Reckoning

******************

Undisclosed FBI safe house

Naruto decided as he woke up that he had to speak to Obito. Talk to the beta and try and understand more of what was going on. ‘Gaara isnt reckless. Everything has a purpose. Obito has a purpose. I just need to figure it out.’ The blonde thought, already not looking forward to it. Kurama whined and the blonde gave him a half smile. 

“Puzzles have never been my strong suit.” Naruto had informed him. 

Still standing outside the safe house door where Obito had been stashed away until they could catch Black Zetsu was a werid feeling. The blonde and heard so much about the Beta, reading plenty about him while studying the case that he wasn’t quite sure what to do. 

“Are you an FBI agent?” Obito asked he invited him into his living room.

“No, But I um.. I taught at the academy.” Naruto began, “and up until yesterday morning i was an inmate at Kaguya's Hospital for the criminally insane. Courtesy of Black Zetsu of course.” 

“Oh.” Obito said with a blink as he sat down on the couch. “I mean, the white fang said that you were the only one with any real practical knowledge of Black Zetsu. He didnt mention you were a victim.”

“....white fang?” Naruto asked, confused as he sat down across from the beta. 

“Oh uh, Kakashi. It was what we— some of my friends in the academy called him.”

“Right.” Naruto responded. “Well the uh, white fang told me that you can't remember what happened to you.” The blonde glanced out the window, “I couldn’t remember either.”

“Couldn’t?”

“Yeah. I can remember now thought. Not everything— just pieces.” The blonde frowned. “I was under his influence and he used some sort of… light to induce a seizure type response in my brain. I ended up with black outs and lost time.” 

“I remember the light.” Obito admitted. “He would stand in front of it at distance. That way I couldn’t see his face. He would sit so very still and, “Obito shuddered “he would listen to chamber music. I can still remember that.” 

“You and I part of his.. design. His little game.” Naruto said. “He wanted you found— wanted you free. Just like he decided he wanted me free too.” 

“We aren't free.” Obito said with deep drown. “He isn't done yet.” 

“I know.” 

*******************

Gaara’s house,Westside Konoha City 

Naruto’s felt his hands shake when he walked out of the FBI safe house they had stashed Obito in. He wasn’t sure why they shook, couldn’t tell if he was nervous or anxious or even more terrifying— if he was excited. As the blonde climbed into his car he couldn’t tell if his hands shook from fear or the thrill of excitement and that? Worried him. Naruto swallowed, his heart in his throat as he slammed the car into gear and peeled down the streets towards Gaara. ‘I need to see him.’ The blonde thought, feeling his throat tighten with something akin to longing. ‘Damnit Gaara. Why? Why do you always play these damn games? Why can’t you just— not?’ The blonde could practically feel the presence of his hand gun, tucked safely under the backseat. It weighed on his mind that stone, heavy and unbearable. 

As he pulled into the house Naruto sucked in a breath and he realized it was empty. Gaara wasn’t home yet. The blonde pulled his car around the block, parking it out of view before grabbing his gun, getting out, and scaling the fence of his neighbors yard to make his way through Gaara back door. The lights were all off. The floor didn’t was as silent as the dead. The loudest sound that he could hear was his own breathing and heart. 

Naruto waited in the shadows, his gun in his hands until he heard the front door unlock. Gaara was home. Steady footsteps made their way towards the kitchen, lights being flicked on as they came closer. Then came the metallic sound of keys on kitchen countertops. 

“Naruto.” Gaara murmured with a small half smile, standing next to his fridge, his hand on the door handle. The blonde lifted his hands, unsmiling and pointed his gun at Gaara. The small smile the redhead had given fell away. 

“The last time we talked in the kitchen Kakashi interrupted us. I’d like to pick up where we left off.” The blonde narrowed his eyes. “If my memory serves,” He said sharply with a low growl, “you were asking me if it’d feel good to kill you.” 

“You have thought about, then.” Gaara replies and the blonde snorts. 

“Well you wanted me to, what was it again, embrace my nature?” Naruto growled. “I’m just following the urges I’ve kept down for so long. Treat them as the inspirations they are.” 

“You never answered my question.” The alpha said simply. “How would killing me, make you feel?”

“Righteous.” The blonde nearly purred, stepping closer. Naruto could practically feel the questions burning under his skin, and the anger the guided his movements. 

“Are you curious?” The redhead asked. “Why you? Why Obito?” Gaara blinked, “what does Black Zetsu want with you?”

“You tell me.” Naruto snapped, feeling doubt creep into his mind. ‘Come on, do something!’ The blonde wanted to scream. ‘I’m standing in front of you with a gun to your head. Plead, apologize— say something— do something— anything!’ Gaara stood, waiting. 

“How did Obito find you?” Naruto asked, suddenly. Curious about that. If someone found him once, they could do so again. Maybe— maybe he wouldn’t have to kill Gaara. Just catch him. 

“I am not Black Zetsu and you kill me, you will be murdering an innocent man.” Gaara murmurs, swallowing. “You, perhaps better than anyone know what it means to be wrongly accused.” The redheads tilts his head to watch him. “You were innocent, and no one believed you.”

“I’m not innocent.” Naruto stated flatly. “You made sure of that.”

“If I am Black Zetsu, and you kill me… who will answer your questions?” Gaara asked and Naruto sucked in a breath. Resentment and anger warring with his own curiosity and desires. “Don’t you want to know how this ends?” 

Naruto blinked and stepped right up next The redhead, pressing the gun against Gaara temple and pulled the hammer back— ready to fire. Gaara closed his eyes and went still. Not moving and inch as Naruto toyed with idea of murder. 

It sent shivers down the blonde spine, which curled in his hip and made inhale sharply. Gaara stood, ready for Naruto to make his choice. Prepared and waiting for the blonde to kill him. ‘He’s giving me his life.’ The blonde realized, as a bolt of arousal bled it’s way through him. It was a heady feeling, having this power over Gaara. Watching him waiting for the inevitable. ‘He’s mine.’ Naruto thought suddenly as another shiver rolled its way down his spine at the submissive pose he had place Gaara into. 

Naruto breathed Gaara scent, let it relax his muscles and lowered the gun before leaving the house out of the front door to walk to where he had parked. Gaara would live another day. ‘Questions upon questions.’ Naruto thought. ‘Before everything is said and done… I’ll have all of the answers to them.’ 

*********************

a few days later

Orochimaru entered through his front door, ready to take a long nap after a long day at work. He hung his keys and set his tablet down before going down to his cellar for some wine. His feet sounding loud in the seemingly empty house. A faint but steady beeping noise caught his attention though as he walked down to the cellar. He frowned, finding the source of noise behind the cellar and braced himself before the noise flatlined. 

When he opened the door, it was to reveal Sasori laying dead on a metal operating table. A carving knife and bits of flesh neatly sawed off and setting off to the side. Sasori was missing both of arms and legs, and was now dead. With a gasp Orochimaru turned and started to run up the stairs before tripping over a pair of bags and falling down. 

“Hello Orochimaru.” A voice said, sending chills down the alphas spine as terror churned his stomached.

“Oh god no.” Orochimaru gasped as he looked up to see Gaara standing quietly in front of him, dressed in some sort of clear plastic suit. The sound knocking at the door gave him hope— for a brief moment before the redhead said,

“That is the FBI.” Orochimaru tried to stand, but the other alpha was too quick. Gaara reached around and had him in a chokehold, preparing to knock him out. “When you are wake up, your only option will be to run.” 

True to his words, when Orochimaru woke up next it was to find himself surrounding by the dead bodies of FBI agents and covered in their blonde. Fingerprints covering a gun, the presumed murder weapon. The alpha gasped, panicked, and then ran. 

********************

Naruto's home, Greenwood (43 miles east of Konoha City)

Naruto was still thinking about Gaara and their interaction in the kitchen a few days ago.

By the time the blonde had gotten home that night he had been painfully, achingly hard. Part of him had wanted to drive back to Gaara’s place press a gun to his head and kiss him at the same time. ‘I wonder if his blood would taste as sweet as his scent smells?’ Naruto had wondered before swallowing. He steadfastly refused to touch himself while thinking of Gaara. Instead, he had suffered silently while watching reruns of “Tales of a Gutsy Ninja” while waiting for his lust to die down a bit. 

The blonde lay sprawled out over the couch, with Kurama curled up next him. The TV buzzed in background in a lazy day sorta way and Naruto briefly wondered what sort of plans Gaara was up to this time. Suddenly Kurama sat up, barking at the front door and leap off the couch, much to Naruto's irritation. 

“You wanna go outside Kyuu?” The blonde asked, yawning and going over towards the door to let him out. It wasn’t until he got out on the porch he realized that Kurama hadn’t been barking to go outside, he had barking at someone outside. ‘What in the world?’ Naruto thought blinking and staring wide mouthed at at the alpha standing on the porch. 

“May I use your shower?” Orochimaru asked, with shaking hands and blood stained clothes. 

“Uh, Sure I guess.” Naruto mumbled out, still staring at the man who showed up covered in freaking blood. As orochimaru took his time in the, seldom used, guest bathroom shower Naruto sat down at the kitchen with a bowl of ramen and tried to think about what this meant. ‘If he’s covered in blood something must of happened. Injuries and he would be in the hospital or being questioned by police.’ The blonde frowned. ‘If he’s coming to me it’s because he thinks I’ll…. understand him. Empathize with him.’ The sound of his cell phone ring pulled the blonde out of his thoughts as he picked it up. 

“Naruto, are you at home?” Kakashi said sharply. 

“Yeah.”

“Is Orochimaru there with you?” 

“....yeah.” Naruto said slowly, and Kakashi swore. 

“Listen to me, it’s Orochimaru. He’s Black Zetsu.” The blonde blinked and leaned back in his chair. 

“I don’t think—“ He begins to say but the alpha on the phone cuts him off.

“We found Sasoris body in Orochimarus wine cellar. He can’t have been dead for more than a few hours.” 

“That doesn’t mean that he’s Black Zetsu.” Naruto tried to argue and Kakashi growled. 

“Orochimaru has access to case files, and he would know everything that Black Zetsu would need to know to stay hidden. He’s been part of the case for a long time. He consulted on the case before Obito, before you or Gaara— and he has medical knowledge. Kiba check his books and one of the first ones he found was a book with a picture of the wound man.”

“Kakashi—“ Naruto started to say but the alpha completely ignored what he had to say. 

“Keep Orochimaru there. We’ll be there soon.” The white haired man said before hanging up. Naruto set the phone done and sighed. Footsteps caused him to look up and see Orochimaru standing in a traditional foreign robe of sort sort. He look paler than freshly fallen snow— in an ugly sort of way. 

“Thank you.” Orochimaru said, before digging into his bag for his shoes. “I should I have realized sooner,” The alpha muttered. “I have the same profile as Gaara, same medical background, of course it would be me!” He practically roared. “Gaara was never going to kill me, I’m his fucking scapegoat!” Orochimaru paused before looking at him. “I have to leave the country— no i am leaving the country.” 

“If you run you’ll look guilty.” Naruto replied. ‘So this is what Gaara meant but seeing things unfold.’ The blonde thought almost….. disappointed. ‘I think I kinda wanted a shoot out or something more bloody.’ He thought while watching Orochimaru panic. ‘This is just more manipulation more of the same. Not that this isn’t impressive I guess.’ The blonde figured. 

“You didn’t run and you looked plenty guilty.” Orochimaru spat and the blonde glared. “Sasori was half eaten in my house and I have corpses on my property. You just threw up an ear!” 

“There will be an APB on you.” Naruto stated. “That means canceled credit cards and traced phones.” 

“I have cash and I’ve already tossed me phone.” Orochimaru replied stiffly. “After all, Kakashi believes I have killed two—  no three, agents. You realize what happens to people like that? Shoot on sight.” Naruto nodded in quiet agreement, wondering when Kakashi would get here and what Gaara has planned for after. Curiosity prickled under his skin, itching to be sated. “I know you will prove Gaara to be a Black Zetsu and I will read about from a safe distance in some other country and then—“ 

the sound of Kurama barked made Orochimaru paused and the blonde glanced at the window calmly. Knowing what was going to happen next. The alpha stepped over to the window and gasped at the sight of Kakashi FBI car pulling up the long driveway. 

“Naruto, what have you done?” Orochimaru asked, turning his head to look at him. 

“I called Kakashi.” The blonde lied, curious about what the alpha would do. 

“No. No.” Orochimaru muttered. “no no no.” He continued mumbled before pulling the gun Gaara had planted on him as evidence from the bag he was digging in. “no. No.” Naruto huffed and stood up and Orochimaru growled, but the sound didn’t threaten the blonde. “No— stay there!”

“Your not a killer Orochimaru.” Naruto said over his shoulder, as he turned and walked out of the house to meet Kakashi on the front porch. Kakashi who practically on fire with fury as he made his way to the door.

“Why’d ya come alone?” Naruto asked.

“Where is he?” Kakashi demanded, ignoring the question, and the blonde frowned, blocking him. 

“Why did you come alone?”

“I said, where is he?!” The alpha demanded and Naruto narrowed his eyes at him as he stopped him from going inside. 

“Kakashi I told you remember? Black Zetsu is still playing a game. Still playing all of us.” 

“No, he’s not playing all of us he’s playing you. Now where is he?” 

“Inside.” Naruto replied with a tired shake of his head, “just stay here I’ll bring him out. He has a gun.” 

“Good.” Kakashi growled before pushing past him and into the house. Naruto crosses his arms and leaned against the porch post as he listen the sounds of Kakashi storming his way through his house. ‘He sounds like a bull in a freaking China cabinet.’ Naruto thought wondering vaguely if he had bought enough time to give Orochimaru a running head start. ‘Probably not.’ He decided. Kurama barked once and the blonde glanced down at the dog. 

“What?” Naruto said aloud, and the dog tilted his head. “I’m not getting involved with that mayhem. My problem is with Gaara.” Naruto said with a shrug. “If Kakashi wants to throw away his career let him. I’m sick of him.” The blonde grumbled. Kurama whine and put his paw on the blondes leg and Naruto grinned. “Silly dog. I’m not sick of you, just all of the bullshit.” Naruto knelt and gave Kurama a good scratch behind the ears. The sound of gunshots echoed off the trees around the house and man Naruto want to roll his eyes. “They are all so silly, aren’t they Kurama.”  As Kakashi came back from around the house, dragging Orochimaru back with him Naruto didn't say a word. ‘The world is a cold and violent place.’ Naruto thought, seeing how Orochimaru's leg bled leaving a small trail on the ground. Only for it to start snowing, and beginning to cover it up. ‘Cruel, cruel cruel.’ the blonde thought. 

****************

FBI Headquarters, Northside Konoha City

Naruto stood next to Kakashi, and Obito behind the one-way mirrored glass watching Orochimaru being interviewed. ‘This isnt going to end well.’ the blonde thought, glancing over to see Obito's hands shaking as he stood transfixed facing Orochimaru. 

“Does it have to be you?” Orochimaru asked bitterly as Sakura walked into the room. “Seems like a final indignity.”

“It isn't like you to hide an achievement,” Sakura stated flatly, leaned back in her chair, and glaring at him. ‘If she was an alpha she would be growling and possibly trying to bite him right now.’ Naruto thought with a frown as he wondered, why in the hell he ever thought Sakura was calm and gentle. ‘Shes like a beast hidden behind a pretty face. Hers punches are likely stronger that what your would expect.’ 

“The achievement isnt mine.” 

“Whose is it then?” Sakura asked, crossing her arms. “Gaara?”

“Your just saying words now. Babbling out ideas, not caring if they could be true at all.” 

“They are not true.” Sakura said narrowing her eyes and leaning across the table. “You, were using coercive therapies on both Sasori and Naruto to point the Black Zetsu investigation in false directions.” 

“You cant see it.” Orochimaru said softly. “And you won't see it until its too late, and when you do- do not say that I did not warn you Miss Haruno.” The alpha hesitated. “In fact i believe these will be my last words about Black Zetsu until my lawyer arrives.”Obito was still shaking, subtle full body tremors now, as he listened to Orochimaru's voice. 

“Is it him?” Kakashi asked, and he nodded.

“I-its -its h-h-him.” Obito stuttered out struggling to breath properly as he stared. Tears started to roll down his cheeks and Kakashi calmly pulled him in for a hug and Naruto blinked as the Beta suddenly reached down for the gun Kakashi wore and pulled it free to aim it as Orochimaru's skull.  ‘Violent violent world.’ Naruto thought wordless as his rang from the sudden loudness of the gunshots in the small enclosed room. As he watched the chaos ensue from the EMTs rushing in, and Obito being led out the blonde was struck the perfect simplicity of it all. 

‘If Black Zetsu dies, then there are no more problems.’ Naruto thought, arms crossed in the lobby of the FBI as he considered what to do now. ‘Orochimaru fits the profile, evidence points to him perfectly and then he is killed by the only surviving eye witness.” Naruto almost wanted to laugh at how well planned it had all been. ‘Theatre. Its all an elaborate show.’ The blonde thought. ‘An intensely planned out story, but why? And why am I the only one allowed to see it.’ Naruto still had questions, and Gaara had promised him answers. Naruto glanced at the clock hanging on the wall, as a new idea came to being. ‘I suppose therapy is great way to explore unanswered questions.’ He decided, before going home to get cleaned up. 

************************

When he was dressed a bit nicer and hair a little less messy the blonde went to the only psychiatrist he liked- Gaara. ‘The irony.’ Naruto thought after he knocked on Gaaras office door. Demanding, and almost rude, the blonde wondered what he would do.

“Hello Naruto.” Gaara stated, as he opened the door to see him standing there.

“Hello Doctor.” Naruto responded. “May I come in?”

“Do you intend to point another gun at me?” The redhead asked, his tone still as conversational as ever and the blonde blinked before he gave him a small grin.

“Not tonight.” Naruto promised. Gaara blinked and then stepped off to the side to let him in. “are you expecting someone?” the blonde asked noticing a bottle of wine sitting on the redheads desk.

“Only you.”

“You kept my standing appointment open?” The blue said, pausing and turning to look at him. The alpha nodded. 

“And you are right on time.” 

“I have to deal with you.” Naruto said with a sigh, as his eyes wandered over the office. Noticing the fireplace in the back had been lit, and the books were all as organized as ever. Gaara’s office was a place that seemed untouched by the violence and blood outside. Naruto Wasn't sure if the comforted him or not. “I have to…. Deal with my feelings about you. I thinks its best that i do that directly.” Naruto murmured, with a frown. 

“First you must grieve for what is lost. And for what has changed.” The alpha replied, coming to stand closer to him.

“I have changed.” Naruto admitted, trying to recalled the way he used to be- and failing. “You changed me.”

“The friendship that we had, is over. Black Zetsu is over.” Gaara replied and Naruto stared at the floor.

“It had to be Obito, didnt it?” Naruto asked. “He would have been compelled to take his life, so that he could take his own life back.” Naruto shook his head. ‘Our friendship is.. Different. Gone maybe? Yet here we are. Talking almost like old times. I think I missed this.’ Naruto thought.

“How will you take your life back?” Gaara asked and the blonde looked up at him after a long pause.

“I’d like to resume my therapy.” Naruto stated flatly, before taking his seat across from the empty chair. Gaara followed suit and sat across from him and asked,

“Where shall we being?”