Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Fate's Entwined	By : sasunaru16 Category: Naruto AU/AR > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2081 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own own Naruto or any of Masashi Kishimoto's characters. (Wish I did, but I don't.) Nor am I making any profit off of this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
I do not own Naruto or any of the characters. All that belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 7
He’s late.
He had heard about his chronic tardiness but he had thought it had just been Sakura complaining. After all, why agree to meet at a certain time if you were not going to show up at the agreed time? Trying to calm himself he took a quick breath and glanced at the clock.
It was already 10:05.
He felt his eye begin to twitch.
They had agreed to meet at nine.
He was glaring at the clock so intently that he jumped when he heard the sudden slam of a door. He looked away from the clock but saw no one. Then a running shower could be heard. He sighed. Guess it was going to be one of those mornings. Rubbing the back of his neck, he rose from the sofa to make some tea.
He’s less cranky when there’s already tea made.
Sighing, Sai dropped down onto the sofa he had been sleeping on for the past ten days. Someone knocked on the entrance door. Sai’s eye twitched again.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Pushing up from the sofa he slowly made his way to the door. The bastard could wait. He had made Sai wait all morning. Sai winced when he felt his back suddenly pop. He really wished Sasuke would just let him sleep in one of the bedrooms. Sai knew Sasuke was just being an ass because the apartment had three bedrooms, Sasuke’s included. How much would it hurt to let Sai sleep in one? It wouldn’t hurt at all that’s what!
He paused in front of it and decided to give Kakashi a taste of his own medicine. Sai couldn’t help but smirk. That is until he realized Kakashi wasn’t alone. Sai frowned and concentrated on listening to whoever it was talking to Kakashi. (Completely forgetting the peephole.)
“What…you…you’re late….usual!”
Even though he only caught some of what was being said, he realized the three things; Kakashi was being lectured, Sakura was the one doing the lecturing, and she sounded pissed.
Shit! She’s libel to break the door in.
Sai quickly fumbled with the door handle. If he let her break the door in Sasuke would have a fit—which would probably just be him giving Sai a death glare. But Sai didn’t want that either! Once he had the door open he got an eye full of a contrite Kakashi and a red faced Sakura. When Sakura realized he had already opened the door she quickly cut of her ranting. She was suddenly smiling at Sai and rummaging through a bag she had at her feet. She handed him what looked like a wrapped plate of homemade momen tofu.
Sai held the plate away from himself and stared at the momen tofu for a second. Not quite sure why she had given it to him, he frowned at her in confusion. Her smile softened and she shook her head.
“It’s a gift.” She pushed the plate a little closer to his chest. “For you.”
Sai wasn’t sure why she had given him a gift since he it wasn’t his birthday. That was next month.
“I’m still not sure I understand.”
Sakura chuckled.
“It’s a thank you for looking out for Sasuke and letting me know how he’s been doing.” She shrugged.
Still unsure but grateful nonetheless, Sai began to thank her for the gift.
“So is that where your clone was last night?” Sasuke asked suddenly.
Sakura’s eyes widened and Sai tensed. Kakashi showed no reaction. Sai turned to look at Sasuke, who stood leaning against the kitchen counter. This was the second time Sasuke had surprised Sai. Either Sai was slacking or Sasuke hid some very honed stealth skills no one knew about. When Sasuke raised his left brow at Sai’s silence, he realized Sasuke was still waiting for an answer.
“Yeah but he has only been doing it because I asked him to.” Sakura answered in Sai’s defense.
“To what?” Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “To spy on me?”
Sai saw Sakura’s emerald eyes harden at the accusation. Instead of backing off and letting it go she pushed past Sai. Sasuke straightened up from leaning against the counter. Sakura did not stop until she stood face to face with her ex-team mate.
“No I asked him to let me know how you were doing. After what happened with that idiot Iguru I wanted to make sure you were all right.” She gave him a once over. “Judging by your attitude and healthy complexion I guess you are.”
Sai held back a wince at the obvious disdain in her voice. After having been with Sasuke 24/7, Sai knew that he was only being defensive because he felt he had been tricked. Not wanting for the two to end the comradery just as it was beginning again, Sai decided to interfere.
“Sasuke. Sakura-chan was only worried about your well-being. The reason she has not come to see you was because I told her not to.”
Sasuke said nothing but with how close Sai was to him now he was able to see the quick change in his eyes. He was upset. Perhaps hurt? But of course he wouldn’t say anything.
“I told her not to come because of how tired you seemed from the orphanage.” Sai sighed and looked away from Sasuke. “But I suppose that only made it worse.”
Sai gripped the plate of momen tofu a little harder. What if the progress Sasuke had been making was now shot thanks to Sai? Was he going to have to start all over with Sasuke? What would he tell Naruto?
The tea kettle suddenly whistled, making them all jump. Well except for Kakashi.
Sighing, Sasuke walked around Sakura and Sai to turn off the kettle. Then he began to rummage around the kitchen cabinet. As he was placing the four cups he pulled from the cabinet on the counter he spoke.
“Why tofu?”
Sakura and Sai looked at each other in shock. Was he not upset anymore? Sakura looked at the momen tofu then to Sai and giggled. Sai blushed.
“Sai loves momen tofu.” She answered just as Sasuke turned back around.
Sasuke looked at the plate in Sai’s hand then looked Sai in the eye and shrugged. Sai wondered if that shrug was not only about his liking tofu. All three occupants of the kitchen turned when they heard the door close. They had left Kakashi outside.
That’s what you get for being late.
“Oh I forgot!” Sakura said suddenly.
She thanked Kakashi and grabbed the bag that was in his hand. When she placed in on the kitchen counter there was a soft thud. Just as she had done before she reached in and pulled out another rapped plate of something. Turning away from her bag she handed the plate to Sasuke—who was completely caught off guard, already drinking his tea.
Sai had a feeling they were going to have to restock the tea supply soon with how much Sasuke seemed to like it.
Sasuke’s reaction to the gift practically mirrored Sai’s early. Only difference was he kept drinking his tea while looking from the plate to Sakura. Huffing, Sakura cradled the plate in one hand against her middle and took away Sasuke’s tea away with her other. After placing the cup back on the counter, she pushed the plate into a stunned Sasuke’s hands.
Curious, Sai got closer to see what Sakura had given to Sasuke. Underneath the clear wrapping were several onigiri spiraled atop the plate. Sai counted at least ten of them. He noticed Sasuke harden his grip on the plate. Was he upset? Sure enough when Sai looked at him he was frowning.
“You remembered.” Sasuke said quietly, still staring at the plate filled with onigiri.
“Of course. A girl never forgets.” She said proudly.
“I haven’t had this in a long time.” Sasuke said quietly again.
“Well how about you go and have some at the table.” Sakura said grabbing two of the cups of tea.
She made her way from the kitchen and set the two cups on the dining table. Sai followed her and set his plate of momen tofu on the table. He followed her back to the kitchen to get the last two cups but saw she already had them. He looked at Kakashi who had been staring at Sasuke the entire time. He couldn’t imagine how the shinobi felt seeing his two pupils together after so long. All they needed now was Naruto.
Sakura nudged Sasuke towards the dining table.
“Come on.”
Sasuke hesitated again, until he noticed that Kakashi and Sai were also heading to the table. He looked at Sakura who was smiling at him now. Anger completely gone. If he didn’t plan on reuniting with everyone again, now was the time to make sure that didn’t happen. But he didn’t want that. Not with everything that had happened. Honestly he wasn’t too sure what he really wanted but there was one thing he knew for sure. He couldn’t go back to the way he had been heading. Whether it was because of Itachi’s eyes or not didn’t matter. The path he was going on now didn’t carry as much weight—at times it even felt right. Now he just had to be man enough to continue down it without running back the fucked up way he had just come from.
He made his way over to the dining table and sat in the same seat he had last night. Also just like last night Sai sat next to him with a seat between while Kakashi sat in front of Sai. As Sakura sat down in front of him she placed his cup of tea in front of him. She even refilled what he had already drank with the kettle that one of them had brought from the kitchen. Sasuke noticed Sai offer some of his momen tofu to Kakashi.
“Ah. No thank you. Sakura and I have already eaten.” Kakashi declined, shaking his hand.
Sasuke looked at Sakura who nodded in agreement. Shrugging, Sasuke only partially removed the wrapping so he could leave the rest for later.
“So is that why you were late?” Sai asked, grabbing the chopsticks a student had decorated for him.
“Ah. No. I had to help this cat—”
“Liar!” Sakura hissed.
Sasuke shook his head. Apparently Kakashi still had the habit of being late and was full of ridiculous excuses. He glanced at Sakura, who apparently had changed quite a bit. Not that it looked like a bad change but it had definitely caught him off guard. Not that he would admit that out loud of course. Which made him wonder about how much or how little Naruto had changed.
“So are they ok Sasuke?” Sakura suddenly asked.
Confused at first by the sudden question he stared at her for a moment. Until he realized she was asking about the onigiri. He nodded. He had already eaten three. As he began to wrap the onigiri back up he suddenly got an idea. He could use the rest of the onigiri as a motivator for the archery lesson today. He counted them and frowned when he realized there were only seven left. He knew the orphans would feel left out if they all didn’t get an onigiri.
“What’s wrong?” Sakura asked when she noticed his frown.
Before he could say anything Sai suddenly looked from the plate to Sasuke.
“There are only seven left. Not enough for the class, huh?” Sai asked rhetorically.
Sasuke looked away from Sakura to stare silently at Sai.
Sasuke really wished Sai would keep his mouth shut sometimes. While he would never admit to it aloud, Sasuke had noticed how Sai and his odd relationship had slowly developed. He still wasn’t sure why or how it had happened but it had. Go figure the first relationship he would develop would be with someone as weird as Sai. Sasuke also had the feeling that his growing relationship wasn’t going to stop at having him as an ‘odd acquaintance’. He had a bad feeling Sai was going to end up being his ‘odd friend’ before the five years were up.
“Oh! Well I can show you how to make them.” Sakura offered.
“I don’t have anything to make them with.” Sasuke said flatly.
“Oh.”
Sasuke actually felt bad when he saw how deflated his response made her.
I wonder if we can use the kitchen at the orphanage.
He had a feeling Urushi wouldn’t mind, hell he’d probably be surprised by it. Sasuke got up from the table to rinse his cup of tea and put away the onigiri in his fridge. Once that was done he headed to his room to grab some money so he could buy the ingredients that would be needed. He did all this without paying attention to the others who still sat at the table watching him. When he emerged from his room he noticed that Kakashi, Sai, and Sakura were still sitting at the table. They were all staring at him.
“What are doing?” Sai asked.
“Is everyone done?” Sasuke asked, ignoring Sai’s question.
When they all slowly nodded Sasuke went to grab their glasses but Sakura beat him to it. Grabbing the kettle to return it to the kitchen he found her also rinsing the cups out. While she was drying her hands he rinsed the kettle. Sai came into the kitchen and also put away what was left of his tofu. Kakashi stood to the side to await and see what was going to happen next.
Once that was all done Sasuke pulled out a scrap of paper and pencil. He hunched over the counter then looked at Sakura.
“What do I need for the onigiri?” Sasuke asked.
Sakura blinked at him a couple of times.
“Are you going to make it at the orphanage?” Sai asked Sasuke.
Sasuke glanced at him and nodded.
“Oh. Well why don’t I just go with you and we look for it together?” Sakura asked excitedly.
Sasuke hesitated.
“I can also show you how to make it at the orphanage.” Sakura offered still excited.
He hesitated momentarily but then nodded in agreement. It would was best to make sure he did it right without getting the kids sick. He never would have expected to go shopping with Sakura this morning. After waking up and remembering Kakashi’s visit from the night before, he had planned on sparring with Sai again. At least with this he could do something for the orphans after they had to suffer through his first attempt at cooking. Especially since the orphanage couldn’t really afford to waste food.
Sasuke blinked.
I’m thinking about the orphans again.
At first he had occasionally thought about Shinobu and if he was alright. Then after the doll and sword incident he had started to think about how they were all doing. Of course then that dumb bitch, Keiri, had hurt Sora and now he thought about them even more. Were they alright? Had they eaten? Was Sora still scared of the kitchen towel?
This sometimes made him wonder about when his probation was up what he would do. That was when he caught himself giving some real thought to becoming a caretaker. While the responsibilities were hard, he knew he could handle them. The only issue he could see with that would be the stupid council. He knew they wanted him to revive the Uchiha clan and he couldn’t do that if he stayed in the orphanage. Then again he didn’t give a shit about what they wanted either.
“Sasuke I’m gonna drop by and talk to Ino real quick. Then we can head to the vendor, ok?” Sakura asked suddenly interrupting his thoughts.
He quickly nodded when he realized she was still waiting for his response. He had not even realized that they were already by Yamanaka Hana shop. He had been so caught up thinking about the orphanage—again! When he glanced at Sai and Kakashi he was relieved to see them not staring at him. While he didn’t really remember the walk over, he did remember that he had at least locked up his apartment.
From where he was standing he could see the inside of the shop through one of the windows. He saw Sakura and Ino talking about something. He guessed it had something to do with the orphanage when Sakura indicated towards its general direction. Sasuke was about to look away from the two when Sakura suddenly leaned towards a frowning Ino.
What the…
If Sasuke didn’t know any better he would say that Sakura was kissing Ino.
Ino’s hand reached the back of Sakura’s head and fisted her pink her. Instead of ripping Sakura off like he thought she was going to, Ino pulled Sakura as close as the counter between them would let them.
Well that is something I didn’t expect. Sakura—no both of them haven’t certainly changed a lot.
With as much subtlety as he could, Sasuke tried to move away from the shop’s window. Until his shoulder connected with a smirking Sai.
“I knew there was something about those two.” Sai said still smirking.
Sasuke frowned.
“You mean you didn’t know about it?” Sasuke asked.
“Know about what?” Sakura suddenly asked from behind Sasuke.
Sai’s smirk became slyer.
“That you and Ino.” Sai licked his lips. “Are very friendly.”
When Sasuke saw Sai’s smirk widen into a catlike grin, he couldn’t help but glance at Sakura behind him. Sakura was beet red. Sasuke was surprised she would even be that embarrassed after the way he saw her kiss Ino. He guessed she was only zealous with Ino but shy around others about it.
“Sai you shouldn’t pick at her unless you want to pick up your teeth from the Hokage Mountain.” Kakashi said flatly, reminding all three of them that he was still there.
Sai’s grinned slipped. Sasuke guessed that Kakashi either already knew about Sakura and Ino’s relationship or didn’t care. Deciding to get the shopping underway, Sasuke began to head towards the vendors. He didn’t want to take so long that the onigiri wouldn’t be ready on time.
Sasuke was just handing Sakura an apron when someone suddenly hugged his leg. Without even looking down he already knew who it was. Ignoring Shinobu, Sasuke gave Sakura the apron and donned his own. With Shinobu still attached to his leg he started to remove the items he had bought at the vendors. He dragged the large bad of rice off to the side so no one would trip over it. Then he place a medium sized pot onto the stove and then dropped an old wooden spoon into it.
“Um, Sasuke. I think something’s attached to your leg.” Sakura giggled.
“Hn.”
Said someone peered around Sasuke’s leg to look at Sakura. Sakura just got to see an unruly mop of blond hair and grey eyes before the chubby face hid again. Sakura giggled again.
“Oh you must be Shinobu-kun. Naruto’s told me so much about you.” Sakura smiled.
As Sasuke was trudging towards the rice, he stumbled a little when Shinobu suddenly peered around his leg again. Sasuke grit his teach and finally looked down at Shinobu. Instead of being intimidated, Shinobu just smiled up at him. Sakura giggle again and Shinobu finally let go of Sasuke’s leg to stand and look at Sakura.
“You know Naru-nii?” Shinobu asked excitedly.
Sakura nodded.
“Yes I’ve known him for a long time.” She held out her hand. “I’m Sakura.”
Shinobu’s eyes widened and he took a slight step away from her. Sasuke’s eyebrow rose and looked from Sakura to Shinobu.
“What’s the matter?” Sakura asked Shiobu.
“Well Naru-nii says that you can be pretty scary.” Shinobu said timidly.
Sasuke couldn’t help but snort when he saw Sakura’s eye twitched.
“Damn that Naruto.” Sakura sighed.
“Hn.” Sasuke agreed.
“I won’t be scary.” She held her hand out to Shinobu again. “I promise.”
Shinobu hesitated for a moment and looked at Sasuke. Rolling his eyes, Sasuke booted Shinobu over to Sakura. Just as he expected Shinobu rubbed his butt and glowered at Sasuke—no longer scared of Sakura. When Shinobu finally grabbed Sakura’s hand he could only blush and drop his head at her smile. Sasuke rolled his eyes again and began to wash the rice.
Just like Naruto.
“Sasuke.”
He turned to look and found Sakura smirking at him.
“When were done how about a little sparing?” She asked. “After all those two shouldn’t be the only ones to have fun.”
Sasuke thought about it. She had said making the onigiri wouldn’t take too long. Also Sai and Kakashi had already asked Urushi if they could borrow the training field out back. And since the orphans would not be having any lessons outside today he had agreed. Only condition was for them to not damage it—too much.
Sasuke finally nodded.
Why not?
He continued to wash the rice.
Could be interesting.

He couldn't stop the smirk from forming on his face. Panting, he leaned against the tree he was hiding behind. He had not been this excited for a long time. He looked at the kunai in his hand and tightened his grip on it. Its heaviness brought back an odd nostalgic feeling of comfort. He was still surprised Kakashi had loaned it to him. Then again he figured Kakashi only did it to even the match since Sasuke had no weapons or chakra.
What they didn't know was that he wasn’t that dependent on chakra. Or even weapons. But that would be his secret. For now.
He ducked when he felt a subtle disturbance in the air just before the tree was snapped in half. Splinters of wood flew everywhere as he rolled away for cover. Just as he kneeled up from his roll he had to spin around and block a kunai with Kakashi’s kunai. Deflecting Sakura’s kunai Sasuke flipped over her and kicked at her head.
Sakura guarded her face from his kick with her forearm. Before she could grab the leg that had kicked her arm he flipped away again. Sasuke suddenly sprinted into the trees. He started to give quick attacks and hide back in the trees. He was so fast she couldn’t really see him. Luckily she was at least quick enough to defend against his kunai swipes.
She wondered if even Sai or Kakashi could see Sasuke. Kakashi probably could if he used his sharingan. She hadn’t expected him to be so fast. Especially without his chakra. Experiencing his skill at this level amazed her. Yet she wondered, if he was like this without his chakra how much stronger was he with it? Furthermore, she had a chilling suspicion he was actually still holding back.
Sakura glanced behind her towards the trees where she had seen Sai head to. She knew he was going to report all of this Tsunade since he had to. Sakura was worried about how Tsunade would take it since Saskue could be seen as a possible danger to Konoha. Yet with what Sai had been telling her and what she had seen while spending the day with Sasuke she wondered. Sasuke still didn’t talk much and tried to remain behind a wall. She had seen how Sai and Sasuke had somehow grown on each other—hell even Sai seemed different. Then there was the way he had been with the orphans, especially Shinobu. If she didn’t know any better Shinobu was probably beginning to see Sasuke as a father figure.
She was suddenly ripped from her thoughts when she found herself thrown in the air. Sasuke had grabbed her by the arm while she was distracted and thrown her towards a large old tree. Before she hit the tree, she flipped and dropped herself down to the ground to try and stop her momentum. The dirt kicked up from her digging heels and she only hit the tree with the slight bump of her ass. Though it would have sucked to have hit the tree with how Sasuke had thrown her, she had a feeling he had taken it easy on her.
Sakura panted and glanced around for Sasuke. Just as she was glancing towards her left she noticed a leaf slowly fall down in front of her.
“Shit!” She gasped and pushed away from the tree.
Quickly spinning around and facing the tree she had been leaning against, she caught sight of Sasuke hiding in its limbs.
Why couldn’t I sense him?!
Sakura took a deep breath and shook herself to get rid of her rattled state. Sasuke suddenly launched himself at her. She was so busy defending herself against his speed that she didn’t even notice that his launch from the tree had not disturbed any of the leaves. Both were now facing each other off in the midst of the crowded woods. Fists flew at each other only for them to be dodged or countered. The woods were filled with the sounds of thudding punches or kicks and the clang of kunai.
Sasuke suddenly caught Sakura with a punch to her stomach. Gasping Sakura skidded away to quickly recover from his blow. Taking in a deep breath, she leaned against an old tree with her right arm. She quickly pushed away from it when she noticed Sasuke heading for her straight on. Suddenly he disappeared into the trees to her right. Sakura remained still and tried to calm her breathing so she could listen for his attack. He suddenly kicked at her from her left. Dodging his kick Sakura threw her kunai at him, only for it to thud into the trunk of a tree she had just been leaning against. Sasuke smirked at her from his squatting position at the base of said tree. Sakura narrowed her eyes and then pulled her fist back.
“SHANNARO!” Sakura yelled.
There was a loud explosion and the ground shook as if an earthquake had just hit. Panting Sakura stood and looked at the crater she had created where Sasuke had once been. She glanced around to see if she could spot him anywhere. Sakura winced when something suddenly gleamed from the crater. Cautiously, she jumped into the crater and kneeled next to the object that had gleamed in the sun. Frowning, Sakura grabbed the kunai and brought closer to her face to inspect it. This wasn’t her kunai so it had to be the one Kakashi had let Sasuke borrow.
Sakura gulped.
Oh boy. Did I kill him?
Suddenly the sun was no longer at her back. Just as she turned on her ankle to deflect his attack she found herself pinned underneath him. Sakura blinked when she realized that Sasuke wasn’t going to stop. The sun gleamed against what she realized must be her own kunai as he brought down towards her. She was about to scream at him to wait when she realized something.
Sasuke was smiling.
Sakura gasped as she heard the thud of the kunai as Sasuke stabbed it into the ground half a foot away from her head. Then suddenly a blur of black and orange rammed into to Sasuke. He was thrown so far that he hit one of the trees that had not been damaged by her attack. Sakura winced when she saw Sasuke smack like a rag doll into the tree and thud to the ground.
Sasuke coughed and gasped while pushing himself up, using the tree for support. Blinking he looked over to where Sakura was. Sakura could see him go still in utter shock. Concerned Sakura followed Sasuke’s shocked stare. Her eyes widened when she noticed why Sasuke had gone so still at the new comer. To say she was surprised would be an understatement. That was when she also noticed how angry the person who attacked Sasuke was. Just as she opened her mouth to explain that they had only been sparring, he kicked away from the ground. He was headed for Sasuke. And he meant business.
Oh boy.
Sakura tried to get up as quick as she could but the tackle Sasuke gave her wasn’t helping. Wincing she stood and then noticed something that Sasuke and the new comer didn’t. Shinobu was already running towards Sasuke. He was running straight into the battle. Gasping, Sakura pushed herself up and started to sprint as fast as she could. When Naruto’s hand suddenly shinned she realized he had a kunai in his hand. And it was aimed straight at Sasuke.
Sakura knew Sasuke could dodge it easily. She glanced at the incoming Shinobu. But she knew he wouldn’t be able to with Shinobu already heading his way. Afraid for Shinobu, Sakura screamed as loud as she could. Shinobu did the same.
“NARUTO! S-T-O-P!”
“SA—SUKE!”

Earlier…
He grinned when he saw the open familiar tall green gate doors of home. His grin dropped a little when he felt a nudge against his stomach. He quickly peeked at his jacket to make sure there wasn’t an odd bump. He breathed a sigh of relief when he noticed it wasn’t more bulgy than usual.
After greeting the shinobi on gate duty Naruto headed towards his apartment. He needed to make a quick stop before turning in his report. Just when he was about to jump up onto one of the roofs of a nearby building he was nipped in the stomach. Wincing he fell back and hit the wall of the building behind him. He stilled and looked around. Sure enough he was being stared at by some of the villages. Naruto quickly stood up from the wall and waved at them. Once they were satisfied with his greeting he headed over to an emptier street. He paused just before jumping and looked around to see that no one was watching him. Satisfied, he glared at his jacket and poked at it.
“Ami you can’t keep moving around in there if you don’t want to be found out!” Naruto whispered.
“Sorry but it’s so stuffy in here.” Ami’s muffled whine came from inside his jacket.
Naruto sighed.
“I know I’ll let you out as soon as we get to my apartment ok?”
Ami wiggled in his jacket.
“Ok.”
Shaking his head, Naruto pressed his sandal clad feet into the ground. Readying himself to jump up to the building’s roof in front of him.
“Ok Ami I’m gonna jump now. Brace yourself.”
When he felt Ami’s little paws grip onto his black net shirt he pushed of the ground. When he landed on the roof he heard Ami make a soft ‘oof’ sound. He told her to brace herself for a quick run and then took off to his apartment. He was sure if anyone saw him holding the bottom of his jacket to himself as he did now they would have looked at him as if he were crazy.
Naruto pulled out his key when he finally landed on the small balcony of his apartment. He made sure to close and lock his door once he was inside. Not bothering to take off his shoes since he was going to be leaving soon he sat on his bed. Careful not to drop Ami he slowly unzipped his jacket. With a little help from Kurama they had figured out how to have Ami shift herself into a more manageable size. Naruto thought she looked adorable—like a cute fox pup.
Smiling Naruto stroked Ami’s golden fur.
“Ami are you going to be ok here by yourself?” Naruto asked, rubbing her behind the ear.
At first Naruto wasn’t sure she had heard his question. Then when she suddenly backed away from him and hissed he knew she had. He sighed.
“You don’t have to get your fur in a bunch I was only asking.”
He stood from the bed and headed into the kitchen to make a quick mental list of what he was going to need to stock up on. Looked like he was going to need to stock up on everything. He frowned and glanced at the calendar. Peering at it for a moment, he counted the days he had been gone.
“Holy crap! I’ve been gone for ten days!?” He exclaimed.
That explained the musty smell from his apartment. When he came back he was going to have to air it out. Sighing, he went in search of Gama-chan since it would be best to get everything done soon. Since he had been saving up he was pretty sure Gama-chan should be full. When he re-entered his bedroom he made sure to ignore Ami. He knew how much that irritated her but Ami needed to realize he wasn’t someone to push around.
They had started to get along but then she would have little fits like this. What if she kept having fits and ended up hurting herself? He would live in constant worry and he really didn’t want to live that way. Sometimes Naruto wondered if it had anything to do with her age. Kurama had said that technically she would be teenager if she were human. But he was no expert in understanding girls so he let that go. What he did know was that when he ignored her instead of getting mad at her she came around faster.
Humming, Naruto rummaged around his dresser in the corner of his room. He heard the subtle movement of Ami’s small kitsune body on his bed.
3. 2. 1.
Ami was suddenly on his shoulder nuzzling his neck. Shaking his head, Naruto shoved Gama-chan in his back pouch and headed back to his bed—holding Ami so she wouldn’t fall. Once he was sitting on his bed he grabbed Ami from his shoulder and gently placed her on his leg. She rubbed her small golden head into his open palm then looked at him.
“I’m sorry.” She said quietly.
Naruto sighed.
“Look I know that Kurama and I talked about you staying with me but you never said anything.”
Naruto smiled softly and continued to stroke her golden head.
“You know if you’d rather not stay that’s ok. I can help you find—”
“No!”
Ami suddenly scampered up from Naruto’s leg and buried her head into his chest. Frowning, Naruto rubbed Ami’s head with his thumb. When she started to shake a little Naruto really got worried. He picked her up from his chest with both his hands and brought her to his face. Ami dangled in his hands as Naruto stared at her in shock. She was crying.
“Ami what’s wrong?” Naruto asked in worry.
He turned her so he could see if her injury was bothering her. It was well on his way to healing.
“Ami are you hurt?” He asked, cradling her to his chest.
Her small head shook.
“Well then what’s the matter?”
“I-I don’t w—want to find some—somewhere else.” She hiccupped.
Naruto sighed then smiled. This little fox was going to be a handful. He could tell already.
“Ami you don’t have to go. I just thought maybe you didn’t want to stay with me.” Naruto confessed.
Ami’s head popped up and she finally looked at him.
“But I do!” She gasped.
Realizing this might take a while Naruto made himself more comfortable on his bed. Once he was leaning against the wall with Ami tucked into his lap he spoke again.
“Then why are you always fighting me?” Naruto asked.
Naruto stared at Ami, who seemed to be contemplating her answer. When he looked at her like this she looked so small. Granted she wasn’t tiny since she was almost the size of Pakkun. While in her original size Naruto thought she looked beautiful, her small size suited her more. Naruto felt that it better illustrated her age and personality—adorable and feisty.
“I know it might sound stupid but,” She sniffled. “Maybe because I’m scared you’ll leave me too.”
“Look.”
Naruto smiled at her and lifted her chin.
“I know what it’s like to lose someone close to you. I know the agonizing pain that tears at you when you see others happy with their own loved ones. While we may never fully recover from such loses I have found a way to ease the pain.”
Ami sniffled and rubbed at her ruby eyes.
“How?” She asked quietly.
Naruto smiled and lifted her up to his nose.
“By remembering our loved ones and by simply living. My parents and Jiraiya may be gone but I still have a family through Kurama and my friends.”
He rubbed her muzzle with his nose.
“What about you? Would you like to be part of my family?”
Her ruby eyes widened then glossed over.
“Yeah!” She barked and licked his nose.
Naruto laughed at her excitement.
“Right. Well as your big brother I have to protect you.” Naruto said seriously placing her on the bed.
Ami stared at him as he got off the bed and created a clone. The clone smiled and sat on the bed taking out a familiar box.
“Alright. Ami I need to report in and run some errands. But I’ll leave a clone to stay with you, ok?”
Ami frowned for a second which made Naruto worry. Then she suddenly barked in excitement.
“Ok. But I can stay right?” She asked peering up at him from his bed. “Even after you come back?”
“Of course.” Naruto rubbed her golden head again. “Ami you can stay with me for as long as you like!”
Ami smiled, her ruby eyes glistening. Just as Naruto was closing the front door to his apartment he heard his clone ask Ami a question from the bedroom.
“Ami want to play some card?”
Laughing, Naruto left his apartment to head over to the mission desk. On the way there he was greeted by almost all the villagers. Some were simple nods or quick hellos while others were “Good to see you back!” It still amazed him how everything had changed since his fight with Pein. He was finally becoming part of his village.
After he turned in his somewhat fudged mission report he headed to the hokage's office. He still felt kind of bad for leaving out some of the details from his mission. But it was for Ami's sake. He had to make sure no one knew about her. At least not till he figured out how to protect her from that Inugami.
He wondered if there was any information about yokai's in the the Konoha archives. But if he didn't want anyone finding out about Ami, he was going to have to break in rather than ask Tsunade for permission.
“Hey Naruto. It’s good to see you back.”
Interrupted from his musing, Naruto stopped walking. He smiled when he saw Shizune standing in front of him with her clipboard smiling.
“Hey Shizune! Is the old hag in?” Naruto asked.
Shizune's lips twitched.
“No actually. She's sleeping in.”
“She got another hangover?” Naruto snorted.
Shizune finally let a small chuckled escape her lips and shook her head.
“No. Actually she stayed in pretty late last night.”
Shizune leaned towards Naruto as if to tell him a secret.
“She was actually doing some work.” She whispered proudly.
Naruto blinked for a second at the news then burst out laughing.
“Wow. Wish I could have seen that.” Naruto shook his head. “So when's she she coming back in?”
“To be honest,” Shizune shook her head. “I’m not too sure.”
Naruto shrugged. It wasn't like he had to see her that bad. Deciding to meet her later Naruto was about to tell Shizune goodbye when he remembered something.
“Hey Shizune where's Sasuke?”
At first Shizune didn't respond which didn't bother Naruto too much. The question no doubt caught her off guard. What did worry him was that Shizune suddenly looked nervous.
“What?” Naruto stepped closer to her. “Did something happen?”
Shizune actually looked away from and he saw her grip tighten on her clipboard. Naruto clenched his jaw. He didn't like her reaction. It made him worry that something had happened to Sasuke.
“Shizune is Sasuke alright?” Naruto asked in earnest.
His earnesty finally got her out of her silent stupor. She smiled and nodded.
“Ah. Sorry. Yes, Sasuke is fine.”
Naruto waited for her to say more but she didn't continue. He had a feeling she wasn't telling the whole truth—which bothered him even more.
“O-kay. So where is he?” He asked, smile slipping.
“I'm not sure.”
Shizune frowned and then smiled as if she realized something.
“But the one who would know right now would be Sai.”
Naruto blinked.
Sai would know?
“Oh ok. Well thanks Shizune. I'll see you later.” Naruto forced a smile.
Shizune nodded, smiled and waved at him as he headed back out of the administration building.
What the hell was that about?
Deciding to let it go he took off to look for Sai. As he was nearing Yakiniku Q he heard a loud and excited voice.
"But Neji to eat meat is a part of springtime of youth!"
Naruto shook his head at Lee who was practically bouncing with excitement besides a stoic Neji. Well almost stoic, Naruto saw Neji smirk for a split second before his face became emotionless again. Lee suddenly stopped bouncing when he noticed Naruto. Then Naruto's arms was suddenly gripped by Lee.
Naruto sighed when he saw Lee's eyes shine. That is until he remembered his conversation with Gaara after he woke up in the hospital. Naruto grit his teeth so tight to stop the blush that wanted to warm his whiskered cheeks.
Damnit why'd I have to remember that now!
Naruto blinked when his vision was suddenly full of Lee's round black eyes.
“Um, hey Lee.” Naruo said pulling his head back. “How are you?”
“I am doing quite well Naruto.” Lee smile softly. “How is Gaara?”
Shit!
Naruto accidently coughed in Lee's face when he sucked in air to quickly. Lee's face suddenly became worried.
“Naruto are you ok?” Lee asked, worried. “Are you sick?”
Just when Naruto was about to deny being ill, Lee was suddenly pulled away from his face. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief and nodded his thanks to Neji.
“Lee do give Naruto some breathing room.” Neji sighed.
Lee looked surprised as if he had not even thought of that.
Probably didn't.
Naruto patted Lee's left shoulder to show there were no hard feelings.
“He's ok Lee. He told me to say hello.”
Naruto couldn't help but smile at Lee's obvious happiness.
“Oh and just between you, his siblings and me.” He leaned towards Lee. “He misses you—alot.”
At first when Lee just blinked a couple of times Naruto thought he had not heard him. Then Lee slowly began to turn beet red. Naruto couldn't help but chuckle. He got a kick out of it when Lee blushed about something that had to deal with Gaara. It was adorable. Not that he would say it aloud of course.
Naruto looked at Neji and found him smirking at Lee's reaction as well. He could only imagine how much Neji teased poor Lee.
“Well I have some things to do so I'll see you guys later.” Naruto said, patting Lee on the back.
“Ah! Off to see Sasuke? I heard he's doing a lot better now thanks to—”
Lee suddenly stopped talking. If Naruto hadn’t been playing close attention he would have missed Neji’s subtle but hard nudge. Naruto was only able to catch the nudge when he saw how Lee jerked slightly forward. Lee jerked and spun around to frown at Neji. Though he could only see Lee's profile, Naruto noticed how sudden realization seemed to dawn on his face. Whereas Neji's face had remained expressionless.
What the hell!? Shizune said he was ok!
Naruto studied Lee and Neji.
Was he not ok but now he is? What the hell happened?
“Yeah.” Naruto answered though Lee hadn’t finished.
“That is good.” Neji said suddenly. “Well then Naruto don't let us keep you.”
“Right. Do you guys know where I can find him?” Naruto quickly asked when it looked like they were going to leave.
“Sai should know!” Lee offered excitedly.
“Shizune said the same thing.” Naruto stared at them. “Do you know where Sai is then?”
Lee and Neji looked at each other for a second. When they both looked at Naruto the shook their heads simultaneously. Naruto sighed, of course they didn't know. Why make today an easy day? Where would be the fun in that?
After promising to have a meal together with all of team 11 the three parted ways. Naruto wasn't sure what the hell was going on but he was definitely going to find out. When he finally got to Sai's place he found no one home. That or Sai didn't feel like answer his door. Naruto figured it was the latter after banging loudly on his door.
Unable to help himself Naruto fisted his hands and shook them in the air.
WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?
Naruto suddenly heard Kurama chuckle.
Oh giggles, you better not mess with me right now.
Oh now I know you did not just speak to me that way. ESPECIALLY since I was about to offer you a solution.
Naruto clenched his jaw really tight so tight it felt like he's teeth were going to crack. Then before he could help himself he let out a ferral growl through his clenched teeth. Once he finished allowing his frustration out without any witnesses besides Kurama, he calmed down.
Sorry.
When Kurama remained silent Naruto began to worry. Had he really upset him that much?
No, but it's best you watch your temper.
Yeah. I know. But everyone seems to be hiding something and its pissing me off.
Yes because you feel guilty for leaving without making sure he was alright.
Naruto blinked. While he was upset that no one would give him a straight answer that wasn't the only reason for his anger. He felt guilty. Guilty for leaving without seeing Sasuke—without seeing how he was. Without letting Sasuke know he was happy he was back. Without letting Sasuke know he would be back. Without letting Sasuke know that Naruto would make sure he had a place to return to.
Damnit.
Naruto's sky blue eye stung.
Now calm down. I did not say any of that for you to beat yourself up about it. Look why not look for Sakura. Aside from you, she is the other closest person to Sai.
Right. Well…almost right.
What do you mean almost right? Who else is close to Sai?
You don't remember from whom I got all those social skill books for Sai?
Ah! Right. But that socially inept friend of yours has no clue that he is liked.
And I plan to keep it that well till one of them has the courage to change that. Though I have a feeling I'm going to have to wait a while.
I have the same feeling.
Leaving that issue for another time, Naruto went in search of Sakura. Luckily, he knew just who to ask.
So far he felt like today was some kind of odd goose chase. First Tsunade, Lee and Neji, Sai, and now Sakura. He wondered if Kakashi was even back yet. He would leave that search for another day. He looked towards the sun--it was going to be noon soon. He had to hurry since not only had he yet to eat, he had to feed Ami too.
By the time he reached the Yamanaka Hana shop he felt like he was going to lose his mind. Three things kept roaming in his mind—find Sakura, figure out what happened to Sasuke, and buy supplies. He had a feeling he might not be able to see Sasuke today after all. It all depended on his search for Sakura.
As soon as Naruto entered the shop, his nose was flooded by the scents of various flowers. Even though she was with a customer Ino instantly noticed his entrance. He nodded at her when she held her hand up for him to wait. Though he really did not want to do any waiting at the moment. Naruto held in his sigh of relief when the customer finally decided to go with the flowers she had originally picked out.
“Hey Naruto!” Ino smiled and hugged him. “So what brings you here instead of Ichiraku?”
Naruto made a pained face.
“Please don’t mention food.” He rubbed his stomach. “I haven’t eaten yet—I need to do something first.”
Ino looked surprised at his self-induced fasting but let it go.
“So what can I help you with?”
“Could you tell me where Sakura is?” Naruto asked, hoping not to be let down again.
It really shouldn’t be this hard to find someone.
“Sakura? Are you going to ask her out on a date again?” Ino asked playfully. “Is that why you haven’t eaten?”
Naruto pouted.
“I-N-O!” He whined.
Ino laughed.
“Sorry. Couldn’t help it.” She smiled apologetically. “Yeah she said she was going to be at the orphanage.”
“Orphanage?” Naruto asked.
“Yeah something about making onigiri.”
Naruto felt his heart skip a bit. Frowning he looked toward the shops window.
“Onigiri.” He mumbled under his breath.
“What?” Ino asked.
“Ah! Nothing. Ok so the orphanage.” Naruto said while heading out of the shop.
Ino was shaking her head and smiling when he suddenly popped back in.
“Thanks!” Naruto exclaimed then left again.
Why Sakura was at the orphanage making onigiri was beyond Naruto’s guess. Leaving that mystery for later he went in search of Sakura. By the time he got to the orphanage he feared he may try to eat one of the orphans. He was so damn hungry! Which was starting to piss him off and maybe mess with his focus a little as well.
“SHANNARO!”
Naruto came to a stop.
Sakura?
Frowning Naruto started to head toward her yell when the ground suddenly shook.
Boom!
Naruto winced at the loud explosion. Instead of making onigiri, Sakura was fighting someone. Someone strong enough for her to use such a large attack. Fearing for his friend’s safety Naruto ran towards the area the sound had come from. When he got there the first thing he saw was the crater Sakura had created. Next he saw Sakura jump into the crater and start to inspect something.
That was when he just barely noticed someone come out of nowhere and jump her. Naruto took off at a dead run when he saw that Sakura was not moving. Naruto cursed when he saw the person atop her was about to plant a kunai straight through her skull. As Naruto came closer he realized two things; one—he was going really fast and two—the person attacking Sakura was Sasuke.
Naruto took a deep breath to not let the pain from Sasuke’s betrayal hinder him. Then he body slammed him just as Sasuke embedded the kunai. Naruto panted from the emotions that were swarming through his body. He wasn’t even fazed by seeing Sasuke slam like a rag doll into the tree across the crater. Nor did he care for the utterly shocked expression on the bastards face. He had been so worried with everything he had heard and not heard about Sasuke since he came back. Now, he was so pissed that he didn’t even realize that Sakura was alright.
Dead set on Sasuke, he ripped out a kunai from his pouch, kicked off the ground and ran at him full speed. Not once realizing that Shinobu had already been heading for Sasuke.
As Naruto got closer he grit his death, pulled his arm back to launch his kunai straight at Sasuke. Why he was bothering to give Sasuke a chance by simply throwing a kunai he wasn’t sure. Perhaps subconsciously he wanted all of this to be a misunderstanding. Just as he launch the kunai dead straight at Sasuke all hell seemed to break lose.
“NARUTO! S-T-O-P!”
“SA-SUKE!”
Naruto tensed at the sudden yells. He recognized Sakura’s voice quickly and felt a quick relief that she was ok. But the relief gasped out of him as he visually realized who the second yell belonged to. Shinobu came into his full center view, shielding the resting Sasuke that had just been there. Naruto knew that if Shinobu stayed shielding Sasuke from the kunai he wouldn’t come out of it alive. It was going to go straight through his small skull. Gasping Naruto sped after the kunai he had already launched.
Suddenly a pale arm enveloped Shinobu’s tiny body and he was shielded. The kunai fully embedded into the Uchiha fan crest at Sasuke’s back. Naruto saw and heard Sasuke’s pained gasp as he bowed backwards from the kunai’s impact.
“No. No. No. No. No.” Naruto gasped.
Sasuke body thudded to the ground, still enveloped around Shinobu. Wriggling free from Sasuke, Shinobu gripped his right upper arm and began to shake it as if trying to wake him.
“Sasuke! Get up! Please!” Shinobu cried. “Not like mom and dad. Please get up.”
Naruto winced at the pain in Shinobu’s voice. Guilt crippling him he dropped down on his knees besides Sasuke’s head. It didn’t look like he was breathing. Naruto slowly raised his hand too touch Sasuke’s hair. His hand was smacked away by an angry and teary eyed Shinobu.
“Why’d you do that Naruto!? You told me he was your friend!” Shinobu wailed at him.
Sakura was suddenly there pulling the kunai out of Sasuke’s back. Just when Shinobu leapt at her for hurting Sasuke further Naruto yanked him into his arms. As Sakura began to heal Sasuke, Shinbou starting swinging his small fists into any part of Naruto’s body he could hit. Though it was muffled Naruto could hear all of Shinobu’s angry words.
“We were sparring.” Sakura said suddenly, still healing Sasuke.
Naruto winced.
“Yeah. I’m afraid I figured that one out too late.” Naruto sighed.
Sakura glanced at him and shook her head.
“This poor guy isn’t catching any breaks.” Sakura sighed.
Naruto tensed at her words.
“What do you mean?” Naruto asked, eyes narrowed.
“Right now’s not the best time to talk about it.” She said with lips pursed.
“Damnit.” Naruto growled. “I just want a straight answer. Why won’t anyone—”
“Naruto.”
Naruto tensed suddenly hearing Sai’s voice. When he looked away from Sakura to look at him he also found Kakashi with him. Wow. He really was off right now. How the hell had he not noticed Sai and Kakashi!?
“I can tell you what has happened but I think we should head inside.” Sai said looking up at the sky.
Naruto followed his gaze and noticed that the clouds were darkening. It was going to rain soon. Looking away from the clouds he glanced to see how Sakura and Sasuke were doing.
“He’s ok to be moved but he’s out for now.”
“Shall I take him home?” Kakashi asked, reaching for Sasuke.
Sai shook his head.
“If Shinobu wakes up and is not sure he’s ok he will be very upset.” Sai said softly.
That was when Naruto realized that Shinobu was indeed asleep. Nodding, he cradled Shinobu while Sai and Kakashi slowly followed him into the orphanage. When the headed inside they noticed that luckily there were not any orphans roaming around. Sai explained to all of them that it was because Urushi and Kanpu were teaching lessons at the moment. Which made Naruto wonder why the hell Sai knew that.
When they finally laid Sasuke and Shinobu down, they sat in the chairs they could find in the bunkroom. Sai began to tell Naruto everything that had happened to Sasuke and Naruto’s guilt increased. He had never expected all that to befall Sasuke when he left. The storm that was now raging outside matched his inner turmoil.
Kakashi finally spoke, interrupting Naruto’s guilty thoughts.
“Naruto I have been wanting to ask you something since I came back and heard all this myself.”
Kakashi looked at Sasuke then Naruto.
“Why did you leave?”
“Because I had already been assigned a mission. And I promised Gaara I would be coming.”
Naruto sighed.
“I promised, I can’t go back on my word.”
Though he couldn’t see Kakashi’s mouth, Naruto knew he smiled because his eye curved. He could also tell by Sai and Sakura’s expressions that they had wondered to. Which made him wonder what Sasuke thought about his absence.
Damn I really fucked up.
Don’t drop out yet, kit. You waited for him for years. Perhaps he can do the same.
I hope so Kurama. He’s had a hell of a week—well more than a week.
“What the hell kind of greeting was that Naruto?”
Naruto whirled around in his chair to see Sasuke still laying down on his side. He was squinting at him rather than opening his eyes fully. Naruto opened his mouth only to close it. He was at a loss for words. What the hell was he supposed to say? He had been trying to bring Sasuke back for so long he hadn’t really thought about the after part. What to do with him after he returned. He had to admit it seemed like Tsunade had it pretty figure out from what he had heard.
Naruto’s eyes widened. He knew exactly what to say. He stood up from his chair and walked over to Sasuke. Both raging storms forgotten. Standing over Sasuke, who was still laying down, Naruto grinned.
“It’s good to have you back, teme.”
(TBC)
- 6
- 7
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Fate's Entwined