A/N: Long wait, I know. But, hey, at least it's an update. (Right?) Hope you enjoy it. This one, like all the others, just came to be. There was a song that inspired it, but I can't remember right now which one it was. Probably one that had nothing to do with this, I'm sure. lol.
One-Shot #75
Fair Warning
The tree branches swept by in a green and brown blur, his blue sandals pushing themselves off of the dark bark with fervor. He had a mission, a personal mission, which was extremely time sensitive. There was nothing at that minute, not even his life-long dream, more important to him.
Merely hours before, Naruto had stumbled upon something he wasn't supposed to hear, but was never more grateful he did. The council, in all their infinite power and wisdom, decided to put a bounty on Sasuke's head. They wanted him dead. A hefty bounty went to whichever ninja, any rank or affiliation, who could capture and kill the elusive Uchiha. To Naruto, it wasn't fair. Not after everything they'd went through.
In that instant, Naruto made up his mind. He was going to find Sasuke and warn him. Just give the teenager time to run, time to hide and prepare for the horde of rogue ninja that were bound to find out about the reward. There was no way Sasuke could fight off all of them.
It was strange that, in all of his desperation and need, his feet brought Naruto right to Sasuke. So many times before, when Naruto thought his need for Sasuke was at its maximum level, his feet never took him this close. But this was different; a matter of life or death, quite literally. And in this moment, Naruto found his best friend, rival, and so much more.
Sasuke didn't turn to face his visitor as the eerily familiar presence overwhelmed him. Naruto had a way, like the bright orange clothes he wore, of consuming someone, even someone as stoic as Sasuke felt it, too. He waited for the hyperactive blonde to speak first, knowing fully well he would. Naruto never was one to stay quiet.
"You have a bounty on your head, Sasuke." Naruto paused for a second. "The council wants you dead. They say you're too dangerous."
Slightly shocked, more at how mature Naruto sounded than the statement itself, Sasuke slowly turned around. He was met with the same bright blue determined eyes he was never capable of forgetting. Sasuke arched his eyebrow and Naruto's eyes turned even more determined.
"Don't play like this isn't affecting you, asshole!" Naruto's hands fisted at his sides, knuckles turning white in frustration and anger. "Every rogue ninja from here to Suna will be after you! Do you understand what that means?"
"Are you giving me fair warning? Are you going to try and kill me?"
Narrowing his eyes, Naruto glared intently at his friend. "Why would I try and kill you? After I tried so hard to bring you home, why would I try now to kill you?"
"I'm sure I have no idea. I'm not inside of your head."
Naruto growled. "You are so…so…fucking frustrating!" The blonde barely caught Sasuke smirking before continuing his speech. "I wanted to give you a heads-up. I wanted to give you time to prepare yourself, hide, or do something. But instead all you can say to me is…is…that?"
"You just wanted to give me a heads-up? Is that the only reason you come to see me?"
"What does that mean?"
Sasuke barely suppressed a smirk. Tricking Naruto was far too easy. "Maybe you came for something else? I think you hoped I'd fight you. Then, if you won, you could claim the reward." He paused to allow Naruto's jaw to drop. "It's obvious you need it."
Even Sasuke didn't know Naruto was capable of that speed as he launched himself forward. They collided in a twisted heap upon the ground. It was like they were pre-teens again, fighting over the good sleeping spots or because they'd insulted each other too many times during training. It was like home.
By the time they'd finished wrestling around, Naruto had Sasuke pinned to the ground. They were covered in dirt, mud, and leaves. Drops of blood dotted their clothes from punches aimed slightly too hard and scratches that dug in too deep. It was so familiar, so much like they used to be, that Naruto got lost in it. With his hands pinning down Sasuke's pale arms, Naruto leaned down and brushed their lips together.
He'd expected to be punched when he pulled away, forgetting momentarily that he did, in fact, have Sasuke's arms pinned against the ground. He was surprised to see a complacent look gracing Sasuke's features. Taking it as a good sign, Naruto laid down on the cold ground beside Sasuke, their breathing heavy and deep.
Throwing one arm above his head, Naruto sighed. "You were right. Warning you wasn't my only reason for being here. I just wanted to see you one last time."
Sasuke's eyebrow arched. "You giving up on me, Naruto?"
Smirking, Naruto turned his head toward Sasuke. "Never. But just in case…"
Naruto never finished his sentence that night, he didn't have to, and Sasuke knew what he was going to say. It was because of that Sasuke kissed him again, if only to shut the blonde up – which is what he reasoned it to be. They stayed there the entire night, together, because, when it came down to the honest truth, it's exactly where Sasuke wanted to be. Especially if it was his last night on earth.
So...did he die or not? Up for interpretation! Am I evil or what? lol.
Like always, thanks for reading! Love you all!
