Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Night Rain	By : ItaNarulover Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1180 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters, they are all owned by Masashi Kishimoto, nor do I make money out of writing this.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
A/N:O'hisashiburi desu.
Thank you for your patience! Please don't kill me… *hides behind a murderous looking Gaara*
Douzo!
Unbeta-ed.
Warnings:Language, slight OOC, 424 manga spoilers. :)
…
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
-¥-¥-¥-¥- = new flashback scene
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… (Long double lines) = change of scenery/new scene.
oooo (One small o-line) = after a short amount of time or change of point of view.
…
…
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Night Rain
Chapter 6
Silence.
Before the incident he had cherished moments like these, the quiet and peaceful ones. They had helped him relax, to get his strength back after a hard week of constant stressful tasks, letting himself get the rest his body so badly needed, but now…
He hated it.
The silence was suffocating and it was not peaceful as his nerves kept wracking, the nasty habit of nail biting making itself known. He couldn't relax nor rest as everything tore at his soul and body, a pain that wouldn't ease or disappear. Memories kept resurfacing, repeating themselves, tearing him apart. Wounds were torn open repeatedly and fresh excruciating agony flowed out of them.
He couldn't stand it, he needed distractions, he needed noise and movement, he wanted to stop feeling, to be ignorant and forget everything. He didn't want to feel like this because it hurt too much, it hurt so badly. Why couldn't he just let them go?
He had awoken on the couch to find the house empty and eerie, the quiet humming of the air conditioner and his heavy breathing being the only distinguishable sounds. Kyuubi had presumably already gone to work as sunbeams now illuminated the room, his tired eyes squinting painfully at the sudden brightness.
His brother had apparently been considerate enough not to wake him as he couldn't recall having fallen asleep in the first place. He remembered them to have been chatting and munching on raamen by the fireplace, talking about their plans for the evening and then the next thing he knew he was laying on the couch with a blanket around him with sunbeams shining into his eyes.
It was odd that he had fallen asleep so easily, being incredibly vulnerable in such a condition. Though, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened, five days ago he had slumbered in the arms of his brother whilst outside in the rain and then on several other occasions when the Uchihas had been present. He didn't know whether it was because he was exhausted, slightly intoxicated or due to the fact that he felt safe enough to show that particular side. Thinking more deeply about it, he surmised that it might have been a little bit of each.
Despite not having known Kyuubi for a long time, he strangely enough felt as if they had never parted. He couldn't explain the feeling of tranquility and security he felt each time he was around the other male. Perhaps it was because they were family or that they understood each other so well. Frankly, he did not really care. He trusted his brother and he felt less pained around him, so why should he question it?
0-0-0-0
Gripping the blond locks upon his head, he let his hand travel downwards across his face, sighing as he did so, at total loss of what to do. He had done about everything to keep himself occupied, doing chores like house cleaning, trying to keep those painful thoughts at bay but as soon as he finished a task the thoughts would resurface, leaving pain and anguish in their wake.
He was tired of feeling like this, crying over them and his own misery. He knew that it wouldn't change anything, it wouldn't erase their deeds and connection to him but he couldn't help it.
He didn't want to remember them, how they were and the things they did. He wanted to forget, to make it all go away, but he knew that it wouldn't happen. They would continue to haunt his mind, his dreams, his very being. The first time they met, their time in high school, their dates, their graduation, their intimate encounters and the proposal; every single memory that used to bring him happiness would now pierced his heart like a dagger, deep, swiftly and excruciatingly.
-¥-¥-¥-Flashback-¥-¥-¥-
"Come on you moron, we're gonna be late for class." Sasuke impatiently groaned, leaning against the lockers and crossing his arms over his chest as he waited for him to finish. His pitch black hair with navy blue highlights was a vivid contrast against the white shirt of their uniform, bangs parted on top of his head to rest on the sides, short and spiky in the back with gel.
"I know, jerk, but I can't find the damn writing pad." He snarled, rummaging through his locker for the particular one he used for English. He knew he put it in there somewhere…
"You should clean you locker once in a while, dimwit, then we wouldn't face this predicament every time."
"Shut up, bastard..." He muttered, rearranging textbooks and papers in search for it. "Aha! I've found it!" He exclaimed once he spotted it behind a bag of chips, dusting it off before tucking it inside his bag, running to catch up to the raven now a few meters ahead of him.
…
…
"Damn that bastard, he said he was going to get some snacks and that was more than 20 minutes ago…" He grumbled, pouting on his best friend's bed as he stared at the closed door, waiting for Sasuke to come back upstairs.
They had decided to hang out at Sasuke's place to watch some movies in his room, but when Sasuke had gone downstairs to grab some snacks, the minutes had kept on passing and he had never returned.
Finally having had enough of waiting, he walked downstairs, his eyebrow twitching in anger at his best friend's indifference. Onigiri didn't take that much time to prepare, especially if they were bought at the supermarket. Did he do this on purpose?
Hearing the microwave beep on his way to the kitchen, he pulled the door open and yelled. "You bastard! Why the hell did you..." He stopped in midsentence once he entered, noticing an unfamiliar person at the dinner table while Sasuke could be seen by the stove, both looking at him with identically raised eyebrows. "Oh… I'm… I'm sorry..." He blushed before turning on his heels to walk upstairs, his face flaming from embarrassment.
Who the hell was that and why did he look so much like the bastard? Not only that, but why was his heart pounding like he had just run a marathon?
Hearing his name being called as he reached the last step to the second floor, he froze in place before turning around to see his best friend standing by the landing looking irritated. "You moron, come back down…"
"But you've-"
"That's just Itachi, my older brother… he stopped by to grab some things and forced me to make him a snack…" Sasuke muttered with the slightest traces of a pout on his face as he crossed his arms.
Brother?
"That's your brother?" He asked in disbelief, shock evident on his face. Sasuke always talked about the guy but what he had pictured inside his head from his words seemed to be everything but accurate.
Itachi didn't look like a devil incarnated idiot with a tree trunk up his ass. In fact, that description seemed to fit the younger brother better. Inwardly snickering at his thoughts, he raised an eyebrow. "That's the devil incarnated idiot with a tree trunk up his ass?"
"Y-"
"My, my, dear little brother, is that what you've been telling your friends…?" A purring dark voice said, making them both freeze as the male from the kitchen stepped forward from the shadows, a teasing smirk on his face.
"N-no..." Sasuke answered, before turning around to glare up at him. "Naruto's just making things up… right, Naruto?" His best friends said with a twitch of an eyebrow and a fake smile, his eyes promising a fate worse than death if he disobeyed.
"Y-Yeah…" He nervously smiled, scratching the back of his neck while laughing falsely. "I was just… kidding; yeah… it was just a joke… hehe…"
"Oh, really…?" Sasuke's brother said with a raised eyebrow, obviously not buying their little excuse yet deciding to ignore it. "So you must be Uzumaki Naruto then… I've heard a lot about you. Let me properly introduce myself, I'm Uchiha Itachi... It's a pleasure to finally meet you." The man continued in the same husky voice, inclining his head before observing him.
"Y-yeah, nice to meet you…" He politely bowed, face flushing as those smoldering dark eyes stayed fixed on his form.
…
…
He didn't understand what it was.
Every time he looked at the other male, talked to him or heard him speak, his heart would speed up and his face would flush. He was always on his mind, his words, his face, his voice, his smirk. No matter what he occupied himself with, the thoughts would return, leaving him puzzled and afraid.
What was happening to him?
Itachi's voice was dark and husky, gentle and soothing against his eardrums, his face beautiful, not a single blemish or unperfected feature, his skin elegantly pale and smooth. The dark hairs that fell across his shoulders or were tied in a loose ponytail look soft to the touch and the charcoal eyes that at moments seemed lifeless shone with emotion each time their eyes met.
Why did his thoughts paint such words?
He couldn't understand what was wrong with him.
Why did he think of him all the time? Why did he take pleasure in knowing he could make the man smile? Why did that smile make him so unbelievably happy? Why did he shiver in his presence, his face flushing and his nether parts stirring from their close proximity?
What was wrong with him? He liked girls… didn't he?
Not knowing what to make of it, he tried to avoid him, making up excuses not to visit his best friend, saying he was busy or that they could hang out at his place instead. He knew that Itachi rarely visited his family because of his busy life as a college student but he didn't want to take any chances, especially since Itachi had tended to show up each time he visited Sasuke.
Soon this pattern changed as well and he started to distance himself further, choosing to spend more time with Gaara, Kiba and Neji instead, more or less ignoring his best friend. Sasuke was outraged of course and confronted him about it, demanding to know what had happened and why he was ignoring him.
However, he never told him why, he just couldn't. It was sick and gross, how could Sasuke ever look at him again without having to recoil in disgust?
He thus continued to hide as the days went by, trying to cut ties with his best friend, but on one particular day something peculiar happened.
"Naruto…?"
Almost dropping his textbook, he stared at his bedroom door in shock.
"Wha-What are you doing here, Itachi?" He gasped, blinking as if thinking this was yet another dream.
"Sasuke told me about what happened… I thought I should stop by to ask you about it." This was most definitely not a dream, that voice and those eyes, it had to be real. "Iruka let me inside…"
Averting his gaze, he mumbled out a response as he felt a pang in his chest at the words, his hopes being crushed. "Oh…" Of course Itachi wouldn't have come here for another reason other than helping his brother; of course he wouldn't feel the same.
"He tells me that you are avoiding him, why is that? Has he done anything to upset you?"
"N-no… I… just… I'd rather not talk about it…" He stuttered out, uncomfortable with talking to someone he had tried to avoid. Feeling his knees grow weak, he sat down on his bed, trying to calm his raising heartbeat.
"… My brother has changed since your friendship… ended…. He barely sleeps and his eating habits have worsened…" Itachi frowned, trying to capture his gaze. "If he has done nothing wrong then why are you doing this?"
"I…"
"I'm not trying to put the blame on you or judge you in any way but if you still consider him your friend then please try to talk to him again. He needs you…" The dark haired man said, his expression not portraying the pleading emotion in his eyes.
"I'll try…" He answered, irate at himself for having caused his best friend so much pain. He hadn't known that he meant that much to him but he was glad nonetheless. "For Sasuke…"
"Good…"
Seeing the raven walk back toward the door, his heart dropped and he had to fight the urge to cry, looking down at his hands distractedly. Having had these feelings for so long, he had finally realized that he was in love but in a man that would never love him back, a love that was forbidden despite his parent's luck.
The people at school were right, weren't they? He really was the freak they called him, of course no one would-
"Naruto…?"
Lifting his gaze toward the voice a little startled, he suddenly found himself face to face with his infatuation, their breaths intermingling. Not having suspected it at all, he flinched and drew his head back only to notice the other following and closing in.
"Naruto…" Itachi whispered, staring down at him with soft eyes, his brows furrowing worriedly. "Why are you crying?"
He turned his head to side, staring at the carpet below them, refusing to embarrass himself any further. Itachi should leave and let him be as it only rubbed more salt into the wounds, boys his age shouldn't cry and he was sure that Itachi would find him pathetic for doing so.
Feeling his left shoulder being grasped, he turned to face the other male once more, seeing concerned dark eyes staring into his own. "Don't cry, Naruto… I'm sure that whatever's troubling you will be alright…"
He let a few additional tears escape his eyes at the gentle words, touched by the raven's kindness. He couldn't take this anymore, why was he being so kind? He had hurt his brother, why should he care? "I-Itachi, please… could you-" 'Please leave' was what he had intended to say before he was silenced by the action of being pushed backwards onto the bed.
Completely frozen from shock, he watched Itachi's face move in closer, the larger body straddling his own, determined obsidian gazing into his surprised cobalt blue. "Wha…?" He managed to choke out, taken aback and confused.
"…"
An electrifying current instantly went through him as those soft lips touched his own in a chaste but firm kiss and goose bumps spread across his skin like wildfire in response, his eyes grew impossibly wider, gasping to let that tongue sensually slide inside.
-¥-¥-END of flashback-¥-¥-
…
…
'Why… Itachi..?'
'Was I just a fuck-toy to you?'
Squeezing his eyes shut, he let a few tears escape beneath his eyelids as he unsteadily exhaled, trying to calm down.
It hurt so badly, why wouldn't it stop? He couldn't take it anymore.
He hated it. He had never hated anything this much in his life. He was so sick of crying and feeling this way, helpless, self-pitying, sullen and despaired.
Why should he suffer? Why should he always be the one to suffer? What he had ever done to deserve it?
Existing? Being who he was?
Was that it? Was that the fucking reason?
He had done everything. He had taken care of everyone. He had always been there, always. He had tried his hardest, he had fought and struggled, and for what?
To be cheated on and hurt? To be betrayed be those he loved?
Why?
Was he really that unlovable? Was he really the disgusting freak people used to call him? Unworthy of happiness and love? Meant to be broken and detested?
Gripping his locks tightly, he shook his head, trying to wield the depressive thoughts away. Torturing himself like this wouldn't help him in the least, he had to be strong. However, he didn't know how to begin.
He still loved them...
How could he move on when they held a piece of his heart? When he couldn't think about anything except them and their memories together? Of that painful day?
How?
The death of his parents, the mouthing and beatings at high school, the unrequited love, none of it compared to this moment. At those times he had been able to forget, suppress, endure it and move on. Now those methods were as useless as he felt and he was lost.
Back then he had always had something to keep him going, his friends, his family, and his love. He had Kyuubi now, but the thought of losing him or thinking that it was too good to be true still remained and unnerved him. Happiness never seemed to linger in his grasp, it was only a matter of time before it would be replaced by further pain and suffering and he didn't know if he would be able to survive it.
Averting his gaze from his thighs to the window, he observed the dying forest that stretched itself around them. The naked trees stood unsteadily upon the mattered earth and their leafless branches swayed in the faint breeze, undoubtedly creaking in an eerie manner. The cold and icy blue sky above them mirrored the empty sapphires that regarded it, the weak sunbeams reflected his faded blond hair, the swirling dark clouds his shrunken pupil and the light breeze the pain that swept through his core.
Noticing movements and blurs from the corner of his eye to his left, he stiffly turned his head to regard the neighbors raking leaves off the ground, children playing around them, their faces filled with joy and laughter, their merry voices piercing the silence.
It hit him then, staring at happy family through the window across the room.
He should not give up.
He should not let them break him like this.
What had happened had happened and there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn't change it or make it undone. They had chosen each other and despite the pain the announcement brought him, he should just try to accept that.
He and Itachi were just not meant to be, even though he had believed so in the past. Sasuke and Itachi were brothers, they had always loved each other, been there for each other, how could the love he held for them compare to that? He couldn't compete against it and finally knowing the truth, he didn't want to anymore.
A part of him thought it was strange that he wasn't repulsed by the whole ordeal, but in a way he guessed it was because deep down he had always known. Their sudden disappearances, the strange noises from the guest room on certain nights, the constant limping and visible bruises, the lack of intimacy between himself and his former fiancé, the large amount of dirty sheets and Sai's subtle hints. The signs had always been there but he had just been to naïve, ignorant and unwilling to notice.
He wondered if accepting it at that time would have changed anything. Would he had left them sooner and would he have been happier? Would the discovery of finding them in bed together have been less painful and shocking? Would he have speared himself the vicious heartache?
He lightly shook his head again to erase the thoughts, knowing that the questions were a waste of time. Slowly rising to his feet, he walked toward the hallway, knowing Kyuubi would be home at any moment.
0-0-0-0
Stepping out of the black van, he shivered as cold air caressed his skin, his shoulders hunching up closer to his face in an attempt to get warmer as his eyes roved around the surroundings.
His gaze immediately fell upon the new modern skyscraper, towering before him several floors up high. The thousand identical windows reflected the weak afternoon sun, the glass shining clearly.
"Damn it's cold outside…" Kyuubi said as he came to stand beside him, rubbing his hands together lightly. "Let's get inside before we'll freeze to death…"
Nodding absentmindedly, he walked beside his brother with his hands down his pant pockets as they passed the lonely square in front of the tall building.
He had a very bad feeling about this.
Kyuubi had convinced him to meet his younger brothers, saying that they all should get to know each other since they were all practically family, his sibling's smile being so bright that the option of declining flew out the window. However, he could not help but fear the outcome.
He was afraid of what they would think of him, barging in on their brother like this. They would probably question his sincerity, thinking he was some kind of fraud that tricked their brother into believing him. According to Kyuubi they had already been informed yet he had a feeling that it wouldn't have convinced them. Though, in a way it was only natural. They cared about Kyuubi and wanted him out of harm's way and letting a complete stranger move in with him by stating that they were related would certainly raise suspicion.
Exhaling deeply, he rubbed his hands along his upper arms to establish some warmth while they reached the automatic doors, letting the heat of the room surround them.
Kyuubi immediately strode toward the reception desk before telling him to stay put while he would talk to them. Seeing his brother pull his wallet out of his jacket and address the lithe female receptionist, he sighed and looked around the place, admiring the delicate interior design and decorations.
The walls were plain white and simple but the paintings, sculptures and plants that decorated the large room made the place look beautiful and inviting. Turning his gaze toward his brother after having examined a particular painting with a lone tree in a meadow, he noticed Kyuubi turn around and motion him to come forward.
"Yahiko and Nagato want us to meet them at their office, so we'll have to take the elevator…" Kyuubi frowned once he approached him, stuffing his identification back in his wallet before shifting his gaze to his face again. "One of their co-workers will take us there… new policy apparently…"
Nodding, he looked around in search for the person the brothers had sent to help them, expecting a petite women like the receptionist. He was soon proved wrong as he was met by icy blue eyes and long golden hair on a person that unmistakably appeared to be anything but female. Lean muscles rippled underneath black dusted dress pants and a barely unbuttoned white shirt, a black tie hanging loosely from a slender neck.
"Ah, Mr. Katsuhiko*, I see the brats are letting you do the dirty work again…" Kyuubi smirked once the blond man reached them. "Has your boss finally fired you?"
"You wish, Namikaze… I just happened to be on my way down so I thought I might stop by, un…" The blond man smirked, leering at him with his visible eye as the other momentarily stayed hidden beneath his bangs, the hairstyle frighteningly similar to Ino's. "And who might this be, hmm?"
"That's none of your business, Katsuhiko. Now, take us to their office before we'll go up there ourselves…"
"Oh, but haven't you heard of the new house policy? All visitors must be identified before reaching any floors, not to mention that they cannot visit unaccompanied by authorized personal, un…"
"… This is my brother Uzumaki Naruto, which I have told the receptionist and my brothers, now get us there before I'll call them to convince your boss to have you fired once and for all."
"… Brother?" The man said regarding him questioningly, ignoring Kyuubi and his threat.
"Yes, -"
"….. Ah, forgive my rudeness, allow me to introduce myself, I'm Katsuhiko Deidara, Akatsuki's spokesman and PR-consultant; it's a pleasure to meet you." The blond haired man announced, stretching his hand out to grasp his, keeping the smirk in place all the while.
"A-ah, nice to meet you…" He murmured shakily and subtly tried to break his hand free of his grasp, unable to identify the foreign glint within that eye.
"The pleasure's all mine … come along then, Yahiko's not known for his patience…"
"Oh, really? I wouldn't know…" Kyuubi sarcastically replied before following him, glaring daggers at Deidara's back.
…
…
Riding up the elevator to the top floor, Kyuubi and Deidara glared at each other while he quietly observed the two. Since the two had met their argument had gotten worse, though finally having stopped verbally, they were now glaring each other to death.
Rolling his eyes at their childish behavior, he sighed before gazing into the mirror in front of him on the opposite wall. Compared to the reflection that used to stare back at him, the one facing him now looked a little healthier and brighter. His skin wasn't as sickly pale anymore and despite the weary bags and dull eyes, he was starting to resemble his old self somewhat.
He guessed he had his brother to thank for that. The unconditional care and support he was shown was unbelievable and without a doubt the reason for his recovery. If things would have turned out differently, meaning if Kyuubi would have rejected him, he didn't think he would have made it. The pain from the deceit along with the rejection would have broken him so badly that he doubted he wouldn't have tried to end his life.
While he wasn't suicidal and had never imagine himself to be, experiencing so much pain in one day would definitely have made him consider it. At that point, when you are suffering so unbearably, friends and family won't be that much of a comfort unless they're actually there, and then death won't seem that unimaginable anymore.
Hearing a voice announce their arrival at the twentieth floor, he turned his head towards his brother and Deidara only to notice them still glaring. Sighing once more, he stepped out of the elevator. Feeling the two follow him closely he slowed down to let them take the lead.
Walking through the corridor, he ignored their ongoing bickering. Despite their childish antics, it was apparent that they didn't hate each other since their glares and words lacked earnest feelings of hatred. It somehow painfully reminded him of himself and Sasuke, always at each other's throats.
As he contemplated further, absently registering Deidara's and Kyuubi's blurry backs and flailing arms, he was pulled out of his stupor as a door slammed shut with deliberate force. Turning his gaze towards the sound, his breath suddenly got caught in his throat and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
'Itachi!'
…
…
Reaching the second floor, he passed the many doors on his way to Sai's apartment, his footsteps echoing in the lonely corridor, slightly muted by the sounds of the droning traffic in the far distance. Once he approached door number fifteen, he raised his hand to knock on it firmly. Having done so twice, he heard some rustling before the lock was unlocked and the door opened.
"Ah, Neji, come on in..." Sai said once he spotted him, opening the door wider to let him enter. "The others just arrived a few minutes ago…"
Bending down to pull his derbies off, he noticed Gaara's laced boots and Kiba's casual sneakers neatly arranged below him on the floor. Adding his own to the row, he straightened up and followed Sai into the living room.
There he was met by the sight of the redhead and the brunet sipping on some beer and watching television. While he went over to them, Sai turned to the left, probably wanting to grab something from the kitchen.
"Ah, Neji, man, what's up?" Kiba exclaimed once he approached them, rising from the couch to greet him. "You look pale dude, want some beer?" The Inuzuka gestured towards the table where several cans conveniently were placed.
"No thanks, Kiba, I'm fine…" He muttered, internally rolling his eyes at the question, seating himself down on the couch next to Gaara. Kiba and alcohol was never a good combination, the man could not hold his liquor well at all.
"How about tea?" Sai asked while emerging from the kitchen, a tray with cups and a teapot in his hands, as if already having known his answer.
"Thanks…" He said, not at all surprised at the preparation. He did drink tea a lot. Sighing, he threaded his fingers through his tresses.
"… Kiba's right, you know…" Sai said, eyebrows furrowing while he poured tea into two cups. "When was the last time you got some decent sleep?"
"I'm fine… could we please change the subject?"
Sighing exasperatingly, Sai put the teapot down, seating himself as well. "We're all upset about Naruto but there's no need to-"
"No need to worry, is that it?"
"No, that's not-"
"Naruto's in Hokkaidou, all by himself, with some stranger he thinks is his brother." He hissed, his tired state having affected him more than he thought. "How can I not worry?"
"Neji… calm down." Gaara interrupted, more like ordered, but he didn't care.
"Calm down? Why are you all so calm? Our best friend is gone and you don't even seem to care."
"Neji…"
"Gaara did smash their kitchen…" Kiba added, but quieted down as three glares were sent his way.
"Why aren't we trying to find him? I just… I just don't understand….. why won't he tell us where he is?"
"….. He wants some time on his own… and he's afraid the Uchihas might find him…" Sai continued in a soft voice.
"….. He said that?"
"No, but it's obvious… a part of him thinks they wouldn't care while the other knows better. He doesn't want to face them so he rather suffers alone…"
"But that's insane-" Kiba frowned before Sai interrupted him.
"Yes, I know but it's what he wants…We should try to accept that until he tells us otherwise…"
"Accept it…?" He repeated incredulously, glaring at his friend.
"Neji…"
"That might be a simple task for you, to just distract yourself and forget about him, but it is not easy for me. I've been quiet for too many years, always observing them, not being able to tell him how much I…" He quieted down once he noted that he had said too much, shifting his gaze towards the steaming cup in his hands.
"… You love him, don't you?" Sai gently enquired. "More than just a friend..?"
"…Yes…" He reluctantly confessed, not removing his gaze from the dark liquid, feeling awkward and uneasy.
"How long…?"
"…About seven years now…" He sighed after a few seconds, having deliberated on whether to tell them the truth or not.
Like Sasuke and Kiba, he had known the blond for ten years, since he first started high school. But it had not been until graduation that he had realized that the feelings he felt for him were more than those of friendship.
"Seven…? But you've dated-"
"They never lasted more than a month. Male or female didn't matter. I just… kept comparing them to him… and none of them were…"
He had tried dating other people in order to forget about his crush when Naruto had announced his relationship with Itachi but it never worked out. Those people weren't the one he wanted and they could never be. It didn't matter if they were nice, beautiful or unique. His heart already belonged to someone else.
"… How come you never said anything?"
Raising his head, he watched the other three, noticing them all observing him with attentive gazes. There was no disgust in their eyes and for that he was grateful but he still felt uncomfortable talking about it.
"It isn't normal…" He finally responded, though quietly, referring to society's views on homosexuality.
"Who gives a fuck what other people think?" Kiba exclaimed and slightly swayed in his seat. Whether the brunette's cheeks were flushed from embarrassment or the amount of alcohol he had consumed, he couldn't tell. "We would never judge you. Hell, Naruto came out six years ago and no one cared!"
"Naruto's different…"
"Care to elaborate?" Sai added with a raised eyebrow.
"… As a Hyuuga I'm supposed to continue the family line, get married and reproduce. Not to mention that Hiashi's never liked Naruto or the Hatakes because of their sexual orientation. How do you think he would react if he found out I was in love with Naruto? " He sighed, returning his gaze toward his cup.
"Hiashi's an asshole." Gaara spoke, never having liked Hinata's father either. "But nevertheless he cares about you and Hinata. He wouldn't shun you even if you told him because Hinata would never allow it and he cannot afford losing you both."
"Well, even if he would understand, it's not like it would change anything. Because even though Naruto has broken off the engagement with Itachi, he still loves him…" He continued, his heart wrenching painfully at his own words, but there was no use in denying the truth. "He could never love me the way I love him…"
Not needing to raise his head to know that pitiful gazes were sent his way, he mirthlessly laughed. "Pathetic, aren't I? … I've been crushing on my best friend for seven years yet I never told him. I feared the reaction of others and once I found the courage to tell him, he fell in love with another."
"… It might not be too late…" Kiba said, futilely trying to cheer him up.
"It already is. Naruto might never return and he only thinks of me as a friend and nothing more, it will never happen. I guess it's just wasn't meant to be… Loneliness seems to be my fate."
…
…
Faintly hearing Kyuubi and Deidara murmuring something, he watched those obsidian eyes loom closer, fury blazing in their depths. Taking a few steps back, his mind reeled with possible things to say, excuses, anything. His heart began to race and his breathing quickened, his eyes widening as he backed up against the wall, trying to get as far away as possible.
'No, no, no, not now, not now, not now…' He franticly repeated inside his head. He couldn't face him now. His heart wouldn't be able to handle any more pain, it was too fragile, too damaged.
His wide cobalt blue eyes watched every move the other male made, until they slowly narrowed into a frown.
Something was off… terribly so. Only a few feet away from each other, he noticed it.
Itachi wasn't quite as tall as the person in front of him nor were his shoulders that broad or his hair that unruly. There were no characteristic lines beneath those eyes, the nose and mouth were shaped slightly differently and Itachi didn't have his ear pierced. Observing the male as he passed him by, he slowly exhaled in relief once the man vanished out of sight, supporting himself against the wall behind him.
It hadn't been Itachi, just someone with frighteningly similar features.
Turning his gaze toward his company once he calmed down, his eyes met worried crimson and curious icy blue. He figured he must have made a scene, acting like that in the middle of the hallway of all places, though the Itachi-look-alike had not seemed to pay it any mind.
"Naruto, you okay?" Kyuubi asked, walking over to him carefully.
"Yeah, I'm okay… he just-"
"Frightening, isn't he?" Deidara stated with an unreadable expression, interrupting him.
He frowned, not having the slightest idea what the blond man was talking about. He didn't know Itachi, did he?
"Takagi Tobi… the head and founder of Akatsuki…" Deidara continued, this time with the usual smirk in place, moving his head in the direction where the Itachi-look-alike had gone. "You do not want to get on his bad side, un."
Observing the smirking blond as the male turned and started walking away, he and Kyuubi shared a look before slowly following, reaching the doubled door room a few steps ahead of them.
0-0-0-0
"Brother!" A ginger haired male exclaimed once they entered, rising from his chair by the conference table to walk up to them. "What took you so long?" The man's features were lightly scrunched up in a pout, chocolate brown eyes staring accusingly at his eldest sibling, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Blame Mr. Sunshine over there, he insisted on giving us a tour…" Kyuubi muttered, glaring past his gingered haired brother at Deidara by the table behind them, currently talking to another red haired male. "Not to mention that your boss scared the crap out of us on our way here…"
"Hmm, well… we just lost some stocks…" Fingers scratched a tanned cheek nervously, before brown eyes widened and turned to look at cobalt blue. "Oh… I'm so sorry, how rude of me… I'm Sannin Yahiko; it's a pleasure to meet you." The man apologetically said while quickly inclining his head in apology, tanned cheeks darkening with embarrassment, while stretching his hand out to greet him.
"No, i-it's ok, pleased to meet you t-too… I'm… Uzumaki Naruto…" He stammered in return, bowing like the other male, still a little shaken from the incident a few minutes earlier to have paid that much attention, shaking the hand of his brother's brother.
"So… you're from Toukyou, right? Does it-"
Hearing someone harrumph loudly, all eyes turned to look at the redhead currently standing behind Yahiko.
"Oh, Nagato, this is Uzumaki Naruto… Naruto, this is Sannin Nagato." Yahiko said, gesturing with his hand to and fro.
"It's nice to finally meet you." The redhead spoke with an inclination of his head, his long bangs covering most of his face.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you too…" He responded, returning the polite action, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable under the unwanted attention. "Um…"
"How about we ditch this place and go and get some dinner?" Kyuubi suggested, obviously having noticed his discomfort.
"Sure, sounds good to me, just let us get our things and then we'll get going…" Yahiko smiled before excusing himself and leaving the room with Nagato, walking through one of the room's many doors.
"Well, as much as I'd like to witness this interesting family gathering, I'm afraid I have to take my leave." Deidara announced before turning towards him, that smug smirk still in place. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Naruto. I hope we'll meet again soon." Winking, he left the room, leaving him stunned speechless while killing intent rolled off of Kyuubi in waves.
0-0-0-0
"You don't have to be nervous, Naruto, honestly..." Kyuubi reassured as they waited for the two men to show up, leaning against the huge table in the middle of the room while looking at him determinately. "Nagato and Yahiko are really good guys; you've got nothing to worry about."
"I just… won't they think it's odd? That I've just visited you out of the blue and now live with you?"
"Naaah, they're pretty understanding... Besides, they already know we're related and if they're still suspicious, I'm sure they'll change their opinion by the end of the day."
That didn't really make him less anxious, but Kyuubi was right.
However, they did have a reason for being suspicious since this whole ordeal was incredibly unusual and strange. He just hoped that they wouldn't be too judgmental. So far, his first impression of them was different from what he had expected. Yahiko was a lot like he used to be, cheerful and determined while Nagato seemed a little closed off and quiet.
He had imagined them to be more arrogant and prejudiced, but then again, he had just met them so he couldn't be too certain. Waiting with Kyuubi for the brothers to return, he looked around the room distractingly.
The big table Kyuubi leaned against was a light metallic one, quite modern and suitable for an office. Several black cushioned chairs surrounded it, about forty or so if he were to guess, the room obviously being intended for conferences and meetings. Hearing the distinctive sound of a door being opened, he turned to see Yahiko and Nagato standing by the door opening, dressed in their outerwear.
"Shall we get going then?" Yahiko asked, smiling at them.
"Mmm… Let's go." Kyuubi replied.
…
…
Arriving at Itamae, a cozy and beautiful restaurant in the city that served a wide range of delicious dishes and cuisines, they entered and ordered a table for four.
The waiter led them through the main room to a more secluded area, probably for businessmen and such, seeing as Nagato had requested a bit of privacy. The room was beautifully designed and decorated, its tables were of a nice mahogany and the matching chairs were equipped with maroon cushions that looked comfortable and inviting. Each table had a set of lit candles and a vase with cherry blossom sprays, creating a calm, gentle and relaxing atmosphere.
Yahiko and Nagato took the two seats next to each other, facing him and Naruto. Once they were seated, the waiter returned with wet towels so that they could clean their hands before their meal. A cute waitress served them tea and water while they read the menu.
"So… Naruto, any idea of what you might want?" He asked, seeing as Naruto was frowning.
"Eh… no, it's… um…" Naruto mumbled before looking at the menu once more.
"You don't have to worry about the price, just order whatever you want…" He said, assuming that his brother was fidgeting over the prices.
"But-"
"No buts, Naruto. You're our guest." Nagato stated, never taking his eyes off the menu.
Seeing as Naruto pouted but relented, his assumptions had been accurate. He knew that his youngest sibling felt uncomfortable with having everyone pay for him and that he hated to live off of others, but considering that he was their guest and brother, the blond would just have to endure it.
"I think I'll order a dish of bonito sashimi… Kyuubi…?" Yahiko announced and looked across the table at his brother.
"Hmm… I don't know… it's either grilled ayu or shabu-shabu with beef…" He answered, unsure about the two dishes. "But… I think I'll have the shabu-shabu…"
"How about you, Naruto?" Yahiko continued, though gently as not to appear demanding. "Have you decided yet?"
"Um… yeah, I think I'll have shabu-shabu as well…"
He smiled at Naruto's choice, but internally sighed. It was obvious that Naruto still felt uncomfortable and therefore ordered the same dish as him in order to not appear greedy and impolite. He reminded himself to have a little talk with him afterwards. He didn't want his brother to hesitate around him nor force himself to choose things he might not actually like.
"Ok, then that's one bonito sashimi and shabu-shabu for two… Nagato…?" The ginger haired male turned to look at his other brother, noticing the waiter patiently awaiting their orders.
"Make that shabu-shabu for three…" Nagato simply answered.
"… And what would you like to drink?" The waiter asked when they had all chosen what dish they would like, regarding them all.
"Let's order a bottle of red wine, shall we?" Yahiko smiled and turned to the waiter when none of them disagreed, ordering one of the wines on the menu list.
Seeing the dark haired man write down their orders before bowing and exiting, they began to converse, sipping on their pre-offered beverages.
"So, Naruto, how come you decided to visit your brother?" Yahiko began, not one for beating around the bush. "You haven't seen each other in what… 19 years, right?"
"I… when…" Naruto began, swallowing audibly, his eyes shifting nervously, obviously finding it difficult to talk about.
"It's personal, Yahiko." He interrupted, deciding to help his brother out, glaring at his red haired siblings. "He came here, we reunited and that's it. If you're going to interrogate him then you might as well leave."
"Jeez, bro', calm down, we're just curious..." Yahiko replied, slightly stunned, before turning to Naruto. "I apologize; we never meant to offend you-"
"N-no, it's ok, I understand…" Naruto replied, raising his hands slightly. Nodding toward him as if saying thanks, his youngest brother turned to the redheads. "After… after I found out my fiancée was unfaithful, I felt as if I couldn't stay in Toukyou any longer since we had many friends in common…"
"…" Seeing his brothers' slightly guilty-looking expressions, he turned his gaze towards his youngest one, noticing the glazy cobalt blue. It was evident that the incident still tormented him and that speaking of it was reopening the wounds he had tried to close, but Naruto really wanted the approval of his brothers and therefore continued despite the obvious pain it brought him.
"A few months earlier I found Kyuubi's add in the newspaper, the one where he wanted people to join the fitness program, and I instantly became curious." Naruto confessed, facing the other two yet regarding the chopsticks on the table beneath them, raising his gaze occasionally. "Kyuubi isn't a usual name and seeing as the gym lay in Obihiro, I had to look it up. I searched the net for the website and found Kyuubi's picture among the gym instructors… and then… I just knew… I know it may seem odd but I just… I had nothing to lose at that point…"
When Naruto quieted down, he glared at his other siblings. "Happy now…?"
"I…" Yahiko hesitantly began, silencing when their food arrived.
"Kyuubi… stop." Naruto pleaded once the waiter went away, begging him with his eyes to end the bickering. "They deserve to know since they're your brothers too…"
"Yes, but not if you're uncomfortable of talking about it…" He argued under his breath.
"Both of you, please…" Nagato pleaded, raising his hand to silence them both and to gain their attention. "We're sorry for forcing this out of you, Naruto, but I'm sure you understand our concern."
"I do… If I had been in a similar situation I'm sure I would have done the same… You're worried about your brother and I understand that, because I care about him too." Naruto spoke while pain and determination shone through his blue eyes. "I might not know him as well as you do but I hope to change that with time… if you will allow me to, that is…"
"…. Of course..." He and his two brothers answered simultaneously, their tone of voice being the only thing to tell them apart. His tone was loud and determined while Nagato's was calm and gentle and Yahiko's was hesitant yet firm.
"So… shall we eat before the food gets cold?" He suggested, seeing as everyone had quieted down and was staring at each other awkwardly.
Nodding affirmatively, his three younger brothers started eating while lightly continuing the conversation, talking and asking about family, occupation and interests. The redheads were careful not to hurt the blonde by asking too personal questions and tried their hardest not to appear too forward. Naruto did his best to answer and asked similar questions in turn.
0-0-0-0
Soon they were all talking eagerly, laughing, and drinking wine and sake, their food eaten and plates long gone. In fact, they were so preoccupied and distracted that they failed to notice the person observing them from a table a few meters away. A person who listened to their conversation and never took their eyes off a certain blond haired male…
…
€$¥£ Information €$¥£
* Katsuhiko = Deidara's seiyuu (voice actor) is called Kawamoto Katsuhiko, not to mention that Deidara shouts "katsu" (smash, crack, blow) when he activates his explosive art, so I thought the name was appropriate. :) Oh, and I decided not to translate his use of 'un' since 'yeah', 'hmm' or 'uh-huh' seemed too weird for some reason, so instead they'll just be strange nasal-grunts.
Takagi Wataru is the name of Tobi's voice actor in the anime. Uchiha Madara's seiyuu is Uchida Naoya, but 'Uchida' and 'Uchiha' are too similar so I chose to stick with 'Takagi'. I also thought Takagi Tobi sounded quite nicely.
* Shashimi and shabu-shabu = Sashimi is raw sliced seafood. Most types of sashimi are enjoyed with soy sauce and wasabi. Shabu-shabu (meaning 'swish-swish') is a dish similar to sukiyaki, that is, a form of hot pot. The reason it is called 'shabu-shabu' is because one submerses the pieces of meat in a pot of boiling water or broth and swishes them back and forth several times. Shabu-shabu is traditionally made with thinly sliced beef but it is sometimes made with pork and seafood as well. It's usually served with tofu, vegetables, mushrooms as well as udon and mochi.
…
^:_:^ =^_^=
Dun dun dun dun…. Another cliffhanger, am I not cruel? A late update and a cliffhanger, you surely must hate me now… *hides behind Gaara*
I hope you enjoyed the chapter despite its lateness. Thank you for reading and reviewing! ~ chuu (^.^)/
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∆∆∆∆∆∆ REVIEW RESPONSES ∆∆∆∆∆∆
Akiru chan: Thank you so much for the review! I’m glad you liked it; hopefully you’ll continue on reading and enjoy the events that will take place.
nikkie: Well, yeah, unfortunately that’s true. But hopefully both countries will change their stands and opinions in the future, because love is love. ;)
animelover: You’re officially my favorite reviewer, thank you so much for your many wonderful reviews! I’m glad you’re enjoying the story and that you liked Kyuubi, I’ve been slightly unsure about him. I hope you liked this chapter too and that you’ll continue on reading, I love you too! *Hugs*
Laniel12777: Thank you for the sweet words! I’m glad you like the story, hope this chapter didn’t disappoint.
Liz Rose:You’re Laraine? I had no idea, thank you so much for your reviews! I’m really happy you like it. Well, a lot of people were disappointed that I didn’t make Gaara use the axe, so to cheer you all up I added it in the previous chapter. I hope you liked this chapter as well and that you’ll continue on reading. *Hugs*
shinigami:Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I’m glad you like the story and thought Gaara was hilarious, I do try! XD Hope you liked this chapter too and that you’ll continue on reading. Thank you!
Simi: Hehe, you don’t have to feel obliged to review, I’m happy as long as I know that people read it and like it somewhat. And as for being busy, I totally understand, so thank you for taking the time to review! Hmm… well, I guess you could borrow Gaara for a couple of days, but be careful… he bites… Tack så mycket för dina underbara kommentarer, jag älskar dem allihop! Hoppas att allt e bra med dig! *Kramar*
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Arigatou gozaimasu, minna-san! Hontou ni gomen nasai.
If you have the time and feel like it, please review….
Take care. Hugs =^_^=
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