Their lips were tilted upwards in tune with their chins, sweetened tone and carefully blanketed eyes pointed towards him. Naturally he smiled in response, gave a titter and made a small toast in response to the rather austentatious comment. It was commonality, if he hadn’t responded in good humour the woman would have taken it as a poor mark on his character, his position was not great- though he was far from being disgraced as of yet. Nevertheless, there were certain people, Naruto knew, he had to be extremely careful around her. As such with the woman before him. Sakura Haruno, a rife woman who could tare down his credibility with a single snap of her finger. 

Naruto had known her since early childhood, she was in fact his second cousin, they had been close for many years- but Naruto knew the game of court well enough. Should he present in weakness or loose in their on-going race his reputation and very worth would be demeaned in the eyes of the public, and his family. Their race was rather well mannered at present, neither casting sharp remarks or attempting slander in the early stages. Thus they could laugh around with each other in fine company, words still had to be cautious and conduct followed of course- it could be used as ammunition against the other later after all. 

They were presently at an official function- Naruto wasn’t even quite sure what for, his grandfather had drug him forward and told him to go because it would be best he attend. It was saddening and maddening all at once the reasoning behind his urging and thus Naruto had gone without a complaint made, only a sharp nod and a retreat to his room for preparations. 

Naruto Namikaze was a beautiful man, a teenager of sixteen whom had only just reached marrying age in the past two months. He had a beautiful caramel skin tone to be envied. Luxurious golden blond hair at neck length with bouncy curls jutting every which way. Eyes of cerulean, a rounded face with full cheeks, a pointed -regal nose- and thick lips which complimented his rounded face and prominent cheekbones. He had a lean but slightly curved figure which spoke of both strength and femininity. He earned his looks from his father, a rife man whom had been known for his kind eyes and docile but mediating personality, he had been well loved by friends and family as well as the people. Alas Naruto did not know much of the man other then what other people had spoken of him, Minato had died well before memories of him could form in Naruto’s mind. As was the same with his mother. 

Unlike both his biological parents however, whom had both been rife’s, Naruto had been born a submissive, and thus favoured by society as better then most. 

“Careful Naruto you don’t wanna spill that drink of yours.” Sakura warned with a coy glance, he quickly attempted to correct its placement in his hand, only for a couple of dropped to splatter on the marble right next to his high black pump as he tipped it too far. Mainly because it had not in fact been in danger of spilling at all. He cast an ired glare at his cousin for the rather childish trick, she giggled- with a good humour however. 

Sakura Haruno was an equally beautiful woman, though a rife she was hailed frequently to have the same appealing charm -and sometimes more- as many submissives. With creamy ivory skin, a cute button nose, not too thin- not too thick pink lips, sea green eyes and a head of straightened natural rose-gold hair reaching down to her upper back. Her attire matching her appearance perfectly this evening, a long ruby red dress which hugged her figure, it had a long slit down the skirt with spaghetti straps and a rather deep v-shape neckline. Her simple gold triangle thread necklace dipping in between her modest clevage to grab just a slight more attention. Despite the fact that he was a submissive above her rife status, he was often quite jealous of her looks- every outfit, every time he saw her she seemed to be perfectly sculpted. He often saw himself in the mirror and saw a mess.

In feeling a margin insecure he did check his dress for signs of a stain regardless. It was a tight fit navy blue velvet with a skirt that clutched his thighs and a body that clung to his figure in an accent of his decent muscle and fine curvature, a turtleneck with no sleeves and only a gold chainstyle belt for a change of colour. His hanging earings were large chandalier style however, with gold metal and many saphires in the stings, but in comparision to many of the other persons gathered, his appearance was quite modest. 

“Ugh, I wish the old man hadn’t sent me here tonight! Its just a bunch of rich people and nobels trying to buy each other off!” He said it rather loudly, but with luck’s good fortune there were no prominent people near them. 

“Oh shut up Naruto! Its only boring because you’re not even trying to have fun!” Thin pink glossed lips smirked in his direction, her meaning all too clear. In turn full bright red lips gapped open for a fair moment before turning into a defiant scowl, those lips said nothing in retaliation as their owner felt the pang of understanding that their race had officially begun. Her gode was to see if she could dare him into dirtying his dignity and there was a throb in his chest to know that they had to compete at all. He swallowed the ugly feeling and painted on a false smile. It was the life he knew after all, masks were necessary, and he despised it all.

Surrounded by scheming mines, posturing leaders, and people whom held the knife in their hands and told you it was a spoon. They had both been brought up in this world and knew how to play the game. However, Sakura had been playing in it for longer then he, she had been taught longer then he- for she hadn’t gone missing for seven years as he had. 

He smiled his due in response but turned around, lying that he was going to get another drink, she dismissed him with a graceful wave of her hand and a smile too genuine Naruto, were he less aware, would be fooled into thinking her implication had only been in jest. 

He left instead to the corridor and then upended the contents of his wine right down his throat. The taste tang and hard to swallow for a moment, though the brief fuzz felt a margin soothing. Then he stared instead to the marble pillars of the hall, audacious in all their grand appearance, his heals clicked heavily on the hard floor as he travelled down the corridor, and he attempted to focus on their sound rather then the downturn of his lips. The area was alit by the wall lights, a cold white light that reflected against the white marble pillars and appeared to be imitating moonlight. Still the hall was vacant, as the event continued rather on with laughter and all-too-frequently played classical string music. His mentality for the party all but gone, he nodded himself and made for the exit. 

After asking the butler of Mr. Yahiko to bring his coat, he wrapped the caff length faux-fox fur around himself and cast a smile at the man as he stepped outside. Knowing that he seemed all too dour. The man summoned his chauffeur with a respectful nod. The welcome sight of the luxury black SUV pulling up made the blond sigh with relief, relaxing at the very concept of leaving the oppressive atmosphere behind him. Normally he would have stayed longer, but he knew soon enough that he would have been asked to dance, that a number of rich- well placed rife men would approach him in hope of catching his eye. Certainly he could stand that, many were kind enough to him, but with his cousin’s rather blaze dare he had no desire to feel like a commodity. Even if by simply biology he was superior onto them, it would be degrading to be fawned over for nothing but his status. Not until the steam of ire dissipated from his mind. 

As expected of him as his chauffeur respectfully opened his door, he smoothly sat down on the seat with all the grace he was supposed to have. As soon as it shut with a satisfying click, he slouched in the leather- and let out the long sigh of irritation that had been coiling in his belly since the beginning of the night. His chauffeur tonight was a young woman named Konan whom he did not know particularly well, she was a dominant who had worked under his grandfather for many years. Rather quiet and quite posed, always maintaining a professional distance and air- he had attempted to get to know her better but she had always rebuffed him with cordial professionalism and he had stopped trying, at least for the moment. Regardless of her cold demeanour he trusted her well enough.

They were driving down the highway now, and he was watching the greenery speed by his face, happy for the sight- an inch away from freedom in their forests. Envisioning himself riding down the valley on his horse, night or no- it was always exhilarating to feel the wind in his hair the tilt the liveliness of her ride. Far better then the stifling comfort of his family’s various cars, the wild was thrilling, and he much preferred that. Finally they reached the manor in all its glory, standing tall and old. Made of stone and built in the late sixteenth century, it had been remodeled for modern day use after his grandfather had taken residence, but its exterior and even interior were rather the same as they had been centuries ago. It was truly beautiful and Naruto loved the classical air it held, the attachment to nature it pertained with its climbing ivy on the walls, its large pointed pillars did not look so artificial as buildings from the city- but in stone seemed like great monuments formed by mother nature herself. 

They came to a slow stop in front of the doorway -doubledoors and towering. Stepping out and met with the gentle moonlight he almost wished to stay outside instead of battle with his family’s questions, though he knew his adoptive mother would find him eventually if he so much as attempted such a thing- and he’d get rather vigorously told off for it. With that in mind he simply entered as Konan opened the door for him, thanking her with a rather absent mind and not paying attention as she left to put the car back in the garage. 

The warmth of the foyer was pleasing and Naruto had noticed from many unwanted visits to other estates par events and polite meetings, that all save his own were rather barren and unwelcoming in nature. Lit by warm light with vanilla toned marble to reflect it, the double staircases had brass coloured rails and there was a dark red and gold rectangle rug on the floor. The crystal chandelier on the ceiling reflected the light from the wall lights and made the interior feel almost mystical in its own way. 

“Back already Naruto?” The instinctive want to hiss at the sudden appearance of the man rose in his throat, but he held it back -barely. Their butler approached him from the right, hands in his pockets and a judgemental -rather serious look in his coal eye, Naruto didn’t enjoy being stared at from that man, usually Kakashi was a fraction more… at ease. Kakashi was a man whom Naruto considered to be mysterious, his background was confusing and seemed to change with each person asked. He always wore a thin mask over the tip of his nose and all the way around his jaw -Naruto presumed he was hiding a scar of sorts. The man always seemed to just know things, about people, places, events. Naruto was fairly sure he could never speak what his favourite colour was outloud and somehow the all knowing gaze of their butler would know it. Kakashi was also young, especially for a butler, around his mid-twenties with gelled and spiked silver hair and a single dark eye. His other eye was a bright red and Naruto suspected that he was somehow only partly albino. That aforementioned eye also had a scar from cheekbone to eyebrow which was obviously made by a knife. Lending credence to the young blond’s theory the man had a shady past. 

When Kakashi was serious he became intimidating, and though the blond knew he wouldn’t do anything the primal side of him shrunk back a little at the aura he produced in those moments. It was disapproval he saw and the blond knew it, there was a reason he had been asked to attend the event, and in all appearance he hadn’t been there long enough to foster good will- in fact his early departure would likely be taken as a negative. Kakashi knew it probably better then Naruto himself did. Nevertheless, in respectable fashion, as his young master took off his coat he placed it in the closet as expected.

Naruto made no bid to defend himself and instead ascended the stair case with a slowed pace, he had no want to face his grandfather, but the guilt eating at his conscious would not allow him to sink into his silk bedcovers until he did. Travelling down the long hall to the study one passed much expensive furniture, large vazes and decor, as well as many old family portraits, those going as far back as the fifteenth century. Theirs was an old family, and Naruto carefully avoided looking towards their large golden frames and painted eyes. 

He knocked rather tepidly on the large mahogany door, more a rasp of the knuckles then anything solid.

“Come in Naruto.” The tone was serious and within himself Naruto felt the strong urge to just walk backwards and avoid confrontation altogether. He held his own breath, and smacked himself mentally for the thought. The door clicked open, and though old- didn’t creak, although Naruto felt it almost should with the heavy air and ominous feeling in his gut. It was because of this weight that he entered with his eyes to watching the floor and not looking up towards the only father figure he had ever known. “At least look me in the eyes Naruto.” He did, but it was a struggle to actually force his head up.

Up to lock eyes with the dark grey eyes of his grandfather. 

Jiraiya Namikaze was a handsome man, with broad shoulders, small coal coloured eyes a tan skin tone, and extremely long wavy hair which Naruto secretly assumed had always been white. He had a sculpted square face with high cheekbones and large dimples which when frowning seemed like stress lines. Naruto and him had the same nose. He had a lot of muscle for a man in his mid fifties and just as much joy in his heart as a collage idiot. But he was practical as well, logical and well rationalized with a nack for diplomacy and mediation which most people could never hope to achieve. He was kind and generous, candid and understanding, and in all honestly, Naruto considered him an as an idol.

Unfortunately, he was a dominant, and dominant were considered shameful by the laws of society- especially within the nobility. They were more prominal and more driven by instinct then submissives and rifes, their anger often got the better of them and they were quick to resort to violence. Their status was regarded as shameful- to have a child born a dominant was considered unfortunate. Though those at a baby party would bid congratulations, it was often meant as a condolence in the socially acceptable language.

It was a rare feeling, but at that moment seeing the serious expression, the frown straining down the lines of his grandfather’s mouth, the young blond wanted to simply repent. He was a stubborn man, such a submissive nature was uncommon for him. Had his gut not begun to feel sickened and heavy at the party he would have stayed certainly, and therein not damage his -and in chain, his grandfather’s- reputation. They were on uneven ground as it was, Sakura had the edge over him- and though he wasn’t particular eager to win their battle, he knew it was important in its own way. Even if he hadn’t yet figured out why, as his father-figure had promised he would around his present age. 

Jiraiya was standing up near the book case obviously having just been rummaging around it if the books scattered on his carved antique desk were any indication. He was wearing a large red wool cardigan and a murky green button up shirt- clashing horribly together by all accounts. His thin reading glasses were perched on his nose -a little too far away from his eyes to see out of unless he was looking down. “You can’t keep bailing on these events Naruto, this is the third one this month. You’re sinking your own ship here.” It was said rather mildly, but the young submissive wasn’t fooled by the tone, he knew it was a warning, albeit a gentle one. 

It had the teenager pouting a glare on his face, though not pointed at his relative, irritation in his gut and the want to yell out the absurdity of it all lodged in his throat. He wasn’t certain what he himself wanted and he couldn’t help but feel as if his strings were being pulled in many different directions. One day he hoped he’s get the chance, a long enough break to figure that out, but after so many years of the same he doubted such a chance would occur. With the soft sigh made across from him he looked up in time to see Jiraiya giving him a rather contrite smile and to feel the warm weight of his hand on his shoulder.

“Naruto, you don’t have to do all this right away you know? You can take a moment to catch your breath kid. I’m not going to force you to find a husband, you only just turned sixteen- take some time to be a teenager, because god knows you haven’t got the chance to yet.” That was the most annoying piece of of puzzle. No one he cared for was forcing him into the path, he was diving head in all on his own, and he knew it. They weren’t the ones pulling him in each different directions. It was everyone else, all the eyes staring him down, waiting, watching, evaluating his every action, every movement. It burned as he stared at the kindly closed eye smile his grandfather cast him, the reminder of why he was diving down this sullen road of his, burned. Yet, that burn relit his determination to succeed, and the fire rekindled in his heart once more. 

It brought his grin back because though the embers hurt sometimes, the fire was ultimately warm and comforting. “Its okay Gramps, I’ll be okay, I got this, you’ll see!” There was a moment where the elder man’s smile tilted downwards, a fluctuation, but Naruto didn’t notice the sullen stare he was viewed with in that moment. Only paying attention once it was gone, and Jiraiya blockaded that worry fogging his mind once more -it wouldn’t last, but it was better that his grandson didn’t see it and the middle aged man knew it. 

“If you’re sure… Well, why don’t you get changed into something more casual and go for a drive eh? Might clear that daft head of yours a little.” In reaching his desk he threw a pair of jingling keys to the shocked blond, whom unsteadily caught them. A grin bright on his face as soon as he did, the rarity of being allowed to actually take his car bringing a kick to his step once more. Often he had to ride with his grandfather or be escorted- a long conversation about danger and caution by Kakashi he had hardly listened to sometimes buzzed in his mind because of it. But it was night, and he was presumed to be attending the fancy event until its conclusion far later, so it would be safe enough. Obviously that’s what Jiraiya thought anyway, and with the knowing wink he got from the man, Naruto bolted out of the study -in his heels- towards his room located on the top floor.