Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Autumn Festival ~ a Naruto fan-fiction ❯ Chapter 2

Autumn Festival 2
ANarutoFan-Fiction by Ookami Kasumi

Warning: Mature (NC-17) - Hard yaoi content, adult language
Note: You do not have to be familiar with the series to follow the story.

`Naruto' characters, terms, and locations property of Masashi Kishimoto.
Original characters and locations property of Ookami Kasumi.

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Naruto took another sip, emptying the small cup. The taste was smoother, with no bite at all. He swallowed. Once again, warmth spilled down his throat to settle in his belly. “Oh…!”

 

Jiraiya raised his brow. “You like?”

 

Naruto eyed his empty cup. “Yeah. It's…warm.”

 

Jiraiya nodded firmly. “Yep. Warm sake is perfect for a cool night like this one.” He reached over and refilled Naruto's cup. “Happy birthday!” He grinned.

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Two

After about two more cups of sake, Naruto turned around on his stool to watch all the colorful people and the gleaming lantern-lit floats pass by. Almost absently, he tugged his robe closed over his knees.

 

At his side, Jiraiya kept up a steady stream of cheerful conversation with the booth owner and the patrons that popped in to dine and drink.

 

Naruto decided that he liked sake. It was warming and it made him feel… He frowned, pondering. It didn't make him woozy, like he'd expected. Instead, it made him feel relaxed and a little…disconnected. Like, everything was passing through some sort of filter before it got to him. Even his movements seemed a little less…connected. He watched the passing people and noted how the bright lights and colors blurred a little around the edges in a rather pleasant manner. He nodded. He definitely liked sake.

 

Across the street, on the other side of the parade, a violet silk sleeve caught his eye. The sleeve was attached to a ground-sweeping robe belted over voluminous white pants, and the person wearing the ensemble…

 

Naruto's eyes widened.

 

Directly across from him and leaning against a tree with his arms crossed over his chest was a young man with midnight eyes in a blindingly handsome, moon pale face. Silky blue-black hair fringed across his brow with long side-locks framing his cheeks. His lips were full and unsmiling.

 

Naruto frowned slightly. That looks like…Sasuke?

 

The young man turned his head and stared openly at Naruto. He flashed the slightest of smiles.

 

Naruto blinked in astonishment and his heart leapt in his chest. He smirked at me! He rose from his stool. Was it really Sasuke? He had to know. He had to know! He lunged into the road and dove into the thick of the processing floats and participants determined to find out.

 

With trained precision, Naruto nimbly dodged and ducked through the bright and boisterous crowd, easily avoiding the huge palanquin floats and their robed bearers to emerge unscathed on the other side. He trotted toward the tree, where he'd last seen the guy in violet silk.

 

He was gone.

 

Naruto looked right then left.

 

Up the road on the left, someone in violet was surrounded by a group of brightly robed women. The black-haired, black-eyed man raised both his hands, his long violet sleeves lifting like flags. He stepped back, breaking free of the gathered females.

 

The women cooed in obvious disappointment, but let him go.

 

Naruto dashed toward the man, passing through the females without brushing a single one. “Wait! Wait!” He reached out and snatched at the retreating violet sleeve. “Wait…!”

 

The man turned to look down at Naruto, a slight scowl curled his full lips. The scowl melted into a look of astonishment.

 

Naruto stared up at the moon pale face. He was incredibly handsome, but the features didn't quite line up properly, and his hair… His hair was long, not short in the back like Sasuke's. This man's hair fell almost to his waist, though it was bound at the back of his neck into a snug sleek tail.

 

He wasn't Sasuke.

 

His heart aching with severe disappointment, Naruto released the man's sleeve. “My mistake.” He pasted a wide smile on his mouth. “I thought you were someone else.” He turned away and blinked back the tears he most definitely didn't want to shed. Not over that bastard.

 

A hand fell on Naruto's shoulder. “Wait, just a moment, please.”

 

Naruto hastily wiped his eyes with his sleeve and turned back. “Yes?”

 

The dark-eyed man frowned at him. “Have you lost someone?”

 

Naruto shook his head. “Uh, I was… “ Delusional? Drunk…? Oh, drunk! Yeah, that's it! He smiled as brightly as he could. “Eh, one too many cups of sake, I'm afraid.” He shrugged. “It's my birthday.”

 

The young man blinked down at him. “You're old enough to drink?”

 

Naruto rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh come on! I don't look that young!”

 

The young man smiled, and it was blinding. “Well you are a little…”

 

Naruto crossed his arms and curled his lip, though not quite far enough to show his slightly overlong incisors, courtesy of the demon fox sealed within him. “If you say short I'll deck you. Believe it.”

 

The young man snorted, then cleared his throat and lifted his chin. “Wouldn't dream of it!” He waved his hand in dismissal. “I was going to say…” He smiled. “…Slender. It's what makes you look so young.”

 

Naruto heaved a sigh. “I can't help it! No matter how much muscle I put on, it all looks like this…!” He shoved up his sleeve, made a fist, and crooked his arm, revealing the wiry network of muscle that comprised his body.

 

The young man's eyes widened. “Well, you obviously get regular exercise.”

 

Naruto snorted. “You have no idea.” He was a ninja. He trained with just about every breath he took.

 

The young man tilted his head. “So, I look like someone you know?”

 

Naruto's smile slipped just a little. “Yeah.” He looked over at the glittering parade passing by. “But there's no way in hell he'd be way out here in Timber Country.” He turned back to the young man. “As I said, one too many cups of sake.” He shrugged and widened his smile. “I apologize for chasing you down like that.”

 

The young man lifted his brow. “Tell you what, why don't you introduce yourself, and we'll call it even… Oh shit.” His gaze darted past Naruto's shoulders. “Damn it! Those girls are back with reinforcements.”

 

Naruto turned to look behind him.

 

A hoard of brightly costumed females were bearing down on them at a fast clip.

 

Naruto stiffened. “Your fans?”

 

“You could say that.” The young man grabbed Naruto's wrist and tugged him off the road and downhill into the trees. “This way!” They trotted down a sharp incline and stumbled.

 

Naruto winced. Clearly, this guy was not a ninja. He twisted his hand around to grab the other guy's wrist, and tugged him back to safer footing. “I got you.” He hauled the young man after him deliberately choosing a path between the trees that would allow the other guy to keep his feet. In moments, the girls were left behind floundering among the pines.

 

The young man pointed a little to the left. “The lake is that way. If we can get to the shore, we'll have the best seat in the house to watch the fireworks.”

 

Naruto nodded and wove through the trees. His nose caught the scent of water. He made a bee-line for it, instinctively choosing the path easiest for his less than skillful companion.

 

The water scent strengthened. He stopped at the very edge of the lake then turned to the right, walking along the edge until he found a place where the trees opened to reveal a good sized lake. The moon was full and bright, bathing the pine trees and the moss covered ground with a blue-silver glow. Naruto stopped and turned to his companion. “Is here good?”

 

The young man gasped in a few breaths and looked around. His cheeks were pink. “Perfect.” He shook his head. “I'm impressed. You're not even winded.”

 

Naruto shrugged. “This is nothing compared to how long I normally have to run for.”

 

The young man looked back the way they'd come.

 

Naruto grinned. “No way in hell they'll follow us here.”

 

The young man smiled. “I believe you.” He stepped past Naruto and tugged at the neck ties to his heavy violet silk over-robe, then began unwinding the violet obi sash that went around it.

 

Naruto watched with interest. It looked complicated.

 

The young man glanced over at Naruto. “If I get this antique silk saifuku dirty, my father will skin me alive.” Several quick tugs later, he had the wide-sleeved, floor sweeping robe open and off, revealing a plain white short robe of heavy cotton tucked into pleated and extremely full, white hakima pants. He waved a hand toward the ground. “Have a seat. The fireworks should be starting soon.”

 

Naruto chose a nice thick patch of moss and went to flop down only to remember at the last second that the yukata he wore would not allow him to sit in his normal fashion. He ground his teeth. “Stupid bathrobe.” He gathered up the long skirt baring his legs, then sat down, tucking the excess into his lap.

 

His companion turned to smile at him. “Not used to wearing a yukata?” He chose a likely tree branch and hung the violet robe neatly over it, taking care not to let it brush the ground.

 

Naruto winced, but smiled through it. “Is it that obvious?”

 

The young man's smile widened to a grin. “Yes.” He dropped gracefully to sit cross-legged beside Naruto on the patch of moss.

 

Naruto huffed. “Fine.” He rolled his eyes dramatically toward his new friend. “No, I'm not used to wearing a bathrobe in public.”

 

“A bathrobe…?” The young man suddenly laughed. “You are most definitely not from around here.”

 

Naruto tilted his head and widened his eyes. “Gee, ya think?” He shook his head in mock exasperation.

 

The young man grinned at Naruto. “By the way, I am Aoba.” He nodded.

 

Naruto nodded back and smiled. “I'm Naruto.”

 

Aoba's brow lifted. “Naruto, Tempest? What an interesting name.”

 

Naruto grinned. “Glad you like it!”

 

“Oh…” Aoba reached down to untie a cord around his waist. “Since it is your birthday…” From his side, he lifted a liter-sized double bodied gourd plugged with a cork. “Shall we continue your celebration?” He pulled out the cork and held out the gourd to Naruto. “Drink up!”

 

Naruto took the gourd and sniffed the contents. The dry yet slightly sweet scent of sake wafted from the gourd. His brows lifted. “Oh, thanks!” He up-ended the bottle and took a small mouthful. The wine rolled across his tongue delivering a warm burn. He swallowed and it went down smoothly trailing warmth. Naruto smiled. “Oh that's nice.” He passed the gourd back.

 

Aoba took the gourd. “Glad you like it.” He lifted the bottle and took a swallow. He closed his eyes in obvious enjoyment. “Some of my dad's best.”

 

Naruto snickered. “You raided your dad's wine stash?”

 

Aoba grinned. “Yep.” He cleared his throat. “It was all for a good cause you know.” He patted his chest. “Have to keep the lungs clear.”

 

Naruto tiled his head to the side. “Eh?”

 

Aoba smiled and passed the gourd to Naruto. “I'm one of the shrine musicians, I play the flute.” He winced. “All day yesterday and all day today, in fact.”

 

Naruto took a healthy swig of the sake and felt the glow begin to return, fading the edges of his thoughts. “Oh… So you're actually somebody important?” He passed the gourd back.

 

Aoba took the gourd and snorted. “Only on festival days.” He turned to face Naruto. “How about you?”

 

Naruto shook his head. “I'm nobody important.” His turned and smiled. “But I will be.” He nodded. When I'm Hokage; the respected leader of the Hidden Village of the Leaf.

 

“Oh, I see.” Aoba leaned back on his hands and extended his feet, crossing them at the ankles. His gaze turned toward Naruto. “So, where do handsome young men with blue eyes and golden hair come from?”

 

Naruto folded his hands behind his neck and leaned back to stretch out on the moss, grinning up at the star-filled sky. “I have no idea, but I'm from way far south of here.”

 

Aoba nodded. “I grew up here, but I hope to get accepted at the university.” He made a sour face. “So I can do something other than merely play a flute at the festivals. He leaned over and passed Naruto the gourd.

 

Naruto sat up to take a full mouthful of sake. He swallowed with his eyes closed to feel the smooth heat spread all the way down. “Damn, this is good stuff.” He opened his eyes and found the world just a bit more hazy. He turned and smiled at Aoba. “This is the best damned birthday ever!” He passed the gourd back.

 

Aoba corked the gourd and set it down, then bit down on his bottom lip. “Would you mind if I…touched your hair? I've never seen hair like yours before.”

 

Naruto blinked. It was an odd request but he couldn't see anything wrong with it. “Sure, if you want to.” He sat up and turned his back. It wasn't something a ninja should do, but he honestly couldn't see Aoba as any sort of threat. He can't even run through the woods without tripping.

 

Aoba sat up smoothly and scooted closer to Naruto's side. He reached out and threaded his fingers into Naruto's slightly shaggy mane. He released a soft breath. “Oh, it's thick, but so soft!” He used both hands to comb through Naruto's hair from his brow all the way to the ends at center of his shoulder blades.

 

Where Aoba's fingers passed, delicious tingles erupted and spread all the way down Naruto's back. He released a small sound of pleasure and leaned a bit closer to Aoba.

 

Aoba's voice dropped to a husky whisper. “Like a cat.” He burrowed his fingers deeper, gently massaging Naruto's scalp. “Do you mind me…touching you like this?”

 

Naruto wriggled a little closer. “It's okay. It feels…nice.” Actually, it felt a bit more than nice. Because of the demon sealed inside him, few people touched him voluntarily, though he'd received a quick hug or two. He enjoyed hugs. Hugs made him feel liked. This though, was entirely different. This, the stroking of his hair and Aoba's obvious pleasure in it, made him feel…wanted.

 

“Naruto…” Aoba's fingers slid down to brush Naruto's neck, then down his back. “Was this person you thought I was…? Was he…your lover?”

 

Sasuke…his lover? Naruto snorted. What a laugh! “Oh hell no! No way, he'd ever be anybody's lover. He's too much of a cold-hearted bastard to let anyone get that close to him.” Not even bright, beautiful Sakura-chan could melt his block of ice for a heart. His chest clenched with pain. He lowered his chin and his voice dropped to a whisper. “He was…my best friend.” At least, until he tried to kill me.

 

Aoba cupped Naruto's chin and encouraged the blond to turn to face him. “My apologies for bringing up something clearly…not my business.”

 

Naruto smiled despite the ache in his heart. “It's okay.” He shrugged. “It's something I'll take care of…later.” After I hunt his ass down and drag it back home.

 

Aoba pressed the gourd back into Naruto's hand.

 

Naruto tilted the gourd back and took a large swallow. He closed his eyes to focus on the heat burning him all the way down to his chilled heart. A cool dribble slid from the corner of his mouth down his chin. He opened his eyes and stared into Aoba's black eyes. The moonlight tinted his hair with blue highlights and turned his skin to pearl. Gods, this guy is freaking beautiful. His gaze dropped to Aoba's full smiling lips. Sasuke never smiled like that.

 

Aoba reached up with a long slender finger and traced the damp path down Naruto's chin. He offered the wet finger to Naruto.

 

His mind hazed by the sake warming his belly, Naruto leaned forward and licked the sake on Aoba's finger. After all, it was only polite not to waste it.

 

Aoba's eyes hooded and his lips parted. He pressed his finger inward.

 

Naruto sucked the finger into his mouth and stroked it with his tongue, searching for the last traces of sake.

 

Aoba gently pulled his finger free, then took the gourd and up-ended it to take a mouthful of the rice wine. He looped his arm around Naruto's back, pulled him close, and pressed his mouth to Naruto's, tilting him back with the pressure of his mouth.

 

Naruto's lips parted in surprise, only to receive half a mouthful of sake. He grabbed onto Aoba's upper arms and swallowed hastily to keep from choking. His tongue automatically searched for what had slipped free and swept across Aoba's tongue in passing.

 

Aoba retaliated with a strong sweeping foray into Naruto's mouth.

 

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