3 Not a Cat?

The next day the smell of sizzling bacon woke Naruto up. The fox yawned and stretched before making his way to the kitchen where Sasuke was. Breakfast had never been this luxurious for him…

As if on cue, the golden fox's stomach growled, announcing his presence. The Uchiha heard the noise and frowned. That certainly did not sound healthy.

"Well lucky you breakfast is almost done. It is a Saturday so you're lucky I don't need to go for classes. I've called Jugo and he said he'll be here with lunch. That man may look scary because of his size but he's a real softie when it comes to animals. I won't be able to take care of you for long because of other commitments. I'm sure you'll be happy with him."

"What? Is he chasing me out?"

Seeing red, the fox pounced on Sasuke who was still cooking at the stove. The startled student yelped as sharp claws sank into his right thigh. The creature gave a feral snarl and attempted to bite him with little success. Sasuke grabbed the creature by the scruff of his neck leaving the poor fox to suspend in the air.

Still struggling, Naruto could not help but feel a sense of betrayal. He thought Sasuke was a nice person who would take care of him till he was able to regain his powers but the man had just said he wanted to hand him over to a guy called Jugo whom he had never seen before.

"Kyuu! Kyuu!"

Sasuke stared wordlessly at the struggling creature for a while. The fox's squirming had ceased and the yelps reduced to whimpers. At the sign of tears threatening to fall, Sasuke brought the strange animal closer to him. "I'm sorry. I don't know why you suddenly reacted like that but I'm sorry. Anyway, let's have breakfast alright?"

Bacon was shoved towards the fox and Naruto ate without his usual vigour. Sasuke chewed his food while observing the strange cat. He shook his head. There was no way an animal would understand human language. It must have been a coincidence.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

"Is this the 'cat' you were talking about?"

Sasuke nodded while his friend scrutinized at the golden ball of fur. Naruto had taken to hiding beneath Sasuke's bed, refusing to come out when Jugo rang the doorbell. The more they tried to get him out of there, the more hostile Naruto became. If the numerous scratches on both boys' arms weren't indication enough, the teeth marks and puncture wounds were.

"Come on Kyuusuke… he's not going to harm you." Sasuke sighed while the animal hissed. There was no going around this.

"I think he's afraid of strangers. Maybe we should give him time?" Jugo looked at Sasuke who sighed reluctantly. They had been at it for over an hour with Naruto not budging from his spot.

Time passed quickly and Sasuke asked his friend who was watching some movie on his couch. "I'm going out to grab lunch. What do you want?"

Jugo smiled and said anything was fine. Sasuke got his keys and wallet while preparing to leave when Kyuusuke came dashing out from his hiding spot. The fox was running so fast he looked like a blur and tackled Sasuke. The impact made the Uchiha stumble before high pitched keening noises reached his ears.

"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked as he tried to pry the creature as gently as he could. Unfortunately, Naruto had a strong grip.

Jugo blinked, having finally gotten a closer look at the said 'cat'." His suspicions were confirmed. "Sasuke, where did you say you found him again?"

"In the rain abandoned near an alley. Why?"

Jugo smiled. That was so like Sasuke. "That's not a cat."

"Oh…." Sasuke blinked while Naruto continued to cling onto his pants. "No wonder I thought he looked a little strange. Is he a dog then?"

Jugo frowned. "Hmm… I'm afraid not. He belongs in the same family category as dogs though."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. Not a cat, not a dog… what is this creature then? "A hybrid?"

Jugo had to hold back laughter then… Sasuke was truly clueless and it was endearing. "No, not a hybrid although I must say this shade of fur is rare for even its kind."

"Stop beating around the bush and tell me already! I'm not getting lunch until then."

Jugo smiled at his friend. "Kyuusuke is a fox."

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

"Kyuusuke is a fox."

The words echoed over and over in Naruto's head. Dread filled him. It was over. He was exposed. There was no way Sasuke was going to keep him now. The man had been insistent on a cat and now that he knew what Naruto was, there was no way he was going to keep him.

Instead of scowling in disgust, Sasuke blinked owlishly at the big guy. "Very funny. Seriously. What is he?"

Jugo frowned. "Kyuusuke is a fox. I don't know how you found him on the streets but there is no mistaking the tail. Only foxes have bushy tails like him with a snout like his."

Kyuusuke was a fox. A very adorable and troublesome golden fox…

Said fox had gotten quiet all of a sudden at the revelation of his identity and Sasuke can't help but wonder if the animal somehow knew what they were talking about.

"Kyuusuke?"

The fox whimpered but made no attempt to establish eye contact as if it knew it did something wrong.

Gently, the Uchiha picked the fox who made no attempt to struggle. On closer look, Sasuke realized how right Jugo was.

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't realize you were a fox. You don't usually find foxes in the city… only stray cats and dogs. Now that I know you're a fox I don't think I can let you go. Jugo I'm sorry but I think I'll keep this one."

His friend only smiled. "No worries. I knew you say that. Just make sure to not let him be seen. You don't want trouble with the authorities. Also, foxes have a relatively different diet as compared to cats so please be mindful of it. If you require flea shampoo and grooming tips, you can always ask me."

Naruto's ears perked at the mention of being kept. Was it really happening? Did Sasuke still want him? Even as a fox? No, because he was a fox? A warmth radiated from within his chest all the way down to his paws… it was overwhelming and Naruto nuzzled Sasuke as if to convey his gratitude.

"Kyuu~"

Jugo glanced at the fox and frowned. Somehow he had a feeling the fox wasn't an ordinary creature.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Lunch was a quick affair and Jugo passed Sasuke the pet shop owner's number. He frequented that shop and thought Sasuke might want to drop by.

"Hmm… Neiji Hyuuga huh? I guess we'll drop by soon. You need a nap."

To prove Sasuke's point the kit yawned again. "Come on, let's go to bed." Before the fox could move the human had already scooped him up and carried him to the bedroom. Naruto felt pampered. It was nice being a fox and having someone care for him. Back in the demon world, all he ever had were insults thrown at him for being born a different colour and being stupid. Kurama was the only exception but even than his brother never went further than a playful punch.

The pillow felt soft and the fox fell asleep while Sasuke continued to run his fingers through the soft fur.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

There they were, in front of the pet shop Jugo recommended. The moment Sasuke walked in, the ringing of the bell alerted a girl who looked like a doll. "Good afternoon, how may I help you?"

Sasuke nodded in her direction. "I need a few supplies for a new pet. Jugo said that you could help me out."

The girl called Hinata, as read on her name tag, then called for another co-worker. "Kiba-kun, could you bring the basic supplies for pet grooming?"

"Coming!" a very masculine voice answered and Naruto's ears perked up. That voice was strangely familiar.

"Alright. We have the basic grooming supply kit here which includes…" the moment Kiba saw Sasuke and Naruto peeking through Sasuke's jacket he almost dropped what he was carrying.

"Kiba-kun?"

Covering up his actions with a nervous laugh he brushed of Hinata's worry. "Ah, I'm alright. Just slipped there."

Hinata sighed and took the supplies from her co-worker. "I'll take it from here. Thank you Kiba-kun."

Just at that moment, Naruto started squirming and Sasuke sneezed when bushy tail met nose. "What's wrong, Kyuusuke?"

"Kyuu!"

Hinata giggled. He's very cute. Then she followed Naruto's line of sight. "Maybe Kiba-kun could look after him for a moment while I brief you about the grooming procedure? Kiba-kun if you don't mind…"

Kiba smiled and carried Naruto to another part of the store away from all eyes.

"What are you doing here? With a human no less? Why aren't you in human form?"

"Kiba! I could ask the same. I thought you werewolves hated humans?"

The werewolf sighed. "The alpha has mated with a human so the pack follows."

Excited at that news Naruto yipped. "Kakashi is here as well? You have to let me see him one day!"

Kiba chuckled at his blond friend's excitement. "Of course. I bet you'll like his mate too. Which reminds me, you still haven't answered my previous question. What are you doing here?"

Naruto's ears drooped. "I'm supposed to get my mark of maturity and I can't return to the demon world because the elders had granted me permission to leave on the condition I did not have the mark of blessing. Until I have the mark of maturity I cannot return. Also, I guess I used up too much power opening the portal here so I'm stuck like this for a while. Luckily Sasuke is a good person."

Kiba sighed. You know, why don't you stay with us? I'm sure Kakashi and his mate won't mind."

Naruto shook his head. "Thank but no thanks. I'll have to do this on my own or the others will never recognize me."

Kiba nodded, knowing how stubborn his friend was. "Well, in case you change your mind you know that we are here for you."

"Thanks, Kiba! You're the best!"

Hinata and Sasuke walked to where Kiba was and smiled. Naruto had licked Kiba's cheek in thanks with the other man grimacing. "Don't do that man! It's gross…"

Hinata giggled while Sasuke tapped Kiba on the shoulder. "I'm sorry about that. He's usually not very affectionate with strangers."

"No worries," the brunet grinned and waved to Naruto as the duo left the shop. Things weren't looking rosy for his foxy friend but knowing Naruto, things will work out somehow.

"Just don't do anything stupid please."