write....

reposting ftv 7...

2006-08-14T02:56:10Z

reposting ftv 6...

2006-04-15T12:50:35Z

Title: Filling the Void
Series: Naruto
Chapters: multiple
Rating: PG
Genre: romance, angst
Pairing/s: narusasu/sasunaru and kakairu
Warning: a couple of lemony scenes

If you haven't read the previous chapters:

previous chapters

Disclaimer: (Sasuke: Naruto is mine, got it? Not hers. Points to chibi-onna.)

~*~

a/n: Yeah, right, Sasuke. Whatever. Please note the excessive sarcasm. Sasuke stomps off, knowing that he is powerless against the almighty chibi-onna... Well, in this fic, anyway.

I would just like to thank everyone for reading and reviewing my fic… Chibi bows. It means a lot, really. I hope you’ll like this one, too.

Saa, on to the fic!

~*~

Filling the Void
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

Chapter 6 : A Very Special Day

~*~

Iruka sat back and took a sip from his mug. Sighing, he looked at the stack of folders on his desk. Thankfully, he was halfway through. He still had three good hours left for office, and he was determined to finish everything today. He smiled to himself as he reminisced. It was a special day, after all.

~*~

Iruka strolled down the dirt road, deep in thought. Images, sounds, smells and feelings flashed in his mind. Images, sounds, smells and feelings elicited by one Hatake Kakashi. He blushed. This little crush of his had been going on for quite a while now, he mused.

He remembered that it all started when he gave Naruto away as a student. Feeling doubtful and overprotective, he decided to scrutinize and investigate on the jounin instructor to see if he could really trust the man with his former charge. Suspicion turned into curiosity as his doubts were erased; and later, they became friends. Curiosity then turned into something more as time went by, and he slowly discovered the enigma that was Kakashi. However, it was highly possible that this process was considerably hastened by the scarecrow’s flirtatious and perverted nature. Well, towards him, at least. The chuunin almost stumbled at the influx of those memories.

He was too absorbed to discern where he was headed. When he finally did, he found that he was in the resting place of Konoha’s fallen heroes. He was astonished to have come this far out without even noticing it, but he was even more surprised to see the object of his thoughts kneeling before a beautiful black tombstone.

“Obito… I’m sorry…” A sigh. “Goodbye, koi.”

The wind carried the words to Iruka’s ears and he froze at the last word, unable to react as Kakashi stood and turned, regarding him with soulful eyes; unable to flee as Kakashi came closer, with slow steady steps; unable to move as Kakashi’s arms enveloped him with such overwhelming intensity.

He just stood there: seeing his gray hair, hearing his choked confessions, smelling his faint cinnamon scent, feeling the warmth of his love’s embrace.

And finally, he understood.

Raising his arms, he returned the gesture.

~*~

Iruka shook himself out of his memories. He had to keep on working if he wanted to get home early. He stretched his arms and grabbed a pencil. He still had to go to the specialty shop downtown later to pick up the present for his lover. He grabbed a folder from the pile and started to read its contents.

~*~

Meanwhile, Sasuke quickly made his way back to the training grounds. He had to get back before Sakura found out he had chased after their teammate and teacher. For some odd reason, he didn’t want this to be discovered by the pink-haired kunoichi. He was sure it wasn’t because he feared that the girl would be hurt. A ‘cold-hearted bastard’, as Naruto called him, couldn’t care less about such trifle matters.

So, no. It couldn’t be that.

He surmised that he was afraid of her drawing wrong conclusions; therefore leading her to make wrong, ruinous and more often than not, careless and unpredictable actions.

Wait. Stop right there.

What wrong conclusions? Were there any to draw, to begin with? Sasuke slowly analyzed himself. Why was he so uptight, so tense and defensive all of a sudden? Being a genius, he had known it was triggered by the events of that day. Yes, that fateful day when he saw his rival in a whole new light. And it was followed-up by yesterday’s unexpected visit, spar, and date.

Sasuke almost missed the next branch.

D-date? It was nothing like that!

They were just friends, eating after a good workout! Besides, they were teammates. It was to help them bond more, for the sake of their teamwork. And they, being rivals and all that, needed to work on it a lot. They couldn’t go on fighting about the smallest things all the time. It was immature and unbecoming of shinobis like them.

To Sasuke’s mind, even his own reasoning was lame. It sounded as though he was trying to convince himself, dammit! And that could only mean that he was in denial.

Of course, to be in such a state, something had to be denied: something that a part of him did not want to acknowledge. Something that he unconsciously wanted to shield himself from.

What was he so afraid of, anyway?

His thoughts were, again, abruptly cut off as he reached the end of the clearing. And he watched with morbid fascination as Sakura tried to desperately fight off his chakra-enforced bunshin. He snorted. If she couldn’t even get past a clone in a training session, how was she going to survive in a real mission?

But he sighed.

It wouldn’t do for his team to have such a liability. He had to do something to lessen his team’s weakness. He was an avenger. And yes, he shouldn’t care. But if he really wanted to be strong to defeat his bastard of a brother, he had to go through certain stages. Promotions, if you will. And right now, his role was to be a part of Team Seven and do everything in his power for the cell to not only function properly, but to be the best among its peers.

~*~

Sakura was really doing her best against Sasuke, but it seemed she couldn’t even land a decent blow on him. He was always dodging, always countering, always too fast for her. She gritted her teeth in frustration. Her weakness was manifesting itself to her, mocking her in the most humiliating way possible. She didn’t mind losing to Sasuke-kun, but to lose so miserably is another thing altogether.

What was worse, Sasuke just stood there, not even breaking a sweat while she had to summon every ounce of energy out of her body just to keep up with him. And she couldn’t even do it. She charged one more time, and was stunned that the boy didn’t even try to evade the punch. Even through her surprise, her fist still connected to his face. She panicked. What if she bruised his wonderful face? Would he be angry? Dread settled in her stomach as she watched Sasuke slam into a tree.

But worst of all was the fact that Sasuke-kun disappeared in a cloud of smoke upon contact with the said tree.

I can’t believe it! All this time...

She felt herself crumple to the ground in exhaustion.

All this time, I was fighting a clone! A clone...

Tears traced paths down her face, a sign of her helplessness against her pathetic state.

Sasuke jumped down from the same tree and made his way to her slumped form.

“Sakura,” she didn’t—couldn’t look at him.

“Get up.”

She did, but with a bowed head, sobs wracking her body slightly.

“I want you to run around Konoha ten times a day for your own personal training. Do tree-punching exercises everyday as well as fifty push-ups and sit-ups. But for now, go home and rest.”

That said, the Uchiha walked away.

His words shook her out of her stupor. Sakura processed what he said and smiled through her tears. She was a smart girl. Smart enough to deduce that Sasuke probably said that to help her grow stronger; and to some extent, maybe even to comfort her.

With renewed determination, she immediately set for home to do exactly as Sasuke-kun said.

~*~

Iruka teleported himself inside the bedroom. He hid the well-wrapped present and removed his chuunin vest. Noticing that his throat was parched, he made his way to the kitchen. However, to get to that part of the house, he had to pass by the living room. He was surprised, to say the least, to see his two favorite people in the world sprawled on the sofa bed, apparently in deep sleep.

He frowned. They should have noticed his presence by now, but they remained as they were, even snoring occasionally. This couldn’t happen unless they were dog tired. And judging from their appearance, they did a lot of hard work. Both had aprons on, but Naruto had more evidence of working in the kitchen. The boy’s hair was actually covered by a thin film of flour. He even had smudges of butter and caramel on his face, not to mention some kind of sauce and oil on the apron itself. He held a wooden spatula in his right hand. Kakashi, on the other hand, was covered from head to toe with dust. But strangely, he also had a bit of flour on him. He snickered. Knowing him, Naruto probably kicked him out of the kitchen. The jounin held a multi-colored feather duster. He chuckled at the sight. They were so not presentable, but the picture they made was so cute! Well, in a family sort of way. Naruto was practically using the jounin’s stomach as a pillow.

Iruka tiptoed back to the bedroom and got his camera from a cabinet. He then returned to the living room. Carefully choosing his position, he focused the lens on the unsuspecting pair and snapped away. However, on his fifth shot, he found himself camera-less. That was probably because Kakashi had them way out of his reach. The annoying clicking sounds and the bright flashing lights brought him out to reality, waking him up quite effectively. He raised an eyebrow.

“And this is for...?”

Iruka grinned sheepishly.

“Uhm… for my super special personal photo album?” He grinned hopefully.

“Just make sure it stays hidden...”

The chuunin smirked, “Are you kidding?! Of course I’ll keep it away! Do you think I would want anyone to steal you from me, considering your face is in it?”

It was the jounin’s turn to smirk. “Why, do you think I would let anyone do that in the first place?”

Kakashi was about to grab him when Iruka scrunched up his nose and brought his hands up. “You’re filthy.”

Knowing how much of a neat freak his lover was, Kakashi grinned evilly and ignored the vehement protests. He swiftly nabbed the dolphin and landed one of his naughtier kisses.

“EEEEEWWWWW!!!!!!”

The couple turned to see Naruto’s face turn into an interesting shade of green.

Instantly going into mother hen mode, Iruka disentangled himself and rushed to Naruto’s side.

“Are you okay? What happened? Are you sick? Oh, God! Naruto, breathe!!!”

When he finally got his bearings, the blond burst out, “Sensei, just don’t do that! It’s disgusting!!!”

The concerned face drooped into a sad and hurt expression. Seeing this, the genin immediately launched into explanations.

“No! I didn’t mean it that way! I...” Naruto faltered, “I don’t know exactly... I haven’t experienced it before, being an orphan and all... But seeing you guys like that was disgusting in an ‘oh-my-god-my-parents-are-kissing’ kind of way....”

Iruka’s eyes watered a bit. He considers me—no, us as parents...

“B-but don’t worry, I’ll get used to it... I hope...”

Iruka’s expression lifted into a warm understanding smile. His eyes were unnaturally shiny, though. “Oh, Naruto…”

The boy relaxed as his favorite teacher hugged him. After a few seconds, Naruto pulled away.

“I think I better go. You guys probably need more ‘alone time’.”

When he reached the front door, he turned to his teachers, “Oh, and by the way, I hope you like my gift... Bye!!!”

With a final wave, he closed the door, leaving the adults behind.

The jounin was at Iruka’s side in an instant. “Now,” he breathed, “where were we?”

“Stop it, ‘Kashi! You stink!”

At the exclamation, Kakashi’s grin widened. He rubbed his dusty face on his dolphin’s, irritating the chuunin even more.

“HATAKE KAKASHI!!!!!”

Shortly after the enraged screech, Kakashi’s expression became more serious as he tightened his hold on the chuunin. Noticing the change, the latter sobered up, wondering and worrying about what caused the strange behavior. He was about to open his mouth to ask when Kakashi interrupted him.

“Quiet!” he hissed.

Thinking something was wrong, Iruka nodded and let the jounin drag him to their bedroom. They crossed the said room in a few strides and entered the bathroom. The jounin immediately closed and locked the door as soundlessly as he could and pinned the still startled Iruka to a tiled wall.

“What’s wrong? What’s happening?” Iruka mouthed.

However, the sneaky scarecrow took advantage of the open orifice before him. Stunned, Iruka was unable to react initially; but as the kiss deepened, he conveniently forgot about his earlier concerns. Moaning into his lover’s mouth, the dolphin responded with as much heat and passion as he received. They moved closer to the glass shower stall, touching and groping as they went.

Iruka’s bare back made contact with the cool glass. He shivered. He didn’t know whether it was because of the heat of the moment or the coldness of the surface. Another question was posed, though.

Where had his clothes gone?

Not bothering to know, he brushed the thought aside as Kakashi worked his magic, effectively shutting down his rationale. However, the gray-haired man suddenly stopped his ministrations.

Mind still in a haze, Iruka could only manage a bewildered, “Huh?”

The lack of warmth made the chuunin open his eyes, only to see his lover shed his clothes at an amazingly fast rate. He then joined him in the glass cubicle, sporting a very roguish grin.

Iruka frowned in confusion, but as the implications of the jounin’s actions registered, he disbelievingly gaped at the mentioned man.

“How could you?! I seriously thought there was something wrong! You—” he let out a hiss of annoyance, “You’re such a devious pervert!”

And a devious pervert he was indeed, as Kakashi smiled at the success of his plan: to lure the unsuspecting dolphin to the bathroom to wash the dust off, as well as have some good, and ironically enough, unclean fun.

He laughed his perverted laugh, the same one he always used whenever a new volume of Icha Icha Paradise came out.

He reached for the knob and twisted it. Instantly, clean lukewarm water fell on them softly, pitter-pattering as it went. Grabbing a bottle of shampoo, the jounin poured a generous amount onto his hands and worked on his lover’s hair.

Iruka saw that Kakashi intended to wash his hair and was about to warn him about it being tied when he realized, with much astonishment, that his long black tresses were dangling freely down his shoulders.

He removed everything from me that fast?!

Trust the notorious pervert to be capable of such a feat.

He sighed, but decided to play along. It was their monthsary, after all.

He got the bottle and poured some shampoo on his palm. He then proceeded to lather it up in those silky silver spikes. Contentment seeped through his being as the soothing effect of the semi-massage got to him.

Kakashi, finishing up on Iruka’s hair, acquired a bar of soap and started to scrub the chocolate skin with his bare hands. He roamed through the sculpted body, going over every crest and crevice, lingering on the places he knew set the dolphin on fire. They were facing each other, and Kakashi brought his arms up and around Iruka, soaping his back gently. Then, without warning, he raked his nails down, and Iruka arched his body, unconsciously bringing it closer to his lover’s. He moaned, not knowing whether it was from pain or pleasure.

Tongues met and intertwined, savoring the mixed flavor of cinnamon and hints of coffee, consuming each other as though starved, as if it would be gone at any moment. They broke for air, and Iruka turned around diligently as Kakashi guided him. Long calloused fingers coated with oil probed the dolphin’s entrance, hitting the spot where he wanted it the most. He coated his own member with the lubricant until it was slick enough to admit his admirable length in the amazing tightness of his lover.

They lost themselves in the moment’s rapture, forgetting everything and everyone else. As far as they were concerned, only the two of them existed at that very moment. Through them the universe united, making everything beautiful with the shower of sparkling stars and the haze of undeniable happiness.

~*~

After cleaning up, the pair sat down to dinner.

The round glass table was set beautifully. It was amusing, the way that everything came in pairs—the forks, knives, dessert spoons, wineglasses, plates, candles, table napkins and cushioned chairs; that is, except for the three roses in a crystal vase acting as a centerpiece. The roses each had different hues: one pink, one blue and one orange. Oddly enough, even if the three colors clashed horribly, they seemed to complement each other as well. Iruka smiled. It seemed Kakashi did quite a good job.

The jounin fetched the food from the kitchen, and Iruka admired the masterpiece made by his favorite student’s hands. The food was outstandingly presentable, with parsley and other decorative vegetables spread around the serving plate. The noodles were at the center, the white sauce making a spiral image on it. The seasoning was spread evenly. He had no doubts that it would taste as good as it looked.

It was Fettuccini Alfredo, Uzumaki style. No wonder there were no chopsticks.

With a mumbled “Itadakimasu,” they started to tuck in.

Kakashi’s visible eye widened as he had his first taste of the ‘excellent cooking’ he had always heard about from Iruka. He had absolutely no idea it would be like this! It was Earth, it was Heaven, it was everything and nothing he knew and expected.

It truly redefined fine dining.

He turned to Iruka. “Why are you laughing at me?”

At that, Iruka laughed harder. Kakashi frowned. “What?”

“Y-you had this funny expression on your face... It’s the first time you ate something as good as this, ne?” Iruka asked, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes.

“Hmm,” he agreed, “I believed he was good, but I never knew he was this good. His skill can be useful in future missions.”

They supped in comfortable silence, enjoying the wonderful food and taking in the romantic ambiance offered by the simple yet elegant candlelit dinner.

When the time for dessert came, Kakashi brought the cake out with another unholy grin. Iruka saw this.

“Oh, no... Nononono.....”

Kakashi said nothing. He placed the cake on the table and got some icing using his index finger. He slowly brought the said finger to his mouth and sucked on it, his stare never leaving the chuunin.

Iruka gulped. “N-no way...”

Kakashi cocked an eyebrow.

“L-let’s take this to the bedroom... L-leave it. I’m n-not defiling Naruto’s cake.”

“You’re such a spoilsport.”

Kakashi dipped his finger into the cake again, and stepped closer to Iruka.

“C’mon, just have a taste... It’s,” he breathed into the other’s ear, “sinfully delicious...”

Iruka had no doubts that the cake would be exactly that. Aside from the fact that Naruto was the one who made it, it was his absolute favorite cake in the world. It was a classic Coffee Crunch, with heavenly white icing, perfectly crunchy brown crust, caramel spread all over it, some even dripping down the sides. And of course, the key ingredient was there: he could smell it, enticing him with every whiff. He was but a slave to that substance rich in caffeine.

Kakashi licked some icing off his finger and placed the remaining stuff on Iruka’s lips, the latter’s tongue unconsciously darting out to taste it. Kakashi took this chance to kiss his lover, transferring the food in his mouth to Iruka’s.

Iruka was on cloud nine. His resolve crumbled as he melted into the taste and sensation of the kiss. He found himself wanting more of it and searched for the addicting taste further, deepening the kiss in the process.

The chuunin was vaguely aware that they were moving towards their sleeping quarters. He was too intoxicated to care, though. He briefly wondered how the hell Kakashi could navigate so well with such a distraction. This was but another proof that the jounin was deserving of his rank.

Clothes flew here and there: garments that have just been donned so easily discarded. Sheets shuffled as the empty bed was filled. Gasps and moans ripped the silence of the night apart. Moonlight filtered through glass windows, illuminating the lovers in its sacred silver light.

Iruka laid on the bed, Kakashi towering over him; the full moon’s rays casting his handsome features in an ethereal glow. He loves this man with all he has: he was sure of it. The simple truth thrummed through his whole being, letting him bask in its sincere and absolute purity.

Kakashi stared down at Iruka: the only one he ever let past his strongest walls; the only one who held the key to his destiny; the only one he had opened up to after years of pain, guilt and loneliness. He was as important as the air he breathed, an essential part of his life.

With one graceful swoop, the scarecrow descended upon the dolphin’s body: kissing, sucking and biting as he went; worshipping the divine neck and chest the only way he knew how.

As Kakashi moved lower, Iruka’s hands buried themselves in his head, securely holding handfuls of the jounin’s hair. He tightened his grip as he felt the other’s cool breath on his most sensitive part, and almost uprooted silver locks as he was engulfed whole by the hot, wet mouth of his lover.

Kakashi pleasured him to the best of his ability, but stopped as Iruka was nearing his climax. Slightly dazed, the dolphin looked at him in confusion before he was assaulted by a new wave of delicious sensations as Kakashi prepared him.

Two silhouettes rocked back and forth, an odd contrast to the stillness of the night, joining, melding into one as they moved towards completion. They were trapped in a spinning vortex, neither wanting to escape from it. And soon the world exploded in a multitude of colors, along with a feeling of overflowing bliss in its wake.

The couple snuggled in each other’s arms as they enjoyed the post-coital effects of their lovemaking.

“’Kashi?” Iruka sleepily called out.

“Hm?”

“Ai shiteru yo...”

Kakashi smiled and kissed his lover’s forehead.

“I love you too.”

~*~

tsuzuku

~*~

reposting ftv 5...

2006-04-08T15:48:50Z

Title: Filling the Void
Series: Naruto
Chapters: multiple
Rating: PG
Genre: romance, angst
Pairing/s: narusasu/sasunaru and kakairu

If you haven't read the previous chapters:

previous chapters

Disclaimer: Do I look like some genius manga creator? (Sasuke: No.) Didn’t think so... Chibi Naruto appears, rubbing his eyes sleepily. (Naruto: ‘Nee-chan, I can’t sleep… Kyuubi still wants to play and keeps on bugging me… I wanna sleep...) Chibi Naruto yawns. You’re so cute! Come here... Naruto climbs on chibi-onna’s lap. Sasuke unknowingly activates the sharingan. Chibi smirks evilly at Sasuke. Translation of eye contact: Eat your heart out, Sasuke! Chibi sings Naruto a song to lull him to sleep.

~*~

a/n: Isn’t my little brother the cutest thing? Sasuke’s still fuming somewhere out there. Hah! I got one up on that possessive bastard! Chibi does a mental victory dance.

Ahem. Well. Here’s chapter 5! I hope you guys enjoy this... Oh, and before I forget, I’m just reminding everyone that Kakashi’s mask is off in this whole chapter.. I LOVE YOU, KAKASHI! Chibi swoons.

~*~

Filling the Void
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

Chapter 5 : The Secret Mission

~*~

Naruto blinked. That was definitely not what he expected. Well, he didn’t really expect anything in particular, but still!

Kakashi allowed the announcement to sink in for a few seconds. He stood there, unmoving, but his lazy gaze swept through the surroundings and landed on one of the more inconspicuous-looking trees in his peripheral vision. He then decided to continue.

“I was planning to brief you here, but I changed my mind. We’re going somewhere else.”

“Are you gonna use a teleportation jutsu?”

Kakashi nodded.

“You’ve gotta teach me one of those...”

The older man thought for a while. He smiled an evil smile. His eyes were dancing with barely-hidden mischief. “I might....”

Naruto brightened up.

"..... depending on your performance in this mission."

“Then, sensei,” the Yondaime’s legacy smirked, “consider it done.”

At that, the jounin returned the smirk, made a few seals, clamped a hand on his student’s shoulder, and both disappeared in a puff of smoke.

~*~

Sakura was on cloud nine. She was so elated that she didn’t notice the tightening of Sasuke’s fist as teacher and student vanished behind the thick foliage of the forest. Seizing her opportunity, the girl moved closer to her teammate.

“Ne, Sasuke-kun... Let’s start our training,” she flashed him her brightest smile as of yet.

Looking like he was annoyed as hell, the raven-head let out a grunt. He faced her and both took fighting stances. The kunoichi knew that she didn’t have a chance to win, but she was determined to do her best; if only to show her love that she was worthy enough to hold the title “Lady Uchiha”.

~*~

Ch’.

Sasuke cursed to himself. He was downright pissed, that’s for sure. Exactly why, he didn’t know. But he bitched about it, anyway.

What the fuck got into Kakashi’s twisted mind to trade sparring partners with me? Doesn’t he realize that I can’t train properly with her? That Sakura is not enough? That she will never be enough?!

Sakura was weak. She lacked the passion to put everything she is in a fight with him; if those love-struck eyes were any indication. He needed someone worth his while. Someone who matched him in every way. Someone who pushed him to his limits. Someone who offered enough challenge: someone worth pursuing.

Someone like—

Sasuke’s hands formed the necessary seals. A chakra-enforced bunshin appeared in front of him, masking his departure. He backed up into the forest, and leapt from tree to tree, in the direction that Kakashi and Naruto took. If he was going to train, it might as well be with Naruto.

He wanted his sparring partner back.

~*~

Sensing two chakra signatures up ahead, Sasuke immediately stopped and hid his own. He stepped on a low branch and peeked from behind the tree trunk. He arrived just in time to see his teacher and teammate conversing in what seemed to be a very serious manner. He then witnessed the unmasking of the never-seen face, but he was too far off to actually hear or see anything clearly. After all, he didn’t have the Byakugan to aid his vision. Trying to get closer was not an option: to do so would risk detection. Before the Uchiha could think about anything else, the jounin turned his head in Sasuke’s direction and the two disappeared, leaving nothing behind but wisps of smoke.

Damn.

He saw me.

~*~

Looking around, Naruto found that he was in the middle of a kitchen.

Yup, a kitchen.

“Kakashi-sensei, what are we doing here? And whose house is this, anyway?”

The older man grinned, “It’s mine. And it’s important that I give you the mission’s details here.”

Failing to see the connection, Naruto only came up with a semi-coherent, “Huh?”

Kakashi retained his evil grin and explained the whole situation to his confused student.

~*~

“WHAT?! IT’S NOT EVEN A REAL MISSION!!! I’M SURE YOU CAN DO THAT ALL BY YOURSELF! AND,” Naruto held up three fingers, “THREE MONTHS!!! THREE FUCKING MONTHS IN THE DARK AND YOU EXPECT ME TO BE CALM ABOUT THIS??!!!”

All the while, Kakashi was scratching the back of his head; a sheepish expression on his face. At least he had the grace to look ashamed.

“Look, sorry about that. We didn’t really want anyone else to know... We weren’t sure how people would take our relationship, so...”

The loud shinobi quieted down, but stomped his way to the counter, sat on a tall wooden stool, and glared at the man before him. But inside, he fumed. How could Iruka-sensei do this to him? It wasn’t as if he didn’t know how to keep a secret! The Kyuubi, the scornful looks, the happy façade, the loneliness... Weren’t all those things secrets? Weren’t they?! But Iruka had his own life, and his own decisions to make.

Who was he to impose such things?

Looking defeated, Naruto sighed.

“Fine. Let’s start with the cake.”

Relieved, Kakashi smiled.

“Yosh.”

~*~

The white substance swirled through the air like clouds, enjoying its momentary freedom, acting as a colloid would, before settling on whatever surface it touched.

“THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD ENOUGH!!! GET OUT OF MY KITCHEN!!!!”

A few moments of silence.

“......But it’s my house...”

“I DON’T CARE!!! IN THIS KITCHEN, I AM GOD!!!”

Naruto crossed his arms over his chest. The image he projected would have looked frighteningly menacing; if only he wasn’t covered with flour.

“Out,” he growled.

Kakashi laughed uneasily. “Uh, I’m going outside to clean up... Bye!”

He exited the kitchen.

Scary...

~*~

After a few more hours of gruelling work, two spiky-haired individuals plopped down on the sofa bed. They nodded in acknowledgement to one another.

“Mission accomplished.”

And in unison, they sighed, laid back, and fell asleep almost immediately.

~*~

tsuzuku

~*~

reposting ftv 4...

2006-03-26T07:15:47Z

Title: Filling the Void
Series: Naruto
Chapters: multiple
Rating: PG
Genre: romance, angst
Pairing/s: narusasu/sasunaru and kakairu

If you haven't read the previous chapters:

previous chapters

Disclaimer: By the love of God, Sasuke! Stop hiding my stuff! Where the hell did you put my PC?! What?! I told you already, I don’t own Naruto, dammit! What? You want me to proclaim that he’s yours? No way, man! I’ve got plans for— Hey! What are you— You wouldn’t dare burn my PC... If you do that, no more SasuNaru fics for you... Sasuke gives PC back a little too quickly. Now that’s a good boy. Eerie smile by chibi. Sasuke growls.

~*~

a/n: Stupid Sasuke. Trying to keep me away from my love... Yup, my PC... Can’t live without him.. (Sasuke: Shouldn’t you refer to your computer as an ‘it’?) Shut up, Sasuke. He gets upset when you call him an ‘it’. Hn. Since you’re so mean today, I shall punish you! NYAHAHAHAHA! (Sasuke: O.o Oh, no…)

~*~

Filling the Void
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

Chapter 4: A Very Strange Day

~*~

It was a beautiful morning. The sun was warming up Konohagakure quite nicely. The birds were flitting about, spreading the joy of their morning songs. Quite a perfect day, should someone notice and comment on it. It was as if miracles were just right around the corner, waiting to happen. She could feel it in her bones. She had complete faith in that; after all, a woman’s intuition counts for a lot, doesn’t it?

Sakura stretched and got up from bed, smiling. Not even the knowledge that her teacher would again be late dampened her high spirits. There’s just something about this day that made her heart thump with excitement and anticipation. Briefly, she wondered what could be in store for her.

“Oh, well,” she thought, “What will come will come... No use thinking about it..”

She did her morning rituals and got ready to go to Team Seven’s meeting place, humming all the while.

~*~

Sasuke sat beneath a tree, as he always did while waiting for his team. He didn’t have much sleep the night before; he was restless for some reason unfathomable to his genius mind… Well, for the moment, at least.

However, he was determined to solve this newfound problem of insomniac. A good shinobi should live a healthy life. And that includes having at least eight hours of sleep per day. So there. Besides, the eye bags would surely ruin his perfect face. Not that he cared, of course.

He picked up a kunai and threw it at the tree trunk opposite him. He had drawn three circles and a dot there earlier, and his weapon hit the second circle from the center. He cursed to himself. Even his aim was off. His day was really beginning to suck big time.

He sensed an approaching presence, and he looked at the one who dared to disturb his brainstorming.

From the horizon rose a golden head, worthy of the sun’s praise, and a cheerful face that seemed to brighten up the surroundings even more. Naruto’s smile was unlike his usual goofy grin, nor his proud leer, nor his determined smirk. It was simply peaceful and calm, accentuated by the color and warmth of his soft blue eyes. The occurrence itself was something that surely was of value for its rarity.

Sasuke’s breath hitched at the beautiful sight. Upon reaching the bridge, Naruto raised his arm and waved at him, the unusually pleasant expression still on his marked face. It took just an instant for him to nod in acknowledgement, but it felt like such a long time... He took in a fairly large amount of air. He almost forgot to breathe.

Get a grip, Sasuke! What is wrong with you?

The Uchiha heir was becoming increasingly confused and irritated. His lack of understanding was pushing the limits to his patience. But no, he will not lose his cool. He was an avenger, after all. Avengers are supposed to be cold and mostly expressionless. And so he started to meditate. The process was cut short, however, as a voice completely shattered his concentration.

“Ne, Sasuke.”

“What?!”

The falter in the other’s smile was proof that the response came out harsher than he intended. He sighed. He then looked at his teammate and noticed that the smile was completely gone. A sudden pain erupted in his chest at the sight. He still did not understand, but he instinctively knew that he had to do something about it. Anything!

“Bad day.”

At his words, Naruto momentarily forgot about the all too familiar pain of rejection. He blinked. Did Sasuke just apologize?

“Well, what is it?” Sasuke asked significantly less coldly.

Naruto was taken aback; he certainly wasn’t used to Sasuke acting like this. Yesterday was weird, but this is ridiculously strange! Sasuke didn’t really say sorry, but it was almost there, wasn’t it? However, when he noticed the expectant expression of the ebony-eyed boy, he instantly remembered his original purpose. He sheepishly smiled and averted his eyes.

“A-anou, I just wanted to thank you for yesterday,” the aspiring Hokage said, somewhat shyly, “It was fun.” He then looked at him straight in the eyes to convey his sincerity.

Time slowed down, and eternity seemed to flow right by as black eyes regarded blue pools, drowning in them, frozen in the moment. And a perfect moment it was, until Sakura decided to arrive.

~*~

“Ohayo, minna-san!” Sakura beamed at her fellow genins.

Naruto broke eye contact with Sasuke and stood. He waved enthusiastically at the girl.

“Ohayo, Sakura-chan!” He was also smiling.

A fake one, Sasuke observed.

Where the hell did that come from? He turned away from them. He needed more time to himself. He needed to think. After all, Kakashi wouldn’t be around for another couple of hours.

No sooner had he thought this, a soft ‘poof’ sound caught his attention. There, in the middle of the clearing, stood the famous Copy Ninja Kakashi, pinkish mist quickly dissipating around him. At six in the morning.

A certain orange-clad ninja had eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

“K-kakashi-sensei!” Disbelief was clear in his voice. It’s a sign! The world is coming to an end!!! These and more insane thoughts were running through Naruto’s head.

Sakura checked her watch. It was six. On the dot. She was right, she just knew it! Things were surely becoming more interesting...

“You’re actually on time!”

“No need to state the obvious, Sakura...” the jounin replied, “We have a lot of things to do today.”

The Uchiha hid his surprise well. That was not to say that he wasn’t curious about their teacher’s bizarre behavior. He picked himself up from the ground. Then he leaned back against the tree in a stance that seemed to say, “Well, then, let’s have it.”

Taking this as his cue, the masked ninja continued, “Well, basically, there are no missions, but we are going to train today.” His visible eye showed a lot of seriousness.

Hearing this, Sakura slowly moved towards him. It was always like this. If they were going to train, it just meant that Sasuke will spar with Naruto, and Kakashi with her. That’s why she was even more surprised when the gray-haired man called for Naruto instead. Her shock was quickly forgotten as her mind caught up with her. She’ll get to train with Sasuke! Oh the joy, the sheer bliss of it all! Absolutely nothing can ruin her good mood today. She giggled madly. Miracles do happen, after all.

~*~

“Sakura, you train with Sasuke. Naruto, a word.”

Sakura stopped on her tracks and stood still as a rock. She didn’t seem to absorb the order as fast as she would have in any other given situation. Naruto, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow. He had a mildly curious expression on his face. Sasuke frowned.

“But—”

“That is an order. Stay here. Both of you.” The spiky-haired man walked towards the forest. “Naruto,” he called.

Naruto followed the jounin farther into the forest. When he deemed them far enough away, the scarecrow stopped and turned to face his charge. But before he could say anything, Naruto held up his hand. This took the teacher by surprise, and the student took this chance to speak his mind.

“Kakashi-sensei,” he took a deep breath and met the other’s eye, “if you hurt him, I will personally kill you. I don’t care if you’re stronger than me right now. I will find a way.” Straight to the point, as always.

Kakashi did not even dare to think that those were empty threats. He raised his hitai-ate while removing his mask. “So you know.” It wasn’t a question. “My intentions are true and sincere. Believe me, I will never do that. And if I do, it’s possible that I will beat you to it: the task of killing me.”

Naruto was glaring at him; but when the older man started to show his face, blue eyes widened in realization. Kakashi was damned serious. Naruto was a smart kid, contrary to popular belief. He understood what the gesture meant and took it to heart. His sensei’s show of trust will never be betrayed. His fears and trepidations were erased and he smiled.

“That’s good to hear.”

A breeze came and ruffled the leaves around them. The sound of home permeated their senses as they stared at each other in silence.

Naruto thought of how bizarre this day had been so far. From the start, it hinted that it was an unusual one in its own way: the air was practically charged with a sense of anticipation. And then came that unexpected almost-apology from Sasuke. Kakashi coming on time was really something. And now this...

“Well. That aside, I’ll tell you why I brought you here.”

The blond boy listened attentively.

“The two of us have a secret mission.”

Yes, it was a strange day. A very strange day indeed.

~*~

tsuzuku

~*~

reposting ftv 3...

2006-03-24T00:45:45Z

Title: Filling the Void
Series: Naruto
Chapters: multiple
Rating: PG
Genre: romance, angst
Pairing/s: narusasu/sasunaru and kakairu

If you haven't read the previous chapters:

previous chapters

Disclaimer: Mine!!!! Chibi hugs a Naruto plushie with nine cute orange tails. Chibi’s eyes almost pop out of their sockets and barely dodges an attack of Katon: Housenka. Chibi checks her really long curly hair for burns. SASUKE!!!! I’ve told you before, TOUCH MY HAIR AND YOU WILL LIVE TO REGRET IT!!! I said the plushie was mine, not the real thing, you jealous idiot! Be thankful my hair was not harmed!!!! Chibi strokes her hair. My precious...

~*~

a/n:Sorry. I really am overprotective of said hair. Ask Melrose Stormhaven, or twisted-sheets... Believe me, they know... Anyway, on with the story!

~*~

Filling the Void
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

Chapter 3 : Paths to Friendship

~*~

Naruto was just finishing up drying the dishes when he heard the doorbell ring. Taking off his favorite orange apron, he hurried off to answer the door. “It might be Iruka-sensei,” he thought, though wondering why the teacher would backtrack to his home. He opened the door.

“Iruka-sen—What are you doing here?!”

Naruto scowled at his unexpected visitor. Sasuke just scowled back. After glaring at the other, Naruto sighed. “Fine. Come in. Unlike you, I don’t have a stick shoved up my ass.” Naruto huffed and turned around, stepping further into his home. A few uneventful seconds passed. The loudmouth was in his house, the stoic boy was standing outside, and the door was still partially open.

“Well? Are you just gonna stand there or what?!” the irate blond prompted the other youth.

As though getting out of a trance, the Uchiha stepped in. Naruto was still blabbering on.

“Put your shoes in the rack and close the door, will you? You can sit wherever you like.” His voice faded as he delved deeper into the kitchen.

Upon entering the apartment, Sasuke was floored, to say the least. If he hadn’t known beforehand, or if his teammate himself had not let him in, he wouldn’t have believed anyone if they told him that Naruto, indeed, resided there. The blond was just so radiant, so alive and bursting with energy that most would likely associate him with the concept of chaos. Add to that the fact that he was a notorious prankster… Well. Nobody would’ve thought otherwise. The house was so… clean! And organized… Pretty, even! Sasuke then remembered one of the most basic things a good ninja should keep in mind.

Always look underneath the underneath.

“I guess there’s more to you than people normally perceive you, Naruto,” the Uchiha heir thought, amused, “but then again, none of us really knew you...”

His thoughts abruptly changed their course, being more melancholy as he remembered the pain and anguish that the other boy, in his opinion, should not have. He had an odd inkling that smiles, sunshine and laughter were best suited for his rival, though where that particular thought came from, he did not know.

His musings were interrupted by a soft ‘thunk’ of a tray on the coffee table. He looked at the items on it as the fox-boy sat beside him on the couch.

“Tea,” the blond informed him. He nodded and helped himself. He almost sighed. The drink’s calming effect washed over him. He stared at the warm, swirling liquid in his cup. Answering his unasked question, Naruto said, “Sorry if it tastes weird. It’s my own brew. Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned, else Iruka-sensei would be dead by now.”

Again, a little surprise. But of course, being himself, the avenger said nothing.

“By the way, I don’t think you’ve answered my question, Sasuke-b—I mean, Sasuke.” Naruto almost addressed his rival as ‘Sasuke-bastard’, but in his home, politeness and social etiquette were of utmost importance.

The dark-haired youth quirked an eyebrow. That was… interesting. But his amusement was cut short as the blond’s words finally registered.

Why was he there, anyway? His mind went a million thoughts a minute, yet he still did not have an answer. All he knew was that he saw the crack in the mask, recognized the suffering, and was drawn to it. Again, it reverted to that question. Why? Was it because he finally found a kindred soul? Or maybe he was simply curious about his pain? Perhaps he had been yearning for someone to talk to: someone who truly understands… A confidante, a friend. Or it could be for all three reasons.

This seeming eternity in Sasuke’s mind was all but a mere three-second interval in the real world.

“I was bored,” made its way out of his mouth before the Uchiha could say anything that betrayed his inner indecisiveness.

“Okay,” the blond said slowly, “since you’re already here, what do you want to do?” the question was cautiously asked.

Blue-clad shoulders shrugged and a vein popped on a tanned temple. Keeping his temper in check, the host suggested they train on a nearby area. The guest instantly agreed and they set off to the aforementioned destination.

~*~

On the way, Naruto was lost in thought.

“What the hell is up with Sasuke-bastard? Suddenly showing up just because he’s bored? Totally weird...”

The boy did not have a chance to explore the idea any further, since they arrived at that precise moment.

“Taijutsu?”

The other just nodded and immediately assumed a fighting stance. The former followed suit.

For a moment, time stood still, and a slow breeze ruffled the trees, plucking a single leaf, letting it twirl around the stationary pair in the clearing before finally letting it touch the ground.

The signal was given, and both launched themselves at each other in full force. Punches and kicks, blows so fatal, flew from one to the other. Give, receive, and give yet again. If the moves weren’t so dangerous, one could mistake it for a dance rather than a fight: beautiful and intricate, rhythmic and lively. Drums beat loudly, pounding in their ears as hearts furiously pumped blood. Starting at a slow, steady pace, the urgency of rhythm periodically escalated until the fighters lost themselves in the moment. Move, dodge, retreat, clash. Going around, above then below.

Still, stagnant air was charged with excitement as though affected by the boys’ adrenaline rush. Energy built up to the point of bursting, and it did, as a powerful kick met an equally powerful arm block and both collapsed on the soft grass, only to face the pleasant blue of the sky.

“Admit it, Sasuke-bastard,” Naruto panted, “I defeated you just now.”

“Hn. As if. It was a draw, Dobe,” was the reply.

The blond, for once, did not even attempt to dish out a smart-aleck reply. He was just… contented, hearing from his rival’s own mouth that he acknowledged him. It was indirect and unpronounced, but for now, it was more than enough for the headstrong boy.

They just lay there in comfortable silence until the blond’s loud stomach chose to inform them that it needed to digest something. Naruto blushed.

“I guess I’m hungry… hehehe,” the laughter was uneasy, “But I’m too tired to cook!!!” he whined.

“Let’s go have some ramen,” Sasuke spoke the magic words.

“YAY!! RAMEN!!! Your treat, ne, ne, ne, Sasuke?!”

“Hn.”

“YATTA!!!!” with childlike enthusiasm, Naruto pumped his fist in the air.

~*~

Along their merry way to Ichiraku’s Sasuke thought of how Naruto was such a child, skipping like that, suddenly forgetting that he was dead tired at the first mention of his favorite food.

They entered the shop, the shorter bounding up excitedly to his usual seat, the other following before sitting beside him. Not one to waste time when it came to ramen, Naruto immediately ordered for a large miso ramen. Upon the order’s arrival, Naruto practically inhaled his food before asking for another bowl.

Sasuke, on the other hand, ate his beef ramen slowly as he contemplated on why he even suggested they eat together in the first place. And while he was paying for the bill, his left eyebrow was twitching and he was asking himself what on earth possessed him to agree to treat the ramen addict.

But as they parted ways, he couldn’t help but feel everything was well worth it, seeing that genuine smile reaching those sparkling blue eyes.

~*~

tsuzuku

~*~

posting nntbs...

2006-03-16T12:57:18Z

Title: Nothing Needs To Be Said
Series: Tennis no Oujisama
Chapter/s: one shot
Rating: G
Genre: romance, drabble
Pairing/s: pillar pair (tezuryo)

Disclaimer: POT is so not mine... if it were... hmmmm.... the possibilities!!! XD

~*~

Nothing Needs to be Said
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

I walk towards the bench.

Towards you.

I sit beside you, feeling...

The burden placed upon my body.

The importance of this match.

The weight of my responsibility.

You stare ahead, and look at me from the corner of your eyes as I do the same to you.

The wind carries the whispers of your troubled heart to my own.

I will away your worries, trying to convince you.

I'll be okay.

My unspoken words find their way to you.

The anxiety never leaves you, but you sit with pride, believing in my abilities.

Believing in me.

The time is up.

Short as it was, it felt like an eternity.

I stand to take my place on the white-lined battlefield.

I glance at you.

Our eyes meet, and we stay silent.

Because, really...

Nothing needs to be said.

~*~

owari

~*~

reposting ftv 2...

2006-03-15T13:24:13Z

Title: Filling the Void
Series: Naruto
Chapters: multiple
Rating: PG
Genre: romance, angst
Pairing/s: narusasu/sasunaru and kakairu

If you haven't read chapter one, please click the ftv tag and look for it there.. ^^

Disclaimer: I own Naruto. Several kunai zip merely centimeters from chibi-onna's cheek. Okay, Sasuke. I was kidding. Definitely not mine.

~*~

Filling the Void
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

Chapter 2 : Over Ramen and Pancakes

~*~

"Ohayo, Naruto."

"Waaaaaiiiiii!!!! Iruka-sensei!!!!! Come in, come in!!!!"

The chuunin smiled warmly. If anybody else entered and saw the Number One Loudmouth's home, they would probably be shocked to know that the place was actually clean.

Iruka slipped off his sandals and put them in the shoe rack beside the door. His feet barely made a sound as he padded on the newly waxed wooden floor.

The living room was composed of a comfortable-looking couch, as well as a small coffee table in front of a 14-inch television set that was currently covered with a piece of white cloth. The T.V. was situated at a corner, so the couch was angled such that it was parallel to both the boob tube and the table.

A few paces behind the couch, a square dining table stood with four steel-backed chairs to accompany it. The table was set for two, and a pretty flower arrangement adorned its center. The bluebells swayed as a breeze flew in through an open window. Thin curtains fluttered. A wind chime pleasantly made a sound.

The older ninja sat on one of the chairs. Naruto then came out of the kitchen, balancing a plate of blueberry pancakes on his head as he used both his hands to carry a heavy-looking pot.

Iruka sweat-dropped. "Ramen again, Naruto?"

Naruto gave his teacher a trademark fox smile. "Of course, sensei! Ramen is the best!!! Besides, it's not too often I get to eat homemade ramen.... It always has to be instant so I wouldn't be late.... Unlike a certain idiotic rooster-head of a sensei...." He mumbled the last part to himself. Iruka heard it, though. A pink tint made itself known on his cheeks.

The blond took off his apron and sat across his favorite teacher. He looked up just in time to see the blush the latter was trying to will away. Naruto scrunched up his nose, seemingly trying to remember something. After a short while, blue eyes widened.

"I can't believe this!"

Iruka's train of thought immediately stopped at the intrusion. "Nani?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed into slits. Blunt as ever, he asked, "Iruka-sensei.... Are you going out with that pervert?"

This caught the young teacher off-guard. "W-wha--???"

"Just answer the question, sensei..." Naruto hissed.

"Ehehehe... Uhm... Etto...." He seemed to turn redder as seconds ticked by.

"Well?"

"Y-yes."

Naruto was shocked. He couldn't speak. His eyes grew wide again, and seemed as though they would pop out at any moment. Iruka sighed. It couldn't be helped. And the volcano will explode in 3....

2....

1....

"WHAT?!"

At that point, Iruka pinched the bridge of his nose. He was rather stressed from grading papers the night before, and the added noise wasn't helping him any.

"You wanted to know, right? I just answered your question." Truly, patience was a virtue.

Naruto sobered up a bit. "But I wasn't expecting I was actually right!!!"

It was Iruka's turn to ask questions. "How did you figure it out, Naruto?"

"Aside from Kakashi-sensei's most recent excuse, your blush earlier was a dead giveaway."

Iruka smiled uneasily. "Sou desu ne." A pause, then a frown. "Wait. What excuse?"

"He said something about having to take care of a dolphin.... It was subtle enough at first, but now that I've come to think of it, it's so damned obvious!"

"That idiot! At this rate, everyone will find out!" Iruka then started to imagine ways of torturing the jounin. Naruto was no mind reader, but he knew that when his sensei got the psychotic smile on his face, it definitely does not bode well.

The boy uncovered the pot, letting the steam rise, inhaling deeply before serving himself some of the delicious-looking ramen. "Itadakimasu!!!"

Iruka followed suit. It was a good thing he was hungry. He didn't know what else he would've thought up for his lover's future demise. He reached for the pancakes and piled some on his plate. "So, Naruto," the child looked up, "how do you feel about all of this?"

The boy assumed a thoughtful expression. Finally, he answered, "I don't mind, as long as you're happy, I guess," he shrugged. "But if he hurts you in any way, I'LL KICK HIS ASS!!!" That said, he proceeded to the tedious yet enjoyable task of eating his ramen.

Iruka chuckled at his charge's antics. Naruto was truly one of a kind. Who would've thought the boy could actually use his head when he wanted to? They all labelled him as an idiot. And other times as someone worse than the lowest form of life. A demon. Just because of the thing sealed inside of him.

The teacher sighed. People were full of prejudice. They were all narrow-minded fools who can't see past whatever's handed to them.

And it pained him to know he had once been one of them.

~*~

The rage he felt for the demon was unimaginable. His parents were lost to him that fateful night the monster decided to attack. That thing caused him to feel something beyond grief. He had felt emptiness: as if he had nothing more to live for. It was only by the Third's intervention that he refrained from joining his parents in the next life.

Blind hatred was all he felt for the demon and its holder until he, by mere chance, laid eyes upon a certain toddler with tufts of blond hair.

The child was sleeping peacefully in a crib. Drawn to the small figure, he stepped closer and reached out, touching the child's hand. Small digits wrapped themselves in one of his, as eyes of purest blue opened up to the world. A smile of happiness radiated from the boy. This took the newly promoted chuunin by surprise. He knew this child was the demon's vessel. The marks were there.

He so wanted to hate the boy with all his heart; but found that he could not do so. The child reeked of innocence. There was no way this child could have murdered his family.

He realized that all his hate had been fruitless: that it was all a waste of emotional energy. He could see it now. It was the demon, and not the child's fault. The child itself was a victim.

They are not to be confused. They are different entities.

A middle-aged woman entered the room. It was safe to assume that she was assigned to look after the boy since she was holding a bottle of milk. She was wearing an unpleasant scowl on her face. Upon the sight of her, the child's smile wavered. Young as it was, it seemed to understand everything about its immediate surroundings. The woman put the formula in the crib, within the boy's reach. She was careful not to touch the kid.

She was surprised that the young Iruka was there: she did not notice him when she came in. She saw the child holding the chuunin's finger. Immediately, she slapped the small hand none too gently and reprimanded the child, saying, "How dare you touch this boy with your filthy demonic hands!!!" She turned to Iruka, a warm apologetic smile on her face. "I'm sorry you had to be touched by this... thing," she looked at the blond disgustedly. "Hurry on, I'm sure you have lots of things to do..."

As she ushered him semi-forcefully out of the room, Iruka caught sight of the child. It was crying. Surprisingly, no sound indicated it doing so.

So young yet so strong.

Iruka made a promise to himself: he would take care of this child once he had the power to do so. Until then, he implored it to be as strong as it was now, if not stronger. He looked at the little boy one last time.

Until then, Naruto.

As if hearing his thoughts, a small hand waved goodbye.

~*~

Iruka looked at the boy, an expression of fondness crossing his features. How could he not love Naruto? He need not ponder on the thought. Naruto was his family now, along with his scarecrow, of course. That was all he needed to know.

He finished off his pancakes and drank his coffee. He closed his eyes in contentment.

"This is the life," he thought.

"Delicious as usual, Naruto," he smiled at the blond, "I'll never get tired of drinking your coffee." Indeed, it was a high praise, coming from an extremely picky caffeine addict.

Naruto blushed at the compliment. Although Iruka-sensei said it all the time, he could never get used to it. "Thanks, sensei..."

"Anyway, I have to go, Naruto.... I still have a lot of work to do," the chuunin stood up and hugged him.

Naruto crinkled his nose for the second time that day. "More paperwork. Yuck."

Iruka heartily laughed. "See you later, Naruto." Naruto's just too cute.

"Bye, sensei!"

The door was shut and Naruto started to clean up.

~*~

Sasuke looked at a piece of crumpled paper and stuffed it back in his pocket. He trekked down the dirt road leading to where his supposed rival lived. Sensing a presence up ahead, he became alert, but relaxed again when he realized it was just his former sensei.

"Ohayo, Sasuke," greeted Iruka who was a bit surprised to see the Uchiha.

"Ohayo, sensei," he answered.

"Off to Naruto's I presume?"

The genin nodded.

"Well then," he looked at his watch, "I'm going to be late for work... See you around, Sasuke."

The stoic boy continued his journey to the blond's apartment. He came to a stop at a rather old-looking building with its outside paint peeling off at random places. He checked the paper again and went inside.

The receptionist was busy cleaning her nails that she didn't notice Sasuke until he cleared his throat to get her attention.

"What can I do for you?" she smiled.

"On which floor does Uzumaki Naruto live?" he asked.

Her facial expression suddenly twisted to an unpleasant one. "Oh. Him. Fourth floor."

She went back to filing her index finger, as if the exchange never happened.

Sasuke glared at the girl and trudged up the stairs.

What's up with that attitude?

He almost didn't notice that he had arrived. He looked at the door in front of him and sighed. He raised his hand and pushed the doorbell.

~*~

tsuzuku

~*~

reposting ftv 1...

2006-03-15T13:09:45Z

Title: Filling the Void
Series: Naruto
Chapters: multiple
Rating: PG
Genre: romance, angst
Pairing/s: narusasu/sasunaru and kakairu

Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine. He is my brother, though...

~*~

Filling the Void
by: chibi_onna, aka himitsu_no_hime

~*~

Chapter 1: Drizzle

~*~

Alone. That’s all he ever was. Bearing too large a burden for a child. Scorned and beaten for something that wasn’t his fault. Blamed for all things bad and evil. What’s a poor child to do? Defenseless. Naïve. Innocent. He couldn’t even walk on the streets without something foul being thrown his way. The boy sighed. This night was as cold as any. Pearly tears cascaded down marked cheeks as he cried himself to sleep.

~*~

There was a festival, a rather large one at that. People were being busybodies, finalizing the decorations and setting up booths. The air was filled with so much energy and happiness that it was almost tangible. A little blond boy walked slowly, careful not to bump into anyone. Everyone was too excited to take notice of him, though. The boy was slightly relieved to discover this. For the first time in his life, he took a good look around. He never got the chance before. Tears always blurred his vision, and his head was always down, avoiding all those stares filled to the brim with killing intent. He pushed the depressing thoughts away. It’s no use wasting this newfound freedom. The crowd, as if on cue, gathered at the center of the village where a stage was set up. Curious as any child his age, the five-year old squirmed his way to the front to see what all the fuss was about.

A man, albeit an old one, dressed in magnificent robes, raised his hands. Incessant chattering stopped and silence descended almost instantly. Bright blue eyes widened. Everyone acknowledged this man’s existence. They all respected him. They all looked up to him. It was obvious from the looks on their faces that they would do anything for him. It was the Hokage, the highest-ranking shinobi in the whole of Konohagakure. Such a man existed. Right then and there, the boy decided on something that he, in his young mind, had fully grasped. Full of determination, he proclaimed to himself:

I will be strong.

I will become Hokage.

Such were the words of Uzumaki Naruto.

~*~

“OSOI!” Came the daily duet. It was definitely far from being melodious, though.

“Well, you see... I had to take care of this dolphin and-”

“USOTSUKI!” they cut him off.

“You do know that we are very far from the ocean, ne, Kakashi-sensei?” Haruno Sakura continued, sporting a vein pop.

“Erm... yes. Anyway,” he coughed, “we don’t have any missions today. You are dismissed.”

With that, the gray-haired jounin left the way he came, leaving behind a puff of pinkish smoke.

“That good for nothing teacher! I swear, when I become Hokage, I’ll-”

“Like that’ll happen, Dobe,” Uchiha Sasuke deadpanned.

Something flashed in the orange-clad ninja’s eyes. Before the Uchiha could figure out what it was, though, it was quickly replaced by explosive anger. Sasuke frowned.

“Shut up, Sasuke-bastard! OW!” Naruto cradled his injured head.

Sakura held up the fist she hit Naruto with. “Say another insulting thing to Sasuke-kun and you’re dead meat, Dead Last!” she threatened.

“But Sakura-chaaaaaaaan,” the loud genin whined.

“But nothing!” she abruptly turned to the direction of her crush, and her wild, insane expression vanished. As sweetly as she could muster, she batted her lashes and shyly asked the Uchiha out for a date. She only got an indifferent ‘Hn’ as the object of her affections started to walk away. She sighed. It was always like this. The kunoichi then started the trek towards her own abode. She picked up her pace.

It looked like it was going to rain.

~*~

Naruto, as always, had been left in the background. He seethed with barely suppressed anger, shaking as he contained his rage. His breathing patterns became erratic, and the treacherous salty liquid threatened to break free.

NO!

He will not allow it!

He screamed.

He could not cry. He will not. He had promised himself back then to be strong. He will not be weak. His stubborn determination showed itself once more. And so the heavens did it for him. It mourned over its son’s suffering, knowing and feeling the emptiness within its child. Thick drops started to fall, cleansing the earth, ridding it of the stench of malice, falsity and disgrace. They fell, one after another, in a rhythm that seemed oddly comforting to those in pain.

The genin worked off his frustrations, going through his usual training routine. More force was exerted than necessary, proof that something was troubling him. Exhausted at last, Naruto slumped underneath his favorite tree, smiling a genuine smile, as if to thank the now clear sky for taking his momentary burden. The wind blew as if to embrace the boy as he fell into sweet slumber.

~*~

Black eyes narrowed in suspicion as Sasuke followed the blond. What was that in his eyes all of a sudden? It was familiar, but he couldn’t seem to place it. He growled. The Uchiha prodigy did not like it when he was confused about something.

His teammate finally stopped at a clearing. He swiftly covered up his presence and waited. The hyperactive ninja just stood there, the clenching of fists and the steady drip of the blood were the only proofs the boy was even alive.

There!

There it was again; that look. And suddenly, endlessly blue eyes seemed to waver. Sasuke couldn’t take it anymore. He wanted to shout,

“Oi, Dobe! What’s with that face? You look stupid, you know that?!”

But decided against it as a scream reverberated through the forest. And it came from none other than the boy he was watching. Rain poured mercilessly, coming as though summoned by the blond’s loud voice. A flurry of movement caught his attention, and he saw that his rival had started a furious dance of deadly moves. Rip, cut, slash, tear. Going on and on as if there’s no tomorrow.

He could feel it, that desperate tone by which the subject’s body moved. Coal eyes smoldered with the thought of having a quick spar. He was about to jump in and reveal himself when it finally dawned on him. The meaning of that blasted look came and knocked into him like a ton of bricks.

It’s the same.

He and I are the same.

Sasuke knew. At that very moment the dark-haired boy understood. He got up from his crouched position, seeing that Naruto was asleep. He left as stealthily as he came, bearing in mind all he had seen that day.

In the sky above, the sun shone on a beautiful sparkling rainbow.

~*~

tsuzuku

~*~

reposting bb...

2006-03-15T11:11:10Z

Disclaimer: Araiso is owned by the wonderful Minekura Kazuya-sama.. All hail the greatness.

Title: Buddy Bondage
Series: Shiritsu Araiso Koutou Gakko Seitokai Shikkoubu
Rating: NC-17 or R
Chapters/One Shot: one shot
Genre: er... semi-pwp? ^^;
Pairing/s: ah, but KuboToki, of course!!! XD
Warning: Rated for sex. And for me, writing it under the influence of crack disguised as sweets. Expect strawberries, chocolates and whipped cream.. LOL. XD

Buddy Bondage
by: himitsu_no_hime, aka chibi-onna

~*~

"ALRIGHT!" shouted Katsuragi. "Today is buddy day!!!"

The others looked at each other in confusion.

"Buddy day? What the hell is that?" snorted Tokitou.

"Oh don't you know? It's the day when people find buddies and spend it together trying to get to know each other better!!! To bond with them, so to speak..."

A thoughtful expression was on Kubota's face. "Hmmmm. Never heard of it..."

Katsuragi was stunned. How could they not know?! After a few moments of careful contemplation, it finally dawned on her. "Oooooohhhhh, riiiiigggghhhhtt.... It was my old school's tradition... Demo, the EC can adopt it, right? Right?" She hopefully sought their approval.

The others looked amused, Tokitou looked annoyed, and Kubota looked VERY interested.

Kubota shrugged. "Anything's fine by me..."

"YATTA!!!! Arigatou, Kubota-kun!!!!"

Kubota responded with nothing but a chuckle.

Fujiwara raised his hand. "How do we pick our buddies?" He asked, eyeing Kubota.

"We draw lots!!!! It's more exciting that way..." she answered.

"Oh..." he looked crestfallen.

He wasn't the only one, though.

~*~

Katsuragi enthusiastically prepared small pieces of colored paper, getting a pair each for red and yellow, and making three for blue. When she finished, she put them all in a small box, swirling it around to mix the papers well.

"Okay, guys, it's ready!" she announced.

They all flocked around the box that held their fate for the day ahead of them. Some of them prayed fervently; the remaining didn't really care. Curious, perhaps, but uncaring nonetheless. Katsuragi was just plain ecstatic.

"Okay, since there's seven of us, there will be two pairs and a group of three. Is that okay with you guys?" without waiting for an answer, she continued, "Each of us picks a piece of paper from the box. Don't show your paper to anyone unless everybody has picked theirs... You know, to keep the suspense. I'll go first."

She clenched the paper in her fist so no one would be able to see. The others followed suit. Fujiwara was praying even harder now. "Please let it be Kubota-sempai, please let it be Kubota-sempai..." he beseeched to the gods.

Tokitou had one thought reverberating in his head like a mantra. "Not Fujiwara. Not Fujiwara. Not Fujiwara..." and so on and so forth.

It wasn't obvious, but Kubota was longing to be a certain someone's buddy for the day. If he got his wish, things would prove to be very interesting. That is not to say that he's gonna start praying anytime soon, though. After all, as far as Kubota Makoto is concerned, there is no god.

~*~

The gods above were quietly assessing the situation in that particular room. The prayers, mantras and wishes were surprisingly deafening in that specific area. A particularly mischievous goddess swayed all the others in following her will. The show would not, in any way, be boring. Not if she could help it.

~*~

Fujiwara looked at his pick. It was yellow. He looked around and found Katsuragi waving her paper for all to see. *BLEEP! PRAYER REJECTED*

Tokitou sighed with relief when he saw Katsuragi making a beeline for Fujiwara. *BLEEP! MANTRA TOO STRONG TO BE IGNORED*

Kubota looked at his paper and immediately sought out its pair. His eyes landed on something red. It was clutched in Tokitou's gloved hand. *BLEEP! WISH GRANTED DUE TO DIVINE INTERVENTION*

The megane went to his partner and slung his arm over the latter's shoulders.

"Ne, Tokitou-kun....." he breathed in his ear, "I guess we're partners yet again...."

"Stop that, Kubo-chan, it tickles!" Tokitou said, squirming.

"Maa, maa...."

Suddenly, they heard the intercom being switched on.

"TO ALL STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND STAFF, WE HAVE RECEIVED NEWS OF A SUPER TYPHOON HEADING TOWARDS JAPAN. ALL CLASSES WILL BE CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. EVERYONE IS ADVISED TO GO INTO THE SAFETY OF THEIR HOMES."

Tokitou, being the child that he was, jumped and whooped with joy.

Katsuragi smiled. "That means we have all day to ourselves and our buddies!"

Kubota looked thoughtful. Again. "Indeed...." said he.

"Ne, Kubo-chan! Let's go home and change first! I wanna go to the arcade today!!!"

"Well, what are we waiting for? Ikuzo."

The wheels were turning in the taller boy's head. He had the perfect plan. Now, he only needed the weather to cooperate.

~*~

"THIS FUCKIN' SUCKS!"

Tokitou was pulling his hair out due to extreme irritation. Here he was, expecting a nice day out with the arcade machines, but the weather just had to go and screw it all up. Some luck he had.

He briefly considered having a go on the PS2, but he was just not in the mood to hold the controller. Arcades had joysticks and the like. He needed a little change every now and then.

"Maa, maa.... We could just stay indoors and do... other stuff," Kubota tried to console his friend... Or so it seemed.

"But it's so boring! What could we possibly do?!" Tokitou whined.

"Fun stuff." Kubota smiled. Tokitou gave him a questioning look. "We could get started on the new EC tradition..." he trailed off.

Tokitou cocked an eyebrow. "You're actually serious about that stuff?" He got a cheerful nod for that. "Well, it could be fun..." Kubota supplemented the gesture.

A sigh of resignation. "Fine... It's not as if we've got anything better to do, anyway..."

Good kitty.

Kubota moved towards the couch and sat next to Tokitou. "We're best friends, right?" he asked, draping an arm over his companion's shoulders.

"Of course," Tokitou automatically answered.

"Then why don't we try to know each other better, hmm?" Again, his breath caressed his best friend's ear.

"Uhh... w-why not?" came the answer. Not that he's claustrophobic, but wasn't Kubota a tad bit too close?

"Okay, let's start with.... How's your love life? Anyone special?" he moved closer still.

Was it just him, or was it getting hotter by the second? Tokitou blushed at the question.

"He can't know! How could he?!" he thought, panicked.

"Uhh... I-I guess..." he said.

As if someone pushed a stop button, Kubota halted any further advances. No, he wasn't shocked; much less surprised. He looked absolutely livid. Just about ready to kill.

"Who could it be?" His voice never betrayed his inner turmoil.

"A... um.... it's... uh..." Tokitou was fiddling with his thumbs. How could he tell Kubota of his true feelings? Would he reject him? Think less of him? Kick him out of the apartment? "Um... a s-secret?" A blush slowly made its way to his cheeks.

Thunder boomed from a distance.

That was it. The final straw. Nothing could explain what Kubota Makoto did next. So much was his emotion that he uncharacteristically let it take over his actions.

Such was the power of jealousy.

Without warning, Kubota crushed his lips to Tokitou's with bruising force.

~*~

Too stunned to react, Tokitou was left motionless, helpless to the violent rape his lips were subjected to. Tokitou wasn't able to think. It didn't register in his mind that it was Kubota who was gripping his arms tightly. It didn't register that it was his Kubo-chan who was kissing him. He never felt the pleasure... Only pain. He struggled and tried his hardest to get away.

Get away.

Just get away.

He couldn't, though. The arms trapping him were too strong. He was scared.

No...

He was terrified.

Hot tears welled in his eyes, threatening to escape any second. He wasn't able to, nor did he try to stop a whimper from coming out.

~*~

A whimper.

Cutting through the silence like a knife through live flesh.

Making its way to Kubota's ears.

He recognized it for what it was, and immediately realized what he was doing. He separated himself from Tokitou and looked at him. Guilt and horror mixed on Kubota's face.

How could he have done it?

How could he, when he promised himself that he would never scare Tokitou? That he would never even dream of hurting him?

Just proves that promises are meant to be broken.

"Tokitou.... I'm sorry.... Sshh, don't cry," he said in the most soothing voice that would ever come from him. He tentatively caressed the other boy's cheeks to wipe the tears away. A sharp pain shot through his heart when Tokitou flinched from the contact. He shrugged it off and continued to whisper comforting words to calm his frightened kitten. He enveloped the other in another hug; this time, it was toned down from a heated embrace to a warm one.

Tokitou finally stopped crying. He sniffled and snuggled closer to the body that cuddled him. A hand was stroking small circles on his back, giving him much needed comfort.

After a while, Kubota pulled away and faced Tokitou. The latter averted his eyes. He didn't want to face him yet. Kubota took Tokitou's chin between his thumb and his index finger, forcing the other to look him in the eye. He sighed. Perhaps now's the time to put everything out into the open.

Tokitou slowly raised his eyes from the floor to look at Kubota's dark orbs.

What happens now?

Obviously, things can't go back to how they used to be. He stayed silent, waiting for his friend to make the first move.

Kubota finally spoke. "I... Tokitou.... Look, I'm sorry about what happened just now... I didn't mean to scare you like that... It's just that.... I was so damned jealous!" There! He said it.

Tokitou was slightly taken aback from the sudden revelation. His heart rate increased a bit, but his fear was wearing away.

"Who is it, Tokitou, who?" he asked.

Tokitou searched Kubota's eyes and found urgency and... desperation?

"Why do you care?"

"Because..."

Tokitou waited patiently.

"I love you."

Was he hearing this right? Did Kubota really say that? That he loved him?

"I-"

"Now you answer my question. Who is it?" Kubota cut him off. This time, he didn't even bother to hide his jealous tone.

"It... It's you." He was blushing.

It was barely a whisper, but Kubota heard. And how he reveled in this new feeling. This unexplainable euphoria. His heart was soaring with triumph and pride; all his doubts washed away with relief.

He pulled Tokitou closer, and gave him a slow, sweet kiss. Full of love and tenderness. He was trying his hardest to relay to his partner that he wanted him, he cared for him, that he loved him.

This time, Tokitou even leaned into the kiss, savoring it now that he knew. All uncertainties were erased with that simple and direct confession. All fear erased by love.

Again, Kubota pulled away. "Would you let me...?" He made a mistake once, and he wasn't about to blow it up again.

~*~

Still a bit dazed, Tokitou nodded and was swept by a single movement. Later, they were in Kubota's room. He had carried him. Kubota laid him on the bed and kissed him again. It intensified with passion as seconds ticked by, both being slowly aroused by the action. Kubota's lips descended slowly. Down to his neck, where he licked and sucked where he felt it necessary. Down to his firm and muscled chest, where he teased the nipples till they were hard and taut from all the attention. Down to his navel, where Kubota dipped his tongue. And down to the hard erect package that was Tokitou's.

Tokitou never would have imagined that he could feel such pleasure from such ministrations. He mewled when Kubota sucked at his neck, moaned when he teased and sucked his nipples, purred when his lover made a trail downwards with his tongue.

Where had all his clothes gone?

Oh well, it wasn't important now, was it? His breath hitched when Kubota licked his tip. He looked at his lover, who was looking at him, apparently amused.

"You like that, don't you?" he teased.

Tokitou just grunted in reply and gasped as Kubota swallowed him whole. He gripped the sheets tightly, trying his hardest not to buck. It wasn't needed, though, as Kubota was pinning his hips firmly on the bed.

Faster, slower, tongue spiralling up and down his shaft, hot, so hot, he was burning... Tight, deliciously tight, that mouth... Oh, those hands that kept playing with his balls... He was nearing completion. He knew it. He could feel it. His hands were tangled with the now messy hair crowning the head of his love.

"Aaah... K-kubo-chan... Faster... No.. Yes! Uhn....."

Ah, the kitten was making things harder for him, making all those little sounds, arching his back that way, tasting so damned good... And yes, his pet was going to come soon... A few more thrusts, a few more sucks and there... Cum shot out of Tokitou and it all went straight into Kubota's mouth. He swallowed almost the whole lot, leaving some residue in his mouth for his lover to taste.

Tokitou cried out Kubota's name and fell back. He could get used to this... He closed his eyes and was surprised that Kubota kissed him, enabling him to taste himself. The bittersweet flavor mingled with Kubota's chocolate and Tokitou's strawberry.

After a while, Kubota got up and went to his cabinet. Tokitou, still on the bed, wondered what his Kubo-chan was doing.

His Kubo-chan. His.

It had a nice ring to it.

Kubota closed the closet door, hiding his hands behind his back. He went to Tokitou and kissed him with renewed fervor. Their tongues battled and fenced with each other, exploring the other's mouth yet again. Kubota's hands trailed over Tokitou's arms all the while, raising them up over his head. Satisfied, Kubota wrenched his lips away and looked at his handiwork.

"What the--" Tokitou thought.

He tried to grab Kubota's head to make those lips kiss him again, but to no avail. He couldn't move his hands. He looked up and found that he was conveniently tied up to the posts of the headboard. Well what do you know. What does Kubota need leather straps for?

"K-kubo-chan?"

But he was already gone.

Tokitou's face fell. Was he that bad that Kubota would tie him up so he couldn't get near him anymore? Wasn't he good enough? Why?

He soon got his answer when Kubota arrived bearing gifts.

Chocolate syrup.

Strawberries.

Whipped cream.

Ah... So sinfully good.

He put them all on the side table and stood before Tokitou, making sure the other boy saw him completely. He began to undress. Slowly.. Surely.. He looked directly at the flushing boy's eyes.. Saw them darken with passion and desire as each article of clothing went off.

Completely naked, he crawled over to Tokitou, kneeling so that his thighs were on either side of his lover's head. He reached for the syrup and applied some to his hardness. Precum was already threatening to drip, and the extra weight of the syrup helped it fall down on Tokitou's lips.

A pink tongue licked the mixture on his lips, and soon found it to be quite addicting. The tongue shamelessly sought out the source, which was hovering just over his face. He succeeded in making contact.

One could say that Kubota Makoto was surprised when Tokitou's tongue connected with his skin. He didn't know his tongue was that long... Hmmm... just another interesting fact, filed away for better and future use. He didn't waste time and put whipped cream on his length. He also added more chocolate, and to top things up, he placed a strawberry somewhere in the middle. He lowered himself to give his koi his very own recipe for dessert.

Like a clean-loving little kitty, Tokitou lapped it all up, also taking his partner whole, not caring if it pushed through his throat. Up, down, up, down. Kubota fucked his lover's mouth. A low growl escaped his throat, and made the hairs at the back of Tokitou's neck stand on end. Before he could come, he dislodged himself from that warm cavern and put some chocolate on three of his fingers. He fed the confection to the hungry mouth. When the chocolate was completely gone and his fingers were adequately slick, Kubota moved back and spread Tokitou's legs.

One then two then three. The fingers worked their magic and soon, Tokitou was writhing in pleasure as Kubota found his lover's g-spot.

The selfish little feline whined as the fingers left him feeling empty. He cussed at his inability to do anything about it, as he was bound quite securely on the bed. He took it back, though. Because nothing could ever make him feel as complete as when Kubota entered him. He relaxed his muscles and waited for the pain to subside. When it finally did, the speed and intensity increased to breaking point. They moved together, gaining optimum access to each other in every way. Kubota's hand stroked Tokitou's weeping member, and soon Kubota let out a series of grunts. Tokitou, on the other hand, made as much maddening noise as humanly possible. In a matter of a few minutes, they both climaxed and found their release.

Kubota got his now limp member out of his lover. He slipped in next to Tokitou and took the leather straps off.

"Aishiteru..."

"Aishiteru, Kubo-chan."

They snuggled for a little while before curiosity got the cat.

"What was that for?" Tokitou asked breathlessly, referring to the leather straps.

"Buddy Bondage," was the simple reply.

Tokitou grinned.

Feeling quite sated, the couple fell into a deep sleep; comforted, loved and laid.

Outside, the rain pitter-pattered to match the rhythm of content hearts.

~*owari*~