AN: I know I've been gone for a billion years. I totally bailed on my commitments. Please help me in blaming my job. I literally haven't taken any time off until today for the past 10 months. And I use 'literally' in the literal sense of the word. I worked from morning till night, and I really haven't taken a holiday. This is the first time I've been able to get back to writing in a long time. To all those of you who left reviews and messages, I just want to say a huge thank you. Seriously. I've been reading through them all and they made me so happy. I'm sorry I deserted you (and many of you are probably gone/given up), but I will never bail on my promise to finish this story. It will be finished no matter how long it takes. Unfortunately, I won't be able to keep to schedule anymore and most likely won't have time to reply to all the reviews, but I'll do my best to write whenever I can.

Here, have a chapter (not checked for mistakes, sorry!).

Red Storm

Chapter 16: Facing Fears

"Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it." ~Henry S. Haskins

Naruto kept sneaking glances at Sasuke during lunch the next day. Sasuke would often look up, meeting his gaze, and both boys would quickly look away. Nobody else at the table noticed the odd atmosphere between them. Naruto shifted in his seat. It felt weird to have Sasuke sitting here normally, just like always, as if nothing had ever changed.

He jumped as someone kicked his leg under the table. His eyes shot up to glare at Kiba, but Kiba was chatting away animatedly to the quiet Hinata beside him, biting off chunks of sandwich. Naruto's gaze slipped instinctively then to Sasuke who smirked and raised a challenging brow as if to say, Yeah, it was me. What are you going to do about it?

Naruto hid a smile. This was the Sasuke he had missed during all these weeks of tension and distance. He narrowed his eyes in a mock glare. Inside there were jolts of nervous electricity flashing through him. Especially when his thoughts strayed over to the plans they had for tonight. He was going to go to Sasuke's house again. It had a kind of exciting, forbidden feeling to it, knowing that no one around them knew yet.

Naruto still had no idea really what 'it' was nor what he'd do if people did find out, but after the fall-out of the bathroom incident the other week it couldn't be that bad. For all intents and purpose people did know, or at least suspected. And to be honest, his life had changed surprisingly little.

Naruto kicked back under the table, aiming for the leg that had assaulted him.

"Ah!" Kiba gave a surprised yelp. He shot Naruto an accusing look. "What the hell was that for?"

Naruto felt his face turn red. "Oh, uh, sorry, Kiba. I, uh, slipped in my seat."

Sasuke made an odd noise that almost sounded like a laugh, but when Naruto looked over at him, he was drinking his water with a straight face. Only a quick glance of the dark eyes as they flashed over in Naruto's direction gave him away.

Oh, he was so going to get it later.

The classes marched on that afternoon painfully slowly, yet frighteningly fast at the same time. Naruto was torn between desperately wishing to just be at Sasuke's house already, and wishing they had never arranged to meet as the nerves curdled in his stomach. He mentally slapped himself. He really needed to stop being such a girl.

The final bell rang at long last, and Naruto shot like a catapult out of the classroom and through the halls to arrive at his locker. He bit his lip. The annoying bastard wasn't here yet, so he cranked open his locker and threw his books inside, keeping only the ones he'd need for homework that night.

Sasuke came into sight, strolling at his cool, controlled pace as usual. He gave a nod towards Naruto as he approached. Naruto pushed his locker door closed and met him with a grin. He held a book aloft.

"You ready for some brainstorming tonight? Essays are due this Friday."

Sasuke glanced at the book. "I'm aware. I was the one that told you."

"Pssh… yeah, I knew that" said Naruto quickly.

Sasuke leaned against his locker. "You forgot, didn't you? Honestly, you have a brain like a sieve."

Naruto stuck his tongue out. "Yeah, well, at least I don't have a brain like a…an egg!"

"An egg." Sasuke repeated the world in a flat tone.

Naruto growled. "Yeah! Cos you're an egghead, bastard."

Sasuke straightened up and took a step towards him, closing the distance between them. "Is that really the best comeback you can come up with?"

"I…uh…" Naruto swallowed, his mouth suddenly becoming dry and his head fuzzy with an odd buzzing sensation

'Come on, Naruto!' He thought to himself, 'You can do better than this.' But his brain was turning to mush. Worst part was, Sasuke - that bastard - he knew it.

His eyes were alight with quiet amusement as he took the book from Naruto's hands and flicked through it, the breeze from the pages gently moving strands of his dark hair. He looked up at Naruto, who just stared back at him, entranced. Then the lips curved into a small smirk.

"Yeah, I think I'm ready for some brainstorming." he said quietly as he handed the book back to a now thoroughly braindead Naruto.

There was an excited shout at the end of the corridor, and the two teens both snapped out of their own private world to see the commotion that was quickly forming.

Principal Stein was marching towards them backed by two grim police officers. One of them had a police dog on a lead, which was straining ahead. The crowds of students melted back, mouths open and snapping pictures. Naruto took an instinctive step back as the men approached and felt Sasuke's hand settle on his arm in reassurance. The officers and principal rushed past them without a backwards glance until they stopped farther up the corridor. The dog was barking and pulling at its lead as it tried to leap at one of the lockers.

"Yes, this is it." said the principal in answer to the police officer's silent questioning look. His usually disdainful tones were full of oily deference for these figures of authority. He hesitated and then stepped back as one of the police officers, a fair-haired man, pulled out a crowbar and began to work at the metal. The students whispered excitedly as they watched the police officer pry it open. He pulled out belongings, handing some to his colleague and some to the principal who held them gingerly in his hands as if they were infected.

"School's over, kids." snapped Principal Stein glaring at them, "Go home."

No one took the slightest bit of notice, the corridor getting more and more packed as they drew together to watch. Naruto could barely see over their heads. The fair-haired officer handed Stein some magazines and the man spluttered and reddened as he saw just what kind they were. Scantily clad women sprawled over the covers in seductive poses.

The students snickered and there was the conspicuous sound of camera shutters clicking.

"No pictures!" screeched Stein. "Or I'll confiscate your phones."

The officers paid no attention to the crowd they were drawing, and the one by the locker pulled out a rucksack. The dog barked and whined, nosing at the rucksack as it was brought near him, and the officer immediately rifled through it before drawing out a plastic bag filled with a green, moss-like substance. He raised a brow, eyeing the principal.

"It seems this school may have a problem."

Stein nodded quickly, his bald, little head bobbing up and down. "I, well, of course, we'll deal with it harshly. I do not tolerate drugs at this school."

"What's going on?" interrupted a familiar voice. "What are you doing with my stuff?"

The tall, blond teen stopped short as he glanced warily at the police officers.

"Is this your locker, son?" asked the fair-haired officer. He looked older than his colleague and seemed to be the one taking the lead.

Kenta frowned, his eyes calculating the situation.

"It's best you be honest, kid." said the other.

Kenta nodded slowly. "Yeah. What of it?"

The man held up the bag. "You want to tell me why you have marijuana in your locker?"

There was a murmur amongst the crowd at the announcement. Kenta's eyes widened and his meaty jaw dropped. "I-it's not mine. I mean, someone – someone must have put it there!" He stared wildly round at the students as if expecting someone to step forward.

The police officer handed the bag to his colleague who sealed it inside another bag. "If I had a dollar for every time someone's said that to me, I'd be sitting pretty. Sorry, kid, but for now we're charging you for possession and, with this amount, possible intent to deal. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can be used against you in a court of law."

He pulled out a pair of handcuffs and snapped them onto the wrists of a protesting Kenta.

"It's not mine! I don't do weed!"

"Stop resisting arrest or I'll put you down for a count of that too." said the police officer as the teenager struggled in his grip.

Kenta relaxed his arms slightly, but he was still looking wildly around. His gaze landed on the principal, "Tell them I didn't do anything. It's not mine. Someone planted it." He cried, desperation tinging his voice.

The principal shook his head slowly. "I don't tolerate drugs on these premises. This is grounds for expulsion, Kenta."

Kenta gaped. "But I never…you can't!"

He was interrupted from further protest as the dog leapt towards him, barking. The police officers gave each other a look, before the fair-haired one began patting him down. Kenta tried to shove himself away, and was promptly pushed up against the lockers. "Hey, you can't do this. I have my rights. Let me go!"

The officer ignored him and reached into the pocket of the hoody he was wearing, pulling out another, much smaller plastic bag. This one was filled with a fine, white powder. The dog barked as he saw it, and the man restraining him gave him a soft pat on the head.

"You got any more stories about planting drugs, kid?" said the fair-haired officer with a chuckle.

Kenta gritted his teeth and glared at him. "Fuck you."

The man sighed. "Come on, let's go."

The officers tugged a sullen Kenta down the hallway and Principal Stein raised his hands. "Alright, show's over. Go home." he said before quickly following them. The moment they all disappeared around the corner the corridor became alive with noisy chatter. People were pulling out their phones and tapping the touch keys at lightning speed. No doubt it would be all over Twitter within seconds.

Naruto just stood there, the implications of what had just happened still sinking in. It was like a heavy weight was being lifted from his shoulders and he let out a short burst of laughter. He turned to stare at Sasuke in amazement.

"Can you believe that just happened?"

Sasuke shrugged. "He deserved it. The prick."

"Yeah, but…" Naruto's mind was still whirling. His long-time enemy was gone, maybe for good, maybe in prison. He grinned as Sasuke packed his bag and shut his locker door. This was possibly the best day of his life, but an odd feeling niggled at him.

"I wonder why the police just suddenly came though. I mean, how did they know he had drugs there?"

Sasuke pulled on his backpack and adjusted the straps. "Random search, I guess. Maybe they had reason to suspect him."

The dark-haired teen began walking up the hallway and Naruto ran to catch up with him, staring at Kenta's ill-fated locker as they went past. Students were still snapping pictures of it, as if it was about to burst open and entertain them with a song and dance.

"People on twitter are saying it was an anonymous tip." said a girl excitedly to her friend.

Naruto said nothing, walking silently beside Sasuke. It was odd, how suddenly it had happened and how it had only been Kenta's locker they had searched. Kenta wasn't exactly well-liked, but he couldn't imagine any of his lackeys turning him in, and from the look of shock on most peoples' face no one was aware he even did drugs. He stayed quiet until they were out of the building, out of sight of the other students, and then he stopped. Sasuke looked behind him questioningly.

Naruto bit his lip, searching Sasuke's face. "Sasuke, did you…did you maybe have something to do with that?"

Sasuke didn't say anything, but he turned to face Naruto fully.

"I remember you said you were going to get him back. You didn't…you weren't the anonymous tip, were you?"

There was a long pause before Sasuke spoke. "If I was?"

Naruto went for a half-hearted shrug. "He deserved it, and I'd totally thank you." He laughed, "I mean it's not like you planted the drugs there."

Sasuke shifted the backpack on his shoulder and looked away.

A hot, heavy feeling sank into Naruto's chest. "You did?" He threw his hands in the air. "Sasuke, what the hell were you thinking? You can't just send people to jail who get on your bad side."

Sasuke's grip on the backpack strap tightened, and his intense gaze flew back to Naruto. "He did more than get on my bad side. What he did to you…" he trailed off as Naruto stiffened. "He had to pay."

Naruto ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, but jail? Isn't that a bit extreme even for you?"

Sasuke walked purposefully towards him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"If I had my way that piece of scum would be six feet underground in a box without air. The only reason I held back at all was for you."

He dropped his hand and smirked. "My marijuana may have gotten him expelled and arrested, but it was his coke that will get him doing jail time. He would've gotten off with probation and community service if it wasn't for that."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "You mean you didn't plant that?"

Sasuke's face split into an uncharacteristic grin. "I had no idea. Pure luck. I was just getting him kicked out with a crappy blot on his record." He shrugged. "Although personally I still think he deserves the electric chair."

Naruto let out a laugh of relief and threw himself at Sasuke, hugging him hard.

"You are the best friend ever!" he said, his voice muffled by Sasuke's shoulder. "…or whatever we are."

Surprise passed over the usually impassive face before Sasuke raised his arms tentatively to return the gesture. After a moment, Naruto pulled away with an embarrassed smile still plastered on his face.

"I really owe you one."

Sasuke caught hold of his arms before he could draw away completely. "Oh really?" he murmured.

"Aaah, don't make it creepy." said Naruto nervously. "Since when did you become such a perv, Uchiha?"

Sasuke pulled him closer. "You bring it out in me."

The two boys stared at each other for a moment, lost in their own thoughts. They were interrupted once again - this time by an angry buzz from inside Naruto's backpack.

He sighed and swung it round, opening the front pocket to pull out his phone. The caller ID was labelled 'Psycho Bitch'. Deftly, he slid his thumb across the screen and pressed the phone to his ear.

"What's up, psycho bitch?" he said in a bright voice, and mouthed 'Ino' at Sasuke who was not taking his eyes off him. Sasuke raised a brow as if to say, Seriously?

"Uh huh." said Naruto into the phone. "Uh huh. Really? Tonight?"

The disappointment must have shown in his voice because Sasuke frowned.

"Fine. No, it's okay. I understand. I can be there in half an hour."

He hung up with a sigh, shooting Sasuke a bleak look.

"Two of the staff are off sick with stomach flu. I have to go to the café tonight to fill in."

Sasuke didn't miss a beat. "Tell them you're sick."

Naruto couldn't help a bubble of happiness fill him at those words. He grinned and shook his head. "They really need me tonight. I can't just leave them in the lurch."

Sasuke sighed. "You care too much."

"Yeah, well, you care too little. " retorted Naruto. "That's why people call you the 'Ice Prince'." he added with a smirk.

Sasuke's face showed mild surprise before settling into its usual indifference. "They call me that?"

"Yeah…well…I call you worse, but you know…"

"We do not need to start going over your list of insults for me."

Naruto moved closer, batting his eyes. "Would you prefer a pet name, Snickerdoodle?"

The look Sasuke gave him promised pure murder. "Don't ever call me that ever again."

"Or what?" said Naruto, grinning.

Sasuke grabbed the collar of Naruto's shirt, pulling him in and closing the already minimal gap between them. He purred in his ear, "Is that something you really want to find out, Uzumaki?"

Naruto took a sharp intake of breath as he felt Sasuke's tongue lightly lick the shell of his ear. All of a sudden his body was flooded with heat and tension. He wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed when the sadistic bastard pulled away leaving him cold...and uncomfortably hot.

"Got it?" said Sasuke, letting go of him.

Naruto could do nothing more than nod mutely. Sasuke slung his bag over his shoulder and walked towards the parking lot.

"See you at mine after work, Uzumaki." he called out. "You better be there. Remember, you owe me one." He emphasized the last few words slowly.

Naruto just stared after him, unable to get the muscles that controlled his voice box to work. Maybe he should try calling him 'Snickerdoodle' again sometime.

Naruto stepped out onto the street and stretched his aching shoulders with a relieved sigh. Ino locked the glass panel door behind them. The bell above the door rung lightly from inside as she turned the key and gave the handle a jiggle to check it was locked.

"Turns out Friday evenings are pretty busy." he said, twisting his back slowly from side to side and cracking it. Ino wrinkled her nose at the noise.

"Worn out, huh? You're too soft Uzumaki." she said, picking up the large duffel bag beside her. She patted the bag.

"I'm going to drop this monster off at home and then head to the arcade with Sakura, Kiba and Shikamaru. You in?"

Naruto shook his head. "I'll pass, thanks. I'm exhausted."

"Damn, Naruto. You really are getting soft. Going home on a Friday night?" She shrugged. "Well, your loss. See you Monday."

Naruto waved her off with a tired smile and flap of his hand.

As soon as she was out of sight he straightened up and headed the other way. No one needed to know about his plans that night. He suppressed a nervous grin and shoved his hands in his pockets. A night of 'studying' with Sasuke sounded way better than the arcade right now. He bit his lip. To be honest, the whole thing still made him nervous when he thought about it, but he was damned if he was going to let fear stop him anymore. He'd lost enough to that.

Lost in his thoughts as he strolled along the darkening streets, he paid little attention to the fiery setting sun that was slowly disappearing behind the horizon, and didn't even notice the tall figure that passed him until it spoke.

"Naruto?" The figure had stopped and Naruto looked up to find Hisao staring back at him. His eyes. They looked almost…violet in the dying light.

"Hisao," he said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

The man shrugged. As usual he was dressed in a dark suit, cigarette in hand. He flicked the ash off to one side. "I was actually heading over to your café for a quick pick-me-up."

Naruto gave a quick, apologetic smile. "Sorry, we just closed up."

"Oh, you were working tonight?" Somehow the man didn't sound that surprised.

"Yeah, just heading home."

Hisao nodded, but he looked distracted, glancing down the street. He flicked his cigarette again. "Ah well, just my luck. I think I passed another coffee shop that's open later. I'll walk with you for a bit."

"Ah, um..."

Naruto didn't exactly want to hang out with this guy after their last awkward conversation, but he couldn't exactly tell him to get lost if they were going the same way.

"Sure." he said finally, secretly thinking he'd peel away from him at the first given opportunity.

Hisao fell into step with him. They walked in silence. Naruto kept his gaze straight ahead. The streetlights had turned to a soft amber glow now that they had warmed up, and twilight was settling in. Each light they passed flashed in Hisao's eyes, highlighting them. Naruto looked up at him.

"It's weird." said Naruto finally. "In this light, your eyes look almost purple."

Hisao didn't look his way as he replied. "Yeah, I usually wear brown contacts. Otherwise, I'd attract a bit too much attention."

"Too much attention?" asked Naruto.

"Yeah, you know, getting recognized and all that." He glanced at his watch.

"You famous or something?"

Hisao's face quirked into an odd smile. "You could say that."

Naruto frowned. "Huh, I didn't know. What are you famous for?"

Hisao finally looked at him and winked. "That's a story for another time."

The look in his eyes made Naruto feel uncomfortable. In fact, Naruto was starting to feel extremely uncomfortable with his presence in general. A crossroads came into sight. This would be Naruto's chance to break away. That café Hisao had mentioned was to the right. If he went straight on, they would part ways.

Naruto stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. "Well, I'm this way. The café is down that road, so see you around I guess."

Hisao smiled, also stopping.

"Tell me something, Naruto, before you go." He took a step closer. "What do you believe?"

Naruto swallowed. He could feel the edge of the sidewalk beneath his heels and checked behind him for traffic. The street was empty. He could go.

"Believe? About what?"

"About life. About everything." continued Hisao, ignoring Naruto's obvious cues. "What's your religion?"

Naruto glanced behind him again, and took a step backwards onto the road. He couldn't figure out for the life of him why his heart had started beating faster.

"I don't have a religion, I guess." he said, his mouth feeling dry. "I haven't decided."

Hisao smiled. It was a cold smile that sent chills down Naruto's spine. "I'm sorry to hear that. Everyone needs something to hold onto in hard times."

The roar of an engine nearby registered in Naruto's mind. He started to look round, but his attention was pulled back to Hisao when he spoke.

"Do you want to know what I believe, Naruto?"

"Uh…"

The roar of that engine was getting louder and he turned. A white van was speeding up the road towards them.

"I believe," began Hisao as if Naruto wasn't even there, yet his eyes were trained on him, watching his every move, "I believe that everything happens for a reason, that we all have a purpose, including you, Naruto. Especially you." He murmured these last words softly.

"I… think I should go." said Naruto, taking a few quick steps back and turning quickly away from the man.

Hisao threw down his cigarette and crushed the dying embers underfoot. "It's a shame you don't have a religion, Naruto. You're going to need one where you're going."

Naruto ignored him as he broke into a run. The white van veered in front of him and screeched to a halt. He saw the driver stare right at him as Naruto skidded to a stop, hard green eyes in a heavily scarred face that showed no emotion. The side door slid open and two men jumped out. Naruto froze for only a split second before instincts kicked in and he bolted, but Hisao was behind him and the men were closing in. He didn't get far before he was grabbed by strong hands. Someone pressed a cloth over his mouth and he panicked, breathing in on reflex as he struggled to get away. Soon his vision began to fade and his body relaxed. He felt himself being dragged, dragged to the darkness inside that white van. The last thing he saw were Hisao's violet eyes alight with the reflection of the sun's last fiery rays.

"Sorry, Naruto. Nothing personal. It's just business." And the van door shut with a slam.