#Gah hns man...

[mazm-imagines]

Newcomen! Enfield! Have you ever thought about dating eachother?

"W-why I would never!" Newcoman furiously blushed and his eyebrows furrowed in irritation as well.

"Why he causes nothing but trouble-! All he does is harass women it seems-! Although..." He pursed his lips in frustration, but perhaps he was too harsh in his judgement... not as if Enfield cared however. In fact he was smiling as if amused.

"Perhaps that was an... over-exaggeration... he is a good-willed man. And without him, London may just be a little less safer. Even if he does cause me trouble sometimes with his well meaning antics..."

"Why... that is very kind of you to say my good Inspector! I admit perhaps playing hero does not end up the best for us both. But I can't stand to see injustice in broad daylight-!" Enfield playfully rubbed at his dry eyes with a handkerchief before pocketing it away.

"Although what I do in my private life is my business, yes? If a woman wants to have a relaxing night out, who am I to reject her? Although if you want a night out as well... I am considering it as we speak."

"We are two men-! But-! But-!" Newcoman's head had completely fried, all he could splutter out was a few 'buts'.

"Oh relax! I was just kidding. Come on now Inspector, would you let me do your job for you instead if you can't manage to let out a no in the next 5 minutes or so?"

"NO! You are nothing but trouble for me!"

[fourangers]

My valentine chocolate is you Part II

Part I

(4 years later...)

Loud, stuffy room filled with annoying fangirls usually wasn’t his preferred choice to visit, much less a place to stay for long hours to no end.

“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---NARUTO-KUNNNNNNN!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!” Their screams hiked up into a deafening noise when he jumped, smoothly adding more points with a slumdunk.

Sasuke let out an annoyed scowl, looking at the legion of hormonal girls as they screamed with their shrill voices, while whispering between themselves with wistful sighs.

He turned around to focus on the center of their attention (as well as his), with Naruto drying his sweat off with a towel, leaving his hair into a mussed, charming mess.

“He’s so cute.” One breathed out.

“Hot too.” Another cooed.

“Naruto-kunnnn!!! Do your best!!!” One group chorused together, catching his attention. Despite his teammates’ teasing, Naruto glanced back, lifting a small smile and shyly waving back.

This was more than enough to raise another wave of fangirl screams, shaking the whole stadium.

“I so want him to be my boyfriend.”

“I so want him to be in my bed.” This dissolved into playful shrieks and giggles, as onyx eyes narrowed in response.

“I had an eye on him long before you, needy, thirsty harpies.” Sasuke couldn’t contain his disdain, even though he had to begrudgingly admit that their goals were the same. Unfortunately for him though, he was stuck in the friendship-zone the moment he met Naruto.

He had to agree with their assessment too. Long gone were Naruto’s awkward, tiny body as mother nature graced him a growth spurt that compensated his previous years of being the shortest of the bunch. He was starting to attract positive glances of appraisal in contrast to derision few years ago, and as fate continued to throw him lucky coins, they discovered that Naruto played basketball well. Really well. His talent took everyone by storm when even some scouts from the national team was beginning to take an interest on him.

Soon Naruto noticed that he didn’t need any pranks any longer to grab everyone’s attention, when his own self was taking care of everything else. That tall, lean body with sturdy muscles, coupled with laughing eyes and dazzling smile irritated the fuck out of Sasuke because now, these captivated a legion of brainless vapid fangirls when years ago, all these smiles were solely his.

Sasuke sighed. Life was so much easier when Naruto was the class clown and Sasuke didn’t have to compete with anyone for his undivided attention.

“Sasuke!!! Wait up!” A boisterous voice boomed through the corridor, and Sasuke braced himself to receive that tight hug coming from behind.

“What is it?” He muttered.

“I saw you yesterday when we played against the Hokkaido’s team! Were you cheering for me?” Naruto widened a teasing grin.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “I was cheering for our school’s team, dumbass.”

“Hah, whatever, I know you love me.” Naruto boasted, unnoticing the slight reddening on Sasuke’s ears. “I’m really glad you were there, I know you usually don’t like crowded, noisy places.”

Sasuke thinned his lips, as both young men walked towards the classroom, Naruto’s arm slung around his shoulder. Summoning every ounce of his courage, Sasuke said. “Naruto--”

One of Naruto’s teammate approached him, as the blond teenager greeted him with a high five. They began talking energetically about yesterday’s game, trading possible strategies and special training as Sasuke watched their exchange, feeling a little left out.

Once their conversation was over, his teammate soon left as they entered the classroom, placing their backpacks on their respective seats.

“Oh yeah Sasuke, you were asking me something before right? Before Tanaka-sempai came in. What’s about?”

Onyx eyes drifted from the quizzical glance, grumbling. “Nothing special. You free after class?”

“Yeah, I think!” Naruto chirped out. “Ah...no, wait. Yamato-sensei wanted to talk about some basketball strategies this evening.”

“Fine, tomorrow? You train everyday but maybe Yamato-sensei will give you break after yesterday’s game?”

Naruto shook his head. “Nope, no way. Sorry Sasuke.”

Sasuke ignored the sharp pang of disappointment in his heart. “Hn.”

“Man! We used to hang together all the time back when we were brats!”

“You mean, you used to pester me all the time.” Sasuke smirked.

“Whatever! Gah, I missed this.” Naruto messed his hair. “I’ll find some free time, for sure!” The school bell rang as their teacher arrived, soon all the students rose from their seat to bow in respect.

Watching from afar, Sasuke smiled to himself as Naruto was twirling his pencil with his fingers, head tilted to one side as they paid attention to the teacher. Despite being stuck with the label of 'best friend 5eva' coming from his dumb blond, at least Naruto wanted to stay by his side whenever possible.

"Hey Sasuke, I know you're probably going to reject every girl crawling on your feet, so do you have any plans for Valentine's day?" Naruto asked once the class was over.

Heartbeats drummed violently through Sasuke's chest, but he managed to keep a cool facade. "Why? You have your own fangirls to take care of, don't you?"

The blond teenager squinted his eyes. "What? What are you talking about? Why would I have anything like it?"

Thank God he's one, thickheaded, clueless idiot. For better or for worse. "Nevermind."Sasuke shook his head.

"Yeah, so anyways. Wanna do something that day?" Naruto then grinned, opening his hand. "And remember to give me your chocolate!"

"I bet you're receiving tons of chocolates this year, why should I give mine?" Sasuke teased.

"I'm not receiving tons of chocolates, I'm probably going to get some from the cheerleading squad from our basketball team, nothing else." Naruto answered. “And you always gave me chocolate on Valentine’s day, why do you need to change this anyways?”

“I used to give you because no one else would, but considering that now you have a whole fanclub dedicated to you, I doubt you need mine.”

“Who cares how many chocolates I’ll get this time, yours is different!” Naruto yowled. “It’s like tradition you know? Every year I’d get your chocolate so let’s keep it that way.”

"You're probably saying this just so you can get free chocolate--" Sasuke and Naruto noticed Yamato-sensei waving his arms to catch their attention.

Naruto looked apologetic, patting Sasuke's shoulder. "Sorry gotta go. We'll talk later!" 

Staring the retreating back as it disappeared on the horizon, Sasuke sighed, getting ready to go home on his lonesome self.

"Oh c'mon Hinata-chan, you just lost your chance, Naruto left!"

Upon noticing the infamous name, Sasuke stopped at once, noticing three girls at the corner of the corridor, whispering to themselves. 

The black-haired girl blushed. "I...I didn't want to bother Naruto-kun from his training Ino-san."

Ino, the hot-headed girl with a blond ponytail rolled her eyes. "You should have taken this golden opportunity before anyone else! You know how it's going to be tomorrow on Valentine's day!"

The third girl, a pink-haired named Sakura warned. "You noticed how popular he's getting now that he's in the basketball team. You better seize this moment before it's too late."

"Sakura-san, you don't mind this?" Hinata asked.

Sakura blinked, before shrugging it off. "Naruto is like a brother to me, so I'm definitely ok with this. I mean, I rather see you dating him than bunch of airheaded idiots who are only into Naruto's fame. You liked him way before he got popular."

"It's true!" Ino nodded. "So you better get your act together."

Sasuke knew enough, heard enough. He soon got away in fast paced strides, trying to take his mind off that conversation even if he noticed the determined glint coming from Hinata's lilac eyes.

--.--

Sasuke's crush was doomed to failure, the moment it started.

They were both guys and a conservative country like Japan were still struggling to accept homosexuality, despite the latest improvements. And even if they manage to ignore society's opinion, Naruto always considered him a close friend, nothing more. To add salt to injury, he didn't appear to take any interest on the same sex. Stupid, oblivious, straight male, but Sasuke had no control of his heart as he had fallen hard and harder towards his blond friend.

He was content being Naruto's closest person, even if it meant that his romantic feelings would never be returned. Sasuke already lost all hope back when Naruto had a mad crush on Sakura, that thankfully slowly died as they were getting older.

But Hinata...Sasuke always attempted to dismiss her since her crush was so annoyingly obvious, and painfully similar to his own. Sasuke didn't want to admit, but she's a good match to Naruto. She genuinely liked him and would shower him with affection, which was perfect for a love-starved orphan like Naruto.

This was ok...this was fine. As long as Naruto was happy, nothing else mattered.

If he kept repeating to himself over and over, maybe this lie would come true.

--.--

Onyx eyes gazed with annoyance as chocolate boxes littered his shoe locker, several ones fell to his feet. He picked most with his hands, throwing uncaringly to the ground, as he grabbed his indoor shoes, closing his locker with a loud metallic noise. He stared his reflection, the bloodshot eyes and heavy bags underneath it. 

This was going to be a very long torturous day, Sasuke contemplated with his fists clenched, his steps rigid.

"Um...Naruto-kun!" 

Sasuke heard Hinata's meek voice while he entered the classroom, taking note Naruto's confused gaze.

"Uh...what is it Hinata?" He asked.

"Can I...can I talk to you in a minute?" Hinata stuttered while Sasuke narrowed his eyes, zooming on the large package and a heart-shaped box she held behind her back.

Nodding hesitantly, Naruto followed behind her, in midst of masculine groans altogether with Sakura and Ino's excited screams.

His stomach were making painful lurches and turns, cold sweat damping his shirt as Sasuke felt his breakfast threatening to burst out of his throat. He placed his hand over his mouth, ready to sprint towards the nearest bathroom.

Unfortunately, someone stood right in front of him.

"Sasuke-kun." A red-haired girl wearing glasses crossed her arms. "Can we talk?"

(Part III)

AN: Ayyyyy don't you love whenever the story goes out of your control once again?

[toaoti-a]

✿ - Your muse picks a flower for mine [narutoooo]

To say he was nervous whenever he had to do something remotely romantic for someone would be an understatement. But it was only Amon and it would only ever be Amon. However, it doesn't mean he doesn't feel like he's getting a proverbial rash just overthinking it! A hand rose, rubbing the back of his neck and his eyes close.

Gah, why did his thoughts continue to veer off course. He barely manages to move in time as a kunai embeds in the bark where his head had been. Crimson eyes quickly cut toward his student and he smirks. Yeah, his team was a rambunctious bunch but he liked them, because they didn't back down from any challenge he threw at them. Which also meant that he had to be careful when honing the natural skills they had. Such sweet children with devious minds.

" Ryuu-kun...how did you manage to get caught in your own trap?"

" It's not my fault, Sensei! It's Suguro's!"

"...don't blame me. You were running after Sensei and stepped right into your trap. Should've watched where you were going..."

Itachi sighed, an amused smile twitching at the corner's of his mouth but when Suguro's gaze shifted from his gaze to behind him, he pivoted and caught the fist in his palm. Sayori. She was silent, but the most deadliest and cunning of the group. Her body twisted and she aimed a foot to his gut, which he managed to avoid by swiftly letting her wrist go and dropping from the tree he'd been perched on.

" C'mon Sensei, when are ya gonna fight us, for real?"

" Tomorrow after lunch maybe?"

" Really?" " Awesome!"

Suguro's and Ryuu's instaneous shouts made him chuckle and shake his head. " I promise. Now head home and get plenty of rest. Be on time, Sayori or no dango for you."

" Sensei! That's cruel, you promised to treat me from now on!"

" Hn, did I?"

" Fine, fine I'll try to be on time..."

Shooing them away, and watching them until he was sure they were on their way back home, he turns, making his way back to his home and stops when Koutarou steps into his path. Confusion plays across his features for a moment. The instructor was supposed to be home, or at the least, sleeping. It was pretty late. But Itachi merely allows a slow smile to grace his features before he's moving forward to lean up and brush a gentle kiss over the instructor's cheek.

" Out for a walk?"

"Y-You could say that. It's beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

" I wouldn't know. You're the only beautiful thing I see as of right now." And truly, he couldn't help himself with that. Koutarou practically handed it to him and Itachi was shameless in how he executed it. Even at the expense of flustering the other.

" H-How can you just say that with a straight face?"

" Because it's true?"

Deciding to leave it alone for a bit as Amon composed himself, Itachi merely smiled to himself as the walked along the short forest path back toward Konohagakure's gates. His gaze had strayed to the evening sky and had hardly noticed when Amon had stopped.

" Itachi?"

" Hm?" He lets his gaze drop, and brows knit together as he watches the other pluck a flower right from the small patch. It was pretty and look far too delicate in Amon's grasp. But what perplexed him more was the reasoning. Maybe it was to repay one of those pretty teachers who had a thing for him? If he was trying to dissuade them, this was the WRONG way to go about it. However, when said was held out for him? Itachi could only blink, fingers reaching out to take it and the Sensei looked from the flower then to Amon and back again. And now he couldn't help but tease.

" If you're wanting to court me, then why didn't you just say so?"

" I-Itachi!"

Itachi laughed softly beneath his breath as he bought the presented flower to his nose and gently inhaled. It almost reminded him of the way Amon smelled when he lay in his arms. But that scent simply couldn't be copied. Neither could the man in question.

" Penny for your thoughts?"

"...you make me happy."

Why did he feel like he'd won the biggest honor when seeing that warm smile spread across the instructor's expression? Because he knew he was the cause and nothing meant more than that.

      @investigxter

[foundyou-ff]

Chapter Forty and Three

For the next week, Sasuke kept bugging me about some secret. Well of course I had a secret. Who didn't have secrets? I debated telling him one of my secrets to veer him off of Itachi's scent. As much as I wanted to tell him about Itachi's illness, I had been sworn to secrecy and I didn't like breaking promises. Not to mention, Itachi didn’t want to worry his little brother. Sasuke had a right to know what was up with his brother. I knew that, but Itachi just wasn’t ready to have Sasuke carry that burden. Hell, even I didn’t know exactly what was wrong with him. All I knew was that he’d been sick for a year now and he was coughing up blood. That could mean anything! A lot of illnesses could be making him cough up blood! I just didn’t want to be at fault for not saying anything. If Itachi was on the verge of dying, shouldn’t we know? He would tell us, right? He would give Sasuke the chance to say goodbye if it was necessary, wouldn’t he? Right? “That’s it. Spill.” I turned around from my spot on the couch after coming home from school. “What?” “What is it you’re not telling me? I know you’re hiding something,” Sasuke complained. I grinned, in the hopes of defusing the situation. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve been busy with school and Pervy Sage’s homework.” “And video games.” I laughed. “And video games. Want to play?” Sasuke glared at me for a few moments, as if debating some kind of choice in his head. “I’ll play, if you tell me what you’re hiding.” “But I’m not…” “Yes. You are. I know you better than that.” I shrugged and turned back to my games. “If you say so.” "Why won't you tell me?" he insisted. "Probably because I don't know what you're talking about?" Sasuke sighed very loudly as he sat next to me. Rather than responding, he chose to glare at me. That freaking teme! "You know, it's really annoying when you do that?" "Oh? Is it as annoying as your silence? Is it as annoying as having something important hidden from you?" "You complain that I'm always being loud and now you're complaining about my silence?! What the hell is your problem?" Sasuke leaned forward. "What is yours? You are never the type to be so secretive. The only time you pull off being the stoic is when you're trying to surprise someone." "Well how about you try not being so stoic all the freaking time!" "At least my natural state isn't being a complete moron." "Gah! What the hell did you say, teme?!" I slammed down my controller on the couch and started telling him how much of an idiot he's being. Sasuke would retort with comments about my complete lack of intelligence and spew other such nonsense. Man, he really knew how to light a fire under me! Sometimes I couldn't believe how lousy of a person he could be. No wonder so many of the guys at school had a problem with him. The only difference was that I knew he also had a softer, gentler side that he normally tucked away from the world. I sighed and crossed my arms. It was my turn to glare at him for a little. "Okay, okay, so I've a secret. Happy?" "Almost," he said with half a smile. "I'll be happy when you tell me what it is." I shook my head. "Problem is I can't say what it is." "Fine, then who's secret is it?" "I can't reveal that either. I've been told to keep my mouth shut." He scoffed. "Right. Since when do you have to power to keep your mouth shut?" "Damn it, Sasuke!" He smiled. "All right, I'll stop. You're going to eventually tell me, you know." He wasn't wrong. When the time came, if Itachi didn't say anything, I wouldn't think twice about spilling the beans to Sasuke. "Trust me, I know. But for now, I'm not saying anything." He shrugged. "If you say so. Don't you have homework to do, dobe?" "You mean for tomorrow? No. I finished it. I have an assignment to cover from the book Pervy Sage gave me, but I don't feel like going out to do it. Play games with me, teme!" "Fine, but I get to choose the game," he negotiated. "What? Why! I already have this game on!" "I don't want to play this game." "Damn it, teme. Fine! What do you want to play?" "MK." I rolled my eyes. Mortal Kombat was definitely his favorite game from the collection we had. Mostly because he knew he could almost always kick my ass in it. That prick. I don't know why I continuously bothered in trying to get him to play with me. Rather than arguing with him, I let him have his way. If this was what it took to spend time with Sasuke when we were usually both so busy, then I was going to take it. We played for several hours before Itachi came home. Since we were in the middle of a match, we didn't turn around to greet him, but we did call out our greetings to him. He only warned us to not stay up too late playing video games. He'd brought sushi for dinner, so he left it in the kitchen for us. "Don't forget it's there," he called back to us as he headed up the stairs. "We won't!" we chimed. Just like we promised, we took a break to eat and then resumed our video games. All I could think about was hoping Sasuke wouldn't realize that Itachi had probably gone to sleep. Itachi slept early, that wasn't strange, but he always made an effort to sit and eat with us. "I wonder why Itachi isn't eating with us," Sasuke mentioned. Damn it. "Maybe he already ate at work and he just made sure to get us food. He might've been too tired to come home and cook." "Hn. It's still a little weird. He normally has tea or something before going to bed." "Unless we just didn't hear him make tea," I tried to insist. "Hn. I suppose that could be true." "Yeah! Besides, we were too busy to notice that Itachi had even come home. Had he not said anything, we probably wouldn't have known until we saw his shoes at the door." He smiled. "True enough. You still want that rematch?" "You know it, dattebayo! As if I'd ever let you get away with that cheap last shot!" "Hn. Bring it on, usuratonkachi." "I will, stupid teme!"