When Sasuke Met Naruto (SasuNaru)

- Chapter 45 -

Saturday morning came quickly for Sasuke. After his little make out session with Naruto under the bridge, he had walked back to Kakashi's apartment, soaking wet, only to have his endorphin-fueled high immediately destroyed. Kakashi had wasted no time in dropping the bomb regarding Sasuke's financial future: Akatsuki was finished, and Sasuke would have to sell the Uchiha mansion, the property, and much of his belongings to pay off the mounting debt.

He'd let loose quite a string of curses at that news. Despite his rantings, though, nothing changed. Kakashi maintained a firm, stoic expression, and Sasuke's sudden debt refused to go away. Really, Kakashi's proposal was the only way Sasuke could get out of his current predicament, whether he liked it or not, so the Uchiha grudgingly accepted.

And, just like that, a day and a half passed. Now, Sasuke stood before the mirror in Kakashi's apartment, adjusting the tie on his suit with a scowl. He hated suits – always had. They were a mark of the business world that he never truly cared for – Itachi's world.

It's only for today, Sasuke. Just wear the damn suit, sign the papers, and get this thing over with...

"Sasuke! Are you ready?" Kakashi called from outside the bathroom, rapping lightly on the door.

"Just a minute..." Sasuke muttered as he attempted the Windsor knot a third time. Above him, the bathroom light flickered briefly.

Finally satisfied, the Uchiha wiped his black dress shoes on the bathmat and threw open the door to find Kakashi waiting, looking quite sharp in his own gray suit. Sasuke again thought it unusual to see his new father without his trademark mask as he stepped out into the hallway. Kakashi quickly adjusted his pink tie and started for the door.

"All right, then. Let's get going."

"Right."

Sitting in Kakashi's cherry red sportscar, Sasuke leaned his head against the window and sighed. He couldn't believe it had come to this – losing everything his parents had ever worked for, all because Itachi was a lunatic. It was hardly fair, but then again, Sasuke still had something. He wasn't being tossed out on the streets – he'd still have enough money for his schooling, and to find a nice, modest house somewhere in the suburbs. And, of course, he had his family. Glancing over at Kakashi, Sasuke felt a wave of shame as he recalled their conversation a few days before.

"Sasuke, we need to talk."

"About what?"

"It's about the Akatsuki Corporation. With all the recent arrests and revelations, they've been reduced to shambles. Their stock is nearly worthless."

"And...?"

"Your fortune comes almost entirely from their stock, Sasuke."

"Wait... so you mean I'm... broke?"

"Not quite, but if we don't act soon, you will be. We will be."

"What the hell? That's fucking bullshit! You're telling me because Itachi had to be a fucking psycho and kill my parents that I have to lose everything? What kind of justice is that? It's fucking travesty! I've suffered enough, goddammit!"

"Sasuke, just calm down... it's not so bad..."

"And just what the hell would you know about it? Or are you telling me that the only reason you adopted me was so that you could get my money? Is that it? Fucking hypocrite..."

Sasuke shuddered. That had been low – low, uncalled for, and untrue. He'd done the natural thing when angry, though, and had gone for the easiest targets. Pointing out someone's insecurities, taking advantage of their fears, making fun of their foibles – in Sasuke's case, saying the most hurtful thing he could think of.