MLC

Author: Ladelle

Rating: M

Comments: Quick update, as promised! I decided to go ahead and do it tonight since this weekend is my friend's birthday and I'll most likely be out and about.

Exciting though, right? I'm going to try and get my updates more speedy, although I promise they won't happen this quickly again fro a while. Gimme a week or two and I'll have seven out, mmk?

Thank you for all of your reviews!

Chapter 6:

"Oh no," Naruto didn't even realize he was moving until he was at the door of the pub, glancing desperately back to Haku who had driven him there. The pretty young officer was staring at him with a questionable look in his eye, along with everyone else.

"I gotta go," Naruto said quickly and Genma seemed to remember that they had met. His eyes lit up while Haku laughed a little, still confused, and Kotetsu raised an eyebrow.

"Are you always this skittish?" he asked, squinting his eyes. He scratched his head and slammed a mug down on the counter, as if demanding a refill.

No one was moving fast enough in Naruto's eyes—and in all actuality, no one was moving at all. Genma had jumped up to ask Haku if he could get Naruto back to the complex, or at least out of the bar, and while Haku looked pleasantly baffled, Raidou had been staring Naruto down like he was an amoeba.

"I'm going outside," Naruto said hastily and he whipped around, pushing through the doors and exiting out into the cool night air. He tucked himself against the edge of the building, pulling his hat out of hit jacket pocket and thrusting it on his head like it was an appendage. It was only a few minutes later that Genma was next to him, chuckling a little.

"They're going to think you're crazy," he said, and he leaned back against the wall, copying Naruto's stance. Naruto snorted.

"You're the only one who knows I've been here before," Naruto said, "and Morino made me promise not to say anything about what happened the first time around."

Genma seemed surprised by this but he didn't say anything. Instead, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, letting a puff of smoke float up into the air like a balloon.

"I thought Morino told everyone in our department about you already," he explained. "I second guessed myself when you looked all edgy in there."

Naruto shook his head and put his hands in his pockets, not willing to admit that it was chilly outside. Genma noticed and took another drag on his cigarette. "You want me to take you back?"

Naruto frowned and spoke. "For the next three months I can't let anyone recognize me," he explained, and Genma glanced down at him. He didn't look surprised, but he wasn't far from curious.

"It's really important that I don't let anyone recognize me," he repeated, and he looked up to Genma with knowing eyes, hoping the words would translate. And they did, because Genma nodded slowly.

"Sasuke," he said, and Naruto didn't say anything in return. There were a quiet couple of minutes before the door to the pub burst open, and Genma whipped around, prepared to give Kotetsu an earful. He was the only one drunk enough to rampage out of the front door of a pub, and his laughter was piercing.

"Naruto?" a voice said, and at once Genma quieted, and Naruto, too stunned to speak, could only turn his head sideways.

Kotetsu had pushed his way out from behind the bartender, still laughing wildly; he obviously hadn't gotten the hints from inside. "I didn't know you knew each other…" he was going on, and Naruto's eyes widened, taking in the familiar figure of an old friend, one who was staring at him as though he had seen a ghost.

"Kotetsu, you ass," Genma condescended, and he grabbed the officer's shirt and yanked him back inside, glancing back with a look of sympathy to Naruto. The blond didn't see it though, he was too preoccupied trying to weigh the expression on Shikamaru's face.

It was shocked, amazed… and angry.

"I can explain—"

Before he could finish Shikamaru walked up to him, eyes narrowed, and slender fingers pulled his cap off his head. Narrowed Asian eyes widened and Naruto felt his heart rate accelerate, completely un-prepared.

"Naruto…" Shikamaru said again, and then, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Naruto pursed his lips and caved. He wasn't good at being dishonest, and seeing Shikamaru made him feel like he belonged again—or like he had met a long lost friend, which wasn't far from the truth.

"It's a long story…" he started, and Shikamaru narrowed his eyes.

"Make it short," Shikamaru said, and his tone was unconvinced. He was angry, Naruto thought. With Shikamaru it was difficult to tell.

Naruto paused for a minute and glanced back to the pub doors where Genma was successfully warding off anyone trying to listen in. Not that he minded—it was difficult trying to hide himself everywhere he went, even his workplace.

"I came back," Naruto said hastily and Shikamaru's eyes widened, "but only about a week ago. The only way I can get citizenship is by a temporary employment… and Morino made me swear not to communicate with anyone outside of the force until my papers were cleared." It all came out as a fantastic rush of words, fumbling from his lips in a nervous sort of way.

Shikamaru tilted his head to the side. "You're older," he commented, and Naruto nodded.

"Yeah," he said.

"And you're working as a police officer?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yeah," Naruto nodded, still finding it hard to make eye contact. Shikamaru was looking at him with such a thoughtful expression that it made him feel deceitful for hiding himself.

"Let me guess," Shikamaru said finally, his tone more than bitter. "Hyuuga is your in."

Naruto let out a loose chuckle. "He's kind of my… partner."

Shikamaru frowned and paced past him, looking distraught. He seemed to be in awe, completely surprised, and also strangely protective. When he turned around, Naruto was surprised to see a serious glint in his eyes.

"Naruto, you shouldn't be working there," he said, and the blond raised an eyebrow. "I honestly don't see how you can work there after everything that happened…"

Naruto took a deep breath. "I understand what you're saying… but it's the only way I can become a citizen."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Our time can't be better than yours."

Naruto ran a hand through his hair and snatched his hat from Shikamaru's hand, pulling it back over his head. "Heck no. But Sasuke's here," he said, and Shikamaru looked somewhat stunned at the admission. Naruto wasn't really afraid of it anymore.

"You… and Sasuke…" Shikamaru was contemplating something before he narrowed his eyes. "Naruto, Sasuke has—"

"A boyfriend? Yeah, I've heard," he drawled and he tapped Shikamaru's shoulder. "Don't worry. I like challenges, remember?"

Shikamaru snorted. "It's not just that…"

Naruto raised an eyebrow and glanced back over to the pub door before turning back to Shikamaru.

"I was out on a case yesterday when I saw him," he said, and Shikamaru glanced down to him in surprise.

"Sasuke?"

"Yeah, he was right next to me…"

Shikamaru sighed in relief. "So he knows you're here." He seemed to summarize, and Naruto shook his head.

"No," he almost laughed, "I mean, I wish. No, he was in Montebello and from the way he was talking about things… It made me worry."

Shikamaru let out a low sigh and placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder, pushing him back lightly against the wall. Naruto glanced up and took in the glint in the Asian man's eyes as they tapered in thought.

"Naruto, you have to let Sasuke know you're back," he said quickly, and Naruto shook his head.

"I can't," he reiterated, but Shikamaru looked serious.

"If you don't then I will," he threatened, and Naruto grabbed his arm, looking pleadingly at him.

"Shikamaru, please," he hated begging, but he hadn't expected his old friend to be so demanding, "I want to see him—God you don't even know—but you can't tell him. If they're still after me then he'll get involved too," he tried to explain, and Shikamaru stood up straighter, looking as though he realized that Naruto wasn't going to cave.

"They're already after him," Shikamaru said. "His brother's missing… and they think he knows where he is."

Naruto's eyes widened. Neji still hadn't told him what had happened with Itachi after he had left, and now… well, he had never imagined that things hadn't cleared up.

"You don't have to look like he isn't safe," Shikamaru handed to him, and he frowned.

"Right," Naruto said sarcastically. "Because being targeted by the Akatsuki is a piece of cake," he finished.

"A piece of cake?" Shikamaru asked, and Naruto shook his head.

"Forget it. Look, he's looking for Itachi, right? Theoretically…" Shikamaru gave him a distrusting look as he continued, "Theoretically, if I find him first… they won't have any reason to target Sasuke, right?"

"Unless they catch onto you," Shikamaru said somewhat wisely, and Naruto nodded. "But still… no one knows I'm back. No one will know; not if Itachi's out of the picture."

"Maybe," Shikamaru said, and they both turned to the side when a clock that hung above the entryway struck midnight, ringing. "You're going to get in trouble, aren't you," Shikamaru said, analyzing the situation. Naruto nodded.

"Yeah."

"Try to keep in touch with me… I don't want you to do anything stupid, and I don't trust the police force with you," he said, and Naruto nodded. They stood for a moment and Naruto put his hand out, offering to shake it. Shikamaru glanced down and took it in his own, pulling Naruto off the wall and into a hug.

"I'm glad you're alright," he said, and Naruto chuckled a little.

"Take care of Sasuke until I can, alright?" Naruto met eyes with Shikamaru and the man nodded, looking playfully irritated.

"You just do what you need to do to not get into any trouble, got it?"

Naruto smiled sheepishly and they both turned, both content with whatever decision they had come to. When they entered Shikamaru made for the counter, eagerly attending to a few men who were bristling on the end about the bad customer service.

Naruto's fellow officers were looking at him with serious glances, most laden with concern. Naruto strengthened up. "This is probably something we shouldn't talk about in public," he said, and everyone groggily got up, making their way towards the door.

"Or tonight," Haku said loudly as he came up beside Naruto. "Talk to Zabuza first."

It was good advice that he hadn't thought of, and the whole ride home he was wondering if he could catch the commander before practice the next morning.

"It hasn't even been one day," Zabuza said, "and you're already coming to me with something serious."

Naruto hadn't even said a word, but his expression had given him away. His frown deepened.

"I know you said you didn't care about my past, and I don't blame you," Naruto said, "But there is something that you should know."

Zabuza was adjusting his holster at his waist as he turned to Naruto, his stare completely unwelcoming. "Well?"

Naruto crossed his arms. "It's really important that I use a name that is not Naruto Uzumaki." He said. He had intended to say something like, 'I can't let anyone see me who might know me' but that comment would have led to house arrest. He decided to settle for something a little easier explained.

"Why is that?"

"People know that name," was all that he felt the need to say, and it was enough to get Zabuza to raise an eyebrow. The bulky man frowned and glared down at him. "So what, you want to be called John Doe?"

Naruto's face leveled. "Very funny," he said surreptitiously. "And no. A nickname maybe—I don't know. Something other people won't recognize if I'm on a case or something…"

"There's something you're not telling me," Zabuza said, and Naruto swallowed, never good at lying. He tightened his arms across his chest.

"The Akatsuki knows the name Naruto and I'm doing my best to avoid them. If my name gets out in a bad place…" It wasn't his exact thoughts, but it was close enough. He didn't want to just come out and say that someone had discovered him… and the Akatsuki seemed to have the biggest hankering for him.

Zabuza only grunted and strode outside, leaving Naruto to trail behind him. Whether he agreed or not, Naruto wasn't sure, but when they descended the main steps, to where everyone was waiting to begin training, he let out a cough.

"From here on out, Naruto will be referred to as Kyuubi, got it?"

Most everyone looked confused, including Kotetsu who squinted his eyes as if he were trying to read the new word in his head. "Kyu—what the hell does that mean?" he asked, and even thought Naruto hadn't said it, he was thinking the same thing.

"Demon Fox," Zabuza said and he smacked Naruto on the head, "because you're damn sneaky with all your history and shit," and Naruto stumbled forward into the group. Zabuza continued.

"It's necessary that you all call him this. Alright—laps, get on it."

Everyone grumbled and growled and started for the main track, and Naruto already felt winded. His legs felt wobbly from remembering the first work out but Haku laughed from beside him.

"It gets easier each time," he promised, and Naruto nodded knowingly. Shoot, by the end of his police career he'd be ready for pin-ups or something.

"I'm sorry about last night," Haku said, and Naruto glanced over to him. "I'm not sure what happened but it seemed to cause you trouble with the bartender."

Naruto remembered momentarily and shook his head. "Don't' worry about it."

Haku seemed content and jogged ahead a little ways, leaving Naruto to his thoughts. And heavy thoughts at that.

He was grateful that Neji had promised him lunch, because he needed to figure out if there was any way to get leads closer to Itachi. It was tricky, and he couldn't decide if he wanted to let Neji know that he had run into Shikamaru. He frowned as he turned for his second lap, breathing in rhythms.

He decided to concentrate on his exercises in hopes that lunch would come sooner. He had a lot on his mind.

"You look like the poster child for exhaustion," Neji said bluntly as he settled a brown paper bag onto a picnic table alongside the police headquarters. Naruto wiped his brow and took a couple long gulps of water, eager to see what food Neji had to offer.

After peeling open the bag he was delighted to reveal a burrito, or at least something that closely resembled one.

"Oh, I love you," he said loosely, and he inhaled the first bite. It wasn't a greasy burrito like he remembered from the past, it was fresh and delicious, and reminded him vaguely of Chipotle.

"A burrito is all it takes?" Neji grinned, and Naruto swallowed and smirked.

"Hey, I can't help it if the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," he jested, but Neji raised an eyebrow.

"Nevermind. Hey, I need to talk to you about something," Naruto segued, and Neji looked curious. "But not until after you reassure me that I didn't make you angry yesterday."

Neji smiled after a minute. "No, no. I just had some things on my mind."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and Neji laughed. "I'm telling the truth. Now what's on your mind?"

The blond ate another bite of his burrito and narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't you really want me to go with you on the first interrogation?"

Neji looked surprised and shook his head. "I thought it would be faster if we split up," he answered, and Naruto cleared his throat.

"If we're going to be partners, we should be able to be truthful with each other, right?"

Neji looked like a child with his hand in the cookie jar, and he let out a sigh. "What brought this on all of the sudden?"

Naruto grinned. "I have things I need to tell you, but I won't unless you tell me some secrets of your own."

The mention of 'secrets' made Neji look keen and observant, and he frowned. "What kind of secrets?"

"Good ones," Naruto said, and Neji looked disapproving, as if he already knew what Naruto had to say. He sighed.

"I'm looking for someone," he answered finally, and Naruto chewed off another mouthful of tortilla and rice. "Who?"

"Someone I met a long time ago," he explained shortly.

"But if Morino knew you'd be in trouble, right?" Naruto figured out, and Neji looked oddly agreeable when he nodded.

"Good, we're in the same boat," Naruto decided. "I ran into Shikamaru last night," he said suddenly, and Neji's eyes broadened.

"You what!?"

Naruto held up his hands and waved to a couple passing officers that gave them an awkward look after the outburst. Naruto leaned in over the table more, trying to make their conversation less audible.

"It was by mistake. Kotetsu invited me to a pub and he just happened to be bartending," he explained. Neji looked anxious.

"Naruto—I told you to say out of the public," he started and Naruto shook his head.

"I know. But I explained everything to him and he'll take this secret to the grave," or something, Naruto's mind finished. Neji looked unconvinced.

"Well, I guess I'm happy you told me about it…" it didn't seem like he knew quite what to say.

"It's not just that, there's more," Naruto said, and Neji looked completely curious to hear anything more.

"I want to find Itachi," Naruto said smoothly. "I want to find him before he has the chance to hurt Sasuke."

And from the look on Neji's face, Naruto knew he had jumped headfirst into something he knew nothing about.

"You don't know what you're saying," Neji said suddenly, and shook his head. Naruto touched his wrist, drawing his attention over, and nodded.

"Yeah, I do," he stated. "Look, our assignments take us where travelers are anyway, right? And the more we meet… the more likely we are to learn more about where Itachi is—like from the Kabuto guy," he finished.

Neji stared at him. "You know his name?"

Naruto laughed. "You wrote the name down on the file, remember?"

It took a minute, but it seemed like the Hyuuga did in fact remember. He ran a hand through his long and tousled hair and let out a deep breath. "Naruto, it's not a game. Itachi means business, wherever he is… and you can't just find him. If it were that easy, we'd have him by now," he explained.

"I realize that. But right now… Shikamaru says that Sasuke is already in danger, and I'm a traveler. One slip of my name and I could get as close to the Akatsuki as I wanted," he didn't mean for his comment to sound threatening, but by the expression on Neji's face, it did.

"Naruto," he said firmly, and the blond shrugged.

"What? I'm just saying. You're more likely to find good leads through me and other travelers… and maybe leads to the person you're looking for too."

Neji didn't argue, which made Naruto believe he was right. He continued. "I'm not saying that we do something stupid, because with you around that would never happen," Naruto went on, "but we have a really good opportunity to figure some things out… and I really don't want to have to wait longer than three months to see Sasuke."

Neji raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You said it yourself yesterday—you'll do what Morino says. Even if my papers get accepted, if Morino says, 'no, Naruto still needs to stay hidden', you'd do it—or so you said," Naruto clarified, "and I can't do that."

Neji seemed surprised that Naruto had been thinking so intricately about the situation, enough to risk his own life just to ensure some sort of future with a man he hadn't seen in years.

"I keep forgetting how stubborn you are," he said finally, and Naruto grinned. "If you thought I was bad before, I'm probably worse now."

And Neji didn't have to nod because it was the truth.

"If I agree to this," Neji said slowly, "and I mean if, we have to promise to be in it together. No secrets, no lies… because we're partners."

Naruto nodded. "Of course. But that goes for you and Morino, too. What we do is our information. So, is it a deal?"

Neji looked serious and thoughtful before he extended his hand, and he and Naruto shook. "Great," Naruto said happily.

They began to clean up their belongings from the table, and Naruto stretched. "Oh, there's probably one more thing I should tell you," he said, and Neji looked fearful for whatever the admission would be.

"What's that?"

"I kinda saw Sasuke the other day, too," he said and scratched the back of his head.

"…what?"

"He didn't see me though! I promise!"

Neji groaned. "I need to buy a leash for you…"

There was a pause as they started to head back to the artillery building, and Naruto smiled. "So, tell me about this person you're looking for."

Neji let out a deep breath.

A/N: Wahoo, chapter 6! And Shikamaru! Oh, did I miss that boy. I'm glad to have him back.

The next update probably won't be for another couple weeks...because I need to get DW out, too.

People Reading AIYH

Okay, I know it's been a little over a month since I last updated, but I have to be honest...

I think I need to re-write it. AGH, I've never re-written a fic before...but I feel like there are so many things I could have done better so far...and I REALLY REALLY feel like if I took a step back and re-plotted and re-wrote that it would be ten times better than it is now. I can't really post an author's note in it though because of ff net's policies about chapter uploads, but I've felt really strange not updating without a word to anyone about my inner turmoil, lol.

Anywho, if I do decide to re-write (and I will make the decision ASAP), please have faith in me! I promise that it will be more amazing than ever...because even though it's already so many chapters in...the real plot hasn't even been touched. I have this amazing idea for it, and if you guys could see inside my head you'd probably be saying, "Yeah, Ladelle...you need to fix some stuff."

I'd love to hear feedback though, because even though I love writing for my own growth and experience, I value everything my readers tell me. It will help me to make a decision, too.

Thank you!!