Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Hybrid Host Club ❯ Chapter 2

Hybrid Host Club

Part 2: Creation (47)

Though Sasuke had returned late from the club he had been unable to sleep, thoughts and emotions buzzing to close to the surface for rest to take hold. A burning curiosity had taken a hold of him and he needed to sate it before sleep would come.

Sasuke fired up his laptop, settling a mug of freshly brewed tea down at his elbow as he began to work. Sasuke knew there was only so much he could do from home, the resources available to him at Uchiha Corp. would allow for a much deeper and in-depth search but that could wait until morning, he needed information now.

Sasuke began by hunting for the most recent news and details on the people known as Hybrids.

What he found was an intriguing tangle of information that he recognised as a mix of science and media hype. There was so little truly known about the human created species, no confirmed facts except for the generalised details released about their creation many years ago, everything since then was just a rehash of that original series of newscasts - or, Sasuke snorted derisively, what the government wanted people to believe.

Sasuke did glean some information from the flood of data that filled his search window, after the breakthrough in decoding human DNA in the year 2010 secret sections of various government departments around the world had started to analyse and experiment on DNA. That much was fact, the Government had to admit to some things, even if they kept other parts hidden. There was always a grain of truth in a good lie - or so Itachi had told him at the tender age of five.

The information about the experiments being conducted hadn't been released into the public forum for a further fifty years due to the uproar it would have caused between religion and science at the time. Or so they claimed. Unfortunately as time had passed it had apparently become increasingly difficult to hide the results of those 'experiments' - which people had come to know as hybrids.

Suffice to say that in the year 2067, on the tenth day of the seventh month the political leaders of nations around the world made a worldwide announcement after a few of these 'creatures' had been seen outside in public.

Many wild accusations and government conspiracy theories had been put forward to explain the sighting's, aliens had been one of the many put forward in the years prior to this global unveiling. The grainy video footage blanketed the internet for a number of weeks, escalating until the politicians had to say something one way or the other, remaining silent was no longer an option when the world was so intrinsically connected after years of intense globalisation.

The world demanded answers, and they gave them their version of the truth.

In sciences quest for knowledge and power they had authorised the experimentation on human DNA to extend beyond its original purpose, where once they had searched for cures for the millions who still suffered from such things as genetic diseases, cancer and a rising infertility. After seeing the successes they made with the problems that had blighted mankind since there inception and the advantages that could be garnered from taking that experimentation one step further, a program was put forward. It was to be implemented by small groups of handpicked scientists who were deemed to be the very best in their fields.

The programme was called Chimera.

The Chimera projects original aim was to try and explore the reasons why humankind had been separated from Darwin's evolutionary theory and to put us back in its thrall. They studied humans and animals in an attempt to narrow down where the path of homosapiens changed, searching for the link that would throw us back into that evolutionary pool.

But what they found indicated that people as a whole could not be put back into the chain after the length and breadth of time they had been removed from it - people had changed too much or too little as the case may be. So instead the scientists and leaders of the world decided to make a few evolutionary leaps of their own.

Those people that were controlling the programme choose to initiate what was considered termed as stage two of the programme.

They began splicing together choice parts of animal DNA with human DNA in an attempt to heighten various natural traits and predilections in test subjects. If they could not return humanity to the gene pool, they would sacrifice their humanity to create a human animal hybrid that may or may not follow Darwin's path.

A variety of animals were used in the experiments ranging from the common house cat to large reptiles and fish, searching the choices genes to mix with the human genome. The resultant creatures were termed Hybrids. But no matter what the scientists tried they couldn't breed out the genetic markers of the animal, each Hybrid created retained some of its animal traits, a tail and ears in most cases, in those limited cases were human and reptile or fish were mixed some had gills, whilst others had patches of scales and kept the cold bloodedness of their animal kin.

When the government was forced to release the information to the public the experiments halted, activists from around the world coming together in defence of the people and the animals that had been brutalised by science in their search for a better man. They had even been compared to some of history's most brutal men and woman - bringing a sense of horror to the populace. The experiments stopped, finding cut and the lab's dismantled.

Unfortunately they were then left with the results of those experiments, hundreds of hybrids that had no place to go.

What could people do with these new breed of man? And then the doubts started to creep in, were they really still human or where they no better than animals?

Antagonistic groups of people sprung up across the world, fanatic's that wanted to keep the human race pure and untainted by these abominations and they fought hard against their release into the general populace. And Sasuke noted that they were still causing many problems for the Hybrids now. The political world leaders choose to put in place certain measures to try and reduce the friction caused between the human and Hybrid populace.

It was decided that the hybrids would be allowed to live among the people, but their jobs and allowances would be restricted to what was considered blue collar work. They placed the Hybrids in the service industry, manual labour and low paying jobs that people had started to abandon, fulfilling the need for blue-collar workers and keeping the majority of the population at ease.

A few years went by and new problems began to arise as the Hybrids slowly began to cross mix with humans. These new second generation Hybrids hitting a whole new set of problems, because they were a cross-mixed, it was uncertain whether they had the same rights as their human or Hybrid parent. The government made the mistake of restricting these children into their Hybrid parent's lifestyle, stifling the young and creative minds which were stopped from going passed certain levels of education.

"The date today is fifteenth of July 2109; news reports show that another riot has broken out on the streets of downtown Kyoto. Human and Hybrids alike are actively speaking out against the oppression they have been put under for the past forty years. Politicians from around the globe are attending a summit being held in the ancient city of Kyoto. This once great city, the ancient capital of Japan, is bearing witness to history in the making once more. The leaders of some of the most affluent and influential nations are here to discuss the future of these artificially created men and women."

Sasuke sat staring at the screen, watching the news feed flash across hundreds of faces, human and hybrid alike, holding up banners in protest of their current way of living. He leant back in his chair, hand rubbing over his face before h gazed back at the screen, taking a deep breath. He looked absently around the room, noticing the full cup of black tea that had gone cold as he sat completely absorbed in his search surrounding the Hybrids.

He shook his head absently, pinching his fingertips to the bridge of his nose, his eyes feeling gritty and heavy. Sasuke looked at the small clock in the corner of his screen, struggling to focus on the small glowing white digits - 3.30am. He'd been sat here for the past three hours. He gave a soft sigh, shoulders cramping slightly as he reached out to turn off the news link, switching off the laptop and heading slowly towards his room. He left the tea were it rested on table top, knowing there would be a dark ring on the surface but not caring, his laptop now sat silent, the apartment quiet in the absence of sound.

On reaching the dark space that was his room Sasuke simply collapsed fully clothed onto the comfortable mattress, dragging the duvet cover over his suit clad form, mumbling quietly, "No wonder that fox has an attitude", before promptly dropping into a deep sleep filled with hollow dreams.

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Sasuke woke up late the next morning, heading into work only to find himself increasingly distracted by his research into the Hybrids and the unusual Host Club. He was determined to learn more about the cryptic comment the barman had made about the club as well as the fiery blond he had met there. He actually left work on time for once, forgoing the usual working until all hours of the night.

He had finally grown tired of the curious looks directed his way throughout the day. His secretary, one Haruno-san, in particular seemed intrigued by his behaviour though she had seemed pleased when he had left far earlier than normal, allowing the young pink haired woman to be released for the night.

Sasuke headed home to change and shower before catching a taxi at the front door to the apartment building he lived in. He directed the driver back to the club he had visited the night before knowing he would be able to get a meal there as well as the usual drinks.

In reality the club seemed to cater for quite a range of its clientele's needs, rather than the standard bar style host club he'd seen and subsequently avoided. Sasuke arrived at the club after a short ride in the taxi; which he hadn't truly paid any attention to, staring out at the city as it rushed past the window. He paid the driver and slipped out, taking a leisurely pace across the street and pushing through the grand double doors into the plushly decorated foyer.

Sasuke left his knee length black duster with the doorman; he wouldn't need it inside after all. He noticed that the man was distinctly human and he couldn't miss the put out expression he was given at having to take the garment from him. Sasuke gave no indication that he cared much for the brunet's issues, but found himself intrigued by one of the few human's he'd seen on the club's staff. He put the thought aside for consideration later and continued forward across the plush burgundy carpet and up the broad curving staircase heading to the upper floor where the club itself was situated.

He let his mind wander as he ascended the stairs, taking in the dark wood panelling lining the walls and the thick wine coloured carpet under his feet. The club was beautifully decorated; it spoke of class and comfort that really appealed to him. He was both eager and apprehensive about getting inside the club once more, about being able to speak to the young blond hybrid again. There was just something very attractive about the man - not just his clearly well toned physique but something more, something primal in him that responded to the fox.

It was odd for him to be so emotionally responsive to anyone, he hadn't felt like this since he had been a young child, he had under gone the traditional Uchiha training in his early teens. It was an attempt to teach him how to school his emotions, to restrain his passions, essentially remove emotions from him to make him a better business man. That training, he had to admit, did make the Uchiha impressive businessmen, they gave nothing away it was very difficult to read someone that expressed no emotion's, but it also made it quite difficult to express one's own emotions on a more personal level.

He often wondered if his Father had any emotion at all. He shook his head, the inky black bang's that hung on either side of his face twitching in response to the movement, pushing thoughts of Fugaku Uchiha far from his mind.

When Sasuke reached the unobtrusive mahogany panelled door, he reached out a hand resting it on the door handle and absorbing the cool touch of metal against his warm skin, feeling anticipation curling in his lower belly, it made him feel a little on edge. He pushed the feeling aside as he always did with unwanted feelings or thoughts, and he turned the handle and pushed the door open and strode across the threshold.

Although it was still early there were a few patrons' sat in booth's around the strategically lit room, the lighting creating pool's of warm light that wasn't bright enough to display each booth's occupant's but was enough to eat and drink by comfortably.

And they were eating, the scent of food wafted across the open space and Sasuke's mouth watered and his stomach rumbled in open approval. The hosts wouldn't be in attendance until later in the evening after the restaurant was closed and the drinking and socialising began.

Sasuke had hoped that the blond fox would be serving in the restaurant as well as the bar as he was a waiter not a host but as his dark eyes scanned the large room, he saw no sign of that familiar head of golden spikes. With disgruntled resignation Sasuke made his way over to the bar, settling himself onto one of the tall wooden stools easily. He noticed that the wolf he had spoken with briefly the day before was eyeing him from the other end of the bar before giving him a grin that was all sharp teeth and warning.

Sasuke eyed the other man curiously, not feeling threatened in anyway by his toothy display. He was certainly a strange individual Sasuke considered.

Sasuke watched as the silver haired male made his way back up the length of the bar; placing the smoky glass tumbler he was carrying down on the way and picking up a small pad and pen from the counter all without taking his heavy lidded eyes from Sasuke's face. Sasuke watched the wolf approach, noticing the idle flick of his tail as he walked. He didn't know much about animal body language but the way the barman was looking at him suggested he was up to something, malicious or mischief he wasn't certain but it was something none the less.

Sasuke made a point of settling more comfortably on the stool, keeping one foot on the ground to stabilise himself as he lent on the bar, eyes never leaving the approaching man. He watched a grin split the wolf's lips and it was odd how he felt his lips twitch in response though they never curved into a smile. The barman set the pad down on the counter in front of him and gave Sasuke a considering look before speaking in a lazy drawl, "So then, you came back, Mister Uchiha."

Sasuke nodded his assent, voice low and even, "I did, but don't call me that. That is my Father's name." The words were said with open scorn, as he glanced away from the wolf feeling irritation rise at some of the simple things that would always stir unwanted emotions.

Though Fugaku Uchiha was a well thought of business man, he was in truth a ruthless man, demanding more of his two sons than anyone else. Sasuke had no wish to be reminded of him.

"Then pray tell what might I call you?" Sasuke turned obsidian eyes on the overtly curious barman, he couldn't get a beat on what this wolf was up to, I seemed an odd mix of taunt, threat and teasing but it was so diluted he wasn't certain which it was.

"Uchiha Sasuke. Sasuke is fine." Sasuke extended a hand to the man, an automatic reflex in the business world of today. It was unusual to need to bow to other business men now, so many had adopted the western custom. Though the more traditionalists demanded it - like his Father. He decreed that it was a great sign of respect and of course he was the only one other than their Uncle who was worthy of such thing.

Kakashi looked over the Uchiha before reaching out his own hand. He assessed the grip that took his calloused palm and was pleased to feel the slightly rough texture obvious calluses that denoted that the youngest Uchiha wasn't just a paper pusher. It would seem that Sasuke took after his older brother in that respect. Kakashi gave the young man a firm handshake as he spoke, "Sasuke-san it is then."

Sasuke had been in business for a few years and knew that people often assessed you on how you where first presented to them and how you shook their hand. The considering look that crossed the wolf's face proved this as he too assessed the other male, older by at least six or seven years, used to manual labour judging from the rough texture of his skin and the firm grip on his own palm - an interesting man to be behind a bar.

"So Sasuke-san, what can I get you this evening - food, drink - a certain blond?" Kakashi couldn't help teasing the young man, and he watched as Sasuke looked slightly taken back at his offer of the last. It looked like Sasuke would be a lot easier to crack than his brother had been. The young business men of today and, more specifically, the Uchiha's were often very reserved and aloof and he believed they needed to loosen up a little. But it seemed that, though he hid them well, Sasuke's emotions were closer to the surface than Itachi's - a prime target for teasing in the wolf's book.

Sasuke couldn't restrain the intense look he gave the bar tender at the odd request, he was uncertain how to react at first, before choosing to go with the flow if the wolf wanted to try to tease him then he would try and get the information he wanted. "I'd like to order some food; we can discuss the fox for dessert. But tell me something. Is it customary for hybrids not to give their names, as it seems both you and the blond don't seem very receptive to the idea?"

Sasuke watched with hidden amusement as the wolf in turn had taken his response and looked mildly surprised before an oddly pleased smile curled his lips as his returned bantering.

When the barman spoke Sasuke was curious to see how he would respond, "I should have known an Uchiha wouldn't miss something like that. We are more wary of people than sometimes we should be, as I am sure you can understand."

As Sasuke watched the other man, the lazy looking wolf turned to completely face him, sleepy looking smoky grey orb focused and penetrating. Sasuke didn't turn away, giving the barman the same intense focus he was being studied with, Sasuke would never be easily cowed. The stare down lasted a few tense moments before the other male let his eye slip slightly closed once more, returning to the sleepy looking barman he had met yesterday.

Kakashi chuckled at the young man's response, he should have known an Uchiha wouldn't back down from a challenge - he would need that if he chose to pursue Naruto.

"Mah, fair enough - no more of that then. You'll need everything you've got to pursue your fox. But be warned if you hurt him it will not go down well. Iruka will have your head, ne?"

Sasuke cocked his head slightly at the odd antics of the wolf before him, realising belatedly that the sudden staring contest was likely the wolf's way of testing him, a straight out dominance challenge. The action of the wolf he released was mimicked by the action of the man, the handshake they'd shared was a man's way of testing without challenging outright strange how primal instinct still managed to find its way into civilised business.

Sasuke sighed quietly, mumbling under his breath, "I still have a lot to learn." When he saw dark ears twitch on the barman's head he realised his first mistake, don't even try to whisper in front of someone with acute animal hearing it was just asking for trouble.

Kakashi couldn't help but give a crinkle eyed smile at Sasuke's muttered words before grabbing up his pad once more, "Yes, you do, but you'll pick it up. Now what are you ordering?"

Sasuke scowled at the barman before letting his eyes drift to the menu on the counter, reaching out a pale hand to pull it closer before ordering something quite substantial - he had missed lunch. Before the wolf disappeared to place the order with the kitchen he turned and spoke quietly, "Hatake, Kakashi at your service," before vanishing around the side of the bar.

It only then registered that the wolf - Kakashi-san - had mentioned another name - Iruka.

Sasuke considered for a moment, it couldn't be the same one... could it?

Still thinking he turned his attention out across the bar, one elbow resting on the highly polished wooden counter supporting his chin in his hand, as his eyes roamed across all the clientele and servers bussing the tables. He saw no sign of the blond or the other man he was now looking for. He felt a buzz of intrigue shoot through him - could it really be him? He had moved away some years ago, but maybe... he would have to ask Kakashi-san who Iruka was.

If it was who he was hoping it was then he had not only discovered the stunning little fox from yesterday, but also someone from his past whom he had missed very much. Sasuke couldn't stop his eyes from wandering the room searching, hoping for a glimpse of something in his past that had made him happy for a time.

He didn't even hear Kakashi come back to the bar until he cleared his throat behind him. He turned around with a start, looking at the man wondering how long he had been standing there waiting. "Who are you looking for Sasuke-san? Your rather elusive fox?"

Sasuke let the surprise roll off him and gave the barman an intent look before questioning him, "Who is Iruka? And what is his last name?" Sasuke knew he was being rather demanding but he needed to know if it was the man he hoped it was.

Kakashi gave him a curious look, but there was also a glint of something else in his eyes as he responded in kind. "Why do you want to know?"

Sasuke heard the quiet rumble in Kakashi's voice as he spoke and his eyebrow rose in question at the almost growl that had slipped out of the barkeeps mouth. He didn't really want to discuss who he hoped this Iruka was until he knew for certain. Then a heavy hand landed on his shoulder from behind.

For the second time in as many minutes Sasuke had been surprised, someone had gotten the jump on him. He wasn't usually so careless - being an Uchiha came with its own set of risks and he had been taught to be cautious. But it seemed that caution had gone straight out the window here.

Sasuke turned, hand reaching up to take a firm grip on the tan hand that was still settled on his shoulder, intent on twisting it up and round but the voice that spoke made him pause and look up instead. But the voice wasn't directed at him it was directed at Kakashi who was currently staring daggers at him, "Stop scowling Kakashi, you will scare the customers and this one is an old friend, ne Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke lifted the hand from his shoulder more carefully than he had planned to, spinning around on the seat and looking up at the man stood before him. He sounded exactly the same as he had ten years ago, though he looked a lot different than he had then.

Sasuke absorbed the image of a crisp charcoal gray, striped suit suitably tailored to fit a lean but toned frame, creamy white shirt contrasting with a deep green tie with a small pin in the centre that he couldn't make out. Sasuke looked up into warm chocolate eyes, seeing the old scar that bridged the other man's nose and the familiar ponytail.

"Iruka-sensei," his voice was light and for once he felt a soft smile twitching his lips rather than the more familiar sneer.

"Hello, Sasuke-kun. It's good to see you again." That warm voice took Sasuke back to a time when his life had seemed so much easier. But the nostalgia that wrapped around him like a warm blanket was suddenly shattered by a loud yell that echoed across the restaurant before the man before him was swamped by another.

Sasuke watched from his seated position as long tan arm's curled around Iruka's shoulders gaze flickering to the mop of sunny blond spikes bracketed by two fox ears that he could see over Iruka's shoulders. Iruka clearly knew him and was giving the fox an open and welcoming smile.

Iruka spoke with a soft laugh filling his voice, "Hello Nar-mphf..." before his mouthed was covered by calloused palms.

"Now, now, Iruka you're not allowed to give that away." The brunet turned just enough to see Kakashi at his side, covering his lips with an open hand.

Iruka arched a brow at the other man, a scowl quickly forming on his face in response to the rough treatment. When he saw that familiar twinkle of amusement in stormy grey eyes Iruka felt he needed to express his opinion, nipping firmly at one of the fingers just over his mouth.

Kakashi's expression when he nipped him had something strangely warm stirring in Iruka's chest. He had startled the other man, but he knew it wouldn't be long before the male bounced back.

"Would someone tell me what's going on? Why can't I say his name?" He gave Kakashi a pointed glare as he spoke before turning his gaze to Sasuke and Naruto.

"Because he doesn't want me to know his name." Sasuke said in response to the teachers tone that Iruka had used on him for as long as he had known the man. He couldn't hide the edge of disappointment that rang through in his voice when he spoke.

Iruka turned to face Sasuke once more, a deep furrow between his brows - what was going on here? Why wouldn't Naruto want Sasuke to know his name? He turned a questioning glance at the golden haired fox currently hidden behind him, speaking quietly to the blond, "Why won't you tell him your name exactly?"

The blond in question turned accusing sapphire orbs on Sasuke, how could he get him in trouble with Iruka and who was he to call him sensei? Naruto growled low in his throat but didn't reply to Iruka's question, instead speaking directly to Sasuke as he sat quite demurely on the barstool, "Teme..."

"Dobe..." Sasuke couldn't help the response he gave, it was almost automatic and it fit the silly creature currently trying to intimidate him.

Iruka looked between the two before turning to look at Kakashi with a raised eyebrow. What the hell was going on between these two? All he got was a shrug as Kakashi made his way quietly back around the bar. That alone set the brunets body on edge.

Kakashi never gave up a chance to try to touch him, pester him or tease him - so why not now? He trailed Kakashi with his eyes as he returned behind the counter, taking in the sight of him. It had to be said he was a very handsome man, the clothes he wore though more casual than the waiters outfits seemed to mould to his toned form.

Iruka felt heat stirring in his belly as he watched the other man that walked with predatory grace, he knew there was an attraction between them but the wolf came on to strong, plus he was a renowned pervert. Kakashi was always reading erotic fiction whenever he was found outside of work. Iruka shook himself out of those thoughts, though the deep warmth that now permeated his body from just looking at the other man didn't want to disappear and in truth he didn't want it to either. It felt like forever since he had felt so warm.

He turned his attention back to the staring contest behind him, manoeuvring out from in front of Naruto. He gave the pair a threatening scowl before leaning in and flicking both their foreheads, "That's enough you two."

It would seem his life was going to get more interesting and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing. He voice came out on a resigned sigh, "I'm surrounded by idiots."