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Interlude of the Red Dawn	By : LilMonk Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1133 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Interlude of the Red Dawn
- 2-Red sky in the evening
- 1
- 2
ETA 7/10/2005: Due to chapter 279.

Disclaimers: Naruto is copyrighted to Masashi Kishimoto. I’m not making any money off this fanfic; just exercising the crazed workings of an over-imaginative mind.

A/N: Due to a challenge from RL friends who wanted me to do a conventional pairing, I decided to indulge them so they’d stop nagging. Apparently, testing inspiration, interest and patience is a good challenge. Hm. This is the first and last time I’m doing this.

This is a bonus continuation to tie things up for a couple, after the ending of my completed fic ‘Scissors, Paper, Stone.’ If you aren’t quite sure what was going on after reading this chapter, try reading the mentioned fic.

Brought in a bit of Japanese folklore, about the legendary snow princess. What am I referring to? Read on and find out.

In this fic now classified as AU to follow "Scissors, Paper, Stone", Naruto has finally become Hokage; Sasuke lost his wife during the period when he and his brother ended their feud (she and Itachi died together) and unresolved issues resurface. Akatsuki have issued an ultimatum for the Kyuubi’s jinchuuriki to surrender and time is running out.

Sasuke x Naruto, with possibly implied Gaara x Naruto (depending on how you choose to interpret it).

Italics denotes primary thoughts. Spoilers for chapter 262.

Interlude of the Red Dawn

The sun always smiled on this hill. During the day, no shadows touched it, save for that which was cast by the lone tree growing at the top. The bark was a sheen of brown so dark it bordered on black, while the leaves were such a shade of pale green that they seemed perpetually on the verge of losing all colour. Sheltered from the sun was an unmarked slab of stone, which was accompanied by red poppies on one side and white lilies on the other.

Dusting bits of grass off his knees as he rose, the pale-eyed young man smiled.

This was where she had wanted to be. Even if the ancestral graveyard of the family that his cousin had married into had her remains, her true essence was in the chest he had buried.

A plastic bubble blower, dusty with age. A bag of marbles that bore all colours of the rainbow. The first coin he had given her and she’d never spent. Their childish scribbles to each other about the weather, flowers, how smiles were the most beautiful thing ever seen… before his vengefully idiotic ego had ended it. It had taken many years until the chuunin exam where he fought the current Hokage, for Neji to salvage the situation.

He wanted her to come back, to be the wise one who’d understood him when he didn’t understand himself. If only, to hide with her under a tree and take joy in just being together and alive…. The irreplaceable friend and companion who saw beyond the ‘genius’ that he was suppose to be. Even now, he could almost hear the faintest echo of girlish laughter, of innocence still uninfluenced by the onset of grim adulthood-

The deliberate crunch of grass being trampled underfoot alerted him to another visitor.

“You’re here again, Neji.”

“So are you, Naruto.”

Watching the blond man walk past him to place a sunflower next to his stalk of water hyacinth, Hyuuga Neji could not help shaking his head in amusement. It seemed the two of them were forever destined to bump into each other at the most unexpected times, even off-duty.

“Still blaming yourself, despite the fact that you shouldn’t be?”

“Naruto… I…”

I’m such a hypocrite, Neji. Telling you to do something, despite being unable to follow my own advice.

Naruto himself felt guilty. He’d pined inside for the man Hinata had married, but had maintained a stoic front that fooled everybody. After all, he’d been perfecting masks ever since he was a child. However, he couldn’t always control the pain of his own longing. Once, he had even wished she were dead. Being drunk was not an excuse. And now that it had happened, he couldn’t forgive himself. It was irrational, even foolish to berate himself continuously for a moment of ridiculous anger from three years back but still… it was as if he’d betrayed the sweet girl he’d pledged protective friendship to.

Furthermore, she’d accomplished things he could never do. Ensured the continuity of the Uchiha clan, given Sasuke continuous peace of mind (according to mutual friends), gotten her husband and cousin to become good friends instead of remaining bitter rivals… Suddenly his eyes felt too dry and there was a bitter tang in his mouth. Such musing was interrupted.

“You’re right. My cousin wouldn’t like me to keep doing so. She’s at home here, with childhood memories and innocent hope…”

That comment inspired a slow survey of their surroundings. A delicate yellow butterfly flitted around radiant blossoms. A carpet of deep green grass covered moist earth. The watchful silence of a stout tree was combined with leafy branches angled protectively towards the sky. Two snails left subtly glistening slime trails across the blank rock surface, even as a wavy line of black ants marched in the opposite direction… there was no better sign of Nature giving her fondest blessings.

She was indeed home. But was she-

“Neji… do you think she’s happy?"

That unanticipated question nearly flustered the older jounin. His friend sounded so unsure, so young and… the way he was biting his lip, as if they were genins once more… The dark-haired Leaf-nin remembered something, and smiled.

“I know she is. And I surmise she’d want her dearest people to be happy too… like you. And her husband, who should be here shortly.”

The taller adult knew he’d said something wrong the moment the last line left his lips. Sunny confidence became brooding, blue eyes now somehow reminding him of concrete walls. Still, the unflattering change also involving pursed lips could not detract from his overall attractiveness. Age had stripped away the baby fat, and it had been replaced by a smoky sensuousness to half-parted lids, as well as thinning around a tanned jaw and cheekbones. He was more handsome than Yondaime Hokage, for not having the same forbiddingly solemn look. Rather, the Rokudaime Hokage had the ingrained experience of mischief to temper his strictness. It lingered in the gentle rounding of his stubbornly set chin, and the way his eyes seemed to catch fire each time something touched his well-hidden feelings. Most of the females between six and sixty would do anything to see his increasingly rare smile.

This man, whom he gladly acknowledged as his leader, had the strangest alluring mixture of vulnerability and strength. Guarded yet seemingly open, it was a conundrum such as this, that Neji could not understand about Uzumaki Naruto. Even among outstanding peers and friends such as Kakashi, he was a lonely enigma.

And if Naruto had his way, he would ensure it remained this way. Forever.

A dream----when he was fifteen and that painful incident took place---- had helped him to decide.

Gaara.

~*~*~*~

“Why didn’t you wait for me? I was coming! I-”

“Uzumaki Naruto. It was fated. It was beyond your ability. Let it go.”

Wrathful seas stared into calm teal skies, as the Kazekage whispered the next line.

“Let me go.”

“Never!”

Once reflected in a giant blade, how similar and yet dissimilar they had been. Separated by the flipside of a coin of Destiny, and eventually drawn together by the daunting future that must be faced…they were unforgettable in each other’s souls. A mish-mash of what could have been, and what would not ever be.

The maroon-haired youth raised his black-clad wrist, looking at the tanned hand locked around it. A melancholy smile touched pale lips.

“It was lonely. Yet, I did not mind. There would be no one hurting because of me, when I died. And yet…

His free hand rose to close over the dark fabric covering his left pectoral.

“I wished there had been someone. And then I realized…”

Haunting grief, so achingly recognisable… those pupil-less eyes were dim with tears that could no longer be shed.

“I could not have it both ways. Either I protect by keeping them out, or let them in and share the suffering that is my lot. Which is the right one? But I did not have time to think more on this.”

He was enveloped in warmth, as the other boy grasped him firmly by the shoulders.

“Gaara, I acknowledged you all this time, but I couldn’t... wouldn’t say what I wanted to… You were never alone!”

One finger gently traced the whisker markings on a tanned cheek, as the other hand rested on a black-and-orange clothed shoulder.

“Acknowledge…is that what you call it? For what I can no longer do… I pass the reins to you.”

Forehead to forehead, neither party wanted to let go.

Strong hands pushed the Leaf-nin away, sending him lurching backwards. A small smile greeted him, even as sand began to swirl about the paler boy, hiding him from view.

“Knowing that you’ve cried makes me happy… and so pained…”

“Don’t leave!”

Consciousness was fast encroaching upon this moment of closure.

“I have no choice. Set yourself free. Farewell, Naruto…”

“Gaara!”

Fists clenched as tears fell on the worn bedspread, for the first time in his life, Jiraiya’s student hated sunlight of a new day.

~*~*~*~

Nevermind that the next morning after the dream, they'd set off from Sunagakure to save the Kazekage, and when Naruto realised that he'd been too late... reaffirming it had been a nightmare come true was agonising. If it hadn't been for Chiyo-baasama unexpectedly saving Gaara with that unbelievably powerful jutsu, he would never have forgiven himself. Little did he realise that the temporary death of Gaara and that dream had scarred him more deeply than expected.

Over the years, Yondaime Hokage had not forgotten. He’d been confused while struggling with the memory, even as he experienced so many events. Remembering that wish, he had eventually made a choice. It had taken a wedding to help him decide, as well as the continuous stalking threat of Akatsuki and their frightening callousness. Images from the video that they had prepared, half a year ago, were forever burnt into his mind.

He could never excuse himself for Iruka-sensei’s horrendous mutilation and slow, tortuous death at the hands of those monsters, who had then sent the bile-inducing end result back as a birthday present, along with an ultimatum.

Time was up.

“I will leave before he gets here.”

“Before who gets here?"

The familiarly sardonic tones of a third party altered the atmosphere immediately. Neji could see blue irises dilating, even as the confident set of broad shoulders became slightly hunched. He didn’t like anything that hinted of melodrama and from the …somewhat aghast expression on Naruto’s face before it vanished, he was absolutely going to detest what happened next.

But he couldn’t bring himself to look away.

“Neji-san, I have to go-”

“Don’t you mean ‘run away like a coward’, Uzumaki Naruto?”

A slight tic was evident due to tightly clenched jaw muscles, as the insulted individual turned to face his aggressor.

They are a perfect pair, thought Neji. Emotional and mental states intuitively in sync, willing to die for what they believe in, and ever ready to fight… or to love.

Looking at the Uchiha clan leader made the other wish he could dig out his own nerves. Every second in his magnetically charming presence was a personal attack, reminding him of what he could not have… because he would protect this precious person from the excruciating burden that was only his to bear, at all costs.

Sasuke hated the way Naruto reacted to him... or rather, lack of. Those features that used to be alive with gaiety and honesty now looked too smooth and fake. Almost as if they had been ironed, all expression having evaporated into the chilly atmosphere between them.

It seemed as if the Hokage would walk past the other without acknowledging him, looking beyond the dark-haired man until they were shoulder to shoulder. Then measured footsteps stopped.

“Sakura still waits for you, Uchiha Sasuke. You should treasure her."

Calloused fingers dug into the starched yellow linen of his collar, nearly yanking him sideways.

“You may be Konoha’s leader, dobe. But there are certain matters you can’t make me obey.”

Warm breath brushed his right earlobe. There was a hint of gritted teeth in the expressed sentiment.

“That includes what I want. Which somehow happens to be a retroactive shithead who acts all high and mighty around his own ex-teammates… and has forgotten his own beginnings.”

Black-gloved fingers hovered around a pale wrist but did not touch it, threatening the perceived offensive limb.

“Look for someone who wants you."

A few blond strands shimmered as rays of sunlight hit them at another angle. Unblinking blue eyes were now looking into jet-black ones.

“She could make you happy. Give her a chance.”

Sasuke ignored the faintly pleading tone he heard in that last sentence. Was this friend trying to infuriate him by being so… so… thoughtful? I will not knock sense into him. I must not knock sense into him, even if my fist is itching to do so!

“Happy? I’ve been ‘happy’ with Hinata and yet we could never quite enjoy that emotion. ”

Eyeing the marginally shorter man with a somewhat indecipherable look, unrelenting conviction struck a chord deep within submerged feelings that Naruto thought both sides had buried forever.

“I will define it by my terms, because I finally know what it is. Give us a chance.”

The facial expression on pale, pleasingly defined features somehow reminded Naruto of a wolf, and the depth of hunger in that voice… it made his breathing shallow, his mouth dry and his blue eyes darken to match the unmistakable evidence of passion in the other man’s words.

“End this foolishness, Naruto. Both of us have denied ourselves for too long.”

Both…I could not have it both ways… which is the right one… Gaara… thank you for reminding me!

Dry lips were now set in a thin resolute line, as a tanned countenance became impassive once more.

“As Hokage, it is my duty to protect Konoha. Even. From. Me.”

A black-gloved hand was raised between both faces, curving fingers a reminder of why he wore such apparel. Neither man broke prolonged eye contact. It was hard to tell if they were angry, concerned… or consumed by something else entirely.

“You will guide your son from childhood into adulthood, Uchiha Sasuke. Or I will never forgive you.”

Jerking himself out of the older man’s grasp, the blond-haired man was gone

Listening to the entire exchange had made Neji remember one of five-year-old Rinji’s questions.

“Is kaa-san happy?”

Turning away from his brother-in-law (who was lost in thought) and towards the steep incline of the hill that sloped downwards, a slight smile curved dry lips as he remembered the dream two nights ago.

~*~*~*~

Like gossamer wisps that drift on supportive wind currents, the small white dandelion puffs are everywhere. Airborne and/or falling, decorating long grass that covers endless earth, even as a mild winter sun glazes everything with a smattering of faintly golden surrealism.

Yet there is no snow. The air is chilly, and a figure doing a slow languorous dance in the middle of the field does not seem to mind being alone. There is a tune that only the dancer can hear. One moment she resembles a white crane that gracefully swoops down from the sky, the next moment poised as if lost in thought.

It is easy to mistake this one for the snow princess, Shirahime-syo. With skin as pale as the natural element inspired by Man’s despair, dreaminess enhances ethereal gentleness that is evident in each seemingly random motion. Long, unbound hair is playfully teased by invisible wind, but this one is no inhuman legend. Her eyes are more uniquely flawed, and the rare shade of her hair…

As if hearing something, she pauses, the abrupt immobility reminding one of a sapling-slender birch. Those half-lidded eyes widen as she whirls around, face coming alive with joy at the sight of the other. One hand is open towards her in invitation.

It takes less than fifteen steps to reach the black-cloaked man, who takes her hand and pulls her into the circle of his arms. Holding her as if he’s waited a lifetime to do so, an unguarded smile relaxes a carefully empty expression, adding more devastating charm to finely-molded features. Embracing each other so fervently that it seems like the last time… or the first time… one cannot tell.

Dark lashes lift, to reveal clear crimson that is rendered even more memorable by three black teardrops surrounding a central pool. As if they have spotted unwelcome intrusion, the four shadows expand to reach for each other, merging and forming a shape that brings gut-wrenching fear to all who see it… and stop.

Deadly animosity dissipates like mist in the sunlight. He is looking at the one who has recaptured his attention with the utterance of his name, the only person who has ever defeated him… and whom he can finally express his feelings to without inhibition.

Pale fingers are vivid against dusty sable cloth, creasing the material as she snuggles closer. Listening to loving murmurs while stroking his back, she finally answers with a kiss to the lips.

Fingers interlaced, they move apart. However, the female pauses once more, and turns her head.

Expression guileless and carefree, those kiss-darkened lips curve into a happy smile, like the time four-year-old Neji and she shared a blissful afternoon of blowing bubbles together. Finally, she looks away. The couple now look at each other, and their interlocking gazes inspire a strange lump in the invisible dreamer’s throat.

Then the two are running together through the fields, away from unseen scrutiny and into the golden promise of eternal daylight.

.

.

.

Next up: Impenetrable Shield, meet Unstoppable Spear.
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Interlude of the Red Dawn