Touching the untouchable

Chapter 21

Naruto downed a glass of water when he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, making him lose his balance slightly. "Get a grip, you idiot." Naruto muttered to himself before he returned to his desk to shut down his computer. Naruto packed his belongings back into his bag, looking around to make sure that he got everything before shouldering his bag and locked the door behind him.

The blond quickly made his way down the street to the park where Itachi said he would pick him up from. Naruto stood to the side, awkwardly. It was about 7 pm but it was already pitch black, the street lamps giving just enough light to see about 2 metres in front of him. Naruto stood directedly under the lamp, gripping the strap of his backpack tightly. The blond didn't like being outside when it was dark, he couldn't see much and there aren't many people around if he needed help. The darkness is the time more drunk people are out on the streets, some ready to harass anyone that they see.

Naruto glanced at his watch, Itachi wasn't late but he was praying the Uchiha would come a little earlier than agreed. Naruto stiffened when he felt a hand clap his shoulder, the person reeked of alcohol. Naruto moved away quickly, trying to keep his distance but he bumped into someone whilst backing away. "Aww, where are you going?"

"Come on, don't leave the party so soon!" the other one said, taking a swig from the bottle he was holding.
"I really need to go. I am running late." Naruto said, trying to be polite as he feels there was no need for violence just yet. One of them grabbed his wrist and yanked him back harshly, Naruto struggled against the man, pushing at him to avoid the kiss that he was trying to plant on his lips.

Itachi glanced at the dashboard where the time was, 7.05, still early. They agreed to meet at 7.30 at the park near Uchiha Corporations. Itachi frowned when he neared the spot where they usually met, Naruto was nowhere to be seen and there were these two men that seem to be harassing someone. When the person broke away from them, he realised that it was Naruto they were disturbing. Itachi felt anger rising as he sped into a parking space and got out. When he got closer, he could hear Naruto yelling at them to stop touching him. "Hey!" Itachi called out, making the two of them look at him. Naruto took the opportunity where they were distracted to grab the man holding him by his collar and headbutted the man whilst yanking himself upwards to propel his knee into the man's groin. When the man doubled over in pain, Naruto took the opportunity to send a roundhouse kick towards the other man who turned around at the sound of his partner yelling out in pain.

Itachi went over to Naruto, checking to see if he was hurt. "Why did you headbutt him?!" Itachi asked, rubbing Naruto's head when he saw a red mark on his forehead.
"I don't know!" Naruto shot back quickly, pulling Itachi backwards when the man launched himself towards the Uchiha. "How dare you interrupt us?" The man hissed at Itachi.
Itachi stood in front of Naruto, holding the blond to make sure Naruto doesn't jump into harm's way. "How dare you harass my boyfriend." Itachi said, anger lacing his tone. The man was about to hit Itachi when his partner held him back. "Don't! That's Uchiha Itachi!'
"So?!"
"Let's leave before things get ugly!" his partner pleaded, tugging at his friend's arm but he refused to listen. "There's no one around."
"Are you sure about that?" Naruto asked, smiling coyly and pointing up at the lamp, luring them to look straight at the CCTV camera that was recently installed due to the increase rate of rape and murder in the area. The men cursed and fled immediately.

Naruto and Itachi watched as they ran away. "You are so foolish." Itachi muttered, flicking Naruto's forehead, making the blond press a hand to his forehead to protect it. Itachi chuckled, pressing his lips to Naruto's fingers that were on his head.
"I'm sorry for coming late." Itachi muttered, hugging Naruto tightly. Naruto blinked, raising his watch to his eyes.
"But you are early... by almost half an hour." Naruto finished cheerfully. Itachi's hold tightened around Naruto as words are not enough to express how upset and angry he was at himself despite him not having any control over the situation. Naruto squeezed his eyes shut when he felt dizzy. 'Maybe I should have eaten something in the morning or in the afternoon.' Naruto thought distractely, seeking the comfort that came from Itachi. 'How long will he stay until he realizes that I'm not worth it?'