Important stuff about the story!: So this plot with the company/Uchiha thing, it's going to take a break after this chapter. I'm saying this in advance, because there's a good reason for it. And no, it's not because I don't know what to write, I have it all perfectly clear in my head. It just doesn't fit with the story to solve that part now. Other things will have to happen first!
Also, about Kakashi and Obito, I honestly have a tiny tiny problem (okay a big one) with KakaIru, it just doesn't work for me. Kakashi and Obito though... And also I'm kinda basing them on their younger canon versions, you know, Kakashi being all prissy and time-pessimistic and all. Obito's working on that. I'm happy you seem to like them though! (And I don't mind reading KakaIru in other stories, I just can't write it.)
Normal, random AN for my own pleasure: There's been a snowstorm here in Stockholm pretty much the whole day, and everything's cancelled as far as it's possible. There's been huge problems with the traffic (this happens at least twice every year) and they said on the radio that you shouldn't go outside unless you were wearing really warm skiing clothes. And had skiis. Yeah skiis are good. Cars are bad. Luckily I didn't have to leave the house except to shovel all the snow off the driveway. It took a while, there's really too much snow outside. But I love snow so...
My cats are very very sad though.
Anyway, I spent a lot of time on my homework today so this chappy is my reward. It's short because it just ended up that way.
Btw, cred to you if you recognize the song I've borrowed this chapter title from:p
Chapter twenty: Baby I'm the worrying kind
'
Naruto never thought the day would come when he grew tired of well-drawn yaoi, but here it was. He scowled at the next book in the large pile beside his work computer. Seriously, how much porn had Kakashi's company published in the past ten or so years? Enough to last him another couple of workdays anyway. And he'd already used quite a few. He gnawed on his bottom lip, leaning back in the computer chair and deciding to take a small break, stretching his arms over his head. He was worried. Not the kind of worry that constantly bothered you, but a small nagging feeling that surfaced now and then. Partly because of the thing with his godparents, but that was old news and he was used to worrying about them. A small part was about his relationship with Sasuke, because there was still a lingering doubt that this was all just too good to be true and Sasuke would tire of him. It wasn't big though, the closeness he felt with Sasuke was too deep now, and that worry was constantly fading the more time they spent together. He was worried that he wouldn't live up to Sasuke's expectations and needs though, which was one of the reasons he really wanted to study and do something meaningful with his life. Really, it was pretty amazing how much Sasuke had influenced him during the weeks they'd been together; it's not like he'd given up on his future plans before but they'd certainly been on hold. The problem was his not so amazing grades though… And the money. Yeah money was part of it too.
But the real reason for his worry was that Sasuke seemed worried. It was obvious to anyone that Itachi meant the world to Sasuke, and this thing about being kept on the sidelines grated on his nerves. He hadn't brought it up, but Naruto could feel it. And if that wasn't enough, there was that thing with his mother too. Naruto wasn't sure of what he should do about it. He looked at the screen sullenly, trying to come up with something but feeling tired from sitting in front of a computer the whole day. Sitting still and typing just wasn't his thing. A knock on his door interrupted him, and it opened before he'd had time to give permission.
"Hey Naruto, everything alright? You look a little tired" Obito said with a grin.
"You'd be tired too if you had to sit in front of a screen all day" Naruto said, sounding whiny but not really meaning it. He had a job so he couldn't complain.
"Heh, yeah, I'd never be able to pull that off" was the answer as Obito opened the door wider and walked in, taking a sneak peek at the screen. "Ooh looks kinky."
Naruto laughed.
"Well, you'd know, I bet Kakashi's made you read all of them."
The dark-haired man grimaced.
"Yeah, he likes to try everything out on me before publishing it. You know, to get that realistic feel." He grinned and winked at Naruto. "If you need any tips in the bedroom area, we're pretty much self-proclaimed experts."
"Yeah, thanks, I think I'm fine anyway" Naruto declined. He didn't think he'd survive a conversation like that, no matter how kinky his wet dreams were.
"Well, I'm off, let me know if you change your mind okay?"
Naruto nodded, but then thought of something.
"Hey wait, can I ask you something?"
"That was fast" Obito said with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. He really was an Uchiha after all.
"Uh no, it's about something else. I just wondered, since you're an Uchiha…" Obito's expression took on a less enthusiastic look. "Sasuke's worried because he thinks his brother is hiding stuff from him, and I don't really know what to do."
He said the last sentence so fast he almost stumbled on the words, a little embarrassed to ask advice from Obito of all people. He was a bit surprised when the man in front of him turned uncharacteristically serious, a frown on his face and his arms crossing.
"I think, if there's something Sasuke doesn't know he's probably better off not knowing. Besides, it happened years ago, no point in bringing it up. Actually, it's not weird he doesn't know, he was just a kid back then, even I can hardly remember the first incident."
Naruto stared at him with a gaping mouth, and Obito seemed to realize he'd said too much. He cursed to himself and walked closer to the surprised blond, putting one hand on the desk.
"Look, whatever you think Itachi's hiding there's most likely a good reason for it. And I mean it when I say you shouldn't go poking around in it. It's the same with your parents, you wouldn't want anyone to start asking questions about that would you? Especially since it's all dead and buried."
Naruto blinked and swallowed slowly. Why was he getting the feeling that there was a bigger picture here that he'd stumbled upon blindly by accident? Obito straightened up and seemed to collect himself for a moment or two.
"Naruto?"
"Umm, yeah?"
"Just drop it. And tell Sasuke to drop it too. I don't know any details, but I don't want to know either. Promise me okay?"
Naruto nodded, not really sure of what was going on, but agreeing seemed like a good idea. When Obito had left the room, the door closing with a hollow sound, he shuddered. Uchihas definitely knew how to be scary when they wanted too. Thinking back on the conversation, he realized the stupidity of asking Obito about something that had to do with Uchiha Corps, he'd been thrown out of the family before Itachi even took over. Sadly he wasn't less worried though. But dropping it was his best option right now he supposed, at least the part about stuff happening a long time ago. With a sigh he went back to work, picking up the manga on top of the pile. Hmm, it looked like another teacher-student. Where was variety nowadays?
~Line breaker~
As the door to his office opened without any warning Sasuke raised his eyes from his computer screen, expecting his brother or maybe even his secretary with some kind of emergency. He did not, however, expect his mother.
"Sasuke" she said with a curt nod, sounding much too formal for a mother greeting her son.
Sasuke stood up, years of practice letting him keep his calm even though his mind gave him some heavy suggestions to hide beneath his desk.
"Mother" he responded.
They were silent for a minute, Mikoto walking inside and closing the door behind her. Sasuke felt trapped, he concentrated on trying to keep his gaze level. The training he'd had didn't involve arguments with his parents, he'd always been assumed to just go along with their wishes. Fights usually ended badly, he'd been lucky they weren't alone in the house last time.
"I hope you've used the past week to reconsider your actions."
Dully Sasuke thought that he should have been the one saying that.
"Reconsider what?" he asked instead, not bothering to sound polite anymore. If they were going to have a fight there was no point in beating around the bush. At least he knew Naruto would be there to pick up the pieces once it was over.
As expected, Mikoto pursed her lips and gave him that look, the one that as a kid had him almost visibly trembling in fear. He hated being scolded by his parents.
"Don't play dumb, for all your faults you're still an Uchiha. Now stop this teenage rebelling, you'll ruin Christmas."
Now that, was something that made Sasuke see red. If anyone ruined Christmas in the Uchiha family it was definitely his father in the top spot dead or not, and in the second his mother. That warmth and family love Christmas was supposed to represent obviously hadn't reached his parents.
"I'm not rebelling, mother, this is a decision I've made as a grown-up man, and I'm not spending Christmas with you this year."
He held his breath, trying to fight all the insecurities grained into him as a child, feeling a cold sweat breaking out on his skin. Naruto Naruto Naruto he chanted in his head, reminding himself that whatever his mother threw at him it would be worth it. And he was a grown-up now, what could she really do anyway?
For a moment she stared at him, processing his words in her mind, not believing her ears. This habit of talking back that her sons had developed lately was something she didn't know how to deal with. These were moments she missed Fugaku the most. She looked at her youngest son with pleading eyes.
"Please Sasuke, don't do this." She walked over to him, tracing his face with her fingers, the barely noticeable flinch shocking her. When had Sasuke started to resent her this much? "Don't ruin everything, you know we only want what's best for you."
Sasuke looked down at his feet, his shoulders tense and his fingers curling into fists.
"You don't know what's best for me" he mumbled, then straightened up to meet her eyes. "That's right. You have no idea what's best for me, you don't even care about what I want." He swallowed and moistened his dry lips. "So why should I care what you want for me?"
Mikoto blinked. She took in the sight of her son, standing straight and proud, his eyes unwavering and his face serious. He looked like a true Uchiha. She felt like crying, but she refused to.
"I see" she said instead, steeling herself for what she knew she had to do. It was her last resort; no son of hers could defy his family like this and get away with it. "If you really think that doing the same as that godforsaken Obito is the right thing to do, then by all means do that. But you're on your own from now on."
With a last, lingering look at her son's beautiful features she turned and walked out of his office, leaving a ringing, deafening silence behind.
And Sasuke had no idea of how to deal with this.
~Line breaker~
Naruto sat in the kitchen, munching on some crackers as he waited for Sasuke to come home and make dinner. Sure, he could have made dinner himself, but that wasn't as fun. He stared out of the window, it was dark outside of course but he could see the light from a few windows in the opposite building. Sasuke said he'd come home late today again. Maybe he should have a talk with Itachi about over-working his brother. He turned towards the hallway in surprise when the doorbell suddenly rang, wondering who it could be unless Sasuke had gotten off earlier. He abandoned his crackers and went to open the door, the sight on the other side greeting him being Itachi holding a protective arm around Sasuke, who looked very much out of it.
"What happened?" he asked, confused, opening his arms as Sasuke stepped forwards and hugged him.
"He won't talk to me, but I'm guessing it was mother visiting. Keep an eye on him for me, will you?" Itachi answered, giving Sasuke a worried glance before nodding at Naruto and then leaving.
Naruto closed the door, Sasuke still holding him tightly, and he carefully stripped him of his shoes and coat before leading him into the living room. He sat down on the couch and the raven lay down on it, curling his knees up, his head and arms over Naruto's thighs, hands clutching the sweat pants the blond was wearing. Naruto was silent, worriedly watching Sasuke and gently combing his fingers through his hair. He didn't have to wait long for Sasuke to start talking.
"Why is it, that having a family hurts so much" he mumbled. "Why is it, that it's the people closest to you that hurt you the most?"
Sasuke pressed his forehead into Naruto's leg, his breathing uneven as he tried to remain calm.
Naruto didn't know what to say. He felt his heart clench in pain, the lump formed in his throat too thick to swallow.
"And the worst part is, every time she does something like this, I can't help but remember the times we were happy together" Sasuke continued with a shaky smile. "Like when she'd always brush my hair in the mornings, telling me I was the most beautiful…" Sasuke trailed off, unable to say more or he'd start crying for sure.
Naruto caressed the soft skin on Sasuke's neck, tears welling up in his eyes. He dried them with his hand before they could fall.
"Sometimes, there's no reason" he whispered. "Not having a family, that hurts too. Feeling lonely, not understanding why the other kids had moms and dads when I didn't… Having a real family, a happy one… Letting go of that hope is the worst part."
Sasuke nodded, drying a few tears too.
"I just never understood why she stopped." His voice was hoarse as he glanced up at Naruto. "I mean, she was sick for a while, I think. At least she wasn't there and Itachi hugged me a lot. And then I had to start training with father… I just wanted to be like the other kids."
Naruto leaned down over Sasuke, shielding him with his body and pressing his lips to dark locks.
"She said I was on my own now" Sasuke whispered, starting to tremble lightly.
"You're not" Naruto whispered back, hugging him tighter.
"I feel like I'm clinging desperately to you" Sasuke admitted, his hand finding Naruto's and letting him hold it hard.
"It's fine. I'm clinging to you too."
They concentrated on breathing, feeling the other close to themselves, Sasuke slowly calming down with Naruto creating a safe bubble around him. Naruto could feel a wet patch forming on his pant leg, and figured there was a similar one on Sasuke. It was weird, that crying was so easy with Sasuke, and that it felt so liberating compared to the few lonely tears he'd shed before. Sometimes it felt as if the person he was before meeting Sasuke had nothing in common with the person he was now. It was natural, comforting and being comforted, the lines blurry on who did what.
"You're making me all worried" he mumbled to Sasuke when they were finally breathing normally again.
Sasuke sat up, one hand still held in Naruto's, the other falling to his lap, the evidence of crying still in his eyes.
"I didn't mean to" he said, meeting Naruto's gaze but looking down again when Naruto reached out to dry the tear stains off his cheeks.
"I know. It's okay. Worrying about you means you're important to me."
Sasuke sighed and leaned on Naruto's shoulder, relaxing and playing absently with the string tying Naruto's pants together. Or rather, his pants that Naruto loved to borrow. He smiled a little, burying his nose in Naruto's neck and inhaling his scent.
"You're so good at making me feel better."
Naruto rested his cheek against the side of Sasuke's head.
"Likewise."
"Can I tell you a secret?" Sasuke mumbled, still breathing in Naruto's scent.
"Of course."
"I've never played in the snow."
Naruto raised his eyebrows, then leaned back to look at Sasuke, although he couldn't see much more than dark hair.
"Then, do you want to?"
Sasuke nodded slowly, raising his head from its comfy position.
"Please" he added, and Naruto smiled at him.
~Line breaker~
Playing in the snow was, Sasuke decided, not one of his strong points. Or maybe Naruto just had an unfair advantage. Whichever it was, Sasuke had taken quite a few more snowballs to the head than his blond boyfriend had done. Anyway, Sasuke doubted he'd ever had this much fun before, running after the obnoxiously laughing orange-clad Naruto and trying in vain to hit him with one of his own clumsily rolled balls. Naruto taunted him for not making them hard enough, but it's not like he had time to do any better with the assault of perfectly rounded snowballs showering over him every time he tried to do it better. He was hopelessly at a disadvantage, that is, until Naruto tripped over something and fell face first into a large pile of snow. With a triumphant shout Sasuke pounced on him, Naruto barely having time to turn onto his back before the raven sat on top of him, smirking in victory.
"Whoa hey, Sasuke, that's cheating" Naruto tried, frantically flailing his arms to prevent the snow Sasuke shoved at his face from slipping down underneath his clothes.
Once Sasuke was satisfied he dug around in his pockets, finding his phone and holding it over Naruto's snow covered form.
"Let's see, this should make a pretty good picture" he said, fumbling with his gloves and at the same time keeping Naruto's arms at bay.
Holding both of Naruto's arms with one hand he took a picture, the blond pouting and looking very cute with all that snow on him, some of it melting on his face. Putting back the phone and seeing that pout still on Naruto's lips, he lowered his head to kiss him. It was wet and cold and Naruto took the opportunity to free his arms and shove some snow down the back of Sasuke's coat, making him let out a small squeak. He refused to stop their kissing though, retaliating by biting Naruto's lower lip and pressing him further into the snow.
"Hey Sasuke" Naruto said when the raven sat up again, his eyes glowing and his expression happy. "I think I know what kind of kink I'd like to try."
"Mm really?" Sasuke said, his voice dripping with seduction and his hands trailing down Naruto's chest, clad in that ridiculous orange jacket that made Sasuke want to burn whoever designed it.
"Sadly it doesn't involve snow though, mind if we go inside? I'm kinda starting to lose the feeling in my nose."
Sasuke chuckled and stood up, holding out a hand to help Naruto up. He felt a happiness bubbling in his stomach, and a childish excitement at having spent an hour outside in the snow. He'd always been silently jealous of the other kids that looked like they were having so much fun. He smirked. There was no way they could have had as much fun as Sasuke was having with Naruto though. Especially the M-rated stuff afterwards. Yes, that was good stuff indeed.
So, what we all want to know now is what Naruto's kink is right!? And will Sasuke bottom or top? Who knows? (I don't) Anyway I hope you're not too mad about the pause in the drama stuff, there will be other dramatic stuff going on! And yeah, Mikoto is a bitch... Luckily Sasuke has Naruto! And just so you know, I'm addicted to writing this story... It'll never end! (Just kidding, it'll end once all the awesome stuff has happened!)
