Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Sorry for the long wait, but I just haven't been in the writing mood. I'm definitely NOT sick of writing the story, it's just, I've been getting headaches a lot lately and have been taking naps :Sweatdrop: so I haven't been in the mood.
Yosh, Sasuke took over Orochimaru! XD
It had been an entire month since the incident that left both Sasuke, Kakashi, and Jiraiya a little shaken up. Naruto had reverted back to his usual cheerful self, but with every word he said, there was a sense of fear looming behind it. Like if he kept talking, the words would trail off, he'd become deaf, then his mind would fade off... just like the feeling when he'd died. He wanted to talk... but then everything just dulled down and he was gone.
Other than that, the pet had made a complete recovery, but both Sasuke and Kakashi noticed that something was still wrong. It'd been a month since then and Naruto had yet to grow to his full size. It should've been done with two weeks ago, but he seemed to be stuck at the age of fourteen, without any signs of maturing further.
Tsunade sighed as she did a check-up on Naruto, turning to Sasuke (who had brought the blond to the small hospital), "I never thought this would happen. There was only a three in one hundred percent chance that it would happen to him..."
Naruto looked up at the doctor with confused blue eyes, "Ano sa, Baa-chan... is there something wrong with me?" he asked with a slightly deeper voice. He may not have grown a day past fourteen, but he'd hit the point humans called "puberty".
The blonde woman nodded slowly, "It seems as if the euthanizing drugs and reverse drugs have mixed together, stunting his growth," she said more to Sasuke than Naruto, "he's not going to grow anymore and I doubt he'll be able to successfully impregnate a female once his next heat comes around. The drugs have messed with all of his organs, their functions..." she sighed once again and ran polished nails through her long hair, "his heart is weak, so if he gets too frightened or too happy, it might fail on him; his blood is circulating at a normal rate... but it's slower than most animals, so he might get light-headed easily; his intestines are starting to inflate a bit, so expect him to complain about severe stomach pains; and the drugs seemed to have screwed with how his brain sends messages, so as his mind matures (since his body can't), he'll probably have to deal with minor seizures or he might even go brain dead every once and a while."
Sasuke soaked in all of that information. It was bad enough that he almost lost his child, but knowing now that the young cat would be reduced to something akin to a sickly handicap, worsened his mood. He gritted his teeth and lifted Naruto up into his arms, making sure the boy was comfortable against his chest.
"Thank you for informing me, Tsunade-san," he muttered quietly, "I'll make sure he's taken care of."
Tsunade nodded and gave her cute patient a smile, "Stay healthy, brat, and listen to everything your father says. I don't want you getting hurt," she brushed her fingers against his cheek and bidded them both farewell, going back to her office to do some paperwork.
xXxXx
Sibel Claire sat in the kitchen of Kakashi's home, her dainty hand holding up a glass tea cup, hot herbal tea ready for her to drink. She used her other hand to press the silver tray littered with sweets such as cakes and tarts toward her pet, Sakura. The pink-haired beauty smiled a bit and happily took a cherry tart, biting into it slowly.
Kakashi was leaning against one of the marble counters, eyes glancing up at the clock every so often. He unconsciously thrummed his fingers against the smooth ledge and sighed, "I apologize, Sibel. I thought Sasuke and Naruto would've been back by the time you arrived."
"It's quite alright," she dabbed at her lips with a soft napkin, "I have the entire afternoon," she straightened herself and turned to Sakura, "Dear, go freshen yourself up. Sasuke-kun should be arriving soon," her tone was a little bitter.
Sakura said nothing, her chair scooting back as she lifted herself up and scurried away from the table, her soft, white ears twitching atop of her head. As soon as she stepped into the main hall, she ran into Itachi, the taller feline narrowing his dark eyes.
"Excuse me," Sakura muttered angrily as she shoved past him. She was polite and respectful when around her owner, but when she wasn't, she was a rude little thing.
Itachi glanced at her retreating figure, then smirked, So that's the pet Kakashi wants my otouto to mate with? Hn, their personalities match, He wandered into the kitchen and opened the fridge, rummaging through, much to Sibel's horror. A pet getting food without his owner's permission? Unheard of!
"Kakashi, not to be rude, but..." she gave Itachi a disapproving look, "you let your pets get their own food when they please?"
The scarecrow blinked, then scratched his neck with stubby nails, "Maa, I don't believe in all those silly rules. What good is having a well-disciplined pet?"
Sibel narrowed her eyes, "There are dozens of answers I can give you for that question."
Kakashi chuckled, "Wrong. There's only one answer, and that is..." he smiled, "no good at all."
The woman sat her cup down and crossed her legs, furrowing her freshly plucked brows. She didn't understand how a respected and rich man such as Kakashi would have so many different views on the world of pets. If he didn't like the system, then why did he choose to become a pet owner in the first place? Honestly, she would never be able to understand that man. He was just one big fleshy lump of mystery.
"How so?" she drew her words out.
"It's alright to have a well-behaved pet... but one like Sakura..." he laughed nervously when Sibel cast him a cool glare, "she just doesn't seem like much fun. You put too many restraints on her," he gave her an apologetic smile, "let her do what she wishes occassionally. That's how you truly raise a good and trusting pet. I'll never have to worry about Sasuke and Itachi running off, because I don't set too many restrictions."
Clearing her throat, Sibel remained silent, letting her eyes follow Itachi as he pulled a covered plate of freshly sliced pineapple out of the fridge. He grabbed a fork out of a drawer and took a seat across from her.
"Good afternoon, Lady Claire," he greeted her with a polite, yet fake smile.
"Hn, Itachi," she pulled out her European fan and began cooling herself off, the soft gusts of wind blowing her bangs against rosy cheeks, "How have you been doing these days?" she asked, even though she didn't really care. That's why Itachi kept his reply short and to the point.
"Fairly well," was all he said.
"Aboji!" Naruto called as he slid into the kitchen, his sneakers scuffing up the kitchen floor. He grinned and helf up a hand, showing his silver-haired owner a little pink bag that was littered with kitty faces, "look what Susu Oppa bought me!" he had grown a bit older and had become more mature, but he still held that innocence that both Kakashi and Sasuke loved, "strawberry cookies!"
Kakashi chuckled and patted the fourteen-year old on the head, "Did he? I hope you're going to share. You know how I have a sweet tooth."
The young pet wrinkled his small nose, "Get your own," he huffed. Blinking when a hand was placed on his shoulder, he glanced up and smiled sweetly to his father, "Susu Oppa!"
Sasuke rubbed the skin there before spotting Sakura in the hall. He stared at her and she stared back, a large smile slipping onto her pretty face. Scurrying forward, she bowed, pink hair cascading over small shoulders. He furrowed his brows, "Kakashi, I don't remember arranging a meeting to see her--"
"Don't be rude," his owner cut him off, firmly, "Now, go into the living room and talk about the housing situation with her," he ignored the glare his pet gave him, then turned his full attention back to his newest feline.
Naruto watched them leave, a bit upset that the tiger was holding Sasuke's hand. But he brushed the feeling away and glanced down at the little pink bag of cookies, "Ano... Aboji... is that the beautiful tiger from the Showcase?" he asked quietly. If it was, then he knew that his father would probably be mating with her. Kakashi had explained a while ago that he'd be getting Sasuke a pretty mate soon, and that it would have to be a pet high in the Showcase ranks.
"Yes, her name's Sakura," Kakashi smiled, "she's gorgeous, isn't she? By the way, I think I should be finding a mate for you. You're at that age now."
The blond blushed.
Sibel interrupted the conversation, "What type of cat is he, Kakashi?" she raised her brows, curious. She'd never seen a feline with such soft looks or stunning blue eyes. Tucking her fan away, she stood, gracefully sliding over to the two, inspecting Naruto with slanted eyes.
Naruto became nervous.
"He's a Clouded Leopard," the scarecrow lied quickly.
Sibel creased her brows, "But the patterns on his ears are--"
"Lady Claire, are you finished with the pastries?" Itachi spoke up from his spot at the table, smirk in place, "because I'd like one."
"Ah, go ahead," she waved her hand at him in dismissal, then looked back at Naruto, only to find him missing
"Hmm, I can't seem to keep him in one place," Kakashi laughed happily as he offered his guest another cup of tea.
Sibel narrowed her eyes.
xXxXx
Naruto poked his head around the corner, ears lowered to his head. Just the lovely smile on Sakura's face told him that she was quite taken with his father. The way she brushed her fingers against his slightly large hands, how she giggled when he gave one of his dry jokes, and the long unblinking stares she gave him all signalled her infatuation. But it was alright... wasn't it? It wasn't like Naruto was jealous.
Of course, he'd never know if he was or not since he'd never experienced the emotion. Anger, happiness, sadness, just simple feelings. Those were what he was used to, but not jealousy. What did jealousy even feel like?
He remained silent as he watched their interactions. Sasuke gave a small smile every one and a while, his beauty making up for the lack of expression. But Sakura... to Naruto, the Siberian Tiger was like a large beaken of light. She made the room so bright with her smiles, laughter, and beauty. It amazed him that Sasuke hadn't kissed her yet.
He blushed a bit, eyes drifting down to gaze at the floor, She's just so pretty... why wouldn't he want to kiss her? he listened to the pink-haired female tell the stoic raven a joke and he cracked a tiny smile, and she's funny... She's perfect, isn't she? he asked himself.
Fingers pressing into the wooden frame of the door, Naruto continued to watch, not even noticing how his mood went from curious to depressed. He wanted to be the one to shine like the sun in Sasuke's life, he wanted the raven to let him stroke his hand, to let him tell silly jokes, no matter how ridiculous they might be.
He then realized that he was already a light in his father's life. All Sasuke ever did around him was smile...
So... he wants a brighter someone in his life?
"It's not polite to stalk someone," Itachi said smoothly from behind the pet.
Naruto spun around and held back the urge to swallow. He hadn't talked much to Itachi in the past few days, and he wanted to keep it that way. He might've grown, but he was still afraid of the large cat. Everything that he'd told him a week or two before came rushing back.
"I-Ita Oppa..." he continued to call Itachi by his nickname.
The large leopard sneered, "You're so nervous when around me. Is it because of what I told you weeks ago?" a smirk slid onto his luscious lips, "I suppose an apology is at hand, then. I'm sorry for being so cruel to you."
Naruto's ears perked up and he blinked beautiful eyes, "Wh-what?"
"I'm apologizing. Do you forgive me or not?"
"O-Oh, I do," he whispered. He didn't understand... why was Itachi just suddenly ask for forgiveness? The raven wasn't one to feel the least bit guilty, no matter what he did, so... why? It didn't make any sense.(1)
"Good," then the leopard slid past him, back into the confines of his own large bedroom, the oak door shutting quietly behind him.
The blond remained still, surprised and completely confused. What had happened... couldn't possibly be real, could it? He smiled brightly and turned, ready to go share his good news with Kakashi, but was stopped when he ran into Sasuke's chest, his forehead smacking against a hard collarbone. He whimpered and cradled his injured skull.
"Are you alright?" Sasuke asked as he pulled Naruto's hands away, inspecting the injuries.
"Itai..." he whimpered, "it's ok... just sore."
Sakura glanced over Sasuke's shoulder and cooed when she saw Naruto, "He's so adorable!" she went past the young leopard and cradled Naruto against her, not noticing that his face was buried in her breasts. She hugged him and giggled, "What's your name, sweetheart?" she asked with a soft voice.
Naruto turned his head and inhaled deeply, thankful for the oxygen, "N-Naruto," he mumbled before being hugged tightly again. He whined in pain, now knowing that Sakura was as strong as she was beautiful.
"S-Susu Oppa!" he reached out for his father and grabbed his wrist.
Sasuke chuckled, "Sakura, let him go."
"Oh, gomen," the pretty woman apologized sheepishly, petting Naruto's golden locks with thin fingers. She then pinched his cheeks, loving how soft and tan they were. She said they reminded her freshly baked bread. How that metaphor came about, nobody knew, "tell me, Naruto, do you think Sasuke-kun and I make a cute couple?" she asked sweetly.
Naruto then felt his stomach drop. The jealousy was back, accompanied by Mr. Depression. He looked down, avoiding Sasuke's gaze, "I suppose..." he grumbled.
"You suppose?" she blinked emerald eyes.
"He's my son, Sakura. He's probably not used to me being around other females," Sasuke commented.
The tiger made an 'o' with her mouth, then smiled down at the young pet, once again pinching his cheeks, despite the whining coming from her cute little victim, "Ah, I see!" she chirped, "then I understand what you're feeling, Naruto!"
The blond blinked, "You... do?" he doubted it.
"Being stuck in a home full of males, having such a handsome and caring father... you probably developed a crush on him," she explained and turned to Sasuke, "it's completely normal. I see it all the time when I go to work with my owner's husband. It's a stage of pet development sometimes. The child will develop incestuous feelings toward one of their parents."
Naruto swallowed and blushed hotly, continuing to avoid Sasuke's burning gaze. He missed being an innocent, completely oblivious kitten sometimes. Then he wouldn't have to deal with hormones or the process known as "growing up".
"Awww, do you have a crush on Sasuke-kun?" she teased.
Forget her being beautiful and funny, Naruto hated her!
He yanked himself away, unaware of the tears forming in his sky blue eyes. His heart thumped loudly in his chest and he clutched the fabric covering the smooth expanse of skin, teeth digging into his bottom lip. He actually met his father's gaze, but their eyes didn't stay connected long enough before a sudden thought hit him.
His heart was beating too fast.
He stepped forward, fear now shooting through his body, only making his heart beat faster. He may not have understood most of what Tsunade had said, but he definitely knew what she was talking about when she mentioned his heart.
Sasuke seemed to realize what was happening at the same moment, because he caught Naruto before he could fall to the floor. Naruto could hear Sakura scream in horror, then their were footsteps, but he kept his eyes focused on Sasuke's. Even as his heart stopped in his chest, the tears of embarrassment and frustration slipped down his temples, into his messy hair. He saw Sasuke look down at him, his obsidian orbs begging for him to hang in.
Pink lips moved, but nothing came out, and he slowly closed his eyes.
"Awww, do you have a crush on Sasuke-kun?"
He then heard sirens and realized he was being placed on the floor. Men were talking all around him, then something was placed over his chest. An electric shock went through his body and he wanted to cry out in pain, but his state of weakness prevented him from doing so.
As he began to black out, he felt a warm hand cradling his, pleads of "stay with me" and "don't leave me again" reaching his sensitive ears.
Susu Oppa... he wanted to whisper.
"He'll be fine. His heart's beating," he heard one man say, but he still saw nothing. It was still black.
As he drifted off, he heard the "thank god" of his father and smiled.
I don't have a crush on him...you can't call the flutter in my stomach and the throbbing of my heart a crush...
(1)- I know some of you think it's weird that Itachi just apologized, but I'll let you know now that it's all for a reason. It'll come up in later chapters.