Chapter Ten
"The Kiss"
The civilians of Konoha were in awe standing there gawking at the sky as hundreds of shadow clones rain upon them. It would have been a site to behold if the villagers weren't wrecked with terror! For all they knew there could have been another attack on Konoha.
All hundred of the clones descended upon the village laughing and cheering in glee. "I have returned! Did ya'll miss me buhahaha!" Their voices seemed to bounce off the rooftops as the villagers began to scream and hightail it out of the vicinity as if their lives depended on it! It was up to his clones to find his mate. They would be his eyes and ears for now.
His clones were just as strong as him and now there were hundreds of him. He was ready to have a little fun. While one clone got locked in combat the other would continue their search.
His clone thought as he did they knew there was not much time that was when one of his clones picked up on that intoxicating scent it was faint and easy to miss, but they were blessed with demon blood and had sense as well. He could see the unseeable to human eyes even the most skilled ninja would miss. The fragrance led him like a glowing ember trail it was heading to a two-story building labeled Kunoichi Dormitory.
Now why the hell would he be in there? Was he held captive or not? Or was this where they held their captives now? Grandma did blow up the prison to help the real me get out.
Sakura had screamed in surprise when she saw the clone, her heart racing as she tried to make sense of what she saw, in which the clone who just so shamelessly had his face pressed against the glass like a thirsty mosquito. There was a focused look on his face as he sniffed the air, trying to locate the source of the scent he had picked up. He had then leaped away, disappearing.
Her scream had not even disturbed her partner who was very much unconscious. She ran over to the entrance of the room and was about to shut it when the blonde appeared in the doorway.
"Sup," he said. "Does my mate just so happened to be in here?"
She was hesitant to approach him, uncertain of what his reaction would be, taking a deep breath, she finally mustered the courage to speak, "Yes, and he's not doing too well." There was a mixture of fear and relief in her voice upon seeing him. He would know what to do. Once his blue pools landed on her she could feel the intensity.
Without another word, he brushed by her. There was a drastic change in his demeanor. She watched as he made his way to her bed where her partner was laying face down. He approached the sleeping beauty and in a gentle manner placed his palm flat on Sasuke's back right between his shoulder blades. At first, Sasuke did not move but as soon as the clone gently started to stroke his back that's when they both heard the raven-haired Genin let out a soft groan trying to move away from his touch.
He leaned in to whisper in the raven's ear. "I'm-" The rest of that sentence died in his throat as he got a good whiff there was another scent lingering all over his body like a stench that would not go away. It smelt cold and metallic like a laboratory and musk mixture. The scent alone triggered a primal rage inside the clone.
By this time Sasuke had lifted himself to the sitting position. He felt relief wash over him to see that infuriating face staring back at him. He felt his face soften at the blonde. He held back tears embarrassed by his lack of self-control.
Naruto smiled, his eyes outwardly showing the concern he felt for his mate. He sat down beside him, their shoulders brushing slightly. He could tell Sasuke was struggling to contain his emotions, so he gave him a gentle pat on the back. "It's good to see you again," he said softly. His rage was forgotten just to see that face, but seeing him so gaunt and weak rekindled that flame inside of him.
"Who did this?"
"No one," Sasuke's tone was abrupt and dismissive but the raven gripped his head in pain. He gave the blonde a good view of his wrist, and the bondage he had to endure for those four days his wrist was bloodied and bruised.
"Did no one give you those bruises also? I'm going to ask you this one last time. Who did this to you." He said the last part in a low growl his upper lip curled in disgust.
"No one." He was tired and didn't want to argue not now. Not with the way he was feeling. "I can smell him all over you. I will find him." His face looked positively demonic. The clone could not understand why was he protecting this person.
Sasuke wanted to escape, to get away from this place and find the strength to exact his revenge. At this point, he knew he was no match for the man's strength and skill but he had to try. He had to be the one to take him down and make him pay for what he had done. He had to reclaim his dignity and restore his sense of self-worth. It was his burden to bear.
"I'll be back. No worries I'm just gonna talk with the fella." And as he turned to walk away was when Sasuke reached out took a hold of his wrist, and pulled him back, which the Naruto clone allowed.
"I won't let you fight him!" Sasuke exclaimed, his voice full of desperation. "He's not worth it, and it's not worth the risk. I can't bear to see you in the same position that I am in. I have to end this. I have to make sure he pays for what he's done! But not right now. Right now I want to leave with you, okay," his jaw clenched as stared deep into the blonde's pools as one lone tear escaped.
Naruto's fist had gone slack. He exhaled deeply.
Sasuke couldn't bring himself to say anything further, all he could do was embrace Naruto in a hug, silently conveying his feelings of pain and helplessness.
More tears started to form in those onyx pools, his heart felt like it was breaking. He felt so ashamed, so embarrassed, and so alone. Slowly he mushed his forehead against the blonde. It was too painful to look into his eyes.
"Don't go." He said in a soft voice. Gingerly, the clone mimicked Sasuke's actions.
"Oy… fiiiine. I won't," as he spoke his eyes were shut tight. Their tresses blended from black to blonde as Naruto nuzzled the raven crown against his own. He wanted blood, but his priority was to get Sasuke out of the village and back to his creator. Abruptly he rose his hands clinched into fists as his knuckles bled white.
"Let's get the hell out of here." He slid an arm underneath the raven's knees and behind his back carefully cradling the tired raven to his chest. It wouldn't be hard to escape with all the chaos going on outside. He walked past Sakura giving her a nod.
"You better take good care of him!" She shouted though she knew she could not stop him if he did do anything.
He turned to smile at her, "You're a good friend." He said and with those parting words, he was gone.
Naruto had been waiting at a reasonable distance, from the village, he paced the forest floor like a wild animal not knowing what was killing him, and for each clone that was vanquished, none gave him any info about the location of his mate. What's taking them so long...
They should be here by now. Serves me right for letting a clone do a man's job. He vented internally. A decision was made by Naruto that if one of his clones failed to return with Sasuke in five minutes, he would search for his mate himself.
His heart raced as he saw the figures coming closer and closer. He had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, and now the moment had finally arrived. As he ran towards them, he could see the familiar face of his clone, cradling the object of his desire in his arms.
He could hardly contain his excitement as he reached out embracing the raven just as his clone lowered Sasuke to his feet. He gave a soft nod to his twin before the other dispelled in a pop. His mission is complete and all his experiences fill Naruto in on what took place.
Through his mixed emotions all Naruto could muster was a soft. "I missed you." Sasuke had pressed his forehead against his right bicep.
The blonde hide his shock at his mate's ghastly appearance, "I should have never left that was my first mistake, but why... Why did you go back."
The raven's lips pressed though Naruto could not see, he felt his body tense, "I had a question that needed to be answered."
He glanced at the raven in his arms, a hint of amusement twinkling in his deep blue eyes. "Did you get the answer you were looking for?"
"No, just left me with more questions." He had no time to figure out why his brother would do such a thing. Was he trying to manipulate him, or was he genuinely trying to help? He was vexed by his brother's actions, but he couldn't spend time trying to decipher his motives. Whatever the reason, he was grateful for the escape.
"let's find a place where you can rest." He could his voice rumbling in his chest as he spoke.
"I'm-" As if on cue his stomach let out a loud cry.
"See even your stomach agrees with me. I can be very persuasive." Naruto covered his rage with humor, it took every ounce of him not to find that son of bitch.
"What about Tsunade?" He figure she was the one to let Naruto know about his capture.
"Well, meet up with her later. Right now you are my only focus." The warmth in those words made his heartbeat speed up.
Just a month ago, Sasuke had always been wary of getting too close to anyone, believing that emotional attachments would only lead to pain and disappointment.
However, something inside him had shifted and he found himself wanting to get closer to Naruto and the others to form meaningful connections.
Despite all the obstacles put in front of him, Sasuke refused to back down. He chose to remain loyal to Naruto and his... friends, even when faced with the prospect of losing everything he had worked for.
He was tortured and humiliated for four days, yet he never wavered in his commitment to them and his principles.
Naruto was relieved to find the small village, and the room they found was perfect for him and his traveling companion. They were both exhausted from their long journey and were thankful to have a safe and secure place to rest for the night.
The room was filled with a calming atmosphere, providing the perfect environment for them to get a good night's sleep the only problem was the single futon in the center of the room.
"You get some rest. I'm gonna get you some food." He said this while helping his mate onto the futon.
"You don't have to do that." Their eyes connected for that brief moment.
"Oy, just let me help you! I'll be back before you know it!" He winked and turned to leave.
Sasuke had watched him go while still staring out the door. Subconsciously, he was salivating at the thought of having an actual meal. The lengths he had to go through just to get a few droplets.
He now knew what hunger felt like. Sighing he was only going to rest his eyes for a couple of seconds. Little did he know those couple of seconds turned into hours.
When Sasuke was startled awake by his active mind he was met with a pitch-black room, instantly he began to scan his surroundings and noticed the tray of food at the foot of the bed which was most likely cold by now.
Okay, so Naruto had brought food back so that meant he was back, but where was he? That's when he saw the blonde was seated by the front door as if guarding it, both his legs and arms were crossed.
His head was hanging low as blonde locks cloaked his face from view. The only thing giving away his sleeping was his slow and calm breathing.
There was an inexplainable force drawing him to the blonde. He made a decision then and there. He approached the sleeping blonde standing before him. When Naruto did not stir he took the opportunity to reach out and touch him.
Gently, Sasuke combed long pale digits through Naruto's muster-colored locks, coaxing him to awaken. Startled, Naruto jerked his head up at him, "Is everything okay?" His brows came together as the raven continue to stroke his hair then his whiskered cheek.
Only silence between them but Sasuke's actions spoke volumes. Instinctively the blonde leaned into his touch.
His heart raced as he moved closer, the shadows of the night hiding his true intentions.
He could see the blonde's eyes widen in surprise, yet they still held a hint of understanding and yearning, as if they had been expecting this moment. His heart was pounding as he slowly closed the distance between them. He could feel Naruto's warmth radiating as he leaned in closer, his eyes locked on the blonde's.
Sasuke felt a spark of electricity as his lips gently brushed against Naruto's, sending a shiver down his spine. With bated breath he bent down, bridging the gap between them.
Their breaths mixed as their lips brushed. He took one last glance at the blonde before capturing her mouth in a soft kiss, before deepening it.
Sasuke felt him gasp into the kiss, and that was when he stood with his beige arms wrapped around Sasuke's waist, as nimble fingers began to peek underneath the hem of Sasuke's shirt in a teasing way.
He held him close, their bodies fitting perfectly together as the kiss intensified. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as their lips moved together in perfect harmony.
There was no going back after this.
Sorry to end here please don't kill me lol