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How to Make the Most Difficult Decisions	By : Shaylilin Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1082 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
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- 6
A/N: Thanks to those of you who have been reading. I always want to write more when I see that I’m not wasting my time. This is kind of a short chapter, but it got everything accomplished…without any hot steamy sex… sorry! I’ll make up for it somewhere. I promise.

Review Response: Thanks ShikaChou for the review. It always makes me smile when I hear nice things like that. It also makes me want to pump out the chapters. Six and Seven are ready, but I want to tweak them a little first. I wrote the last four chapters while I was doing medical research, so I need to make sure blood loss didn’t make me stupid. :)

Naruto smiled. He knew this time would be different. There were five of them tracking Neji this time. They would definitely bring Neji back this time. Neji would be where he belonged soon, and Naruto had no intention of letting him go once Neji was back in his arms. “I can feel it up ahead. It’s faint, so I guess it’s still a long way off, but it’s Neji all right,” Naruto said to his teammates as they set up camp for the night.

Shikamaru sighed. “This is troublesome. This plan is a failure from the start, Kakashi-sensei. We would be better off if you went in as yourself. They might want another Konoha ninja to barter with. We can’t be sure they wouldn’t just kidnap you.”

Kakashi sighed. “Do you really think that’s the case, Shikamaru-san?” He had the feeling that Shikamaru may be right. If they wanted Naruto, the Akatsuki may try to take as many Konoha ninja as they could in an effort to make a trade for Naruto. It wasn’t really their style, but maybe they’d realized their style was no longer working. He’d recently heard rumors that their attacks on the other vessels of the tailed-demons were failing miserably.

Shikamaru nodded. “I can’t imagine they took Neji by coincidence. Though it didn’t start out as common knowledge, by the time they had captured Neji there wasn’t a person in Konoha who wasn’t aware he and Naruto were dating. It makes sense they would take Neji in an attempt to force Naruto to come to them.”

Asuma spoke up. “If it is true that they thought Naruto would come for Neji, why would they have Neji send a message like the one he sent? They can’t have known that a message like that would be seen a distress sign, could they?”

Shikamaru shrugged. “I am not really sure what to make of the message. This is all so troublesome. I think that someone is using Neji to get to Naruto, or at least that is how it started out. I can’t say that Neji hasn’t joined Akatsuki, though I feel it is unlikely. More likely he has formed a bond with some member and wanted Naruto to know only that he was all right. I don’t think the message was intended to get a search party after him.”

Naruto clenched his fists in silent rage listening to the other ninja talk about Neji. Neji was still his Neji after all. He knew that Neji couldn’t have changed that much. He was too strong to be swayed by Akatsuki. Nothing they did would make Neji change allegiances. He knew Neji better than anyone here. Neji was strong. He was loyal to Konoha and nothing could change that. “Shut up. Neji wouldn’t betray Konoha. It wouldn’t matter what the reward might be; Neji’s pride is stronger than anything else. I want everyone to think of Neji as a captive and nothing worse than that.”

Kakashi put a hand on Naruto’s shoulder. The action was meant to be comforting, but Naruto was too upset to be comforted just yet. “Naruto, we know how you feel about Neji,” Kakashi started, holding up his hand when it looked like Naruto was going to interrupt. “He may have formed a bond he doesn’t want to break, even if he hasn’t joined Akatsuki. If he has formed a bond like that, we still need to consider him a traitor.”

Tears welled in Naruto’s eyes. “I can see I’m outnumbered. Get some rest. We’re leaving in less than four hours.” He rolled over, his tears finding their way down his face. He would take Neji back, no matter what. He loved the stupid idiot and his brown hair and lilac eyes. He loved the way that Neji smelled like lavender. He loved the way Neji would force the best out of Naruto. Naruto fell into a fitful sleep, worrying still over Neji, even in his sleep.

“Naruto, you can’t expect to become Hokage if you don’t focus on your training more seriously,” Neji scoffed. He held his hand out to the man on the ground below him.

Naruto was surprised at the tender action coming from Neji. Normally, Neji left Naruto to pick himself up off the ground. Naruto saw something he hadn’t seen before in those eyes. He took a chance, and despite the fact he might be reading the emotion wrong, Naruto pulled Neji close by the hand he was still holding and softly pressed his lips to those soft, pink lips of Neji’s. They kissed for almost a minute before Neji seemed to realize what had happened, pulling away. “I’m sorry, Neji,” Naruto started.

Neji cut him off with another kiss, this one fiercer than the last. Neither one knew how much time had passed, but Neji finally broke away from the kiss. “You have nothing to apologize for. Though I would never have initiated the kiss, I’m glad you did. I’ve grown to care for you deeply during our sparring sessions. I want more than casual friendship from you.”

Naruto blushed. Neji and he had been growing closer, but know he was unsure where this left them. “Does this mean you’d like to go on a date sometime?”

Neji nodded, just barely keeping the blush from finding its way to his face. His heart was racing, though outwardly he appeared calm and collected. “I want to take you to dinner tonight. I don’t want you to deny me.”

Naruto chuckled. He just knew Neji was going to keep him entertained and on his toes. “I would like that very much, Neji. However, now we should finish our sparring. You were saying something about me lacking focus.” Naruto took his stance and watched as Neji took his fighting stance as well.

Neji smiled. “Just because I want to date you, that doesn’t mean I will go easy on you. Be prepared. If you seriously want to become Hokage and help me change Hyuuga tradition, come at me with everything you’ve got.”

Naruto opened his eyes. He knew he still had a little bit of time to sleep, but it didn’t do any good when all he could think about was Neji. He couldn’t get restful sleep anyway. He’d let the rest of the team sleep while he watched over them. They didn’t need Akatsuki sneaking up on them in the middle of the night. He sighed and packed his sleeping bag before settling back against a tree trunk. “I’m coming, Neji,” he whispered.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tobi stretched as the sun came through the blinds on the window. “Fuck,” he groaned. He had fallen asleep some time during the night, but was no closer to finding a solution to his problem of Neji and Naruto.

Neji yawned beside him. “Go back to sleep, Tobi. It’s too damn early to be awake.” He wrapped his strong arms around Tobi’s waist and sighed deeply as he almost instantly fell back asleep.

Tobi smiled at the sleeping beauty behind him. He leaned over and kissed Neji’s temple before whispering, “I can’t love. I will see you later.” He stood as quietly and quickly as he could. Neji stirred a little, but didn’t wake. Tobi quickly got ready for the day before slipping from the room.

At first, Tobi mindlessly wandered the compound. He knew it was early enough he didn’t have to worry about being Tobi just yet. He went back to the tree he and Neji had been watching the sunset in. There was really no way to solve this problem. If he wanted to keep Neji he had to let the Kyuubi go. He couldn’t face letting the object of his longest desire just walk away from him for some little boy he found himself in love with. This was why love was a waste. It made you do such stupid things.

“Tobi,” Neji’s voice floated up to him like a song. “What are you doing up there?” Neji climbed the tree and sat beside Tobi.

Tobi shook his head. “I guess we have something serious to discuss.” Tobi turned his attention back toward the sky. What he wouldn’t give to have anything else to say right now. This was the stupidest decision he had ever made, but he was sure it was the only way things could be right.

Neji nodded. “Last night you said you didn’t want to talk about it. Are you feeling up to it this morning?” Neji reached out and took Tobi’s hand in his, fingers entwined, softly rubbing Tobi’s palm with his thumb. “You must be upset with how quickly you got out of bed this morning. Combined with the way you are out here radiating sorrow, I’d say there’s something bothering you a lot.”

Tobi looked at Neji with saddened eyes. “He’s coming for you.” There was no more that he could say just then. Emotions were threatening to get the best of him. He knew Neji would understand the meaning.

Neji’s face registered the shock and surprise of what he was hearing before his eyes hardened. “Tobi, are you going to kill him?”

Tobi dropped his chin to his chest and slowly shook his head. “I can’t kill him while you are still unsure which of us you want to be with. My ultimate goal will involve his death, but I can give you one week to decide if you want to stand against me or stand passively by while I do what I must. You understand it isn’t Naruto I’m after, but he cannot survive the process of the removal of the Kyuubi.”

Neji couldn’t check the tears running down his face. He wanted to. His Hyuuga pride wanted to check the tears, but still they cascaded down his chest. His heart felt like it was being ripped in two. Just yesterday he had explained to Tobi that he still loved Naruto. Now he was being made to choose between the two of them. “Why are you making me choose between the two of you? Is there no way you could just give up on Naruto and let him live?”

Tobi squeezed the hand that was still holding his. His stupid heart was heavy with the burden it was causing his lover. He took a deep breath and bit back his tears, shaking his head. “I’ve been chasing this dream for too long to let it walk away from me permanently. I know if you choose Naruto you will try to help him escape me, but I will end up having to kill you if you stand in my way.” Tobi let go of Neji’s hand and dropped to the ground. “You still have a few hours before they are within range of the base. You may spend them as you please.”

Neji jumped to the ground behind Tobi and stood beside him. “Tobi, I want to spend a few last peaceful hours with you, if I may.” Neji reached out for Tobi’s hand and was pleased when it wasn’t pulled away from him. “Let’s pretend nothing’s changed for just a few more hours.”

Tobi smiled a sad smile behind his mask. “I’d like that very much.” He took a deep breath and muttered, “Show time.” Tobi bounced toward his bedroom, Neji in tow. Seeing Deidara in the hall, Tobi shouted, “Deidara will have to change Tobi and Neji’s sheets later. Isn’t Deidara happy about that? Tobi likes the way Deidara makes the bed.”

Neji ducked as Deidara threw a bottle of something at Tobi. This had become like second nature to him. He knew he was going to miss this base and Tobi, even if he was evil. A part of him cared deeply enough for Tobi he knew whatever choice he made would hurt his soul. He smiled as they came to their bedroom, hearing Hidan shout something that sounded like, “Why are you with that fucking nutbag?”

Tobi sighed as he stepped into his room, shutting the door behind him. He shook his head. “Having you to come home to almost makes that character I’ve invented seem bearable. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

Neji shrugged. “I haven’t made my decision yet, though I’m sure you sense as well as I do that I will most likely not be back here on pleasant terms again. Let’s just enjoy what time we have left as lovers.” Neji wiped a tear from his eye. “Will you tell me who you are before I leave?”

Tobi nodded. “You have a right to know, and you may tell the village of Konoha, though they will most likely try to kill me immediately. I’m probably the worst traitor the village has ever seen.” He crawled onto his bed and opened his arms for Neji. “I don’t want my last memories to be of sex. Please, just lay here with me.”

Neji nodded and placed himself between Tobi’s gentle, loving arms. They lay together in silence, enjoying the feel of the other’s body. Neji finally whispered, “I can sense him coming near. Our time is nearly up.”

Tobi sniffled, and fought back the tears. “I’ve always been such a cold-hearted bastard. How have you warmed me up to this point even?” He leaned down and gave Neji a heartfelt, loving kiss before whispering, “All you need to know is that my name is Uchiha Madara. The body’s not mine. It belonged to Uchiha Obito; the older ninja will know the names, especially Kakashi.” He kissed Neji one last time before letting him go. “You may walk out the front door. You are no longer the Akatsuki’s captive.”

Neji stood up and made no effort to stop the tears this time. “I’ll never forget you, Uchiha Madara. Know that you have a place in my heart, regardless of your past and future crimes.” He opened the door and walked outside the base without a hassle, never once looking back to see if Tobi was following. He knew that his path had been laid before him, and though it would hurt he would see Tobi dead before he saw pain and death brought upon Naruto.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kakashi stiffened and stopped the group behind him. “Naruto, can you sense that?” Kakashi jerked his thumb in the direction of a familiar chakra that was quickly approaching them.

Naruto jumped in front of his sensei. “It’s Neji-kun. He seems to be alone.” Naruto ran toward the source of the chakra. He could feel Neji’s pain. It was an emotional pain that ran deep. That much Naruto could tell immediately. He stopped running and nearly lost his breath as he saw Neji coming toward him. “Neji!” He yelled out, tears of joy streaming down his face.

Asuma and Kurenai were in front of Naruto, blocking Neji from him. Asuma spoke, his voice full of concern. “Naruto, we can’t trust Neji just now. He has been held captive by Akatsuki for nearly six months. How is it that he is suddenly just free with no injury? Either he is working for the enemy and this is a trap, or he is not Neji.”

Neji stopped short. “I know what you are thinking. It’s all wrong, but I’ll allow you to take me to Tsunade under detainment.” Neji’s heart was nearly breaking at the site of his boyfriend – no ex-boyfriend – crying over his return. Naruto looked like he wanted to punch someone for calling Neji a traitor, but who could really blame them. He had been under captivity, but it had to be the most relaxed captivity ever. “Don’t hold them at fault for this, Naruto. I understand their situation fully. Please believe me when I say that I mean no harm to anyone, but I am more than willing to submit to intensive interrogation techniques if that is what it takes to prove my innocence.”

Kakashi smiled at Neji. “I’m sorry to have to put chakra-blockers on you, Neji-san. You understand though. Your noble bloodline requires that much decorum.”

Neji nodded. He smiled at Naruto. “Will you walk beside me on our trip back, Naruto-kun? I know we cannot touch, but I would feel more at ease with your presence beside me.”

Naruto nodded. His blue eyes had been freed of the anger they had possessed earlier. They turned toward Neji now with deep affection. Apparently, Naruto’s love had not dimmed for him anymore than his own love had dimmed for Naruto. “I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered, hoping Naruto would pick up on the significance of those words.

Naruto smiled a truly happy smile. All of his relief at having Neji safe, regardless of the circumstances was evident in that one gesture. He turned to Kakashi and asked, “Is it all right if I walk with Neji, Kakashi-sensei?” Kakashi nodded. Naruto smiled and stood next to Neji. “Let’s go then. The faster we get back to Konoha, the faster Neji can be freed and his name restored.”

Neji smiled. That was the Naruto he had fallen in love with. It was a man who felt he could do anything he set his mind to, fates be damned. Naruto who felt that love was enough to get out of any situation. It was the Naruto who was so free with his feelings in a way Neji never could be. Neji’s eyes softened as he looked at his ex, wanting nothing more than to be together with him again. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before they began the long trip home.

By the end of their first day of travel, they were nearly to the half way point. Everyone was anxious to get Neji home and clear his name, and the pace they had taken reflected their urgency. Naruto sat next to Neji as they made camp. He had unofficially been put in charge of making sure Neji escaped. No one but Naruto believed with their whole heart that Neji was with them out of love for Naruto and Konoha.

Neji began to drift off and Naruto smiled. “You can use my lap for a pillow, if you want.” Neji lied down and put his head in Naruto’s lap. Immediately Naruto’s hand was stroking Neji’s hair, knowing how much his boyfriend found that action soothing. Before long, Neji was sound asleep.

Kakashi smiled at Naruto. “He’s really Neji, isn’t he?” Naruto looked up with happiness back in his eyes for the first time in months and nodded. Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief. “I trust your instincts in this situation. You know Neji better than any of us. He still must be treated a traitor until orders are otherwise issued, but you can hold him without fear of us intervening.”

Naruto looked down at the sleeping beauty in his lap. Nothing was taking Neji away from him again, not a stupid fight and not Akatsuki. He leaned down and kissed Neji’s forehead before closing his own eyes and getting the first good rest he’d had in at least six months.

In the morning, the group began their return again. Neji knew he should probably give Kakashi the names Tobi had given him, but he felt he owed it to Tsunade to tell her first and in person. The information he had obtained, however painful the circumstances surrounding them belonged to the village, not specific ninja.

In their haste, the group pushed their body beyond their limits, but by nightfall they were nearly back to Konoha. Shikamaru spoke for the first time since Neji had been taken. “I believe it is best if we camp for the night so that we are all rested when we have to make the trip back through the village. We can get through the gates in the early morning before there are large crowds. Plus, Tsunade-sama is more likely to be sober than she is right now.”

Asuma laughed. “That’s my Shikamaru. All right then, the camp should be fairly easy to set up. Kakashi can get some firewood with Shikamaru. Kurenai and I will go find something to eat. Naruto can guard the prisoner.” He signaled the groups to take off and Naruto and Neji were alone again.

Naruto pulled Neji into his arms and whispered, “No matter what happens tomorrow, I won’t leave you, Neji. I love you. I should never have left after such a stupid fight. I-,” he couldn’t continue. His tears started coming out against his wishes. He choked out between sobs, “I guess I’m really being a girl right now, huh?”

Neji smiled and leaned into Naruto’s embrace, trying to ease Naruto’s pain. Somehow he managed to keep his voice from cracking as he spoke calming words to Naruto. “It’s not your fault, Naru. I should never have gone off on my own, and I should definitely not have let my guard down the way I did. As for the fight, I should have swallowed my damn pride and run after you instead of sulking like a baby in my room.”

Naruto leaned in and kissed Neji’s cheek. He smiled, his blue eyes dancing. Neji seemed to relax into his arms even more. “I love you, Neji. I’m so sorry I ever thought about letting you go.”

Neji shook his head. “Stop apologizing.” He dropped his head and tried to shut out Tobi’s hurt expression when he could not say the words to him that he was about to say to Naruto. “I love you.”

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How to Make the Most Difficult Decisions