Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me. Only the story. That is all.
Warnings: some language, a bit of character bashing, manipulation, that is all.
Bold-thoughts
Italics-flashbacks/enunciated thoughts
Chapter 6: Tripped Wires
Lunch began as it ended. Naruto half expected the prince to try to seduce him with words of romance and all that corny crap. Fortunately it did not happen that way. Naruto however had plenty of questions that needed answering. The conversation that took place was definitely not what Naruto expected.
Earlier…
Iruka knocked on the door to the dining room.
"Enter" was the command uttered on the other side. Iruka opened both doors to allow both to enter. The blond stood agape at the immense size of the room. There was a long rectangular sized mahogany table that seated up to thirty people. The table cloth was a majestic royal blue with golden outlines. The chairs were accentuated with deep red velvet cushions. At the very end from where he stood was the prince. He was overlooking some scrolls while occasionally sipping what was presumed to be soup. Sasuke looked up and smirked.
"Ah I see my guest has come to join me for lunch" he replied mockingly. Naruto glared holes at the raven. Iruka cleared his throat to break the silence. "I have brought Naruto forward to come join you for what I hope is friendly and quiet meal" he replied. Sasuke nodded and dismissed the brunette. Iruka bowed before Naruto before shutting the doors behind him. Now it was just him and the prince. Sasuke set down his spoon and relaxed into his finely crafted cushioned chair. He gestured to the seat adjacent to him.
"I saved you a seat so if you will" he suggested. Naruto stared defiantly at him. "Actually, I think I will sit right here if you don't mind". Sasuke eyes widened and glared angrily. Then he smirked. Very few people had ever dared to deny him and get away with it. The blonde was proving to be quite interesting. Sasuke then donned a near condescending expression. "Well at the very least I am glad you decided to join me for lunch. You must feel rather relieved to be able to enjoy your meals in a proper setting". Naruto glared but did not answer. The doors suddenly burst open allowing several unnamed servants including Chouji with dishes of food.
Sasuke stood up. "Good all of you are present' he greeted the servants.
"Now as to why you are here…there is a guest that will be joining me. His name is Naruto and he will be dining here quite frequently. So it is with great expectancy that you treat him with the same amount of respect and courtesy as you would any guest". Naruto waved but he only received nasty looks and disgusted scoffs from some of the maids. Chouji laid down a bowl of miso ramen and a plate of bread. One of the maid-servants passed by and accidentally scraped some dust at him before glibly replying 'oops'. Others were more brazen as they 'accidentally' bumped or elbowed him on the sides causing Naruto to growl. Sasuke watched this with an unamused glare. He coughed harshly gaining the attention of one brazen servant girl who appeared to be trying to tilt some type of dish over his intendeds head. She shook involuntarily before setting it down and run for her life. Sasuke stood up once again.
"Enough! Obviously I wasn't clear the first time. I specifically asked no ordered you to show the proper respect to my guest but since your ears apparently didn't pick up or that you did not seem to register one simply request, I will say it in words that your nimble brains can understand" he enunciated his point by pointing his burning gaze onto the now shivering crowd of females. "Naruto is a guest and a permanent addition to the household. He is and will be treated with the same courtesy and respect as any guest that passes through the gates of this kingdom. If ever I should catch wind or find out you mistreated him or anyone else within these walls, the offending party will be subjected to a punishment I see befitting of their crime. Now get out of my sight and do not come in until I command you to!"
Immediately, all of the maid-servants and Chouji exited the room leaving only two occupants. Naruto sighed. "I could have handled that on my own you know. I'm no stranger to harsh treatment. I mean I experience it so often working at the shop" he replied offhandedly. Sasuke pointed his gaze to his soup. "Well it is good thing I got you away from that place now didn't I?" he retorted. Naruto growled. "That place was my only means of getting by and now I don't have that any more no thanks to you!" Naruto took a gulp full of ramen to (hopefully) distract himself from throttling the pompous windbag. Sasuke gaped open mouthed at the blonde. He shook his head and spoke again.
"You dobe should feel privileged to be taken in by a great and noble gentlemen such as myself. Especially from the likes of that god forsaken, abysmal, dirty place such as that. Compare to all that, this here must seem like heaven" he pointed out arrogantly. Naruto snorted and rolled his eyes. "Yeah right teme… you a gentlemen? You are as much a gentlemen as Genghis Khan ever was, and more what with your gaggle of sluts hanging about you. (A/N: Oooh burn). Sasuke's eyes burned red. "I'm willing to bet that all the men in your family are like that as well. I mean how else do you explain your debonair method of acquiring a wife? You probably go and r…" he was cut off by a sudden shadow hanging above him. Naruto gulped as he looked into the blood red angry eyes of the raven. Sasuke glared at him with such venom.
"Don't you ever accuse me or my family of such impropriety; I-am-an-Uchiha" he articulated heavily. "We always present ourselves in a cordial manner. That goes especially true for our wives, you can ask them yourself. And as far as you're concerned…if I wanted to take some random slut for 'fun' as you call it, I could easily walk into a brothel and get it there. With you…I think you can pretty much guess already why you are here and not back on the streets or living in that shack you call a home". Sasuke lowered himself until he was almost nose width apart from Naruto. "Just remember that, my sweet" he purred before applying pressure to stunned lips. Naruto touched his fingers to his lips. Sasuke sat down once again and resumed the rest of his meal. Naruto watched him for a while before he inhaled sharply readying himself to ask what he needed to ask.
"Putting that aside...why do you want to marry me?" Naruto winced when he heard the clinking of a spoon hitting the table. Sasuke sat there wide eyed as if Naruto grew an extra head. Naruto tented his fingers. "I mean there are a handful of women and young men that would make a much more suitable bride for you than I ever would" he replied. If one listened carefully, they would definitely hear the slight insecurity in his voice. Sasuke raised a brow at him before resuming his meal.
End scene
Naruto never got his answer. Instead, the prince opted to leave him saying he had some important matters to attend to. Naruto was to say the least rather frustrated. Once he finished his lunch, he left the table and decided to look around. He decided it was now time to tour the rest of the palace. He was tempted to ask one of the staff but remembered the rather rude welcoming he received from most of the kitchen staff. He was determined not to repeat a similar experience with another house staff. He could not explore the corridors as they were likely blocked and the only way to gain admittance to the rooms was a set of keys entrusted to a select few. Instead, he resolved to find a way outdoors; preferably the gardens.
()
After trial and error, he finally found the glass paned doors leading to the palace gardens. Naruto smiled widely when he saw the luscious place. (1) There were extravagant flowers, fruit trees, and shrubs of all sorts. Many of them looked to be from different countries. Near the middle was a large porcelain fountain with a statue of a mermaid spewing water from a seashell. He ventured further downwards to see what other wonders the garden held. He scanned the ivy-colored wall to see if there was a hidden entrance or passage way. The blond peasant frowned when he could find none. Suddenly, he heard the sound of clanging metal. Curiosity overtook nervousness and he went to investigate. He came upon a large open space cut off by wooden logs. The rest of the area was gravel and dirt reserved for what appeared to be a training ground. In the training ground was a young man in his early 20's dressed in a brown and white tunic with a tan sash and brown pants. On his right hand was a golden claw. His hair was slate grey-blue at shoulder length and asymmetrical bangs. He was rather handsome even as he cut down his targets with fierce determination and was covered in some sweat. Naruto blushed and unconsciously brushed a strand of hair behind his hair. He let out a small chuckle. This caught the man's attention. Naruto squeaked when the mysterious stranger locked eyes with him. The boy gulped.
He twiddled his fingers together shyly and grinned nervously. "A-Ano, sumimasen but I was j-just exploring the gardens when-" the poor teen did not get to finish as he was held down to the ground with a three-pronged claw at his throat.
"Who are you? A trespasser? A thief? A spy from a rival kingdom? Speak!" the man demanded. Naruto gulped. His heartbeat quickened in his chest. He had to say something quick or else it would be the end of him. He gulped heavily. "My name is Uzu-maki N-n-naruto! Uzumaki Naruto! I am not a trespasser or a thief. I am just a reluctant guest brought here against my will!" The man blinked in confusion before letting up his hold on the blonde. Naruto sat up once he was certain it was safe. "An unwilling guest? What did you mean by that, Uzumaki Naruto?" he asked the last part suspiciously. Naruto sat indian-style and hung his head.
"It was only yesterday that I was just a regular old peasant just out doing my rounds when I was suddenly juxtaposed by several of his guards to fetch me so I can become the prince's "wife". I of course refused but apparently the bastard doesn't take no for an answer. So I am pretty much held prison in this place until I either accept his proposal or go insane from isolation". The grey blue haired man studied the blond for any signs that he was lying. He found none. The stranger chuckled. He offered his hand to the blonde who took it. "Well Uzumaki-san, since you are clearly no threat to me or anyone else in the kingdom; I guess it would be proper to introduce myself. My name is Sora. I am a monk from the North Fire Temple and foot soldier for the royal family when called for it". Sora grinned assuringly at the blond who blushed slightly (A/N: Hey who wouldn't, the guy is handsome). Sora then resumed to his serious expression.
"So tell me again exactly why you are a prisoner here?" Naruto pouted his lips and turned up a mournful expression. He knew if he wanted to find a way out of the place undetected, he would have to play on the sympathies of this monk and make up a story. Of course, he wasn't going to tell his whole story. Faking tears, he told the monk of how he had been born to a poor family and his parents having to send him away to a close relative until their home situation got better. The stay turned into years. Fast forward to a few days ago where he was sent into town for supplies when he was swept abruptly off the street...unwillingly by the prince's stooges. He is then set to pay off a debt for his family by marrying the prince. And if he doesn't, he and his family would be ruined.
"But I don't want to be bound inside a loveless marriage especially to someone who most likely holds a secret harem" the blond added morosely. Sora thought this over for some time until he reached an epiphany. He looked to both sides before reaching over to whisper into the blonde's ear. "If that be the case. I will help you. I know a few hidden passage ways out of the palace walls. But in order for it to work, you have to follow each word I say". Naruto nodded and listened as Sora detailed an escape plan.
()
Sasuke rubbed his fingers through his hair. He glared as he tried to focus his attention on some papers. He huffed in frustration and pushed them off the desk. "That damn dobe! Asking me such a question". He sighed and slumped against his chair. "Of course, I didn't exactly answer his question now did I? But then how the hell am I supposed to answer someone who brushes off anything I say as a joke or an insult? Much less veer away if I even try to touch him?" Sasuke clasped his fingers meditatively. He couldn't just go off and tell the boy he wanted to marry him simply because he was attracted to his charming looks. Naruto would likely give him a broken nose for telling him something like that. He knew he was wrong in spiriting away the peasant without his permission and demanding his hand in marriage. But the raven had been so impatient to have the beauty in his arms that he just acted without thinking. That, he had been told by many, had always been one of his major flaws. Yet, Naruto was in a way behaving like an ungrateful waif. Sasuke had seen clearly the way the blond was treated by those in the village and employer. That is not to say the blond had no admirers. If you could call them that. He knew of the many lechers and perverts that often made passes at Naruto. Even the more subdued ones. Especially his former landlord. Sasuke gripped the arms of his chair angrily. He could still remember the details of that night when the 20 something year old man blatantly attempted to woo and court his man.
Flashback...
"You know Naruto, I have a way you could get out of paying rent ever again" said the landlord Setsu. Setsu was a handsome young lad of twenty or so with brunette back length hair that parted in two ways, green eyes, freckles and a green leaf kimono. He reached to touch the young ones cheek but was stopped. Naruto grinned uneasily.
"And...how do you propose that?" he retorted already knowing the answer. Naruto wanted to roll his eyes. Why did he always have to attract the perverts? Setsu grinned. "You could marry me and you would not have to work at some dingy food shop or live in such a decrepit shack. I could provide for all your needs". Naruto sighed sadly. "That is...kind of you Setsu-san, but I have no intention of marrying so young and besides' his expression hardened 'this decrepit shack happens to have belonged to my teacher and surrogate uncle. At least have the decency to speak about him with respect". Setsu frowned indignantly. How dare he speak to him in such a way? Setsu exhaled calmly. He was supposed to be wooing the blond not deter him by insulting him. "Forgive me Naruto. I forget myself sometimes. Your uncle did contribute to this town. And it would be an honor to his deeds by helping his adopted nephew in any way he needs". Naruto placed both hands on his hips. His lips pursed in consternation.
"I appreciate everything you and your father have done. But my answer is still no" he stated firmly. Setsu's glared at the blond. "What is it that you want Naruto? Why is that you always spurn my affections for you or turn me away when I approach you?! " Naruto started backing away fearful of the burning gaze fixed on him. In past instances, whenever Setsu would attempt to push things, his teacher or Setsu's father would appear to put a stop to it. Unfortunately, it was different now as his teacher was no longer there to protect him and Setsu's father was out of the village attending a conference. Now the poor kid was at the mercy of a very determined adult who was certainly thinking of perverse and dirty things to do to the blond. Naruto continued to back away as he backed against an oak tree. He shook fearfully as the man continued to advance closer. He closed his eyes tightly wishing for it all to disappear. "Is it because you are waiting for the one who gave you that jewel around your neck" Setsu's voice snarled eyeing the pendant jealously.
Crunch. The sound of leaves crumbling as feet stomped on them. The sound of heavy breathing in the air. Finally the heat of breath against him. Then the final straw...the feeling of something invading his space. It drew closer and closer until he could take it no longer. With dormant strength, Naruto pushed away the offending force and yelled. Setsu fell on the ground. He sat up to tell off the blond but stopped. Naruto sat huddled on the ground, arms wrapped around his body, and tears running down his face. Muffled sobs escaped from his lips. As if a bucket of ice water was splashed all over him, Setsu was filled with incredible shame. He hung his head letting his hair fall over his face. He stood up fist clenched at his side. The only sound present was the sound of Naruto's cries. Setsu bit his lip. Finally he spoke.
"Gomenasai Uzumaki-kun, I will not pursue you any longer...save only to collect the rent. All I ask is that you at least consider my offer and consider me a friend. Until then". With that, Setsu returned his journey back to his home. Naruto collected himself before running to his cabin home and cry deep into the night until he fell asleep. Unaware, there was a witness for the whole scene.
Flashback ends...
It was four days later that Sasuke had "convinced" Setsu and his father to depart Konoha and leave for richer grounds. At first, Sasuke wanted to have the man executed but reasoned against it. He did not want to have to explain to his father or the townspeople why a man was to be executed for no reason; the townspeople would revolt. His father would find another reason to dub him irresponsible and unfit for the crown. He usually did since his older brother defected. Later, a new landlord was chosen by order of the royal family. While people were curious, they knew better than to ask. Whatever the case be, Naruto seemed happy and was able to resume his regular day. He was even able to smile again or appeared to be.
Sasuke tented his fingers in deep thought. Why or what would cause such a seemingly upbeat guy like Naruto to act so frightened or become saddened? It suddenly occurred to the raven that he never once attempted to try to get to know his affianced. The next time he and the kid were alone, he would get some real answers. Several loud knocks interrupted his musings. The prince grimaced in frustration. "Yes, who is it?" he barked. Raven eyes widened when Kakashi burst open the door.
"Your majesty! Naruto has escaped!"
Sasuke shot up now furious. "Again?!" he roared. "How did he manage that? I thought I told you to put sentries around every door" he shouted. Kakashi stepped forward unfazed totally used to the ravens outburst. After all, he had been the kid's mentor since childhood. "He must have used one of the hidden passages inside the West garden walls" he stated. He then grinned. "I must say your highness, that you have your work cut out for you. He will certainly prove difficult to tame than the others". Sasuke growled and swerved on his heel. "Summon forth every guard on call. Bring him back alive and unharmed. If he resist, arrest him!"
Kakashi said nothing for a while but did not protest. He knew how unreasonable Sasuke could be when angry. "As you wish, Uchiha-sama" he whispered ruefully.
Meanwhile…
The fall leaves steadily scattered across the West Side gardens. Suddenly, a blur jumps out from behing the foliage of hydrangeas. A mysterious figure concealed by a light blue cloak hovers over the grass right along the ivy colored wall. He skimmed his palm against the marble until he found the stone he was looking for. The hood flew back to reveal the form of Uzumaki Naruto. He nearly shouted in triumph before remembering that he was supposed to keep incognito (2). He pressed the stone making the section of wall gave way to reveal a mid-sized rectangular passage. He took a step inside and remembered Sora's advice.
"Listen and listen well and good Naruto" the monk told him sternly. "The first thing you need to do is get a cloak that is easy to maneuver in and is easy to conceal yourself in. Next, check your perimeters for any obstacles…in other words, sentry guards. Once, that is all cleared, you move to the third step. In the West Garden, there is a large ivy-colored wall. Along that is a sand colored stone that should shift when you press against it. The wall will give way to a hidden entrance that leads to the outside. Some advice, use a torch because it is very dark in there. With luck, you will find yourself outside the forest entrance to the village".
"Oi, Sora how exactly do you know this?" the blonde inquired suspiciously. Sora chuckled warmly. When I first came here as part of a guardsman training, I accidentally stumbled upon that exact same entrance way. Of course I was curious and wanted to know what it was doing inside a wall. One of the guards later told me that when the castle was built, the clan figured that war would break out one day and they would need a means of escape. So they elaborately crafted forth a series of hidden passages and tunnels. It was especially helpful during the Great War".
"The Great War?" Sora shook his head. "For another time, my friend. Now, you want to pull this off or not" he asked. Naruto nodded.
Naruto skid his palm up and down the wall. He eyed the lantern that appeared to not have been used for some time. Thinking fast he lit the lantern and continued his way down the slick cobblestone path. Finally after what felt like an eternity, he came to a stone door. With a sigh, he prepared himself as he pushed it open. He winced lightly as the light hit his face. He slowly took a few steps outside to see if it was safe. He looked left and right and smiled brightly. He broke into a run. He stopped just outside the village entrance to look back at the castle.
"Sayonara, Teme-sama!"
Little did he realize, a certain masked guard spotted him running from the palace. Kakashi entered the gates to report to Sasuke. He only hoped the prince was in a reasonable mood.
I think I will leave it there for now. Like I said before, this will be slightly different from the original story. I was originally going to introduce Chouji in later chapters as Ino's servant but realized that would divert attention from the protagonists. Naruto is quite the master manipulator isn't he? Wait, I think I mentioned that last chapter. Oh well, besides that I think this turned out quite well. in general, humans will stoop to any means when they are desperate even lie. It is something like a defense mechanism.
I made some changes with the landlord because I felt the conversation to be blasé and juvenile. I wanted to put more emphasis with Naruto concerning his relationship with other people. At least Sasuke is making great strides in trying to better things with the blonde. He still has quite a ways to go before he can make that step. I must say I am quite proud of how this story is turning out and cant wait to dish out more chapters. Naruto lives on thru the works of his devoted fans.
I shall leave it here for now. Read and review.
Chapter Footnotes:
(1) Imagine the backyard from The Little Mermaid II with the large wall surrounding the palace qand ivy covering the walls.
(2) Under-cover or hidden objective.
