Chapter 7: Something's Missing

Naruto could tell by the look on Sasuke's face that something was wrong, "You okay?" He had been silently observing Sasuke most of the night as they laid on the couch. Naruto wasn't even sure what they were supposed to be watch at that point and he was pretty sure Sasuke didn't know either. The man seemed to be lost in his own thoughts.

"Remember that pen you got me?" Sasuke asked, confusing the blond.

Naruto nodded, remembering the personalized pen with Sasuke's initials and family crest. It had been an impulse buy he'd seen on social media and he was surprised by how much the other man had liked the gift. "What about it?" he asked.

"Someone took it," Sasuke frowned. He had been upset when he couldn't find the pen. It wasn't really the pen itself that was important, but the sentimental value behind the gift. It was the fact that Naruto got it for him because he thought of him when he saw it, rather than it being for some special occasion. He had just randomly handed Sasuke the wrapped box, making the dark haired man panic for a moment, thinking he'd forgotten their anniversary. Instead, it turns out the other man had merely saw it and thought of Sasuke, so he bought it.

"Are you sure you didn't leave it somewhere?" Naruto shifted in his seat to get a better look at Sasuke. "Or maybe someone used it and accidentally took it with them." He was trying to find some reason that the pen would go missing.

Sasuke shook his head. "It has no ink left, I only keep it because it's personalized from you," he admitted. "Everyone knows not to touch my things, only certain people are even allowed in my office right now," he felt anxious, wondering who would have taken it and why.

Naruto wanted to smile at the thought of Sasuke keeping something that didn't even work just because he gave it to him. "I'm sure it'll show up," Naruto tried to reassure him. "But maybe you should talk to your security team, make sure they're a little more alert."

Sasuke nodded in agreement, "I already have a meeting set up with them tomorrow to discuss it." Sasuke paused for a moment, trying to figure out how to phrase what else he was thinking, "So, speaking of security." He bit his lip at the look Naruto was giving him, the blond clearly already not liking where it was going. "It's been a little over a month since I've done anything but be at home without security and I was thinking me and Suigetsu could go for a guy's night. Just us, no security."

"Sasuke," Naruto let out an exasperated sigh. "You just told me someone is stealing your things and now you want to go out without security?" He didn't like the idea of Sasuke being alone with no protection. Orochimaru had already broken out of jail, there was no telling what he would do next. The man had nothing to lose at that point.

"We're just going to go to the bar down the street, not anywhere crazy. I just," Sasuke paused, trying to figure out how to explain it to the other man. "I just need to feel normal. Just one night where I can feel normal without someone looking over my shoulder the entire time," he had started to feel caged in, like he couldn't really live his life. "They'll be on call," he promised. "Just a few blocks away if I need them."

"Yeah, that's going to do much good when Orochimaru randomly shows up," Naruto huffed as he stood up. "You realize how stupid this is, right?" he crossed his arms.

Sasuke stood up from the couch, getting mad at how Naruto was reacting. It was what he had expected, but it still upset him. "I am a grown ass man and can take care of myself! Suigetsu will be there and we'll be right down the street. Why can't you understand?"

"Why can't I understand?" Naruto practically yelled as he started pacing. "Why can't you understand? This is for your safety. You freeze up any time that man is around."

Sasuke knew that he should listen to Naruto, but he was frustrated with the situation. He was only asking for one night. "I'm going to go either way," he told the man, trying to be calm. "I'm sorry if that upsets you, but I need it. We'll be in a crowded public area and staff has already been informed that if they see him to call the police." He wasn't going to back down. He'd already fought about it with Suigetsu, but at least his friend had come to accept his choice.

"So you aren't even going to take my opinion into account?" Naruto asked, hurt that Sasuke had already made up his mind.

"Naruto, I've taken your opinion into account plenty. I got body guards because you and Itachi insisted. I haven't gone out by myself in over a month. I don't even go out to eat for lunch anymore. Hell, we can't go on dates without a bodyguard coming along. I've done what you've asked, so at least just give me one night," he wasn't one to go out often, but knowing he couldn't made him felt trapped. All he wanted to do was go for a drink with Suigetsu and catch up. He wanted to relax without feeling like he was being watched the entire time.

Naruto let his arms fall to his dies as he stood in place, knowing he wasn't going to change the other man's mind. "Have you talked to Dr. Tanaka about how you're feeling?" he asked.

Sasuke nodded, "She was the one that suggested I might need a break."

"She suggested you go out without bodyguards?" Naruto asked skeptically.

"Not in those exact words," Sasuke shrugged. "She said I need to do something that'll make me feel like I have some control. That the reason I'm feeling this way is because having someone hover over me all day every day is making me feel like I've lost control of my life." He walked over to Naruto, grabbing his hands, "Please, don't fight me on this."

Naruto squeezed his hands, "Just be careful."

Sasuke pulled him into a hug, "I will." It was rare for the dark haired man to be the one to initiate a hug, but he knew they both needed it.

Naruto held him tightly, placing a soft kiss on his lips. "Let's go to bed," he picked up the other man, despite Sasuke's protests.

"Let me down," Sasuke demanded, but the small smile on his face said otherwise.

That night they made love. It was slow and sensual, unlike their usual rough make up sex. Naruto took his time to appreciate every inch of Sasuke's body, leaving light kisses as he went. He wanted to make Sasuke feel safe and loved. He wanted to make sure he understood he wasn't really mad, just worried about his safety.

NS

Orochimaru twirled the pen between his fingers, stopping every now and then to run his thumb along the engraved letters and symbol. He smirked as he looked at his slowly growing collection. It had started off with just small, unsentimental things. Things that Sasuke probably wouldn't even notice were gone. He had instructed Soma to start getting better items. Items that would send a message. The pen was small enough for Soma to sneak out, but sentimental enough for Sasuke to realize it was gone. "You did a good job," Orochimaru commented to Kabuto.

The other man nervously nodded. He was concerned that the other man was unraveling. "Aren't you getting a little obsessed?" he couldn't help but ask. The look on Orochimaru's face told him that it was a mistake to ask such a question.

"You understand that you are replaceable, right?" Orochimaru responded, his eyes cold. "It would be a shame, you've been so loyal all of these years. Such the perfect willing accomplice."

"You're right, I was out of line, sorry," he apologized. He knew being replaced meant being killed. He had never even intended to let it get this far when it first started. At first it was just covering things up for the business, slowly transitioning into covering up things in his personal life and more serious crimes over the years. He wasn't sure when it happened, but he'd reached the point of no return. It was help or be killed. He didn't get any enjoyment out of what he was doing, it was merely self preservation. "Soma said Sasuke and Suigetsu making plans without them for tomorrow night. Meaning no bodyguards and it sounded like no Naruto," he informed him.

"You're only supposed to be doing a quick exchange of things, not talking. It could blow his cover," Orochimaru reminded him. "But for this information, I'll let it slide," he grinned. "I guess we're going out tomorrow night."

Kabuto nodded, "I tried to leave, but obviously he was very adamant about sharing this information with us. He said they were going to a bar down the street from Sasuke's house, he and Jona are to be a few blocks over in case they are needed. I've scoped out the place and it's generally fairly busy, so you won't be seen by him unless you want to be."

"You've paid off the staff already I take it?" he asked.

"I was concerned some of them wouldn't agree, they seem to like Sasuke, but I ensured them nothing would happen to him. I reminded them with how busy their bar is it would be very easy to miss one person. Money is a helpful motivator I suppose," he confirmed. "They received half now and will get the other half after tomorrow night as insurance that they won't tell Sasuke in advance."

"Good job," he was pleased to hear everything was getting taken care of. "You have the doctor set up, right? Our plan will be set in motion soon."

Kabuto once again nodded, "Yes, Dr. Asahi Kim has been contacted." What he meant was that the man had been threatened. He had a wife and kids at home. "He was presented with an offer he couldn't refuse."

Orochimaru leaned back in his chair, "Good. You can go now." As Kabuto started walking out of the door the older man stopped him, "Kabuto, one more thing." He turned to face Orochimaru, his heart hammering in his chest in response to the icy look he was receiving. "Don't ever forget who you belong to again."

"Understood," Kabuto walked out, letting out a deep breath once he exited the room. There was no turning back. Everything was ready, the plans just had to be set in motion once Orochimaru gave the signal.

NS

After a long meeting with his higher ups of his security team, Sasuke was ready to just relax and get a drink that night. He had made it very clear to his team that it was their job to monitor who what going in and out of the building and who was on each floor, whether that be as a physical guard or from behind the monitors. Each head of security for their specific division was to brief their employees as to protocols and remind them that any suspicious activity should be taken care of accordingly.

He then had a talk with Soma and Jona, reminding them that it was their job to be alert of the surroundings. When they weren't with him, they were to be monitoring the surroundings, especially places like his office. He looked for signs of discomfort from each of them, especially Soma since everyone else seemed to be suspicious of him. While the man's face and body language seemed to remain calm and collected, there was something similar to fear in his eyes.

That night Suigetsu had picked him up to go to the bar. Naruto had reminded him numerous times to be careful and aware of his surroundings. Sasuke just shook his head and gave Naruto a quick kiss before leaving with his best friend.

"You know he's just worried about you," Suigetsu told Sasuke as they sat at the bar. They weren't there to get drunk, just to relax and talk without anyone else listening in.

"And I love him for that, but it gets a little overwhelming," Sasuke sighed. He truly did love how much Naruto worried about him, but at times he could go overboard with it. "He's just a little overbearing sometimes."

Suigetsu nodded, "I'm pretty sure we all are in your book."

"Hn, I suppose," he agreed as he sat back in his chair. "Enough about me, what's going on with you?" he was sick of talking about what was going on with Orochimaru. He needed a distraction from it.

Suigetsu shrugged, "You know, the same as usual. Kiba trying to win me back and work are pretty much the only things going on in my life right now."

"Trying?" Sasuke teased. "Has he at least let up on all of the flowers?" he chuckled.

Suigetsu laughed, "Thankfully he got the hint." He smiled, "He really does make me happy."

"I know, that's why I stopped trying to fight it," Sasuke told him, having given up on hating the man. He had learned to accept that Kiba was what Suigetsu wanted. "So when are you going to cave and officially make him your boyfriend?"

Suigetsu had thought about making things official, especially when Kiba had stood up to his parents for him, but he was still wary of it. "What if all he wants is the chase?" he couldn't help but be a little insecure after what he put him through last time.

Sasuke frowned, "Then I'll kill him when he hurts you."

Suigetsu wasn't quite sure if Sasuke was serious or joking, but the look he was giving him made him think that he was serious, "There's no need for that."

"Sorry, I'll hire someone to kill him. I won't get my hands dirty," he half joked.

Suigetsu shook his head, "I'm serious."

"So am I," Sasuke responded before taking a drink. "Just take it slow, if he really loves you then there is no need to rush things. Plus it's fun to see all of his attempts to woo you. Really, hearing about it is my only source of entertainment these days."

"Only source?" Suigetsu questioned suggestively.

"I forgot, my fiancé fighting with our wedding planner is super fun as well," Sasuke said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.

"You know that's not what I meant," Suigetsu sighed. "Unless you aren't getting any then that would explain your sour mood."

Sasuke laughed a little, "Trust me, I'm getting plenty thank you. I just don't feel the need to share it with you and I'm not even sure why you brought it up."

"As a gateway to tell you I almost slept with Kiba the other night," he admitted, a little embarrassed.

"You what?" Sasuke was suddenly very interested in the conversation. "I'm honestly surprised you haven't already."

Suigetsu wouldn't lie, he was a little surprised he hand't given in yet. "I told him no sex until we are officially back together. If we get back together."

"When," Sasuke corrected him.

"Shut up," he slapped the other man's arm. "We've done other things, we just haven't gone that far. I have needs after all," he told him. "I just need to be able to fully forgive him before we go any further."

Before Sasuke could say anything else, he froze as he met a pair of golden eyes from across the room. "Fuck," he took a deep breath.

Suigetsu looked over to where Sasuke was staring, "Maybe you should call your security. At least call Jona, I don't trust Soma. There's something off about him."

"So everyone says," he shifted uncomfortably, unable to take his eyes off the older man. "They're together so if I call one, the other will come," he told him. "Let's just go."

"You sure?" Suigetsu asked, knowing that Sasuke hated to seem weak.

"Yeah, I promised Naruto I'd be careful," he got up, tossing more than enough cash on the bar to pay for their drinks. "Let's get out of here."

Suigetsu followed him out of the bar, watching to make sure Orochimaru wasn't making any sudden movements to follow them. He could see a sick sense of satisfaction on Orochimaru's face for driving them out of the bar. "I'm sorry he ruined the night."

"Just get me home," Sasuke was a little shaken up from the unexpected encounter. He hated how just a look could have such an effect on him. "How did he even know we were here?"

Suigetsu looked at him as they got into his car, "I think you know what my answer is going to be."

"You think it's Soma," Sasuke confirmed.

Suigetsu nodded, "It'd make sense. He knew where we were going and that no bodyguards would be there. And he's one of the only people that could access your office."

"What about Jona?" he asked, though he didn't believe the man was the culprit.

"Maybe, but I just get this feeling about Soma. Talk to your brother about it, see what he thinks," he suggested as they drove home.

Sasuke knew he had a lot to think about and that both Naruto and Itachi were likely to agree with Suigetsu in that matter. No one seemed to trust the man so perhaps it was time to let him go. "I will," he agreed.

The rest of the car ride was silent, neither knowing what to say. "Make sure you tell Naruto," Suigetsu said as Sasuke got out of the car. Sasuke didn't say anything in return, he just nodded before walking into his house.

"You're back early," Naruto was a little surprised. He hadn't been gone very long, only maybe an hour.

"You were right," he collapsed next to him on the couch. "I saw Orochimaru tonight," he sighed. "We left right away and he didn't say anything, but it was dangerous of me to go without security."

Naruto pulled him close, running his fingers through the other man's hair, "You just wanted to have some fun. It's not your fault he showed up." He pulled him so the man was sitting in his lap with Sasuke's head resting on his shoulder.

"I love you," he wrapped his arms around Naruto for comfort.

"I love you, too," Naruto kissed the top of his head as he held him tight, never wanting to let go. They had no idea this was just the beginning.