Disclaimer:Characters and Concepts of Naruto belong to their creator and not me.
Warnings:Slashy content. Swearing, the usual.
Authors note: This must be my third attempt at writing this chapter. And seeing as I am work and so very bored, it would seem that my latest burst of inspiration has failed me. Not to worry, I'm going to stagger on anyway. At last count this story had 821 reviews and 106,378 hits. I'm aiming for 1000 reviews people! My ego is demanding attention once more! And I got the first review in all those that told me they didn't like my Sasuke and Naruto because they're out of character. I'm not bothered though! Everything else they said was very complimentary.
A couple of you sent in email addresses for Beta purposes. I apologize for not having sent this to any of you, but in the reviews the emails didn't show up and I haven't had the time to go to each of your profiles to retrieve the wayward addresses. I appreciate the efforts though, and am still considering whether or not to go ahead with the idea in the first place. I'll keep you all posted!
I'd also like to make special mentions of a couple of reviewers who make a very big difference in this story. First and foremost is the wonderful Hikari no Kurai, who has reviewed ever single chapter I have written and has always left lovely long reviews for me to read and drool over! hugs
And secondly, Chibikoi and Rebecca85. Loved your input and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Twenty Part 2: Come as You Are
Sasuke and Taira had gone by the time he returned to the stable yard and there was no sign of him in any of the arenas so he assumed that they'd gone off over the cross country course.
Naruto wondered what events Sasuke would enter him into on Sora. He assumed that that was what Kakashi was going to talk with them about this afternoon. There was so much they had to organize. For one, there was the process of entering everyone into the competition and getting the paperwork in order.
Then there was the issue of finding accommodation for not only Sasuke and his friends, but the stable hands that were going along as well, and the horses. The grounds where the competition was held was a good days drive away. And they'd have to organize equipment, and floating for the horses(1) …..
Naruto shook his head. He was getting a headache just thinking about it. But the curl of excitement and nerves in his stomach was undeniable. He really did want to compete now, he wanted to live up to his father's image, and make him proud, wherever he was.
He almost ran into Kakashi as he rounded a corner, and stumbled backwards a few steps. The pale man caught him by the shoulders to steady him.
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah."
"Good. I think it's time Ani was given a walk and thought you might want the honor."
Naruto perked up immediately at the prospect.
"You think he's getting better then?" he asked, hopefully.
Kakashi smiled at him.
"I do. He seems more lively today. Just get him in a halter and take him out. Let him wander where he wants, but bring him in once he starts getting tired or we'll be right back to square one."
Naruto nodded and grinned at Kakashi.
"Thanks!"
The older man smiled at him.
"Don't forget the meeting when Sasuke gets back." He called after him as he retreated.
Naruto had to stop himself from running towards Ani's stall. The gray had his head over his stable door and whickered to him in greeting.
"Hey there, little man!" Naruto smiled up at him as he ran his hands down Ani's face. "You feeling better already? You are a strong boy, aren't you?"
Ani nudged him sharply and Naruto laughed.
"Okay, okay, impatient one. Hang on."
Naruto grabbed Ani's navy blue halter and lead rope and slipped them over Ani's head, fastening the buckles deftly before he swung the door open. Ani stepped out slowly, obviously eager to get out, but feeling the pull of his injuries and the stiffness of his muscles.
"That's it, Ani. Just take it slow," Naruto encouraged him quietly, keeping one hand on the gray's neck and watching critically as he stepped out.
Ani's muscles and joints were probably stiff and sore from the period of limited movement, and added to the fact that he was obviously still bruised from his fall, it made for rather slow progress. But Naruto didn't mind. He was just glad to see Ani on his way to a full recovery. The stitches would be out soon, he remembered, and after that, Naruto would be overseeing his recovery therapy.
It took them awhile to get out to the stable yard, but Ani was looking alert and awake for a change, and Naruto himself was enjoying the change in pace. He'd been carefully running a soft brush over the areas of Ani that weren't injured lately, and once they'd stepped into the warm sunshine, Ani's coat seemed to radiate light. Other than the rows of stitches, he looked perfectly healthy.
Sakura and Ten ten were coming out of the other stables and when they saw Ani out and about they came over, huge grins on their faces.
"Well, who's a pretty boy then?" Tenten asked as she rubbed Ani's ears affectionately. Ani set about sniffing them both over as they patted and crooned to him. Naruto smiled as he watched, his heart almost full to bursting with relief and happiness.
"He's looking a lot better," Sakura said to him. "It's good to see him out."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, running his hand over a smooth white shoulder. "We're going for a wander. He needs some fresh air. I think he was getting bored."
Sakura nodded in understanding, laughing as Tenten started playing a game with Ani's mouth. She'd tickle his lips then pull her fingers back when he went to investigate. He huffed and snorted, obviously enjoying himself.
"Last time I was in town I bought these cute horse toys(2) that caught my eye. I'll get them for him and leave them in his stall," Sakura told him.
Naruto was touched by her kind offer and he smiled at her as his gut tightened with the now familiar guilt.
"Thanks, Sakura. That's very nice of you," he told her.
"For Ani? Anything," she smiled at him again, and touched his arm before turning to Tenten and poking her in the side.
"C'mon you. We've got stables to clean."
"Alright. Bye, my sweet," Tenten replied, as she gave Ani's ears another rub. As she went to follow Sakura, her eyes met and held Naruto's for a long moment. He lowered his head as she passed and felt her touch his shoulder briefly.
A burden shared was a burden halved, they said. But Naruto wasn't sure if this secret one that was okay to share. Tenten was putting her own friendship with Sakura on the line, and all because he'd asked her to.
It was a humbling realization, and a grave one. Naruto decided that it might be time to tell Sasuke about his dilemma.
- - - -
Two hours later, Naruto stepped into Kakashi's office. For a man who's living habits could be questionable, he kept a tidy office. His filing cabinets and draws were very organized, but his desk was another matter. There was crap everywhere, papers and books and feed ordering sheets. There were post it notes with Kakashi's scrawled writing and phone numbers stuck around the screen of his computer, and Naruto was positive he had a phone buried under all the mess somewhere. But it was the walls that Naruto loved the most. There were framed pictures of all the champion prize winning horses from the Uchiha stables decorating the walls, and some of the horses there were stunning.
There were comfortable chairs set in front of Kakashi's impossibly cluttered desk, and seeing as he was the only one there, Naruto took the liberty to sit himself down and wonder how long Kakashi would keep them waiting.
The lingering feelings of unease had been banished by his walk with Ani. For awhile they had just wandered aimlessly around the stable yard, letting Ani follow his nose. Then they'd wandered down the road a little ways, and Ani had stopped to nibble some grass and Naruto had laid on his back in the grass and watched the clouds drift slowly past. Eventually though, he had to return Ani to his stable and had given his a good grooming before he'd dabbed more antiseptic on the Ani's stitches and thrown his cotton stable rug back on.
Now Naruto was feeling sun warmed and sleepy and looking forward to seeing Sasuke again.
He didn't have to wait long. Ten minutes later, the door opened and Sasuke entered before closing the door behind himself.
"Hey," he greeted Naruto as he dropped into the chair beside him.
"Hey," Naruto smiled shyly back, his face heating slightly and he remembered last night.
Sasuke sat up a little and leant across the distance between them so he could press his lips to Naruto's softly. He raised a hand and touched the strong line of Sasuke's jaw as his heart thundered away in his chest.
Sasuke's lips were soft on his, and it was a chaste kiss that sent slivers of heat to Naruto's core.
Seemingly somewhat reluctant, Sasuke ended the kiss and leaned back. Naruto was all too aware that Kakashi or anybody could walk in at any moment and catch them, and it sent a thrill of heat through his body. Sasuke's eyes were alight with something else too, and it looked like a strange form of exhilaration.
Naruto smiled at him once more as Sasuke reached over and squeezed his fingers gently.
"How was Taira?"
Sasuke dropped his head back with a groan, and Naruto's heart leapt at the sound.
"We have a lot of work to do with him."
"Did he rush the jumps again?" Naruto asked, turning a little in his chair so he could see Sasuke better.
"Every single one. And he kept making amateur mistakes." Sasuke ran a hand through his disheveled hair and rolled his shoulders. "And I've got another meeting to go to with Itachi this afternoon."
Naruto felt a twinge of sympathy for him.
"What about Yamanaka-sama and Hyuuga-sama? What are they doing?" he asked, trying to distract him from the thought of Itachi. It always turned Sasuke's mood sour and made Naruto feel helpless and nervous.
"They've gone off into the city for a few days. We've got friends there and they're going clubbing or something," Sasuke explained with a scowl. "I'm glad to get rid of them for awhile. Well, Ino at least."
"Why?" Naruto asked curiously. "I thought they were your friends?"
"They are, kind of. I like Neji well enough. Ino's really one of his friends and she's too clingy for my liking."
Naruto looked away, trying not to fiddle too much with his hands to betray to his sudden embarrassment.
"Naruto? What's wrong?" Sasuke asked, sounding puzzled.
He inwardly cursed his ability to be so see through all the time; Sasuke really could read him like a book.
"It's just….do I annoy you with the way I..." he stopped and bit his lip, feeling stupid for even thinking it.
"That's different," Sasuke said quietly, seeming to know what he was getting at anyway. "She thinks that she's in love with me and it's only because of my looks and my father's money."
"Oh." Naruto shifted in his seat, not sure what to do with this new piece of information. He sensed a sadness in Sasuke that he hadn't witnessed before and gathered that he received that kind of attention all the time and for exactly those reasons. It must make him very lonely, Naruto thought, having people pay attention to you because you're rich and had status in society because of the family name. It was as if no one had ever really seen who Sasuke really was, and as a result he went out of his way to disguise himself. He ached for Sasuke, and hoped that he didn't think Naruto loved him for those reasons. He opened his mouth to tell him so, but Sasuke reached out and touched the back of his hand with a tight smile on his face.
"It's not all so bad," he murmured. "I have a couple of true friends who aren't like that."
"I'm glad," Naruto told him, relaxing. "I can't imagine having everyone look past me like that. I don't think I could live with it."
Sasuke really looked at him then, studying his face closely, and Naruto wondered for the umpteenth time what he was thinking.
"I'm not so sure…." Sasuke said absently. "Besides, we all have things we have to live with, don't we?"
Naruto's mind drifted back to his father and he silently agreed.
"Anyway, I can get away for a few hours tonight. I need to get away from here for awhile, maybe go for a drive." Sasuke said.
"I'll go," Naruto replied, knowing what was on Sasuke's mind. The Uchiha smiled at him, but that familiar distance was back in his eyes, telling him that Sasuke had immersed himself in his thoughts once more. Naruto was content to just sit there and think too. The silence between them was a comfortable one. He felt no need to fill the space between them with meaningless chatter and obviously neither did Sasuke.
It was another fifteen minutes before Kakashi joined them closing the door behind him before sitting at his desk.
"Sorry I'm late. I had trouble with one of the horses," Kakashi explained.
"Do you need me to…." Naruto made as if to get up, but Kakashi waved him back to his seat.
"Raidou's handling it. Now, I understand you have some things that you wish to discuss, Sasuke-sama." Kakashi leaned back in his chair.
"I do. First of all I've brought the list of which horses are competing. There are seven horses in all. Taira and Sora, obviously, and Ino's and Neji's horses," Sasuke replied.
"And the other three?" Kakashi sat forward, pen in hand and ready to write in an open book before him.
"Jenga and Kobie for my mother and Terrin for Itachi."
"And will Itachi be riding?" Kakashi asked, not looking up as he wrote in the book.
"No."
"And I assume that….."
Naruto fazed out of the conversation then, thinking about the horses that had been chosen and why. Jenga was one of Lady Itachi's horses, a petite little mare that was highly skilled in dressage and was very quiet and obedient. Naruto hadn't had much contact with her personally, but he knew that the little chestnut was one of Tenten and Sakura's favorites.
Kobi was a massive flea-bitten gray gelding who was a powerful show jumper and a cross country runner. He was too clumsy for the dressage flat though, and could get a little excitable at times, but was an all together big hearted horse, a gentle giant.
Terrin was pure bred Arabian with a mischievous streak a mile wide. She was a good all rounder with plenty of experience in the competition field, but was very heavy in the mouth, and could be uncooperative when she got excited. Genma was usually the one who rode her, and they got along like a house on fire. Which led him to question who exactly was going to go along. It was granted that he and Sasuke were going, and Neji and Ino and Kakashi. But that left three horses without riders, and Sasuke had said that they weren't going to hire out unless it was absolutely necessary.
"So, Sakura will ride Jenga," Kakashi was saying. "Genma on Terrin and Kiba on Kobi."
Naruto tried to deny the fact that his heart sank when he mentioned Sakura but he couldn't. He had really hoped that she wouldn't go, not because he was sick of her and didn't want her around, but because he needed a bit of guilt free time with Sasuke. Still, he supposed it couldn't be helped. Obviously fate had decided that he needed to be constantly reminded of his crimes.
"We'll need to take someone else to help out with preparations and all that. Ten-ten I think. Raidou and Shikamaru can stay here and hold down the fort," Kakashi was thinking out loud as he looked down at his schedule. "I've already got Iruka organizing accommodation, and I've started to work on getting the registration papers. I'll have the guys start getting the horses ready for dressage. What events will you and Naruto be entering?"
"We'll be doing the three day event. Ino and Neji will do show jumping and dressage."
"Right. I'll get started on the details. Are you sure that Sora will be ready in time?"
This last question was directed at Naruto.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. We'll have to work hard on her jumping, and I'll have to do a fitness assessment on her before we can start any real work. I'm not sure her previous owner was working her much."
"Right. We'll take her out first thing tomorrow morning and have a look." Kakashi told him. "I take it you've decided against the extra horses, Sasuke-sama?"
"I have. We'll make do with what we have for the time being. My father is going over those extension plans we were talking about. If they go ahead we'll need more stable hands, you realize."
Naruto started with a jolt. He hadn't been aware of any extension plans. But then, there was a lot he didn't know, and didn't need to know. He was just a stable hand after all.
The meeting was an eye opener though. The competition was a month away. And he had a lot of work to do with Sora if he had any hope of competing. There were vet checks to go through, tests to learn, and all sorts of things that he hadn't thought about.
The weight of it all came crashing down on him as he and Sasuke left Kakashi's office together. The afternoon sun cast the quiet barn into shadow, and there was no one around. Naruto groaned quietly as the thought of yet another thing he had to do occurred to him, and Sasuke chuckled quietly beside him.
"Don't worry about it too much. Let Kakashi and Iruka worry about the details. You just concentrate on Sora."
"I suppose I'll have to, won't I?"
"I suppose you will," Sasuke smiled at him as they approached the exit of the deserted aisle. He kissed Naruto's temple, and he had to hide his shiver of pleasure at the sensation.
"Come meet me up at the house at seven." He whispered, and then he was gone. Naruto stood still for a moment, reluctant to leave the early afternoon peace. Now he had something to look forward to. He turned away to finish his chores, the skin where Sasuke had kissed him still tingling warmly.
- - - - - - - - -
Sasuke was waiting in his car, his music turned down quietly as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. Naruto was never late, so it wouldn't be long until he arrived.
He was itching to get away from the oppression of the mansion. He loved the place; it was his home and he couldn't ever imagine being able to leave it completely. It drew him in a way that he didn't understand, and held him captive with it's strange magic. There was just a few things about it he couldn't stand. The burning anger he felt in Itachi's presence, the simmering resentment that boiled within his whenever his father came home.
Sometimes the whole lifestyle got too much for him, and he felt like the walls were closing in on him. Normally he could lose himself in his music, or his art, or his horses, but there were times when even they weren't enough. So he had to get out, leave the place behind him for awhile until he felt strong enough to face the whole routine over again.
The upcoming competition provided the perfect distraction. It wouldn't be long after the competition that he would have to return to University and finish his degree.
And Naruto...he was fast becoming addictive. He couldn't imagine what it would be like not seeing him every day. The blond was a contradiction in himself. He was the picture of fragility with his haunted blue eyes and yet he could withstand abuse better than anyone. He might break down, break apart, but somehow he always managed to get back on his feet and move forwards. It was a strength that Sasuke secretly admired. It didn't take a genius to figure out that there was some great darkness in his past, and that it haunted him like a ghost. To be able to even consider moving on from something that heavy and painful was strength in itself.
Sasuke had known no great tragedy in his life, only frustration and helpless rage. He hadn't lost anyone who he loved, and he had never been taken advantage of in any way. Yet at times he felt dangerously close to the edge of an indefinable void that scared him.
The feel of Naruto in his arms was indescribable in many ways. It had felt that if he could break the strange creature within his arms if he even moved in the wrong direction. But those eyes had held him captive, so deep with their intensity, and the whirlwind of emotions that Sasuke had immediately lost himself within them and forgotten who he was entirely. Naruto was a danger, an adrenaline high that he had never experienced before, and he wanted more, wanted all he could get of him. So how could he want him so much and in so many different ways if he was scared of him?
Naruto created more questions than he answered. At times he radiated a calmness and a peace that reached into the very heart of him. Other times he exuded a pain so deep that it threatened to break him apart right where he stood. That was part of his mystery, Sasuke supposed. He'd always been good at reading people, but reading Naruto was next to impossible for him.
Sasuke shifted in his seat as Naruto emerged from around a corner of the mansion and headed his way. He watched him intently, studying the way he walked. He was dressed in his usual baggy jeans, and an old scuffed hoody that had seen better days. His blond hair was haloed in the dying light, shining iridescently like nothing he had ever seen before. The normally tanned skin seemed an even darker golden brown in the orange sunlight.
Naruto always walked with his head down like he was afraid to look people in the face for fear of being judged. The younger man frustrated him so much sometimes, but then went and did something that made his frustrations fade and be replaced by something close to affection.
Now he was straying too close to truths that he wasn't prepared to face. He didn't know what he felt when it came to Naruto; desire, certainly, and curiosity, but there was something else as well. A warmth he couldn't put a name to when he saw one of Naruto's rare, true smiles. Not knowing what he felt was something alien to Sasuke. He always knew how he felt about something or someone, and he never hesitated when it came to making decisions. And the lack of knowledge he had when it came to Naruto was enough to keep him awake at
night.
Sasuke was forced from his thoughts when Naruto opened the passenger door and slid inside with that same unconscious gracefulness that he carried himself with.
"Hi." Naruto smiled at him.
Sasuke thought that Naruto was looking lighter and happier than he had since the moment they had met. The thought that he was the one who contributed to the change in Naruto was a warming and a sobering one all at once.
Instead, he gave Naruto a genuine smile.
"Hey. Ready to go?"
Naruto nodded, and Sasuke started the engine, the purr of the sports engine like music to his ears. Naruto was his usual quiet self as they drove out of the Uchiha Estate, and that was fine with Sasuke. He wasn't really in the mood for idle chatter, and Naruto wasn't the type to talk aimlessly, which was part of the reason why Sasuke liked his company. Naruto didn't hide the truth behind fancy words. If he had something to say, he said it straight forward and truthfully. Often without confidence, and needing some prompting, but he was honest, and that was a refreshing change for Sasuke. He had never met anyone who didn't sugar coat their words for one of the Uchiha line, and it never failed to fascinate him when talking to Naruto.
As the estate disappeared behind them, Sasuke felt some of the tension gripping him loosen and fade. He didn't mean to brood, but he knew that when things got too much for him he unconsciously did and it annoyed him that it happened without him noticing most of the time.
"Where are we going?" Naruto asked, in that soft, quiet voice of his. Sasuke often had to listen closely lest he miss something.
Those lips were just as soft as his words, and his mouth sweeter than any he had known. And he had known a lot. Sasuke wondered what Naruto thought if he knew just how many people Sasuke had been with. He wasn't lacking in experience, and Naruto wasn't the first virgin he had been with, but he was definitely different that any he had known. Sure, he had been with several shy people with sweet personalities, but with Naruto, that sweetness was mingled with something intangible that he couldn't quite grasp.
But that mouth held a poison that Sasuke was quickly losing the ability to resist. He found himself longing for the touch of Naruto's lips against his own at the oddest of times. And the feel of those callused, and work worn hands on his skin had sent shivers up his spine. All the people he had been with were rich in some way, and probably hadn't ever seen a days honest hard work. Naruto worked his ass off every day, and it was clear that he loved his job and threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did. Horses responded willingly to him, and the people he surrounded himself with obviously adored him and cared deeply for him. It must be that vulnerability that drew people, Sasuke thought to himself. If people didn't want to take advantage of that, then they wanted to protect it.
"Sasuke?"
Sasuke shook himself free of his ponderings for the second time, and concentrated on the question.
"There's a small seaside town about an hours drive from here. I thought we might go for a walk or something," he paused and frowned then. "You've been working today. I didn't think that you might be too tired."
Sasuke mentally kicked himself for that oversight, but as usual, Naruto was quick to reassure him.
"No, it's okay. A walk sounds great."
Sasuke nodded, and concentrated on the road before him. They lapsed into silence, and Sasuke was once against surprised at the easiness of it. Most of the time people would shift uneasily, and try to find something to talk about. When he glanced over at him, Naruto was looking out the window, his blue eyes lost in thought. That was just fine with him, Sasuke decided, smiling.
Naruto was dozing by the time they pulled into a deserted parking lot that overlooked the sea. The sun had just set, and the sky was alight with fire. Sasuke tore his eyes away and looked at Naruto. His face was turned away from Sasuke but he could see the reflection in the window. It was the first time Sasuke had seen him truly relaxed, and he thought that it was perhaps one of the most beautiful things he had seen.
The twinge in his heart had him shifting uncomfortably and reaching over the shake his shoulder. He paused for a moment though, before reaching out and brushing his fingers over the soft golden strands of his hair. At least they were together for the time being. It gave him time to begin to understand Naruto, and understand exactly what the stirring emotions within him actually were.
Not sure what he was doing, he leaned over and brushed his lips over the satiny skin of his cheek, trailing them down over his jaw to the sensitive skin under his ear.
"Wake up, Naruto. We're here," he murmured against the warmth of his skin. The boy beneath him stirred, turning his head towards Sasuke and resting his cheek against his hair.
" 'suke?" came the sleepy mumble.
"Yeah. You awake yet?" Sasuke smiled against the tan of his skin, and pressed another kiss where his shoulder met his neck.
"Think so."
He felt Naruto's hand come up and rest on the nape of his neck and goose bumps raced down his back. Sasuke pulled back far enough to look into those dark blue eyes.
"You must be tired, huh?"
Naruto shook his head wordlessly, his eyes flickering down to his lips before rising to meet his own once more. Sasuke grinned as he read the invitation in his eyes. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to Naruto's with a certainty that surprised him. One thing he did know for certain was that he wanted to taste the nectar that was Naruto's lips again and again until he suffocated himself on their intoxicating sweetness.
And when Naruto opened up to him so willingly it made him wonder if he would ever be able to let whatever this was go.
1) Floating is the name for transporting horses in those horse trailers you see on the roads. Some are designed to hold one or two horses, but the big trucks can hold quite a few (not sure exactly how many, because some of the trucks are so big they have living areas for people as well!)
2) There are such things as horse toys by the way. Things like balls that you stuff carrots and apples in that they have to roll around to get them out. Toys like that prevent horses from getting bored (whether they are in a stable or field) and getting into bad habits that are harmful to their health, like wind sucking etcetc.
3) I will explain what the Three Day Event is closer to the competition. The author notes are already too long in this chapter!
A/N: I hope you're all getting the Sasuke/Naruto goodness that you've been craving, cos this chapter was a biatch to write. I'm trying to develop the emotional connection as well as the physical one, and that's more difficult that actually writing a lemon, I think!
Anyway, there's two ways that we can take the next chapter. We could a) continue on from this scene, or b) we could move onto the next day. I'm not sure which I want to do, so opinions are appreciated. And I hope you enjoyed Sasuke's perspective. Short, I know, but it's all I can manage now that my inspiration has taken itself off on a vacation.
My ego is slobbering for attention once more. Feed it before it devours me in anger?