Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

   Nara fixations are a pain in the ass. 

   Ichiro didn't know how frustrating it was to feel that thrumming need to know, under his skin until a few weeks ago when they met Naruto. 

   One would think that Nara fixations are simple. That they're just interests that come and go whenever the topic is brought up. It certainly seems like that because Nara are well known to be laid back and apply logic to almost anything, that even they think about what action to employ to do the most minimal work while getting maximum gains. 

   But Nara fixations are a pain in the ass, troublesome–unbearable even. Because whatever thing a Nara fixate's on? It doesn't leave their mind. It's there, it's always there in the back of their mind clawing its way out and up into the forefront of his thoughts. 

   Ichiro bangs his head on his desk. 

   "Ichiro-san?" Came a very concerned voice but he didn't bother knowing who it was. 

   "Don't mind him, Shun. Ichiro has a bad case of Nara fixation." Came Shigeo's utterly smug voice that Ichiro can't help but lift his head up just to glare at the damned bastard. 

   "It probably doesn't help that he hasn't seen Naruto-san for a few weeks already." Jiro snickered and there's nothing that Ichiro could do other than groan against the wood of his desk. 

   "I bet Blondie's been circling his mind for the past few hours already." Past few days you mean. Ichiro thought frustrated. 

   "What's all this ruckus?" 

   Ichiro makes the effort to sit up, even if he doesn't bother to sit straight as the clan head nears their position. 

   "Lord Shikari," Ichiro greets, accompanied by Shunichi, Jiro, and Shigeo bowing their heads towards their clan head. 

   Shikari raises a curious eyebrow at the crowd and Ichiro bites back a sigh and asks, "Is there something you need, My Lord?"

   "Are your reports done?" The man asks and Ichiro nods towards the stack of assorted paperwork on the corner of his desk. 

   "Wait–those are all finished reports?" Jiro asks in disbelief. 

   Ichiro tsks, grabbing a scroll off to the other side of his desk, hoping to bury himself in paperwork in order to push back the thought about a chakra so warm that Ichiro wants to wrap himself in it. Memories of an easygoing smile, warm blue eyes and saintly temperament–

   Ichiro bangs his head on his desk once again. 

   It startles a sound out of Shunichi and an amused huff from their clan head. 

   "I take it as Ichiro's fixation has yet to make an appearance?" Shikari asks, turning to the other three in the room. 

   "I've actually met him–" Ichiro's head shoots up to face Shigeo who was side eyeing him–this damned bastard! And he didn't even tell me?!– with a smirk on his lips. "–and he told me that he was taking a mission that would probably take a few weeks or so–"

   "When?" Ichiro hissed, not even waiting until Shigeo had finished talking. 

   Never mind his tact, his manners, his etiquette or bullshit. Never mind that his clan head was just a few steps away from them, never mind EVERYTHING, all he needed was answers right now! For weeks Ichiro couldn't get Naruto out of his mind and he couldn't reach him, find him, catch even the shadow of him and his mind has been clawing with curiosity for days. He'd gone around town and other surrounding areas, had even gone through missions, so much so that even the other Naras are becoming wary with his sudden spike of energy. He's toeing the line of frustration and worry for a man he only met once and then suddenly you tell him that someone had access to him and not tell him? 

   Ichiro might kill someone and this time, he can't blame it on the alcohol or even Naruto. He's going to blame the blasted bastard that he knows, who goes by the name Shigeo. 

   "Ichiro," His clan head calls but Ichiro could barely hear it from the thunderous roar of rage wrecking havoc through his thoughts–"Ichiro."

   Ichiro sucks in a deep breath and looks at his surroundings. He looks at his clan members' uncomfortable faces but doesn't dare linger on them, only trying to look for something, anything–"Ichiro!"

   Ichiro looks at his clan head dead in the eyes and only then does he realize that his shadow had crawled up to his knees and wrapped around his fingers in which they were only supposed to pool at his feet. 

   He breathes out, "Yes, my lord." He answers. 

   There was a beat of silence. 

   "Are you calm?" Lord Shikari asks, his voice serious, his posture tense. 

   Ichiro's gaze drifts to where Shigeo stands. Gone is the older man's bravado and smugness, Shigeo's fingers twitch in a way that suggests he wants to grab a kunai or a shuriken, his Adam's apple bobs up and down as he swallows and Ichiro feels something inside of his brain make an audible click. 

   He relaxes. 

   "Yes, My Lord." Ichiro drawls out, letting the shadows fall down back to their place underneath him. "I am calm."

   No one dares to poke the bear after that. Shigeo avoids even mentioning blondes and the word sunshine around him–which is an odd choice–and Jiro annoys him as usual but there's this stilted kind of aspect in their conversations. His little brother clearly wants to ask but Jiro doesn't know how to breach the topic without triggering whatever that was that Ichiro did that day in his office. Their clan head had taken to giving him more missions outside the compound because clearly he's getting too restless and pent up from staying inside and doing paperwork and not seeing the reason for his current predicament. 

   "Ichiro-san?" Ichiro pins him up against the wall. 

   Ichiro absentmindedly notes the several inches that he has over Naruto, how the blonde doesn't seem to be alarmed that Ichiro has cornered him and rather than becoming angry at the fact he is trapped, Naruto just looks at him with confusion. It's like he's not afraid of being hurt. 

   Or maybe he KNOWS he won't get hurt. A part of his mind whispers. 

   "I'm sorry." Naruto says softly and it just makes Ichiro's grip on his wrists tighten, "It seems like I've come across you at the wrong time." Naruto murmurs. 

   And it frustrates Ichiro more because–"Why aren't you scared?" He finds himself asking Naruto through gritted teeth. 

   Are you confident that you can take me on if we do end up fighting or do you trust that I won't hurt you? Why aren't you scared? Why are you so confusing? 

   Naruto blinks at him and smiles. It's one that's bitter and humorless, "What's there to be afraid of?" Naruto shot back at him, his voice flat and devoid of the warmth that Ichiro normally associated with the other man. 

   Ichiro wasn't sure what he was going to do that moment but it's sure as fuck didn't involve letting Naruto go. 

   "You're fixated on me." Naruto says, his cerulean blue staring into Ichiro's dark brown eyes. "You want answers from me. You want to know what makes me so confusing." Naruto continued. 

   It wasn't a question, it was a statement and a fact that no one other than a Nara should know and yet here Naruto was again. Naruto just lays everything out in front of Ichiro and yet somehow it was not enough. The way Naruto talks, the way he moves, the way he exists, right he under Ichiro's hands–he finds that even if Naruto lays out all his thoughts and feelings even for a day, Ichiro wouldn't even scratch the complexity of the person that makes Naruto, Naruto. 

   "Ichiro," Naruto says his name without formalities, it was straight and it was personal and–Ichiro mutters a curse–it makes the feral thing clawing at his thoughts stop. It is silent for the first time in a few weeks. 

   Ichiro breathes, his fingers loosen around Naruto's wrists as he continues to stare at blue eyes so warm that Ichiro feels like a helpless moth drawn to the light of a burning flame. 

   "Sorry," he mutters, yet his fingers don't leave Naruto's skin. It's more of a formality if anything else but Ichiro finds that perhaps it was useless knowing that Naruto already knows what's going on. 

   Naruto blinks at him, stares at him and tries to tug his hands away from where Ichiro still holds them together with one hand. Ichiro allows Naruto to free one hand, watching as it finds a place at the crook of his arm. 

   "Dinner?" Naruto asks, his chakra warm and bright. 

   Ichiro finds himself relaxing to the feeling of it caressing his own dark chakra. The logical part of his brain reminds him that this could be a trap, a ploy, a strategy that could lead to betrayal or death or even endanger his clan. There was another–bigger–part of his brain, however, that is calm, content and soaking in the presence of Naruto that he finds himself asking. "Where do you want to go? I'll pay."

   Naruto huffs, a smile on his lips as he shakes his head lightly. Perhaps Naruto finds the situation absurd. Who wouldn't? But Ichiro finds that he doesn't really mind it, not really. It's probably because even when he lets go of Naruto's wrist, the blonde's hand stays on the crook of Ichiro's arm as they walk, side by side, matching each other's pace. 

   It's only several hours later that logic comes back to Ichiro. When he's staring up at the ceiling, laying in bed, thoughts slowly stirring and but still calm–at least, calmer than it had been in weeks. Shigeo's words from the night that they met Naruto echo in his head as a reminder. 

   Ichiro is done for, especially if blondie keeps condoning his behavior like that. 

   With slowly building dread and terror, Ichiro realizes he is not only certainly done for in the terms of interacting with Naruto. He is also certain that none of his clan members will ever ever let him live this down, especially his younger brother. 

   It's not like you'd mind though. That feral thing in his head purred. It's troublesome, yes, but it's not like any of them have the privilege of latching onto this beautiful puzzle. Ichiro blinks and despite knowing it's bad to entertain this dark dark part of himself as a Nara. He thinks back on the way that Naruto had handled him that evening. The way he still smiles so warmly, he still talks the way he does, he still laughs, and importantly–he allows Ichiro to pry just enough to sate his curiosity but never too much that he reveals everything. 

   Memories play behind his eyes, analyzing every interaction he has with the other man at this point. Then something dawns on him-and makes his gut churn in utter frustration and–something else that feels just as strong but more...

   Naruto is familiar with the way he was acting. He thinks, eyes narrowing into a specific spot on the ceiling. Intimately familiar it seems that Naruto isn't concerned at all but instead feels fond, smiling at Ichiro indulgently and yet–"Sage help me." 

   My friend insisted that I learned how to play shogi and wouldn't stop leaving me alone until I did. I´m pretty sure he regretted wanting to play against me in the end, claiming I was too much of a headache to play against.

   That person–Naruto's deceased friend–"He was a Nara, wasn't he?"

Chapter Text

   "You seem to be in a better mood today." Ichiro finds himself nodding towards his clan head as he continues reading through the mission report of the Naras they had sent to the Yamanaka compound. 

   "Good morning, my lord." Ichiro greets the older man. "I've placed all of the urgent paperwork onto your desk earlier. I'll be sending the summary of this mission report in a few minutes."

   There was a beat of silence and Ichiro sighs and looks up. He finds his Clan head smiling in a way that–"Troublesome...." Ichiro mutters.

   "You met him yesterday." His Clan head says and Ichiro sighs. 

   "I've–" Ichiro hesitates before he suppresses another sigh and grumbles, "I even wrote it out on my mission report."

   Except the fact that I took him to dinner and put effort to converse with him about seals and preferences for weapons. 

   Shikari seems to catch on those unsaid words too because the man continues to stare at him, lifting an eyebrow and a knowing smirk finds its way to the Clan head's lips. "Indeed you have."

   Ichiro grimaces as Shikari's smile grows sharper–dangerous. "However, the gap between your last written interaction with... Naruto. And your trip home was quite large."

   A pause. 

   "We both know that the trip back home from the Yamanaka compound shouldn't have taken you two hours after midnight unless you are injured. After all, you departed from here quite early." His Clan head states and Ichiro fights the growing need to bang his head against his desk once again–or perhaps burying himself with a strong doton jutsu would be better? 

   "My lord, I doubt that our conversation about seals and weapons would–" There was a look that Shikari shoots him and Ichiro cuts himself off with a groan. "–so damn troublesome."

   "Fixations normally are." The Clan head says with a smirk, "Tell me about this Naruto person and the conversation that you had with him."

   "My lord, with all–" "As your Clan head, I need to know about the level of your fixation in order to know what precautions the Clan has to take in case of the worst." Shikari cuts him off. 

   It is the worst. Ichiro doesn't stop himself this time, he bangs his head against his desk. This is far too much trouble for something simply–"My lord, Naruto doesn't seem phased that I held his wrists, immobilized him with our Clan's technique and had him pressed against a tight space." Ichiro relays against the wood. 

   "He welcomes my company, answers almost all my questions regarding him except those about his clan–rather, even if does–if he had one, it's all completely gone." Ichiro says. 

   He feels a strange type of tightness in his chest–bitterness, anger, jealousy–that makes him pause before he breathes it out. He sits straight up and looks back at the scroll splayed on his desk. His handwriting is neat and yet he can't help but compare it with Naruto's calligraphy as the blonde sat beside him last night, his leg pressed right against Ichiro's as he explains the dimensions on his seal and how he wants to improve it but does not know the best way to go on with it. 

   Ichiro hesitates before his dark eyes turn upwards, meeting the gaze of his Clan head, Shikari. His Clan head whose face has schooled into a serious expression. Ichiro could see the way Shikari takes in the information and continues. "I tried to dig up his last name–he definitely has one– but he considers himself an orphan. He's hiding a lot of things, that's for sure but he gives information freely. He's also a pretty bad liar."

   "You said he's a shinobi, no? That he admitted it himself?" Shikari asks and Ichiro's fingers twitch, wanting to pull at his hair. 

   "That's one of the things that makes him so damn confusing!" Ichiro gritted out, "He says he's a shinobi, he feels like one and sometimes acts like it but he's too damned–" He's too kind, too warm, too human that somehow makes Ichiro question if he's a different monster altogether. "–troublesome."

   The thoughts are clawing at him, gnawing at him. Curiosity, bitterness–"Do you want to keep him?"

   There was silence. 

   Ichiro stares at Shikari, perplexed, lips slightly ajar and feeling breathless. 

   Keep him? Keep Naruto? "What do you mean?" Ichiro asks and Shikari stares down at him, eyes calculating. 

   "Nara fixations are something that each individual cope with in various ways." The older man says, "For those who fixate on jutsu's they learn all they could learn about it and sometimes even reverse it. For those who fixate on objects, they find a way to obtain or make them."

   It might take a little bit of genius to figure out the point that Shikari is trying to get at but it really was not a problem to Ichiro. Not when the unusual three pronged he stole sat at the bottom of his desk, hidden with a seal that he had learned from the blonde himself. Not when he feels something akin to bloodlust flowing into his bloodstream the moment he heard Shigeo had interacted with Naruto and he had no clue. 

   Don't lie to yourself. His logic has long since drowned by the dark thoughts that pull him under, enveloping him in a sensation cold but light, like shadows welcoming him home. You want the puzzle all to yourself. 

   Ichiro swallows and there's an intense feeling of horror that crashes onto him when he realizes–"Fuck–"

   I want to keep him to myself. I want to have Naruto. 

   His Clan head seems to understand by the way he looks at him grimly. "This can be used against you." Against our Clan goes unspoken but understood by Ichiro. 

   How a supposedly normal day of trying to get away from his responsibilities and relaxing with his precious people has turned into a life changing, Clan endangering encounter. Ichiro groans, putting his head in his hands. 

   "This is all Naruto's fault." 

Chapter Text

"Kitsune requests what?" Jiro gasps as he reads the scroll over Ichiro's shoulder. 

   Joint Missions. That was Kitsune's proposal. The letter that the scroll contains starts off with an acknowledgement of what chaos he is stirring–and apparently, will continue to do so–and that he promises that he didn't intentionally want to cripple the Nara Clan by taking their clients. There's a sincere written apology somewhere there and a proposal for collaboration and also probably to make up for his sins and–Ichiro knows this fucking hand writing! 

   Everyone else would be able to shake it off, say 'Oh, not everyone can have different handwriting.' And Ichiro would agree to a degree. But that's not the sage's forsaken point! Yes, Kitsune's handwriting could be similar to someone's but it was the feel to it that makes Ichiro want to drop the scroll and hunt down that moron right now. 

   "This is so damned troublesome." Ichiro groans. 

    Because if the hand writing wasn't a dead give away, if the way that the paragraphs were written in a speech pattern that Ichiro knows–had spent more than a few weeks analyzing–hadn't been fucking enough, then it was the three pronged kunai that the letter came with.  The very same one that Ichiro has, hidden under his desk. 

   The very same one that Naruto uses. 

   And so Ichiro does what every Nara with a fixation would do in that situation and marches up to the Clan head's office with the scroll in hand and the kunai in the other. He might be marching straight into his death or to make a deal with the devil. Not that Ichiro had any other choice. The moment he laid his eyes on Naruto, he knew that he would somehow end up in endless troublesome situations–even if he's still coming to terms with the fact. 

   And by some miracle, Ichiro leaves Shikari's office in one piece, alive and physically well. A blank scroll in hand in order to write a reply to kitsune, the three pronged kunai on his person, and a warning in mind. 

   You better have something good in store, Ichiro. If this goes south, not only will I behead your precious fixation–I'll find a way to make you suffer from it immensely as well. 

   And while Ichiro feels intimidated, yes. It doesn't hold a candle to the way his heart bangs against his ribcage, excited by the fact he managed to know something about Naruto. 

   "How many more clues are you willing to give me, Mhm?" Ichiro hums as he walks back to his office, immediately drafting the agreement and conditions that he and his Clan Head have discussed. 

   How far would you allow me to push? 

   "For as long as you'd like to." 

   Everyone around him stiffens at Kitsune's voice and grows nervous as his bright cerulean blue eyes land on them. But Ichiro sees through that mask, feels a heat of frustration burning under his skin. 

   Keep your eyes on me, Naruto. 

   "Oh? And we can take your word for it?" Ichiro asks him and Naruto's gaze snaps towards him. Ichiro smirks. 

   "Of course," Naruto tilts his head. "Call it a Fox's honor."

   And so despite the palpable agitation that the Nara clan could feel at the presence of Kitsune, they settled on an agreement that would have probably gotten someone beheaded should they have less charisma, less power, less warmth, less–"Troublesome..." Ichiro mutters. There's a slight curve to his lips but it wasn't a smile just yet. 

   "You want to have a base in the Nara compound." He mused and Naruto hummed. 

   "Er–not... Really?" Naruto murmured and he shrugged when Ichiro quirked an eyebrow at him. "Look, as much as I'd like to frolic around your garden and play with your deer. That will most certainly not make your party very comfortable, now would it?"

   "And you're comfortable with that?" Ichiro shot back at him, more amused than anything else. "To frolic around gardens of other clans and play with their pets?"

   Naruto's hand comes to scratch at the whiskers of his fox mask. Ichiro was sure that the blonde was smiling in that endearingly sheepish way that he always does. 

   "Would it be weird if I say yes?" Naruto asks. Naruto mutters something but Ichiro couldn't catch anything other than the words Inuzuka. Ichiro was half sure that Naruto had just muttered about wanting to pet the clan's dogs and he huffs, almost even rolling his eyes. 

   He didn't though. 

   Shikari shot him a glance that was heated and calculating. If he so much showed any sign of any weakness, fondness or emotion that could be easily read and exploited, Ichiro knows that even he won't be able to blame Naruto for the consequences that will follow. Shikari would no doubt find a way to torture him for developing a fixation on someone so dangerous and unknown–even if Nara don't have the choice to choose their fixation anyway– and that was also ignoring the fact that having Naruto as his fixation was already making his life a living hell. 

   "Then what exactly is it that you are proposing, Kitsune?" Ichiro asks with a clear of his throat. 

   Naruto tilts his head at him and Ichiro just knows that the blonde is smiling at him–Ichiro is willing to bet his hair on it– as Naruto then taps the scroll laid out on the table. 

   "What I want is a place to be welcomed into. Not a home, not a base, but a place I can get in and out of freely should I start taking missions alongside you." Ichiro feels his Clan Head shift from beside him but Naruto continues. "Of course I don't expect for you to not put me under surveillance and I will not ask that of you."

   "In fact, if you'd allow this, then I'm fully okay with you guys just walking in and out or disturbing me whenever you please." Naruto paused, blinked and then hummed, "Though, maybe when I'm not working on seals. I'd really rather not blow somebody's limb on accident."

   Ichiro hears Shikari inquire about it and yet his mind doesn't register his clan head's words. He thinks about the plausibility of Naruto's suggestion instead. The Nara Compound isn't as big as the other, more renowned and powerful clans like the Uchiha and Senju are. However, it doesn't mean the ground that they cover could be called miniscule either. If the council and his clan head would agree to allow Kitsune have access to the compound whenever he pleases, if the joint missions that Kitsune proposes actually turn out well like he proposes he would, if he actually means well for the clan–"And you're okay with that?"

   Ichiro blinks when he hears the incredulous tone of his Clan head. 

   Naruto shrugs, "It's your land and your home. I'm nothing other than an intruder to you right now. So if you refuse, that's quite alright, but it'll be a bunch more easier if you'll allow it, honestly."

   And perhaps it's because Shikari and the other Nara present are pretty unused to the fact that Naruto is really quite sincere when he talks and definitely comes across perfectly so that when the blonde had said those words, almost all his Clan members stared at Naruto for a few seconds before they discreetly eyed each other like a confirmation of sorts. Like "Is this guy being serious?" Kind of look or a few "Did I hear that right? You heard that too, didn't you?"  That are thrown around. 

   Ichiro finds a smug satisfaction crowding his chest, the sensation feels similar to that of a cat curling around its favorite toy and starts purring. There's a twitch of his lips as he fights a smug smile–That's Naruto for you– he thinks, so very utterly amused. He turns your world upside down and smiles at you angelically like he didn't just make you question anything and everything all at once. 

   In the end The Nara agree, despite still feeling tense and unsure about the decision. Ichiro couldn't care less, not when he's standing in front of the building that The Nara had assigned to the blonde. Knocking, he smirks at the masked man when he opens the door. "Hey, Naruto, play a game of shogi with me." 

   Ichiro grins when he sees those cerulean eyes widen for a few seconds before Naruto groans. "Damnit,"

   Ichiro doesn't mind the way Naruto grabs his arm and drags him into the decent sized house that The Nara decided to provide him with. 

   "I thought I would at least have a week or two before you found out." Naruto grumbles as he slaps a seal on the nearest wall and supplies it with chakra. 

   Ichiro recognizes the symbols that Naruto has drawn into it. This specific seal hides them under a barrier and projects a Genjutsu outwards, making a view from the outside seem like they're doing something mundane like talking when they could already be going for each other's throats inside. 

   "A grave miscalculation." Ichiro almost purrs and Naruto lifts his mask to place it at the side of his head. 

   And Naruto looks upset. "I modify my voice when I go out as Kitsune, I make effort to even act differently–" Ichiro shrugs, smug and uncaring. 

   "You underestimated me." Ichiro mused, staring directly into Naruto's eyes. As if he's almost daring the blonde to prove him wrong. 

   Because the moment he saw Naruto his mind was already screaming at him. Ever since the beginning all that his mind had been blaring at him was that Naruto was a fox, Fox, FOX. 

   Naruto expressions turn pinched before he scoffs and runs his fingers through his hair. He doesn't say anything but Ichiro feels as if that expression on his face would spiral into something else so Ichiro clicks his tongue. 

   "Shogi." Ichiro grumbled because this was the only way he knew to get to know the blonde without having to talk and walk around troublesome taboos, personal triggers or Clan politic landmines. He still gets ahead of himself, still a bit tactless and forgets how to use manners when Naruto just acts so comfortably around him. 

   "So demanding..." Naruto huffs and shakes his head. "Alright, alright, only if you help me with dinner though."

   And wasn't that something? 

   Going around the kitchen of a house that isn't even his own. Helping Naruto cut vegetables and cook dishes when they should be nothing more than tentative friends–allies maybe, because one can hardly consider someone a friend without any sort of trust being formed between the two parties. Ichiro can't say he trusts Naruto despite the fact that he's so utterly obsessed with figuring him out– and yet Ichiro feels like this was alright. 

   Good, even. Because Naruto smiles, his body seemingly relaxed, his voice filled with warmth and Ichiro finds himself blinking hours later, when Naruto is smiling softly at the shogi board, waiting for Ichiro's next move. Their dishes from dinner already washed and stored away safely after they've had their fill. The leftovers had been split for Naruto to enjoy and Ichiro to take home for himself. 

   "You sure have been generous, Ichiro." Naruto calls out with a teasing tilt to his tone, "Allowing me to win all three games that we played tonight?" 

   At that Ichiro frowns and finds himself wondering as to how he had gotten so lost to the intoxicating feeling of just basking in the presence–the very existence– of his fixation. 

   "I'll win this round if you keep that up, Naruto." Ichiro shot back at the blonde as he took out one of his pieces. 

   The night continues on deeper and Ichiro is forced to leave after winning two out of seven games. He leaves the house with Naruto standing by the door, his mask resting comfortably on his face. 

   "Have a goodnight, Ichiro-san." And Ichiro finds himself ruffled by the formality. 

   He walks away and yet for some reason his chest feels empty. Ichiro feels the light buzz, the pleased humming of the feral thing in the back of his mind and he feels calm yet he doesn't feel content. 

   You'll never be content. The dark feral thing whispers. You can only rest after discovering the rest of the puzzle. And Ichiro hums. 

   Naruto seems like an endless mystery, Ichiro thinks. The bag of food feels heavy–the handle that rests in the crook of Ichiro's arm feels like a heated iron band on his skin–and Ichiro thinks that perhaps he won't ever find peace the same way when he has yet to meet Naruto. Ichiro huffs as he saunters towards his home, a soft smile in his lips. 

   "Naruto..." Ichiro might not have the same kind of peace as before but he finds that he doesn't really mind. Not when he feels that sharp excitement stealing the breath out of his lungs when he discovers a new piece from his puzzle. Not when he feels warm and comfortable in his own skin despite the feral thing that purrs in the back of his mind. Not when Naruto himself seems to be so open and welcome to share his secrets. 

   The thought makes Ichiro pause and slowly turn to look at the building he was now far away from. 

   The feral thing growls, No! Only I could unravel those secrets! Ichiro frowns and tries to continue his walk back home. 

   "I'll kill anyone who attempts to outdo me." Or achieve more than I do. 

Chapter Text

   And while Shirogane was grateful that Kitsune seemed to be quick to learn and had thought to send him a missive to warn him instead of just materializing into the room just like his last visit. Shirogane feels a building headache at the mention of Kitsune, alliance and paperwork. 

   "Two months ago you were gallivanting with the Uchiha." Shirogane doesn't bark but it was a near thing when Kitsune had stood across from him and handed him the scroll. "And now you are agreeing to tie an alliance with The Nara?" 

   Shirogane has never been more grateful for the decision to summon Kane at this moment in time. He needed all the stability and support that his right hand man could provide in times of crisis. 

   A voice in the back of his mind finds it very amusing that he now classifies paperwork as a legitimate crisis but he shoves it aside. Everything surrounding Kitsune could eventually evolve into a crisis after all. 

   "And how did you manage to pull this off?" Shirogane asks, immediately regretting it when Kitsune avoids his gaze with a sheepish smile. 

   "I played shogi with Lord Shikari's adviser and it evolved to the guy being so fixated that I beat him that Lord Shikari also challenged me for a game." 

   Sage above

   "And I-uh, kinda did beat Lord Shikari too. Er–about sixty percent of the time."

   "And so they asked for an alliance because of that?" Kane asks, absolutely incredulous and Shirogane can't help but share his bafflement. 

   "Uh–no," Kitsune mumbles, "No, not really."

   There was a moment of silence and Shirogane fought the urge to just strangle this young adult because sage knows that even if he did, the kid would probably just shrug it off and apologize for presenting this headache to him on paper. He's almost tempted to follow through with it, consequences be damned. 

   "... Uh–" Kitsune shifts on his toes, "The reason is quite personal, apparently."

   That didn't spell well. 

   "Did you know that Naras have a bloodline trait that is called fixations?" Kitsune raises the question and Shirogane glances at Kane to learn that no, they had no idea, and looks back at Kitsune. 

   The blonde groans and Shirogane saves the reprimand that he was already going to give the boy about manners because Kitsune sounds very miserable when he says, "Lord Shikari's adviser, Ichiro Nara, has fixated on me."

   There was a pause and Shirogane huffs, "I fail to see what or where the problem lies." 

   Kitsune sighs a sound so defeated that Shirogane could feel himself start pitying the boy despite knowing that Kitsune had done this to himself. 

   "Fixations, as the name implies is kinda like a close relative to obsession, or are they a basic package... who knows?" Kitsune rambles before he shrugs at his own musings and looks back at Shirogane. "Ichiro is far in too deep with his fixation with me that he apparently loses his logic when I'm not around for a while or when my name is simply brought up by other people."

   Shirogane's eyebrows furrow. He sees why it could be problematic but he doesn't see why Kitsune would approach them for something like this. It wasn't as if their alliance operated with complete trust to the point that Kitsune could go to the Hatake for simple advice and vice versa. Even the Inuzuka aren't that close and Shirogane knew the other clan head personally to the point that they would allow a few Inuzuka into the clan compound with advance notice or just sheltering them if hunters are after them. 

   A Nara having an obsession with Kitsune doesn't seem like something that would endanger the Hatake. And yet Kitsune was here, showing them the contract that The Nara clan drew up for him, waiting for his approval. 

   "Look," Kitsune sighs as he runs his fingers through his hair. "I know it doesn't sound concerning on your part as of right now but I can assure you that it is." He said. 

   "Ichiro has already found out my identity."

   There was dead stiff silence. Shirogane feels his blood run cold and he's waiting, hoping, praying that the young shinobi was pulling at his leg but Kitsune stays serious, meeting his gaze head on. And it's as if Kitsune knew that Shirogane was questioning his own hearing, Kitsune says in a louder more firm tone. 

   "He knows who I am underneath the mask."

   Dear sage above. 

   "Then should we be preparing for battle?" Kane asks and Kitsune quickly shakes his head. 

   "They know your identity, they can use this against you–!" "He knows my identity." Kitsune cuts him off and lifts up a placating hand when Shirogane stands and slams his hands on his desk. 

   "Ichiro knows but he won't share. That's the thing about Nara Fixations, they materialize differently in different individuals. Yes, Ichiro is obsessed with me but he doesn't want to share me." Kitsune says. 

   "And how can you be so sure?" Shirogane growls at him and Kitsune shrinks into himself. 

   And it shouldn't be startling but it is to both Shirogane and Kane. It's not something they've seen before, not a reaction they had been expecting. Granted, they had not seen Kitsune all that much or frequently enough to know him well but they had thought that they had a good guess on his character. Shirogane realizes a little too late that his chakra had been lashing out and that–oh.

   Nostalgia, panic, pain and grief. Kitsune's chakra whirls and hits them like a gust of wind in the midst of a hurricane. Shirogane swallows and almost chokes when he tastes blood on his tongue. 

   "I'm not sure." Kitsune says, his voice heavy with emotion. "I'm not sure which is why I came to you in hopes to tell you of the situation and know the risks of being allied with me."

   There was a beat before Kitsune steps forward and Shirogane tenses despite the way Kitsune does not have any weapons or ill intent radiating from his person. 

   "Lord Shirogane, I know you care for your clan." Kitsune says and taps the scroll on the table. "When I accept this–in which I fully intend on doing–as my tentative ally, The Hatake will feel very threatened." 

   "I came to you to discuss contingency plans because I know I'm not only putting my name and life on the line here. I know I am also endangering yours." Kitsune says, "And I know you cannot trust me or my word when I say I have a plan or that everything would work out. However, please do know and understand that I will never, not in my life, not do anything in my power to make sure my allies are safe, no matter how tentative."

   "So please, what I ask for is an ear to listen and a head to think. Not your weapons or your armor because I don't intend to change the world with war but with peace and kindness, just as I have promised I will achieve."

   And what was Shirogane supposed to say to that?

   Simply dismissing Kitsune's words and still suggesting to take out their threat would only push away the young adult. However, humoring this too much is risky and could lead to very serious complications. Sage knows just how guarded Kitsune is with his identity that even the Senju clan has no idea on who he was –and they had Tobirama, known to be a fearsome sensor and genius–and yet a singular Nara was able to piece together his identity. 

   "How can you even assure yourself that you would know how to prepare a countermeasure against a very, very determined Nara with a Fixation?" Shirogane asks and Kitsune meets his gaze. 

   The air shifts and Kitsune's Chakra hums and warps into something soft, warm and fond yet grief and pain lingers still. Though not so much that Shirogane feels as if he's drowning in blood and he's grateful. 

   "Nee," Kitsune chirps, though his tone sounds watery, like on the verge of tears. "Yanno? The reason why this happened in the first place is because I can counter Ichiro's logical thinking with my unpredictability, 'ttebayo..." 

   A few of Kitsune's words are incomprehensible and yet Shirogane feels better, he feels lighter and yet more settled. From beside him, Kane huffs, "And so you want to rope us in for our logic? It's a good idea, knowing that you run on pure idiocracy."

   For anyone other than Kitsune, perhaps it is an insult–even Shirogane had to glance to the side to see why Kane had said that– but to Kitsune, it makes him whine and his eyes crinkle like he's smiling. "That's sooo meannnn!"

   It's light-hearted and it's the way Kitsune laughs that makes Shirogane blink, realizing how he's relaxed and not once has he lifted his weapon against the young man despite the threat he clearly was. There was horror that was overshadowed by the amusement that came with the thought that, perhaps Kitsune is more of a pup than a threat. 

   Arisu will never let Shirogane live it down if she knew–she'll find a way to broadcast it to the whole clan and–"Well? Get on with your contingency plans." Shirogane finds that perhaps he really doesn't mind. 

   After all, his wife also seems to be quite taken with the boy. 

   "Sage above–" Arisu might even find a way to adopt this young man if he endears himself enough to her. While looking at Kitsune who babbles on about plans, taking up a brush and scribbling and scribbling and scribbling as Kane nods and pipes in with critique, suggestions and possible scenarios, Shirogane huffs, shaking his head. 

   Who am I kidding? He thinks to himself. Even if Arisu doesn't want him, I'll take him in. He thought as he watched Kitsune scratch at the whiskers of his mask. He'll keep Kozume determined and he might even sharpen Hatake Shinobi. 

   "A Fox kit?" Kane asks and Kitsune rolls his eyes, suddenly taking off his mask. 

   "I didn't call myself Kitsune for nothing." He says and Shirogane stares, eyes wide as he sees cerulean blue eyes, whiskered cheeks and–"Are those fangs?" Shirogane can't help but blurt out and Kitsune smiles sheepishly, giving him a very good view of the incisors that were indeed very sharp. 

   A Fox kit in a den of wolves. Shirogane smirks. We just might make a beast out of you. 

Chapter Text

   The Yamanaka hadn't known what to think when he saw a singular awfully vibrant blonde in the sea of dark haired Naras. Sure, there's a stray civilian here and there, due to trades and marriages that Naras initiate but even then, they don't reach this deep into the Clan compound, near the home of the Clan Head, no less. 

   "Naruto-san!" Flinching, Yamanaka Inoru turns to look at his companion. 

   The Nara was young and still has a long way to go. His manners and actions are still quite unrefined but Inoru supposes that it wasn't something that was looked down upon in a Clan that values brains more than spending energy in pleasantries. Still though, he had expected more restraint from Nara Jiro, especially since his older brother was well-known to be the youngest advisor the infamous Nara Shikari has. 

   The vibrant blonde turns to look at them and then he smiles. Inoru has to blink and then squint because suddenly it feels as if the sun was dead set on blinding him. 

   "Ah, Jiro-kun. Came back from your mission already?" This Naruto-san asks and Inoru is utterly baffled when he sees the young Nara smiling. 

   It wasn't a calculative polite one, not the ones Inoru has been on the receiving end of since they started their journey from the Yamanaka Clan compound to get to the Naras home. It's not a smirk, not the smug, shit eating grin that he'd see on Naras when they just know that they can outwit others. And it definitely wasn't a feral smile. What Inoru finds is a genuine small smile, filled with mirth and fondness and just a tinge of smug. 

   Nara Jiro was smiling at a vibrant blonde and it was a smile that seems to be reserved for a few people. 

   Interesting. Inoru thinks to himself as the vibrant blonde walks up to them and Inoru notes his... Peculiar attire. 

   It seems like Jiro does too because the Nara snorts, "Cool outfit, Naruto-san." He says in a teasing tone and despite it not pointedly being a compliment, the vibrant blonde beams. 

   Inoru feels like he'd been dragged too close to fire. 

   "Thanks! I had to run sooo many errands for the Hatake just so I could convince them to make it." Naruto-san said with a bright warm smile. "I've gotten them to embroider seal patterns on it too, so you have storage seals 'n stuff practically ingrained in the material itself. I'm planning to put a lil more with ink, later." 

   Jiro's smile grows a little wider, "Oh? And you've told elder brother about it? I'm sure he'd love to know about that."

   Inoru watches the interaction with more than mild interest. He recalls the recent development with the Nara, their clients, their trades and supplies and finds that yes, there's a slight increase in demand for ink and papers but that in itself wasn't a big deal. The Nara continues to grow in number the past few years. Albeit, yes, slow, but so are the other clans that aren't already big like the Senju, Uchiha or Hatake. Their trades revolve more on armor and weapons so the increase in ink and paper isn't that much of a concern as it could be easily passed off as an increasing demand for increasing demand from a growing community. 

   "Ah," Naruto-san turns a little sheepish, "I would but I heard Lord Shikari needs him for something, so I was thinking of just holding on telling him for a little while–" "Telling me what?"

   For the second time today, Inoru flinches. 

   He swears that he's better at detecting chakra signatures that grow closer and while he had anticipated the Nara advisor's approach, he hadn't expected Ichiro to sound so–

   So aggressive. 

   Inoru glances at the renowned young Nara genius and momentarily freezes up with his openly hostile expression. 

   Was there something that I had done? Inoru thinks in a slightly panicked state. Naras are usually laid back, to see one so hostile out in the open towards him, is to be classified as insanely bad news. 

   "Yamanaka Inoru," Ichiro dips his head in greeting, "Lord Shikari is waiting for you."

   Are Naras really this tactless?! Inoru thinks as he registers the fact that Ichiro had regarded him, yes, but not in a proper nor professional way. Not even mentioning the fact I'm a clan heir?? Inoru thinks with utter vexation. 

   In a rare moment of showing actual haste and propriety, Jiro excuses them to escort Inoru to their Clan head's home. 

   Inoru attempts to glance back when Jiro hisses a–"don't" so abruptly that Inoru levels him with a frustrated glare. 

   "Older brother is possessive." Jiro says in a hushed tone as his steps quicken and Inoru scrambles to follow. 

   "Even Lord Shikari won't be able to save you from death if you ogle at his Naruto." Jiro warned. 

   Perhaps it was out of spite or intense curiosity that Inoru defiantly turns to look at the vibrant blonde once again. However, when he does, dark brown eyes are glaring at him and the shadow beneath his feet suddenly feels bigger than his own body. Almost enough to swallow him whole. 

   Inoru hastily looks back and finds Jiro looking at him with a deadpan look that seems to spell troublesome all on its own. It's probably a Nara trademark at this point. 

   "Start running." 

   Inoru feels his face burning in shame when the Nara Clan head Shikari stares at him with such a smug knowing look. 

   "You met The Blondie?" The Clan head asks curtly, almost rude as he didn't even bother with greetings or sorts. 

   Inoru nods. 

   Shikari's smug knowing look turns into a thoroughly amused one as he snorts and shakes his head, "If you're still here in the Nara compound, it means that you haven't crossed Ichiro that bad. You'll be fine."

   Somehow Inoru feels like that one was a warning too. 

Chapter Text

  It wasn't everyday that the infamous Senju brothers, Hashirama and Tobirama, were outside of their compound at the same time. If they are, it would be because of a clan clash against the Uchiha or –quite recently–apparently, for foxes very interested in plants. 

   "You..." Kitsune mutters as he stares at the ground, "You really can't grow succulents?" He asks, turning to look at Hashirama who looks confused and uncomfortable despite the smile that was on his face. 

   Tobirama knows why he still chooses to stay and tries to monitor the interaction between Kitsune and his older brother but in times like this, he also questions his sanity and decision. 

   It started off with Tobirama sensing a signature nearing the border of their compound and so he goes out to intersect it. When he does though, he finds a young blonde man wearing a kitsune mask wearing a peculiar green vest and pants of a design with more pockets than what you can buy in the market. Tobirama could tell the man was a shinobi with the way he moves, light, swift, calculated and yet–"Oh! I apologize, I was distracted by the plants here." He says, his tone warm and cheery and Tobirama finds himself staring into ocean blue eyes that seem to glimmer like waves in the afternoon sunbeam. 

   Normally Tobirama would ask any foreign shinobi to identify themselves and state their business but the mask was telling enough. The dirt and herbs he could see that was held between the man's fingers was enough to immediately know what Kitsune's business was. Still, despite that, Tobirama knew not to let his guard down. 

   "Leave before I make you." He warns him. 

   Any other man would've cowered and fled the field like a mutt with their tail between their legs, however, Kitsune did not. 

   "I-uh, can I at least, please get that plant, my Lord? I've been looking for that plant particularly." Kitsune asks, pointing at a tree. 

   Tobirama grits his teeth and is about to tell the man off when he continues. 

   "You see, Monstera deliciosa are native to islands where there is rain and sun and not much snow. To see one growing here, where snow surely can fall at certain seasons and grow this big and grow it's fruit–"

   "Leave." Tobirama growls and speeds through hand signs. 

   Kitsune fled but that was not the last time that Tobirama saw him. Rather, it was the start of his unconventional, not consented, mind numbing journey to learning about plants, gardening and affection. 

   Tobirama feels Kitsune nearing the compound several more times but he doesn't go out to meet him because he senses his older brother going out to intersect him with a few patrol guards in tow. This goes on for a few more times. Several times too many because Tobirama finds Kitsune's chakra starting to linger longer and longer within their perimeter and it's like his older brother allows it or even waits for him because they stay in the same spot for a few minutes before Kitsune's chakra goes to leave for a few weeks. And when Hashirama comes back, there's this dumb thoughtful look on his face. 

   It's not dumb because Hashirama is incapable of thinking that deeply. He knows that his older brother can be serious when certain situations call for it, however it's dumb because when Tobirama asks, Hashirama looks at him with a contemplating expression before he says, "Tobi, Did you know that plants have clans that they belong to? I know that plants can have families but apparently, they can also be sorted into clans."

   Tobirama looks at him baffled and incredulous. It wasn't something so complicated to understand or even think about but it's dumb because who in the world would need to know about plant clans of all things? Tobirama could understand herbs but plants for mere decoration?

   "Plant clans have specialties too because apparently one clan can store water in their leaves and live through extremely dry seasons. They have a family branch that have a unique ability to protect themselves from getting eaten with spikes." Hashirama pauses and looks at Tobirama with a huge smile on his face. "Isn't that amazing, Tobi?"

   And Tobirama levels him with a deadpan stare because what does a younger brother who specializes in sealing supposed to tell his older brother who apparently, now has a growing interest in plants and their clans? 

   Hashirama wilts like a flower plucked from the bush and whines. Tobirama shoves him to his office to do paper work before he gets fed up and throws him to his water dragon jutsu. Plants like water right? Hashirama is part tree so Tobirama is confident of his brother's survival. 

   However, the next following weeks, Tobirama watches with growing concern as his older brother starts bringing in potted plants into their home. Concerning not because it was increasing into a questionable number, it was concerning because Hashirama named each and every one of them and talks to them as if they were a person. 

   "Tobi! Don't swat Yuki's leaves like that! She worked very hard to grow them, yanno?" 

   Tobirama blinks and turns to his older brother. "Yah noh?"  He asks pointedly and Hashirama shrugs. 

   "Yanno? It's like a shortened, more faster way of asking if somebody knows. You know?" Hashirama smiles, it's one of those cheeky ones, ones that Tobirama doesn't often find himself at the receiving end of because Hashirama only ever does that to their annoying clan elders. 

   That's when Tobirama decides that he is not happy with Kitsune despite Hashirama's protests and continued explanation of how Kitsune is friendly, lovely, kind and–"Tobi! He likes plants. They're not quite like trees because they have different clans and all that but–" Tobirama shoves his huge forehead away as he places protective barrier seals on the walls of their compound to keep pests away. 

   Tobirama should have known better because foxes aren't pests but rascals that will always find a way to get what they want. And apparently, what Kitsune wants is–"Nee, if you're going to spy on us, might as well walk over here and sit down. It's not as if there's anything dangerous with knowing how to properly mix soil for your plants."

   "You dismantled my seals and entered to steal!" Tobirama yells as he readies his weapon to attack but notices Hashirama staring at him with a I'm disappointed in you expression while he sits beside Kitsune. His elder brother's hands are soiled and holding a plant and–"Brother! How could you allow this?!"

   Before Hashirama could reply, Kitsune throws something at him that he dodges. Kitsune huffs, "Keep yourself occupied and figure out that seal while we pot plants." Kitsune says as he turns back to look at Hashirama. 

   Tobirama makes the mistake of actually glancing at the seal and taking interest because it's complicated and familiar. He picks it up and glances toward Kitsune and his elder brother who was cheerfully telling Kitsune something about plants. 

   Tobirama attacks. 

   It ends with Hashirama not talking with him for more than a month. Despite knowing that it was very dangerous and illogical to let Kitsune into the compound and befriending him, Hashirama is completely convinced that all that Kitsune had wanted was a person to eagerly share his knowledge about plants with. Not to mention the plan to collect them because apparently due to Hashirama's technique, it had created some sort of plant paradise that Kitsune was quite in love with. Always coming back to the forests near the Senju compound because it's where he could find the closest most healthy plants he was looking for. 

   And so despite the risks, Tobirama ends up coinciding with his older brother's wish to not attack the blonde because he couldn't take the deafening amount of silence in the house. Hashirama had never given him the silent treatment, he always had tried his best to communicate despite their clashing opinions. This time however, Hashirama was concrete in his beliefs that Kitsune not only did not hold any ill intention towards their clan, Hashirama also believes that Kitsune is working towards peace. 

   "Report," Tobirama says to his cousin. Touka hesitates before she shakes her head. 

   "I need both of you here." Touka says bluntly. 

   It was a peculiar request but once Hashirama is in the office. Tobirama immediately wants to drown that blasted Kitsune for proving him wrong because the blonde saved not only their cousin but also several other members of the Senju clan from an attack that could have very well killed them. 

   "Suicide bombers?" Tobirama thought grimly. If the bounty hunters hadn't been able to take any bounties on their more known shinobi like Touka, they were willing to take them down with them even if it led to their death. 

   It wasn't unheard of but the Daimyo had recently experienced this attack. Could it be possible that there is an organization targeting specific people? Tobirama knew the possibility that they could only be coincidences however it's quite peculiar still. 

   "And Kitsune requested me to deliver this to you, Lord Hashirama." Touka said haltingly, placing a small potted–peculiar looking–plant on the table. "He says that it's from the succulent clan."

   Succulent clan? Tobirama is immediately on alert. They haven't heard of that clan and as far as he knows, there are no trades or–"Oh! This must be either Sedum or Echeveria." Hashirama says with a tone so very fond that you'd think that his child had been born into this world. 

   "Did Kitsune say what are the living conditions that this little one needs? Does she perhaps have a name, Touka-chan?" 

   Sage above. Tobirama thought quite miserably, sharing a look with Touka who also does not know how to answer their clan head. Hashirama does think of these plants as children. 

   "Kitsune did not say anything other than that, My lord." And very noticeably, Hashirama wilts. 

   "I see, very well. Thank you for your report, Touka."

   However, despite the gift, Kitsune does not visit once again. 

   Tobirama frowns because Hashirama has taken to waking up very early in the morning to water and talk to his plants. He would hear his older brother whine and complain about his paperwork and annoying elders; however, Tobirama notices how Hashirama's mood seems to be like a slowly accumulating rain cloud above his head. 

   "Maru-chan, when do you think Kitsune would visit us?" Tobirama hears Hashirama talk while alone in his office. 

   The plant from the succulent clan delivered by Touka has taken a very special space on the corner of Hashirama's desk. Hashirama had named the plant Maru and would often talk to it with a soft voice in times where he found that he could not keep his thoughts to himself anymore. 

   "He would be a very bad uncle if he just dropped you off at my doorstep. Not that I don't like having you, Maru-chan! But even Kitsune told me himself that it was important to spend time with various company if only to view life in a new perspective." Hashirama mused. 

   There was a pause and Tobirama dared to peek into Hashirama's study. He finds his older brother caressing the Maru's thick little leaves with one hand while his other holds a brush. Hashirama sighs and shakes his head. "I sure hope he's doing well. There's a really pretty flowering plant that I've found several feet away from the river. I want to show it to him when he visits." 

   Hashirama looks back at the parchment on his desk and there's a big grin starting to crawl up his lips. "They're orange," Hashirama declares. "And Kitsune loves orange."

   Tobirama frowns because although there's several reported sightings of Kitsune. The blonde plant lover was seen lingering near Hatake, Nara, Akimichi and Uchiha. Not lingering around plants just like what he does to the Senju, going to their forests and leaving when he had his fill of discovering plants, no. Kitsune is reported to be seen entering and leaving the compounds, sometimes accompanied by squads and accomplishes missions with them. 

   Although a part of Tobirama feels guilty for bringing Hashirama unhappiness in the form of chasing away Kitsune. The logical part of him doesn't regret one bit that he did just that. Kitsune is a threat and they would be better off not associating with that man. Perhaps his biggest regret was not killing the man the first time he saw him then, perhaps if he had. Kitsune wouldn't have grown enough of a figure to have not only The Hatake Clan but also The Nara Clan backing him. 

   Tobirama is sent out on missions occasionally. Missions that many others can take but would take a large number to do so. And while he is a singular man, missions such as these are normally very urgent. In times like that, Tobirama sets off and uses roundabout ways to get to the Daimyo, utilizing shortcuts that thread very close to several clan territories. 

   "Lord Izuna, please lower your weapon." Kitsune gently asserted, "I'm sure he's just passing by." Tobirama doesn't hear the resulting argument between Izuna and Kitsune and speeds ahead. 

   "Kane-san, I doubt that he means any harm and probably just passing by. I can face him if you think that he's planning something." Tobirama then hears when he gets close enough to the Hatake territory and their patrol guards who felt his presence approaching. 

   It's not shocking how a Shinobi of Kitsune's–assumed, because Tobirama has yet to see it for himself– caliber has vast connections to many clans. What perplexes Tobirama is the amount of power he has over them. Kitsune is able to easily get in and out of the Nara and Hatake compound not because he's sneaky but because the patrol guards, shinobi, basically everyone in that compound treat him as if he was one of their own. The Uchiha has more reservations but is warm to his visits in a way that would make young women jealous that their in-laws would not treat them such way. The Akimichi–although wary–welcome Kitsune as if he were an old friend. 

   (Many reports mention that when Akimichi shinobi on missions occasionally meet Kitsune while he's off doing sage knows what. It recounts how Akimichi would offer food or drink to Kitsune. This may not sound as something so significant should it come from a clan that doesn't have a calorie control jutsu but to the Akimichi, it is a large deal and speaks of trust and fondness despite the fact they do not accept Kitsune as readily as the other three clans.)

   And while the Yamanaka and Inuzuka clan are unknown on what kind of relationship they hold with Kitsune, they don't act hostile towards him should he cross paths with their shinobi. 

   (There are reports that state Yamanaka are supposedly on friendly terms with Kitsune however the Naras are quite against it despite both Yamanaka and Kitsune being their ally.) 

   So when Tobirama finishes his mission and reports to his brother, he very quietly asks, "Did you ask Kitsune to do it?" 

   Hashirama looks at him, confused and yet so utterly hopeful. "Do what? Did you meet him, Tobi? Did kitsune say anything?"

   He stares at Hashirama for a few moments before concluding that no, Hashirama did not ask Kitsune to somehow use his connections to ease Tobirama's mission. And that despite Kitsune's effort to somehow keep Senju Shinobi safe–because had Tobirama looked, it wasn't only him who was being shadowed by Kitsune and had saved from many confrontations from his allied clans. Touka and many other Senju shinobi had experienced it too but had opted to not put it in their mission report. They knew how Hashirama and Tobirama both have differing opinions on the masked shinobi and had opted to stay quiet about their silent guardian– Kitsune has yet to make an appearance. Not once has the young masked blonde shinobi sent a message or gift to Hashirama and it was dampening his older brother's mood as of late. 

   Tobirama wants to curse that blasted rascal. Even when he had already chased him away, Kitsune still continues to be a thorn stuck into Tobirama's side. 

   Several months passed and there was quiet. There are skirmishes between clans, yes, but not the full clashes that happen and kill off a good portion of members. Tobirama is then again sent on a mission and this time he confronts Kitsune. 

   "What do you want?" Tobirama asks, his kunai against the blonde's throat. 

   Kitsune swallows and Tobirama stares into his ocean blue eyes and digs the blade of his Kunai deeper when–"You're family, I can't just let you step into danger when I could prevent it."

   Tobirama sees red, feeling hot molten rage seeping into his bloodstream. How dare this piece of–"Mum was 'n Uzumaki, married a guy outside of the clan–" Kitsune wheezes against Tobirama's Kunai, "Granny was Senju."

   "Then you're a bastard." Tobirama hisses and jumps off Kitsune when he feels something dark approaching. 

   Tobirama is thankful he does because shadows erupt from where he has Kitsune pinned against the ground. 

   "Tsk, how troublesome." Tobirama turns to see a Nara with dark brown eyes–almost void black that makes him feel a creeping sense of dread. 

   The Nara is by Kitsune's side the next second, "I told you to not get too close." And Tobirama finds that there is something familiar about that Nara. 

   I've seen or heard his features being described to me, somehow, I just don't know when or where and–"It's nothing too bad." Kitsune retorts and Tobirama watches in an increasing amount of dread as the wound that was supposed to be on Kitsune's throat heals itself with an alarming speed. 

   Sage, which Uzumaki was able to marry into a bloodline with this ability? Why had we never heard of it? And why did they not fight to keep him? Tobirama thought as he tries to go through hand signs however, he finds himself bound by his own shadows. 

   "Not so fast, Tobirama-san." There's an incredibly dangerous gleam in the Nara's eyes that makes Tobirama grit his teeth. 

   It would be an absolute hell of a battle and not to mention they were far too close to the Akimichi compound to battle without the Akimichi catching wind of it and sending back up to kitsune and a word to the Nara along with the Hatake compound. 

   "Hiro, don't be like that..." Kitsune pouts, poking the Nara's arm. 

   "He tried to slit your throat!" The Nara hissed and Tobirama allowed himself to think. 

   A Nara named Hiro? Naras are normally named Shi like their clan head. But I can tell this is no ordinary Nara to treat Kitsune as such. Tobirama's eyebrows furrow as he stares at the duo. Friends? Why would a Nara become so frighteningly close with Kitsune? 

   "Did you know that the reason why Nara is so against the Yamanaka becoming allies with Kitsune?" Touka's very frustrating smug tone of voice echoes in his head, "Reports say a Nara advisor had taken a fancy on Kitsune and is quite possessive of him."

   A Nara advisor? Lord Shikari had a few notable ones and–And then it clicks, Tobirama suddenly wants to drown himself in his own jutsu. 

   Ichiro Nara, known as the youngest advisor of their clan head, Nara Shikari. Tobirama watches the way the Nara wraps an arm around Kitsune's waist as he stood up. Perhaps to steady the blonde but more of wanting to be close, if Tobirama has to bet on anything. 

   Sage. Tobirama thinks with absolute dread and anxiousness drowning the rage that was once had been fueling him when Kitsune had declared them to be related. If there was one thing I didn't ever want to have to face, it would have been this Nara. 

   How are you not supposed to be terrified when across from you is not only a determined Nara genius but also powerful enough that was acknowledged as a huge threat? (Tobirama vaguely remembers looking up the bounties on opposing clans and seeing Nara Ichiro’s name only second to his Clan Head’s despite the fact he was not the heir. He had nothing interesting in his background other than the fact he was hailed as a genius at a young age and is sighted always beside Kitsune after the official alliance The Nara Clan tied with Kitsune.) And while Tobirama has not seen Nara Ichiro’s skill and power just yet, the shadows that stand tall and wide behind the Nara, added with the very dark feel to his chakra–and the huge bounty recently place on his head along with the warning ‘Flee when sighted’--was enough to make Tobirama feel nervous.

A Nara genius is pain in the ass, a determined Nara Genius is trouble, while a determined, possessively protective Nara genius is something that even Tobirama Senju would have never wished even upon Izuna Uchiha because Sage help him–Obsessive, possessive, protective Naras are downright terrifying when you hurt the Apple of their eye. 

   So now Tobirama sits and works on seals while a few steps away, Kitsune is whining about his older brother's inability to grow cacti out of thin air. And while his decision to stay in the clearing to supervise Hashirama and Kitsune while they gush about plants makes him question his sanity. The shadows nipping at his feet make him assure himself that he's doing his far away relative–Kitsune– a favor by not unleashing to the world his very bloodthirsty Nara. 

   Genius and strong I might be but even I cannot combat the power of love. Tobirama silently mulls over the options open to them as he examines the seals Kitsune has given him. 

   At least if brother and Kitsune’s plan for peace does not work, I can craft rumors that Izuna looks like Kitsune's past lover. That should quickly solve the Uchiha threat. I’ll threaten the Uzumaki into claiming Kitsune as one of their legitimate children with the help of Mito-hime (If that does not work then I'll make Senju do it instead. Brother would be more than happy to have Kitsune around, the elders can roll in their graves early because the benefits completely outweighs the need for following traditions.) and that should cement a good enough connection between Uzumaki, Nara, and Hatake and by extension, Senju.

Chapter Text

  "Lord Shikari," He looks up to find Naruto smiling at him, "Can I please borrow Ichiro for a moment?" 

   Shikari glances at his youngest advisor glaring at him. It's a look that not many people direct at him and Shikari huffs, rolling his eyes. 

   "Take him, don't return him until he's willing to fill in his paperwork, Naruto." There was a pause and the air grew thick and so Shikari added, "–kun."

   It would have been amusing to watch the young Nara fumble and struggle with his fixation with Naruto. However, to the whole clan's utter surprise and Shikari's new found headache, Naruto takes Ichiro's fixation and regulates him. Yes, regulates him. Shikari's hadn't even known it was possible to regulate Nara Fixations in the first place but apparently Naruto did. 

   Shikari had speculated that Naruto had only been using Ichiro's fixation to his advantage–which was a very reasonable theory if you took into account the fact Naruto's shinobi persona is actually Kitsune–however, when Shikari caught Shigeo, Jiro, and Ichiro at the gate all drunk with Naruto herding them all into the compound he slowly lost confidence in that. 

   "I'm sorry for the ruckus, lord Shikari. I tried to stop them from drinking too much but I'm afraid determined Naras are outside of the realm of my capabilities." Naruto all but mumbles as Ichiro all but drags him towards his house. 

   And Shikari brews the idea then. That perhaps Naruto was just indeed an idiot who has no sense of self-respect or preservation whatsoever. 

   Naruto has always proved his second theory right. 

   Shikari has lost count of the times where he would see Ichiro snatch Naruto's wrist and would drag him away. When Ichiro would keep an arm on Naruto's waist or shoulder when someone would get particularly close to the blonde. When Ichiro would just out right manhandle Naruto.  

   And Naruto allows him to. 

   And while Shikari hadn't been able to hear Naruto speak of the topic himself. Shikari has heard Jiro whining about his brother and the blonde he is fixated on. 

   "Shigeo, Shigeo, can you believe it? Naruto-san, the almighty, bloodthirsty, cold hearted killer they call Kitsune, just allows himself to be dragged around like that??" Jiro cried and Shigeo just shook his head. 

   "Hey, it's either that or us. You remember how your brother reacted in the office when I boasted about talking to Naruto when he hasn't?" There was a beat of silence and Shikari shook his head at the way the two boys shivered at the mention of that incident. 

   As much as he wanted to scoff at what had happened, he couldn't ignore the fact that even he hadn't been that bad back in the day. Ichiro had seemed so consumed by his shadows that moment Shikari was not even sure how Ichiro had pushed through without at least breaking the administrative building. 

   The smartest Nara of his generation. Shikari looks at Ichiro and recalls the shadows that were at his beck and call and thinks that perhaps he's not only the smartest out of his generation. Shikari's eyes drift towards Naruto who was at Ichiro's side, hand on top of Ichiro's arm as he guides the Nara in making seals. 

   "Naruto-san did tell me that he just lets Ichiro have his fill before he avoids him altogether." Shigeo remarked and Jiro sputtered. 

   "Have his fill? What do you mean have his fill?!" Jiro hollers, very out of character considering the usual temperament of Naras. 

   "Nara fixations are unpredictable and right now all that Naruto-san does is keep Ichiro in check." Shigeo huffs, massaging his earlobes. "He says that enough time around Ichiro would keep his fixation satisfied but too much would make him lose control more easily."

   Shikari finds good logic in Naruto's methods and could also see the results in the way Ichiro seems settled, seems more calm, is more efficient, more sharp. However there's a side effect to this method that would slowly rear its ugly head. 

   Shikari could see the way Ichiro's eyes never stray away from Naruto's gaze. The way Ichiro's hands linger on Naruto, the way he draws close enough to touch and not enough to pull back. The way the Ichiro's shadows manifest itself strong and sturdy, solid and so unlike the rest of his family. The shadows sway and swirl, following Naruto's steps and curling towards his chakra. 

   Codependency is something that does not work out well for Naras. They are inherently possessive like the Uchiha however, unlike Uchiha who tend to explode outward when under pressure and do damage to others. Nara possessiveness grows inwards and they want to hold, keep, and protect. Under extreme pressure, Nara wants to be in control of everything, even their loved ones in order to feel safe. 

   Shikari could see Ichiro's growing possessiveness and yet he does not act. Naruto has so graciously offered himself up as a willing sacrifice, willing to embrace the dark feral monster that lurks beneath that laid back demeanor and half smile. Shikari sees the vision and nods, rearranging the plans he has and throwing away those rendered useless due to the new circumstances. 

   Naruto was not sharpening Ichiro's skills and talents, no. Naruto takes the Nara genius and tries to treat him as an equal, tries to bring him up to his level. And in doing so, Naruto creates not a weapon but a monster, one that is tamed and willing to serve and protect. 

   Shikari smiles, the vision clear and beautiful. Yes, there's many open doors now and had Naruto not waltz into their compound they wouldn't have even known it. 

   "Mhm, perhaps Ichiro's fixation is not a burden after all."

   So when Naruto requests for Ichiro's presence, Shikari allows it. When Ichiro asks for Naruto's presence, he allows it. 

   "That's disgusting." Shikari hears Shigeo pretending to empty the contents of his stomach as Jiro points towards a clearing in the Nara forest. 

   There Shikari sees Ichiro sleeping peacefully on Naruto's lap as Naruto's fingers go through the motion of combing and braiding. When Ichiro returns to the office to do his paperwork after lunch with his hair braided and put up in a peculiar style, Shikari does not mind it. What he turns his attention to is the way Ichiro finishes his papers five minutes earlier than he normally would. The way Ichiro stands straighter, more alert, more comfortable in his own skin and more confident in his abilities. 

   Naruto takes missions without Ichiro and Shikari cannot do anything about the restless energy that Ichiro radiates other than send him off to missions on his own. Ichiro always returns earlier than the estimated time frame. When they take missions together however, to Shikari's absolute glee. They come back with results several times better than what is even asked for. 

   "That's what a Nara fixation done right, looks like." Shikari comments one day when Jiro once again complains about Ichiro and his obsession with Naruto. 

   "If Naruto handled Ichiro's Fixation badly he would have either ended like me." Shikari taps the old scar on his neck and continues, "Or he would have been dead."

   Because Naras who can't hold, keep, and protect their loved ones would take a deep dark turn that they can never return to and eventually either die or kill themselves. Not all the Naras in the compound could see the way Ichiro operates and the way Naruto contributes to his control. They could only see the surface level of Ichiro's Fixation, the frustrating, annoying, clingy and co-dependent part of it. They could not see the terrifying way Ichiro's shadows strike without needing hand signs or any prompting, the way his eyes shimmer with a dangerous calculating look, the way he doesn't flinch when tremors shake the ground in battle, staying calm, collected and logical. 

   When one of Ichiro's solo missions takes a turn for the worse and he lands himself in the medical building with all his thirty four attackers dead. Shikari observes the way Naruto stays by Ichiro's side, easing the tension in Ichiro just by existing beside him, bright, warm, and welcome. 

   "Do you want to keep him?" Shikari asks in the middle of a shogi match in Ichiro's medical room on one rare day in which Naruto was away from his Nara.

   There was a beat of silence and a click of a piece being set down. Ichiro meets his gaze, determined and dark, "Yes." He replies with ease and finality that Shikari thinks might kill any other Nara that wasn't as fortunate as him. 

   (Nobody could measure the luck Ichiro has just by fixating on someone so willing to be taken. Should he have fixated on anyone else, Shikari does not know how Ichiro or the clan would have ever coped. Naruto might be a threat but only to his enemies and he's nothing but sunshine and comfort to his allies. Shikari was grateful everyday that Ichiro has cemented The Nara as a very good ally to him.)

   Shikari lets his gaze drift down the shogi board and ponders for a moment before he moves his piece. His demeanor calm as he asks lastly, "Does Naruto-kun want to be kept?"

   There was a longer moment of silence and Shikari lifted his gaze to find a serene smile on Ichiro's lips. Ichiro takes his piece and puts it in its place with a resounding crisp click. 

   "I'll make sure of it." Ichiro stated. It wasn't a question or a declaration. Just a straight confident answer and Shikari feels the way Ichiro's shadows curl and warp with fondness. 

   "Naruto just needs to finish his task." Ichiro added, "By the end of it all, he would ease up to the idea."

   Self-assured, calm and logical. It's something that Shikari utilizes to lead his clan with the precision that it has now. However, when looking at Ichiro, Shikari finds something that embodies everything those characteristics are. It's a type of beast even Shikari hadn't known to be able to hide under the skin of humans, a monster that has slept in Naras yet was awoken with sunshine, warmth and care. 

   "Checkmate." Ichiro declares and Shikari looks down the board. 

   Ichiro has beaten me before. Shikari thought as he thinks back to the way Naruto plays, unpredictable, yes, however his impulsiveness gives way for mistakes. 

   Shikari swallows and feels dread creeping up on him as Ichiro smiles at him lazily. Ichiro is logic first before instinct. However his win against Shikari this time feels different than before. 

   "So it seems." Shikari nodded and sighed. 

   There was a moment before Shikari takes the pieces and places them back where they are, still intending to play a game.

   "Are the elders making a fuss about him?" Came Ichiro's question. 

   Shikari hums in reply. 

   Ichiro huffs then looks out towards the window of his room. A knock on the door catches both their attention and suddenly Shikari feels like darkness had swallowed up the whole room. 

   "Naruto." Ichiro greets and Shikari can almost see the beast purring. 

   Shikari gazes towards the blonde in question and feels the air grow suffocating. 

   "Ichiro," Naruto greets back and nods towards Shikari, "Lord Shikari, good morning."

   And then the air lifts. Naruto's chakra fills the room and Ichiro's curls into it. It feels like cool breeze by the ocean, underneath a sky full of stars while you sit by a fire. 

   It's not terror or despair that Shikari feels when it happens. Someone with more human in them perhaps would feel concerned but Naras are inherently monsters, creatures of the dark that took on human form. Shikari understands that. 

   The way people would look at him before writing him off, "Oh, he's fixated on her?" He knows how empty it feels and how it's cold and no one understands. 

   When Shikari looks at Ichiro and finds the same beast that he had killed within him so many years ago in order to remain human and keep the facade of humanity. He sees himself but also sees something of use. Had Shikari been given the chance all those years ago to know what lurks underneath his skin and tame it like Ichiro is doing, then perhaps Shikari would be so sympathetic that he wouldn't dare use this development for material gains. But as it stands, Shikari is nothing but an empty vessel where he had killed his own beast in order to find a place in the world. 

   There's nothing to worry about. Shikari thought to himself as he stored the shogi board and pieces and sealed it away in a scroll. Naruto is a different beast too. 

   Shikari could feel something feral and bigger than the boy himself when he moves and talks. Just like how his smile is charming and warm, there's something vicious and deadly there too. It's like Ichiro has found another monster with one look and latched onto the feeling of knowing something in there can kill him, can challenge him, can be equal to him and his own beast. 

   And so Shikari doesn't worry when Ichiro's shadows grow tall and wide. 

   "I'll be going then." Shikari says and nods towards Ichiro whose eyes narrow on him. 

   "Ah, have a good day, Lord Shikari!" Naruto exclaimed, bowing. 

   Shikari doesn't mind the way that Ichiro doesn't do the same and instead stares at him with a gaze that seems to be a warning. 

   "You too, Naruto-kun, Ichiro-kun." Shikari hums and closes the door behind him as he leaves. 

   The shadows pool back beneath his feet and he hums. 

   Dreamers like Naruto already have a place in the world and while Ichiro still has a long way to go but Shikari doesn't worry because shadows will find their way to be cast behind their sun. 

   Ichiro, The Fox's shadow. Somehow, it didn't sound bad even to Shikari. 

Chapter Text

   The first time the Akimichis encounter Kitsune is when they went out to the compound to shop. While not rare, Torifu has only been out of the compound for trips like this a handful of times. He is a shinobi and unlike his sisters, he is more than likely to be sent out on missions rather than errands. As he walks along the market stalls, fish, vegetables, spices, and more, he keeps track of his clansmen's chakra. 

   (While Akimichi are not violent per say, they are not tight knit either. They hardly pay attention to cousins of cousins unless they share the same preferences for food or if they are particularly strong. However, even if that were the case, as long as you were an Akimichi you should always extend a helping hand to those who share the same last name. It was an unwritten rule.) 

   Which is why he feels quite guarded when he feels a warm–sunshine warm– chakra that suddenly spikes. It's not Uchiha warm, not the hate fueled chakra that you'd encounter normally. Neither is it the warmth most Sarutobi possess due to their fire release techniques. 

   "Nonono! Ichiro–ramen is the food of the Gods!" 

   Well that was one way to catch an Akimichi's attention. 

   Torifu tries to discreetly look towards the sound which the voice came from. He registers that was also the location where the warm chakra came from. 

   Another voice scoffs, "I won't believe it until I taste it." It was followed by a whine and Torifu finally was able to catch a glimpse–

   Bad. Torifu thought to himself as he saw a shock of vibrant blonde hair and shadows dancing. 

   That's Kitsune. Torifu thinks, starting to get anxious and trying to get a feel on where his clansmen were. Because while Kitsune may sound, look, and claim to be friendly, he doesn't have a huge bounty on his head for nothing. 

   And his escort. Nara Ichiro, one of the youngest Nara advisors to ever be appointed and has recently been wracking up many kills hidden in his shadows. It's no secret that The Nara Clan has recently tied an alliance with the masked shinobi–and a proper one at that, sworn under the moon which means a great deal to The Naras who can't use their renowned technique come night fall– and Nara Ichiro in particular seem to be the closest member of the clan to Kitsune. 

   Close is too much of an understatement. Torifu finds himself frowning as he sees how Kitsune and The Nara interact with each other. Nara Ichiro has a basket hanging by the crook of his arm as his hands are shoved into the pockets of his pants, he wears a weird looking green vest that seems to store sealing scrolls. The Nara Clan symbol is stitched at the back of it, between his shoulder blades. Kitsune himself wears the weird green vest, however, he does not have a clan symbol embroidered at the back of it. And Kitsune wears a pair of pants with far too many pockets for it to be anything other than custom made. 

   It's a domestic scene if you ignore how silent their steps are, how they are equipped with weapons and how there are shadows dancing underneath their feet, ready to strike. Nara Ichiro holds the basket while Kitsune places items in it and pays for them. Kitsune fills the air with earnest and loud chatter and his Nara companion seems to enjoy it if the small smile on his face was anything to go by. 

   "Is there anything else you need, young man?" Torifu looks back at the stall owner who had caught him staring at the pair from across the market. 

   Torifu quickly scans through the items laid out at the stall and nods, purchasing another watermelon. One can never have too much food. 

   I need to quickly regroup with the others. Because one can never be too cautious when you're a shinobi. 

   "A commission?" Torifu asks, "From Kitsune?" Torifu continues to stare at his father dumbly even after his father had nodded and confirmed two times already. 

   "Apparently there's a meal that Kitsune has been craving. He had eaten it regularly as a child however since the only person who could make it is now–well... Deceased. Kitsune is commissioning many and various food shop owners in hopes to recreate it."

   It's how Torifu ends up sitting across from Nara Ichiro and Kitsune as the masked shinobi describes the food that he is hoping to recreate. 

   "Ramen?" "The food of the gods!" And Torifu feels quite shifty because there's only so many people who are that naturally enthusiastic towards food. 

   Kitsune is a good ten or more years older than him and yet Torifu feels this childlike adoration and wonder towards something many people write off as very simple. Many people don't appreciate food for what it is because they have these rules on what they should be. Many people always complain about blandness or they way something is not done right. Most people just eat food because it's in front of them and what they have and not because they appreciate the fact they could eat and they can taste. 

   The Akimichi who need to eat a lot have long since broken out of the common folks' thoughts towards eating. Seeing Kitsune, a well-known, strong and fearsome shinobi so eagerly describing food that he has eaten since he was a child. It was something so simple yet impactful because Torifu thinks this is the closest one can get to understanding how Akimichi are. 

   "I'm not a picky eater. I'll surely eat whatever is available and is offered to me in goodwill." Kitsune says, "But if I had a choice on what I'd eat every meal? I'd eat ramen because ramen isn't just the taste, yanno? It's also the memories and the sentiment behind it. Food isn't just about filling your stomach, dattebayo!"

   And Kitsune really means it because he doesn't just hover, he doesn't just watch, he participates in the process and actually tries to learn every step that is put into making food. 

   "... There's... The broth, there's something different about the broth." Kitsune mused, placing his mask back firmly on his face. "Ichiro, here! Have a taste."

   "Troublesome," Nara Ichiro mutters and yet he still leans forward and takes a sip from the same saucer Kitsune has sipped from. 

   The Nara hums and turns to Kitsune, "Is this what you're looking for?" He asks and Kitsune shrugs. 

   "There's a hint of it–yanno? Kinda like when you drink tea but there's too much water or when you eat mochi but it's all sticky and chewy but no sweetness." Kitsune muses, "It's there but not enough. I can taste it but it's not ramen just yet."

   And while Torifu does not trust the man, he respects him for such determination to keep trying. Because Kitsune knows just how his ramen tastes and is going through absolutely everything just to make sure he tastes it again. It's not something you see in normal folk and is absolutely rare in shinobi who tend to think it's better to eat just whatever in order to keep going. Shinobi don't waste their time on luxury and food, they are efficient and effective and that's all that should matter. But not to Kitsune. 

   What makes Torifu more intrigued however is Nara Ichiro. Because it is very clear that the dark haired shinobi was not staying within the Akimichi compound to sate his curiosity about food. Nara Ichiro stays because Kitsune was here, and he helps despite all his huffing and puffing about troublesome labor because Kitsune laughs and presses up against his side like–well, a fox. 

   "That's what love is." His father shrugs when Torifu comments on it one time. "You might not like doing it, might not have interest in it, might even hate it with every fiber in your body but you'd still do it because it makes that one person happy." 

   And while Torifu doesn't trust Kitsune to ever have his back should a life or death situation come. He trusts the fondness in his food and the way he offers some to Torifu to mean something. 

   "It's not ramen and it might not mean much but when we finally get it right, I'll start making everyone eat it. Believe it!" 

   Torifu accepts the onigiri not because Nara Ichiro is glaring at him from several feet away from them with a warning that he'll regret it if he doesn't take it. Torifu accepts the rice ball because he knows just how much effort, precision and care Kitsune has put into making them. The same kind of effort, precision and care Akimichis put into making their food because food is not just to fill your stomach but it is also an art form. 

   "Would you like some tea?" Torifu asks and watches as Kitsune's eyes widen momentarily before they crinkle–almost hiding his ocean eyes with the way he's smiling behind the mask. 

   "If it isn't too much of a bother, I'd like that very much, Torifu-kun."

   Months come and go and they finally get the ramen right, down to the exact noodles, the exact toppings and even the drop of water to make the broth taste the same as in Kitsune's memories. Torifu thought with a bit of sadness that it was over. The bickering, yelling and laughing in the kitchen over many utensils as they try to figure out through many errors how to make ramen. 

   "Torifu-kun!" Torifu looks up with surprise as Kitsune stands on a branch high up on a tree, holding a package forward as he waves his other hand. 

   The clansman around him is on guard and yet Torifu feels something akin to excitement and anticipation. 

   "I went to the land of whirlpools and you won't be-lieve what kinds of food they had! I still have some more in my seals but I must insist you try this one first! It's amazing, believe it!" 

   And Torifu finds himself smiling. 

   "When I get back, Kitsune-san! I'll finish my mission quickly!"

   "I'm counting on you then!"

Chapter Text

   Ichiro moved out of the ancestral house the moment he became Nara Shikari's advisor at the age of seventeen. He has always been grateful for the decision since he has peace and quiet away from his grandparents expectations, his parents nagging, Jiro's reach for annoying and his cousins who drop by seemingly just to either kiss his ass or try to guilt him into making him do something for their favor. Not all Nara are geniuses after all. 

   It's a decent sized house that is barely used due to the fact Ichiro is always at the administrative office or out to do missions. It was big enough to squish a family of six since it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms–one in the master bedroom and one connected to the kitchen–and a small garden out at the back. Jiro often begs to live with him when he's feeling particularly rebellious and wanting to get away from their parents. And while Ichiro loves him, he never allows him to because knowing that brat, he'd either burn the house down, vandalize it, or find an equally frustrating way of making it unlivable. 

   Naruto wasn't like that. 

   "Ichiro?" Naruto calls out, rubbing at his eyes as he sits up in the bed, "Is there something wrong?" He asks, lighting the candle by his bedside table. 

   There was something so appealing about the way Naruto acts. He knows that Naruto knows his shadows are almost rendered useless at night and so he keeps a light source by his side. 

   Naruto only ever really stays in Ichiro's house when he wants to get away from the responsibilities he has as both Kitsune and Naruto. He stays enough both in The Nara Compound and The Hatake Compound that Hatakes, Yamanakas, Akimichis and–rare and surprisingly–Uchihas show up at their doorstep when they are in need of assistance from the golden fox. And while Kitsune is always eager to lend a helping hand, there are certain times where Naruto just wants to lay down and hide away from the world. 

    "I feel unwell." Naruto says as he stands in front of Ichiro's door as he stares at the carpet. "Today was Shikamaru's birthday..."

   And so Naruto finds safety in the cold, dark and dreary place that Ichiro calls home. 

   "Just couldn't sleep." Ichiro replies. 

   Grief is something that Ichiro is familiar with, especially since he is a shinobi. He considers himself extremely fortunate due to the fact both his parents are alive and well, so is his younger brother and his good friend Shigeo. On the opposite end of the stick however is Naruto who has no living relatives, friends or even acquaintances because he lost his home, his loved ones, his everything. Despite that you will still see him smiling, laughing and fighting for peace even if he lost everything to that cause. 

   I'm a monster. Ichiro thinks to himself because he could tell how burdened Naruto is with the ghost of each and everyone that he'd ever known and yet here Ichiro was, barging into his room in the middle of the night. 

   How was a beast supposed to sleep when its favorite toy was residing in the same home but out of reach?  Something in Ichiro purred. 

   The shadows that the candles cast are fragile and small but it doesn't matter in the long run. All that Ichiro needed was to be able to hold Naruto down and Naruto doesn't make that job hard. 

   Ichiro pads through the cold floor barefoot, he makes a conscious decision to make sound and alert Naruto of what he is doing. As much as he wants to swoop in and take Naruto's hospitality for what it is, he does not need to scare the blonde away. Especially now that Naruto himself came to him in order to seek comfort and care, not the dark feral, overbearing part of him. 

   "You can leave a toothbrush here." Ichiro tells him as he nears the bed. 

   Naruto hums groggily, scooting further into the mattress. 

   Ichiro isn't one to turn down invitations, especially when it comes from Naruto. 

   Slipping into the sheets with ease, Ichiro leans into Naruto's personal space and breathes in the scent of the soap he uses. 

   Mint doesn't fit Naruto. Ichiro thinks. Tangerines feel more like it. And yet the feral thing purrs in the back of his mind at the simple thought that Naruto smells like him. (Those damned Hatakes could finally get off his case about not laying a claim on Kitsune properly.) 

   "I don' wanna overstay–" "Don't be ridiculous." Ichiro snaps. 

   Because this isn't the first time he tried to convince Naruto to stay past breakfast during the time where he stays over. It'd be the first time however, where Ichiro would crawl into bed just to do so. And while Ichiro could give an excuse about wanting to share the burden or something dumb and romantic, it would only be half the truth because–"I want you here." Ichiro says. 

   Naruto stills. 

   Ichiro is very much aware of Naruto's issue with affection. Naruto is vocal, sure. He appreciates touch, sure. But anything regarding affection, the idea of being wanted back seemed like such a foreign concept to the blonde. For Naruto, giving is such a natural thing but it's as if there's a rule that Naruto is only ever allowed to give and never to receive, never to be wanted and it has been a fact ever since. Or at least to Naruto. 

   And while Ichiro does not want Naruto to give anything less to him. He also wants to care for the blonde in return. After all, if it had been anything or anyone other than Naruto, Ichiro would probably be out losing his mind over his instincts because of his fixation. 

   Naruto tries to move away but Ichiro's shadows keep him in place. A soft caress and a gentle warning. As much as Ichiro adores him, outright rejection hurts and makes the dark thoughts much more harder to not act on. 

   "You don't have a mission to finish don't you?" Ichiro tries to assert as gently as he could. 

   There's nowhere else you need to be, right? Ichiro thinks, reaching out slowly. You will stay by my side, right? 

   Naruto's response comes in the form of meeting his touch and slipping back under the sheets. Ichiro only has four –or more, Ichiro can't measure that accurately when Naruto could never stay still– inches over Naruto in terms of height, and Naruto is definitely more muscular than him due to the fact Ichiro opts to stay back and attack in one deadly sweep compared to Naruto who matches his opponents punch per punch and kick per kick and then outlast them even then. But Naruto pushes his face against Ichiro's chest and he looks small like this. Ichiro does not dare think he's any less deadly however, the way Naruto allows himself to sink into Ichiro's embrace without any further prompting makes Ichiro feel bigger than he is. More stronger, more feral, more pleased. 

   "Jiro's goin' to be upset." Naruto mumbles and Ichiro wraps his arms around him, burying his face into Naruto's hair. 

   Everyone is. Ichiro thinks vindictively. 

   He's not so kind as to assume that none of Naruto's admirers won't act on either of his personas. Kitsune is charismatic, easy to trust and is saintly kind in the world of vicious and bitter shinobi. Naruto is handsome, helpful and incredibly fond of children, something desirable in a time where arranged marriages could be sealed without even the knowledge of the participants. Everyone wants a spouse they could get along with and Naruto is someone that is hard not to love. 

   It's why Ichiro goes through the trouble to plaster himself by the blonde's side no matter if he wears the mask or not. Naruto is his but he's not going to force the blonde to bear a mark, mask or title just so Ichiro's beast would be more resistant to jealousy. He doesn't even want to rush Naruto, he knows he's been pushing far too many boundaries as of late. 

   Things grow ugly if you push too much after all. Ichiro thinks to himself as a voice in the back of his mind points out how much more lenient his Clan Head had become not only on him but also on Kitsune. Lord Shikari knows of this through personal experience. 

   "As if anyone could be upset at you." Ichiro chooses to respond with, scoffing. Because that's the problem, everyone likes Naruto and Naruto almost always likes them back. If not, Naruto still accommodates them. 

   Naruto is warm, not only in the sense of the word but also literally. Naruto is so warm against him and Ichiro finds himself searching for Naruto's legs under the sheets.

   "M not wearin pants–" Naruto says hastily, trying to inch away but Ichiro keeps him in the circle of his arms. 

   "It's fine," Ichiro reassures, tangling his limbs with Naruto's. "I don't mind, sunshine."

   I appreciate it. Ichiro hums, his hands reaching out under Naruto's shirt to just feel the skin of his back and the heat he radiates. 

   Naruto whimpers so very softly against him. Out of embarrassment than anything else but Ichiro keeps his hands and legs where they are. Where they should be. 

   "Stay, Naruto." Ichiro demands and he doesn't only mean their position. 

   "Ichiro–" "Stay here with me." He pushes, pulling back to look down and gaze into Naruto's cerulean blue eyes. 

   Naruto is not a pushover. You can hardly call someone who stubbornly fights for peace in a world of war, a simple pushover. Naruto is not a pushover however he's easy to pressure into decisions that are personal, ones that don't seem quite life or death, decisions that are more emotional and not between right or wrong. 

   "... Isn't it improper?" Naruto asks softly. 

   As if anything had been proper ever since the beginning. Ichiro thought, rolling his eyes. 

   "Proper is troublesome." Because being proper meant that Ichiro has to fight fair and square with Naruto's suitors. 

   Ichiro doesn't only want to be Naruto's spouse. He does not want something so superficial, so simple, something so easy to take away. If he had, he could have done so earlier–tied Naruto and forced him into a marriage but that isn't what Ichiro wanted. 

   "It doesn't have to be every day." Ichiro says, pushing his forehead against Naruto's. His dark brown hair irritates the skin at his nape at this angle but he pays it no mind. 

   Not yet. Ichiro thinks because if Naruto starts living with Ichiro and Kitsune leaves the house, other clans will start connecting the dots far more easily. The Nara Clan is bound by oath to never reveal Kitsune's identity or even hint at whoever hides under the mask which is why Naruto could walk freely among them. It also helps a lot that Naruto won the Nara children's affection, the respect of the adults and the fondness of their elderly. 

   "That'll be troublesome." Ichiro finds himself muttering and Naruto relaxes into his arms. 

   There was a beat and Ichiro almost misses the way Naruto gives in with a small, "Okay..." 

   Ichiro runs his fingers through Naruto's shoulder length hair, nails scraping the scalp slightly earning a high pitched keen from the blonde. It makes Ichiro preen and hum, pulling Naruto close to his chest just to physically feel how his actions affect him. 

   Nothing about what Ichiro is doing is proper or even socially acceptable by this point. It's not like he really even cares when his own Clan barely makes a fuss out of it and Naruto is pretty much alright with it. 

   (Ichiro chooses to ignore the probable chance that Naruto does not know the nuances, the social cues and unwritten rules that he's probably breaking just by tolerating Ichiro's actions. Naruto is intelligent in an unorthodox way, he's good at reading people and can act accordingly to their needs but he cannot see their thoughts to accurately know how they are thinking. He follows gut feelings and emotions that he rarely ever finds the need to look for logical thinking and social structures because everything works with how charismatic and kind he is. Manners, etiquette, traditional thinking and more are things that most people assume to already know so it's not like anyone would dare question Kitsune when he's so damned terrifying.) 

   "'Chiro, can I plant 'n the gard'n?" Came Naruto's soft and muffled voice. 

   "Of course." Ichiro easily agrees, "Use it to your heart's content."

   "Ya suuureee?" 

   "Yes, you troublesome blonde." 

   "Ya promise?"

   "Yes, I promise. Naruto."

   A pause and Ichiro offers, "I'll even take care of them when you're out for missions."

   It's probably a joke, a whim or a passing thought that makes Naruto mumble, "luv you..." Naruto was out cold by the next second and while logic says that it was, really, legit something that Naruto would say when he was just feeling playful and absolutely pleased that things are going his way. Ichiro freezes and blinks and tries to calm down because–what the fuck?

   Sleeping with Naruto in my arms is really not doing my sanity any favors. Ichiro thinks as he buries his face into Naruto's vibrant blonde hair. Naruto's bare legs tangled with his own and the way he's just so warm against Ichiro is not helping. 

   Ichiro was caught off guard and he felt unbelievably flustered and pleased–sage help him– "How will I ever keep flies away from you when you're this sweet, huh?" Ichiro huffs against hair. 

   And Naruto was snoring. 

   "Here I am thinking of going to war for you and you're out here sleeping so comfortably." Ichiro grumbles, placing his arm under him to lift himself up and blow at the candle by the bedside table. 

   "Troublesome blonde." Ichiro mutters as he settles back into his position and pulls Naruto as close as physically possible. 

   "You will be my troublesome blonde soon enough."

Chapter Text

"I'll wipe out both Senju and Uchiha if I have to." Its a statement that makes the whole room freeze. 

"If both Uchiha and Senju claim that they cannot have peace due to personal grudges and cannot –even for the sake of the future their own children– set those aside to be able to work for a future without bloodshed." There was a pause and Kitsune stands to his full height. "Then to hell with my morals, I'll wipe you out. Believe it."

It shuts everyone up. Ichiro who was sitting right beside Naruto, is content to just let his shadows wrap around Naruto for both dramatic effect and a show of support. Hatake Shirogane glances at him from Naruto's other side and nods. Ichiro returns the gesture before glancing at Lord Shikari who is looking around the room of frozen shinobi. 

"A bold threat, Kitsune." Uchiha Madara says, his body tense and guarded. 

Ichiro knows Naruto meets the gaze of the clan head and Ichiro feels the seals that he had stitched into the fabric of his pants. The seal that stores his weapon, he won't hesitate to attack the clan head at the first sign of aggression. 

Ichiro takes note of the shadows in the room. The most sturdy and easiest to use to strike and the ones that can only be useful as something to hold down people. 

He's heard rumors that Senju Tobirama has honed his precision with water so much that he could kill simply by taking the water out of a person's body. If that were the case, Ichiro would need to immobilize the Senju before he could even move to do so. Ichiro needs to be alert and fast to be achieve something like that. 

"Mhm, a threat made with enough intent should be considered a statement, no?" Kitsune purrs, his tone sickeningly sweet that Ichiro almost shudders. 

Sickeningly sweet is not something that fits Naruto. Ichiro glances to try and gauge out Naruto's expression behind the mask. 

"But I doubt that it would be necessary, yeah? Senju and Uchiha would get along, right?"

"Definitely!" It was Senju Hashirama who pipes in. Despite the way the room is tense and agitated, the clan head smiles brightly. "Our elders are just a bit cranky, yanno? Like old people? Yanno how they are, Kitsune-kuunnn~" 

Senju Hashirama's tone was light. It was something that should not be used in a situation such as this or even around business as a clan head and yet–"Right, old men are so fussy, Dattebayo." Kitsune huffs and shakes his head. 

"Right..." Izuna coughs awkwardly. 

Like Kitsune didn't threaten to wipe them out a few seconds ago. Ichiro hums, "Then why don't we continue?"

Naruto sits back down. No doubt feeling fidgety due to discomfort and his earlier outburst. And so Ichiro reaches over to place a hand on Naruto's thigh, humming softly when Naruto fidgets with his hand. 

"Uchiha and Senju agree to peace, correct?" Ichiro leads, not minding the way the Akimichi clan head quirks an eyebrow at Naruto who was playing with Ichiro's fingers. 

Naruto does not even bother to hide it. The feral thing at the back of Ichiro's mind points out. Naruto was looking down his lap, where he was tracing the lines, scars and callouses on Ichiro's hand. 

The meeting had been going for several weeks already. Everyone had their agreements settled, open to peace and even the probable village that Kitsune was suggesting. Everyone had sorted it out with their clans and their allies. 

Everyone except the Uchiha and Senju. 

Admittedly it wasn't a very great move to threaten both clans. Ichiro could not blame Naruto however. Not when the blonde was barely getting any sleep because of the stubborn Senju Elders and the spiteful Uchihas wanting to straighten things out with Kitsune. Naruto is at Ichiro's home–which, Ichiro would be absolutely gleeful about if it weren't that–Naruto would only ever catch several hours of sleep before quickly trying to get back to action. 

"At least eat breakfast." Ichiro had insisted, "The Akimichis made you ramen."

"Later, 'chiro. I gotta–" "Naruto–" "I'll finish this real quick!"  And once Naruto lands in Ichiro's floors, he pushes into Ichiro's personal space and whines, "I fuckin HATE clan politics."
 
There's nothing that Ichiro could do other than sit beside him. He nods sagely as Naruto scarves down bowl after bowl of ramen and complaining in between. 

Naruto might be sun incarnate but his optimism is often all too used up in those days that he just melts. Ichiro could manhandle him with little resistance on good days but in days like those, Naruto just allows Ichiro to do whatever. Pulling him to bed and holding him close, so so close that Ichiro feels the feral thing in the back of his mind silent, calm, so utterly content. 

An elder points out Kitsune's threat once again in a screeching voice. Ichiro' winces not at the threat but the sound of it grating at his ears. By the way the Hatakes do too, Ichiro' is sure that they'll get along just fine. 

"They should be thankful Lady Arisu isn't there." Naruto once grumbled against his chest. "She's not a shinobi but I'm ready to bet my mask she'll bring terror 'n havoc in the meetings." And seeing as how said Lady was one of the very few people that could order Naruto around–out of good intentions, of course– in and out of the mask. Ichiro' was sure she'll be a force to be reckoned with. Especially since rumor has it that Lady Arisu is the more fangs than fur compared to the rest of her clan. 

More strict and no doubt will have even the Uchiha elders silenced with proprietary alone. Ichiro thought as he observed The Hatake Clan head who was now leading the talks and negotiations. 

"Lady Arisu embroidered those seals herself!" One of the Hatake pups had growled at Ichiro once as he pointed at Naruto's green vest. And for a Clan so pack oriented like wolves, even Ichiro was taken aback because that meant that even the Hatakes now consider Naruto one of their own. 

Even worse, Naruto had become Lord Hatake Shirogane and Lady Hatake Arisu's pup in all but blood. 

And that vest is the only thing Naruto considers as the safest armour there is. In a world where there is war and armor is a necessity. Seeing Naruto wearing something that is made out of fabric is considered a death wish. However, seeing that not only was Naruto a seal master, Lady Hatake had not only inked but embroidered seals into the fabric of said vest. There is nothing more lighter and safer armor that could ever be achieved in this time period. 

Well, other than my vest, too. I suppose. Ichiro thought so completely, utterly smug. Because Naruto has stitched–and what a great effort that had been– seals onto the fabric of his green vest. The one that Ichiro has taken to using instead of the armor that Lord Shikari had custom made for him. 

It was light, had several pockets and had seals sewn into it by Naruto. If there was anything that Ichiro would trust more than his mother's baked goods then that was Naruto's seal work. 

("I can't bake." Naruto told him solemnly and Ichiro quirks an eyebrow. 

"Can't or don't know how to?" Ichiro asks. 

"Can't. I can cook but somethin about baking just–I dunno? Sasuke said I was dumb at following directions but Sakura-chan told me it was my chakra or somethin. I just left it alone after that cuz Sakura would still allow me to do the frosting, yanno? It's cool.") 

And so there's no mistaking Ichiro for anyone else every time he goes out of his house. No one wears the same vest as Kitsune after all. If there was, it was a darker color. 

(No one wanted to put Ichiro's ire upon them, after all.) 

A clan elder claims something outrageous. Ichiro couldn't catch because Naruto is tracing one specific scar in his hand over and over again. His touch was soft and slow as if there was a question that he wants to ask but could not do so due to the circumstances. 

Naruto's shoulders shake. Ichiro glances at Naruto to see the blonde stifling a laugh. Even behind the mask Ichiro knows that Naruto is struggling. 

"Is something so funny Kitsune?" One of the elder from the Senju hisses and by the way Naruto's chakra swirls with fondness and amusement, there is indeed something very funny. 

"I don't say this to stroke this Nara's ego." Naruto stated nodding towards Ichiro who is immediately intrigued. "But there's something my master would often tell me."

"In this ninja world there is two things you should fear." Naruto drawls out, raising two fingers. 

"The anger of a motivated Nara." Naruto folds one finger, "And the focus of a spiteful Uzumaki."

"Uzumakis and Naras don't get along very well." One of the elders piped in, "I don't see why this is relevant."

Ichiro glances at Naruto who meets his gaze.  When Ichiro looks around the room, he sees the way Senju Tobirama looks like he's having a realization and wants to drown himself for only piecing things together now.  

Ichiro finds that there's a feral grin on his face. 

( A saying that only became widespread after a few years later due to change. Change in the form of chaos, spearheaded by a determined Uzumaki and a Nara by his side. A pair that terrified even the strongest of Shinobi.) 

"Are you saying you are an Uzumaki and yet you dare gallivant around with the Uchiha?" A Senju Elder hissed, the Uchihas bristled and Senju Hashirama is about to intervene when Naruto laughs. 

"Nee," Naruto purrs, "Who is it that sent an Uzumaki princess as a sacrifice, huh?" 

"Yanno? Granny was a Senju." Naruto says with a shrug, "But blood ties mean nothing to me cuz, my best friend had been an Uchiha, Dattebayo." 

This is troublesome. Ichiro thinks as he thinks of the political fall out that these revelations could lead to. And yet–

And yet–"I'm an Uzumaki in all but coloring, old man. If you want my loyalty, earn it." Naruto lifts up his mask, placing at the side of his head, showing his sharp teeth and whiskered cheeks. 

"I was raised by a Hatake, after all."

Chapter Text

There is a silver haired man standing amongst the sea of dark haired Naras. More specifically, there is a Hatake at Nara Ichiro's front door with Nara escorts. 

At shit o'clock in the morning. 

Like–give Ichiro a break– the sky has not even started having colors yet. No orange, pink, purple or yellow hues or anything that signals the sun even rising yet. And yet there's a squad and a Hatake standing in his front door. 

"If you are here for Kitsune I will not let you have him." Ichiro declares out of spite more than anything. 

It was far too early for this, especially since even Naruto an early bird even for the earliest of birds, was still asleep. Ichiro would know, he was the same, snuggled up with said early bird just minutes prior. Before this particular trouble decided to knock on his door. By the pinched look on the Hatakes' face, he could smell the evidence too. 

(Naruto, apparently, has a very distinct scent. Ichiro hadn't known until a loose mouth Inuzuka had loudly announced it to the world. Naruto smelled like the air near the sea side on one bright sunny day while you were cooking something sweet by a fire. Ichiro started to take the Hatakes' warning seriously after that, passing scenting as casual, slightly intimate touches. While Naruto had been raised by a Hatake, it was clear that they had been a lone wolf and did not teach Naruto how to behave in a pack. Which honestly, made Ichiro's job easier.) 

"It's not a job for him, Ichiro-san." The Hatake said, his voice was a pleasant baritone. "Lord and Lady Hatake sent me to guard Naruto-san."

There was a pause and Ichiro's eyes narrow on the Hatake. 

"My apologies." The Hatake murmurs, "My name is Hatake Hiro, a personal guard of Lord Shirogane. He sent me to be of help to Naruto-san." 

Hatake Hiro takes something out from the pockets inside his armor–Ichiro swears he's never wearing that thing again– and hands him a scroll. All the Naras sent to escort the Hatake eye it but do not move or question it. After all, Hatakes are nothing but loyal. Naruto was a Hatake in all but blood and seeing as Naruto is basically the only person Naras can all collectively tolerate despite his bright, endless energy. There's something akin to trust between the Hatake and Nara clan. 

The scroll handed over to him was sealed and yet Ichiro finds that he could open it. He glances at Hatake Hiro before he unrolls it and reads–

Sage above, it's far too early for this. Ichiro huffs. "Troublesome..."

"I have a what, now?"  Naruto asks during breakfast. He has another variety of his beloved ramen from the Akimichis sent a day before that he was all to happy to share with Ichiro and now, his personal guard, Hatake Hiro. 

"A personal guard." Ichiro says and tries to act nonchalantly about it. "Pass me the salt?"

By the look Naruto sends him, he was not successful. 

(Ichiro will never admit to anyone that Naruto looks adorable, having his cheeks stuffed with ramen as he gives Ichiro a Naruto style Nara deadpan stare. He looks like a harmless hamster rather than a fox that could go against even Senju Tobirama's water dragon.) 

"Hiro-kun, does the ramen taste bland to you?" Naruto asks, turning to the Hatake who was awkwardly eating with them. 

Hatake Hiro had fought a losing battle with Naruto about not eating breakfast. That he had eaten already and that joining him to eat breakfast while with Ichiro is something not only tactless but also disgraceful. Unfortunately for him, if there was anything Ichiro had learnt from their time in the Akimichi compound it had be one of the reasons Akimichi turn out to adore Naruto. There is a reason why Naruto is a beloved food buddy of not only the Akimichi clan heir but also the clan head and most of their shinobi. A little hint, it's not because he's very eager about ramen. 

"No, it's actually very tasteful." Hatake Hiro says calculatedly. Perhaps not wanting to offend not only Naruto but also the Akimichi who were very much screaming at the top of their lungs that they manage to reinvent ramen and that Ramen was Kitsune's favorite food. 

"It is... A little spicy, though." Came a little later with a smaller voice. 

"This is a variation, actually. Akimichis are determined to try anything and everything with ramen." Naruto shrugs, "I'll make sure to bring some to the compound next time, Kozume might like this."

"Mhm, that might be the case." The Hatake nods. 

Only after that did Naruto pass Ichiro the salt. 

Talk about petty. Ichiro rolls his eyes. 

"Any business today?" Ichiro then asks as he places the salt down, letting the shadows push it back to where it came from. 

"Mhm, I'm visiting the Uchiha compound." Naruto replies and Ichiro raises an eyebrow. 

From the corner of his eye, Ichiro catches the way Hiro tenses and so Ichiro decides to give the guy some kind of reassurance. Hatakes, after all, will be a very good ally if you know how to give and take properly. 

"They're uncharacteristically eager towards your visits." Ichiro comments and Naruto hums. 

"They're tryin to see if I held enough of a grudge towards the Uzumaki to extend it to the Senju." Naruto says in return. "On the other end, I think Lord Senju Tobirama is trying to get Uzumaki to actually, officially, take me in. Hashirama-san has other ideas."

There was a pause and Naruto sighs exasperatedly fond and Ichiro finds himself chuckling. 

"You can all me HASHIRAMA-NIIIII! Kitsune-kunnn!" Ichiro quotes. "I'm sure Tobi would be fine having another brother!" 

"Oh sage." Naruto groans, looking like he wants to drown himself in his bowl of ramen. Hatake Hiro looks concerned. 

At least he looks like a Senju when he's particularly done with shenanigans. Ichiro thought, so utterly amused. Naruto looks like Tobirama Senju when he seems to be contemplating on how he could use his own jutsu on himself. They both go for any sort of liquid too. It seems like Senjus  think that water is the least painful death compared to whatever Hashirama Senju was. 

"So, Uchiha it is?" Ichiro asks. 

"Uchiha it is." Naruto nods. 

Well. Ichiro glances at Hatake Hiro. At least he would have some sort of test run before the Senju Clan. 

Good luck. I hope you keep your sanity, Hiro-kun. 

Chapter Text

"Uzumakis are insane!" Lord Shikari yells in utter frustration and all his advisors, Baring Ichiro, nods. 

"I can see why your Naruto-kun would not want to get affiliated with that." Shikari continues and Ichiro blinks and tilts his head. 

"I will not correct you in your assumption but I will also not allow you to think of Naruto like he is a simple man." Ichiro states. Not to say that he's not pleased that his own clan head has no objections about whatever insanity is going on between him and Naruto. 

(Because at this point what would you call it? Guarding someone else's back means they're a Clansmen or head and yet here Ichiro was. Scent marking is only a pack oriented clan thing and yet here Ichiro was. Sharing a home and a bed should only be a married thing and yet here Ichiro was.) 

"Your Naruto is nothing but simple." Shigeo hisses from where he was stationed at the back as a guard. "From a clan like that, it's a miracle he could sit still!"

He can't. Ichiro does not say. 

Naruto can't sit still. He needs to keep his hands busy with seals so he will not fidget. He needs to talk in hopes to even get his thoughts in order or at least more efficiently piece it together. He spaces out in random times to do something with his chakra that turns it a bit corrosive. He tracks the emotions of people regularly through chakra–and maybe scent but Ichiro has not proven that yet–. All of that he does and one fact will remain, Naruto cannot sit still but he gives a good illustration that he does. 

"Again, will not correct you on that." Ichiro says. 

"You're lying at this point, Ichiro." Shigeo accuses and Ichiro quirks an eyebrow at him, daring him to say more. 

Shigeo wisely shuts up after that. Ichiro smirks. 

"Senju Tobirama seems to do well with his connections." Ichiro then comments, turning to Lord Shikari. 

"Uzumakis and Senju are sister clans, sure. However they are planning to marry one of their princesses to Lord Hashirama, are they not?" 

There was a pause and Lord Shikari nods. 

"Are you certain of this, Ichiro?" 

Probably. Ichiro shrugs. Naruto knows very little from his own clan but the few he does? He starts rambling about them sometimes, mostly when he's groggy or too tired that his brain to mouth filter is quite literally non existent. 

And you'd assume that he already does not have one because of his idiolect. Ichiro finds himself shaking his head, a fond smile plastered on his face. 

"It's not that hard to see. Especially since the revelation that a shinobi like Kitsune emerged with not only the Senju chakra reserves but also the Uzumakis' fearsome talent with seals and unpredictability." Ichiro replies to his clan head. 

"Thank sage he's nice..." Ichiro faintly heard Shigeo muttering at the back, causing a wave of nods among the Nara entourage. 

"You have an idea of who could be the marriage candidates are?" Shikari asks and Ichiro blinks at him. 

"My lord, how many Uzumakis do you think will be willing to spend the rest of their mortal lives with one Senju Hashirama?" Ichiro shot back. 

"Or rather, how many–" "Hold that thought, Shigeo. Before you ask that, I want you to know that even Naruto is running away from the Senju Clan head. And he's an Uzumaki and a Senju."

There was a beat of silence before an advisor speaks up. "It's Uzumaki Mito, isn't it?"

Ichiro does not say anything more. 

Hatake Hiro is a very good man. He's respectful of space and hardly asks any questions unless it is an obvious life or death, kill or be killed type. He has the emotional awareness to be prepared for whatever Naruto will put him through physically and mentally–maybe even spiritually, Ichiro won't question the uprising club Naruto has with Hatakes. He'll deal with it if need be– and reports to Ichiro along with the Hatake should there be any possible threats that Kitsune faces. He steers Naruto away from any possible shenanigans or reputation tainting action which–Ichiro is surprised, even he could not do that– and! 

He even wards Naruto away from admirers. 

"He belongs to the Nara, you wench. Approach him if you wish your shadows to strangle you." 

Ichiro can't even find the feral right in himself to be jealous. Hatake Hiro looks like a sad wet wolf herding a pup younger than him. And so Ichiro has nothing but respect for the other man. 

"You can have the spare room if you'd like, Hiro." Ichiro says and the Hatake frantically shakes his head. 

"I will return to the Hatake Compound if Naruto-kun is taking missions or will stay in the Nara Compound." Hiro says, "He's safe here, after all."

Dutiful, simple, efficient, loyal and deadly. 

"I insist that you stay for dinner, at least." Ichiro says and after a moment of contemplation, Hiro nods. 

"I apologize for intruding." "Not at all, Hiro." Ichiro says, shaking his head. 

"Not at all."

Hatakes have a special place in Naruto's heart after all. Ichiro thinks, watching the way Naruto interacts with Hiro in all his enthusiastic rambling about seals and ramen and plans. He watches the way Hiro twitches and quickly extinguishes the fire created by one error seal Naruto supplies chakra with. The way Hiro looks at Naruto with exasperation and fondness before chiding him. A sort of family, sort of older brother kind of special. 

Even that's something I don't think I can claim for myself. Ichiro thinks. He does not want to be treated as a brother in arms, after all. 

Which brings Ichiro to utterly fear the woman standing in front of him right now. 

"Lady Hatake." Ichiro greets with a bow. Pulling out all the etiquette lessons that he learned but never really put into action in his life as a Nara. 

He stays in that same position, not daring to lift his head up because he's heard Naruto whining about it before. And while he trusts that Lady Hatake Arisu does not immediately resort to hitting with her fan. Ichiro and Naruto had a peculiar relationship and he is not willing to take any chances. 

("She hit me with a chakra fan." Naruto says as he traces the scars on Ichiro's hands. Hands that find their place at Naruto's bare stomach. 

"A what?"  Ichiro asks against Naruto's nape. 

"A chakra enhanced fan, 'chiro."  Naruto huffs. "If she wasn't the lady of the Hatake today, I bet she'll be one of those vicious business women. Like–being a shinobi would be on the last on her list even if she has the skill for it.") 

That is a great misunderstanding on Naruto's part. Ichiro thinks as he raises his head on the command of the matriarch. Seeing the threat gleaming in her green eyes makes Ichiro think. No, Naruto is an idiot. This woman would be willing to fight tooth, nail, fur and tail just to keep her loved ones alive. 

She'd be a terrifying shinobi. Ichiro swallows.

"What brings the Nara's most youngest advisor here in my compound?" Lady Hatake asks, her hand holding her trusted fan above her stomach. 

Ichiro wants to answer immediately and yet the feral thing in the back of his mind whimpers. This is not a simple woman he is facing. This a mother and she is a different beast that even Ichiro finds himself fearing. 

"We've been informed that Hatake Hiro is out on a mission, therefore cannot be present." Ichiro starts, trying to hide the way his hands feel cold by shoving them into his pockets, discreetly as he could. "So I decided to escort Naruto myself."

Lady Hatake quirks an elegant eyebrow. "And you don't have anything else to do?"

Ichiro takes a measured breath. "I find that I work more efficiently when I know that Naruto is safe, Lady Hatake." 

Ichiro does not miss the way Naruto looks at him hesitantly. What the reason was for, Ichiro was not sure. He didn't have time to ponder on it as the Hatake Matriarch decided that she will be assessing his physical appearance. 

"You may take you leave then." She dismisses him with a flick of her fan and Ichiro stands there for a few seconds. 

Ichiro glances at Naruto, weighing out the possible consequences of his actions before deciding that whatever shamelessness that he had been up to in the Nara compound will not do here. Ichiro just settles with swiping Naruto's wrist with his own. 

"You know how to call me." Ichiro says softly before quickly using shunshin to escape. 

(Later, he finds that Lady Hatake is both impressed and infuriated by his bold move. Ichiro did not have a good day.) 

Chapter Text

And while Uzumakis were insane, Senjus were stubborn. It shows in the way Senju Hashirama believes in peace and still eagerly fights for it. It shows in the way Senju Tobirama continues to explore seals and techniques despite many errors. 

Naruto who was both and Uzumaki and a Senju and something else–something from his father's side– was a dangerous mix of a social butterfly and stubborn insanity. It does not help that the Hatake had adopted him in all ways and words except officially. It gives Naruto a very good reason to act protectively and aggressively because it's a packbond kind of thing. 

It gives a very good reason as to why there is an Uchiha toddler in the middle of Ichiro's garden. His little hands are soiled and damp. Then there's a big grin on his round cheeks. Ichiro would find it endearing if the Uchihas are not losing their heads about their missing child. That child is no random child, that is Uchiha Kagami. 

A child from the main branch of the Uchihas. 

"You need to take him back home, Naruto." Ichiro says the moment he's within earshot. 

"NO!" Came the synchronized yell of both Uzumaki and Uchiha troublemakers. 

"If I hadn't picked him up, he would have been kidnapped!" Naruto growled at him and Ichiro lifts up his hands in a placating manner. 

"Okay, and why is it that you took him here rather than back home if that were the case?" Ichiro asks, turning to Kagami with a little awkward wave. 

"My guards are no fun, I wanna stay here, 'ttebayo!"

Ichiro blinks and tries to not get swayed by this brat's adorableness because is that Naruto's idiolect? And his pose? 

"Right," Ichiro clears his throat, "Aren't you at least going to tell your Uncles that you're safe and sound with Naruto-san?" Ichiro tries to assert. 

That's when he sees twin faux innocent looks. 

"Troublesome." Ichiro mutters and decides that he's going to get a glass of water. 

In his kitchen however, he finds a very familiar mop of silver hair. "Hiro?"

The Hatake turns to him before he sighs, "I tried my best, believe me, I did." 

Ichiro glances down to the soiled shirt that Hiro was wearing along with his hands that are wet, holding roots of what seems to be several snake plants. If that wasn't a dead giveaway then it was the pots that seem to be drying on Ichiro's kitchen counter. 

Ichiro clicks his tongue and braces himself, "What do I need to do?"

Hiro blinks at him slowly, "Elaborate."

"They roped you into planting." Ichiro stated, nodding towards Hiro's hands. "You're a smart guy, Hiro. I know you reported it to the Hatakes already and word should already be on the way to the Uchihas."

"... And you're alright with this?" Hiro asks. 

"I'm thankful it's only this, not seals and a fire tornado." Ichiro said, grabbing a glass and filling it with water. "So, what is it that those two troublemakers wanted you to do? Let me in on it."

"Shouldn't you be reporting this to your clan head?" Hiro asks, alarmed at Ichiro's reaction towards what the Hatake seems to consider a crime. 

"And fill up more paperwork?" Ichiro frowns at the mere suggestion, "Not a chance."

And knowing Lord Shikari, he probably already knows what's going on the moment that it was Naruto who returned to the compound and not Kitsune. Ichiro thought with a pleased little nod. 

Hiro stares at him dead in the eyes for a few seconds before he offers one washed Whalefin snake plant. "We need to rid these of fungi."

Ichiro nods, downing his glass in one go and sets off to help the Hatake. 

"You're weird." Kagami comments in the middle of their planting session and Ichiro just shrugs. 

"And you're here with us weirdos." Ichiro says, pointing at him, "That makes you weird too."

"Ichiro." Naruto hisses and Ichiro quirks an eyebrow at him. 

He and Hiro are sitting back to back, leaning against each other for support. Hiro is examining the plants and when he deems that they're not rotten and will survive being planted, he passes them over to Ichiro who then puts them in pots. He hears Hiro snort and Ichiro suddenly realizes that perhaps there's a reason why Naruto is so utterly comfortably with interacting with different clans and is adamant on unity. 

This is nice. Ichiro thinks as Naruto grumbles about something incoherent. Little Kagami keeps the air light with his continues chatter which Naruto soon adds onto. Ichiro pipes in to comment occasionally while Hiro is a silent and sturdy presence behind him. 

When Uchiha Izuna shows up at Ichiro's front door haggard looking and bloodied still, Ichiro steps aside to let him see the fort of pillows and blankets in the living room. Hiro was sitting at the side inspecting the shogi board where he was playing against Ichiro. In the middle where Naruto was laying on his back, humming a tune, his fingers running through little Kagami's dark curly hair. 

Kagami who was asleep on top of Naruto's chest. 

"How many did you kill?" Naruto asks Izuna when his blue eyes land on him. 

Izuna stares at him for a moment, sharigan still spinning. 

"Fifteen." Came Uchiha Hikaku's reply from beside Izuna. 

The air shifts and Hiro's eyes snap towards Naruto who meets his gaze. Ichiro hums. 

"The little one counted twenty three." Ichiro relays to them and Izuna looks as if he wants to yell in frustration.

"'Chiro, Hiro." Naruto calls out. Nara and Hatake look at each other before nodding towards the blonde.

What was formerly a squad of elite Uchiha shinobi became a team under Kitsune's tutelage. They head to the Uchiha compound and Kitsune carefully hands the Uchiha child to the clan head. 

Uchiha Madara is not pleased by his actions but his expression changes when Kitsune warns, "Please keep all you children under watchful eyes until we return with news. Kagami-kun counted twenty three."

"Izuna had killed nine, Hikaku six. Are you saying they missed two squads of shinobi, Kitsune?" Uchiha Madara asks and it was not Kitsune who answers. 

"My Lord, I apologize for speaking out of turn." Hiro says, "But if I may inquire, was it Hagaromo shinobi that you hunted down?" 

There was a tense silence as the Uchihas nod. 

"... It was not a simple hostage or grudge, Lord Madara." Naruto says, "There were bloodline hunters on that team."

There was a beat and Naruto steps back. Ichiro guards his open side while Hiro flanks the other. 

"We're hunting them–" "Why?" Uchiha Madara asks. 

"Your best friend had been an Uchiha who died for you. An Uchiha that we do not know and we would not have hung his death over you to protect our kin." The Clan Head gritted out. 

Ichiro feels Naruto's chakra filling the air with grief and nostalgia. Ichiro tries his best to not meet it out with his own. 

"That's precisely why I do this, lord Madara." Naruto declares, "I do not want any child to experience what I or my best friend had to go through." 

There was a feeling of betrayal, abandonment, helpless and complete utter anguish. 

"If I could help it, I'll make sure that the new generation wouldn't know what it feels like to be afraid of meeting another boy in a clearing in a forest."

Those words seems to hit something in the Clan head, something deep, something precious that after a second he announces. 

"Izuna, take Kagami home. I will join Kitsune in finding the remaining vermin."

It had been tense at first but Naruto's leadership was certainly something else. 

Ichiro could see the tightness in Naruto's muscles but there's familiarity in the way he commands. It came as a surprise to both Ichiro and Hiro that the Uchiha Clan head was willing to follow Naruto's orders but it made them for a deadly squad. Naruto seems to be intimately familiar with Uchihas and their preferences that he puts Uchiha Madara in advantageous places. Hiro and Ichiro take up the rear, Hiro for alerting and tracking nearby foes and Ichiro for subduing. Two heavy hitters, one that can go all round and one to make sure things go smoothly. 

By the time the morning sun rose, whispers of the Uchiha Clan head seeking blood accompanied by a Hatake and a Nara had started to go around. A louder one that said Kitsune is uniting clans for a bigger war, has even the Uchiha under his finger. 

"The Senjus will make a move soon." Hiro says over breakfast where he had decided to stay in Ichiro's home for the night. Finally taking up the offer of a spare bedroom. 

"No, they won't." Naruto says, there's a contemplative look on his face.

Ichiro looks at that expression and finds himself frowning. 

("I will be outside tonight, Ichiro." Naruto says with a frown on his face. 

Ichiro wants to pull him in, breathe in his scent and feel his warmth. The feral part of him claws at his thoughts and roars, Naruto is right there. Why can't he just push his way into the blonde's space like he did all those other nights ago? 

"Alright," Ichiro tells him, his tongue tasting bitter. "Your room is always open.") 

"The Uchiha and Senju will finally come to an agreement."

Chapter Text

A man of few words. That's the best description for Hatake Hiro. It would be funny if it was not an understatement because Hiro only ever really talked to relay messages or report his missions. 

Hatake are known to be loyal, yes. Level headed, sure. Quiet? They can be as loud as Inuzukas and Uzumakis if you push their buttons in the right way. Hiro, however, was an exception to that. 

It wasn't anything traumatic but many would think so due to his past. His father was a shinobi that got killed, his mother was a civilian that got up and left when she realized there was no benefits in staying to raise him. And so Hiro ended up as an orphan for a year or so before the freshly minted shinobi and heir of the Hatake Clan, Hatake Shirogane, took him as his pup despite only having a mere eight years of difference in age. Lord Shirogane had been thirteen when he had decided that Hiro was someone he would take care of. 

Hiro had decided then and there that he would not talk. Not out of fear but out of self-preservation. What he says is immediately reflected upon his main care taker, his only care taker at that point was the heir of the Clan and he can't risk the future Clan head losing face, losing respect, losing clients or relationships simply because he can't keep his mouth shut. 

Keeping quiet is easier too because being quiet means there's less attention on him. Being left alone means he could observe more and collect information. Being quiet means he wastes less energy on pleasantries and more on vigilance, more on efficiency, more on his own and his Clan head's safety. 

Lady Arisu was someone he vowed to protect too however not in the same lengths he willing to go through for his Clan head. 

See, Hatake Shirogane, after he had taken Hiro had fully, completely, awfully treated him as his own son until lady Arisu came into the picture. Lady Arisu was uptight and would always speak cold words, would command and challenge even Lord Shirogane's authority. 

"Stand down, Hiro." "But my lor–" "This is not an issue you should be trifling with, pup. Stand down."

And while Hiro has sworn to protect his care taker and father figure from all harm. Lady Arisu is not the same. He heeds her commands the same way he follows Lord Shirogane's however not with the same devotion. Hiro only ever follows her because she's the only respectable candidate for the ladyship and is capable of lightening the burden of his Clan head the way that Hiro could not. 

When Lord Shirogane married Lady Arisu, tension had continued to brew between Hiro and Arisu. While Hiro does not ask for much other than the occasional time with his care taker, Lady Arisu almost always snatches him up when she has the chance. Hiro is left in his post, a sad lonely mutt that has nothing but his devotion to protect, ignored. 

Hiro had heard of Kitsune before he met him.  Kozume who almost worships the young shinobi and from Kane-san who regards the blonde with respect that is more that what the whole of the Inuzuka Clan could even garner from him. Kitsune saved Lord Shirogane's life when he could not and with that alone, Hiro knew that he would do his best to serve Kitsune long as his loyalty stays with the Hatake. 

But then Lady Arisu starts caring for him. 

Not only that. Turns out, Lord Shirogane also is fond of the boy. 

It's not fear or insecurity that he feels when he sees the blonde in the compound. Not quite hate either even if Hiro finds his volume unneeded. Hiro feels sad. Just really really sad. Because when he spends time with Kitsune he understands. Even if he was being replaced, he can't help but like Kitsune too.

When tensions rise after the revelation of Kitsune's origin. Lord Shirogane starts fearing that the blonde would be ripped away from them. They have no claim on him other than the fact they were his first ally. An alliance was flimsy compared to the blood ties Kitsune had with the Uzumaki and Senju. Even the Uchiha had greater hold on him than Hatake did because Uchiha had soul imprints that they leave. That's something mystical, something almost as divine as the Nara's fixation on him. 

The pack bond that the Hatake could offer is nothing compared to those. Bonds can be broken, after all. 

"A bodyguard?" Hiro speaks in the meeting for the first time, startling the council from where he stands behind his Clan head's chair. Representing as the shinobi Clan commander and current heir seeing as Lady Arisu has yet to conceive. 

"Nara Ichiro's fixation on Kitsune clearly ties them together." Hiro speaks, "Rumor says an Uchiha had imprinted on Kitsune, however They cannot properly claim Kitsune as one of their own due to circumstances."

Hiro takes a measured breath, glancing from where Lady Arisu was sitting and finding that her green eyes are narrowed on him. 

Had Hiro been more fierce he would have growled at her. Had he found anger within himself for the mistreatment he faces, he would do so. As it is however, Hiro was a protector and not an avenger so he does what he thinks would please her and nods. He then looks back at the council, trying to ignore the way Lord Shirogane's chakra tries to envelope him in the comforting way he had always did when Hiro had been young. 

"Hatake is a pack. We take care of our own. Allies only come to aid when there is danger, pack members are there for each other constantly." Hiro says. 

"Send me as a bodyguard."

It sends a wave of shock in the council room but Hiro is not done. 

"Pup–" Shirogane tries to call but Hiro continues to look around the room and forwards with an explanation. 

"I am the Hatake Clan's shinobi captain and current heir. I may not be half as strong as Kitsune but my current status would send a message. If I am by his side the Uzumaki or the Senju will not have a chance to move as well."

"But you are the clan's hei–" "Would not be once Lady Arisu conceives." Hiro cuts the elder off. 

"Once a heir from Lord Shirogane's blood and flesh is born, I will not be the heir. Until then I would do the duties expected of one." Hiro declares. 

Lord Shirogane's hand darts out to try and hold his but Hiro takes a step back and bows, "This is both my suggestion and request, please consider it."

The first time Hiro had spoken outside of his duties was to request another one. One that he thought would be some sort of self-imposed torture but even if it was, Hiro would say that he would do it all over again. 

(With his head down, Hiro does not see the way Lady Arisu's eyes are wide. Her hands and lips are cold and trembling as she realizes how wrong she had been about the pup her husband had taken in before he had met her. 

Hiro does not see the broken expression on Hatake Shirogane's face as he breaks etiquette and stares at Hiro's bowing figure beside him.) 

After fixing all his paperwork, doing a few inventory checks and army inspection in advance. He hands everything to Lord Shirogane's most trusted advisor and friend. 

"Kane-san." Hiro bows, "I've tied up everything in advance. Please note that Kuro's squad has been slacking."

The older Hatake stares at him, there's a frown on his face. "We could always send someone else for this, Hiro." He says slowly, gently, hesitantly like Hiro is going to break. 

"This is the only thing I request, Kane-san." Hiro replies easily, watching the man slump in defeat. 

"Shiro is worried about you." He says. 

Hiro nods, "I will do everything in my power to protect both Kitsune and myself." Hiro declares, "I have to get going soon."

("Kane, Kitsune means nothing if I lose my son!" "I know Shirogane, I know.") 

Hiro expected never ending missions and working himself to the bone. He knows Kitsune's reputation. He's fast, efficient, good and trusted, so much so that many switch over from elite Clan shinobis like Uchihas for him. What Hiro didn't expect was eating breakfast with Nara Ichiro and Kitsune without his mask. 

"Pass me the salt?" Nara Ichiro adds after telling Kitsune about the reason why Hiro was here. 

Kitsune levels him with a deadpan that must be a variation of the trademark Nara 'you're one idiot man' look. Hiro feels like he's intruding. Especially because Nara Ichiro's lips twitch into something close to a small smile. 

"Hiro-kun, does the ramen taste bland to you?" Kitsune asks, turning to him. 

Hiro opts to give a neutral reply. Then out of nervousness he adds a real comment after because he's never been put in a situation like this before. Something domestic and intimate that he can't bat away easily as he does with Lord Shirogane and Lady Arisu's mutual affection for each other. 

Kitsune smiles, it was warm and kind as he goes onto explaining what the Akimichis had made. He ends with,"I'll make sure to bring some to the compound next time, Kozume might like this."

"Mhm, that might be the case." Hiro agrees hesitantly. 

Only after that did kitsune pass the salt to his Nara. Hiro finds himself feeling amused despite the awkward situation that it was. 

Following that, Hiro finds his workload lighter. And when he means lighter it was light as a feather. 

Following Kitsune around was an easy job. Hiro thinks that perhaps the blonde was taking it easy on him still but no, it was not. Kitsune was simply a man easy to be around with. 

He has a penchant for attracting trouble, yes. He has the self-preservation of a domesticated fish, absolutely. He is naturally loud and energetic, so full of energy that you'd find yourself drained by the end of the day but Hiro smiles. 

For so many things that he is known to be good at, Hiro finds that Kitsune excels in making feel someone welcomed. Like someone belongs and is alright being just the way they are. By the end of each day when Hiro reports to Kane, there's a small smile on his face and he feels excitement thrumming under his skin despite the papers waiting on his table. 

"You seem... Happier, lately." Kane comments and Hiro blinks. 

He realizes that he probably is. 

"Kitsune is not so bad." Was all that he said to the older man before he walks towards his office to get started on his paperwork. 

"Here." Hiro looks up from where he's under the shade of a tree, sharpening his kunai. 

"I have my own." Hiro replies as his eyes narrow on the pouch Nara Ichiro offers him. 

The Nara huffs, "I could see that."

"Then–" "But it's already considered bad manners that I don't even address your title properly considering that you are a heir." Hiro's eyes widen, Nara Ichiro quirks an eyebrow at him. 

"What? I'm not called a genius just because I hail from the Nara Clan. Not to mention the fact that Naruto mumbles about anything and everything." Nara Ichiro tells him. 

"So at take the weapons, will you? Naruto would buy you a set of dozen if he sees you sharpening yours so frequently." 

Hiro looks at him for a moment before he thanks the Nara and takes it. It would be troublesome for the both of them if Kitsune decides that he'll start buying weapons, after all. Nara Ichiro likes having control by either providing or being beside Kitsune when he does anything surrounding money even if its not a thing they share. Hiro does not like being provided for, firstly it was an insult that tells him he looks poor. Secondly, Shinobis are gossips. One hint that someone from outside the Clan is providing for Hiro other than his care taker, it would evolve into rumors of him having a lover or worse, a hidden family. 

"Those have the Nara crest on it." It was both a passing comment and a warning. 

Both Hiro and Nara Ichiro stare at each other for a moment before Hiro nods. "Thank you, Ichiro-san."

It goes unsaid but that day there was an understanding that developed between both Nara Ichiro and Hiro. Ichiro does not use the shadows under Hiro's feet after that, opting to use shadows nearby or different methods instead. Hiro wards Kitsune both with his mask on or off away from admirers. 

"He belongs to the Nara. Unless you want your shadow to be the cause of your own death, leave him alone." 

And everything after that, believe it or not, became so, so much more easier. If his workload was light before, Hiro barely even feels that he's working at all as of late. 

"HIROOOO!" Well– perhaps occasionally. 

"No." Hiro says, picking the blonde up and taking swift strides away from the pond. 

"But it's a toad! And it's not even that big!" Naruto whines from where Hiro has hauled him over his shoulder. "Pleeeaaasee, Hiro! It's adorable! I just need to show it to Lord Hashirama, please!"

Hiro humors the thought for a moment. Thinking about what are the possible political consequences that the Hatake will face if Senju Hashirama happens to be allergic to toads or Senju Tobirama declares a war. 

"I asked Ichiro the other day. He told me if we manage to get Senju Tobirama gossiped by the shinobi rumor mill for something really ridiculous, he'll cash in a favor with Lord Shikari to cover for us."

Sage above. Hiro thinks, shaking his head and he turns around to walk back to the pond. 

If there was a smile on his face, no one would be able to know. Naruto wouldn't notice. Hiro knows he gets in over his head in terms of planning pranks. 

"This is all on you."

"Trust me Hiro-kun, we won't get caught, believe it!"

Hiro is failing to bite back his laughter when he reports to Kane that night. 

"What happened?" Kane asks, concerned and Hiro breathes out hard. 

"Senju Tobirama. You will understand soon, believe me, Kane-san."

("Senju Tobirama, wearing a dress and kissing a toad. That's outrageous!" "... They said Lord Senju was found right beside the scene, laughing himself to tears."

"...") 

As fate would have it, Hiro and Ichiro get along really well. While Nara's and Hatakes don't usually interact with each other, Ichiro having a fixation on Naruto and Naruto who happens to be guarded by Hiro. It was natural that they come by each other so frequently that by this point, Hiro is sure that he had played more shogi matches with the Nara than his own Clan head. 

Before getting to know the pair, Hiro honestly couldn't imagine guarding Naruto with Ichiro constantly not trying to cut his head. 

"How did you manage that?" Ichiro asks, Hiro takes a moment to assess the board. 

Hiro feels relieved that it hadn't been the case. 

"Naruto has a technique that he uses frequently." Hiro says, taking up one of his pieces and placing it down with a click. "And he has a wide imagination."

Hiro does not have to say much after that. The message gets across with small amounts of hints, small amount of words, small amount of effort. 

"One would think you're a Nara if you aren't so Hatake in coloring, Hiro." Ichiro comments and Hiro smiles softly.

"Perhaps." He replies, watching Ichiro move another one of his pieces. 

Ichiro is straightforward. Does not waste energy in pleasantries unless absolutely necessary. Hiro does not like talking all that much, only keeping quiet and observing. Ichiro is like the shadow that follows his sun wherever he is allowed to. Hiro is like the wind, something constant and observing. 

Naruto is the center, the reason why they find themselves in each other's presence. Whereas Ichiro craves to claim the sun for himself, Hiro only hovers to feel their presence. He and Ichiro are not polar opposites, not friends, not enemies and not pack. Not in the way he considers Naruto to be but there was definitely something resembling friendship if just a shallow one. 

"Checkmate." Ichiro declares but Hiro makes his move. 

Hiro does not have to say a word. He knows by the way Ichiro clicks his tongue that they both see the situation on the board. 

"Troublesome..." Ichiro huffs and Hiro finds himself laughing. 

"Troublesome as Naruto?" He comments and Ichiro rolls his eyes. 

"Never as troublesome as Naruto." Ichiro says. 

"But enough that I'm starting to think he's rubbing off of you, Hiro." 

Hiro freezes and narrows his eyes on the Nara. Ichiro meets his gaze. They stare at each other for several moments, Hiro counts down the seconds. 

"Damn." Ichiro grumbles, looking back down at the board. 

Hiro huffs at the Nara's antics. Had he been any other man perhaps he'd be dead by now. Even if Ichiro is lenient with his possessiveness with his fixation, the proximity that Hiro has with Naruto is something that many would find suspicious. But as it is, Hiro does not find Naruto mate material. A pup or possibly a brother. Hiro finds that Naruto likes tricking his instincts like that. Sometimes he's an unruly brat that can't take care of himself and sometimes he's far too capable that Hiro finds himself relying on him. Either way, he does not want to sleep with Naruto, not in the way Ichiro does. 

(Hiro always finds himself becoming some sort of pillow to the blonde idiot. When their self-imposed missions drag on, after several days of always setting up camp and keeping watch for the both of them, Naruto would bully his way into Hiro's side. Hiro who by this point, realizes that not sleeping is some sort of traumatic reaction Naruto has, does not have the heart to tell off the blonde. Not when Naruto whimpers in his sleep and mutters names of comrades long gone. Not when he allows himself to be vulnerable and trusts Hiro to keep him safe during his slumber. 

So Hiro wraps an arm around Naruto and holds his weapon on the other. It's only a few hours after all. If Ichiro finds them in that position, he does not lash out or hold a grudge against Hiro. 

"You kept him safe." Ichiro would say. 

Hiro replies always, easily and comfortably. "Pack mates, We take good care of each other.") 

"Save it." Hiro chides. I am not your competition, you moron. 

Ichiro glances at him and shrugs, his shadows warping in that way that says he's pretty much embarrassed. It was better safe than sorry. He could almost hear the other man grumble and Hiro sighs. 

"Marry him." Hiro say quietly. 

"Can't you see me trying?" Ichiro hisses. 

As amusing it was to see Ichiro find ridiculous ways to monopolize Naruto, his attention, affection, life and more. When Hiro gets caught in the middle of the worse of it however, he thinks he might prefer going back to the compound and have a fist fight with Lady Arisu than deal whatever this Idiocracy is.

Hiro blinks, feeling particularly annoying today. "Try harder."

Perhaps Naruto is rubbing off of him, so what? 

Ichiro scowls, opening his mouth to say something when the front door busts open and–"Guys! Guess who's back with ramen?!"

Ichiro settles down and throws Hiro a glare. Hiro tries to look anything but amused but the twitch of his lips give him away. 

"Shut it." Ichiro warns and Hiro bites the inside of his cheek to keep himself from laughing. 

I'm not saying anything. Hiro wants to quip back but chooses to stare at the board and not look at Ichiro or Naruto. 

Because believe it or not Naruto has no idea. Not a single bloody clue or even theory in that brain of his that Ichiro might want him that way. Hiro knows this because he had asked Naruto–and wasn't that an awkwardly funny conversation– and Naruto had told him that Nara fixations are passing phases trying to figure out everything about whatever they fixate on. Which is true to a fault, if you don't count the emotional attachment a Nara would have on a living, breathing, talking, person and not an object. 

And at present, while watching as Naruto hooks his chin over Ichiro's shoulder. Hiro laughs. 

Ichiro is might look unbothered to the untrained eye but Hiro could catch it. The way Ichiro's breath hitches. The way his body twitches. The way the pupils of Ichiro's dark eyes grow wider. 

"What's up, Hiro?" Naruto asks and Hiro shakes his head. 

His eyes meet the gaze of Ichiro who shoots him a glare so damn furious that it makes Hiro want to laugh all over again. 

"Inside joke." Was the only answer Hiro gives. 

Naruto hums, taking the answer for what it is and mumbling something about ramen and attempting to leave when–"You're not going not share any of that?" Ichiro asks Naruto. 

"I will, yeah." There was a pause and Naruto asks, "Wait, do you want some right now?"

Ichiro shrugs and looks down at the board. At this point Hiro doesn't even care about shogi. Naruto and Ichiro and whatever ritualistic fuckery they're doing was prime entertainment as long as you don't get pulled into it.

"That'll be nice." Hiro decides to add in because why not help Ichiro for a bit? He needs to stay on his good side unless he fancies being beheaded. "Tea?"

"Yeah! Red tea goes well with this one apparently–..." Naruto cuts himself off, cheek pressed against Ichiro's shoulder as he looks at the board with a frown. 

"I'll prepare it." Hiro says as he gets up and walks towards the kitchen. He hears Naruto scrambling to go after him, wanting to help. 

Ichiro stops his blonde and Hiro huffs. 

Possessive? Absolutely. Obsessed? Sure. Besotted? Likely. Co-dependency? 

Work in progress. 

It's absolutely entertaining to watch. 

Chapter Text

"Marry him." 

Those words echo in Ichiro's head as he lay in bed alone at night. It hadn't left his mind, not since the damned Hatake had uttered those words and even told him to try harder. Ichiro has been trying. Convincing someone to marry you however, is difficult when said someone was literally thinking about everything other than romance. 

(Difficult but also useful. Ichiro wouldn't even stand a chance if Naruto had been into romantic gestures and grand confessions. Why? Because Ichiro cut those ideas down into quick, efficient, and blunt actions that is hardly romantic at all. 

He climbed into Naruto's bed for sage's sake. It could have been romantic, sure. If there was a date or something suggestive or things of the like. But Ichiro just decided to barge into Naruto's room one night and cuddle him. What do you call that?) 

And while Ichiro respects Hiro, his work ethic after all, is something akin to a death sentence if given to a Nara. But as a person? As a friend? If Hiro wasn't warding Naruto away from admirers and subtly pushing Naruto onto Ichiro, he would have knocked on the Hatake clan compound and politely requested to them to take Hiro back. 

(Politely not because Lady Arisu intimidates him, no, of course not. Politely because they're Naruto's backer and basically his family. Ichiro would really rather not put the ire of a wolf like clan upon himself. He's not that strong, thank you.) 

He could tell that the Hatake is greatly amused and is humoring his attempts to take Naruto for himself. Ichiro was not sure however, if that was permanent or would change if Ichiro suddenly shows that he is not competent enough to be a match with Naruto. Hiro, after all, cares about Naruto's happiness and safety above all else. Ichiro knows that the Hatake do not have qualms in cutting off ties with different clans if they hurt one of theirs. It happened multiple times over the history and Ichiro was sure he was in that territory. Not quite an enemy and not quite a friend. An ally but not a pack mate. 

And so Ichiro is in his dark room, staring at the ceiling, while thinking about the possible moves he could play. What cards are stacked on his deck. 

"... 'Chiro?" Ichiro jolts up to a sitting position. 

He opens his mouth to immediately try and answer but a headache hits him. It wasn't the normal kind, it was the one that was induced by the feral thing. One that happens when it scratches at Ichiro mind and gnashes it's teeth at him. 

There was shuffling outside his door and Ichiro breathes out. He gets out of bed to open the door and find Naruto a few steps away already. 

"Ah," Naruto mutters as he turns back to see Ichiro, "I apologize. I hadn't..." 

Ichiro closes the space between them. He reaches out slow but fluid in order to give Naruto time to decide whether he'll allow Ichiro's touch or not. 

"Can't sleep?" Ichiro asked, voice low. 

Hiro had taken the third bedroom in Ichiro's home once more. Ichiro knows that Hatake have good hearing and smell but even if Hiro was a awake and eavesdropping, Ichiro still wants to make it difficult for him. Hiro shouldn't even be hearing anything about this at all. 

"I didn't mean to wake you." Naruto murmurs, head turning away from Ichiro. "I'm sorry."

That doesn't answer my question. Ichiro hums, taking a hold of Naruto's shirt and promptly pulling him. 

"Hey–!" "You'd wake Hiro too if you continue in this rate." Ichiro whispers against the shell of Naruto's ear. He has an arm around Naruto's stomach, pulling him close enough that Ichiro could feel the way Naruto shivers against him. 

A beat of silence passes and Ichiro tries to ignore the way his heart is beating fast inside his chest. The way his body seems so awake and aware all of a sudden. The way Naruto is warm and fits against Ichiro's body like a small piece that doesn't not have to be there but just makes sense that it does. 

Ichiro ignores all of that for a moment. 

"C'mon, Naruto." Ichiro whispers, nosing at Naruto's nape, breathing against blonde hair, lips hovering over tan skin. "Let's head to bed."

It was silent and there was hesitance whirling and filling the air between them. Ichiro ignores it the same way he does to everything that isn't Naruto at the moment. 

He sought me out tonight. It makes something in Ichiro purr, so pleased at the development. 

"Ichiro." Naruto calls out and Ichiro simply hums.

 He could feel the feral thing in the back of his mind settle. It was purring so loudly that Ichiro can't think of anything other than the fact Naruto was in front of his room. Naruto was willing to enter Ichiro's room in his own accord. If Ichiro was able, he was sure that he would be purring like a cat. Thankfully he wasn't, he needn't scare Naruto about the way he's simply too pleased that he had sought him out. 

"Hey–I–" Naruto's words cut off as he whimpers so very softly. 

Ichiro's right hand had found its way under Naruto's shirt, over the inked lines on Naruto's stomach. Ichiro hums, nosing the junction connecting Naruto's neck and shoulder. 

Ichiro wants to bite him. 

"–Bed." Naruto manages to say. 

And so they move. Feet on cold floor boards and Ichiro's hands on anywhere he could hold Naruto. The door ends up closed. On the bed Ichiro has Naruto's back pressed against his chest. His fingers tracing patterns against the warmth of Naruto's skin as his lips ghost over the back of Naruto's head. 

"... The Yamanakas are proposing marriages." Naruto says quietly after a long while. 

Ah. Ichiro realizes, suddenly enlightened as to why his golden fox seemed so distressed. 

"For the Clan head's heir," Ichiro says, pressing on Naruto's stomach gently. "I'm arranging those proposals."

They're all so troublesome. Ichiro can't help but think. 

Naruto is silent and Ichiro decides to lean lower, lips pressing against Naruto's nape, stating his intention. It's not exactly subtle because Naruto stiffens against him. 

"Shouldn't you also look for one?" 

Ichiro huffs, rolling his eyes. What a dumb question. "Why would I?" What use is marriage when it's not you that I'll tie to me? 

"To pass on your genius?" Naruto quips and Ichiro clicks his tongue. 

"A bastard could easily claim his father's traits, marriage or not."

"That's not right."

"So is a marriage not built on mutual respect, understanding and feelings." 

There was a beat and Ichiro lifts himself up to cage Naruto in with his arms. 

"What's with you?" Ichiro asks, seeing the tenseness in Naruto's muscles and the way the blonde refuses to meet his gaze. 

Why is Naruto so concerned? The Nara wouldn't dare use Ichiro as a marriage tool. They were far too afraid of losing Naruto's loyalty to even dare think about it. Ichiro is not the heir of the clan either, he does not have the immense pressure of continuing the bloodline. Naras aren't particular about gender roles too. 

"Naruto." Ichiro calls out, using his hand to cup Naruto's cheek and turn his head towards him. 

Cerulean blue do not meet his gaze and Ichiro frown–"It's nothing–"

Naruto's eyes glimmer and Ichiro would have done his damned best to comfort him if he knew what it was that was bothering him. Even after months of close proximity and casual touches, Ichiro still can't get a read on him from a logical stand point. 

Ichiro pauses. 

When had Naruto even run on purely logic? Humans, even Naras are not safe from emotions despite all their fight to think about logic and reasoning. What makes Ichiro think that Naruto is not the same? 

Rather. Ichiro takes a measured breath out. Naruto's thought structure is built up purely on emotions. Ichiro traces the whiskers on Naruto's cheeks. And logic is only applied after. Like paint on a finished building. 

"I don't plan on getting married." Ichiro says, staring into ocean blue eyes. Unless you want to. 

Naruto's eyebrows furrow. Ichiro decides to expand on that. 

"Most don't like lazy geniuses as spouses, Naruto." Ichiro tells him. Naruto scoffs. 

"Most. Not all, Ichiro." 

Ichiro's lips twitch upwards. "Yes, well. The rest want lazy geniuses as their spouses as their personal tactician or second brain." 

Sage knows even the daimyo wanted to marry his daughters to the Nara. However, we don't like troublesome situations.

Naruto looks at him with a deadpan. "You're far too intelligent to generalize that many people. There's–" Naruto pauses, "Yanno, there's probably statistics to that or something. Not everyone is like that."

Of course not. Ichiro thinks, smiling this time.

"Too troublesome." Ichiro huffs and watches the way Naruto swallows, eyes drifting away from Ichiro's to glance to something at the side. 

"You'd find a suitable spouse. There's bound to be one somewhere." Yes, the one underneath me currently. Ichiro couldn't help but chuckle. 

"What's all the trouble with spouses?" Ichiro asks. "Don't tell me you're looking one for me and don't look for one yourself." His hand trails down from Naruto's cheek to his neck, where many scars from weapons should have accumulated but are gone, clean, pristine. 

"I don't..." Naruto murmurs, looking away. 

What? Ichiro thinks with a quirked eyebrow. Don't have time? Don't have interest? Don't have–"I don't have someone who likes me like that..."

Ichiro's thoughts come to a screeching halt. One that makes him blink, think and mouth those words because–"Don't have someone who likes you?" Ichiro hisses. 

Naruto turns, his face pinched and in the dark Ichiro can still see the way Naruto's face flushes. "I–no, wait. Not like–" Naruto stammers. 

Ichiro's thoughts fight between the options of beating or kissing this idiot until tomorrow. Ichiro hadn't known why his clan members seem so interested in marrying idiots but now that he's face with one, suddenly Ichiro could see the appeal. 

Endearingly dumb. Ichiro thinks, staring at Naruto who still is trying to explain that he's not an idiot. Adorably troublesome. 

"Look!" Naruto hollers, "Everyone is so caught up with my power and influence that they wouldn't even try to get to know me before trying to marry me!"

Sage above, I want this idiot. Ichiro thinks with horror. The feral thing in the back of his mind cackles. Troublesome blonde idiot. 

I want this troublesome blonde idiot. 

"Idiot..." Ichiro mutters. Trying to get his thoughts to straighten after that revelation. 

"I'm throwing your words back at you. There's bound to be one suitable for you." I'm willing to have a fist fight with everyone just to keep you, damnit. Ichiro thinks with a frown. 

Naruto pouts. 

Before Ichiro could think better of it he leans down and presses his lips against Naruto's. 

The feral thing in the back of his mind straightens. It feels like lightning striking him and sending shivers up his spine. Naruto's lips we're soft. And–"'Chiro!" Naruto hisses against his lips. 

A laughs bubbles out of his throat as Naruto starts sputtering–"Wha–what the fuck was–"

"You're a bad kisser." Ichiro snorts, watching the way Naruto's face warps into an offended one. He'd pay good money to see his reactions in the light and not like this. 

"Ichiro–" "You talk about marriage and troublesome aspects of it when you can't even kiss properly." Ichiro huffs as Naruto pushes him by his shoulders. 

"Wh–what does that have–hey!" Naruto yells, flustered. 

"What?" Ichiro leers, leaning down despite the pressure Naruto was putting on his shoulders. "Tell me, sunshine. Am I wrong?"

"I'm not a bad kisser, Dattebayo!" Naruto yells, Ichiro rolls his eyes. 

"Sure you aren't." Ichiro says with a grin, eyes widening when Naruto pulls him down to press their lips together. 

Troublesome blonde idiot. Ichiro's thoughts chant that cannot be described as anything other than feral. My troublesome blonde idiot. Mine. Mine. Mine. 

His hands slide down to Naruto's torso, slow and–"Oi–Mnf!"

Pressing his tongue into Naruto's open mouth. Ichiro let's his hands wander under Naruto's shirt and feel his warmth. He swallows the sound of his name on Naruto's lips and presses his tongue against his.

The feral thing in the back of Ichiro's mind purrs, one name repeating over and over. Naruto, Naruto, NARUTO, NARUTO. 

Naruto's hands yanks at his hair and Ichiro hisses. He was about to bite when he pauses. Sees the way Naruto's eyes blown wide and the way his chest heaves,trying to catch his breath. Ichiro's lips quirk into a small smile. 

"Stop that, you–you said a kiss!"

"That was a kiss, Naruto." Ichiro huffs. Annoyed by the way Naruto was exerting force into pushing at his shoulders. "Wouldn't have been bad if you knew how to last longer."

He sees the way Naruto's eyes narrow. Blue eyes suddenly raging with emotions that Ichiro couldn't even begin to sort through. 

Too far. The feral thing barks at him. Too far. Let go. Be nice. It barks and barks and barks and Ichiro listens. 

"Not like you're getting married soon, though." Ichiro says off handedly. He flops on right on his side, avoiding Naruto's body. 

There was a beat and Naruto hums. He seemed distracted and Ichiro winds his arms around him again.

"Hey." He calls out, pulling Naruto to his chest. He feels relieved when Naruto curls up against him like he always does. 

"–'ve had experience it already... " Ichiro catches Naruto's mutter against his chest. 

There Ichiro decides, that he'd pushed too far with his advances tonight. "Mhm?"

There was a pause. Naruto shifts in Ichiro's arms. The blonde pushes himself higher on the mattress, his face pressed against Ichiro's collar bone rather than his chest. Naruto's arms come up to wrap around him. 

They don't say anything for a while.

Ichiro counts the seconds. He reaches up to card his fingers through Naruto's hair. 

"Naruto?" Ichiro asks softly. 

Naruto hums. 

Ichiro knows there's several ways he could act in this situation. Several scenarios yet not one of them quite fit or he was willing to go through. 

Had I gone too far? Ichiro's eyebrows furrow. 

But Naruto is still with him. Still in his bed. Still in his arms. So surely Ichiro hadn't pushed too far right? 

Right? 

Chapter Text

   The world crashing down on him was a feeling that Naruto was used to. Several times in his life he had to give up many things for the sake of others. Most cases he doesn't regret it even. 

   He doesn't regret chasing Sasuke down like a complete utter moron because Sasuke was his brother in everything but blood. Even if the stupid Uchiha couldn't see that at first. 

   He doesn't regret the amount of effort he had put into befriending Kurama. He loved Kurama. Not like a brother like Sasuke but almost as important, like a best friend. 

   What he does regret however–"Maybe if the circumstances are different I could have–"

   Was falling in love with Shikamaru. 

  "We could–" "Shikamaru, 𝘚𝘩𝘶𝘵 𝘶𝘱." Naruto hisses. 

   "Naruto–I didn't mean–" Shikamaru's hands are gripping his arm, voice shaky. 

   "𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝙮𝙤𝙪." Naruto says without mercy. 

   Shikamaru flinches, the words hitting deep as Naruto stares at his dark colored eyes, hands feeling cold despite knowing Kurama could keep him warm even through out winter. 

   "I'm sorry." Was all that Shikamaru murmurs. 

   Naruto leaves. 

   He snuggles us against Sasuke's side, staring blankly at the crackling fire that casts flickering shadows in the small forest clearing. 

   "Dobe," Sasuke would say, voice laced with worry. "What happened?" 

   Naruto shakes his head everytime Sasuke asks, just pushing himself closer to Sasuke as physically possible. 

   Sasuke, for his part, doesn't push for details despite the way his face shows physical agony and the way his fingers twitches, wanting to reach for his weapon. He stays close, arm wrapped around Naruto and says comments frustratedly when he finds tears slipping down Naruto's cheeks. 

   Kurama is silent. Never has uttered a word since Nara Shikamaru told him of what was to happen. 

   "I love you but I can't. My position means I can't... I can't do this, Naruto. My clan needs a heir, my father and elders wouldn't be happy."

(In some distant future, Nara Shikamaru exists and wonders why he feels something aching inside him when Naruto (Uzumaki) Nara is being described in the textbooks. 

   The husband of the most intelligent Nara in existence. They call him. Kitsune-san, The brightest, most beautiful light, casting one of the strongest shadows from the clan. 

   Naruto Uzumaki, Konohagakure's shining sun. Part of the most iconic squads that started their revolutionary village.) 

   "Naruto." Kurama's voice cuts through his thoughts. 

   "You don't have to entertain him if it's the costing you your peace of mind." Kurama tells him. 

   It's not entertaining Ichiro that's hurting Naruto. 

   It's knowing that he likes the feeling of Ichiro's hands on his skin that makes him feel like a traitor. It's the comfort that he finds in Ichiro's presence that make Naruto hate him even more. 

   What different is he from Shikamaru if he knows he can't have this but still continues to entertain him so? 

   What kind of a monster is he to put Ichiro through all that? 

   Sasuke isn't here to calm his troubled mind, his bleeding soul and shattered heart. Even years after the separation, Naruto knows that the only reason why Shikamaru had been alive was because Naruto had begged Sasuke to keep him like that. 

   "HE HURT YOU!" "SO DID EVERYONE IN THIS VILLAGE SASUKE!" Sasuke grips him by the shoulders, shaking him hard. 

   "And I'd give my fucking life to make sure you don't go through that again, Dobe!" Sasuke screams. 

   "If burning this whole world up is what it takes for you to smile again, I would." Sasuke screams and screams and screams. 

   "Then please." Naruto begs. "Please don't kill Shikamaru for this."

   "For me."

   Sasuke isn't here to hold him as he cries about Shikamaru's broken promises. He isn't here to patch him up from the thoughts about them that linger. 

   What if Shikamaru had stood up for for him? For their relationship against the council? What if Shikamaru would often think of them when he sees the family he'd built out of hardwork and unlike the lies he'd fed to Naruto? 

   "Naruto, please." Sasuke begs, "Stop doing this to yourself, move on. Stop–stop hurting."

   "I wish I could, Teme."

   "I really wish I could."

      Sasuke isn't here and it was Kurama who tries his best to soothe him. It's almost enough most days but when Ichiro cages him in his arms and treats him with gentleness, with care and almost worship like gaze. Naruto tries to keep it together but he ultimately breaks.

   "Tobirama-san, please kill me."

   The request, Naruto could see, makes the white haired Senju flinch. 

   "Do you want to start a war?" Tobirama asks lowly and Naruto cries. 

   "It's always war Tobirama-san, always fucking war. I'd give my life up just to stop it. To stop the ghosts which haunt me every night I try to sleep."

   Ichiro keeps those nightmares away. And fuck, does Naruto hate him for it. 

   Naruto breaks, cries and Kurama could do nothing but watch. 

   "Kitsune." Tobirama hisses, hands on his shoulders shaking him roughly. "Kit, get yourself together!"

   Naruto doesn't sleep that night, curled up against Tobirama Senju's side. Mask off and tears slipping down from his face, Naruto tells his story. 

   Tobirama listens. He listens the way that Sasuke would've surely had done that night when Naruto came to him bawling his eyes out. 

   The very next day, Senju agrees to pledge their loyalty to Kitsune. The very next day, Tobirama Senju agrees to the village that they were proposing. 

   Naruto feels empty and he hides away in the Senju compound talking to plants with Hashirama rather than returning to Nara, Uchiha or even Hatake to rest. 

   "Yeah, I'm still smoothing things out with them." Naruto tells everyone sheepishly. Everyone who asks. 

   Hiro Hatake doesn't, he just stays by Naruto, silent, observing, occasionally comforting. 

   "I do not know what it is that makes you act this way." Hiro says. "But I'd support you no matter what. We will support you, Naruto."

   "Even if I break this tentative peace that I've built with my own two hands?" Naruto asks. 

   "Even if you ask of Hatake to kill Nara Ichiro. We'll support you even then."

   The unwavering support, love and care. It hurts more than it heals him. 

   Despite everything he's done in this era, he feels intangible. He feels useless, he feels helpless and Naruto doesn't know how to continue on. 

   "Get some fresh air." Tobirama says, shoving seals and equipment into his arms. 

   "Tobirama–" "Fool."

   "Dobe."

   "Get out there and enjoy yourself, don't sacrifice yourself to save the world."

   "So please, Naruto. Get out here and enjoy yourself, smile again. I can't–I'd kill Hinata if she doesn't stop bothering me about you."

   They both sound so miserable despite being from different clans. They both sound so utterly like themselves yet so similar at the same time. 

   Sasuke, his brother, isn't here to soothe the pain that runs deep inside his skin along with the memories that haunts him. Sasuke isn't here to help. 

   Tobirama and Hiro are though. 

   And Naruto finds himself laughing, somehow. Maybe it's the irony, maybe he'd gone insane. 

   "Thanks, nii-san." He says and leaves with Hiro in tow. 

   (Hiro ruffles his hair as they walk slowly, no destination in mind. 

   "Hey-!" "Don't ever do that again, you hellion." 

   Naruto blinks, suddenly confused. 

   "I was very close to murdering Tobirama."

    "What?!"

   "You looked at him like he was handing you a bomb or something. I was contemplating whether or not to stab him."

   Naruto laughs. 

   Maybe he'd lost his brother but he had gained two more in return. 

   Even without you here, you still find ways to make sure I don't fall off the face of the earth. Don't you, Sasuke? 

   Naruto bumbs his shoulder against Hiro's arm. "Don't do that, I wouldn't like seeing my brothers kill each other.") 

Chapter Text

   Traveling feels like a balm to a wound already infected. It could have helped but it doesn't really do much when so much damage is already been done. 

   Hiro is a silent but constant presence beside or behind him. He talks just at the right times to make sure Naruto doesn't feel lonely, Kurama does the same, this time dissecting his doubts and reassuring him despite his fears. 

   He's got so much to lose now. He can't mess up and he shouldn't slow down. 

   He should take down black Zetsu while he can. While he still has the advantage and while the peace is still kept. 

   He can't stay absent from the Shinobi world for too long or else the enemy would have enough time to analyze the board and learn of his next moves. Naruto doesn't do well with planning, he needs a lot of unpredictability and uncertain situations to turn things into his favor. He already has that advantage now but he doesn't know for how long. 

   "What's wrong?" Hiro finally asks after several days of not asking, only commenting and nodding, small talk and stories. 

   "I need to kill something–it's... A thing."

   But he doesn't know how to. He has the sun seal but not the moon. Tobirama, for all his genius wouldn't know what to do if Naruto went to him without evidence of even something to work with. 

   "What do we need to do?"

   Naruto feels like crying. 

   "I don't know, Hiro." He says. "I don't know."

   Maybe if it had been Sasuke who jumped back in time, he would know what to do. 

   "Hardly." Kurama huffs, "Your Uchiha would've killed someone off the bat and we'd have a longer war than intended."

   Maybe if Shikamaru–

   "Don't even think about that damn Nara!"

   Naruto flinches. 

   "Naruto." Came Hiro's voice, he feels the other man pulling him to sit down on a fallen log. 

   The forest trees rustle in the wind. The ground sings with chakra. "Breathe."

   Naruto looks up and Hiro is looking at him with concern, "Pup, breathe."

   And so Naruto does. Letting go of the breath that he had been holding in hopes to choke. 

   Hiro sits beside him and Naruto wastes no time snuggling into his side. 

   "Naruto–" "I'm so so tired, Hiro." Naruto murmurs. 

   Hiro's arm comes up around him and Naruto's eyes drift to where the sun would set in a few hours. West, where the Nara compound was located. 

   I'm so tired of pretending. Tired of pretending that he's all happy and sunshine bright when he's not. Tired of pretending that he's so sure about the future, that he's building one that's safe for the future generations when he doesn't know the outcome. Tired of pretending that he doesn't want to be back at the Nara compound where the only person in existence was able to chase away his nightmares and make him feel safe. 

   But Ichiro doesn't deserve a broken person. He shouldn't love, he shouldn't want to keep Naruto who was only strong and not brains or political or female or–"Naruto." 

   I hate him Kurama. "No you don't."

   I hate Ichiro. 

   "Don't lie to yourself kit."

   I want him so bad it hurts and I fucking hate him for it, Kurama. Naruto weeps. 

   "I so damn tired." Hiro looks at him and runs his fingers through his hair. 

   Naruto closes his eyes and tries not to think of how bad he wants it to be Ichiro who does it instead. How bad he wants to feel the brush of that same dark chakra against his own, how he wants to be cherished so dearly that the world would suffer from a simple slight against him. 

   For all that Ichiro looks like Shikamaru, they are not one and the same. 

   Shikamaru would look at him with fondness while Ichiro would stare, never look away. Shikamaru would have an awkward smile on his lips when Ichiro would have a sharp one. 

   "I adore you." Shikamaru would've said with his words. 

   Ichiro would cage him in his arms, press their lips together and pull back only to do it again. Not having enough. 

   "I want you. I WANT YOU. IWANTYOU!" He seems to say without needing words. Pulling Naruto close and murmuring, "C'mon, Naruto. Let's head to bed." Hands everywhere, hands never leaving. 

   "Rest up."

   I don't want to. Naruto whimpers and pushes himself against Hiro. I have so much more to do. I can't– "Tobirama sent you a letter."

   Naruto peers through his tear soaked lashes and hums curiosly. 

   Hiro holds something in his hands, "I received it earlier. Do you want me to read it to you?"

   "... No." Naruto murmurs, "It's fine, thank you." Reaching for the paper. 

   Naruto wasn't used to writing letters but he would reply to Tobirama's anyway. 

   Only–

   𝑵𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒐, 

   𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅. 

   𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒌𝒂. 

   He doesn't reply this time.

   He sprints and leaps and tells Hiro to warn the Hatake. They parts ways and Naruto grits his teeth, calling up the power he hadn't done in this era before. 

   "Naruto, keep calm." Kurama's voice filters into his mind. 

   It's chaos politically and it's chaos in Naruto's mind. 

   I only left for a week. He thinks, his tongue tasting like blood. I only left for a week and THIS IS WHAT PEACE HAS COME TO?! 

   Breakneck speed and harried thoughts. He nears the battlefield which he feels Tobirama's chakra hesitantly reaching out. Wondering if it was really him. 

   "I'VE ONLY BEEN GONE FOR A DAMNED FUCKING WEEK, DATTEBAYO!" His voice booms, shaking the ground. 

   He steps slowly, heavily. Hoping to gather his thoughts and not kill someone when they yell at him. 

   "I've only been gone for a week and this is what I come home to?" 

   It's like being frozen in time, seeing shocked and terrified faces. 

   (Naruto does his best to ignore Ichiro's awed expression. Lips agape and pupils blown wide. He ignores it.) 

   He focuses on Tobirama's wounds. 

   "Izuna hurt you?" He asks, both in disbelief and anger. 

   Tobirama's face is unreadable but his chakra says otherwise. "No."

   Naruto's golden colored eyes drift towards Madara. The only other person who he knew could match both Hashirama and Tobirama. 

   The Uchiha clan head stands stiff and defensive. 

   They stand there for a few seconds, a few eternities that stretch on. 

   "Where is he?" He asks Madara pointedly. 

   "Who?"

   "The damned bastard who led this attack."

   "It was the Senju who attacked first!"

   "Fucking Liars!" "We were attacked in the middle of the night!" "It was those fucking Uch–"

"Silence, you morons." Naruto grits out. 

   Every single thought in his mind plays like a loop of words on a song. Your peace is falling apart. They won't ever believe in you. They never do. 

   "Naruto."

   They don't love you. They only want your power! 

   "Naruto!"

   Everything you do, you fail. You're the dead last for a reason. Kakashi neglected you for a reason. Sasuke ran away from you for a reason. 

   Shikamaru turned you away for a reason. 

   "NARUTO-SANNNNNN!" 

   A deer in headlights, it's like Naruto had been caught. He turns towards the direction in great panic. Looking for Kagami who yelled for him. 

   "THERE'S A SHADOW MAN DEMON THAT TALKED TO THE ELDERS! THEY ORGANIZED AN ATTACK ON THE SENJU LAST NIGHT!"

   This is no place for a child. 

   He goes through the handsigns so familiar, he could tell Tobirama is looking at it with wonder. 

   "Shadow clone jutsu!"

   "Kagami, stay calm and where you are!" And in a second's time, his clones flicker and return to him with the Uchiha child in his arms. 

   "Shadow man?" Naruto asks as he takes Kagami into his arms. 

   "I saw it with my own two eyes, believe it!"

   "Oh, I believe alright! That bastard's a manipulative piece of shit that likes Uchiha for prey!" Naruto growls. 

   Kagami squawks, "UCHIHA FOR PREY?!" 

   "Right! Bastard's the reason everyone's dead in the first place!" 

   There's a sea of crackling chakra heading towards them and Naruto needs to think–this isn't–He hasn't figured out a way to seal Zetsu yet.

   He would've talked to Madara but this got in the way and–Ichiro is still here–

   "Keep calm, thoughts in order. You'd fall for Zetsu's manipulation if you continue on with this."

   I would never! Naruto wants to yell at Kurama but the weight heavy on his shoulders keep him from doing so. There's a breath stuck in his lungs, one that he really hopes could be the one to choke him to death. 

   I'm so damn tired. This isn't an easy fight–Naruto was more of half truths than lies. He's more–

   A flicker of black–"RIGHT THERE!"

   "So you know of me." 

   This a nightmare. Panics, panic, panic. 

   I'm tired. Tired, Tired and so damn tired. 

   Naruto doesn't know what to do anymore. 

   "Nii-san..." It comes out wobbly. 

   Silver and White flicker to his side in the blink of an eye. 

   "Do you have a plan?" Came Hiro's voice. 

   "It's a dumb one." Tobirama tsks and Naruto laughs bitterly. 

   "It's yours??" "No, if it had been then it wouldn't be dumb." 

   "Got any other ideas?" Naruto asks the two of them. Both Tobirama and Hiro Huff, exasperatedly. 

   "Onwards with this one then."

   "Not like we have a choice, Hellion."

   "I'll handle half of the sealing."

   Naruto is tired but Kagami is in his arms and both his brothers are with him. He can't stand to fail now. 

   He can't give up, ever. 

Chapter Text

   The longest time Naruto had been away from the compound without word was a week and two days. 

   It's been a week and a half.

   Ichiro knew he had pushed a boundary but–Naruto, please. This is too much– he's restless, he's pacing. He's seconds away from picking up a mission from his clan head in hopes to just get out and find him. 

   "THE SENJU ARE ATTACKING THE UCHIHA!"

   Ichiro frowns, grabbing his vest–the only vest with a pair, a partner– and heads off to meet his clan head. He needs to think properly for this, he needs to do his job as an advisor, he needs–

   "There's no reported sighting of Kitsune? Of Hatake?" Lord Shikari asks. 

   "No, my lord."

   "What's the situation?"

   "Senju reported that they had been attacked by the Uchihas in the middle of the night. The Uchiha denies this and had decided to meet the Senjus intimidation tactic with force rather than negotiations."

   A complete utter headache this is. 

   "Troublesome..." Every Nara present mutters. 

   Ichiro would have too. If only his train of thought carried politics and not personal ambitions. Because–Naruto would not be happy hearing this. 

   "Ichiro?"

   "I say we gear up, head over there. No picking sides, just make sure the chaos doesn't spill out to the other clans."

   "Uchiha had been a good ally to ours." One Nara pipes in. 

   "Kitsune personally settled things with Senju. What makes you think that they'd break peace that easily?" Ichiro throws back. 

   "Senju Tobirama."

   "Is now an eager man to contribute to Kitsune's cause." 

   "It could always be a ploy." A tactic. Lord Shikari points out. 

   "No," Ichiro says through gritted teeth. 

   He had seen Tobirama sign the papers, pledge allegiance to Kitsune and agree to help in founding the village. 

   "Why did the Senju have a sudden change of heart?" A Hatake advisor had asked. 

   Senju Hashirama looks pointedly towards his younger brother. Senju Tobirama is quiet for a moment before he says: "While the whole cause seems absolutely buffoonery, your ambassador..."

   A pause. 

   "Seems like an idiot worth protecting."

   Ichiro stares at him then. Meeting the gaze of Tobirama's ruby red eyes that feel almost as intimidating as the Uchiha's blood red Sharingan. (Which isn't, really. Because Ichiro doesn't back down when someone is talking about Naruto.) 

   "Like my brother, idiot."

   Ichiro remembers thinking, Great, now I have two protective brothers to go through. Possibly three, because if there's a Senju Tobirama, there's always a troublesome Senju Hashirama close behind. 

   And Ichiro is being stared at by the Naras, waiting for a logical explanation. When there's nothing logical with the instinct of knowing he might get hunted down for sport because he managed to hurt Naruto. 

   "No," Ichiro repeated. "Tobirama is far too logical and efficient of a man. He'd find a better method to destroy Uchiha rather than whatever this chaos is."

   That's the end of that. They move into preparations and hope that there's not too many killed the moment they get there to mediate. 

   "I'VE ONLY BEEN GONE FOR A DAMNED FUCKING WEEK, DATTEBAYO!"

   Not an hour later, Ichiro hears him–Oh sage. 

   "Na... Ruto...?"

   Cloaked in orange burning chakra–warm– fierce expression on his face, and his eyes–

   They're a different color. Rather than beautiful, blinding, vibrant blue. It was gold, glittering, and sharp. 

   "Beautiful."

   (In the background Shigeo groans, "Sage, have mercy. If Ichiro pounces on Naruto, please, please spare my eyes the torture. Sage, this I beg of you.") 

   (Beside Ichiro on the front line, Shikari glances at Kitsune's odd appearance and Ichiro's reaction and has to blink and rearrange his plans once more. Because clearly these two have a knack for making him scrap and revise his plans to fit their insanity of a relationship. This is getting absolutely ridiculous.) 

   (Somewhere in the field, hidden from the distracted eyes of the shinobi. Kagami stares wide eyed, "Yep, definitely. I'm getting adopted. I'm Uchiha disowned. I'll be Naruto-san's kid.") 

   If possible, perhaps Ichiro's fixation was now tenfold. Fuck, he needs to talk to Naruto now.

Chapter Text

   "Where are you going?" Tobirama asks, gripping his arm. 

   "To rest." Naruto replies flatly. 

   "To where, Naruto? Where are you resting?" Tobirama continue to probe, heatedly. 

   It's been a week since the battle with Zetsu and dealing with the political shit that came with the Uchiha. It's been a week long of politics and avoiding gazes and Kurama is getting fed up, Naruto is nearing his limit. 

   "Anywhere that's not here."

   He leaves having too much gear, materials and food with him just because Tobirama is a worrywart and Hashirama just throws everything he could provide at him. While he is grateful, Naruto bolts out of there the very moment that he could. 

   Because the shadows are nipping at his feet and they're calling out to him. 

   He travels for a week, seeking peace, something to soothe the aching, broken thing inside of him. Up in the mountains where there is snow, to rivers and small villages he goes. 

   He's not safe in the forests. Where there is sunlight and a canopy of leaves that makes shadows. He doesn't near it, doesn't attempt to. 

   He should have known that simply running and avoiding wouldn't get him very far. That the shadows that follow and beg for his affection could turn into something more vicious.

   Naruto dodges the dark strings that attempt to get ahold of him. 

   The strings made of chakra so dark that makes it almost hard to see. Where shadows cannot manifest due to the lack of a light source, it was strings that follow him, materializing in spaces most unexpected. 

   Both don't speak, just movement. One wanting to capture, one wanting to get away. A game of chase in which both of them loses. 

   A Nara can't hold onto his logic very well when his fixation isn't there to anchor him. A peacemaker who's so used to being a weapon that he's afraid of the consequences of not being one. Freedom? Insanity? Love? Pain? 

   Naruto bites his tongue and dodges a string that was aiming for his ankle. The strings never pierce, only tie, they only want to hold, only want to keep. 

   It shouldn't be as terrifying as it was to Naruto. He wants to be cared for, wants to be held, but something inside of him no longer believes that he deserves that, much less willingly receive it from someone who shouldn't have known him in the first place. 

   But Ichiro needs him. 

   Naruto recognizes that look. That shimmer in Ichiro's obsidian dark colored eyes even if he could not fully comprehend how it feels. 

   Naruto chased after Sasuke and he knows that feeling, the desperation, the want, the ache that he sees in Ichiro's eyes and in the way he moves. Now that he's being chased, he understands why he might not want to get caught. 

   He doesn't want to do any damage. 

   "I love you but I can't."

   Naruto slips. 

   "Stop running away." Naruto flinches, using a kunai to cut the string tied around his chest before the others could latch onto him. 

   "My position means I can't... I can't do this, Naruto."

   "Why are you running away?" It hoarse, it frustrated and Naruto pauses because of just how pained Ichiro sounded asking that question. 

   A big mistake. 

   Strings, they hold onto him. His wrists, ankles, knees, arms–everywhere, they're everywhere and they just hold him. 

   Ichiro is in front of him the next second and Naruto tenses up. 

   There are words stuck on his throat, most of which are excuses. He tries to squirm but all fight leaves him when he sees the painfully blank look on Ichiro's face. 

   The Nara fixation. Naruto swallows. Says that if a Nara loses interest on its fixation, it can live its life free as lazy as before. 

   Without thinking about it, Naruto blurts out. "I'm a time traveler."

   It doesn't get much of a reaction from the Nara but there's a glimmer, a slight change–"The reason I do everything that I do is because I want to change the future and–"

   "Does that matter?"

   Naruto sucks in a harsh breath, it felt like air burning his lungs. "Yes." He says. 

   "Yes it does." 

   A moment passes and the strings tighten. Naruto winces, feeling it digging into his skin uncomfortably. 

   "Why would it?" Ichiro asks lowly. His hands reaching out, finding their place around Naruto's waist. "Why would traveling time make a difference?"

   "Because that's what made me interesting in the first place–" "Fool."

   Stepping closer towards him, Naruto tries his best not to lean into the warmth that he could feel radiating from Ichiro's body. 

   "If it had been that simple then I would have fixated on everything so mundane."

   "Time travel is not that sim–" "It is, compared to you."

   Naruto scowls. "I'm not worth your interest."

   At this, a look of bafflement flickers on Ichiro's face, no longer blank and unreadable. 

   (Somehow, that makes Naruto breathe a little more easier.) 

   "What makes you think so?"

   And Naruto opens his mouth to list out everything, anything that could be used in this argument but then his lips are claimed. 

   "What makes you think you aren't worth my time?" Against his lips, Ichiro asks, "What makes you think I'd abandon you for everything else?"

   Because everyone else did. Naruto doesn't say because it wasn't completely true. In his past life, perhaps, before this era, no one chose him, and the one who did, decided he hadn't been worth the trouble that it would bring him. 

   In this one? Hiro stays, Tobirama trusts him, Hatakes adore him but– "It's only because of power..."

   Suddenly the strings are cut loose and Naruto falls backwards into the grass. Ichiro looms over him, one hand having pinned both his wrists above his head and –"Do I come off as that superficial?"

   "No–Ichiro, look–" "Do you seriously not know why I need you?" 

   Naruto swallows. 

   "The interest, yes, might have started because of your time travel and power, sure." Ichiro says, "But that's not why I continue to want you."

   "Ichiro–" Naruto calls out, voice cracking. "I'm broken."

   "Everyone is, one way or another."

   "Ichiro–" "I'd listen to all your excuses, even if it's dumb." Ichiro tells him. 

   "Just stay, Naruto."

   Naruto bites the inside of cheek, heartbeat drowning out almost all the thoughts he has in his head by how loud it is. It's terrifying and frustrating. 

   "I–..."

   "I love you but I can't." Shikamaru's voice echoes in his head but Naruto focuses on Ichiro's glimmering dark eyes instead. 

   "Please stay."

   "... Will we work this out?" Naruto asks haltingly.

   "If you give us chance to do so." Ichiro replies, his grip still firm around Naruto's wrists. 

   "Do you want this?" Ichiro asks. Do you want us? Do you want me? 

   Shakily, Naruto replies, "Yeah..." 

   Ichiro's grip loosens and Naruto grows a little more confident. 

   "Yeah, I want you, 'Chiro." 

   The next thing Naruto knows is that there are lips against his and hands on his skin. He feels warm, he feels safe, he feels fragile and cared for.