuke muttered.
"Oh?" Naruto couldn't hide the curiosity in his voice.
Sasuke looked down and picked at the non existing lint on his pants. "Don't get me wrong, sex is fine, but it's never been exceptional except with one person. I tend to use it like you said as a distraction, or a quick stress relief. But the morning after I'm always reminded of just how big of a fuck up I truly am."
"Ah," was all Naruto could say, he wasn't sure how to respond to that statement.
"I don't suppose you know what it's like wishing every person you come across was the one person you can't have?" Sasuke asked quietly, there was a shy sorrow in his voice.
"I probably know better than you'd think," Naruto responded softly.
"Sucks huh?" Sasuke whispered before placing the ice back over his cheek. At least that would help hide vulnerability betraying his face, even if it did nothing for his voice.
Naruto was silent for a moment as he thought of his words carefully. "What would you do?"
"Hn?" Sasuke didn't know what he meant.
"If you had another chance with Naruto, what would you do?" Naruto pressed, his stomach suddenly feeling nauseous.
Even with his face hidden behind a towel Sasuke's face morphed to reflect sorrow. "I'd spend the rest of my life trying to make him happy. I'd give anything to show him how stupid I was and make sure he knew how much he meant to me, how much I need him."
"Hn," Naruto's chest felt extremely heavy, it was almost like he was suffocating.
"What about you? I don't know your story but I can assume that your admittance of wishing your bed partners were someone else that you have someone you miss. What would you do if you and this person had another chance?" Sasuke found himself asking. It was weird for him to be this interested in another person but something about the alluring fox kept dragging him in further and he craved knowing more about the enigma of a man.
Naruto watched the light dance of the reflection of the shiny marble countertop as he thought. This conversation was much more than he'd ever imagined Kurama having with Sasuke. "If you asked me a couple years ago I would have told you that no matter how much I wished to see them I'd never allow them or myself."
Sasuke's face held a strange softness. "And now?"
"And now indeed." Naruto whispered.
Sasuke let a pitiful snort out. "What a pair we are huh?"
Naruto mimicked him. "Yeah."
Soon after Itachi and Kisame reappeared having heard about Sasuke's altercation. "Mother wishes to speak with you now Sasuke."
Sasuke took a quick glance around and realised everyone was gone. He had been so caught up in his conversation with the fox he hadn't noticed everyone but the poor bartender who looked terrified of mentioning anything was gone. "That time already huh?" He sighed. He really didn't want to bid Kurama farewell, it wasn't often he enjoyed indulging in conversation, plus he had no idea when or if he'd ever see the man again. There was also the matter of his mother wrath.
"Unfortunately so," Itachi responded sympathetically. He was a little surprised to find out that Naruto hung around even after witnessing Sasuke's extra curricular fallout first hand.
Sasuke looked at the fox hesitantly. "Are you going?"
To be cruel, Naruto tilted his head and paused for a while like he really had to think about it. "I guess I could stay. After all, I still need to give you your gift."
Sasuke did nothing to hide his eye bulge. "I thought you performing was my gift? You didn't have to get me anything."
"That was Itachi's gift. But if you don't want mine I guess I can go," Naruto teased. Naruto didn't have to look at Itachi to know he was even more shocked than his brother. He knew what Sasuke's gift was.
"No!" Sasuke blushed in embarrassment, having shouted like an eager fool. "I mean no, of course I want your gift. Just give me a few, yeah?" he smiled almost shyly.
Kisame looked back and forth between the three thoroughly confused. He could tell Sasuke wanted more than to tap that, but why was Itachi being so sketchy?
"Alright," Naruto answered softly.
Sasuke looks towards Itachi. "Where is she?"
"Kitchen, she's making sure the catering crew didn't break or smudge anything," Itachi chuckled. His mother doesn't even live in the house anymore but it's still her precious as long as she's staying there.
Sasuke grimaced. "Hope everything's in order, she has enough reasons to kill me without adding her wrath from an out of place kitchen into the mix." He quickly looks from his chuckling brother to the fox. "Meet you back here?"
Itachi was the one to speak though. "Actually Sasuke I was going to show him the music room. Meet us there?"
"Oh..." Sasuke waits until he sees the fox nod. "Alright, I'll see you shortly then?"
"Yeah, see you shortly." Naruto had a small smile behind his mask. Inside his stomach felt like a brewing hurricane.
With a smile and a nod, Sasuke left in the direction of the house. With Sasuke out of sight Itachi looks at Naruto who still wasn't looking at him. "You're really doing this?"
Naruto stood up. "Looks like."
Kisame really didn't like being kept out of the loop. "What are you two talking about?"
Itachi gestured to the two to follow him inside as he answered. "Sasuke's gift."
"Oh and what might that be?" Kisame looks expectantly at the fox as they enter the mansion.
"A song," Naruto answered stiffly. He was trying to keep his heart from jumping out of his throat.
"But you already sang a whole bunch of songs." Kisame's voice was laced with confusion.
"You'll understand shortly," Itachi said as he took his grumbly boyfriend's hand and entered the music room. The music room was set up like a mini studio complete with its own cute little sound booth.
"It's in there?" Naruto gestured towards the sound booth.
"Yeah, it's hidden under the window," Itachi nodded. Itachi may not show it, but his nerves were tingling in anticipation for his brother.
Naruto nods before digging something out of his pocket. "Alright, give him this to put on."
Kisame gives the fox a curious brow as he hands Itachi a blindfold. "You sure you want us to stay?"
Itachi cuffed him upside the head lightly. "Idiot."
"Ow, what was that for?" Kisame mumbled as he rubbed his abused cranium.
"For being a dumbass," Itachi responded feeling not the least bit guilty for smacking his beau.
Naruto ignores Kisame's perverted implications as he walks towards the sound booth and takes a seat. After another ten minutes Sasuke comes in rubbing his ass while grumbling something about a spatula under his breath.
"Something wrong little brother?" Itachi's amused tone did not go unnoticed.
Sasuke looked away with pursed lips. "Apparently the catering crew were ungrateful brats like me who left fingerprints on the kitchen faucet."
Kisame burst out into a hardy laugh. "Oh man, I'm glad I've never been on the receiving end of your mothers wrath."
Itachi holds back his shudder. "Count your blessings."
Sasuke continues to sulk until he notices the fox sitting in the sound booth and begins to walk over. Itachi is quick to stop him. "Uh huh little brother. Here wear this," he hands him the blindfold. Looking from his palm and back to the fox Sasuke quirks an eyebrow that signals his thoughts were anything but innocent.
"Just put the damn thing on already," Naruto grumbled, he was losing his nerve and quickly.
Sasuke raises his hands in a show of surrender, but a smirk never leaves his face. "Alright, alright."
"No matter what you are to leave that on until I'm done, do you understand?" The fox's voice was firm and authoritative. Naruto was impressed he was able to stop it from quivering.
"Yes sir," Sasuke's smirk borders on inappropriate but Naruto knew that was about to abruptly change.
"You sure we should be here?" Kisame whispered to Itachi.
Itachi hissed as he jabs him in the side with his elbow this time. "Shut up!"
"Such abuse," Kisame pouted as he now tended to his side.
Sasuke took a seat and slid the blind fold on, ignoring everything else. He was buzzing with anticipation. "Okay I'm ready."
Itachi bit his lip as he watched the fox bend down out of sight. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of metal clips snapping open. When the fox stood up he held in his hand a beautifully designed guitar with a raven soaring behind a fox. Kisame didn't understand why Itachi was acting this way, sure the guitar was nice but it was just an instrument.
Before Kisame could utter something idiotic Itachi quickly placed his hand over his blue hued lovers mouth and gave him a look that said "if you say anything you're loosing your balls". Kisame made the wise decision of shutting the hell up.
Naruto had tuned the guitar before leaving but out of habit he always played a few chords just to make sure. "Alright Sasuke, you remember my rule?"
"Keep the blindfold on until you're done no matter what." Sasuke confidently recited.
Neither Naruto or Itachi believed Sasuke would be able to comply with this rule but Naruto would play regardless. "Good. Alright I'm starting."
Sasuke sat there filled with nothing but excitement. He couldn't explain it, but he felt like something really good was about to happen. The sounds of a few perfectly played test chords were strum before the fox started into a song. As soon as the song started Sasuke knew what song this was. It didn't have all the instruments and was being played acoustically instead, but there was no mistaking it. This was his song.
A whirlwind of feeling and thoughts rushed through him like a blizzard. This wasn't possible, he felt like he was about to hyperventilate.
"STOP!" He shouted as he ripped his blindfold off, but the beautiful song didn't stop being played. The fox didn't look up from his instrument regardless of not needing to look at finger placement.
"What's wrong with him?" Kisame asked no one in particular. He'd never seen the young Uchiha act so distraught.
Itachi almost had tears in his eyes as he payed close attention to his brother. "Just watch, you'll understand everything soon."
"I said stop!" Sasuke pleaded as he launched himself at the vocalist.
"And you stole my heart from the start," Naruto sang out, still refusing to look.
Noticing the guitar Sasuke was powerless to hold back his tears, he dropped to his knees and begged. How many times had he dreamt that Naruto was in front of him? "Please, please look at me!"
Naruto's only goal was to make it through the song, it was something he needed to do. It was the only way for him to give back what he accidentally took.
Sasuke looked at the ground as he wept and pleaded, an overwhelming wall of things began flashing through his mind. Nine tailed fox tattoo, the number nine, Kurama's fox mask, Nine tails bar, Shikamaru, it was all there, he was right there. How could he not have known?
"Itachi, who is he?" Kisame asked, sounding rather nervous.
"You'll see," Itachi answered just loud enough to be heard, he was torn inside. He was elated at what was happening, but the painful wails from his little brother were heartbreaking. He knew his brother had been suffering, but he didn't know it was this bad.
Sasuke looked up as tears continued to fall down his face. "Please look at me."
"It will always be you," Naruto finished the last line of his song. When the last strum finished Naruto looked up from his fingers allowing his sapphire eyes to meet with those endless midnight pits.
Sasuke's breath hitches at the sight of those pulchritudinous eyes, god he missed them so fucking much. He begs for this to be real, begs this isn't another dream to torment him. "Is it...is this real?" His voice quivers.
Naruto can't speak because he feared his own emotions were about to overflow. Shutting his glistening eyes he tries to stave off his own tears.
"No, please don't close them," Sasuke begs in a panic, he wasn't ready to wake up yet, he couldn't lose his love again.
Naruto opens his eyes, powerless to deny his heartbroken soulmate any longer.
They stare silently at each other. The world around them faded, it was like it was just the two of them. Sasuke was scared that if he moved the man before him would vanish into oblivion, but he needed to know, he needed to make sure this was real. Slowly moving he reached his hand up slightly gesturing to the mask.
"Can...can I?" Sasuke's voice was still shaky.
Naruto nodded without hesitation. He place his guitar down gently before sliding off his stool and onto the floor with the raven, white suit be damned. Sasuke slowly reached for the mask, feeling like this was by far the most intimate thing he'd ever experienced in his life. As he gripped the bottom of the mask Naruto's head hung slightly as he closed his eyes. Sasuke breathing was laboured as he slowly pulled up the mask, he was scared that any minute his alarm would go off, waking him up.
Firth this to come to view was a tan, thoroughly tattooed throat then perfectly plush pink lips. Once he reached the sight of those beautifully unique cheeky he threw caution to the wind and flung the mask off the rest of the way. It was there, that bright, gorgeous blond hair, it was a little shorter but otherwise it was just as he remembered. He looked down to catch a glimpse at those wonderful eyes and that's when he noticed something that made his heart stop.
Without even realising it he reached out to caress a large scar that ran down vertically over the blonds left eyebrow. Flashes of the night he broke a bottle of the blonds head flashed through his mind. 'Did I do this?'
Naruto opened his eyes upon feeling that electric charged touch. It was different from those teenage hormonal touches, this was something that ran far deeper, something that felt both amazing and terrifying at the same time. Naruto could see the torment in Sasuke's eyes as he caressed the scar he was responsible for. Without thinking Narutos hand reached up and rested on top of Sasuke's own.
As Naruto placed his hand over Sasuke's, the ravens eyes met with those beautiful sapphires and a new wave of tears fell. "Naruto, are you really here?"
Naruto sniffled lightly before speaking for the first time after the song. "Yeah, it's really me teme."
Sasuke's mouth drew down in a frown that was mixed with relief and sorrow, but he never took his eyes off those perfect blue ones. He couldn't believe it, Naruto was really here. The only thing that was making him hold on to his sanity was the fact that he could feel that still familiar warmth radiating off the blond face underneath and overtop of his hand. Naruto was always the epitome of warmth.
Sasuke allowed his eyes to drift from those pit of cobalt to those perfectly pink lips and back again. There was an unspoken question and Naruto showed no protest. Sasuke slowly began to lean in shifting his eyes back and forth just to make sure he's not reading this wrong. If this ended up being a dream he was going to kill the first person he saw when he woke up.
Warm breaths ghosted over each other the closer they got, when millimetres were left both sets of eyes closed in anticipation. Sasuke gently grabbed the sides of Naruto's face as his thin pale lips met the blonds plush pink ones for the first time in years. There was a charge that rushed through them that neither had experienced before. Their lips slowly moved against each other, neither seemed to want to rush things. They were perfectly happy just feeling and tasting each other again.
As their lips mover in sync Sasuke tilted his head slightly to fit together even better. It was light and gentle and conveyed all the sorrow both had felt in each other's absence. They paid no mind to the wetness of each other's faces from the tears that still were flowing as they communicated silently with their lips. Neither wanted to take the kiss any farther then their sweet sensual mingle so they broke apart and rested against each other's foreheads. They kept their eyes closed as they listened to the steady sounds of each other's breathing.
Sasuke sniffled out a chuckle as he slowly caressed the blond's marred cheeks. It felt like an eternity since the last time he was granted this privilege.
"Dobe, I can't believe you're here." Suddenly Sasuke's eyes fly open in a panic. "Naruto I'm so sorry, so fucking sorry!"
Upon seeing Sasukes torment Naruto couldn't stand seeing him like that. In a split second Naruto had wrapped his arms around the raven and brought him into a comforting embrace. "Shh, we'll talk about everything later alright?"
Sasuke's own arms reached around the blond and he could only nod. "Okay."
"Wait, it's fox face?!" Kisame's voice echoed through the room.
As Itachi and Kisame made their way over towards the sound booth so they could see what was going on, Itachi found himself filled with joy. He grabbed Kisame's and entwined their fingers. "Yeah, it is."
Naruto knew the two were watching them but Sasuke was oblivious to the world. Nothing mattered to him now that he finally had his blond here with him. He had one thought, this felt like home.