~ooO (3) Relationships Evolve Ooo~
Naruto went quickly through the shelves and cabinets, looking for any belongings he might have missed in his packing. Satisfied there was none he sealed his trunk and packed a few reference books, one change of clothes, and some supplies into his expanded backpack.
"Ready to leave Naruto-san?"
The blonde teen smiled at the other teen who was also packing. Toushiro Bakura was one of the Sixth and Seventh year students who had been given permission to leave right after their last year-end exam. Like Naruto, Bakura had also contracted to an apprenticeship, only his was under a Ward Crafter.
"I've been ready for weeks now," Naruto confided. And he was.
Naruto had been alternatively thrilled and humbled by Rikudou-sensei's offer to continue his training over the summer. Naruto had begged Keiko-san and Kaede-oba-san to sign the papers, and they had been more than willing to. An apprenticeship under a renowned Master was not something to stand in the way of.
He slipped his backpack on and cast a spell to levitate his trunk.
"See you next year Bakura-san."
"You too Naruto-san. Don't forget to write."
Naruto smiled and nodded in agreement. He had already said his farewells to his other friends and teachers, so he made his way down to the main level and into the Entryway.
Rikudou-sensei was waiting for him. Unlike Naruto he did not carry any trunks or bags. He sealed his belongings into scrolls and carried them in inner pockets of his robes. He had promised to teach Naruto to do the same this summer and Naruto was really looking forward to learning nifty sealing techniques.
"Are you ready Uzumaki-san?"
The teen couldn't quite help the rush of blood pinking his cheeks.
"Hai, Rikudou-sensei."
The older wizard held out a carved weighted baton. Without hesitation Naruto reached out to grip it. A second later something twisted in his navel and pulled. It squeezed and dragged him through an iridescent tunnel as the world vanished from around him.
Naruto just managed to keep from throwing up when reality reformed. When he managed to regain his equilibrium and look up, he was secretly annoyed to see Rikudou-sensei was as calm and unaffected as ever. Didn't anything throw him off?
It must have shown on his face because the black-haired wizard spoke, his expression calm though Naruto could see he was amused. It had taken a lot of effort but Naruto had learnt to read Rikudou-sensei. When he was willing to loosen up around Naruto.
"I am used to portkey travel. I practiced so I don't get disoriented in case an opponent tries to use it against me. You will learn the same this summer."
Naruto relaxed and nodded.
"Welcome to my home Naruto-san."
Naruto grinned, pleased. And then he turned around and froze at the sight before him. Tall double-door oaken gates, carved and seared with runes. They opened at a pulse of magic and chakra from Rikudou-sensei.
The paved path led up to an elegant looking one-level home with a wide wrap around patio and fragile-seeming shoji doors. Naruto was certain with magic and sealing techniques this place could hold out against an invading army with a few trained defenders.
He simply looked around, taking in the well-kept gardens and tranquil quiet. The teen was tempted to pick a side-path and follow it to wherever it lead, to explore and discover the secrets behind the walls of hedges and other greenery.
"You will have time to explore later on. The dojo is in a separate building behind the main house, to reduce damage and noise," Rikudou-sensei explained. "Behind the dojo are training grounds in meadow, forests, then mountain slopes. All private property. I would prefer you do not leave the meadow, and always stay in eye-sight of the buildings. As your training advances there will be trips into the mountains."
He turned to catch Naruto's eye and the younger wizard nodded and acknowledged the warning. "I understand. I will not leave the main building grounds without your permission."
He studied Naruto intently before nodding, satisfied. "There is an attachment to back of the main building to a small hot spring. You are more than welcome to use it. It helps to unwind and relax after a long intense training session."
And from the expression in his eyes Naruto had the feeling he would be making use of the hot springs very often.
They were walking up the shallow stone steps.
"Give me your hand."
Naruto did not hesitate to obey. And he did not flinch as his teacher ran a kunai across his fingertip before brushing the bloodied digit on the narrow criss-cross slats of the sliding doors. The wood and carvings glowed briefly.
"I have keyed you into the wards," Rikudou-sensei explained. "It's based on similar principles as warding your trunk and personal belongings, just on a larger, more permanent, scale."
Naruto nodded, understanding the point and followed taller figure inside. He slipped off his shoes and slid into a pair of guest slippers before looking around. It was a large open room partitioned by sliding doors. He could see into the large expanse that could serve as a practice room or a living room. The floor was polished bamboo, smooth and silky. The ceiling above was bare and exposed revealing the under side, the support trusses and beams of the roof.
The tour that followed was quite brief. Kitchen with a pantry storeroom and cupboards. A guest washroom. Five private solid-wall rooms at the back. One a master bedroom with a private bathroom, two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, a small library and reading and craft room, an unfurnished room currently serving as a storage space.
Naruto frowned at the end of the tour.
"There should be more," he objected.
Rikudou-sensei smiled and nodded. "My magical workrooms. I can access them through my bedroom, the storage room, and the dojo. It will take a bit of prep-work to key you into them, so why don't you unpack while I make lunch. After lunch we can continue."
"I understand Rikudou-sensei."
And he inwardly quailed when Rikudou-sensei frowned. "Naruto-san, just one thing," he murmured with a very piercing look.
"Hai, sensei?"
"Call me Itachi."
Naruto blinked. That was something he hadn't expected. "Excuse me?"
"Call me Itachi. There isn't anyone else around to bother with observing formalities."
"And if someone were around?" Naruto asked hesitantly.
"Then call me Itachi-sensei." Grey eyes were warm and laughing, almost hypnotizing.
Naruto responded unconsciously, smiling shyly and nodding. "Hai…Itachi-san."
"Itachi," the older wizard corrected mildly but firmly.
Naruto chewed on his lower lip, debating internally before conceding. "Hai, Itachi." Feeling a bit daring he continued. "And please, call me Naruto." And he felt a small thrill seeing Itachi's lips curve into a rare smile.
"I will…Naruto."
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Naruto winced as he gingerly lowered himself into the gently steaming mineral waters. Every bit of his body hurt. Even parts he didn't know he had. Carefully he shifted into a slightly slouching position that hurt the least and closed his eyes, relaxing and allowing his mind to sink into a light trance. Itachi had really made him work today.
"How do you feel Naruto-kun?"
The teen's eyes snapped open in shock. What the—Itachi! He wasn't wearing any swimming trunks!
"Itachi!" he squeaked. "What are you doing?"
The older wizard gave him a bemused look. "The same as you. Soaking."
"No, I mean why now?" The blonde blushed. "I'm not wearing anything," he confessed.
Itachi merely gave him a look. "One usually doesn't when soaking in a private onsen, Naruto-kun," he pointed out.
Naruto waved his hands wildly. "Yeah, but I thought…never mind," he mumbled.
They soaked in companionable silence for a while.
"You're going to turn into a prune if you soak any longer," Itachi commented.
Naruto blinked. "Wha—?"
"You've been soaking for almost an hour now," Itachi said. "Are you really that sore?"
"Yes," Naruto admitted. "I'm finding it tricky, using chakra to augment physical exercise. I've been practicing a lot to make it second-nature."
Itachi absorbed the explanation before speaking. "Do you want a massage?"
Naruto blinked. His very vivid imagination had no trouble conjuring images of Itachi's hands on him. In specific places. In very private places. Causing very specific reactions. He stifled a moan.
"No thanks," he stammered.
Itachi studied him. "You look like you could use one. It will help with the soreness."
"That's all right. I've been sore before," Naruto replied hurriedly.
"If you're too sore I will have to lessen the intensity of the pace," Itachi pointed out. "It will slow your progress."
Naruto debated each outcome, the pros and cons. He didn't want to slow down. He wanted to learn everything he could. Besides if his workload lightened he'd have too much time to think. About Itachi. And Itachi's hands. And other parts of Itachi. He bit his lower lip to still the reflexive groan.
"All right. I'll take the massage," Naruto muttered, resigning himself to the situation. He just knew he was going to make a fool of himself.
Itachi moved to the side of the pool and levered himself out of the water in one fluid motion. Naruto averted his eyes but he couldn't help sneaking peeks at Itachi's lithe nude body through the corner of his eye. The dark-haired male padded over to the storage bench and removed a small pile of folded towels, completely unselfconscious of his nudity.
"Come on," he said as he spread out the terry cloth material over the smooth stone floor. "Lie down here," he instructed before turning to dig something else out of the unit.
Naruto obeyed after wrapping one of the towels around his waist. Gingerly he spread himself out on his stomach feeling slightly relieved when he saw Itachi wrap and knot a towel around his own waist.
The towels did not help. They only reminded him of what lay underneath. His body was aching from more than muscle strain. It didn't help when Itachi knelt beside him, leaned over, and set his hands on Naruto's shoulders, and dug callused fingers into the knots and particularly sore spots. Just how did Itachi know where Naruto was hurting? The teen couldn't stop the groan when a very tense knot loosened under skilled hands.
Naruto was very aware as the knots and aches in his back relaxed a very different ache was coming to life in his groin. He resisted the urge to shift and allow his stiffening cock to come to full-mast. That was a no-no. He dearly hoped his erection would subside without assistance but suspected it was futile hope.
He could feel the tension in his body increasing, his heart beating so fast he could hear it in his ears, his breath sharp short pants as he struggled to control his physical reactions. Itachi's hands were now on either side of his spine just above his bum. He clenched them in reflex when those callused fingertips brushed against the top. The towel had somehow loosened and unknotted in the course of the massage.
The blonde teen couldn't stop himself. He rolled onto his back and surged up, reaching out to place his hands on the older male's shoulders, pulling him down.
Their mouths collided roughly, noses banging against each other before Naruto shifted and opened his mouth to taste Itachi with his tongue. Sweat, salt, and other minerals, and underneath it all something indefinable. Itachi. After one last swipe over those thin firm lips Naruto braced himself to pull away and apologize. Then it happened. Itachi kissed him back.
It was everything Naruto had ever dreamed of and so much more. When that amazing mouth lifted from his Naruto wanted to protest, to reach up and pull it back down towards him, he wanted to never stop.
"No," Itachi said firmly.
Naruto didn't know it was possible for one's world to shatter but it certain felt like his world was falling apart. And he was ashamed. Because he had kissed Itachi. He had practically forced himself on his teacher. And it was Itachi who had ended the kiss. He probably hated Naruto right now!
The teen rolled away, pushing himself onto his knees and then feet, and running. Some instinct made him clutch at his waist, hang onto the towel and not run away naked. That would have just amplified his humiliation. He needed to get away. He needed to be safe. He'd worry about how to apologize later.
~o~
Itachi watched the blonde teen run off with troubled eyes. Part of him wanted to chase him down and drag him off to his bed. The more practical part of him pointed out the morning after would only be filled with regrets and doubts. Itachi was not going to take advantage of his student that way. If they were going to have a relationship it would be something Naruto chose with a clear mind and full knowledge. Itachi could wait. And if Naruto had doubts, a baited trap could yield prizes in better condition than a chase-hunt would.
~o~
Naruto managed to reach his room without causing too much damage. He took a quick shower to clean off the mineral salts and dressed to sleep, though he was too wired to do so. Instead he paced around the perimeter of his small room. He wasn't sure if he was hurt or relieved that Itachi had not chased after him. Would Itachi end the apprenticeship contract? Because Naruto had forced himself on Itachi? But it wasn't like Itachi had fought Naruto off. And he hadn't said 'stop' at any point. Perhaps he was attracted to Naruto…No, that wasn't possible. Itachi could have anyone! Naruto was just another no-name orphan. But Itachi had seen something special in Naruto, after all he had selected him above all the other students from wealthy established clans.
Naruto slowed and came to a stop. He darted towards the desk and sat down before pulling out his linked journal and fountain pen. He opened it to the first clean page and uncapped the pen. He hesitated for but a second before beginning to write.
Oh Kami Kage-san,
I really don't want to write this but I am.
It had become instinctual now, to pour everything out into the linked journal, almost like a personal diary. Kage-san had never rebuked Naruto's indiscretions or lapses, or indicated disapproval by cutting off his funds, or by any other means. Naruto sincerely hoped this would not cause the first backlash.
If I don't tell someone I'll burst.
And, oh, it was so true. Naruto was torn between rushing back to confront Itachi, to accuse him of playing with Naruto's feelings by kissing him back, and the desire to run away and to hide from his teacher. But he did neither because eventually he would have to face Itachi, for his apprenticeship, if nothing else.
And I definitely don't trust anyone else to not go blabbing. I wish I had someone I could confide in, someone my own age.
And it was true. Naruto had plenty of friends since none of the adults were pulling them away from him, saying he was a bad influence, a demon-child, but still he had none his own age that he was truly close to.
And this isn't something a teenager really wants to tell a parent, but technically you're not my parent. You're my sponsor but you're not legally responsible for me and I expect you to respect my wishes. If you cannot please don't read any further.
Naruto did not know if this was a good idea but he really didn't have that many options. Kaede-oba-san and Keiko-san would immediately pull him back and end his apprenticeship. If they knew. Naruto didn't want that.
Okay then. You know what I wrote before? About how much I liked Itachi-sempai, and how much I really respected Rikudou-sensei? I might have mentioned something about crushing on him. Well let me put it this way, it's no longer an unrequited crush. I kissed him. And he kissed me back.
And oh kami, what a kiss! His expression turned dazed as he recalled the sensations felt and aroused by the experience. It was some time before he remembered just where he was and what he was doing. Hastily he continued writing.
And before you call the Aurors, don't. I'm of age and I checked. There's no law against masters having intimate relationships with their apprentices. In fact it was very common in the past.
Naruto didn't know what those apprentices had felt, if they had sought out their master's romantic or sexual desires or if it had been forced on them, but he knew how he felt. He wanted it.
I don't know if this is serious, if he's really interested in me or if it's just a one-off thing. To be honest I'm not sure which one I'd prefer. I really need some time to let what happened really sink in. I honestly wouldn't have written this if I thought I could process this without sharing the facts with someone. I don't think I can write anything else right now, but before I end this message I want to stress something: Itachi did not use me. In fact if anything I used him. It was completely consensual and I enjoyed what we shared.
I hope you are healthy and happy Kage-san.
Until next time,
Naruto
He put away the journal and settled down in his futon to sleep. Between the muscle aches and the sexual rush, it was a long time before his body relaxed enough for him to do so.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
A few days later Naruto opened his linked journal and began writing. He was in a much calmer state of mind than the last time he wrote to his sponsor.
Kage-san,
First off, thank you. The Aurors haven't visited and arrested Itachi, so I must conclude you're reserving judgment, or perhaps even giving me the opportunity to explore my feelings. If you are, thank you again. I will strive not to betray that trust.
Naruto hesitated, uncertain of what to share with his sponsor. After some debate he decided to go for broke.
It's been three days since we kissed. The morning after was terribly awkward. At least for me. He just pretended everything was normal between us and had me doing iajutsu katas and spell drills. But it's not normal. Everything has changed now. Don't know if I love him for real but I feel something for him. I don't think I'm the type to have casual crushes. I've never been drawn to anyone else. I feel completely lost, uncertain. Honestly, I wish I was more experienced. But no, I had to fall for Itachi and Itachi alone.
Naruto closed his eyes and inhaled sharply as his subconscious conjured images of his sensei, his crush. When he was a student, in the library, on a broom, in the duelling circle. When he was an instructor, lecturing, demonstrating, guiding, kissing…
Blue eyes snapped open as Naruto tried to control his breathing and slow down his heart rate. It took several minutes before he felt calm enough to resume writing.
Now that I really think about it, I believe I may have started falling for him when I was in First Year. It isn't what I feel for him now, but I think I started caring for him soon after I met him. Itachi is important to me but I want to be certain before I risk making a fool of myself by confessing my affections or my hopes for a serious relationship.
But honestly Kage, I think this is the real thing. At least on my part. I just have to hope Itachi feels the same way.
Until next time,
Naruto
The teen put away the linked journal and pen and settled into his futon and pulled the covers up to his chin.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Watanabe Keiko blinked seeing the post-owl on her window sill. It was not one known to her. She untied the letter from its leg and fed it owl treats.
"Can you return in two hours for a return message?" she asked the post-owl.
It nodded regally before flying off. She watched it disappear before breaking the seal and unfolding the letter. It was from Naruto. Slightly concerned she quickly scanned the contents once and blinked, perturbed. Then a second time more slowly.
~o~
Keiko-san,
Sorry for being so rushed but I have a few questions I hope you can help me with.
Hypothetically speaking… How do you know if you're in love, the real kind? And how can you tell if the other person feels the same?
I've tried really hard to figure this out but it isn't working out. When I think I know the answer everything changes. And most of what I've heard doesn't fit my situation. I want to know about Love, the true lasting kind.
I hate to pressure you but could you get back to me as quick as possible? I'm going around in circles here and it's driving me nuts.
On a lighter note, I hope you and everyone in the orphanage are safe and well.
Until next time,
Naruto
~o~
The witch wished Uzumaki Naruto was standing before her. This was not something that could be easily answered in a letter. It required a give-take conversation and a question-answer session. She unlocked her filing cabinet and extracted a bottle of expensive sake. Then she poured herself a saucer and downed the contents in one go. She poured herself a second cup and sipped more slowly, thinking about what Naruto was asking her.
Keiko was used to giving the birds-and-bees talk, or at least the magical version of it. Love was something else. Oh she'd had plenty of chats with teenage witches, almost none with teenage wizards. Usually they found older wizards for such discussions. To be honest Keiko had thought Naruto would have had this talk with Hazuno-san, or Rikudou-san. Naruto did talk a lot about both his DMA teachers in his letters. Mostly about how brilliant and smart they were, but also how he respected them. Why wasn't he asking them about this? But he hadn't. He'd asked Keiko. And if Naruto-kun needed advice on love he was going to get it!
She nodded firmly and pulled a sheet of foolscap and a pencil towards her. She needed to outline and draft this letter before writing out a good copy to owl back.
~~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Naruto-kun,
Your letter was a bit of a surprise. I am surprised and honoured you have chosen to speak to me on such a personal topic. First off let me give you a few definitions of love that I find very accurate.
For Steinberg's Triangle Theory of Love imagine a triangle. Each point on the triangle is a type of love: Liking (Friendship) or intimacy; Empty love or commitment; Infatuation or passion. The lines connecting two points are types of relationship having those two types of love.
Romantic love has passion and intimacy. It is genuine but flighty, you like and desire but without commitment it fades.
Fatuous love has passion and commitment. It doesn't have friendship or genuine liking and respect and is mostly superficial.
Companionate love has intimacy and commitment. It is not sexual or passionate, often felt for family and friends.
Consummate or True love is having all three factors: intimacy, passion and commitment.
There is also another definition called the Colour Wheel of Love. Like the three primary colours there are three primary styles of love and three secondary styles formed by combining the primary styles.
Eros – loving an ideal person – passionate, sensual, intimate, marital love
Ludos – love as a game – uncommitted casual love
Storge – love as friendship – affection, familial love
Pragma – Ludos and Storge to form realistic practical love
Agape – Eros and Storge to form selfless love
Mania – Eros and Ludos to form obsessive love
Ideally you want agape, self-less love, sensual love with friendship and affection.
The Triangle Theory and Colour Wheel can be applied equally, or you may find you have a preference for one. Think of your relationship with the person you are interested in. Where does it fall under? Can you see yourself with this person five, ten, fifty years from now? Can you share your life, the lows and highs? Do you believe your love interest is dependable and will support you in good times and bad?
I hope this helps you determine the type of love you have for your new interest. If you have any more questions feel free to owl me.
Keiko
~o~
Naruto's hands were trembling as he folded Keiko-san's letter and tucked it into his folio of correspondence. He had already read it five times and knew the key points by heart. For twenty minutes he sat in silence meditating on Watanabe Keiko's definitions of love. Then he opened his journal and uncapped his pen. He didn't stop to think about what he was writing.
Kage-san,
I'm in love with Itachi. I knew it the moment I saw him smile at me today. You probably think I'm crazy, but it's how I feel. I've seen him smile before—usually they're so small and go so fast you think you've imagined it—but this was different. I've never seen him smile so openly before. Seeing him, I lost a piece of my heart to him and I know I will never get it back. Part of me will always belong to him, even if this doesn't become something more substantial.
I don't want to think about break-ups. I want to be with Itachi forever. I don't know if you're religious Kage-san but if you are please pray for me. Ask Benten-sama to smile upon me, to give me luck, blessings, and love.
Until next time,
Naruto
He did not realise he was crying when he capped the pen and closed the journal. He never realised falling in love could be so terrifying. He felt as though he was in freefall and completely dependent on external factors to keep him safe. Only in this situation he wasn't sure if those external factors were one hundred percent reliable.
He brushed his tears away and stood up. He needed to get some proper rest. He would be leaving for a five-day no supplies survival trip in the morning. Itachi had always said no supplies was subjective when you were magical but in this case Naruto would be restricted to no wand and only basic tools in a single kit that Itachi would be preparing for him.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
TBC…