Iruka Umino stepped out of his gray state-issued Dodge Charger and onto the black tar of the parking lot. Slamming the door shut with a thud, he lifted a hand and pressed the "lock" button on the fob. Hearing the car let out a beep, he slid the yellow folder he brought with him under his arm, tugged down his black cap that kept riding up, and clipped the car keys onto their slot on his belt. Humming nonchalantly, he entered the glass doors of the Hatake Firm and greeted the receptionist. He walked up to the marble desk placed against the back of the room and leaned on it.

"Hey Iruka. It's been awhile since you've visited."

"Hey Kurenai, is Kakashi in his office?"

Kurenai leaned down and checked an open planner. Running a manicured finger down a column, she nodded her head and motioned towards the elevator.

"He's in, but he might be busy. I'll ring him for you." She offered.

Iruka shook his head and smiled. "No, I'll just head up. Thanks anyways."

Pushing himself off of the counter, he strode over to the elevator and pressed the top button next to the doors. He peered down at his wristwatch, tapping the face. 12:45 Kakashi shouldn't be too busy. He did ask me to come in at 1, so he shouldn't be surprised that I'm early. He reached up and pulled down his hat again, irritated that it wouldn't fit properly with his ponytail. It was a struggle to wear both, but he didn't like having his hair down. As he waited for his floor, he replayed their conversation in his head. Once Kakashi had explained to him what happened, he was hooked and curious. It wasn't everyday he was placed in charge of a case and had his lover ask him for information on that same case in one day. He took the folder of the information he had dug up and briefly glanced through it.

The elevator dinged and the silver doors slid open. He stepped out into the hall, absently noticing how loud his shoes were against the white tiles of the floor. The place seemed empty. Passing all of the glass office doors, he made his way down the long corridor to Kakashi's office. The layout of the building was imprinted in his memory from coming to visit Kakashi so often; he could wander the complex building and still be able to get to Kakashi's office in no time. Arriving at the doors with the silver-haired man's name on them, he pushed it open with the hand not holding the folder and stepped in. Mindful of the odd three steps in front of the door, he grinned as soon has he saw his lover sitting at the desk.

Kakashi glanced up and smiled crookedly. "Maa Iruka, you're early." He sat up in his chair and put his book away. Fidgeting a bit uncomfortably, he tugged his pants down slightly, trying to adjust properly. He had just gotten to the best sex scene in the book and was now quite excited. Seeing Iruka in his full sexy policeman uniform didn't help.

"I figured you wouldn't mind. I brought the papers you asked for," Iruka strolled over to the desk and placed the folder down. Opening it, he took out the contents and began to spread them out. "He really didn't have much other than what you managed to pull up. Where is he, anyways? The force is going nuts trying to find him."

"Hmm, any particular reason you want to find him?" Kakashi playfully asked, rolling over to the brunette in his chair. Coming up behind him, he wrapped his arms around Iruka's waist and tugged him down into his lap.

"Well besides needing him to figure out why there are dead men in his apartment and how is he connected, no." Swatting Kakashi's roaming hands and blushing lightly, Iruka cleared his throat and struggled to stand up. "Kakashi, I'm on duty." He began, trying to reason with the taller male. He could feel how excited he was from the thick organ poking him in the ass.

Tightening his grip, Kakashi began to nip along the tan line of Iruka's neck. His hands went to Iruka's waistline and slowly started to pull the material out of its tucked formation. He lightly drew circles on the exposed skin with his thumbs. "And so am I. But, we're completely alone up here, with no one to see anything."

"But what if someone comes in and-" Kakashi reached over on the desk and pressed the call button connected to the receptionist downstairs. It buzzed and seconds later, Kurenai answered.

"Is there anything you need Mr. Hatake?"

"Do I have any appointments left today?"

"No Mr. Hatake, your schedule is clear for the rest of the day. I'm surprised you're still here." She joked.

"Make sure no one comes up here. I'm going to be busy." Kakashi ordered smugly.

"Yes Mr. Hatake, at once."

Grinning wolfishly, Kakashi turned his attention to the brunette struggling to get out of his grasp. He tightened his hold, pressing Iruka more tightly against his body. "There, now no one will be seeing anything, besides me."

"Kakashi, we can't…Ooh.."

Iruka clamped a hand over his mouth to muffle the moan that threatened to escape. Kakashi had begun to nibble on his sensitive spot behind his right ear. He tried to pry off Kakashi's hands before they ventured and lower, but Kakashi deftly avoided him and slowly unbuckled Iruka's duty belt. He slid it out of the belt loops and let it drop to the floor. He nimbly unfastened the silver button and began to slowly tug down the zipper.

"And why is that?"

"Have…to work.."

"You came in early, and I know you planned to stay around for a while, so you and I both have time."

Regaining some of his cognitive and reasoning skills, Iruka pressed his body down. Kakashi's hands went slack as delicious bolts of pleasure ran from his groin to his head at the sudden pressure. Taking advantage, Iruka quickly stood up and moved away. His breathing heavy and his black shirt all rumpled with his pants nearly falling off. Gripping his pants waist line, he tugged it up and moved further away as Kakashi ventured closer like a hungry shark.

"If time isn't an issue, then someone coming in is." Iruka lifted a finger, stopping Kakashi before he could say anything. "There is more than one office on this floor. Anyone could randomly come in here."

Humming coyly, Kakashi stood up out of his chair and walked over to Iruka. The brunette fluidly moved out of his reached. Kakashi bypassed him and went back to his desk. Tugging open a drawer, he removed a small remote control. Aiming it up, he pressed a button on it and the lights dimmed exponentially. The office was still well lit as light streamed through the wall length windows. Aiming now at the windows, he pressed another button. A metallic click was heard as metal shutters slowly came out of slots above the windows and slid down until they locked on the floor, leaving the room to be lit from the small amount of light that managed to peek out from the shutter bottoms.

"Now no one can see anything. And the door is locked."

Iruka looked around, a surprised look on his face. "Those are new."

"Had them installed recently for privacy issues. Now where were we?"

Struggling with himself, Iruka bit his lips. It was completely ridiculous to have sex during work hours. It was incredibly stupid, but he couldn't resist once Kakashi began his assaults. The taller man knew his body too well. Giving in after much internal debate, Iruka pointed at the chair. "...Fine, but go sit back down."

Kakashi happily strode over to his chair and plopped down. He tugged loose his tie and turned towards the brunette, eagerly waiting.

Iruka pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "Christ, I can't believe I'm about to do this."

Rubbing his red face in embarrassment and excitement, Iruka slowly ventured over to the man sitting down. Meeting a mismatched pair of eyes, Iruka kept the gaze as he seductively slid off his own tie and unbuttoned the rest of his shirt. His thin wife beater stuck to him like a second skin, outlining every smooth muscle and contour on his torso. He let the shirt fall gently to the floor, toeing off his shoes and kicking them to the side. He bit his bottom lip, unintentionally drawing Kakashi's attention to his mouth.

Iruka stepped closer, allowing his pants to hand dangerously low on his hips. A smooth expanse of tan skin peeked out from inside. Kakashi's hands itched to smoothly travel along the stretch of skin exposed and leave behind his brands of possession.

Reaching up, Iruka began to tug off his hat before a hand stopped him.

"No, leave it on." Kakashi asked, his voice a bit hoarse. Iruka nodded, red-faced. Extending his arms out, the silver-haired man grabbed Iruka by his hips and drew him in. Iruka shoved his hands away and grinned, enjoying Kakashi's discomfort at having been rejected.

"No touching, or I might have to use my handcuffs on you." Iruka said coyly, feeling entirely embarrassed, but at the same time eager to continue the game.

"Fuck it."

Kakashi grabbed Iruka's hands and yanked him down. Reaching behind him, he pushed on the chair's levers underneath the seat, letting the spine of the chair tilt back, giving them more room. Snaking an arm around the tan waist, he pulled the brunette closer until he was sitting on is lap, with one leg on either side of his. With his other hand, he gently grasped Iruka's chin and held it in place as he began a full on assault on his lips.

Iruka responded whole heartedly. He wrapped his arms around Kakashi's neck and raked his hands through the silky silver stands, moaning wantonly. As their kissing grew more passionate and wild, Iruka's police cap fell from his head and joined his discarded shoes. At once, Kakashi's hands were tugging on his ponytail, loosening it from its usual immaculate position. As one hand gripped a handful of hair to keep it in place, the other pale hand ventured down and quickly found itself caressing a tan stomach. With both hands, Kakashi gripped Iruka's undershirt and tugged it up.

Impatiently, Iruka grabbed the shirt and yanked it off. As soon as he was free of it, he immediately leaned down and began nipping along Kakashi's jaw. His fingers dexterously unbuttoned the pale man's shirt, exposing a perfectly chiseled chest. Iruka shoved the shirt down and sucked hard on the spot where Kakashi's shoulder met his neck. Leaving a dark red mark, Iruka grinned and leaned back. Meeting Kakashi's hot and bothered gaze, he bent down and engaged in another battle of dominance he bit and tugged on Kakashi's bottom lip. Feeling the small sting of stubble rub his cheek, he kissed his way down to a pale shoulder and bit down, punishing the taller man for not shaving.

Hissing, Kakashi grinned as the pain quickly melded into liquid pleasure that shot down to his raging hard on. Feeling the need to retaliate, Kakashi reached down and took hold of Iruka's hard member that was pressed against his stomach. Immediately, Iruka stilled. Through the material of his loose pants, Kakashi slid his hand over the organ, teasingly applying pressure.

"I know he's in here. I have a key…"

The doors to Kakashi's office flew open, with Sasuke and Naruto stepping into the darkened room. Light from the hallway spilled into the room, falling on the two figures wrapped around each other. Said figures instantly pulled apart, staring at the open door like deer in headlights.

Sasuke blinked, only mildly surprised. Figures he would tell everyone he was busy if he was doing this...Nodding towards them, he turned, grabbed Naruto's shoulders and shoved him out of the room. "….we'll go to my office." A short silence followed their exit.

"Sasuke's back." Kakashi remarked, irritated that the kid had ruined the moment. Sighing, he knew it was time to make plans and get busy.

"Christ. Well I'm off to die of embarrassment." Iruka groaned out, hiding his face in Kakashi's shoulder. Mortified, he could only imagine what the others had seen. "I'll never be able to look at Sasuke in the face again."

Kakashi rumbled out a laugh, feeling how hot Iruka's face felt against his bare skin. He wrapped his hands loosely around Iruka, relishing the warmth. "I'm pretty sure he's seen worse." He was rewarded with a sharp bite on his shoulder. He grinned. Iruka was a biter. "Besides, didn't you want to question the Uzumaki kid? You should stay and get some answers."

"Getting answers to questions that would be impossible to relay without arousing suspicion as to where the answers came from?" Iruka quipped, moving off of Kakashi. "Hmm, wonder how that would cause problems." Carding a hand through the loose strands of his hair, he located his hair band and tugged his hair up. He then grabbed his crumpled shirt from the ground and slipped it on, tucking the shirt in. Kakashi grabbed the tie on the floor and wrapped it around his fists. He looped it over Iruka's head and tugged him in for a light kiss.

"Not if you ask the right ones." Kakashi loosened the tie and placed it around Iruka's neck, deftly tying it into a knot. "Will you stay?" He asked.

Iruka looked down and tucked his shirt in and buckled his pants once he found his belt. "I might as well. By the way, dinner's at your place tonight." He glanced up, grinning when he saw Kakashi's mismatched eyes light up.

"Might I ask what's on the menu?" Kakashi asked, humming as the thought of the possibilities. Usually a take-out food junkie, Kakashi lived for the days when it was Iruka's turn to make dinner.

"Nope, it's a secret." Iruka answered lightheartedly. He then sighed heavily, a blush returning to his face. "Oh boy."

"Think of it this way," Kakashi began, knowing Iruka was beginning to feel self-conscious and embarrassed again. "We've made quite the first impression." He ducked a flying cop hat that was aimed at his head.

xXx

"Who were they?" Naruto asked, glancing over at the raven that was pulling out files and papers out of the drawers and cabinets around him. Naruto sat down in one of the client chairs, trying to figure out what was happening. Sasuke had brought him here to get answers and the first thing he saw was a porn film in the making. What is this place anyway? A quick peek at the desk revealed a lamp, stacks of papers, a sleek computer, and a name plate that read: Sasuke Uchiha. So he has a last name.

"Kakashi and his lover, Iruka." Sasuke responded, loosening his tie a bit.

"Are they allowed to do that at work?" Naruto asked incredulously.

"Only if you're the boss." A new voice answered.

The door creaked open. Kakashi stepped in, followed closely by a chagrined Iruka who kept his gaze on inanimate objects throughout the office.

Naruto looked over at them, a pink tinge painting his cheeks as he recalled what he had seen. "Oh, hi.." He spoke up a bit shyly. He felt way out of his element, surrounded by strangers. He backed up a bit in the chair as the taller, silver-haired man leaned towards him.

"Hmm. Naruto Uzumaki?"

Naruto nodded his head.

Kakashi glanced over him critically. "Well before we do anything, you need to get cleaned up. I can't have you walking around the building looking like that." He pointed at Naruto's blood stained garments before turning to Iruka. "Iruka, can you take him down to the locker rooms? I'd like to have a small chat with Sasuke."

Iruka nodded. Meeting Naruto's eyes, he motioned towards the door. "This way Mr. Uzumaki." He spoke, using his authoritative cop voice. Noticing immediately how Naruto shirked from it, he understood that he was edgy around policemen.

Naruto glanced back uneasily at Sasuke, who lifted an impatient eyebrow at him. He turned and followed the man out of the room. They walked out into the hallway, heading for the elevators. Once inside, Iruka turned and introduced himself.

"My name is Iruka Umino, head Police commander." He smiled when Naruto glanced at him and looked away, mumbling a greeting. "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything." He reassured in a much friendlier tone.

Naruto glared suspiciously at the cop, crossing his arms. "But you're a policeman and I'm wanted. Aren't you going to arrest me?"

Iruka smiled. "Do you think Sasuke brought you all the way here just to get you arrested?" He shook his head. "Just as long as you don't tell anyone that I saw you, we won't have a problem. This way."

The elevator rocked to a halt and the thick metal doors slid open. They exited and strolled down a well-lit corridor before entering a locker room to the right. There were silver cabinets lining the right wall, and separate bath stalls along the left wall. The wall facing the door was emblazoned with the firm name in huge loopy letters that fit the room perfectly and were extended from the wood finished wall.

Underneath the name were a series of black shelves with cleaning supplies and toiletries ranging from toothpaste and toothbrushes to bleach and peroxide. Small white towels were neatly stacked in the far right shelf. Iruka walked over to the shelves and selected a few items. Naruto followed him in, gazing around the room in awe.

"Do you have a gym here? I mean, this is a pretty fancy locker room for a lawyer business building."

Iruka glanced over at him. "You could say that." He walked over to a set of different lockers that were shorter than the rest. Opening one and rummaging around, he pulled out a pair of gray sweatpants and a black t-shirt. He brought them over to Naruto and handed them to him. "See if these match your size."

Naruto checked the sizes and nodded in affirmation.

"Okay, strip and give me your clothes. I'll go dispose of them."

Naruto nodded reluctantly and stripped down to his boxers, handing the garments to Iruka. He looked longingly at his favorite cargo jacket Iruka was holding. "Do you have to get rid of them? I mean, that was my favorite jacket…"

Iruka glanced down at the coat in his hands and held it up, critically inspecting it. The front was speckled with red and there appeared to be a noticeable ketchup stain on the front. "I could try to get the stains out, but I doubt it'll work. Do you want me to give it a shot?" He offered, wanting to be nice. Just by looking at the kid, he could tell he was exhausted and if this was something the kid treasured, he would at least try.

The blond gave a timid nod, not wanting to seem needy. "I mean, if you can." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, lightly fingering the chain of his necklace. He glanced down awkwardly at the ground, looking at his feet.

"No problem." Iruka answered honestly. Folding the jacket over his arm, he pointed at the shower stalls. "Go get cleaned up. If you need me, I'll be in the room next door." Iruka patted Naruto on the shoulder and walked out with a small wave.

Alone, Naruto looked around at the room again, allowing what had recently happened to sink in. Feeling overwhelmed and out of place, he shook his head tiredly. Pulling off his last article of clothing, he tossed it into the floor. He entered one of the stalls and pulled the curtain across, magnets snapping it in place. Naruto fiddled with the water temperatures, letting his head droop as hot, steamy water spurted out and rained down his back. The tiles of the shower fogged up.

He watched as the water puddled at his feet changed to a light pink color before disappearing into the drain. Closing his eyes and shuddering slightly, he faced the shower head and rigorously rubbed his face, using a small towel. Emotionally, he was wrecked. It was a miracle he was even still keeping it together, but that could be because he feared Sasuke's reaction. Naruto swallowed heavily, forcibly locking down the side of him that wanted to rage and cry. This wasn't the moment, despite how much he needed it. He poured copious amounts of shampoo into his hands, scrubbing his hair where he knew blood had touched him. Once he was done shampooing, he lathered up a loofa and cleaned the rest of his body until his skin was pink.

Finally done, he turned off the water and stepped out of the stall, dripping water on the floor. Grabbing a large fluffy towel from a stack, he wrapped it around his waist and grabbed another, using that one to dry his hair off. Pausing, he stood still. Only the slight roar of the air conditioning system filled the large room.

xXx

Kakashi sat down in Sasuke's chair, leaning back casually. He picked up a pen on Sasuke's desk and twirled it around on his fingers, deliberately taking his time. Pinning Sasuke with his eyes, he tilted his head slightly. "Explain what happened, beginning to end." He ordered.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. He leaned on the open door jamb and faced the sitting man. "I drove to the apartment and went up to the room. Uzumaki was alone, but the friend came over. They proceeded to get drunk and I waited. Soon, a pizza delivery man, Kakuzu, came up and threatened them. I took him out." Sasuke's lips pressed together tightly. "I assume they had someone to counter snipe me on the building next door. He was aimed right at Uzumaki's window, same as I was. I took him out also. Turns out Kakuzu wasn't alone and several more dumbass lackeys came in, all armed. I shot them down and went to get Uzumaki before the cops showed up." He finished, waiting for Kakashi to digest all the information. "And as you know, we spent the night at a shitty motel and now we're here.

Kakashi was silent. Finally, he spoke up. "I know you're sticking to this because the Akatsuki are involved and the kid is in the middle of this but, what's the connection? Why are they after him?"

"That's the thing," Sasuke growled out. "he claims he has no idea why the hell they're after him."

"And you believe him?" Kakashi asked skeptically, lifting a questioning silver brow. The pen in his hand paused.

Sasuke snorted. "Do I have a choice?" He shook his head. "Besides, he's hired me to protect him. I now work for him and it's my job now to find out why the Akatsuki want him and to keep his ass alive."

"He's hired you?" Kakashi questioned dubiously. "I assume that means you told him what your original intention was? And who and what we are?" He gestured around him vaguely.

Sasuke nodded.

The silver-haired man sighed. He was silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Does this mean you're going to ignore your previous agreement? We do still have a client who wants his head." The pen began to spin once more.

Sasuke frowned, eyes on the pen. "I never said that. I simply have some more important business to take care of first. He can fucking wait."

"I find it hard to believe that the kid would simply be okay with you admitting that you were going to kill him, but now are going to help him." Kakashi mused. "Assassin turned bodyguard. How amusing."

"Life or death situations lead to foolish decisions," Sasuke remarked. "but the longer Uzumaki stays alive, the more time I have to use him to get to the Akatsuki, so this works in both our favors."

"And there is nothing I can do or say to change your mind?"

"No." Sasuke deadpanned. His face hardened.

"Well then, we'll have to make the best of the situation." Kakashi relented. "What are you planning on tell him? He's bound to have plenty of questions for you."

Sasuke glanced off to the side, thinking. "I'll tell him whatever he wants. It's not like hiding anything will get us anywhere. Finding out why he's being targeted will be all the more easier when all the cards are on the table. Besides, if anything goes wrong, I can easily dispose of him."

Kakashi nodded acquiescently. "Good point. Nevertheless, you're still technically working, right?" The silver-haired man's tone changed slyly.

Sasuke regarded him suspiciously. His eyes narrowed as he tried to work out what Kakashi was thinking. "In a matter of speaking, yes." He answered carefully, matching Kakashi's head tilt.

"Do you think this, diversion, will affect you work performance?" Kakashi continued mysteriously, meeting Sasuke's guarded gaze.

Thinking the older man was referring to his pending court cases, Sasuke frowned. "No." He answered curtly, bothered by Kakashi's secretive tone.

"Well then it's settled. I have two new jobs for you, both of which you will be required to take Uzumaki with you." Kakashi grinned as he watch Sasuke's usually expressionless face twitch with effort to hide his feelings. "Your pending cases will be handed off to Neji."

"You cannot be fucking serious. You expect me to take him with me to do a hit?" Sasuke growled out angrily, planting his hands on his desk. He leaned over slightly, using his height to look down on Kakashi. "I'm not a fucking babysitter, Kakashi."

Kakashi set the pen down on the table, brought his hands together and laced his fingers in between each other. His mismatched eyes bore into obsidian ones. "You're going to sign a contract, Sasuke." He answered nonchalantly. Sensing that the raven was about to object, he quickly cut in. "Need I remind you what would happen if he were left alone? Don't you dare ask me to watch over him; he is not my responsibility and I don't give a shit. You wanted him to help you find the Akatsuki and so now you must deal with him. You are going to take him and do your job. And don't fuck this up." Kakashi threatened darkly. "We have enough issues as it is."

Tightlipped and irritated, Sasuke leaned back off the desk. "Goddammit. Do you even know who ordered the hit on him?" He asked, exasperated.

Kakashi shook his head. "I have no idea who he is or where he is. I never did."

Sasuke frowned. "But the how the hell do you know that they still want him dead?"

"I don't. It's only what we can assume. All I received was a call wanting to know why he wasn't dead. They didn't demand a refund, so like I said before, all we can do is deduce that he still wants Uzumaki dead."

"Fuck. Fine, whatever." Sasuke begrudgingly agreed, crossing his arms across his chest again. "I'll take him with me."

Kakashi leaned away and gave Sasuke a crinkly-eyed smile. "There's a good boy." He smile grew as the raven gave him the middle finger.

xXx

Hearing a light knocking behind him, Naruto turned around, still drying his hair with the towel. The damp strands dripped water onto his new black cotton T-shirt, peppering his shoulders with wet spots. Iruka had come back and was holding his jacket. He entered the locker room and walked towards the blond.

"Hey, are you done?" Iruka inquired, rubbing his nose scar unconsciously. His brown eyes roamed over the blond, noticing he looked better than before.

"Oh, yea." Naruto answered, fingering his necklace. Placing the towel in the bin of used ones, he faced the cop.

"I managed to get most of the stains out." Iruka grinned cheerfully. He held up the jacket and handed it to Naruto who immediately slipped it on. "Should be wearable."

Back in something familiar and comfortable, Naruto smiled gratefully at the brunette. "Thanks." He scratched his head shyly. The cop was the nicest person he had met since his entire life suddenly went bat shit crazy. The man always, as far as Naruto had seen, had a smile on his face and exuded a kind personality and was the polar opposite of what he'd seen in Sasuke. Bending down, Naruto got on one knee and tied his shoes back on.

"No problem, but let's go back now. I'm sure you want to finally know what's going on."

Naruto nodded and followed the man back. Biting his lip, he kept his eyes on the floor, watching his feet. "Can I ask you a question?" Naruto suddenly blurted out, pulling his gaze up to the officer.

Iruka looked back at the blond and nodded. "Sure. What's on your mind?" He asked curiously. He slowed his step and walked next to the blond.

"You're familiar with this whole process right?" Naruto raised his hand and moved it around vaguely. "What Sasuke does…and..." He asked seriously, trailing off. He stopped in the middle of the corridor.

Iruka fidgeted with cop hat and nodded once. He paused and stood still when he noticed Naruto stop. He waited for the blond to ask his real question.

"So is this something…normal?" He began, trying to find the right words to voice his jumbled thoughts.

A wry smile slid onto Iruka's face. "Is any of this normal?" He asked rhetorically. The brunette looked away before meeting Naruto's gaze. "No, I can't say it is. That being said, I'm not even entirely sure what's actually going on."

Naruto's brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait you work here but don't know what going on?" Blue eyes met confused brown ones.

"Nonono, I mean that I don't know what's going on with you and your case, but if you're asking if I'm aware of what goes on here, then yes." Iruka clarified. He had long ago come to terms with what Kakashi and his employees did. He usually stayed out of the deals unless his help was required. Looking at the blond before him, Iruka felt a strange urge to talk to him and become his friend.

Further introspection revealed that he felt sympathy for the man and wanted to help. Naruto didn't look like the usual customer or even victim. With his emotions blatantly written across his face, much like Iruka's own tended to do, the cop could see that Naruto was a victim to all of this. As far as he could tell, Naruto knew nothing about why he was being targeted and was more than likely feeling completely overwhelmed and in a state of accepting shock.

"Oh." Naruto said, crestfallen. He had hoped to get a little information before heading off to meet Sasuke and his intimidating boss.

"Hey, it'll be alright." Iruka reassured. "Things will look up once all the cards are on the table." The brunette led the way back to the elevator.

"I hope so." Naruto sighed.

xXx

"Okay." Kakashi began, rubbing his chin. "What exactly do you need or want to know." He scrutinized Naruto who was sitting across from him.

Naruto backed away a little from his piercing look and glanced away. Fidgeting uncomfortably in the chair, he played with his fingers. "Well…pretty much everything. Why are there people after me, trying to kill me? Who were those guys?" he paused. "Who are you guys?" He looked around, meeting everyone's eyes. Kakashi's mismatched pair seemed curious. Iruka's looked friendly and open. Sasuke's were dark and brooding.

"To get the easiest question out of the way, we don't know why the Akatsuki are after you."

"And who are the Akatsuki?" Naruto interjected quickly, before the topic switched.

"The Akatsuki are a group of psychopathic serial killers. They thrive on murder and money, using anything and everything to get what they want." Kakashi answered, his tone becoming dark. He pushed a red folder towards Naruto who picked it up and curiously inspected the papers inside. "Each member has a trademark kill and is on the FBI's most wanted list. We don't have a complete list of members, as some disband and others join secretly."

Naruto froze, his eyes wide. "And these are the guys that want me dead?" His eyes fell on several pictures of the members. The pictures ranged from sketches to blurry shots. He held them up. "If you know who they are, then why haven't you arrested them? Why are they free?" He looked at Iruka who frowned.

"Just getting those shots was hard enough. How can you catch someone who doesn't exist in nearly every sense of the word?" Iruka sighed. "Believe me, we've tried, and are trying." He let a small smile slip on his lips. "You're actually one of the only ones to survive an encounter with them."

Naruto licked his lips nervously. "Okay, that answers that, but who are you guys? I mean, Sasuke told me that he was sent to kill me, and he works for you…"

Kakashi grinned cheerfully. "This is a lawyer's firm that I own and operate. Nothing more, nothing less." After an awkward pause of Naruto and Sasuke staring at him, Kakashi continued sullenly. "Well I was the one to give him the assignment, yes, but we actually don't know who wants you dead either. Chances are, they're someone either working with or against the Akatsuki."

"How do you not know if they hired you?" Naruto asked incredulously. He ran a hand through his damp hair in frustration.

Kakashi's voice took on a more professional tone. "We never ask for personal information or identities. A simple transaction of money from an agreed upon amount, a signed contract, and a target is all that is needed."

"So I'm basically just waiting for someone to come and find me?" Naruto asked dejectedly. "We have no idea who's hunting me and why, so I'm just a sitting duck?"

"Basically." Sasuke repeated, meeting blue eyes with his obsidian ones. "Tell Kakashi what the guy told you." He ordered.

"They said something?" Iruka inquired curiously, perking up. "Before Sasuke took care of them?" He drifted from the door and went to stand next to Kakashi, facing Naruto now.

"Uh yea, they kept asking for a key."

"A key?...for what?" Kakashi frowned. His brow furrowed as he tried to think of a reason why the Akatsuki would want a key. "Just a key?" He clarified, regarding Naruto with a raised brow.

"Yea."

"It could be something that seems like a key." Iruka suggested, crossing his arms and leaning back on one foot. "Anything that is actually a key would be something they wouldn't need asking for so it could be reference to something else."

"So then this key will get them something they want. It must be pretty valuable for them to go after it." Kakashi pondered.

"Valuable….like money?" Naruto ventured, thinking of his inheritance. Could it be that they want my money? But what does that have to do with a key?

Kakashi pursed his lips. Bored, he reached over and began to play with Iruka's duty belt, tugging on the straps and latches. "That could be it. If the amount is at a number that interests them, then maybe."

"By the way, Uzumaki, how are you planning on paying me? Your job at the noodle shop doesn't exactly pay the best." Sasuke cut in. "And I know you don't have any other job." He raised an eyebrow at the blond, waiting for him to answer.

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "I actually do have money." He glared at Sasuke, feeling indignant that the raven thought so little of him. "I have quite a lot, for your information."

"How much it is then?" Sasuke asked, getting irritated.

"It's enough." Naruto answered curtly.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Alright, but how much? You're wasting time."

"It was over 600k last I checked." Naruto answered with a slightly smug smile. That was no pocket change. His smile dimmed as he remembered he owed Sasuke.

"Are you saying that you think that that's the reason why the Akatsuki are after you?" Iruka intervened, swatting Kakashi's hand off his ass. He turned and gave the taller man a sharp look. The pale hand drifted sadly back to the belt.

"It's a possibility, isn't it?" Naruto responded. "It sort of makes sense if they are money hungry." He bit his lip, thinking deeply.

"Impossible." Sasuke cut in curtly. "The Akatsuki have enough money to use it as fucking toilet paper. Besides, what does that have to do with a key?"

Naruto turned and gave him a scowl. "Look, I'm trying here." He growled exasperatedly. He was getting sick of the raven looking down on him and treating him as an idiot. "I'm fucking lost and I'm telling everything I know to help."

Kakashi looked from the raven to the blond and back. Hmmm.

"Fat load of help it's been." Sasuke retorted rolling his eyes.

"No less than what you've been telling me!" Naruto spat back. "You said you'd bring me here to get answers, but all you've managed to do is make more questions." He lifted a golden brow. "Can you even help me?"

Before anyone could answer or move, Iruka's radio sparked to life. Static buzzed in sharply before a man's rugged voice cut in.

"10-47, Office Umino do you copy?"

"10-4. Missing person?" Iruka answered, backing away from Kakashi and the others. He turned slightly to the side, speaking into his shoulder walkie talkie. Everyone watched him silently.

"A stolen person. Kakuzu has been stolen from the morgue. I repeat, Kakuzu has been stolen. The case was under your jurisdiction. Will you report?"

Shocked, Iruka answered. "10-4. I'll be there shortly." He paused and looked at Kakashi and then Sasuke, his eyebrow arching up in suspicion.

"Who is Kakuzu?" Naruto asked curiously, feeling the atmosphere of the room darken around him.

"The pizza man who tried to kill you." Iruka grimaced. "The one first killed by Sasuke."

"An easy shot. He could have been more of a challenge." Sasuke smirked. His smile widened as Naruto eyed him with disgust.

"Anyways, I'm heading over. Nice meeting you, Naruto." Iruka waved goodbye as he backed out of the room. He jogged to the elevator, his footsteps fading as he went down the corridor.

"They stole the body back? Are they trying to hide something?" Kakashi thought out loud, drumming his fingers on the desk. "That reminds me." Ignoring Sasuke's "Hn", he raided the desk and pulled out a pen. He took out a piece of paper from Sasuke's printer and began to scribble furiously. Finishing up quickly, he capped the pen and handed the paper to Naruto.

Curiously, Naruto to the paper and skimmed it, trying to read the atrocious handwriting. He squinted, picking up several words and trying to piece them together. I, "Buyer"….employ Hatake services…. The receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, employee and employer agree as follows….fails to eliminate target, this agreement shall be null and void….must be complete to collect payment hereunder….terms of exchange will be arranged on the event of successful kill validation of threat….protection of the individual….the provisions of the agreement shall survive the expiration of any party hereto, and the amounts and services due hereunder shall remain due following any termination of the agreement….

Naruto looked up from the paper. "Is this a contract? For the deal Sasuke and I made?"

"Required. You must sign it in order to make things official." Kakashi grinned up at Sasuke who was scowling and twisting the ring on his left ring finger unconsciously. "It would also put your safety and wellbeing as a top priority on Sasuke's agenda. Wherever you go, he goes. Should anything go wrong, not that it ever does, the agreement shall be null and you won't have to pay a cent."

Naruto nodded, chewing on his bottom lip. Glancing down on the paper, he realized how unrealistic everything seemed, but knew it was real. Rene Descartes would have a field day with his thought process. "Where do I sign?" He asked, noticing no signature line at the bottom.

"Right here." Kakashi grabbed Naruto's hand and discreetly pricked his thumb. Ignoring the blond's yip of surprise, he dragged the wounded thumb across the bottom of the paper.

"What the hell was that for?" Naruto protested as pulled his injured thumb into his mouth. "What, is this a Faustian deal?" Nursing his thumb, he glared at the silver-haired man who handed the bloodied paper to Sasuke. The raven bit his thumb and streaked his thumb underneath Naruto's signature.

"It's our way of insuring payment."

Naruto paused his thumb sucking and cocked his head in confusion. "But wait, if this is how you sign a contract, then why don't you ID who wants to kill me from their contract? You could, you know, pull the blood from the paper and take it to some lab that works with DNA."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "We sign contacts differently according to the meeting. If it's not face to face, we do it differently." He licked his thumb, wiping away the fat drop of blood that grew from the wound.

Kakashi stood up and took the paper, folding it up and tucking it into his jacket pocket. He smoothed the lapels of his suit, tugged on his tie, and walked to the door.

"Pleasure doing business. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some other business to attend to." Meeting Naruto's eye, he nodded once and left the blond alone with Sasuke.

Naruto watched him leave before turning to the raven. "So what's the plan now?" Naruto him, fingering the fabric of his sweatpants.

"Now we wait until the Akatsuki make a move and go from there." Sasuke stepped out into the corridor and waited for Naruto to step out before he shut the door behind him. "Come on."

Following the blond, Sasuke grimaced. He was now required to take Uzumaki with him to do two hits. It would be no challenge, but he didn't know who the blond would react. Sure he had killed more than one person in front of him already, but he had a distinct feeling the shorter man would respond differently this time. And not in a good way.

"Hn."