Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

3 years later

In a serene street of the beautiful city of Florence, a house stood, too small to belong to someone wealthy and too large to be owned by someone poor. The aroma of croissants and coffee travelled through the windows of the house, reaching a very busy Naruto's nostrils, making him sigh dreamily.

Naruto, who was currently sitting in front of a canvas filled with different colours, an equally dripping brush and paint all over his apron at 7 in the morning with an empty stomach.

Promising himself that he would wake Jiraiya for breakfast after completing this piece, he continued drawing some streaks while listening to the news. 

"It has been an year and a half since the scandalous files, aka, 'Kyuubi' were released in the Japanese news papers and TV. The incident had led to quite an uproar in the country, especially in Konoha, where most of the corrupt officials mentioned resided."

Naruto hummed as the warmth of the sun fell on his face.

"The atrocities they committed were truly unforgivable, don't you think?"

He dripped the brush in yellow paint as the voice on TV switched to a male anchor's.

"That's correct. Which is why the military and the president of Japan put great effort in having these criminals prosecuted. May they face even greater pain than which they inflicted on others."

After finally managing to draw a particularly difficult part, Naruto looked sideways through the window to find the street scarcely populated, as usual.

"That said, the ones who contributed the most to their arrest were... That's right! The Uchiha. However, it has come to our attention that the final conference was held yesterday by none other than the youngest, but no less competent, Uchiha Sasuke. A recording of the confer..."

The woman on the TV kept speaking and the few people on the street kept walking on, yet Naruto sat there, completely still by the mention of the name he had not heard for almost three years.

And then came the voice.

"Good Evening, citizens of Konoha. I am Uchiha Sasuke, formerly division chief and now being promoted to Department Chief."

His voice was just as it had been when Naruto last heard it. Maybe a bit more... Hollow. Or maybe he was just imagining it. After staying still for several seconds, he willed himself to turn his face towards the television screen and his breath caught.

There stood Uchiha Sasuke, with all his glory. He was in uniform, that fit him smoothly, his posture professional and strict, his hands behind his back and face, a mask.

But that wasn't what Naruto saw.

What he saw were his eyes.

His eyes that seemed so dark, so... dull. There were dark circles around them and if it weren't for his natural good looks, the blond could have almost turned him out to be a ghost. He stared for a few moments, his mind empty, before shaking his head to focus on the man's words instead.

"As you all know, the 'Kyuubi' were released one and a half years ago which exposed many well-known politicians and some military officers as well who had committed unspeakable acts."

The aroma of coffee and sound of footsteps began fading as Naruto leaned in to each word.

"It was also discovered that Shimura Danzo, head of Root Organization, was the perpetrator behind Uchiha Fugaku and his wife, Uchiha Mikoto's 'accident' that occurred twenty years ago."

A pause. At that moment, there was slight satisfaction in Sasuke's otherwise emotionless face. Like he had waited an entire lifetime for that moment.

"Danzo was also behind the deaths of the former mayor of Konoha, Namikaze Minato, and his wife."

This time, Naruto's heart stopped for a second. Everything seemed to disappear and he remembered the time when Kakashi had described to him the night of the incident. How his parents passed away. It was sorrowful as much as it was joyful to know that despite going through so much pain, his father and mother were finally at peace.

"In both cases, he was aided by Orochimaru, a well-known surgeon, making him Danzo's accomplice."

"Besides them, all the criminals mentioned in the 'Kyuubi' were apprehended and prosecuted according to Japan's strict laws. You may now ask your questions."

A series of 'Mr. Uchiha' travelled throughout the room until Sasuke gestured for one reporter to initiate.

"Mr. Uchiha, is it true that the files were compiled by Namikaze Minato?"

"That is correct. Mr. Namikaze did his utmost for the welfare of Konoha and wished to make it safer for the people by apprehending all the predators, leading to his unfortunate death. I am sure he rests in peace now, knowing his wish became true."

"Mr.Uchiha!"

"Yes?"

"If Mr. Namikaze passed away without being able to release them, how did the military get ahold of the 'Kyuubi'?"

Naruto halted once again, his attention now completely on the screen and the painting forgotten. It was not the question itself that caught his focus, but rather his curiosity about how Sasuke would answer it.

Would he say something about him?

It seemed like the raven was surprised by the question too, considering he didn't speak for several moments. Only after the reporter repeated his name did the man return his gaze to the front.

"They were... already in the hands of someone just. Thankfully, they made the right decision and handed them over."

"And who was this person...!?"

"Last question."

Naruto scoffed at the reply.

Seems like even the Uchiha could hesitate in press conferences, huh?

Way to shrug the topic.

Sasuke nodded at one of the reporters sitting in the front row.

"Mr. Uchiha, is there a specific reason why you were chosen to handle the conference today as that is usually done by General Uchiha, your brother?"

Silence filled the hall, along with whispers, people trying to guess the reason.

"Well, there is a reason for that, yes."

"And that is...?"

Naruto moved closer, his desire for breakfast long gone.

"I am resigning from my post and this is my last day as a former division chief and a Department chief."

Gasps echoed throughout the conference hall, along with Naruto's own as he stared with wide eyes, wondering if the man had gone insane.

Because who, in their right mind, let's go of such a brilliant opportunity just like that?

These rich guys...

Naruto tsked, focusing on the screen once again.

"May we ask why that is, Sir?"

Sasuke went completely still at that, opening his mouth and then closing, before,

"...That is all."

"What does that mean, Mr.Uchiha!?"

"Is your brother aware of this!?"

"Wait, Mr. Uchiha!"

But Mr. Uchiha, now completely ignoring the calls, bowed rather respectfully before stepping off the stage.

Meanwhile, Naruto was still stuck on the fact that this idiot left such a high ranking job because he 'had something to do'.

Wasn't he supposed to be the dumb one among them?

Just then, footsteps resounded from the stairs, followed by a dramatic yawn from an old man wearing literal pajamas and his hair like that of an angry hedgehog. The man walked forward until he was beside the painting Naruto was in the process of making.

"Oh... That's very good. It's almost complete it seems...?"

Naruto frowned at the disheveled man before sighing profusely.

There's no end to this, is there?

"Go take a shower, you old pervert! And yeah, it's almost done.", he walked towards the canvas, setting everything aside, "Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to wake up? I'm hungry, y'know!"

Jiraiya winced at the noise, before remembering something.

"By the way... Have you thought about when you'll go to Japan? It's next week, isn't it? Your dads' event."

Naruto halted, only then realizing that he, in fact, did need to go to Japan.

"Don't tell me... did you forget, you brat? Do you know how hurt Iruka would be if he found out-"

"Oh please! I didn't forget anything and I'll be sure to book the tickets this afternoon, y'know! Now stop nagging me and freshen up! We're going out."

While rambling on to convince the older man that he didn't forget, Naruto set up the living room, putting everything in its place before leaving to take a shower himself.

If he was honest with himself, Naruto did not want to go back to Japan at all. In the past three years, despite his family and friends trying to convince him, Naruto never agreed to return. Whenever the twisted incidents he suffered there came to mind, the blond detested the idea of going back even more.

However, this time it was impossible to avoid it. Apparently, Kakashi had proposed to Iruka and his dad, to his surprise, had agreed. As soon as it happened, Iruka called him to inform and also told him that they would register their wedding in the US. Therefore, to celebrate that occasion before they left for who knew how long, both men were holding a small event.

So yes. Even if Naruto didn't want to, he had no choice but to visit Japan otherwise Iruka would burn him to a crisp or just never talk to him again.

Either one was terrifying for the blond to even imagine.

"Naruto! You ready?"

Realizing his hair were already dry, he yelled an "I'll be there!", before checking his face in the mirror one last time.

I can do this. It's only for a week and then I'll come back.

With newfound determination, Naruto nodded to himself before leaving for breakfast.

*

"Naruto! I can't believe it's really you!"

Naruto barely stopped himself from falling back, surprised by the sudden embrace from Sakura. A slight laugh escaped him, as the girl moved back, observing him with just as much astonishment in her eyes. Meanwhile, Naruto once again widened his eyes upon hearing a very familiar 'So troublesome...' from the back.

"Shikamaru!"

The man came into view, wearing a brown suit and his hair in its usual ponytail, now smiling slightly.

"How have you been?"

Naruto blinked at the question, not expecting it. However, after a moment of staring blankly, his eyes softened along with his grin.

"Good."

Shikamaru nodded as well, "Good."

"That's right! Come on inside!"

"Thank God! I thought you wouldn't ask, handsome."

"Ino!"

He exclaimed before looking over the woman with a wide grin, which faltered upon witnessing the man beside her.

Sai.

"Hello, Naruto. How have you been?"

The man was smiling ear to ear, with Ino's hand around his arm. Though Naruto's smile in return was awkward, he was glad the man was alright.

After greeting everyone, Naruto went back inside the small ballroom they booked. It was a beautiful space with magnificent chandeliers, mirrors all around, small round tables spread everywhere and a buffet system. There weren't many guests either, mostly Naruto's friends and some close friends of Iruka. Surprisingly, Kakashi didn't invite anyone. Or maybe the ones he invited were just as late as himself.

At first, he walked around with Sakura and her boyfriend who still hadn't let go of his 'youth' chants. Naruto also congratulated Sakura for winning two gold medals in an international sports competition, that he saw on TV a year ago. She looked lovely with her pink dress and pearl jewellery, along with Ino, who was draped in an elegant purple dress, her blond hair tied in a ponytail.

After the first half hour, the blond got tired and went off, making an excuse to get some drinks. Walking over to the bar, he felt as if someone was staring at him. However, upon looking around, there was nothing. Blaming it on his imagination, Naruto continued walking until he reached the bar.

Taking a glass of champagne in his hand, he turned around to lean against the table. His thoughts went to the moment he arrived in Konoha while taking a sip from the drink. Iruka was exhilarated and Kakashi was... Well, he tried to hug him again to which Naruto reacted by backing off. When he first thought of returning, everything felt heavier. As if as soon as he stepped in the country, everyone would stare at him like they accuse him of something or that he would feel trapped.

However, standing in front of his and Iruka's home after three years in the fresh morning breeze of Konoha after the long flight didn't seem stressful at all. Somehow, he realized that there was no reason for him to be scared when he didn't even do anything wrong.

Scared of what?

He didn't know.

But right now, all he cared about was his dads' happiness. Iruka, who showed him that good still existed in the world and to whom he would be grateful for the rest of his life. And Kakashi, who supported him through everything and stayed by his side to protect him when he didn't have any reason to.

"Where are you lost?"

"Ah!"

Naruto startled, sensing an arm around his neck before turning to his right to see a taller man with short black hair looking at him with genuine curiosity, as if they had known each other since forever.

"What the..."

"Oh! You probably don't know me. Which is very offensive, by the way since I saved your life multiple times.", Naruto frowned as the man pulled his arm back to take a champagne glass as well, before looking over. Probably realizing that Naruto did not understand what he was saying, he grinned while rubbing his neck,

"I'll introduce myself. I'm-"

"Obito."

The blond turned his head upon hearing the familiar voice and there stood Kakashi, annoyed like he had been enduring the conversation for hours. Rolling his eyes at the man, he decided to focus on Naruto instead,

"He's Uchiha Obito. My subordinate that I told you about."

The blond would have payed attention to the 'Uchiha', but his mind spiralled on the 2nd sentence. Kakashi's subordinate...

His eyes grew wide, remembering the time Naruto learned the truth three years ago at the dinner table. The man did use the term 'subordinate' for someone who helped him escape with baby Naruto to England and then helped the adult Naruto after he was kidnapped as well.

Now that he thought about it, it was offensive that he didn't even ask for the man's name before.

"So you do know about me! Why didn't you say so before?"

Naruto was brought back from his thoughts by an arm as heavy as metal on his neck once again, causing him to drop some of the champagne. His eyes turned to find the short haired man grinning widely as if nothing had happened.

What a weird guy...

Masking his face so the other doesn't realize that he was straight up judging him, Naruto nodded with a smile, while trying not to fall from the weight of the man's arm.

"Yeah... I am truly... very... thankful... Haha..."

What Naruto really was thankful about was that Kakashi noticed his condition and pulled Obito's arm back once again. As the Uchiha was in the middle of saying good bye, Kakashi dragged him away while Naruto only waved at the leaving men awkwardly.

Another sigh escaped the blond as he leaned on the bar once more. Only then did he notice the similar sensation of being watched, like a spider crawling on his neck. He looked around instantly for anything or anyone suspicious, but there were only his and Iruka's friends, and Kakashi's 'subordinate'.

Strange...

"You seem to be in good health, Naruto."

"Shi-! Sai!"

Naruto looked around, nodding apologetically at others for the noise caused by himself before turning towards the man who was the reason for it. Sai was standing there as he usually did, very unnaturally, with a smile on his face. At least, that was a bit genuine now.

"When did you get here? You scared me, y'know...!"

Sai moved to put an empty glass on the bar before facing him.

"I'm sorry. My previous profession is the reason I walk so silently."

Naruto suddenly realized that he hadn't even had a proper conversation with Sai after leaving Root's base.

"That's right! How are you alright? I mean-Didn't Danzo and his men figure out and hurt you? Not that I wanted that to happen-"

"You still haven't changed, Naruto. You talk very much."

The blond halted, taking in the words, before looking away in embarrassment, uttering a small 'whatever'. It took a few moments for the awkwardness to pass before Naruto turned to look at the other with a faint smile.

"So... It's all over now, huh?"

Despite knowing the answer, he still wished to know it. To confirm that it was all settled and that everyone was safe. That he had achieved what he had come to Konoha for in the first place. However, Sai only shrugged while taking a sip of his own drink.

"Yes, I suppose. Externally, at least."

The blond frowned, waiting for the other to elaborate. Noticing his confusion, Sai sighed,

"I left that place as soon as the files released. After that, I received no information from anyone, which was for the best, I think."

Naruto stared for several moments, trying to comprehend his words until a questioning look from Sai brought him back to reality, and the words 'previous profession' spoken by the man replayed in his mind.

"What do you mean you left...?! And what's externally? Do you mean to say that there could still be some problems internally!?"

"As I told you, I left. I wouldn't know even if that were the case."

Naruto sagged slightly, disappointed with the answer.

If only I could ask someone else about it...

Shaking his thoughts away, he smiled convincingly at the other while nodding,

"So, um... Why'd you leave? What do you do now?"

If that was someone else, he would have scolded himself for asking such a personal question. However, Sai didn't take such things too seriously so he only waited for him to answer.

"It was too dangerous and since I had begun dating Ino, I thought I shouldn't make her worry. I read that in a book-"

"Dating Ino!?"

Once again, Naruto looked around to see if anyone heard him. Thankfully, there was only a woman nearby who looked at him weirdly so the blond nodded at her apologetically before turning towards Sai.

"Since when...?!"

The other casually sipped his drink, while shrugging.

"She asked me on a date after the Spring Festival."

Naruto blinked twice. Then the third time. Then another.

He couldn't bring himself to believe that Ino, who was always so picky about even the people she hooked up with, asked Sai on a date. That too herself.

Well, he does look a lot like-

Naruto shook his head before the thought could finish itself. Instead, he nodded with a smile on his face to hide his shock and... anything else that might have appeared there due to the thought he had just dismissed.

"That's nice. Very nice. I hope you're keeping her happy, y'know! I'll beat you up if you make her cry-"

"Aww, Naruto. I can't believe you care so much about me."

Naruto startled for the third time that day, clutching his heart like an old man.

"What the-Ino!"

There stood the woman with her arm now straddling her boyfriend's and a cheerful grin painting her face.

"But you don't need to worry, darling. He's treating me completely right!", Naruto laughed slightly when the woman rubbed her head against Sai's shoulder, "And I'll also make sure to tell you if something happens! But wait-What will you be able to do from Italy, huh? You seem to forget everyone when you go there."

"Oh come on. Not this again."

Naruto rolled his eyes, realizing he would have to endure this as long as he was here. Straddling his arm as well, Ino pulled the both men to their table where Sakura was yelling at Lee about something while Shikamaru looked like he would give his entire wealth to go home and sleep.

Too busy among the chaos, the blond didn't notice black eyes following him, analyzing his every move, before turning away.

"I'll see to everything, dad. You both can go home."

"Oh sweetie. You have grown so much, I can't believe it."

"Yeah, yeah, now go please."

With much difficulty, Naruto convinced Kakashi and Iruka to leave after all the guests, assuring them that he would wrap up everything there. If it was someone else, he probably would have cringed but the emotional exchanges he had with his Iruka were somehow tolerable.

After waving the both goodbye, he turned around, barely missing an edge of a chair as the worker carrying it apologized before moving forward. The tables were upturned and the manager was moving about telling everyone to place things in their positions. The man only looked his way once, giving a polite nod before going back to his work. Realizing that his presence was only a hindrance, he decided to leave for now.

After walking outside, the warmth of summer hit him, softened by clouds dispersed in the sky. Going down the stairs, he went to his right and leaned against the wall, breathing in deeply before exhaling. Opening his eyes, Naruto admired the calm weather and the clouds in motion, but then, noticing a figure from his peripheral vision, his head instantly turned.

The blond stared for several moments, completely still but wary nevertheless, until, a scoff left him, his eyes shifting to the sky once again.

"Was it you? The one who was watching me in there the entire time?"

"You're rather observant, Uzumaki-san. Impressive, indeed."

A deep voice resounded in the empty area, followed by a shout from the manager announcing that everything was wrapped up and they could talk. Nodding with a smile once again at the man, Naruto turned to look at the road ahead of him now. Silence spread around the both until the other spoke once more,

"Do you know me, Naruto-kun?"

The blond let out a dry laugh at the ridiculous question, before looking over at the man, now fully taking him in.

He had casual clothes on; a white shirt with black pants and coat, perfect for today's event. Despite the simple clothing, he looked elegant, almost regal. His hair were tied in a ponytail, going down to his back, Naruto presumed, and there was an engagement ring on his ring finger.

However, the most prominent part were his features. They were sharp, yet soft. His skin smooth along with healthy lashed and his eyes as dark as his hair. He looked so similar to another, very familiar, Uchiha. So much that, for a joking moment, Naruto almost thought it was truly that bastard.

But no.

This was not him.

This was the world renowned Uchiha Itachi, the current General of Japan.

"What makes you come here, General?"

Itachi observed him for a moment, smirking slightly at the feigned respect the blond showed, before looking away.

"May I take some minutes of your time, Naruto-kun?"

The sentence surprised him for a second, because why wouldn't it? Why would the Uchiha Itachi want to speak with him? Then his mind worked and reminded him of the fact that the general probably knows more about him than Naruto does himself, and had been keeping track of him for far longer than the blond ever realized.

Even the thought enraged him and he didn't want more than to walk away but...

Naruto turned to see the man once again, who looked so similar yet so different from his brother. Naruto could swear that if it were up to him, he would have punched the guy, no matter his status, before going about his day. However, he knew that was no way to solve problems. Punching people didn't solve anything for him in the past, so he made the wise decision of agreeing instead.

"Alright, we can go to a nearby Cafe. I can't stay for long since my dad's waiting, though.", Naruto paused, receiving a nod from the other, before continuing, "but you'll have to wait. I have to talk with the management about something and then we'll go. Can you do that, General?"

The look he received from the other was definitely going to help him sleep for the rest of his week. Making the General of Japan wait for him was something he never thought he would do, therefore, there was no way Naruto would let such an opportunity slip by. Especially when the man's face completely emphasized that it had always been him making everyone wait his entire life. Not paying much mind, Naruto turned around with a satisfied smile and called for the manager.

The Cafe was scarcely populated with only one or two tables occupied. It was a normal go-to place where employees would choose to go for a quick coffee and that was perfect for the person who was sitting across from him at that moment.

After sitting at a table by a nearby window, the both ordered their drinks. Thankfully, the waitress didn't pay much attention to them and no one else seemed to be looking their way as well so it was tolerable.

Taking a sip of his latte, Naruto looked into the other's eyes once again, so different from the ones he was used to, before steeling his own gaze.

"So? What do you want to talk about?"

Itachi also looked up, a calmness surrounding him as if he was used to everything going his way. He searched Naruto's face for any signs of hesitation or fear, and nodded to himself upon finding none.

"If that's how it is, then I will go straight to the point. Do you blame Sasuke?"

The name sounded so raw, hearing it directly from someone. Trying to mask his racing heart, Naruto instead focused on the conversation, his face not giving anything away.

"For what?"

Itachi stayed quiet for a moment, aware of the fact that the both of them knew what he was talking about.

Did he blame Sasuke for using him like that? Then leaving him as if Naruto never meant anything to him?

The real question was: Shouldn't he?

"Haa... I knew you would. And it's natural to do so. I'm sure anyone in your position would have done so. However...", the man looked him straight in the eye with nothing but sincerity, surprising him, "I want you to know that my brother did everything on orders. From his General."

The blond scoffed at the remark. He never expected the man to be someone who would defend another's unfairness, but then again, this was Itachi's brother. The older man frowned slightly before realizing what Naruto was thinking.

"I expected that you would take it that way, but there is something else I have to tell you. Hearing that might lead to a change of heart."

As frustrating as everything seemed to be right then, his curiosity was greater. Making sure that Itachi knew his guard was up, the blond pretended to think for several seconds before nodding reluctantly.

"Be quick."

"As you wish. However, we will have to go back three years for this."

Flashback

The night Sasuke left the Nara Mansion

Itachi sat on his desk, now slightly less suffocated from all the papers he had been dealing with since all morning. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock, helping him keep track of time. The otherwise silence in the room, however, made it possible for him to hear footsteps reaching closer before stopping in front of his door.

'Did he find out already?'

Was Itachi's first thought, confirmed when the door opened without any knocks, revealing his younger brother with a dark aura surrounding him. Before Itachi could welcome him, Sasuke took a few more steps until he was in front of his desk, looking up at him with a accusation.

"Naruto was kidnapped. Did you know?"

Itachi only remained silent, further confirming his brother's suspicions. Sasuke's hands clenched into fists, the gesture not going unnoticed by the older man, and his body seemed to be as hard as a stone.

"Why didn't you tell me-", Sasuke halted, his eyes flashing red as he glared at him with wide eyes.

"Wait... Did you know this was going to happen? Did you set him up? Was that your plan!?"

"Sasuke, you're make baseless claims. I need you to calm down."

"Calm down!?", Itachi startled when the other threw a chair, hitting the wall. It was the first time he had seen Sasuke act that way towards him. Although he always acted childish in front of him, such a tantrum was not something Itachi had ever witnessed. Or maybe it wasn't a tantrum at all. "How do you expect me to be calm when Naruto is laying there, covered in bruises, DAMMIT!"

"Sasuke."

Hearing the uncharacteristically strict tone of voice from his brother, Sasuke quieted down a bit, his breaths still heavy and hands still tightened into fists. Several moments passed in which the both of them processed the situation until the younger man broke the silence,

"I have the files."

Itachi's eyes grew wide, clearly not expecting to hear that.

"Since whe-"

"But I have conditions."

The ticking of the clock grew louder as Itachi narrowed his eyes at the remark.

"You do know you could be detained for holding information required by the military, Sasuke, don't you?"

Sasuke looked at him, completely aware of what he was doing and not an ounce of hesitation behind his eyes. His otouto was making it pretty clear that he couldn't care less about what happened to him.

"You can detain me...", he looked towards the window overlooking the city, "And never get the 'Kyuubi'.", after several moments of sightseeing, he turned to look at him, his face holding a smirk, "I'm the only one who knows where they are."

Itachi took his time to assess the situation. As far as he knew his brother, Sasuke could be very stubborn at times, and it seemed like this was one of those times. There was no doubt that he would stay silent even if he was tortured. On the other hand, all Itachi had to do to get his hands on the 'Kyuubi' was accept his brother's 'conditions', whatever they were.

Realizing that he didn't have much of a choice, a sigh left him. His brother had truly grown up to have been able to play even him.

"Speak."

A satisfied look made its way onto Sasuke's face as he walked towards him until they were right across from each other, placing his hands on either sides of the table.

"There are two.", Itachi stayed silent, nodding for the other to continue, "Firstly, Naruto will not be involved in these matters anymore."

'Of course'

Was the only thing that came to his mind.

"You do know Naruto's testimony regarding his kidnapping could put Danzo and his accomplices in further danger and even increase their sentences."

"He will not be involved. Is that understood?"

Itachi stared into his brother's eyes, who did not have any intentions whatsoever to stray from his decision, before sighing in defeat.

"And the second?"

This time, his brother straightened up and left to look out of the window once again. He didn't speak for a while, making Itachi frown.

"Sasuke?"

"I... will leave the force. After all of this is taken care of."

The condition didn't surprise Itachi as much as it should have. Despite his excellent performance, the older man had noticed long ago that his brother was only in it for revenge. Besides, it was his life so there was no reason for Itachi to pry into what he did.

"I see. Consider it done."

Sasuke shifted his gaze towards him, probably not expecting such acquiescence, making Itachi smile slightly.

In the end, he was his otouto.

"Alright then, I'll leave."

Following his brother with his eyes, Itachi noticed the dried up blood on his hands, definitely someone else's since there was no injury. Then he remembered Sasuke's outburst and his demand concerning Naruto replayed in his mind.

'Foolish brother. You had gotten involved a long time ago, it seems...'

Present

The already silent Cafe seemed to have grown quieter, as Naruto tried to process the information. His mind spiralled, not sure of what to make of what he had just heard.

Why did Sasuke ask Itachi to not get him involved?

It was a stupid question. Of course it was to protect him.

But why?

And why was he only finding out now?

Why didn't Sasuke say anything about that and leave like a coward?

"Why now...?"

The question left his lips in a whisper, only loud enough for Itachi to hear, who was scrutinizing him up till then.

"Well, I never had the opportunity to tell you before. Therefore, when I saw you at the event, which I was obviously aware you would be at, the situation seemed suitable enough to discuss it."

A dry laugh escaped the blond, "You expect me to believe that? If you wanted to you could have told me, y'know!"

The volume seemed to have increased in the almost empty place, yet Naruto could care less, his blues glaring intensely at the other. Itachi, inturn, did not even flinch, silently analyzing him before a smile made it's way onto his face. Not a nice one. One that made the blond shiver.

"If I'm being completely honest, I refrained from speaking about it so you wouldn't bother my brother and to respect his wishes. After all, it was Sasuke who began avoiding you, wasn't it?", Naruto remained silent, still processing the sudden change in the man's demeanor, while Itachi only nodded, not bothering to explain, "Alright, now that I've said my part, I shall take my leave. Goodbye, Uzumaki-san."

Although the remark about the bastard was bitter, and his ego advised otherwise, Naruto decided to ignore all of that. He had much more important matters to discuss at hand.

"Wait!"

Itachi halted before he could stand, seemingly confused that the blond was still reaching out to him.

"Yes?"

"The files. Is everything sorted now? What happened when you got your hands on them?"

Naruto knew that it was stupid to ask such questions since that was extremely confidential information. However, it was him who handed in the 'Kyuubi' after all, so... He deserved to know that for his peace of mind. To his pleasure, Itachi probably also thought the same as he only considered his words for a moment before nodding.

"Haa... It was not too easy even after we were handed the files.", Itachi paused, noticing the blond widening his eyes while looking around, "Are you alright, Uzumaki-san?"

Naruto leaned over so no one could overhear them despite there only being three other customers in tables far from their own.

"Aren't you scared someone will hear you?"

The question caught him off-guard, causing him to stare at Naruto for a while to confirm that he was actually asking it. The blond was genuinely concerned about that, with his brows creased in worry.

"Uzumaki-san..."

"Wh-what? Why are you smiling?"

"I am the General, remember? I hold the power."

It took a moment for Naruto to realize that that was, in fact, true, leading to him shutting his mouth for the rest of the time Itachi spoke after out of embarrassment. If he wasn't so used to staying out of unnecessary relations, Itachi may have even thought of Naruto as... Cute. If that was the right word.

No wonder Sasuke was so angry...

"Anyways, the files had evidence but we needed to form plans for the future and decide on substitute leaders after the criminals in the 'Kyuubi' would be arrested. That caused the delay in releasing them. After that, arresting the people was the critical issue and we soon realized why we were waiting for these files for so long. They used every influence to escape from court, so it took a while to prosecute each and everyone. However, as Sasuke said in our closing conference related to this matter, all the criminals mentioned in the 'Kyuubi' are now facing sentences for their crimes according to Japan's law."

Up till then, Naruto was only nodding. However, the mention of the raven at then made him stop, his hesitant gaze shifting towards the older man.

"By the way... Do you know why Sasuke-"

"Left the force? Unfortunately, he didn't give me any specific reason."

The blond deflated, disappointed with the answer, which Itachi noticed, of course. 

"However...", a small smile made its way to his face upon witnessing the sudden shift in the blond's posture and his eyes suddenly brighter with hope, barely holding his laugh in.

"Yes?"

Itachi averted his gaze, trying not to seem too amused, "Today is our parent's death anniversary."

He paused for a moment, Naruto also solemnly uttering a 'sorry' at the unexpected confession.

"Oh, there's no need. Anyways, they were buried at the same cemetery as your parents, as I'm sure you are aware of...", in an attempt to ward off the accumulating tension in the air, Naruto nodded, gesturing for Itachi to continue. "He goes there around dusk. I suppose today will be no exception."

It took several moments for Naruto to understand where the man was going with this, and if he was honest with himself, the realization didn't seem too appealing. However, there was nothing else the older Uchiha could do for him so Naruto just helplessly took a sip from his drink before turning to look at the moderately populated street and the darkening weather.

"... It's going to rain soon..."

"I'm sorry? Did you say something?"

The blond only shook his head, glancing at the apartments and peaceful shops nearby, while Itachi nodded at him once before standing up to leave.

"It was nice meeting you, Uzumaki-san."

The blond stared at the hand ahead of him for several seconds, lost in thought, before realizing that Itachi was waiting.

"Ah, yes. You too..."

Their hands stayed in the same position, both of them scrutinizing each other like hunters with their prey, until Itachi decided to let go. However, his eyes grew slightly in size when the blond tightened his hold around his hand. Turning to look over the man, he was met with a cheerful smile, contradicting the disdainful look in Naruto's eyes. If it weren't for Itachi's experience with hypocrites, he would have thought the man was being nice.

"By the way, as much of a bastard he is, Sasuke deserves a better brother than you, but then again...", the blond paused to look over Itachi, his eyes narrowing for a moment before shifting to the street on his right, his hand letting go of the other's, "I suppose it could have been worse..."

Itachi stared for a while, not able to decide what to say, until a scoff escaped him instead. Shaking his head, he left for the exit, nothing but approval in his eyes.

You have interesting taste, otouto.

*

The sky had grown darker, the smell of rain getting closer by the second as the leaves rustled incessantly. The silence was only broken by a sudden drop falling on the soil beside him. Then a drop on his shoulder. Slowly, the rain enveloped the entire cemetery, a heavy shower but not strong enough to move Sasuke.

He sat in front of his mom's grave, balanced on his heels while his hands scraped across her name, the remnants of dust sticking on his fingertips. His coat was now soaked from the raindrops, the noise as they fell deafening in the silence of the cemetery. Just then, a pair of footsteps obstructed the pattern, moving closer by the minute. Sasuke stayed still, calm but alert, until the rain that had soaked him to the bone till then suddenly halted.

No, it did not stop.

Subsequently, Sasuke noticed a figure standing beside him, unmoving, like a pillar. Or maybe a warm cup of coffee in a winter morning. Or a melody sung in the darkest of nights when fate leaves you alone.

On instinct, his head turned to look up at the intruder and everything came to a stop.

The sound of the rain pattering on the soil and stone of the graves seemed to have slowed. The leaves seemed to have begun rustling even louder than before and the texture of dirt on his fingertips felt more prominent, as his eyes were blessed by the sight of Naruto's face and his ocean blue eyes staring into his own.

The situation seemed surreal yet awfully similar. Something from the past... like Deja Vu. However, the roles were reversed and instead of Sasuke holding the umbrella, it was now Naruto standing before him, like both a dream and a nightmare. Sasuke couldn't believe anything at that moment. He couldn't decide whether what he was seeing was actually there or it was all a part of his imagination.

"Are these your parents? I should pay my respects to them."

While Sasuke was lost in the battle of differentiating between dream and reality, Naruto walked around him, careful not to let the umbrella move to expose him to the rain. His eyes followed the blond as he sat beside him, his hands joined in prayer and eyes shut tight as he talked to his parents like he had done so countless times.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Uchiha. My name is Uzumaki Naruto, y'know. I'm also the son of your friends, Minato and Kushina.", his eyes had now opened to reveal clear blues with no sign of anger or irritation, only respect one would show a late friend of their parent.

"I also know your son...", the blond trailed off, lost in thought, before shaking his head and shutting his eyes again. All the while, Sasuke kept wondering what in the hell was going on.

"Anyways, I am very grateful for everything you did for my parents. Thank you very much, y'know!"

With that said, he bowed just as quickly as he stood up and walked around Sasuke to step towards the exit. The raven was still rooted to his place, until Naruto looked back once again, his head tilted while staring at him like he was the one being strange.

"Aren't you coming?"

Before Sasuke could reply, Naruto was already moving, his gait calm and coat fluttering while the rain pattered on him. That's when Sasuke's senses came back to him, making him realize that he had the blond's umbrella. Only the thought of Naruto getting a cold after getting soaked in the downpour was enough to make him stand up and run besides the blond, the umbrella now over the both of them. Although the situation seemed unreal, Sasuke still didn't say anything, choosing to silently follow the other while quietly leaning the umbrella towards the blond.

"Oh, did you find him?"

Sasuke looked up, hearing the elderly voice to find the familiar caretaker, looking towards the both of them before setting his eyes on Naruto, a soft smile on his face, making the Uchiha narrow his orbs.

Why is he-

"Yes, I did! Thank you so much, Tom. Also, it was really nice seeing you again, y'know!"

"Oh no, no! This old man is humbled that you remembered him. Just remember to take care of you, alright? You too, Mr. Uchiha."

Sasuke stiffened, expecting to hear something related to the 'Kyuubi' again, but he was only met with a sincere smile before the man offered Naruto his farewell, going back to his cabin in the distance.

"Haa...", he looked down to his right to find Naruto observing the sky with creased brows, yet a strange calmness in his eyes. Like the calm before the storm, "Seems like it's going to rain for a while."

That was the last thing Naruto said before walking forward, expecting Sasuke to follow him without questions.

Which he was doing.

Somethings never change, he thought before moving.

The Cafe bell rang, signalling their entrance, as both men walked inside, leaving a muddy trail behind. Naruto looked at the only staff present apologetically for the mess before going to take a seat at the familiar table by the window. The space was the same as three years, the similar lack of people and peace as the rain pattered on the glass of the windows.

Sasuke sat across from him, his mind replaying moments from three years ago while glancing at Naruto staring out the window, trying to understand what the blond was trying to do. His chain of thoughts was interrupted when the waitress reached their table in a flash.

"Welcome to Bella's! What can I get you gentlemen?"

Her stretched smile faltered upon shifting from Naruto to the man across from him, eyes growing wide.

"Wait... You're Uchiha Sasuke, aren't you!? Wow... I can't believe I'm seeing you in person. Thank you so much for bringing justice to all those criminals, Mr. Uchiha!"

Sasuke frowned at the fawning, his glare hardening when Naruto chuckled on his face.

"Can we just order?"

The sharp tone cut the woman off, causing her to apologize and immediately straighten.

"A black coffee."

"And you, Sir?"

Naruto, who was still focused at something outside the window, blinked up at the woman. A smile spread across his face as he uttered, "Latte. Thanks.", before shifting his eyes to the horizon.

Following his gaze, Sasuke noticed that he was looking at a tree. Specifically, a nest on a tree.

"You didn't order black coffee this time."

"Hmm... Would you rather I still be stuck on Neji?"

The question was simple, yet even the slightest possibility of Naruto being hung over another man made his insides churn, so he just continued staring at the nest that was barely holding on in the downpour.

"I guess the birds built it again. Seems to be stronger this time..."

"Experiences make people stronger... and wiser."

Naruto hummed at the reply, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the noise of the rain pattering on the glass. Meanwhile, Sasuke's gaze shifted to the blond, the unusual calm feeling uneasy in the silence. He opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. But before a word could escape his lips, the waitress emerged once again, the sound of cups hitting the table interrupting their solitude.

Naruto opened his eyes and thanked her cheerfully before holding the cup in his hands while Sasuke stared at his own pale reflection on the liquid in his mug. Then his eyes once again scanned Naruto, while he sipped his coffee. The blond hadn't changed much. It seemed like he had gotten a haircut, some of the blond strands danced in front of his face while his hair were tried in a half ponytail. There were slight eye bags under his eyes, but now that he observed closely after Naruto had took off his soaked light brown coat, he looked to be healthy. Nodding to himself with approval, Sasuke took the last sip of his coffee before setting it down.

The blond seemed to have finished too as he stood up, stretching his arms before wearing his coat. The rain had stopped in the midst of their drinks and all that remained were the droplets, staining the glass, dripping down the leaves of nearby trees to fall on the wet street. Putting his hands in the pockets of his coat, Naruto turned around but halted in his steps, suddenly tilting his head towards him, his grin wide and eyes knowing.

"You'll pay, won't you? Make sure to catch up with me!"

With that, Naruto was out the door, leaving behind a dumbfounded Sasuke.

He hasn't changed at all...

Despite his disapproval at the blond's behaviour of not paying for his things, his lips still twitched slightly as he placed the bills on the table before naturally following behind.

The night had set in, the sky now a mixture of stars and the crescent moon lit up by the darkness surrounding them. Naruto hadn't walked too far and soon they were both strolling in the night, side by side, the only witnesses to them the blinking street lamps here and there. The society seemed to be almost abandoned as not a single vehicle passed them by.

The silence only made it more difficult for Sasuke, as he stared at the blond's back, still unaware of what he was trying to do. Only when the main road and moving cars a bit further away flowed into his vision did his steps halt, an exhausted sigh leaving him.

"What are you doing here?"

The blond kept on walking, focusing on the flowers nearby.

"Naruto."

That made him stop.

A sigh escaped Naruto as well, however this one seemed defeated like he knew he couldn't stay quiet any longer. He finally turned back, his eyes bright despite the darkness, yet they held a slight despair in them. Or perhaps disappointment. Sasuke couldn't differ.

Naruto stared at him with that gaze for several moments, before starting in a low voice.

"It's been three years, Sasuke.", it was nothing more than a whisper, yet the words were heavy enough to land on his chest, "Three years, you bastard. And that's all you have to say to me? No 'How have you been?' or 'What have I been doing?' ?"

Each word was spoken with accusation, each step the blond took towards him, a sentence.

With much difficulty, Sasuke tried to keep his voice steady,

"I never asked you to visit me in the first place. There was no reason for you expect that from me."

"Ha! Of course...", the blond was now only a few inches apart, his hurtful gaze fixed on the raven, "You never wanted to see me. Because we are too different, aren't we?", Naruto's tone became bitter by the second while Sasuke tried his best to remain calm, "I mean, look at our financial and social differences, right!?", his own words played in the Uchiha's mind from three years back, his chest tightening, "You were only protecting me to return a favor, huh!?" Naruto's voice now echoed in the empty street, his finger pointing at Sasuke, like an angry child, "That's all it was for? Really? Of course it was! Why would Uchiha Sasuke tolerate a lowlife like me for any other reason, am I right!?"

 After all his clustered thoughts flooded the empty street, Naruto finally stopped, his breaths heavy and aching, like Sasuke's own self, who just stood there. Still. Helpless. Soon, the blond shifted his eyes to his once more, clutching onto his collar with his gaze now filled with genuine curiosity and pain, deep, agonizing pain that travelled through Sasuke's soul,

"Did I really mean nothing to you, Sasuke?"

Despite the chaos unfolding inside him, all Sasuke could do was stand still, his hands clenching on his sides as he turned his head away from the man who had always affected him so brutally. The next time he spoke, he wasn't sure his voice was strong enough to convince even himself,

"I never asked you to trust me."

Another scoff escaped Naruto, his hands loosening on the collar of his coat, but not letting go completely. Several seconds passed in silence. Seconds that felt like eternity in which Sasuke kept staring at a distant street light while Naruto's head remained bowed.

"You asked what I'm doing here, right?"

The raven blinked, surprised by the sudden lucidity in the other's voice. However, his surprise soon turned into shock as a rock hard fist connected with his left cheek, his body staggering back.

"Couldn't do that last time..."

"Have you lost your-"

"But that's not all..."

Before he could finish his words, Sasuke's body freezed completely, caught off guard by the warmth he felt around him. His eyes looked down to witness a nest of half wet blond hair, while tan hands wrapped around him like a lifeline. The slight horns of cars driving in the distance, sound produced from the repeatedly blinking street lights, the coldness and despair he felt in his heart, everything felt far away. All that remained was him and the most unpredictable man he had ever met.

"Itachi told me everything... ", that made the Uchiha's eyes widen, but his previous shock was too big to make a move, "You really didn't have to do all that, y'know. It was suspicious when no one asked me about the kidnapping and... I just... I will forever be grateful to you for that, Sasuke."

Sasuke's chest tightened by something he could not name. He wasn't aware of how long they stood like that and just as he found the courage to hold the blond's waist, the idiot pulled back, his face holding a sincere smile, devoid of any bitterness from just a few moments ago.

"But that's not all, y'know. I thought about it these past years and... I think you had every right to look for the evidence of your parent's death.", Sasuke didn't want to talk about that, "The fact is... I don't blame you at all. I was just... angry? I guess.", the blond tilted his head, his brows creased in focus, then eventually shook his head, "Anyways, the reason I wanted to meet you is because... I didn't like the way we ended things last time."

Sasuke almost laughed at the words. 'Ended things'. What things? Did they have something? He had no idea and it seemed like neither did Naruto. But it also seemed like Naruto didn't spend three years wondering about that like he did. In fact, the blond held an infuriatingly light smile, like it was all so easy to him. And perhaps it was...

Perhaps it was.

"I just thought you were too much of an important person to me to let go of in such a way."

Why did he do that, then? Why say things like that if everything was so easy to him.

"Besides, I'm leaving Japan in two days. My contract with Jiraiya as an apprentice is about to end so I'll have to do some independent displays and I'll be pretty busy. I don't think I'll be returning any time soon, especially since dad and Kakashi's leaving for the States, so...", the blond kept looking anywhere but him, as if guilty of something.

But what could he be guilty of? None of what he was doing was wrong. He was only the victim of Sasuke's unknown feelings.

At last, Naruto's ocean blue eyes met his, something incomprehensibly lonely in them. Like grief. Like mourning the loss of someone who had not yet even passed away. Or maybe it was Sasuke's reflection staring back at him. Naruto's mouth opened and stayed that way, as if to say something else, but the blond chose to end their conversation with,

"Good bye, Sasuke. Take care..."

Before Sasuke could process his words, he was met with Naruto's back, his coat flowing with the wind. Sasuke watched as he walked further away, panic suddenly rising in his chest.

No.

He stared on, waiting for something, anything, to happen.

Please.

Any sign.

Look back. Look back. Look back-

Sasuke's thoughts halted, his mind going blank as he was once again met with familiar blue eyes, now at a distance. Naruto's head was tilted just enough to show his face, something unreadable written across it in a language Sasuke would have given anything to understand. It was for a moment, then a quick smile, and it was gone.

Naruto faced the busy street once again. He didn't know why he looked back, what he was expecting, but it was clearly not the sudden sound of footsteps, splashing on the wet street, moving closer by the second. Before he could figure out what that was, Naruto's elbow was held tightly, but not harshly,

"Wait!"

Was all he could hear, until a wall hit his back, the strength of it light enough to avoid any pain from reaching his back.

"What the-"

Opening his eyes, the blond was met by a sight he never would have imagined in any lifetime. Sasuke stood before him, his head bowed as his heavy breaths echoed in the silent street, along with Naruto's own. Both his shoulders were pinned to the wall, the grip strong enough to disable his movements but not enough to hurt. Stuck between the wall and an unusual Sasuke, he tried to remain as calm as possible. An eternity passed in the quiet of the street, now interrupted by vehicles that were closer, every now and then.

"...Sasuke...?"

"Do you really have to go?"

The blond stopped, the question catching him off-guard,

"Uh, yeah. I mean, my contract's about to end and I have a whole career ahead-"

"Then... Can't I go with you?"

"Huh?"

Naruto's eyes were wide as saucers, his mind blank upon witnessing the desperation in Sasuke's gaze as he looked down at him.

"Wh-I-HUH!?"

"Do you feel uncomfortable around me?"

What in the hell?

"N-no! Where'd you get that idea!?"

Just as he opened his mouth, Sasuke's eyes suddenly focused on his neck. The way he stared was enough to concern anyone, especially when a spark entered his eyes. The raven's right hand moved from his shoulder, travelling from his arm, to grab Naruto's trembling fingers. His determined dark eyes were fixed on Naruto, all the plea from earlier gone, replaced by an alerting boldness.

"Sa-"

Naruto choked on his words as the raven brought his hand upwards, pressing his soft lips on his knuckles before staring into his soul with alarming intensity, sending a shiver down Naruto's spine, while he argued whether the reason was the touch of those cold lips or his the intimacy of his gaze.

"Naruto..."

"Y-yes?", the blond scolded himself mentally for stuttering like a child.

"Will you let me protect you and stay by your side until I take my last breath?"

Naruto could have all but fainted right there if it weren't Sasuke's hold on him, acting as a lifeline. Because what the hell did he just hear!?

"H-hey... Are you joking or something? If you are then-"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed into slits, clearly upset with the question before another switch seemed to turn on in his mind, a ghost of a smirk present on his face, "Naruto, are we on joking terms?"

The blond frowned, "What?"

"I want you to look at me...", their faces were inches apart, their warm breaths mingling, mixed with the cool night air, "and tell me if you think I would joke about protecting a man's life."

Naruto blinked, too distracted by their proximity, before realization suddenly hit him.

Wait, that's...

That was the same thing Sasuke had said to him on their first meeting. The same sentence that had made Naruto stay. And that now seemed to be painting his face a red that could rival a tomato. Naruto stared with wide eyes at the audacity of the other as he looked at him innocently, like he hadn't done a thing!

"Ahem, Well... I mean it's your choice, y'know.", Naruto tried to move back but the damn wall was in his way!, "b-but! I won't pay for anything, y'know! I'm not successful enough to f-feed and clothe another person so...", he definitely looked like an idiot right then, shifting his gaze anywhere but to the man in front of him. Feeling his chest burning up, he snatched his hands away from Sasuke's light grasp before escaping from the position.

"Anyways! Let's go to that bar I usually frequent since it's so hot today. Why is it so hot today despite all the rain, seriously?" Naruto whispered the last words to himself trying to get away from the overwhelming presence of the other. However, as he walked forward, Naruto realized that Sasuke was not following.

The blond looked back to find the other standing still, looking... hurt?

"Is that a no?"

The sultry voice from before changed into a deeper one, no anger in it. No shame. Just defeat. He blinked, confuse by the sudden transformation before the raven's question replayed in his mind, realization hitting him like a brick.

You idiot.

Huffing, Naruto stepped towards the other, taking his hand in his own, before continuing his walk towards the busy road as if nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, Sasuke stared dazedly at their entwined hands, before looking to find the energetic blond practically skipping forward, his hair flowing with the cool breeze.

Why did he say it was hot? It's pretty cool today...

However, such thoughts didn't matter to him. Sasuke could only stare at Naruto's back, his heart hammering in his chest as he tried to figure out whether it was all a beautiful dream and he would wake up soon. Yet, when the blond's hold tightened on his hand, Sasuke knew that no dream could ever come close to making him feel what he was right then. In that moment, nothing mattered to him except the sunflower laughing in front of him as the wind blew past, carrying all their pain with it.

"Sasuke. Are you drunk?"

"I am not."

Naruto barely stopped himself from cracking a laugh after witnessing the raven practically hit his forehead against the table.

"You'll hurt yourself, y'know."

They were accompanied by the clinking of glasses and chatter of people here and there. The drinks aside, Naruto also liked this bar for the fact that it was quiet and most of the people were regulars. No one paid anyone any mind and drank the night away in their own thoughts and talks.

Several moments passed by and no one spoke. Naruto almost thought that the raven was asleep, but just as he moved his hand to shake him-

"You said you meant nothing to me..."

Naruto blinked, surprised by the sudden mention of his own statement from before.

"What?"

The blond stared blankly for another few seconds as Sasuke refused to say anything. Just as he was about to give up and turn to ask the bartender for another drink, Sasuke set his head on his arm to cushion the effect from the solid counter, his gaze firmly set on Naruto, something behind them. Something that made the blond go still, his mouth shut and his eyes widen.

"I haven't slept in peace for so long."

Naruto couldn't bring himself to look away.

"Every night, I wondered what would have happened if I had stopped you. Explained everything."

The blond's hands clenched over the counter until his nails were biting his palms, almost turning away but halted entirely when he felt another hand on his own. Cold, but warm.

"Naruto. You thought you meant nothing to me, didn't you?", the blond nodded subconsciously, completely dazed by the sight in front of him, "Haa... You are the world I exist in. Then how could you mean nothing to me, Usuratonkachi?"

It felt as if electricity was passing through him, somehow making him feel pain and pleasure at the same time. He never thought he would hear that name for himself from Sasuke's mouth again, and it was sorrowful. Which was weird, because he considered that an insult. Yet, the way Sasuke called him it, the blond felt he could live being 'Usuratonkachi' for the rest of his life. Barely keeping himself afloat, Naruto managed to look in front of him, a scoff escaping him while his head stayed bowed.

"I guess the Uchiha really are very poetic, huh? Wonder why that always happens when they're drinking...", however, the blush creeping up his neck suggested that he found none of that funny.

"Still, if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you again. I would let you go."

"Don't."

"Hn?"

The blond shifted his hardened gaze at the other, his hand tightening around Sasuke's,

"You said you would protect me, won't you?", Sasuke nodded, "Then don't hide anything from me again. Don't leave me like that again, either."

Sasuke stared blankly, and the lack of reply gnawed at the blond's nerves.

"You promise, right?"

Another quiet pause during which, everything became louder. The laughter of someone nearby, the glasses meeting each other, the experienced footsteps of the bartender as he served someone a drink. Every sound increased in volume , yet Naruto just stared on with hopeful eyes.

"Sasuke?"

"Hn, Promise."

"Really?"

But before he could confirm, Sasuke was already out cold.

"Sasuke? Hey!"

Naruto shook the man but to no avail. Realizing he had no choice, the blond paid for the drinks, before standing up to leave. The most difficult part was to move the raven to the main road. Somehow straightening him, Naruto put his arm around his waist while Sasuke's went around his neck.

"Man, why are you so heavy, huh!? Stop leaning on me, you giant!"

With much effort, Naruto brought the both of them to the busy road and called over a taxi. Then he looked over at the raven once more.

I can't let him go alone...

Opening the door to the backseat, Naruto practically threw the man inside before entering himself.

"Huff! I'm never letting you drink again, y'know!"

The blond looked at the other to find him sound asleep, his pale face lit up by the moonlight and the lashes forming shadows under his eyes. His face looked so peaceful that Naruto couldn't bring himself to look away.

"Where to?"

Startled by the question, Naruto looked at the driver embarrassingly, telling him Sasuke's address before sitting back and looking out of the window. Just as he had thought he had escaped, the Uchiha leaned on his shoulder, his hand now on Naruto's own. In the silence of the car, Naruto was afraid that his heartbeat would start echoing loud enough for the driver to hear.

"Bastard..."

*

The first thing that woke Naruto up was the criminal amount of sunlight pouring on his face like he was a plant. Squinting, the blond adjusted to the brightness before taking in his surroundings, which was the second big thing that led to him sitting up instantly.

What the hell?

Thanks to his sobriety last night he remembered clearly that he had slept on the couch in the living room because, first, he was too tired to go back home, and second, he couldn't just leave Sasuke alone like that. All that drinking was going to get him a sever headache, definitely.

So what was he doing there again?

Removing the blanket, Naruto stood up and looked around the room. It was different from the one he had slept in last time, although, just as lame and boring. The shelf was placed on the right, the room a combination of navy blue and white and as he walked further, he noticed another door which the blond assumed led to the bathroom, that was currently in use, if the sound of water running was any indication.

Clearing his throat, Naruto turned to walk outside. As he opened the door, rubbing his eyes, the familiar sight of Sasuke's penthouse came into view. Everything was the same, from the kitchen to the view outside the city. Maybe a few new buildings here and there but, nothing special.

"Move aside."

"Ah!"

Naruto jumped while rubbing his ear where Sasuke had whispered, before turning to meet a drained Uchiha, standing there waiting with a bored expression on his face. Droplets of water fell from his surprisingly settled hair despite being wet, trailing down his neck. The raised brow from the other followed by a knowing smirk interrupted the blond's shameless scrutiny, who immediately turned to walk outside.

"W-was it you?"

"Hn?"

"Did you transfer me to your bed?", Naruto noticed the other moving towards the fridge, probably for water, before looking around until his steps halted.

"Hn. You were about to fall o-"

"Sasuke."

There was no reply. Probably because Sasuke's gaze was now also fixed on the same object as Naruto. Not a normal object. A painting. One that the blond was greatly familiar with.

"Where did you get this...?"

It was a whisper, only loud to travel between each other. Several moments passed in silence. Then,

"I bought it."

"From where?"

The lack of reply answered his question. In a state of shock, he turned to look at the raven, standing a few feet away, his eyes filled with emotion. At that moment, Naruto could feel everything at once.

"You came to my graduation."

It was not a question. Naruto could only notice Sasuke's's ears tinting red, before the man turned away, clearing his throat. It was difficult to see his face due to the bandaid on his left cheek, however, the blond was sure there was a blush hidden under it.

"... I promised."

Sasuke staggered back by the sudden force of the blond, barely keeping himself from falling. Holding Naruto's waist to balance them both, his back hit the counter as the blond's voice echoed in the silence, muffled by his shoulder.

"I don't know what to say..."

As the shock wore off, the Uchiha closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the other in his arms, trying to convince himself that it was real. As the moments passed by and Naruto's shadow didn't fade, the thought turned into belief and his heart felt lighter.

"You don't need to say anything."

No one counted how much time passed, until the blond moved, his blue eyes moist as he rubbed his nose, causing Sasuke to chuckle slightly.

"What are you laughing at, bastard!"

Despite the words, his lips formed a smile of their own, before a sudden moment of realization made him crease his brows, his gaze suddenly very intensely fixed on the other, making the Uchiha raise his brow in question.

"Wait a second... Then, this-", Naruto looked down, pulling a necklace which had been tucked inside his shirt before turning to look at Sasuke once again, "Was it...?"

Naruto had realized by then that whenever Sasuke did not want to say yes to a question, his questions specifically for some reason, he would look away, like right now. It only took a second for the blond to understand and instantly, the entire living room filled with his laughter, as he held his stomach while Sasuke's eye twitched with each passing minute.

"Haa... Oh my God, Sasuke. You do know these necklaces are given to girls by their partners, right?"

The words left his mouth before he could stop them. Only after having said it did realization kick in, causing the both of them to stand in awkward silence. Clearing his throat, the blond went towards the kitchen, pretending to search the fridge while trying to miserably hide his embarrassment.

"I'll do it."

Naruto blinked up at the other, his head tilted in confusion.

"I thought you didn't-"

"I learned it."

Before Naruto could question him further, Sasuke had already begun setting up the things he would need to make whatever he was making.

"Will you eat the omelette or hangover soup?"

"Uh, Omelette..."

The blond stared at the other's back, before shrugging and going to sit at one of the barstools behind the counter. After spectating for a while and observing, very respectfully, Sasuke's movements as he cut up the tomatoes, Naruto was quite impressed. It was definitely not because of the veins he noticed on Sasuke's arm.

Did he have those before?

"Set the table."

"Huh?"

"The table.", Sasuke repeated.

"Oh! Yeah...", the Uchiha glanced at a very lost in thought blond who was searching for the plates in the spices cabinet.

"Naruto."

"What?"

"That one."

Sasuke pointed to the cabinet beside the one the blond opened, confused by the sudden shift in the man, before switching the stove off.

The both sat down to eat with the delicious aroma of soup, tomato and onions roaming in the air. The blond took a bite, squeaking, before telling Sasuke how good it was, making the other smile proudly as he dug into his own meal. The both sat in silence, a comfortable one, the sound of metal clinking their only interruption.

Whilst devouring his food, Naruto suddenly had a realization. Waking up in the morning and seeing Sasuke's face first thing, talking to him, watching him make food for them and waiting together, was nice. Good. Normal.

The thought brought a smile to his face. His mind went back to all the things the man had done for him when he had no need to. Attempting to go against his superior at work, who was also his brother, to protect him, when he didn't have to. Arriving at his graduation, going with him to that stupid Festival, painting with him when the activity was far from his preferences, buying his painting, along with transferring insane amount of money to his account. Naruto almost thought he would go to jail for having that much money.

And then...

The blond clutched the sunflower necklace, trying to ignore his racing heart.

"Are you done?"

"Huh?"

Sasuke pointed to his plate before shifting his gaze to him, waiting for an answer.

"...Sasuke."

The Uchiha blinked, surprised by the solemnity in his voice.

"Yes?"

"Has anyone ever told you they love you?"

The raven stared at the blond upon hearing the question, his brows furrowed.

"...Yes. Too many women for my liking."

If it weren't for the current situation and his chest beating wildly, Naruto might have rolled his eyes at the statement. Instead, he willed his eyes to meet the other's, looking similar to the painting in that living room.

"What if I say it?"

"Hn?"

"Would you mind... If I told you that I love you?"

Sasuke's eyes widened, the surprise visible on his face. The question made everything around him come to a stop, too unexpected and unbelievable to even make him worry about what his face looked like. His mouth opened, yet no words came out, because... What could he say? What was even happening? Did Naruto really say that?

Meanwhile, Naruto watched, his hope draining as every second passed by with Sasuke sitting still with that expression. Not a disgusted one, just... Still.

"Sa-"

"Only if you're joking."

"Huh?"

"... I would mind it only if you're joking about it.", Naruto watched as the Uchiha took a sip of his drink, processing his answer, until he realized what the man was saying, and... He didn't know what it was. The feeling of not being rejected, or accepted for once, or just the fact that the bastard could have easily made fun of him for that before shrugging it off, but didn't. Whatever it was, brought a wave of joy and relief to his heart and soul.

"Haha, I thought we weren't on joking terms. You were the one who said that, y'know."

Naruto was chuckling, but Sasuke didn't find anything amusing. All he could think about was Naruto's words, finding it hard to believe that he wasn't in a dream. It was fascinating. Despite having worked in a field that demanded one to be completely sane, he found himself confused because of a simple man who had turned his reality upside down. But as much as everything seemed to only be a part if his delusions, this was reality, he knew. His and Naruto's reality. His imagination could never capture the beauty of this idiot, who was sitting there with his messy hair and stupid laughter, that somehow always managed to make him smile.

Reality...

"Kakashi is leaving with your dad this afternoon."

The blond shifted his eyes to Sasuke, surprised.

"I didn't know you were still in contact with Kakashi."

"Hn."

"Good. That's nice, I guess. Though, he can be a bit of a pain, y'know.", Naruto's child-like giggle echoed in the living room, clenching the Uchiha's heart.

"Why'd you ask?"

"... May I see them off with you?"

Naruto blinked, more shocked by the way Sasuke asked for permission, rather than the request itself. More so because, with Neji being his first and the brunette's frequent emphasis on keeping things secret, the blond never thought he would ever have the chance to introduce his lover to his dad.

Lover? Is that what Sasuke's to me now?

"Naruto?"

"Huh? Yeah! Sure, I would love that, y'know!"

Sasuke let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, nodding at the answer before pouring more juice into the blond's glass. A small smile played on his face, seeing the other drink it excitedly, before his gaze moved to his neck, specifically, on a certain object around it and the raven frowned.

"By the way, why did you wear that if you didn't know it was from me?"

"Huh?"

Naruto blinked, before following the Uchiha's gaze to find it on the necklace.

"Oh! Well... There was no particular reason. I didn't pay much mind to it."

Sasuke looked him dead in the eye, all pleasantness from before gone.

"So you'll wear anything a stranger gives you?"

"What? But it was you who gave me it!"

"You only found that out today."

"What are you-wait...", Naruto halted his defense, realization dawning upon him, causing him to scoff.

"Are you seriously jealous of yourself right now? What are you, eight?"

"What? That's not it at all.", said Sasuke while avoiding Naruto's eyes.

"What do you mean!? That is it. It was literally you who gave this to me. Oh and by the way, did you think I was your girlfriend or something!? Why would you give me a necklace meant for giving women? It doesn't even look nice on me!"

"Oh, really? That didn't look like the case when you practically jumped on me back there."

"What did you just say!? You want me to punch you again or what!"

And they continued on, as the vehicles outside moved at their pace like they usually did, Tanaka yawning while paying duty in front of the penthouse like he usually did, the woman who sold that necklace which had become the cause of their meaningless argument sneezed somewhere, wondering who was talking about her. Both men's problems were long forgotten, or rather settled in the back of their minds, as they were aware that no matter what happened, they were by each other's side. One protecting the other, while that 'other' provided him the happiness no one else had ever been able to. The normalcy of life Sasuke thought he would never get, nor craved.

Yes, normal.

That's what everything had turned out to be.

Something the both of them hadn't experienced in a very long time.

*

"Naruto. Did you tell them I would be there?"

"Oh shut up! It'll be alright, y'know. Dad's nice.", whispering reassuring words to Sasuke for the last time, Naruto's face transformed into a grin upon pointing out Iruka and Kakashi in the distance. He let go of the Uchiha's arm, causing him to frown, before speed walking towards them while waving his hand.

"Dad! Kakashi!"

"Naruto!"

The blond tried his best not to suffocate from the brunette's hug, offering him the same affection before turning towards the other man, rolling his eyes at the spread arms.

"You're insufferable."

"That's a cruel thing to call someone who missed you so much."

Naruto feigned annoyance, but deep down he knew he missed him too. Both of them. So he melted into the embrace, before eventually moving away. That's when he realized that there was someone else he brought with him as well, mainly because of the surprise on Iruka's face.

"Oh, dad! This is, um..."

The blond looked between them, wondering whether a peace treaty would be signed or a straight up war would break out. Iruka wasn't even trying to seem kind, straight up sizing him up. Meanwhile, even a blind man could tell that the ever indifferent Sasuke was perplexed by the whole situation, which Naruto could relate to.

"I know who he is Naruto. What is he doing here, with you?", the blond winced by the sharpness in his dad's voice, before looking over to find Sasuke's mask slipping as well, annoyance visible on his face.

When Naruto said yes to this whole ordeal, it was mainly because he thought that Iruka wouldn't mind much since he knew everything the blond had experienced. And even though Naruto hadn't discussed about Sasuke with him at all, he still foolishly believed that the whole 'Uchiha, the savior' thing Japanese news channels were spreading everywhere, would make things work. However, right then, Naruto only hoped for someone else to save him. For example-

"Did I forget to tell you, darling? Sasuke left the force so he could travel the world and learn about art so he asked me for advice. That's when Naruto came into my mind, and I suppose that led to this."

Maybe Kakashi wasn't so bad, after all. In some other situation, Naruto would have been horrified by the skill with which the man came up with the lie and then delivered it, but for now, he only looked at Iruka with his big blue eyes, hoping it would convince the man.

Albeit hesitantly, Iruka nodded, looking Sasuke dead in his eyes,

"Take care of him."

"Yes, Sir."

The blond rubbed his eyes, wondering if it was a dream that Sasuke was bowing in front of someone. That someone being his dad. He made the mistake of looking sideways to find Kakashi staring at him with a knowing glance. If it weren't for his gratitude towards the man, he may have rolled his eyes once more.

The awkwardness lightened when the time for Iruka and Kakashi's flight arrived. They walked towards the departure area, Sasuke carrying some of their luggage, much to the blond's surprise. Never in his life did he think that the youngest Uchiha would ever offer to carry someone else's luggage. It was ridiculous to the point where the blond was beginning to think of himself as schizophrenic.

"Ahem! I suppose it's time for us to leave."

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted by Kakashi's voice, followed by Iruka's another warm embrace. After that, the blond disappeared with Kakashi, something about the tickets, leaving Iruka and Sasuke alone. The brunette stared him down with a frown deepening by the second as Sasuke also refused to look away.

"For your information, I don't believe the whole story about your desire for exploring art."

Sasuke nodded in understanding. There was no way a sane person could ever believe something like that anyway. Having had him as his Sensei, the raven knew Kakashi could have done better but just chose not to. But that did not bother him much. What did bother him was being unaware of what the man in front of him was going to say about that.

Will he ask me to stay away from Naruto?

"However, you seem like a nice man. If Naruto trusts you enough to introduce you to me then...", the Uchiha swallowed, every second feeling like eternity, "I hope you both live a good life. Make sure to take care of him."

"Yes, Sir!"

Pfft! Does he think I'm a commander or something. Why does he keep doing that?

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Where did they go, anyway?"

Meanwhile, at a hidden corner in the same area, Naruto stood alongside his soon-to-be step dad, desperately trying to avoid the other while he got his tickets checked.

"I never knew you and Sasuke were like that-"

"Stop. Please."

Naruto barely held himself back from yelling, hearing Kakashi's unbearable laughter. Trying to ignore the man, he shifted his gaze to the other two standing nearby, and felt his eyes widen seeing Sasuke bow once again.

What the...

"He seems to be trying his best. I'm sure Iruka will approve of him in the end."

Though the blond rolled his eyes at the comment, he noticed that Iruka's stare now seemed less hostile and more accepting, a small smile making it's way onto his face, before remembering something else.

"By the way! Thanks for that excuse earlier."

Kakashi shrugged it off, before telling him that he was done. The blond nodded, moving towards the other two.

"Do you think he bought it, though? Dad?"

"No."

"Of course... What else could I expect from you."

"You just thanked me for making that excuse-"

Before Kakashi could express his offense at his remark, Naruto had already set off.

"Dad!"

Iruka's face was back to normal now, a soft smile on his lips as he stared at a grinning Naruto. The brunette could never get bored of his childishness. From his periphery, he noticed the raven's gaze fixed on the same person, something deeper in them. Something meant to be reserved for special things; like flowers, the sea, and perhaps in this case, a blond with blue eyes.

Seems like Naruto made a good choice.

After that, everything was a rush. Saying their good-byes, the both waited at the airport until the plane took off before turning towards the exit. There was a small market nearby that Naruto had apparently researched about and he managed to convince Sasuke to visit it with him.

As they walked the crowded streets filled with couples, teenager, and children with their parents as their laughter spread all around, both of them felt insignificant. In a good way. Almost like when fireflies get lost around too much light but still shine secretly. Thanks to his mask and muffler hiding his face, there were no whispers surrounding Sasuke or who he was walking around with, enabling him to freely listen to Naruto's rants.

"Oh! There's a flower shop there. Let's go!"

Sasuke's eyes softened while staring at the blond, who was literally jumping from excitement, which was weird, because... In any other case, he would've been too embarrassed to be seen with someone like that.

Walking forward, he noticed that Naruto had led them to a flower stand. He looked at his side to find the other immersed in something. Trailing his gaze, the Uchiha realized that the blond was admiring the sunflowers spread in the middle.

"They're called Girasole in Italian, y'know..."

Sasuke contemplated the information, before smirking,

"Should I call you that then? Girasole? Hmm... Doesn't sound too nice."

The blond looked at him, horrified, before shaking his head,

"No way!"

Naruto continued looking over the flowers, until a laugh escaped him, causing the Uchiha to look his way questioningly.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just... ", the blond shook his head, pausing.

"...It's what?"

Naruto shifted his bright eyes towards him, gazing silently, before looking away.

"They're pretty."

"... Do you want one?"

"Hmm?", Naruto looked over, startled by the sudden offer before chuckling softly.

"You'll buy it for me?"

"Hn."

"Haa... you really seem to love sunflowers, y'know."

The remark only made Sasuke stare at the blond longer, a strange clarity in his mind and soul.

"Hn."

Maybe I do.

With that as his last thought, Sasuke bought Naruto one sunflower, upon his wish, before continuing their journey through the market. A small smile played on the Uchiha's face, having his arm held by the other while his usually dark eyes shimmered like the night sky despite the daylight, reflecting on the ocean of the blond's.

For a spark of a second, Naruto was reminded of the 'Kyuubi'. After all, it was the reason he had met Sasuke in the first place. The fact that those criminals were now behind bars, suffering, and justice had been brought to their victims still felt like a dream to him. Most importantly, the fact that Sasuke was there, holding his hand and walking alongside him, was something he had never imagined was how things would end up in those past three years.

Although it was a painful journey, if he had the choice, Naruto would still choose to enter Konoha College, suffer the loss of Neji, the trauma from the kidnapping and the pain after realizing that Sasuke had only used him all over again. Because everything was worth it if, at the end of it all, he could stand beside this man who was willing to protect him until his last breath.

Naruto clutched the necklace in his hand, gazing at the sky, that was blue today despite the devastating amount of rain yesterday.

"What's on your mind?"

The blond glanced at the Uchiha, before shifting his gaze to the horizon once again.

"Are you really sure you want to go with me?"

Sasuke raised a brow, "Why do you ask?"

"I'm reckless, stubborn and I spend most of my time sitting in front of a canvas. Sometimes, I even forget to eat, y'know.", a pause, "You sure you want to deal with someone like me for the rest of your life, your highness?"

The 'your highness' was meant to lighten the situation, but the lack of reply from the other only tensed things further for him. Although Naruto didn't want to force anything on Sasuke, he was still afraid.

Afraid that the Uchiha might agree with his reasoning and leave again.

But what he said next was as surprising as it was unexpected.

"You're reckless, yes. Stubborn too. That's why someone responsible should be there to protect you. Someone like me.", the slight smug smile on Sasuke's face did not go unnoticed by him, "If you spend your time in front of a canvas, that means you are ambitious about what you do. It's nothing to be ashamed of. If you don't eat, I will make sure to feed you. Also, stop calling me that. 'Bastard' is much more preferable."

Naruto stood still, his mind blank and all previous doubts forgotten. Realizing that he wasn't moving, Sasuke looked back, tilting his head in confusion, as if he wasn't the cause for it.

"You're thinking too much. Are you hungry? Do you want to go eat ramen?"

It was a simple question, but filled Naruto with a strange warmth. It was like the warmth a fire brings during the coldest nights of winter, keeping one from freezing to death. Like the one you feel after taking a hot shower, washing away the day's stress. Contradictory to that warmth, Sasuke's cold hand held onto his once again, an anchor, before pulling him forward until their steps were matched.

"Let's go, Galisole."

Slowly blinking himself back to reality, Naruto glanced at the hand surrounded by Sasuke's pale one for a moment, before shifting his eyes to the sky.

"Ugh! Don't call me that again..."

"Hmm... I will consider if you say please."

Naruto tried to feign annoyance, but the laughter left him before he could stop it, his joy reflected in Sasuke's answering smile. With their hands still entwined, both of them walked forward, unaware of the future, but ready to face it together.

The End