AN: Characters of Naruto are not mine, just the idea that's bouncing around to make this story. It is AU, location of the story is up to anyone's imagination, although I would say in the northern states of united states or in the european countries such as scotland, ireland, etc. Any place that of course offers a somewhat solitary house with neighbors inconveniently just out of reach. Lol. Maybe you live in one. ^^ And note 2, the names are being introduced in Western format because they are not living in Japan. But several of the characters either came directly from Japan or were born from migrated Japanese families. Or are studying abroad!

The Portrait From the Attic

Chapter 3

"I'm not leaving you money to take a cab down into town and then back again," Sasuke stated as he was grabbing his office belongings.

"But you promised I'd be able to help outside this house," Naruto argued as he was tying the shoelaces on his sneakers.

"Look, just come down with me, I'll drop you off near the rec center and pick you up on the way back."

"But the rec center doesn't even open until 10!"

"There's a diner that you can eat at or something. Their lunches are good, so I'm assuming their breakfasts are, too."

"Okay!" Naruto gave Sasuke a big smile.

Sasuke muttered, "Idiot," but Naruto couldn't take offense because he could make out a small playful smirk on Sasuke's lips as he turned away.

The trip to town took roughly 40 minutes, and during that time, Naruto felt like it was the old times. He chatted Sasuke's ear off, and rather than being ignored the entire time, Sasuke actually talked back to him. They talked about Sasuke's job, the plans for the ballroom, and what type of party it was going to be. Being that it was October, the company wanted a costume party. Despite the disappointment that Sasuke went back on his word about Naruto's bedroom, the idea of a party was beginning to grow on Naruto. The party would be in three weeks and Naruto was certain that in less than two weeks he would have the ballroom cleaned up, especially if he volunteered only two days max each week. Then after the party he would open up his volunteering availability.

The good feelings lasted until they arrived at the diner's parking lot.

"Naruto?" Sasuke addressed him, sounding uncertain.

"Yeah?" Naruto felt a cold dread in him. Last time Sasuke had sounded like this, it was when his parents were threatening to disinherit him because of his sexual orientation.

"The people at my workplace... they know I live with someone, but they don't know the nature of our relationship, except for one person. They don't even know that you're a guy."

Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "So... what... you want me to not be there during the party? Pretend to be some cousin or just a simple room mate?"

Sasuke looked out at the road. "Well, not exactly. I mean, if you think about it its almost perfect. It is a halloween party. Maybe you can dress up as a girl? One with a weak disposition, that way we can use it as an excuse that she can't come out into the open, and that you're there to cover help care for her every now and then or something." Sasuke looked over at him with a slightly nervous look on his face, but he didn't flinch at the look Naruto was giving him.

"Let me understand this... you want me to pretend I'm a sickly girlfriend and her brother?! Son of a bitch, Sasuke! Why keep me around if you are that fucking embarrassed or ashamed to be my lover?"

"I'm not embarrassed, it's just that I'm still new to this position!" Sasuke's response was defensive. "And the boss struck me as a homophobic asshole. In a few months he'll be leaving the company and his nephew Neji Hyuuga is taking over, and his nephew is a lot more open minded. To be honest, he's the one that knows and made the suggestion to keep our relationship a secret for now. So, please? Think of something?"

Naruto sighed. "I don't know," muttered Naruto. "I think I rather just not be at your party."

"You can't not be there," Sasuke stated, nervousness replaced with determination. "Unless you want me to find someone else to play my significant other. If that's the case than it'll be easier to go out in public because she wouldn't have to hide."

Naruto closed his eyes and clenched his fists. "Let me take care of the room. I'll let you know next week if I can do this or not, that way you will have enough time to find someone if I chose not to."

Naruto felt Sasuke grab his chin, firmly but not harshly, and he let the man pull him over to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "I appreciate it that you'll at least consider the option."

"You're welcome," Naruto whispered, and then got out of the car. He waved at Sasuke as he pulled out of the parking lot and then turned to the diner. "And you're fucking lucky that I took acting classes in high school," he muttered, still feeling hurt.

Glancing at his watch he saw that it was only 8 o'clock. Two hours to kill. Eating at the diner would probably not take long at all.

Stepping in, he was immediately noticed by the server behind the counter, as well as two other customers sitting at booths. The server was a young woman with brown hair, her name tag reading Ayame. She looked up and gave him a look that could only be described as being full of curiosity.

"Morning, sugar. New around here?"

Naruto paused at the doorway and then nodded as he smiled. He really shouldn't be surprised that he would be noticeable. The town seemed small enough that everyone was at least familiar with faces of those who lived here. And since he never made it to town since moving in, he should have known that he would have been identified as being new immediately.

"Naruto Uzumaki," he said as a way of introduction.

"Where ya from?"

"Couple places. Most recent being from Japan."

"Oh! We have a pretty new regular here from Japan, too. Sasuke Uchiha."

"Yeah, he's my... um... room mate. Well, I'm his room mate slash handyman. I'm helping fix the mansion he's staying at." Naruto chuckled nervously, unable to believe that within seconds he almost blew their secret. Damn Sasuke and his pride.

"Well, have a seat, hon! You're staying at that creepy place, too? Unbelievable. I thought he was crazy. So I take it you know his girlfriend? Is she doing okay?"

Son of a bitch. No wonder Sasuke suggested faking a girlfriend... he was already using that story! Naruto gritted his teeth and answered as calmly and politely as possible as he sat down at the counter. "Yeah, she's my twin sister." And damn himself to hell, why didn't he say cousin? "But she's a rather sick girl. We moved here in hopes that it would help her lungs and all, but so far nothing has improved. She rarely steps out of the house."

"Poor thing. Maybe you can arrange for her to have company?"

"Depends on how well she's feeling. She likes to be as hospitable as possible, but when she goes through one of her spells, its best to leave her without any excitement." Naruto couldn't believe how easy it was to lie to some stranger. But then again, that was what Sasuke was apparently doing.

One of the men at the booth snorted. "Well, I certainly pegged that pretty boy wrong. Thought for sure he was one of them homersexuals and was lying about having a girl."

Ayame frowned as the other man chuckled. "Hell, you must be disappointed considering how you was obsessin' o'er it. Was you hoping he could scratch yer itch someday?"

"Fuck you."

Naruto kept on smiling as he realized that maybe Sasuke had a good reason to keep things quiet for now, especially if there were people like this around.

"Charlie, Taylor! That's enough! Even if he were, the guy keeps to himself around here. He would have been no bother." Ayame glared at the two men and they quieted down, going back to eating. She turned to Naruto. "Please don't pay attention to them. They're stuck on the old ways. Fortunately not everyone is like that. But it's a shame about your sister. I would have liked to have met her. Anyhow, what can I get started for you?"

Naruto took a quick look at the menu and felt his mouth watering. "One Meat Lover's Platter please! Orange juice. And a side of pancakes!"

"How do you want the eggs on the platter?"

"Scrambled, please!"

"Oh, you are such a cute doll!" gushed Ayame as Naruto gave her a dazzling smile.

Naruto glanced at the menu one more time.

"Ramen? Like a Cup O' Noodles style ramen?"

Ayame giggled. "No, it's homemade! My daddy owes a shop back in my hometown."

"I'll have one bowl of that then."

"Well, we normally serve it after 11 but for you, doll, I'll be glad to whip you some. It'll take a bit."

"Thank you!"

Fifteen minutes later, Naruto was chowing down on his Meat Lover's Platter, a artery clogging dish stacked with four pieces of bacon, two pieces of ham steaks, three sausages, hashbrowns, and three scrambled eggs. Ayame had sat him at a booth since the ramen was going to take a little bit longer and she told him it would be more comfortable to wait there instead of on the barstool. While he was sitting there, he observed as more people came in and greeted Ayame by name. She would respond back and Naruto couldn't help but like how close the town seemed. It was a rather diverse group ranging in ages, and while most of the people visiting were men, there were a few women that seemed colorful to say the least. They all seem to glance at Naruto, seemingly startled at the new face, and would always glance at Ayame who would introduce him.

Naruto watched that even though they came in at different times, different people seemed to gravitate towards other, joining them as they were in the middle of their meal to start a chat.

In some sense he did feel a bit lonely that no one seemed curious enough to join him, but Naruto understood that he was a stranger and a close knit group like this might just want to put him under observation first. But when Ayame placed the bowl of ramen fresh out of her kitchen in front of him, he was joined by a strange man with gravity defying silver hair and wearing an eye patch. He would have assumed the man was senile and old, sitting down at someone's booth, but there weren't any deep wrinkles around the one visible eye and the hands holding an orange book in front of his face didn't look like old man's hands either.

"You're in my seat," the man said without looking at him.

"Huh?"

"Now, now, Crow... I sat him there knowing that you would sit here as well, regardless of whether this table was empty or not," said Ayame as she put a stack of pancakes in front of the man. "You're coffee will be up in a moment."

Although "Crow's" lower face was covered by the book in front of him, Naruto could feel the older man pouting. His one eye turned to look at him.

"Newbie, huh? What's your name?"

Naruto felt slightly annoyed by this one. "Isn't it polite to give your name first? 'Cause even though she called you 'Crow,' I don't think that's your real name."

"Nope. Nickname. And yours?"

"Naruto Uzumaki... wait, you didn't tell me yours!!"

A few people around Naruto snickered as the man's eye curved into an upside U. "Japanese, huh?"

Naruto nodded. "Well, by name, really. I mean, I did live in Japan during my high school and college years, but I've been around other places and countries quite a bit. Mostly big cities."

"I lived in Japan during my younger years. My parents moved here due to business deals but whatever. Name's Kakashi Hatake."

Naruto gave a start. "Hatake? Wow, that's the same name as the guy whose portrait I found where I'm staying at."

There was a small bit of silence as Kakashi leaned forward, snapping his book closed with one hand, the other covering his mouth as it was turned to cup his chin, propping his head up. "What's the guy's name?"

"Rey Hatake."

"Are you serious?! You live in the Utamaki Manor?!"

They were interrupted by Ayame's giggle as she came to bring more juice to Naruto. "Doll, you better run if you don't like chatting. Crow here is a historian, and he likes finding things that normally don't make their way to a school text book. He's been interested in the Utamaki manor for years! Evil man was actually hoping Mr. Orochimaru would die quickly so that someone else would move in and let him explore to his heart's content."

"Well, it's not like anyone will miss him," was Kakashi's reply as he snapped his book back open and began to read again. "He was a true eccentric hermit, always inviting that Kabuto kid to work as his personal assistant."

"Now there are two of yer flamin' homosexuals, Charlie. That Oro guy was a pedo, I just know it! 'Cept our children were safe cuz he had Kabuto as a regular."

"Taylor!"

"Hey, I'm just repeating what my wife said!"

"Chatting gossip with the old ladies? You sure you ain't turning into one?"

"As you so eloquently put it earlier, fuck you."

"I'd say 'Kiss my ass,' but I'm afraid you'd take it as an offer."

"Oi!"

Several people laughed as Ayame struck each man across the head. "Enough of that talk. Orochimaru was a sickly man. And he was Sasuke's uncle. So show some respect because he was an in-law to Naruto here."

"Sorry, sorry," said the man named Taylor. "No disrespect, kid. But the man was weird all the same."

"And he could be mean," said a woman who was sitting two tables away. "Heard he made such a racket when Crow asked if he could explore the house."

"That's okay," responded Naruto. "I never really met him." He turned to Kakashi. "But, uh... why do they call you 'Crow?'"

"Play of words on my name."

"What? Oh! Scarecrow? But..."

"He acts more like a crow," Ayame replied. "When he gets started on his history lessons, one just tries to tune him out like you do with the crows in this area. And that's because after awhile, all you hear is, 'Caw! Caw!'"

"Naruto, they are so mean."

Naruto couldn't help but chuckle. Despite the earlier annoyance with this Kakashi person, he realized that the man was just acting like some attention depraved teenager, acting all distant, being enthusiastic about one particular thing, and then accusing everyone else of being against him and trying to gain the sympathy of some new sucker.

"So why are you interested in Rey Hatake and the Utamaki Manor?"

Kakashi chuckled. "Well, it's not just because we share the same name. My family has lived here for generations, and following the family tree, I come from Rey's brother. There are actually a lot of mysteries surrounding both the Hatake and Utamaki families, and I've been dying to find out those secrets. For example, Rey was disinherited from his family. His name actually has a line across it in one of the original family tree wooden plaques I've found. I want to know what is it that he did so bad that the family shunned him when all old newspaper clippings show him to be a great man. And why is there no mention of his death. And why did he live with Sai and Kushina Utamaki. And of course why was Sai Utamaki also shunned by his family and why was he committed into a mental hospital, and what happened to his wife during that time."

"Wow... they sound like they had a tough time..." Naruto commented, feeling weirded out about having put their pictures on the wall. If he knew they apparently didn't lead a happy life, he might have just left the pictures covered in the attic. But at the same time, the face of the smiling Rey and the blushing Kushina seemed to brighten up the hallway, and Naruto felt guilty at the thought of sealing them away again.

"I only have tiny bits of pieces of their lives. It's nowhere near complete as I'd like it to be."

"Well maybe I can at least get you some of their personal stuff. We have a quite a bit still in the attic."

"Are you going to be here all day?"

"Well, I'll be looking for volunteering events at the rec center."

"Perfect! I work at the public library part time and they usually have volunteering events posted at the rec center. If one's open, you can volunteer there and then talk to me during breaks and meals!"

Kakashi sounded enthusiastic, and Naruto could almost imagine the gleeful dance the man was doing in his head.

Naruto and Kakashi talked about several key sites around the town up until Kakashi had to leave to head to his workplace. By then, several of the other people had left as well. And when Naruto left, the only ones remaining were Charlie and Taylor, still antagonizing each other when Ayame was too far away to overhear their comments.

As it turned out, when Naruto registered at the Rec center, there was an opening for the library the following week, but none for that day. Instead, Naruto helped with a Seniors Dance class, much to the relief of a harried instructor. Using wit and charm, he had a lot of elderly women complementing, and a few widows wishing they were decades younger. Several of the men asked him for tips on snagging ladies, much to Naruto's embarrassment.

For lunch, he decided to eat at the cafeteria located within the rec center, not wanting to risk meeting up with Sasuke at the diner. If Charlie and Taylor also ate lunch there, Naruto was afraid of putting Sasuke in a position of having a lot of attention drawn to him. And with the way those two men were going, Naruto was sure they would try to put the two on the spot. Sasuke alone could handle situations like that. And so could Naruto. But Naruto knew his own faults and being in potentially embarrassing or uncomfortable positions with another person involved had him react in more negative ways.

After the lunch, Naruto helped manage some high schoolers playing basketball. It was interesting seeing the male teenagers act like mini alphas and test him, although a few were interested in learning about him. By the time that ordeal was over, Naruto was exhausted.

He made his way back to the diner after the rec center closed for the day.

By then it was some other woman and she wasn't nearly as friendly as Ayame. Instead, Naruto made his way to a corner, ordered a small sandwich and waited. When he saw Sasuke's car arrive, he went out and got in.

"I thought you got out early today?" Naruto asked.

Sasuke nodded to the back of his car. "I have supplies for the ballroom."

"Oh. I thought you were going to want to go shopping for that together."

"It's easier this way."

"Oh... I met Kakashi today."

"Don't invite him over to explore. In fact, don't invite anyone. It's bad enough I'm hosting this party to look good in the company, but don't invite other people without good reason, okay?"

Naruto nodded and slumped in his seat.

The ride back to the house, unlike in the morning, was quiet. Naruto knew that Sasuke was curious, or worried, about his silence from the glances he was throwing him, but Naruto just didn't have the energy or the heart to lead any conversations. The day was fun, but knowing that he was going to have to help Sasuke keep their relationship a secret made him sad.

When they got back to the mansion, Naruto briefly paused in front of the large portrait on his way to the ballroom with some of the supplies. He glanced up on them and once again found himself studying the faces of both Sai and Kushina. After hearing a tiny bit of what Kakashi knew, he could see that the seriousness in Sai's face was probably a hint to some mental discontent. But seeing the blushing Kushina confused Naruto, because she didn't look like she was blushing from being uncomfortable. It almost looked like a happy blush. But of course that small smile was nothing compared to the happy look in Rey's eyes, and the hint of smile on his lips in the small painting.

Naruto sighed and continued on his way, helping Sasuke bring in the materials he would be using tomorrow to start in the ballroom.

After he was done helping Sasuke carry the items inside, he prepared Sasuke a simple meal of vegetable soup.

As they got ready to sleep, Naruto was still unusually silent, and Sasuke was beginning to look annoyed. Naruto really wasn't ignoring him, it just was that he was contemplating everything that he had heard and seen.

Naruto went to bed without complaining, and was slightly caught off guard when Sasuke rolled on top of him. Blue eyes met black in the dim light, blue eyes looking up in confusion and curiosity, black filled with lustful determination. Then Sasuke began to kiss his lips and throat, slowly undressing him as his lips continued to make a trail down to his stomach. Naruto just lay still, unsure of what set off this gentle act. Sasuke was in the middle of loosening the tie of Naruto's pajama bottoms when he stopped and moved back upwards.

"You're only half hard. What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just thinking."

"About who?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed.

Naruto let out an annoyed sound. "No one. More about what you asked of me."

Sasuke remained silent.

Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I'll do it," he said in a defeated voice. He opened his eyes to see Sasuke have a puzzled frown on his face. "I'll dress up as a girl for you."

Sasuke's frown melted away into a calm expression on his face. He began to kiss Naruto again, this time with a bit more passion. His kisses began to get more aggressive as each minute passed, and he let out a chuckle. "You know, the thought of you in a dress is actually turning me on," he said with a smirk.

"Pervert," Naruto responded half heartedly. Even though he showed Sasuke a smile, he felt as if something in him cracked and he really wanted to cry. He was actually hoping that Sasuke would tell him not to bother and come up with another suggestion. Instead Sasuke was pleased with the idea, and it made Naruto question why. Was he too manly for Sasuke? And if so, he couldn't help but ask himself again, why did Sasuke pursue him if that was the case? Was it all a game?

Naruto's thoughts became harder and harder to focus on as Sasuke returned to his administrations, this time being forceful with his kisses. Naruto felt like he was being consumed as Sasuke finally freed him from his clothes and massaged his body. Despite not really being in the mood for any sex, Sasuke's skillful hands had him hard within seconds, and Naruto felt himself riding a wave of physical pleasure that was impossible to ignore. When Sasuke entered him, it wasn't as rough as the night before, but it still felt just as possessive. It was as if each thrust was made to remind Naruto that Sasuke knew his body inside and out, knew how to bring to the point of climax and let him suffer for a bit, unable to achieve release until Sasuke told him it was okay to let go.

And unlike last night, when Sasuke came in him, he didn't roll away. He lay holding Naruto like when they first because an official couple. Naruto came down from his bliss and gently watched as Sasuke fell asleep, his serious face becoming more gentle in the moonlit night. Naruto couldn't help but smile a tiny bit and he closed his eyes. He knew he felt asleep when something woke him up. The room seemed a bit darker than what it use to, considering that Sasuke liked leaving the window's curtains open. He glanced to the left and wondered if maybe his eyes were fuzzy from sleep since all he saw was what looked like a black fog. He blinked a bit and looked again, and saw that he could see the window clearly, the moon shining brightly through.

He frowned and mentally shrugged his shoulders as he closed his eyes to try and go back to sleep.

His eyes snapped open a few minutes later. Sasuke was laying curled around him from his right. But he felt as if another body was laying next to him on his left. Considering that the bed's covers were only up to his waist, he could feel an incredibly pulsating warmth blanket his shoulder down to his thighs. And it felt like a hand was gently gripping his hip.

Naruto flinched strong enough to rouse Sasuke.

"What the hell?" he asked, his voice slurring, still half asleep.

"Sasuke, I feel as if someone is laying on my other side!" Naruto whispered, as the feeling suddenly faded away.

"Dammit, Naruto! You were probably dreaming. Go back to sleep or if you're going to make a fuss, sleep on your half of the bed. Or go to your old room. I work early tomorrow and a long day at that."

Naruto didn't respond, feeling as if he had been slapped as Sasuke rolled away from him and rested on his side, back facing him.

He was tempted to kick Sasuke out of the bed and storm out of the room, but the thought of getting out of the bed and encountering that feeling scared him even more. Naruto lay back down, also on his side. Either way, he wasn't too sure how well he was going to sleep. Even though they were still sleeping together, Sasuke looked so far away with his back to him. Naruto tried to keep his breathing steady, and he listened to Sasuke's breathing also level out as he fell asleep.

Naruto closed his eyes again, shivering.

The warm feeling was back, but not as intense as before. But that same pressure on his hip was felt again.

Naruto kept silent this time, trying to convince himself that it was probably some type of muscle spasm from playing basketball after weeks of no real exercise. The feeling faded away again after several minutes, but Naruto couldn't fall asleep until hours later.

tbc...