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kayparker20 · 4 years ago

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Inner Turmoil - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Unspeakable Plans Come Alight

FFN | AO3

~Two Weeks Earlier~

“Sasuke…” Orochimaru hissed. “I hear your little blossom has become quite the kunoichi. Rumors say she rivals even the power of the great Tsunade.” He clicked his tongue thoughtfully.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the snake shinobi. “What about it? And she’s not my little blossom.” The raven hair man sneered.

Orochimaru chuckled softly. “The girl was willing to betray the village with you, perhaps you should consider her to be more of an asset, rather than an annoyance.”

Sasuke continued to stare blankly at his current sensei, though he still refused to call him that. What could this man possibly want with Sakura? She was practically useless, and he had no wish to return to the Leaf village anytime soon. He had yet to kill Itachi, and he would not even begin to think of going back until then.

“And just how could some girl who cared more about her hair than being a proper ninja be an asset to me, Orochimaru?”

Orochimaru watched the cold man before him. “She could be useful if she still harbors feelings for you. And it would seem she no longer cares for her hair. Did you not hear me the first time?” Orochimaru snapped. “She has incredible abilities she learned from Tsunade Senju, the fifth hokage and my old team mate.” He licked his lips. “I wonder if her medical abilities could fix these wretched arms, and then perhaps I wouldn’t need your pretty little face.”

Sasuke glared at him in disgust. “That’s doubtful. I’ve already told you, I don’t care about my body as long as I get to kill Itachi and get my revenge.” He spat.

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. “But what if you could rebuild the Uchiha clan to its former glory? Lure that little apprentice into a trap. I bet with the right motivation, she would come running back to you.”

Sasuke thought for a moment, remembering the pride he used to feel for his clan. Really his need for revenge is based a little bit on pride, isn’t it? Not just the pain of watching his whole clan assassinated. And really, what good was revenge if you didn’t get to live with the accomplishment of getting it.

“What are your thoughts?” He sighed.

“We will kidnap that little Yamanaka girl,I have intel that tells me they are best friends. And she’s also an heir to one of the key clans in the village. I’m sure you’re aware of their mind control jutsus. Two birds with one stone, eh?”

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. “And just how do you plan to get into the village and kidnap her?”

“That will be your job.”

Sasuke looked at him again. “Is this just another test of my strength?” He growled.

Orochimaru grinned. “Oh, Sasuke, are you scared that you can’t get past them? Or maybe it’s Naruto you’re worried about.”

“I don’t care about Naruto. Or Sakura, or Kakashi. Not a single soul in that village matters to me more than my goal.” He said in a low tone. “I came to you for power, not to play your little games.”

The snake ninja shook his head. “Power comes in numbers. And what can I truly teach you when I can’t use my hands to teach you jutsu and hand signs?” He chuckled once more. “Besides, that little Haruno would make wonderful prodigies with your blood added into the mix. Tsunade’s strengths and healing abilities with your sharingan? It would be despicable power.”

“You’re forgetting she tried to kill me.” He spat. “I’m pretty sure she’s lost interest.”

“Did she not hesitate in killing you?” Orochimaru inquired. “Love doesn’t die easy, especially in women. I almost had Tsunade in my grip at the thought of bringing back her deceased husband.”

Sasuke hated how he always seemed to have a new project, a new game, a new goal all the time. It seemed he only cared to prep him for the body transfer, as opposed to keeping his end of the deal, and he was about at his wit’s end with it. However, the thought of reviving his clan was something of interest. It hadn’t come to mind that he should continue his bloodline before the snake took over his body.

“What makes you think Sakura can fix your arms when Tsunade couldn’t?”

Orochimaru clicked his tongue in thought once again. “It was never found out if she could not, it was that she wouldn’t even try.”

Sasuke scoffed. “So let me get this straight. You want to kidnap the blonde annoyance, to lure think pink annoyance. Use me to entice her to come with us and then make her heal your arms?”

Orochimari just smirked and licked his lips slowly. “That’s exactly my plan.”

~Present Time~

“Wherever you are, Sasuke, she’s moved on. Odd how she is attracted to the ones that are traumatized. Is it because she’s medic? Is there some kind of pull in the universe?” The once obnoxious and weak blonde shook his head. “No matter, at least Kakashi was willing to try…”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes as Naruto looked in the direction of the woods where he stood, unaware the raven was actually there and hearing him. “We will still find you and we will bring you home one day.”

Sasuke was shocked to say the least. “Kakashi and Sakura…? That’s a bit… Weird?” He commented to no one but himself. He had to see this for himself, surely it had to be some sick joke. But why in the hell would Naruto sit out talking to the damn forest with some stupid sincerity towards me if it wasn’t real?

Does the idiot do it often? Just stand on the damn wall and talk to the trees, as if he was talking to me? Has he cried his heart out with the pain of my departure? How pathetic, better to have spent that time training instead of pining after some astray team mate. No wonder he’s still a damned genin.

He made the hand signs to form a henge and approached the village entrance, feigning to be a traveler in need of shelter for the night. Just like he thought, they fell for it. He wandered through the village aimlessly, feeling out for any familiar chakra signatures. He’d run into Team Seven enough times over the years to still recognize their chakras.

He caught wind of Sakura and Kakashi’s chakra coming from one of the bars. He went into the Shuriken, vaguely remembering that many jounin liked this particular bar. And that when he saw it.

Sakura was sitting awful close to Kakashi, their sides touching and Kakashi’s arm around her waist, his hand on her hip. Clearly they had gotten cozy. An unwelcome feeling of jealousy formed within him. How could she move on, claiming to have loved him? Why did he care that she moved on, didn’t he just claim he had no use for such a useless girl?

He also saw Ino, sitting all cozy with Choji, which was a little surprising. Talk about a downgrade, Sasuke thought to himself. However, that feeling of possessiveness didn’t flow in his veins at the sight of Ino with someone else.

He moved closer wanting to hear what was being said.

“Regardless, if he had laid a finger on you that night, I wouldn’t have given a damn about him being a civilian. Neither should you when you’re about to be assaulted. Granted you could barely walk 10 minutes later, your chakra control was probably already affected by then.”

“For being around Tsunade so much, you’d think she would handle her liquor better…”

“Shame, you were an awful cute drunk.”

“Oh, Sai? Naruto and him get along great now. But he is still amused by antagonizing Naruto from time to time.”

Sasuke scowled at the conversation. Hearing Kakashi refer to her as being a cute drunk was fucking weird. What was he, fourteen years older than us? And he went after Sakura?

Odd how she is attracted to the ones that are traumatized…

Naruto’s words echoed in his mind, angered once again by the idea that she actually could have pursued Kakashi herself. What could have possibly gone wrong to suddenly make her have some change of heart and not love him anymore? They had counted on that very expectation that she was still infatuated with me, in order to get her to us. Now, what the hell are they going to do? Damnit.

He continued watching them, his blood boiling as he watched Sakura whisper in his ear. Annoyed that Sakura and Ino seemed restless, looking around the bar but not quite pinpointing the cause of their distress. Were they really strong enough to sense an unwanted presence now? He had still been doubtful that Sakura had become a formidable shinobi, but now it seemed that it may be true, as she scanned the room with a nervous look in her eyes.

She knew she was being watched, but she couldn’t tell by who. He smirked. He was still superior to her, of course he was.

As he heard them begin to leave, warning of keeping Ino and Sakura under protection and other bullshit of the like, Sasuke felt the plan wasn’t totally screwed. It was obvious Ino and Sakura were close. Perhaps he could still kidnap Ino and she could just be held for ransom. He kidnaps her, and in exchange for her safety, Sakura has to come with him to Orochimaru. That could work, Sakura is probably some self sacrificing ninja now if she’s a medic.

He decided to follow Kakashi and Sakura as they walked to his apartment, not even shocking to Sasuke it was the same one he had seven years ago. He perched on a roof and watched as she changed into Kakashi’s clothes. Taking notice of the more athletic build her body had now and even some scars, as opposed to the girlish, untouched skin in his memory. He watched as she laid in Kakashi's bed and he lay behind her and held her close to him, like he actually had something to lose again.

“Awe, the Copy Nin finally let some emotions out, has he?” He chuckled darkly. “What will you do when she comes running back into my arms, Sensei?”

And that when he sensed it. He had been careless, and now he had been spotted. He stared back at Kakashi lazily, uncaring. His former sensei’s gaze had been hard and he looked ready to kill as he brought his arms around Sakura even tighter.

“Tell the blossom I said hello, Sensei.” Sasuke smirked before disappearing into the darkness.

Kakashi stiffened, having been staring out his window when he spotted the form on the room facing the direction of his apartment, and upon closer inspection, realized there were red eyes looking at them. Despite the obvious henge, that’s when he knew she and Ino were both being watched, and that it had to be far from good. Only two people that possessed those eyes were alive, and he was pretty sure the elder of the two had no interest in Sakura. His arms tightened around Sakura, now certain he wouldn’t be sleeping tonight.

He laid awake all night, trying to figure what to say to Sakura. He had to tell her, she had to be on her guard. He didn’t want her to leave his sight, but he already knew she wouldn’t stand to be stuck in the house or to not go to work.

Then there was that tiny piece of that still feared that she still had feelings for Sasuke, that she would drop him in an instant. No matter how much he knew she was serious about him, especially after the talk with Tsunade, there was still part of him that couldn’t let go of that fear of losing her.

And most importantly out of all this. Why was Sasuke here? Why was he lurking in the bar and watching them in his apartment? It just didn’t seem right. What was his motive? And why didn’t he notice his chakra signature? Had he slacked and let his guard down, being so happy around Sakura? Well it won’t be such anymore.

How would Naruto react to this situation? He still swears to bring Sasuke back. Will they fight again? That went rough for both of them last time that happened.

He stared up at the ceiling, contemplating what he would do. He needed to tell Naruto as soon as possible as well. As well as Tsunade, Choji, Asuma and Ino who should know this information as well. He couldn’t believe how easily Sasuke had gotten into the village, how was he not noticed? Even with the henge, the guards should have been able to see through that… Unless he used genjutsu on them. Kakashi sighed heavily

He looked over at Sakura, her pink tresses covering his pillows, her smaller form clinging to his side. The sun was beginning to come up and she would have to get up for work soon. He ran his fingers through her hair before kissing her forehead softly. “Sakura…” He said softly.

He would protect her no matter what. He’d die before he let something happen to her. It was the cold hard truth. No one had meant this much to him before and he wasn’t going to lose her.

“Sakura…” He called out a little louder and she groaned. “You need to get up for work.” He chuckled softly, her unwillingness to get up somehow making his heart squeeze.

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” She grumbled before opening her eyes and rubbing them. She huffed a strand of her hair out of her face before sitting up. “Last night was still weird.”

He nodded and sighed. “Yeah, about that. We need to talk to Tsunade and make sure there is extra guard around the hospital for yours and Ino’s safety. And no missions.”

Sakura frowned at his last statement but nodded solemnly. “It’s not like I’d been going on missions recently anyway…” She shrugged, seeming only slightly bothered.

“You’re not only our team’s medic, but one of the best medics in the village. We can’t afford to lose you because you’re stubborn.” He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Now come on, before the gambling Hokage comes here looking for you.”

Sakura smiled softly and hugged him tight before getting up and retrieving her clothes. She took a look at them and scowled. “This dress is a far cry from professional wear…”

Kakashi slid out of bed. “I was well aware, I woke you up with enough time for us to go back to your place and get your normal clothing.”

He watched as she turned to look at the clock for the first time and her shoulders sagged. He quickly got ready and walked besides her. “Did you sleep okay? You look a little…” He wasn’t sure how to finish that without being hurtful.

She just shook her head silently before leaning into him. “Let’s just go. I need a shower.” He simply nodded in response, not quite sure how to comfort her.

Once he had dropped her off at the hospital for her shift, he went straight to the Hokage tower. He knocked on the door lightly and was surprised to hear an awake and sober voice come through the wood.

“Come in.”

He stepped inside. “We have an emergency and we will need to summon Naruto.”

Tsunade instantly frowned before pointing at the ceiling. “Well that part is done, now what is the danger?”

Naruto dropped down from the ceiling, instantly sensing the killing distress coming off his team captain. “Kakashi, what’s the matter?” He asked seriously.

Kakashi looked at Naruto, not sure how to say the news other than getting straight to the point. “Sasuke was in the village last night. I don’t know how he got past the guards, but Ino and Sakura felt like they were being watched towards the end of the night last night.” He scowled at the memories. “Sakura barely slept. Just as she had fallen asleep, I spotted him in a henge sitting on a rooftop watching us. I was only able to tell it was him because he had his sharingan activated.”

“And you did nothing!” Tsunade stood up from her desk and yelled.

Naruto shook his head. “No.” He faced Tsunade. “What was he supposed to do? Wake Sakura and risk her panicking?”

The tension in her body dissipated. “Does she know?” She asked.

Kakashi shook his head. “I couldn’t figure out how to tell her. She hadn’t slept good and didn’t feel well. She still felt wary and I didn’t want to tell her such news before she had to go into work.”

“We need to put ANBU all around the hospital.” Naruto said instantly. “And we need to tell Team 10 and Sakura somehow.”

Kakashi nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly why I’m here.”

“I am going to send them immediately.” Tsunade said fiercely. “Whatever is going on, it’s probably connected to Orochi-”

“Lady Tsunade!” Choji came barging into the office, Shikamaru and Asuma trailing behind him.

“Choji, you can’t just walk-”

“Asuma, he’s fine.” Tsunade assured, noticing the distress in the young man’s expression. “What is it?”

“Ino is gone! We can’t find her anywhere!”

“What!” Naruto exclaimed.

“Damnit, it wasn’t soon enough!” Kakashi cursed.

“What is happening? What do you mean ‘not soon enough’, Kakashi?” Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.

Tsunade cursed under her breath. “Shizune, get Sakura here immediately!” She walked around her desk and leaned on the front of it, her eyebrows deeply furrowed. “When did you see her last?”

“I fell asleep on her couch last night after Asuma and I walked her home from the bar.” Choji was still frantic. “I woke up to her mother panicking that she was gone.” Choji’s bottom lip was trembling. “I was supposed to protect her.”

Asuma grabbed his shoulder. “Choji, it is not your fault.”

Kakashi shook his head. “It’s not. None of us sensed him last night.”

Asuma frowned. “Who..?”

Sakura walked into her office and ran a hand through her locks, letting out a heavy sigh. She set her patient charts on her desk and went over to start a cup of coffee.

She still felt that feeling of being watched. She still couldn’t find anything that seemed out of the ordinary and it was getting on her last nerve. She hated this restless feeling. She sank down in her chair and flipped through the charts. Everything was minor meaning there was nothing that would require her full attention to distract her.

She tried to think about being in Kakashi’s arms, how safe it had felt to be in his embrace. She wished she could have just stayed there with him but she knew that was impossible. However despite that, she still hadn’t slept well at all. She had one of the recurring nightmares about the sharingan again. They had lessened ever since those months where Kakashi let her gaze into his own sharingan, in hopes that it would get her used to it again. It took weeks for her to not shed tears but he would always comfort and not let her push herself.

She hadn’t had those nightmares for months, almost a year now. She’s been healing his eye with no trepidation at all for so long, she had nearly forgotten this nightmare. It hadn’t bothered as much as it did so long ago, but it just didn’t make sense that it showed up again now, as things in her life were going really well.

And then she felt a chill run down her spine before she sensed a presence.

“Sakura…”

She knew that cold, plaintive tone like no other. She froze in place, wondering why he was here. How did he get into the village? Into the hospital and her office? Was he the one watching her since last night?

She turned to look at him, meeting onyx eyes.

“S-Sasuke..?” She stammered before standing back up from her chair, gathering chakra within herself. “What are you doing here?”

He smirked. “Come with me to Orochimaru.”

“What?” She sputtered in disbelief. Did he really just say that? “Hell, no!” She backed away from him. “I will not betray this village like you did!”

“Come on, Sakura. Can you imagine the strength you would have at being trained by not one, but two of the legendary Sannin?” He smirked and took a step closer. “And you’ll get to be with me. We could have a family. We’ll be together, like you’ve always wanted.”

Sakura stared at him in shock. “What did you just say?”

“Come with me. Orochimaru needs your healing ability, and I want to carry on my clan.” Sasuke said, his patience wavering. Why was she just standing there, looking at him?

“You think I’m going to help him?” She spat angrily. “I am not some naive, lovesick little genin anymore!” She growled. “Get away from me! You made you choice when we were 13 when you left me on a fucking bench, you prick!”

Sasuke’s eyes widened at her words, but gave no response.

“You tried to kill me, twice.” She took a step forward. “And now you’re in my office claiming you want me to bear your children, as if that’s all I’m good for? At least Orochimaru recognized medical abilities!”

Sasuke flashed towards, not standing inches from her face. “So, it’s true then.” He stated harshly. “You really did whore yourself didn’t you? What, were you not strong enough to make jonin? I knew he was a creep but I never thought he liked little children.” He laughed and shoved her. “I knew it was bullshit that you could have surpassed Tsunade.”

Sakura glared at him fiercely. “What the hell are you on about, now? Have you finally lost your mind?”

“Oh, no. I just never thought you’d stop loving me with all your little protests to be with me, let alone sink low enough to fuck our old sensei to make rank.”

Sakura’s jaw dropped. “How could you…” Her eyes darkened with her anger at the insult. “I was already jonin during the war, far before me and Kakashi had ever become involved. How do you even know about that?” She spat, summoning chakra to her fists and swinging for his jaw. He easily dodged her attack and it was only more infuriating.

Sasuke slapped her. “Look at you. You’re still just a weak little girl. You claim loyalty but you couldn’t even hang on for me! You were supposedly going to be saving grace, or was that some lie Naruto spat back then too!”

Sakura yelped in pain and stared up at him dumbfounded. “I’ll be damned if I spent my life waiting for you to find your team to suddenly be more important than your sick and twisted need for revenge! You showed us time and time again that you didn’t care, so why now! Why are you here!”

Sasuke glared at her, ignoring her question. “You will come to Orochimaru, one way or another. I could care less if you bear my children or not. I wouldn’t want them tainted with your lack of emotional control anyways. If you gave up on me then you never really did love me, anyways. Not that it matters at all.”

“Are you actually jealous?” She stared at him before laughing. “You couldn’t give me the time of day, but now that I moved on, you want me?” She shook her head sadly. “You’re too late. I love Kakashi, and I have for longer than I could even know myself.”

Sasuke’s eye twitched. He grabbed her up by her throat, activating his sharingan and catching her eyes before she could react. “You really think that another broken man is capable of love, let alone how disgusting it is for a student and sensei to be involved romantically? He’s kept everyone he’s ever known out of reach since the death of Fourth, you’re no different. He was probably just horny and you’re vulnerable.”

Sakura trembled and tried to shut her eyes but she reacted too late, her eyes caught in the swirls of red and black. Not again.

“You think you’ve grown up so much, but yet you still went after someone who can’t give you what you want. A 20 year old ninja, and yet you still can’t mature past your stupid and childish ideals, blossom.” He spat sarcastically. “And maybe, just maybe it is real, and he let you in. It’ll be too bad, because I will kill him for ever thinking he could take what’s been mine since the academy days.” He spat.

And then he put her in a Tsukuyomi, making her watch Kakashi die over and over again, by Sasuke’s hand. He only held for a few minutes but it would feel like days to her that she watched the horror over and over again.

He dropped her and left, leaving to handle her motivation in the case that that was not enough, the chatty blonde having already stretched his patience enough since he abducted her last night.

Sakura sat on the floor of her office, trembling. She tried to release, knowing it was just genjutsu. But she already knew you couldn’t get out of Tsukuyomi, it had been useless to try. She hugged her knees and cried into them, trying to gather her components. She remembered when Kakashi and Sasuke himself had suffered that jutsu from Itachi, and the damage that had been done. She tried to make herself breathe, trying to figure how she was conscious and not in a coma like they had been. It didn’t add up, even if she was resistant to genjutsu, the mangekyou abilities were far stronger than normal genjutsu…

She shook her head and wiped her tears. Tsunade needs to know right away. She grabbed her charts and gave them the front desk, telling her they needed to be reassigned before leaving. She was running up the road from the hospital to the Hokage tower when Ino’s mom came around the turn.

“Sakura, have you seen Ino?!”

Sakura glanced at her best friend’s mother, just as she realized where Ino was.

You will come to Orochimaru, one way or another.

“Sakura, come now!” She heard Shizune call. “Oh my god, what happened to you?”

“Sasuke just came into my office!” She called to her mentor, her voice trembling. “What the hell is going on!”

“Oh no, come on! I was coming to get you for an emergency.”

They ran up the stairs just as she heard a male voice ask “who” and many others murmuring.

Sakura and Shizune entered the office briskly, Sakura struggling to catch her breath.

“My Lady… She was already halfway here.” Shizune started, holding Sakura tightly. “She...encountered Sasuke.”

Tsunade took one look at Sakura and could tell something was wrong, more than just seeing Sasuke. She frowned. She was pale and her eyes were bloodshot and she seemed to be just barely trembling.

“Sakura…?” Naruto tried, moving to her. “Hey, what happened? Did he hurt you?” He gently grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

Her eyes snapped and met his eyes and tears instantly forming, unable to hold them back. She held his gaze before shaking her head to answer his question. She turned to her side to look at Kakashi, meeting his exposed eye, seeing his gaze full of concern and she frowned again.

“You knew, didn’t you? That’s why you’re here…” She moved towards him.

Kakashi nodded. “He was watching us last night.” He said blankly, unsure of what to say. “I didn’t know how to tell you… I hadn’t realized it was him until you fell asleep.”

The tears slowly flowed down her cheeks, glistening under the light in the room. “Kakashi, he took Ino, didn’t he!” And then she cried out and threw herself into him.

He instantly wrapped his arms around her body, unsure of what else to do. He held her tight in his arms. Tsunade watched them, seeing how unsure Kakashi looked and shook her head as she made a show of flipping her hair, hoping it was enough of a hint to get him to comfort her better.

“We will get her back.” She turned to Shizune. “Was she able to tell you what happened?”

Shizune shook her head. “I only just found her, she was on her way here, turning the corner.”

Sakura shook in Kakashi’s arms. “He wants me to go with him and Orochimaru. I-I refused and he got angry, and told me I-I would join them one or another…”

“Absolutely not!” Naruto’s eyes flashed red for just a second. “That snake will not get her too!”

Kakashi glared, stroking Sakura’s hair after noticing Tsunade making direct eye contact with him and flicking her hair across her shoulder. “She will not.” His grip tightened on her.

“Is he still in the village?” Shikamaru demanded.

“I had every shinobi on site spread to lockdown all entrances and to pass the message on behalf of Tsunade as soon as I left the room, and it had only been moments before.”

“This doesn’t explain how I didn’t know!” Choji flared.

“Genjutsu? Isn’t that the Uchiha’s thing with their eyes?” Shikamaru inquired.

Asuma nodded. “He very well could have put the entire household under one long enough to get her out, and made you stay in a dream state.”

Sakura sniffled softly, swallowing down her cries. “Apparently Orochimaru is convinced I can heal his wretched arms, as if I would want to.” She spat. “Oh, and I guess Sasuke wants to be sure his clan is continued on before he gives his body to a snake.” She scoffed.

Naruto looked perpetually confused. “He tried to make Tsunade heal him… But she said she couldn’t, but he was certain she could…”

“I never said I couldn’t…” Tsunade intervened. “I just wouldn’t be swayed by him, especially with the use of forbidden jutsu, no matter how much I miss Dan or my little brother…” Her shoulders went rigid at the topic coming up. “But I still doubt I could have. The Death Reaper Seal often kills the person who uses it, it is a more than powerful jutsu which killed not only the Third but…” Tsunade looked to meet Naruto’s eyes in a solemn gaze.

“My father…” Naruto said flatly. “I’m aware.”

“I don’t care if I could heal his stupid arms, I will not.” Sakura said spitefully. “But I have to go…”

Kakashi looked at her. “No.” He said, his grip on her tightening even more. “I am not losing you, Sakura.”

Naruto shook his head. “We will get Ino back without losing you.”

Choji nodded. “Neither one of you is more important than the other, no matter who loves who.” He affirmed, now calmed knowing the situation.

Sakura frowned, shifting slightly in Kakashi’s iron grip, and resting her forehead on his shoulder. “There’s something else…” Her voice trembled.

Everyone waited and listened while she seemed to build up her morality to speak again.

“I’m sure you figured out he was watching us last night, and was the cause of the unsettling feelings me and Ino had.”

Sakura trembled. She didn’t know what to do. She just knew she felt safe in Kakashi’s arms but she knew what she was about to say was going to set everyone off. The simple idea that she would go back to him couldn’t even cross her mind. The aura of the Uchiha’s anger filling her office when she refused still left her shaking.

Her grip tightened around Kakashi as she finally spoke again. “He told me he was going to kill Kakashi…” She choked back another sob.

“He couldn’t believe I was with him. He went off about how it was disgusting and wrong.” She glared at the wall in front of her. “And insinuated that Kakashi was a pedophile and when I went to hit him in response, he finally understood that it was real.” Her nails dug into Kakashi’s back as she tried to keep her composure. “Berated me about loyalty, telling me I never loved him. I betrayed him. Told me I was just a whore looking to get up the r-ranks… And that if I ever thought someone like Kakashi was capable of love than I’m no less of an idiot than I was when we were 13. But I didn’t know he took Ino until her mother found me...” She shook. “I just guessed because we both felt some unwanted presence last night and then he popped up in my office, and she had liked him back then too so I thought maybe he was finding a different medic that…”

“Sakura, it’s not your fault.” Naruto said sternly. “And you are definitely none of the things he said.” His anger was beginning to flare again and it was all he could do to keep his emotions in check. “I will find him myself.” He looked at Team 10. “No better search party than us right?”

“No. Last time I sent a mission after Sasuke with emotional attachments involved you almost died.” Tsunade spat.

“Lady, they aren’t chunin and genin anymore.” Shizune cut in. “And I think if we send the right balance of experience it will be a good set up.”

“I don’t think you’re going to be able to convince anyone in this room to not go after them. It’s personal for us all.” Asuma agreed.

The fifth just sighed. “You all act like you’re the boss around here.” She grumbled. “Fine, then. I want Sai and Yamato in your group as well, making three seasoned former ANBU in your ranks. A Hyuga as well. The more strength you have against Sasuke, the better. I’d say an Inuzuka for tracking, but you already have Kakashi.” She slouched against her desk. “And do not go against Orochimaru. Get to Sasuke before he returns to wherever the hell they are holed up. The more you have, the better.” She sighed. “Yamato is the mission lead.”

She hoped Kakashi and Asuma wouldn’t take offense to Yamato being lead, as they were far too invested in this mission emotionally. While Yamato was part of Team Seven, he was not involved with Sakura, nor did he have the same attachments to Sasuke that the three of them have. Asuma was her sensei, there was no way she could truly trust he could think logically at all times.

Everyone nodded and left the office.

“Me and Kakashi will find Sai and Yamato.” Sakura affirmed.

“I’ll find Neji and Hinata, at least one should be able to go.” Naruto said fiercely.

“We will meet at the gates in half an hour, that should be ample time to pack and round everyone shouldn’t it?” Asuma stated, watching Choji and Shikamaru. The boys only nodded.

Temari came running up the steps to the tower. “I need to speak with the Hokage right away!” She exclaimed.

Shikamaru’s eyes widened. “Temari! What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

She hesitated before looking at the group and her eyes landing on Sakura. “We have intel that Orochimaru is-”

“It’s too late.” Kakashi stated plainly. “Sasuke already has Ino…”

Temari's eyes widened before looking at her lover’s team. “I’m sorry, I got here as fast as I could. But we thought he was after Sakura…? Gaara sent me here, we weren’t sure how reliable the intel we got was but we didn’t want to risk it. ”

“They’re using her best friend as ransom…” Choji said, clearly bothered. “We just organized a resume squad and need to retrieve the rest of it.”

“Let me come! I’m in order to do whatever I can to help.”

“Temari, I don’t think-” Shikamaru started.

“Please.” Sakura cut him off. “We need all the help we can get.”

Naruto nodded. “And there’s nothing like a little wind jutsu to help out!” He gave a smile before jumping to the rooftops, bounding from one to another towards the Hyuuga compound.

Temari nodded and glanced at Choji, who looked explicitly more distraught than Asuma and Shika. She walked up to him and pressed a hand to his arm. “I know you care about her, we’ll get her back.”

“Sasuke is such a drag.” Shikamaru groaned before shaking his head. “Choji and her just got together and he had to go and kidnap all because he’s jealous of Kakashi? He didn’t seem so interested before he left.”

Asuma shook his head. “This isn’t about interest, it’s about opportunity. He wanted to carry on his bloodline, Sakura just seemed convenient because he assumed she’d still fall to his feet.” He sighed.

Sakura scoffed. “It’s not even just that. Orochimaru wants me to heal his arms. I’m sure the revival of his clan was just some manipulation on the betraying sannin’s part.” She added bitterly. “I should have knocked him into the next decade but I was in shock…” She shamed herself.

“You can’t blame yourself, Sakura.” Shikamaru added. “We haven’t seen him since the war and he only sided with us then because he wants to be the one to destroy the village. It’s not like we expect to just walk into our town without making himself known.”

“Whatever the case, we need to go get ready to leave the village, and scout it out before. Chances he had already escaped before Shizune raised the alarm but we must be certain. This mission consists of some of the strongest shinobi, we cannot risk leaving if he is still here.” Kakasi said in usual laid back but firm demeanor.

“He’s right.”

The rest of the group departed to round up their things and fellow shinobi.

Naruto knocked as politely as possible on the door to the Hyuga complex in his urgent state. Hiashi answered as always with a smile, already sensing Naruto’s chakra. His expression changed when he noticed the serious aura around the usually cheerful young man. “Naruto, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Sasuke. He kidnapped Ino to try and make Sakura join him and Orochimaru.” Naruto said in an even tone. “Tsunade has commanded that at least one Hyuga goes on the rescue mission. I would like to ask for both Hinata and Neji.”

Hiashi thought a moment before nodding. “I will also send Hanabi. She is quite fond of that one teammate of yours, the former ANBU that uses ink? I also think it would do her some good to go on a mission, it’s about time she is no longer stuck within the village walls. She has much to learn as the future head.”

Naruto couldn’t help but smile. “You mean Sai.” Hinata had mentioned before that Hanabi was curious about Sai, but frowned in confusion. “I thought you didn’t like letting the clan heads get involved with village business.”

Hiashi thought for a moment about Naruto’s observation. “Neji and Hinata are technically branch members, which is why they went to the academy. Hanabi is the next clan head, but she must see danger and know what it means to protect someone.” He sighed softly. “Sasuke and Orochimaru are a danger to the village which is where we live. And it would also seem that while Hanabi wishes to follow most principles of the clan, she seems to want to be closer to the village.”

He was never a fan of this, sticking well to the traditions of the Hyuga clan, not ever really close to anyone outside of it. However, that seemed to be where this generation of Hyuga had changed. Neji and Hinata have both fallen for someone outside of the clan, and it now seems that Hanabi will as well. As long as the Hyuga genes were kept pure for the next leader, perhaps he could learn to be okay with it, granted it would be a rather odd arrangement if his younger daughter married outside of the clan.

“She has expressed interest in being a genin team leader. I usually would not support this, but it has seemed that this generation has changed many things, and if she will lead the clan maybe she should experience being part of village relations before she makes such a fundamental decision for our clan.”

Naruto had listened fully with all the respect he could have. It always bothered him that the clan never did anything unless there was a war, but he was glad to see them possibly beginning to change that.

“That sounds like a good idea when you explain all that then.” Naruto beamed, but it faltered. “We’re supposed to meet at the village gates soon. I don’t need to talk to them, we’re gonna fill everyone in on the run. I still need to get ready while Kakashi and Sakura find Sai and Yamato.”

Hiashi nodded. “I understand the urgency. Go on, I will inform them of the mission.” He watched as Naruto took back to the rooftops into the direction of his apartment, pride swelling in his heart that his daughter would find such a formidable shinobi to love.

Naruto bounded back to his apartment and quickly packed all his weapons and some dried food rations. Before leaving he grabbed his sage scroll and swung it around his shoulder to hang behind him. He sighed and left, running into the rest of the current Team Seven on his ways to the gates.

“Naruto.” Sai nodded towards him.

“Who is coming from the Hyuga?” Sakura asked.

“We are getting Hinata, Neji and her little sister Hanabi!” He smiled. “I had only requested Neji and Hinata. Hiashi had volunteered Hanabi, saying she needed to go outside of the village walls? That was kind of shocking.”

Kakashi and Yamato raised their eyebrows, knowing the history and ways of the Hyuga.

“It definitely is, but you have always inspired change in people.” Kakashi said with pride.

As they ran to the gate, he thought more deeply about his statement. How this team was the reason he even opened up even a little bit again. How much Naruto reminded him of Obito, and Sakura reminds him of Rin more and more everyday. How much of himself he had seen in Sasuke, and how much he put into trying to stop him from taking the path of vengeance. How it was Naruto who had almost convinced him that letting himself be with Sakura was worth facing the fear of loss once again. Worth having something to lose, granted really he already had something to lose before he let himself fully love her.

He looked to each member of his team, to Naruto in front of him and Sakura first. The determined yet angry aura that wavered of Naruto was nearly tangible. To his right where Sakura was right beside him, her fear and perseverance to save her friend just as in reach. He watched Yamato and Sai, trailing behind on either side, the unwavering camaraderie and loyalty in their expressions as they trailed after the three towards the bridge.

He thought of the friends he had made that he had kept just out of reach for years, knowing deep down it would kill him inside if something happened to Gai, Asuma, and Kurenai. Even Genma, Shizune, Iruka, and Anko. He had always had something to lose even when he kept his distance, but the pain would be so much greater if he had ever let himself love. But the more he really admitted it to himself, he wasn’t far from feeling the pain he tried too hard to avoid the longer he had been around Naruto and Sakura. As for Sakura… The time they spent together just slowly became more and more, until they were just always together when she wasn’t at the hospital or with Ino or Naruto.

Reaching the gates, meeting everyone there, he smiled his usual eye crease.

“How many missions are we going to take that involve Sasuke?” Neji asked in his usual agitated tone.

“Neji!” Hinata chastised.

Naruto shook his head. “This time he’s gone after Sakura, again, and Ino. He’s crossed the line.”

“What are you saying, Naruto?” Yamato watched the jinchuriki carefully.

“I’m saying that from here on out, he’s not my brother. He’s not my best friend. He’s not my comrade. He’s an enemy.” He ground his teeth together. “I can’t keep watching him hurt the people I care about.”

“Naruto…” Sakura rested her hand on his shoulder.

“Let’s not get hasty. The goal of the mission is to retrieve Ino, correct?” Yamato asked.

Kakashi nodded. “Sasuke is still under the influence of Orochimaru, remember.”

Sakura frowned. “He seemed perfectly well aware of what he was doing before.”

Hinata watched the team with compassion, knowing how much Naruto struggles with the troubles surrounding Sasuke and his desire to bring him back from the darkness.

“We should go. Some Anbu reported here earlier saying there was no sign that they are still in the village.” Asuma stated softly, noticing how antsy his team was getting with all the talk. “Please remember the bonds between Ino and her team go further than just the academy and being genin together. Their clans have been comrades alongside each other for generations, and all three of my team are the next clan heads to take an oath to protect one another, and this is especially hard for Choji, as we all know his feelings for her.”

Shikamaru and Choji nodded, keeping silent but turning to start leaving towards the gates.

The rest soon followed into the forest. Hinata kept close to Naruto as they leapt through the leaves. Kakashi and Sakura were together, Yamato jumping to the head to lead the envoy. The team leader stopped below the branches a moment, realizing they hadn’t even spoken of plans. “Wait a moment!”

Everyone stopped for a moment, staring at the captain of the mission confused.

“We need to discuss a formation and find a trail before we go high tailing to nowhere.” He gazed over at Kakashi expectantly.

The copy nin slid the scroll from his vest and performed the hand signs to summon his ninken before placing his hand on the ground. “Do any of you have something that could have Ino’s scent on it?” He looked pointedly at Choji.

Sakura shook her head and Choji looked nervous.

“I don’t have anything…” He said solemnly.

Sakura smiled. “Choji, her scent is probably still all over you from last night. And you slept at her house.”

“Kakashi’s ninken can separate your own scent from hers.” Asuma nodded.

“Pakkun, Shiba, and Bisuke, find the scent of Ino. You’ve been around her once or twice. Follow it, and if you remember Sasuke’s scent still, follow that one as well. He kidnapped her. Report back to me if you find a trail.”

“You got it boss.”

They went and sniffed Choji a few moments until they found the more feminine scent on his clothes. “You’re her boyfriend, aren’t you kid?” Pakkun asked bluntly.

Choji’s face turned red and he just nodded.

His nose wiggled and nodded. “That’s it, let’s go.”

And then the ninken were gone in a matter of blurs taking off.

Yamato nodded, clearly pleased with the success of finding a way to track them. “Okay. We have three Hyuga, so I want one in the front, one in the center and one in the back. Which of you three have the longest range?”

Neji and Hinata exchanged glances before silently agreeing on something.

“Captain, Hanabi does, but she cannot be in the front of line. Understand, she is the clan heirass and must be protected. Neji is further than mine.” She stated quietly but confidently.

Yamato nodded. “I understand. I am going to do a 2,3,2,3,2 formation. Neji, you will be in the front with me since you have the second superior sight range.” He paused a moment to think longer about his comrades abilities and strengths. “Shikamaru, Temari, and Choji you will be the next group behind me, two long range users to use on the enemies ahead, and Choji to give power hits I know the Akimichi have when they get close.”

He thought about how to best protect Hanabi in an emergency with her in the center. “Hanabi in the center and Hinata in the back. Sai, because you have the super beast scroll and can summon anything, you will be with Hanabi, in the case that this gets too dangerous and a threat to her life, you are to form a beast and escape with her and protect her.” He took note of Hanabi turning just the slightest bit of pink and grinned and a knowing look passed over Hinata’s features, a grin crossing his face to hear no argument.

Knowing Hinata would be the rear eyes, he glanced between the rest of the team. Sakura needed to be kept within the inner part of the formation as the medic nin and a target of the enemy. “Kakashi, Sakura, and Asuma, you will be between Hanabi and Hinata’s pairs as a group of three, because you all have close and strong combat skills. And we also want Sakura surrounded as our team's head medic and one of the targets of the enemy so she is to be in the center of you two.”

He glanced at Naruto, sure the ninja knew his place now but still stating it and the reason.“Naruto, you will be in the back with Hinata, as you have the most chakra and can handle an ambush attack with your shadow clones and toad summons, as well as your enhanced resilience from the nine tails. Hinata also has her protective trigrams to hold off an enemy use should it be needed.”

Everyone moved into the formation given without much questioning to their captain. They were focused on saving their comrade, best friend, and or teammate. Sakura hated to be treated as if she were fragile but she knew she had to stay out of harm's way to be an effective medic. It didn’t mean she always had to like it though. She could still feel the fear slowly creeping into her mind again but she tried to keep watching for the next branch to land on, and the next and the next in hopes of distracting herself.

“Sakura…” Naruto called softly from behind.

Kakashi gave him a side glance, curious in what he had to say.

“What?” Sakura inquired.

“What happened?” Naruto asked directly. “You seem different, shaken. And not like you only seen Sasuke. I’ve seen that and this is different.” His eyebrows furrowed. “You’re shaky and torn up like you were traumatized, not just surprised…”

Sakura looked away from both Kakashi and Naruto. “Nothing…” She tried but her voice cracked, giving her away instantly that it was a lie.

“Sakura, did he do something else?” Kakashi asked, and she could hear the venomous threat meant toward the Uchiha lying in the tones of his voice.

“You’re acting like Sasuke after the time me and Jiraiya ran into Itachi and Kisame…” Naruto realized, his eyes widening with worry.

Sakura gulped. She didn’t want to make them worry more. If they found out she’s been through a tsukuyomi they might make her return to and stay in the village.

“Sakura…” She could hear Kakashi try to steady his breathing.

“He… He didn’t just threaten to kill you.” She turned to face Kakashi. “He made me watch all the various ways he would have thought to do it…” She swallowed again. “It was only for a few mere moments…”

“Sakura! You shouldn’t be pushing yourself!” Hinata exclaimed.

“I’m fine!” The pinkette insisted.

Kakashi was doing everything he could to not lose his temper, not with her, but at the very thought he used any sort of that technique of the sharingan on her. He should have known by now that Sasuke was beyond redemption, but it still surprised just how low he could fall in how he treated his own teammates, let alone the conspiring against the village in such a way. They all should have learned by now.

The pangs of guilt he used to feel for believing he failed the raven kid were beginning to turn into contempt and revulsion.

Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.

He tried so hard not to feel that way about Sasuke because he knew there could have been a chance he could have gone down a similar path, but the Uchiha chose over and over again to have revenge instead of camaraderie. How much more could he look the other way, as he watched him hurt his team over and over again, the two who still held hope for him until this particular betrayal?

That fact that he put Sakura through a tsukuyomi, not just a genjutsu. He still wondered how she was even conscious, let alone out of bed.

“Yamato, we need to stop. My ninken will be able to keep a trail and follow them to wherever they go.” Kakashi called out with a neutral tone, the same one he had used when he was the leader of missions.

“Kakashi, I said I’m fine!”

He gently grabbed her wrist as he stopped on the next branch, pulling her to a halt. “Sakura, even I was down after a tsukuyomi had been used on me.” He pressed. “Stop fighting us on this.” His tone held a little more authority in the last statement. His grip was gentle but it was still firm.

She knew he was just trying to look out for her but it was annoying that he wouldn’t let it go. Annoyed at the tinge of authority in his voice, even though she knew he was considered second in command on this mission, even though he was technically her team leader. Her best friend was kidnapped and she did not plan on stopping until she found her.

Everyone else had stopped within yards of each other. Yamato came upon the back of the group, looking at his pink haired teammate. “Sakura, you should have been cleared by a medic.”

She huffed annoyed. “I am literally the medical director, and I said I’m fine.” She snapped. “My best friend is literally about to be at the hands of the two biggest rogue nin of our village, and we are stopping over some damn visions.”

Naruto put a hand on his lifetime friend’s shoulder. “Sakura, even I know they aren’t just visions.”

“Ino’s safety is not worth trading for yours.” Asuma stated bluntly.

“I am fine!” She tried to insist.

“Sakura, you’re barely holding it together.” Shikamaru pointed out. “Your best friend was just kidnapped by your revenge sick teammate that’s suddenly hellbent on having you, and he just used a forceful genjutsu on you. No one here is expecting you to be okay.”

“What if she needs medical attention, Sakura?” Hinata pleaded. “You have to have full stamina in case she has been severely injured…” Hinata knew that Sakura knew she was right but sometimes you needed to hear from someone else.

Sakura leaned against the tree, the exhaustion hitting her. “I’m fine. You know I’m resistant to genjutsu… I’m just tired and my head hurts. We don’t need to stop…” She trailed off, knowing she didn’t sound very convincing.

“Sakura, you can’t push yourself to your limits and then expect to be of help when we get there. Or if anyone else gets hurt, you have to be able to be the medic, not one of the ones who needs a medic.”

Yamato looked at her. “You either need to rest and get a handle on your emotions, or I will have to send you back.” He said it in his usual tone of authority.

He knew Sakura would be angry but she was well aware that he did what was best for the mission and that he showed no sympathy. He treated them as ninja and wouldn’t ‘baby’ them. He’s made that clear since the first mission on Tenchi Bridge.

She frowned deeply at her captain’s words, but she knew he meant it. She just accepted it and slumped against the tree. “Fine. But we won’t rest a minute longer than it takes for my head to stop hurting.” She huffed.

Yamato nodded. “We’ll make camp below while we are still in fire country. Everyone dropped below besides the remaining Kakashi, Naruto, and Hinata.

Kakashi picked up Sakura with one hand supporting her back and his other hooked under her knees. “Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice came out harsher than he meant but it had bothered him.

“Because I knew Tsunade, or Shizune, wouldn’t have let me go if I mentioned it.” She stated tiredly. “And there was no way I wasn’t going on this mission when it’s my fault he took her in the first place…”

“What about after?” Naruto asked.

“I told you when you asked…”

Hinata watched her, admiring her strength, but also worried. “Sakura, you know more than anyone that it’s not wise to go on a mission worn. And you are worn mentally…” She spoke softly, hoping to anger her friend.

Sakura looked at Hinata and smiled before resting her head on Kakashi’s shoulder and sighing. “I’ve never been a ninja that could keep my emotions from clouding my judgement Hinata…” Her expression turned into a bitter scowl as she thought to herself.]

“It’s my biggest downfall, and the reason we’re in this situation today, because it was my emotions that let that bastard live.” She mumbled vehemently, angry at herself.

“No.” Kakashi said sternly. “You and Naruto biggest strengths are the compassion and kindness you still hold in your hearts even after everything you’ve seen.” He looked from Naruto as he said and to Sakura. “Never forget that, either of you.”

Naruto nodded, feeling some of the same feelings towards himself. “I’m done trying to save him. I meant it.”

Sakura nodded. “He really thought he could just swoop in after seven years, and that I’d just run right into his arms, ready to just be some baby maker and not an actual kunoichi.”

Kakashi smiled then. “Well, you’ll show him, now won’t you?” His grip tightened around her body. “Only after you recuperate. And I would love to know how you are still conscious right now.”

“I’m resistant, but I couldn’t avoid it like I can some others. I just kept telling myself it wasn’t real. And I just…” She shivered. “I’m not unaffected, trust me. I’m just…” She looked away. “I can’t let something happen to Ino…”

He nodded softly before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “We will get her, I promise, but it will not be at your expense.” He nodded to Naruto before jumping down the base of the tree, joining the rest of their rescue squad.

“Kakashi, you want to do the honors of starting the fire?” Asuma joked lightly.

“Maybe after I make our medic relax.” Kakashi said offhandedly.

“It better not be in out ear shot, that would be a drag…” Shikamaru groaned.

Sakura turned red as Kakashi laughed, thankful his mask covered the slight pinkish tint that showed up on his own skin. “I actually hadn’t meant it like that but I’ll keep that in mind.” He gave his normal eye crease before gently setting Sakura against a tree. He grabbed both of their packs and began setting up the tents.

“Kakashi, you might as well only set one up to save on space.” Yamato commented neutrally. “She needs to have a guard anyways. “The less setup we have, the less it will draw attention and time saved in taking it down anyways.”

The spiky haired nin nodded as he continued setting up.

Sakura had given up on trying to seem fine now that it was out in the open that she really was far from it. She watched Kakashi setting up the tent,trying to keep distracted when Choji sat next to her.

“I think Ino would kick your ass if she ever found out you were going to risk yourself like that for her.” He commented quietly.

“She might have.” Sakura laughed softly. “Tsunade is gonna kill me when she finds out…”

“Just take care of yourself too, Sakura. I know it’s hard, but we have to remember to keep ourselves in check.” He chuckled a bit. “Not all of us are fortunate enough to have the crazy chakra reserves and healing capabilities Naruto has.”

She smiled genuinely then. “You’re right…”

He rested his hand on her back. “She would have done the same for you, I’m sure of it. But we need you most of all to be cautious and in control. Recover first, so we have the greatest chance of saving both of you.” He gave her a small smile before leaving her side to talk with Asuma, Shikamaru, and Temari.

Yamato came over to Sakura next. “I’m glad you decided to rest.” He said with a careful smile. “I thought you were going to pummel me like Naruto for a second.” He tried to joke a little.

Sakura smiled up at him. “I wanted to for a second, but I know you were right.” She sighed. “I wouldn’t have expected any different from you, Captain Yamato. We both know I let my emotions get the best of me at times, even with the improvement I’ve made.”

He nodded softly as Kakashi came back. “Alright, time to get your hard headed self in a bed. You need to sleep.”

Sakura slowly stood up. “I don’t know if I want to do that.” She grumbled. She walked into the tent, crouching a bit as she entered. She smiled as she saw the two cots laid side by side, laying on the one closest to the door.

Kakashi watched her as she went into the tent and laid down before sighing.

“So, you need to fill everyone who wasn’t in that office on all the details of what happened and of this mission.” He looked at Kakashi. “I’m aware I’m the Captain because I don’t have as much emotional tether to Ino as her team and Sakura, nor do I have any bonds with Sasuke.”

Kakashi scoffed. “I think this may be the one move that will make them give up on Sasuke.” He glared at the ground. “I never truly gave up on him, but after this. I can’t keep believing he’s still able to saved…”

Asuma came up, knowing his friend held an enormous amount of guilt for the Uchiha’s choices. It was unspoken between the circle of friends, but it was easy to know he blamed himself. He always did. “I have Sai, Neji, Hanabi, and Hinata gathered around the soon to be fire so that we could fill them and Yamato in on the details.”

Kakashi nodded. “There’s no time like the present.” He said nonchalantly, before making his way to the pile of sticks the rest were gathered around.

He performed the katon no jutsu, igniting the pile instantly. The irony in using that technique wasn’t absent from his mind, knowing it was one of the main jutsus of the Uchiha. It only made the bitterness growing towards Sasuke grow deeper.

Even Naruto had given up on him now…

He sighed, starting at the beginning with the night at the bar when Sakura and Ino felt watched, explaining that he realized Sasuke’s presence watching him and Sakura as she slept in his bed. Ending with the events that passed in Tsunade’s office.

#kayparkerwrites #kakasaku fanfiction #kakasaku #kakashi x sakura #naruto fanfiction #naruto and kakashi #kakashi hatake #sakura haruno #fanfiction #hurt/comfort #inner turmoil

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orangebatsanctuary · 8 years ago

Photo

New story from Inaho x Slaine Anthology arrived!

Aldnoah On Ice

Story by Fabelyn

AZ x Yuri on Ice paro by Fabelyn, surely great crossover, I was thinking about it before, that Inaho & Slaine being in YOI AU gonna be super Katsudon/delicious. It certainly is.

Read on OrangeBat Sanctuary website: http://www.orangebat-sanctuary.com/aldnoah-on-ice-by-fabelyn

or click ‘Keep reading’ below.

Happy reading!

Love,

Rosiel

Aldnoah On Ice

by Fabelyn

*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･: *

If there was a hell, it would be the Grand Prix after party banquet. At least, it would be when Slaine later learned about the gaps in his memory….

“Ooh, Slaine, he’s here!”

Of course he is, this is the post final banquet, Slaine thought sourly, but could never muster the will to reveal such spite to Asseylum. Instead he smiled a little too thinly and replied, “Yup!” before downing another whole glass of champagne.

Asseylum didn’t notice his tone, but did frown at the drinking before going back to focus on that year’s—and the last three years too—Grand Prix Final winner: Inaho Kaizuka.

Slaine had no idea what Asseylum, or anyone else, saw in him. Well, maybe he did; even Slaine had to admit his technical skills were beyond compare.

But his performance had always felt soulless to Slaine. As if Inaho didn't put any feeling into it, and simply executed every move too flawlessly for judges to have any issue with it.

In fact, Slaine might have once admired Inaho. But that was before his sister, Asseylum, had started becoming Inaho’s avid fan, and before Slaine had done embarrassingly bad at the last two Grand Prix Finals, and the memory of Inaho tended to bring shame over his own results.

Honestly, if only he had a better coach... then again, that would imply he had one. He often didn’t think what Cruhteo did for him could be considered coaching...

Or maybe he was being too ungrateful and full of himself, blaming his inability to be better on someone else.

Ugh. He took another glass and drank it in one go.

Why was he losing both Asseylum’s admiration and the gold medal to someone that looked bored every day? So what if his performance was awe-inspiring despite that, and that he looked so good—

Oh, the drink is really getting to my head, I should stop.

He made a negative motion towards a waiter offering him another glass and saw Asseylum nod approvingly.

“Slaine, we should go greet him!”

“Who?”

“Inaho Kaizuka, silly!”

Damnit. “Why?”

Asseylum smiled. “Well, he’s my friend—”

Just because you spoke to him when you both were in Russia doesn’t mean he thinks of you as a friend.

“But more importantly... you haven’t talked to him yet, even though you both won this and last year!”

“I didn’t win, I got sixth and fifth place.”

“Even reaching the Grand Prix Final at all is a win, Slaine!” Asseylum gave him one of her most beaming smiles, which made his heart melt.

“I suppose…” He fidgeted, suddenly regretting his decision to turn down another glass.

“So,” Asseylum continued, “it’s only polite that you two greet each other. Last year you forfeited the banquet because I was sick…”

“That’s not your fault!”

“...but this year we’re fine, so you too should finally speak to each other! He’s a great person, really.”

Slaine tried to protest some more, but as usual he had no willpower to deny his sister.

He glanced at Inaho again... and found Inaho looking right back at him. Instead of trying to look away quickly, the boy continued staring regardless.

Slaine looked away. He supposed it was only natural for Inaho to be looking their way if he knew his sister.

“Come on, Slaine,” Asseylum said, and grabbed his arm to lead him to Inaho.

Defeated, Slaine sighed and grabbed a passing glass of champagne as he allowed himself to be led.

“Oh, and this might be your last chance to talk to him, too,” Asseylum mumbled as an afterthought.

Slaine frowned and looked at her. “Why?”

“It seems he’s considering retiring this year or the next.”

“I’ve heard that, but it’s still unconfirmed, so maybe it’s just gossip. He’s my age; there’s still plenty of time before he retires.”

“Yes, but he said as much to me in Russia. I think he lacks motivation to continue.”

“Hm.” The bastard. Being that perfect and throwing it all away? Did he not love skating? God, if he didn’t want his talent he should just hand it to Slaine.

By the time he and Asseylum reached Inaho and his entourage, his head was fuzzy and his glass empty, so he took another one.

For Inaho, these social gatherings were always hellish.

Dull, everything was so dull, as usual. Inaho saw no point in these social gatherings, but his sister and his coach, Magbaredge, had insisted he always attend, so there he was.

The only point of interest were the Allusia-Troyard siblings. The sister, from the famous ballet family of Allusia, was a decent skater but, being a dancer prodigy, focused on that and not competitive skating. He was personally quite fond of her, but it was the brother he was more interested in.

Slaine Troyard. As the son of the former Allusia family coach, he’d been taken in by them after the death of his parents. That was the extent of his life’s story that Inaho knew; the media and others liked to gossip about the family situation but Inaho always ignored it, he was far more interested in Slaine personally.

Slaine had done badly at the two Grand Prix he’d competed in, but in a way that interested Inaho. From his observations, Slaine would have succeeded and reached the podium if he’d perfected his moves, or simply chosen a sequence that would earn him more points, instead of one that seemed focused on emotions and meaningfulness. Honestly, he’d skated as if he hadn’t been most moves taught properly, which was ridiculous considering where he’d reached.

And yet, despite the glaring flaws in his program, something about it had been... enticing. Even to Inaho, who was usually only interested in the technical aspects of it.

“Inaho, congratulations!” Seylum said, approaching him and seemingly honest in cheer.

Inaho smiled at her, and pointedly ignored his sister making faces behind Seylum; she made suggestive motions whenever he spoke with a girl his age.

“Thank you,” he told Seylum, then turned to her brother. “Slaine Troyard.”

Slaine was swaying slightly, clearly having drunk more than he could handle.

“...Inaho Kai—” he stopped and fumbled with his surname for a few seconds before grumbling. “It’s difficult to pronounce, maybe I should call you Orange.”

Inaho blinked. “...you want to call me by the color of my skating clothes?”

“Why not?” Slaine shrugged and reached for another glass from a passing waiter. Seylum was scandalized.

“Slaine! I think you had more than enough! Inaho, sorry, he’s usually very polite, but I think the champagne got to his head.”

“It’s fine, let him have as much as he wants.” Inaho assured her, curious to see what else Slaine would say in his inebriated state. “I shall call you Bat, then. You reminded me of one, with that black outfit you had in the GPF.”

Slaine scowled as if he didn’t like it, but changed topics as he drank from his cup. Seylum tried prying it of him, to no avail.

“Are you really thinking of retiring?”

“Slaine!” Seylum tried chiding once again.

“I don’t mind it,” Inaho said offhandedly, and he wasn’t just being polite; he’d always preferred things to be direct. “I am considering it, yes.”

Slaine’s scowl deepened. “Why would you do that?!”

Inaho shrugged. “I’ve reached the peak of my career. I’ve executed every move I wanted flawlessly and won the competitions I was interested in, and I’m now financially secure for the rest of my life. There’s nothing else to be gained by continuing. You seem upset at the thought, yet isn’t it good for you if I’m no longer here? You’ll place higher.”

Slaine moved closer to him, face so close Inaho could smell the alcohol on his breath, and placed an indignant finger on his chest, poking him insistently.

“I can’t beat you if you aren’t there.”

“First of all you should aim to even reach the third or second place. And of course you can. Simply score higher than I have.”

Slaine blinked blearily, apparently not having thought of that in his present state. But then he recovered and his face darkened again.

“It doesn’t matter!” he said, quite slurred. “You sh-shouldn’t let talent go to waste! Put more feeling into your programs!”

He didn’t know how to. “I don’t care to.”

Slaine groaned. “Then, if you’re going to retire, you should... should…”

He stopped. Apparently whatever he was going to say was too much and even in his drunk state he hesitated.

Inaho couldn’t have that. Wordlessly he extended his hand out, offering Slaine the glass he’d been nursing, still full.

Slaine accepted it, drank it all and then…

“If you’re going to waste your skill, you should just come and be my coach,” he said.

Seylum stared at him, and Inaho realized he was doing the same and composed himself.

“...Why?”

“Because... look at you! You’re good at everything I lack in skating, and you’re good-looking and... and…”

Inaho stiffened when Slaine wrapped his arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Seylum squealed and behind her Yuki had a moment of confusion before deciding anything was fine and giving Inaho the thumbs up.

Slaine then began whispering in Inaho’s ear.

“Because my coach only wants Asseylum as this generation's star and... and I know he doesn’t like how I’ve been winning in spite of his shitty training and... and I don’t want to steal the spotlight from Asseylum’s dancing career but I love ice skating and it’s all I ever want to do.”

Oh.

Well now…

This was more interesting. If Slaine really was even more skilled than he’d shown himself to be, and was being weighed down by someone’s machinations…

He recalled how enthralling Slaine’s performance had been...

Inaho didn’t like to involve himself in drama, but it made him angry to think Slaine was being kept from his true potential. Still, becoming a coach might be too troublesome, maybe he could help him out in some other way.

Slaine let him go and gave him a lopsided smile. He looked good smiling.

“I know! Let’s have a dance-off! If I win, you’ll be my coach!”

“I don’t dance…”

“So I win by default!”

“No, you—”

“Hey, this seems fun,” Rayet, an ice skating bronze medalist, swooped in, looking amused. “How about I join you?”

Was she listening to our conversation? Inaho frowned; Slaine hadn’t been loud.

Technically she shouldn’t stick out... well, not more than normal for a medalist. But the party was a bore fest, especially when she was only there to observe the target.

Asseylum Vers Allusia. Rayet’s family was being paid by an anonymous source to make sure the darling ‘accidently’ suffered some form of crippling injury and could never fully dance again. And with Rayet’s background... this job was hers. And so she had been purposely listening in when she heard Slaine mention a dance-off.

Perfect. She could have an excuse to get closer to Asseylum and thus find out her schedule, and have some fun tonight.

“Since that guy doesn’t look interested,” she told Slaine, “how about you battle me?”

Slaine looked crestfallen for a moment before smiling at her. “I guess, why not? What do you want? Samba? Hip hop?”

“Hmm…” Rayet looked around for inspiration and focused on the thin metal pillars around the banquet room. She smiled impishly. “Do you know poledancing?”

Inaho stared as a half naked Slaine proudly danced around a pole while supporting Rayet.

Why had he been thinking of avoiding the task of being his coach again?

No, no he mustn’t choose such a complicated future for himself based on how Slaine shone as he danced.

Right.

Besides, there was something else to worry about here. Like the fading bruise on Slaine’s ribs. Judging by how others seemed to be either amused or scandalized by the display, no one had thought much of it. Perhaps everyone was assuming it was simply a training injury, but the placement didn’t make much sense for that.

“Soooo,” Yuki trailed, shuffling closer to him. “You like boys, huh? You know, you could have told me that so I didn’t keep trying to hook you up—”

“I’m not interested in either,” Inaho interrupted. “It’s only natural that I focus in such an unexpected display for these kind of gatherings.”

His coach, Magbaredge, raised an eyebrow and also moved closer to him.

“Is that so? Alright then, how many times has Slaine spun around that pole?”

Inaho could have lied, but that would mean acknowledging she had a point, so he told the truth. “This is the tenth time doing a full rotation around it.”

“And Rayet?”

“...I’m not so sure. But this observation is hardly conclusive evidence of the sort of interest you both are implying.”

The two women looked at him pityingly, and his sister took out her cellphone.

“Wait until Nina and the others hear of this. Well, it’s a pity I won’t have grandchildren—”

“Nieces and nephews. You’re my sister not my—”

“Orange!”

Inaho turned from his entourage to find Slaine approaching him again.

“I won! Now let’s have our dance-off!”

“As I said, I don’t dance.”

“Bullshit!” Slaine slurred and reached out to grab Inaho by the tie, pulling him closer. “You’re a pro ice-skater, of course you can dance!”

With their faces inches apart, Inaho was feeling slightly uncomfortable, but not for logical reasons such as the smell of alcohol or disliking closeness.

“I... really don’t—”

“C’mon now,” Slaine said, voice an octave lower now, and Inaho felt his hand on his back, fingers splayed out as he pulled Inaho’s body even closer. “Dance with me, Orange.”

Inaho swallowed.

This was completely illogical.

“This is completely illogical,” Inaho continued to insist later, slightly dazed, as his sister and coach forced him to get on the uber car.

“Uhuh,” Yuki said offhandedly, and Inaho turned to look at her to find her occupied with selecting images on her phone.

He inched closer and saw her choose one where, in a very intimate moment, Slaine was dipping Inaho’s body while their heads were inches apart and Inaho had his hand caressing Slaine’s face.

He stared at it. Yuki was sending it to all friends. All five of them.

“It’s illogical,” he deadpanned.

“So you keep parroting,” Magbaredge said, amused. “Be more specific.”

“It makes no sense, there is no basis, for me to... feel this way about some boy with too much alcohol in his system.”

Magbaredge’s smile was a leer. “Welcome to love, Junior. It’s as nonsensical as it seems.”

Inaho closed his eyes, leaned back into the seat and let out a long suffering sigh.

“I suppose this is when one would say ‘this is hell’.”

“Oh no, wait until the pining starts.”

Inaho opened his eyes again. “What pining? Slaine is clearly quite enamored with me.”

At that, Yuki frowned slightly.

“True,” she said worriedly, “but with the way the poor boy was drinking, he might not have a clear memory of everything tomorrow…”

Slaine, it turned out, retained no memory of the banquet after Asseylum suggested they go greet Inaho.

Which didn’t stop Asseylum from telling him about it, as well as finding pictures of it on some social media.

Initially Slaine had been mortified. And then Cruhteo got wind of it, and there was no time for embarrassment.

Slaine had thought that nothing would again compare with the bleakness that followed his father’s death. He was wrong, and his personal hell came back.

“Sir.”

Slaine sighed. “Harklight, I’ve told you, there’s no need to address me so formally.”

Harklight was adamant. “Master Saazbaum placed you as this ryokan’s manager. As a mere supervisor, I’m below you.”

“You’re older than me and been at this longer. Besides, we both know he only did it out of charity since I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

“And yet, you’ve been doing splendidly so far.”

Slaine ducked his head at the compliment, “Only because I have such good staff and don’t really need to do much at all.”

Harklight smiled momentarily before it slipped of his face and he continued carefully. “About having nowhere to go... Sir Slaine…”

Slaine noticed Harklight’s eyes glancing down and followed his gaze to the sports magazine he’d been reading. He winced; he’d been at the ice skating part. He hastily closed it, despite knowing it was futile.

“I was just curious. I still like it as a sport,” Slaine said defensively.

“It’s clearly more than that for you, still. Why don’t you go back to the Allusia household?”

“They were the ones that banished me to Japan in the first place.”

Although his deplorable state at the banquet had largely been ignored apart from gossip columns, Cruhteo still kicked up a storm and caused an uproar over it.

Thanks to Asseylum mitigating things, an agreement was made that Slaine had found perfect at the time; have him take some time off in some distant country until it was forgotten by the public.

It should have been punishment; a month away from one’s coach could be fatal for training. But since Cruhteo’s training largely consisted of teaching Slaine the bare minimum to avoid suspicion and beating him when he made a mistake... Slaine had taken it happily.

But then tragedy had struck, and he was never summoned back to their side.

“It’s been months,” Harklight insisted. “It’s time you went back so you can prepare for this skating season.”

“They never called me back. And I can’t... show my face there now when Asseylum is still recovering. Especially when Cruhteo still insists I somehow ordered the car crash.” He balled his hands into fists just remembering the disgusting accusations.

Harklight pursed his lips. “Wasn’t it something ridiculous? That you must have ordered it because you knew where she would be that day because she had messaged you?”

“Yes.”

“But hadn’t she also messaged most of her friends?”

“Yes, but Cruhteo claimed I had motive because I must have been bitter to have to spend one month away.”

“Surely they didn’t believe that.”

“Harklight, I’m here because they cut my income and I was rescued by Saazbaum.”

“That could have been a mistake, I recall you mentioning that they were sending you money again.”

“Yes.” Though he hadn’t touched that money and didn’t plan to, if he could help it. “But even so…”

“...If anyone actually believed that accusation, the media circus surrounding it wouldn’t have died down so quickly. Besides, you wouldn’t still be considered adopted by them, would you?”

“We don’t know that. They could be too busy worrying about her to remember to cancel my adoption. Also, if everything really was alright, she’d have been allowed to speak to me.” Which he hadn’t even known was going on until Saazbaum revealed it to him.

Harklight’s eyes flashed with anger, but not at Slaine. “Fine. You should still find another coach and continue the career you love. Ask Master Saazbaum for help.”

Slaine doubted he would help him with that. He’d had the distinct impression Saazbaum loathed the Allusia family, and so long as Slaine was still technically part of it, any prestige he got would only help them. And even if that wasn’t a factor…

“Harklight, in truth I... did try to search for another coach already,” Slaine admitted, wincing at the memory. “None of them will take me. It seems Cruhteo has poisoned them against me.”

Harklight cursed. “That man, I should just—”

“Sirs?”

They both turned to find a low ranking employee at the door to the room. The woman bowed at them.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s a guest at the onsen that insist on speaking to Master Troyard.”

“If he wishes to speak to a Manager, send Mazuurek. He’s the best at handling guests personally.”

“I tried, but he insists on speaking to you and only you. He requested you by name.”

Slaine looked at Harklight, who shrugged to indicate he didn’t know what this was about.

“I’ll go to them right away,” Slaine told the woman, not bothered by the request since he was eager to have an excuse to end his conversation with Harklight.

It turned out the guest had paid for a private onsen experience. Slaine wondered if it was a rich customer that wanted to speak to him to demand more perks. Well, Saazbaum ran his hotel chain with the belief most things could be negotiated, so that could be arranged…

He opened the particular onsen door already putting on his business face.

“Pardon the intrusion, I was told you wanted to see—”

The words died in his throat with a gurgle when Slaine recognized the figure soaking in the water.

“Ah, you’re finally here,” Inaho Kaizuka said plainly, then stood up, giving Slaine a full view of his naked body.

“Why are you...” here? Trying to talk to me? “...naked?”

Oh God, had he really just asked that of a person soaking in the water?

Inaho, wading towards him, stopped and blinked.

“One typically goes into the onsen without any clothes. I understand you’re not Japanese, but surely as the manager of a ryokan you should have known that by now.”

Slaine felt his face flushing in anger and embarrassment.

“I meant, why are you here?”

“Because this ryokan is famous for the—”

“Why are you in this ryokan?”

Inaho had finally reached the edge of the water nearest Slaine, who was trying his hardest to not look below Inaho’s face. Damn him and his toned body.

“Why? To be your coach, of course.”

“...What?”

“So let me get this straight,” Slaine said, still trying to wrap his head around the situation as Inaho, now mercifully clothed, ate dinner in his room. “During the banquet not only did I make a complete fool of myself... I also asked you to be my coach?”

“Yes, pretty much. So you don’t remember that part?”

“I don’t remember any of it!” Slaine snapped, then winced when he realized he was taking his self recrimination out on the wrong person. “I’m sorry for yelling. And... I’m sorry you came all the way here, I don’t remember asking such a thing.”

Inaho, surprisingly, didn’t look disappointed. “I considered that possibility when you failed to call me afterwards.”

“I don’t—” Slaine stopped. He had woken up the next day to find a phone number meticulously written in a slip of paper... that had been shoved inside his briefs. Oh god.

“Either way, it doesn’t matter,” Inaho was saying offhandedly.

“It... doesn’t?”

“Of course not. Inebriation removes inhibition, it’s less likely to create desires you never had before. And this isn’t a matter of consent since you aren’t being forced into anything. Therefore, even if you don’t recall asking for it, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want me as your coach. Either way, this trip would be necessary to verify that.”

Inaho stopped talking and eyed him expectantly. Slaine realized he was waiting for him to confirm or deny if he wanted it or not.

“Well... I…” he could just claim it was a drunken suggestion because he’d thought it hilarious but... but he did want it and... didn’t he need it too?

“Did you retire because of this?”

“No, I was already contemplating it. Your request simply gave me the final push towards it as it was something to look forward to more than competing.”

Slaine tried to tune down the butterflies in his stomach; clearly Inaho was talking about the challenge of it, and not the prospect of being with Slaine. Besides…

“That was months ago, why only now?”

“Obviously, I plan to take this seriously. I have no experience in teaching others so I first researched coaching techniques. And I also looked up your situation.”

Oh, so he is only doing this for the thrill of it. Slaine tried to not look disappointed.

“Well... then you know it’s not as if I have any other coach…”

“Nonsense. You simply lack the right contacts. There are plenty of coaches who dislike Cruhteo and wouldn’t heed his words. If... the only reason you want me is because you have no other choice, I’ll get you in contact with someone else.”

Slaine was taken aback; it had sounded like Inaho had hesitated for a moment. He felt bad now; Inaho had gone to some trouble to be his coach, even if not for the selfish reasons Slaine, and he was talented and intelligent…

“You said you know my situation…” Slaine said slowly, “then you’re aware I’ve been practically cut from the Allusia household and have little funding.”

Inaho shrugged. “Only temporarily. Since Seylum is recovering so well—”

“You've seen her!? She’s okay?”

“Yes, though she’s not allowed to be on the phone and only receives a few visits now and then. Regardless, she is doing well which is why you’ve been put aside for now.”

“I don’t understand. Why would her positive recovery be what’s keeping me banished?”

“Because at the moment she’s still above you in terms of victories. If they think she can go back to winning gold like before, while you have yet to win any medals, they’ll keep focusing on her. However, they’ll give you their attention again when you win gold this year—”

“If I win, you mean.”

“No. If I’m to be your coach, you won’t do worse than gold.”

“...even if you think highly of your own abilities, you shouldn’t overestimate mine. And how can one do better than gold?”

“By beating world records. And I’m not overestimating your abilities.”

It was getting harder and harder to not react to Inaho’s words, and Slaine shifted nervously.

“Even if I could... I’m not sure I’d want to take away Asseylum’s prestige.”

“You won’t. She doesn't even ice skate.”

“Yes, but if I win, she won’t be the only winner in the family.”

“...Do you really think Seylum cares about being the only prestigious person? You should speak to her more, when this is over; she wants someone to share the glory.”

Somehow, Slaine didn’t think he was lying; that was just like Asseylum.

So... he could continue competing... and it wouldn’t harm Asseylum... and he could even have Inaho Kaizuka by his side…

Why was he still hesitating?

“I... if you’ll have me then... please be my coach.”

For the first time since they began talking, Inaho smiled slightly. Slaine had the sudden urge to make him smile more.

“Good. I’ll inform my sister she can move my things here.”

“Ah? Sure, I guess. I’ll tell Saazbaum.”

“Tomorrow we’ll start a training regime; it seems like you’ve let go of yourself during this time and you need to be put back into shape.”

“S-sorry. Okay.”

“I’ve checked the layout of this land on google maps and have made a specific running circuit that should suit your needs.”

“You... really?”

“I’ve also reviewed your former performances and added specific muscle training.”

“...Thanks?”

“We’ll go through the program I choreographed for you after two weeks.”

“...You already have one for me?”

“And I’ll send you a list of your new diet to your email. Start today.”

“I... I…”

“And... I don’t suppose you were exaggerating when you said you recalled nothing of the banquet?”

“Huh? That’s right, sorry. Is there another important thing I forgot?”

“Nothing we can’t get back to with time. So you don’t recall our dancing?”

He was blushing again. “I’ve seen photos of it.”

“My sister has the whole thing on video. She’ll show you when she arrives.”

“She’s... moving in too?”

“Naturally. So you don’t remember calling me attractive?”

Slaine froze, then hid his face in his hands. “N-No...”

“I’ll take it as a no. So no recollections of trying to take my clothes off.”

“I... I…”

“And when you kissed me.”

“Oh God. Ohgodohgodohgod.”

“And when we had sex.”

Slaine’s vision blurred and everything turned black. When he regained consciousness, he was lying on the ground, Inaho hovering over him.

“How long was I out?”

“A few seconds.”

“I had sex and I don’t even remember—”

“I lied. We didn’t.”

Slaine sat up so fast he nearly knocked Inaho away.

“We... didn’t?” He wouldn't have been able to hide his relief even if he tried.

“Of course not,” Inaho said, brows creased. “It would be wrong to do it with someone that was too drunk to give consent properly.”

“...Are you implying you would have done it if I—”

“But it’s interesting that you didn’t question any of what I said. So to you it’s quite plausible that in an inhibited state you’d have complimented my looks, ripped my clothes off, kissed me then gone to bed with me?”

Slaine could feel his whole body turning scarlet now. He tried to ignore Inaho’s question and focus on the positive aspect of it.

“So everything you said was just a lie to gauge my reaction?” He was so happy he couldn't even be mad.

“No. You did everything except the sex part. If you don’t believe me, my sister has it all documented. But again, so you have wanted to—”

Change the subject, change the subject right now!

“Y-You said you had something choreographed for me?”

“Yes. I made it based on the you I saw at the banquet.”

“...I’m not sure drunkenness will translate well to ice skating moves,” Slaine pointed out wryly.

“I didn’t add that part.”

“Oh. What's it called?”

“On love: Eros.”

“...”

“Excuse me sirs, I came to clean up the table— oh. Is... everything alright?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Later on, curled into a ball on his bed and ignoring Inaho’s demands to be let in (which Slaine refused, even if he had, thankfully, left all his Inaho Kaizuka memorabilia back at the Allusia mansion), Slaine could still hardly believe what was happening.

He would be able to see Asseylum again. He’d be able to skate again. He had Inaho Kaizuka as his coach. And it almost felt like the boy was implying he wanted more than that.

He laughed quietly, feeling how fast his heart was beating in excitement, maybe things would start looking up from now on.

*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･: *

Author Notes:

-Although it would have made more sense for Inaho to be Yuuri (both being japanese while Slaine is foreign) I had a harder time imagining Inaho becoming a drunk mess. Or Slaine being someone that, like, Victor didn’t know any love before, unless I removed Asseylum (which he loves even if not romantically) from the plot. Of course, saying Inaho doesn’t know love is also not correct as he loves his sister but...it still fit him more to have performances based on technical prowess and not feeling. And it was more in line with az to have him be better than Slaine.

-In an attempt to explain why Slaine would be working at an onsen, as well as mention other characters, some sort of sordid subplot of Saazbaum (yes it was him) trying to get Asseylum permanently incapacitated from dancing emerged. However, this is meant as an oneshot and I don’t plan on continuing it.

-On the banquet: honestly, I couldn’t imagine Inaho not mentioning the banquet, but unlike Victor I could see him not being too upset if he found out the truth.

Fabelyn

*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･: *

#ALDNOAH ZERO #inaho kaizuka #slaine troyard #az anthology #fabelyn #Aldnoah On Ice #inaho x slaine #orangebat #yuri on ice #paro

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crownoyami · 6 years ago

Text

Chapter 4 Writing the Stars

Rating: Explicit

Archive Warning: Archive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandom: Supernatural

Relationship: Gabriel/Sam Winchester

Characters: Gabriel (Supernatural) Sam Winchester Chuck Shurley Ellen Harvelle Jessica Moore

Additional Tags:

Public Display of Affection

Anal Sex

Anal Fingering

Angst with a Happy Ending

Switch Sam Winchester

Switch Gabriel (Supernatural)

Rimming (mentions)

Fluff and Angst

Famous Sam Winchester

Famous Gabriel (Supernatural)

Author Gabriel

Actor Sam Winchester

Actor Jessica Moore

Author Chuck

Summary:

Gabriel is a famous author who has been known for his multiple blockbuster hits. He never misses his mark and keeps out f the spotlight but for one interview given per movie/book. Until his newest novel adaptation has him spending time on set, and with the leading male actor Sam Winchester a newly discovered star. Gabriel may have tried to avoid the spotlight, but he’s thrown into the media whether he likes it or not.

Warnings: Anal Sex, Anal Fingering.

***This has been beta’d by JDL71

Chapter 4

Waking up before socially acceptable in the morning was an occupational hazard Sam had grown accustomed to. While he enjoyed sleeping in as much as the next guy, it just wasn’t in the cards if he wanted to get things done before leaving to go to work. Which was why the actor wasn’t shocked he was up before his alarm. What he was surprised about was the warm body snuggled up against his chest. It had been a long time since he had taken someone to bed, even longer since that someone was male, judging from the morning erection resting against his thigh. For a second, Sam merely let himself enjoy the feeling of having someone against him, right up until he heard a soft sigh and it all came back to him.

Gabriel Novak. He was in bed, naked, and curled around Gabriel Novak. Cracking his eyes open, Sam looked down at the form laying on him; one leg was thrown between Sam’s own while his head was resting on his chest. The author had his face relaxed in sleep, his arm wrapped around Sam and leaning loosely against his side while the actor had his hand splayed on Gabriel’s hip as if trying to keep him in place. Flashes of the night before came to him, it had been everything Sam had ever fantasized about, and he wanted more. Sadly, a glance at the clock told him he didn’t have time to try and entice the smaller man into having a round of morning sex.

Easing his way from where he was happily laying with Gabriel on top of him, Sam nearly made it out of bed when he heard a raspy voice from behind him. “We’re you goin’?” Gabriel sounded wrecked, his throat probably a bit raw in the morning. Turning from where he had been about to swing his legs over the bed, Sam looked at the man. The author was rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to wake up while still curled on his stomach. The blanket had moved with Sam while he was trying to leave the bed, exposing Gabriel’s back to the dim lighting of the room. While the sun had yet to rise in the sky fully, it cast a glow from the gap in the curtains which illumined the room enough for Sam to see. The blanket rested against the soft curve of Gabriel’s ass, hiding the pale flesh from his view, and without thinking, Sam tugged the covers down.

Instead of protesting, the blonds chuckled before wiggling, causing both his ass to move and for his cock to rub against the sheets, still aroused from sleep. “You should come back to bed, shouldn’t have to go in for a few hours yet,” mentioned Gabriel, arching his back a bit and spreading his legs wide. By then the blanket was well past his ass from Sam’s tugging and his moments, now just above the backs of Gabriel’s knees.

Sam licked his lips, reaching out and pressing a hand against a solid cheek, squeezing as Gabriel pressed his pelvis down onto the mattress. It would be so easy, the author was obviously willing, but Sam knew he only had a limited window to finish his morning ritual of working out before he had to shower and be on set for hair and makeup. “Fuck I want to… but I have to go back to my hotel and get ready for the day.”

Gabriel hummed absently before pushing his hips up into Sam’s touch. “What all do you need to do?” he asked, head turned toward the taller man to watch while the actor bit his bottom lip, hand still kneading Gabriel’s ass from one cheek to the other.

“I need to do my work out before getting ready to go down to the studio.” Leaning forward, Sam moved to his knees on the bed, now both hands on Gabriel’s flesh while he spoke.

The author smirked before moving his legs under him, raising his ass into the air. “I think you can get your workout done here; I promise to have you all cleaned up in time to keep makeup happy.” Unsurprised at the sound of the bedside drawer opening, Gabriel turned so he could see Sam behind him, taking in every glorious inch of the taller man. “Besides, I fully intend to switch this around, so you should take advantage of having my ass while you can.” The actor let go a soft moan, the hand which wasn’t fishing for the condom and lube in the drawer digging his fingers into Gabriel’s ass.

Burying his head in the pillow, Gabriel groaned as he heard the cap popping open and the foil of a condom packaging being torn. Yeah, he would make sure Sam got his workout, and maybe after their shower, they could figure something out, cause the author fully intended to have the man for a while longer before he let him go. A long finger rubbed against his rim causing Gabriel to lose his train of thought, his mind focusing on the pleasure Sam created in him. Instead of the digit pressing inside him, the smaller man found himself with a moment of vertigo as he flipped onto his back, Sam looming above him with a grin.

Though dazed, Gabriel happily kicked what was left of the blanket from around his feet while Sam slid between his legs to capture his lips. Tangling his hand in the actor’s longer locks, the author only had a moment to enjoy the sensation before Sam was pulling back.

“My workout is an hour at least, Gabriel… think you can keep up?” matching Sam’s grin with his own, Gabriel laughed before stretching his arms above him to display his body to the man, arching, so their chests were pressed together for a moment.

“Do your worst, Kiddo.” The way Sam smiled down at him made Gabriel feel something in his chest he hadn’t in a while, and though he was soon distracted by large hands playing him like a damned instrument, the author wondered if perhaps this could be more than a fling.

*~*~*~*~*

Sliding into his seat next to Chuck carefully, Gabriel couldn’t help the broad smile which seemed to have been permanently etched onto his face. Looking over at his friend and fellow author, Gabriel laughed softly at the look Chuck was throwing him. The man had his eyebrows drawn together with a frown on his face; his nose was scrunched up like he had smelt something offensive. “Morning Chuckie! A beautiful day isn’t it?”

Chuck for his part didn’t answer for a second, taking in how Gabriel was shifting in his seat and wincing. With a long-drawn-out sigh, the brunet took a drink of his coffee “I take it you had a late night last night? Find someone at the bar?”

Just as he was about to answer, Sam walked into the room. While Gabriel had dropped him off a few hours ago, the author had only just managed to come in, having to put in a few hours writing before he could do anything else with his day. Seeing the blond, Sam gave Gabriel an almost shy grin before turning to respond to whatever Jessica had said. There must have been something in his expression as Chuck groaned, hitting his palm to his forehead before hushing his voice due to the director calling the first take of the day.

“Sam?” asked Chuck, his eyes wide and darting between Gabriel and the tall actor. “You’re sleeping with the star of the damn movie? Do you have any idea what it could do to your career, to his? Damnit Gabriel, I know he’s hot, but seriously I thought you had more control than this!” while his voice was hushed in a whisper it was easy for Gabriel to tell that his fellow author wanted nothing more than to grab him by the shoulders and shake some sense into him while yelling. Gabriel wanted to be insulted, his judgment was excellent, and he knew exactly what he was risking when he came onto the younger man, but underneath it, all Gabriel could hear the genuine concern in Chuck’s voice.

Shaking his head slightly, Gabriel -also with his voice hushed- answered while reaching over to place his hand on Chuck’s arm reassuringly. “It’s fine, nobody saw us, and it wouldn’t be that big of a deal even if they did. Spending some time with one of the leads isn’t uncommon, even if someone did suspect something, it’s not that big of a deal now, not like it was before. I’ll talk to Sam about it, but I’m sure he knows the risks the same as I do, he’s a professional.” This time it was Chuck’s turn to shake his head, brushing off Gabriel’s hand and leaning closer so they could keep interest away from the people circling them while working.

“It’s not the gay thing, you know I would never give you shit about that… it’s his limelight; you hate the media. Sam isn’t just the lead actor of this film, but a hot topic on any channel or magazine. If you are going to keep him around then you’re going to end up having to do more than just one interview per book or movie, you’ll be swimming in paparazzi and people clambering over themselves for your attention, are you okay with that?”

The question wasn’t something Gabriel had thought about. While he knew coming out of the closet was a genuine possibility he would be forced to do, he hadn’t thought about what it meant for his popularity level. Watching as Sam played out his role, the perfect embodiment of Jared, Gabriel nodded his head slightly before speaking. “It doesn’t matter, so what if I need to do a bit of damage control? Besides who says I’m keeping him around?” though he tried to keep it low in respect to those working, Chuck laughed at the question.

“By the way, you’re sitting, man. You never let your conquests top… no, if you’re sitting tenderly then you have every intention of keeping this one, just don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.”

Gabriel didn’t have anything to say. Instead, he snorted, a bit too loudly and turned back to watching the set. He wasn’t planning on having any damn wedding. While he observed, alternating between answering Chuck’s questions, taking his notes and working with the director, Gabriel couldn’t help but think about the tall man playing his character. Sam was something else; he had a knack of being able to absorb the character, unlike anything Gabriel had ever seen. Any corrections were for Jessica’s sake or the other actors around them; Sam had Jared down completely. It was a heady feeling knowing that Sam put so much time and effort into perfecting the character.

Before too long, Gabriel was pawning off Chuck to the rest of the team so he could follow Sam who was done for the day. Getting an eye roll from his friend, the blond stuck out his tongue for a split second before trying to find his actor. It didn’t take him long to see the moose of a man, his tall frame easily identifiable through the crowd of people in the area. Once again Sam was talking to Jessica, relaxing or trying to go over their next scene Gabriel didn’t know, all he cared about was getting Sam’s attention. Placing his finger to his lips to tell Jessica to remain silent, Gabriel snuck up behind Sam and caught the tail end of what the taller man had been saying.

“…need to figure out how we’re going to do the next scene, I mean it’s coming off a bit awkward, but you would think after years of being around his brother Jared would know how to at least talk to a girl.” Gabriel laughed slightly, placing his hand on Sam’s lower back which made the man jump before turning around to face him. The slight yelp Sam let out made both Jessica and Gabriel laugh, the author unable to help but grin up at the man who was now focused on him. That was something else Gabriel noticed in-between takes, while the day before Sam had been avoiding his gaze, today the brunet had done nothing more than to try and catch Gabriel’s eyes. There was heat in his gaze this time, something the author wasn’t about to pass up.

“You know, if you have any questions, while I may not have written the script I bet I could answer them… want to show me to your trailer, and we can go over it?” Hearing the snort from Jessica, Gabriel knew he wasn't as subtle as he could be, but by the grin, Sam soon was wearing, and how the tall man had to clench his fist as not to reach out for him, Gabriel didn’t think Sam minded.

“Yeah… I would like that, I’ll talk to you tomorrow Jess, okay?” asked Sam, his eyes never leaving Gabriel while they began to walk toward where the trailers were set up. Gabriel made sure to walk, so they were close enough that his arm brushed against the other man’s while they made their way to his trailer. Gabriel easily stepped up into the area once it was unlocked, wiggling his ass while he did so to which Sam sucked in a sharp breath.

The slide of a lock clicking into place was the only warning Gabriel had before he was pulled back against a firm chest, Sam having wrapped his impossibly long arms around him and was unfastening his belt. Chuckling, Gabriel leaned back and let Sam manipulate him how he wanted, smoothly going with the taller man when he made to open his jeans. “Slow down there, Samsquatch you would think you were desperate for it.” One of those giant hands made its way into the now opened pants causing Gabriel to gasp and throw his head back as long fingers wrapped around his hardening dick.

Once his head was tilted back, Sam leaned over, placing his mouth on Gabriel’s neck while the author reached up to hook his hand on the back of Sam’s neck to hold him close. “I am desperate… fuck it was torture being able to watch you all day and having to pretend that I didn’t want to throw you down and take you all over again.” The hand which had been stroking along Gabriel’s chest vanished before the blond felt it behind his back, with the unmistakable movements of someone trying to undo their pants with one hand. With the fingers still wrapped around his dick, slowly driving him mad, Gabriel wasn’t much help though he did let go of Sam who was carelessly sucking on the base of his neck to tug on the buttons of his shirt. Between the two of them, they managed to get their clothes off, though it was made harder by the fact that Sam wouldn’t part from the author long enough to move appropriately.

With their clothes on the floor, shoes, and socks toed off, Gabriel turned for the first time, his eyes eagerly taking in Sam’s labored breathing and flushed skin. Giving the taller man a crooked grin, Gabriel reached out and brought the actor’s mouth to his own. The kiss was more teeth and tongue, though the author moaned from the sensation. “You have condoms and lube close? I need you in me.”

Instead of answering, Sam brought their mouths together again, this time wrapping his arms fully around Gabriel and pushing until the shorter man was walking back toward the small bed. Once the back of his legs hit the mattress, Gabriel fell, breaking the kiss while Sam reached in one of the dresser drawers before joining him. Laying back in the middle of the small bed, the blond grinned as Sam covered his cock before opening the bottle of lube.

“I don’t think I can wait, we can take our time next time, right?” asked Sam while slicking his fingers.

“Yeah, next time… get those fingers to work, been watching you all day wanting to show everyone just who was taking you home.” The words had slipped from his mouth, ones Gabriel wasn’t sure how they would be received. He hadn’t been lying, but it had been a shock to his system. This wasn’t how it typically worked, he never came back for more, but with Sam it was different, and from the broad smile he got in response, Gabriel thought perhaps it was the same for the actor. Lifting a leg to hook over Sam’s shoulder, the smaller man was damn-near bent in half while Sam leaned forever for a kiss, his hand slipping between the author's cheeks and rubbing a slick finger around his rim.

“You could have, I wouldn’t have minded.” While the words were spoken with truth, Gabriel couldn’t deny. Pressing back against the finger which was slowly slipping inside him, Gabriel closed his eyes and relaxed into the mattress. It didn’t take long for one finger to become two, Gabriel reached out to tangle his fingers in Sam’s hair while the man stretched him open. As the brunet slipped a third finger into him, Gabriel who had been rocking his hips, opened his eyes to look up at the man who was hovering above him. Their lips, which had been barely separated for more than a split second since they tumbled into bed, parted while the blond hooked his other leg around Sam’s waist.

Pulling back, Sam grabbed the lube once again to spread it over his covered cock. Now on his knees, the taller man kissed the inside of Gabriel’s knee before lowering the leg to wrap around him and positioned himself at the puckered rim. Pressing inside, both moaned at the feeling of their joining, Gabriel struggled to keep his eyes open while he watched Sam above him. He couldn’t see how they connected at the angle he was resting. However, Gabriel couldn’t help but watch the expression on Sam’s face while the other sunk into him. It was something else, seeing those hazel eyes blow wide in pleasure while the author himself could barely contain the loud moan that wanted to escape.

Mindful of the fact that they were inside a trailer around still-working people, Gabriel tried to contain his moans as Sam began to move. The actor had no such reservation. With every thrust, Sam would let go of some sound of pleasure, a grunt, a moan, a gasp as he filled Gabriel over and over again. Biting his bottom lip, the blond clenched his eyes closed tightly as his body started to warn him of his building orgasm. It wasn’t the heavy, rough sex Gabriel had thought they would have, but the feeling of Sam slowly taking him, the sensation of being cherished by the man with every slide of their bodies together was more overwhelming than the author had dreamed. Reaching between them, Sam having braced himself above Gabriel, pressing their bodies together, the blond wrapped a hand around his dick and started to jerk in time with the slow roll of Sam’s hips.

“Sam… Sam…” the only word Gabriel could find himself saying was the actor’s name while they moved, the answering kiss was his only response as Sam jerked his hips harshly for a second, moaning into Gabriel’s mouth. It didn’t take long for them to reach their release, Sam emptying into the condom first with a loud groan. The taller man was quick to reach between them, not allowing himself to bask in the afterglow while he partner wasn’t satisfied. A second later the author was coming into their combined hold, his body tensing while he did, which caused Sam to jerk his hips again before pulling out. The next few minutes were spent with Gabriel placing soft kisses along whatever skin he could reach while Sam wiped away the sticky mess with a wipe and got rid of the used condom.

When Sam lay down beside him, Gabriel turned to snuggle into the taller man’s chest, with Sam wrapping an arm around him. It was warm enough in the trailer that they were laying above the blankets, although Gabriel knew their sweaty skin would soon pick up the slight chill in the air. Closing his eyes, the author relaxed into the soft feeling of Sam rubbing his hand along Gabriel’s clammy back. “We should talk…” Instead of tensing as he was half-expecting Sam snorted slightly, his light rubbing on Gabriel’s back never stopping.

“Yeah, correct me if I’m wrong but this… whatever this is, between us is more than a quick fuck.”

Nodding his head, knowing Sam would feel the motion, Gabriel placed a soft kiss on the peck before speaking again. “Yeah Kiddo, the last thing I want to do though is put a stop to your career.” That got the tense reaction the blond had been expecting earlier.

“You wouldn’t listen this is still new… how about we give it a few months and see if this is still… this. Then we can talk about maybe going public? I want to give this a try Gabriel, and unless I’m mistaken you seem to want me too, don’t you?”

There was a touch of insecurity in the actor’s voice that Gabriel never wanted to hear again. Quickly the author moved to take the nearest nipple into his mouth and bit down slightly causing Sam to suck in a breath. “Course I want you, we can date behind the scenes and in let’s say three months? We can talk about letting the vultures know that we’re both taken.” The body beneath his relaxed again making Gabriel smile before resting his head on Sam’s chest once again. “Give me another ten minutes, and we can take this back to my hotel room, I have yet to know what you look like all spread out under me while I break you apart, we should fix that.” The laugh that came from the actor warmed Gabriel, suddenly having a boyfriend didn’t seem so bad. Closing his eyes, Gabriel thought about how in a slightly round-about way he now had a boyfriend to call his own, it was a nice feeling.

P.S. If you want to keep up to date on my writing add me to Facebook, Tumbler, Twitter or Instagram as CrowNoYami ;-) Also, if you want to see what I’m reading (I always review so you know what you’re getting into) I’m on Goodreads as well, the same name as always.

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