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Chapter Text

No...
No...
No...
This can't go wrong.

Naruto was tired of the villagers treatment.

Waking up after getting beaten black and blue isn't pretty.

Cleaning yourself after random men raped you isn't an pleasant experience.

But Naruto did it anyway.

He climbed - limped- the stairs to his shitty one bedroom apartment, unsurprisingly finding it trashed and dirty, - why did he care anymore?- he walked to the bathroom and cleaned the remains of the night before, shoving the memories to the back of his mind just like the dirty water went down the drain.

Putting on an clean pair of pants and an fishnet shirt he walked out of the bathroom, going to the kitchen and making himself an cup of noodles -only thing he can afford right now- waiting for them to cook before digging in, then trowing the empty cup.

Just as he put on his jacket, ready to go out, Sasuke knocked on his door with an annoyed expression.

"You're even more late than Kakashi Sensei is dobe. Get your shit together and let's go."

The raven said with an glare, the blonde only nodded and took the keys he had to lock his apartment to at least try to keep them from further destroying it.

The pair walked to the training grounds quietly, not once looking at the other. .

"Maa, Naruto-kun you're very late today, I hope for a good reason. We can discuss it later, now we have to get our mission from the Hokage." Kakashi said as he saw the two approaching, his signature orange porn book in hand.

On the way to the hokages office, Sakura punched him in the shoulder, possibly leaving a large bruise there.

Please...
Please...
Please...
Don't leave me here...

They got a simple mission really.

Escort the client all the way to the Village hidden in the Hot Water land... Village... Whatever.

"Naruto-kun, how about you make up for the stunt you pulled earlier today and go get water, you should find a river nearby." Kakashi said, passing Naruto the water jug the team keep for missions.

"Sure who's coming with me?" The blonde asked as he took the water jug, looking at Sakura and Sasuke.

"Alone Naruto-kun. Sakura and Sasuke will finish setting camp and go for fire wood, food even." Kakashi answered as he took out the small orange book Naruto knew too well.

"B-But sensei..." Naruto tried to reason, only to be cut off by an sharp stare from Kakashi -someone reanimate Minato or Kushina to smack done sense in this mf- followed by Sakura speaking "Yeah Naruto, go get water, nothing is going to happen -yeah right-, just get the water and run back, big problem."

Naruto tried to reason with them for some more time, the feeling in his gut screaming at him to not do it, to remain in camp where it was safe, but he was forced to get out and get the damn water.-NU APĂ!iykyk-

As he searched for an water source, an idea rose in his head.

He thought of killing himself before-sasuke reinforcing the idea every few days- but nothing seemedto be working, but he still had one more method.

"Don't do it kit. I don't want to see you like this again."

The deep voice of the Kyuubi -Kuramama- shoot trough his head, the creature that he shared an body with, the reason of his misery, speaking and covering his thoughts with the heavy and dangerous voice.

Naruto didn't respond, instead taking one of his kunai knives, placing it against his neck and, in an flash of moments, blood poured out from the wound, he had cut open his neck. Suddenly he was dizzy, his vision blurring up thill he finnaly lost consciousness.

Only to fucking wake up again!

He stood up and took his jacket off, looking to see only the collar bloody but the rest relatively clean.
He took off to search for water.

As he explored the dense woods, he stops at a near river to fetch the damn water....the big dark trees covering the sky only letting the moonlight fill the breeze, as the wind hit his face his hair flutters and he tries to tame it, but he can't shake the sight feeling of being watched...

Without him knowing, Itachi Uchiha, stares from afar in on of the trees, a cold and emotionless being studying his every move, until he moved from the darkness towards him

"Who may you be?" His voice, sharpens, he had to do this right or he wouldn't get close to the blonde and the mission would be a fail.

"Who's there?" Naruto called out as he washed his jacket, the blood colouring the water.

Itachi appears in front of him, seemingly out of nowhere, towering over Naruto a little looking down at him

"Answer me...who are you." He demands sternly, his voice sharp and deep, sharingan flaring up.

Naruto flinches under the sharingan "I'm Uzumaki Naruto... who are you?"

His cold dark eyes look over him and for a moment there's a flicker of concern when he sees his jacket."Uzumaki Naruto....I'm Uchiha Itachi."

"Wait...Uchiha... you're Sasuke's brother! Naruto said, taking a step back, but falling as he did so

The olders eyes eiden for a bit before returning to normal.

"How do you know my brother?" He asks, his eyes locked on the blonde boy who didn't respond

Itachi closed the gap between the two of them, his steps completely silent but somehow still threatening. "Answer me..." he asks again, towering over the younger

"I- he's my teammate ya know" he finally responded, shifting uncomfortably under the sharingan - damn Uchihas. -

The olders eyes narrow, studying him up close, the cold emotionless Uchiha stare seems to pierce his very soul "Teammate you say?...."

He walks around Naruto in a circle, analyzing him on. He stands again infront of the blonde, the emotionless stare slowly turning into a slight, unnoticeable frown...

"Why are you out here...so late?" he asks, concern visible in his eyes.
"They sent me to get water, ya know" "By yourself.."

He crosses his arms, the slight frown slowly becoming more prevalent. He sighs, and continues

"You're quite foolish - no shit - to go by yourself at a time like this you know...the night is the perfect time for an ambush..."

Naruto flinched, turning his head slightly to the side and closing his eyes. He was chewing on the inside of his cheek and biting his lips bloody from the nervousness.

Itachi's eyes soften just slightly, for a moment there's an unrecognizable look in his eyes "How old are you..?"

"Thirteen... " The frown returns, as he sighs "You're young....I suppose you don't have much common sense"

"Don't say it like that! I- I wouldn't have gone alone if they didn't force me to... Sometimes it seems just that they want me gone" The blonde said, still looking away.

Itachi raised his eyebrows in surprise at his response, though his expression is still sharp, he lets out a slight chuckle.

"Force you huh..? They must hate you" Only that made Naruto angry and annoyed, at his teammates, at his failed attempts to finnaly die and now at the older man in front of him.

"Ugh why are you here anyway? Don't you have anything better to do?"

He laughs again, the cold emotionless look slowly leaving

"I am simply wandering, trying to find something to keep me entertained...it just so happens I found you.."

"Then go find something to do that and let me rot in my misery." The older frowns, the slight amusement leaving

"You talk as if you're destined to be miserable..." "Everyone makes it seem like that." Naruto says, going to sit at the roots of a tree

Itachi follows him, and sits down next to the blonde, his face still showing a look of disapproval.

"And who exactly gives you that impression?" Itachi asked, concern lingering in his voice.

Naruto only looked at him, not answering his question. "You're a lot nicer than your brother... Less annoying too"

The older lets out a quiet laugh again "My brother?...I suppose he is quite a pain, it seems even you have suffered from his...personality...."

Naruto crossed his arms and leaned back on the tree "He's a bastard, but no one sees that. The village treats him like some sort of noble, sensei always trains him, he never gets in trouble, plus the damn fan girls screeching whenever he passes them."

Itachi nods, a slight smirk on his face "Yes his arrogance and selfishness is almost repulsive...he's always been that way...and yet he still gets whatever he wants because of his Uchiha name"

There's an almost bitter tone in Itachi's voice as he continues. "What about you...it seems you've had your own fair share of troubles..."

"Don't remind me... On the day we got our team sorted out, an idiot pushed me and I fell over and kissed him, then after school I got beat up unconscious by all his fan girls" Itachi chuckled slightly

"The fangirls will do whatever it takes to protect their Sasuke-kun, I know from many personal experiences myself...it's ridiculous, the things they'll do for him..."

Naruto shifted a bit at the memory, licking his lips before saying "Yeah but since then he doesn't miss an opportunity to mess me up. He thinks I like him or something. Which isn't true, I may be attracted to males but I have my standards which he doesn't pass."

He laughs again "Sounds like an Uchiha alright...overly arrogant, selfish, and ignorant to how we actually feel...he thinks far to greatly of himself"

Itachi pauses, as the mission suddenly crosses his mind. "Did you say you like males?"

The younger person shifted a bit uncomfortably at the question but answered "Yeah... I like both genders to be fair."

The older smiles, the smirk becoming more prevalent as he continues to talk "Both eh?" He asks, a slight tone in his voice he pauses, glancing over at Naruto

"So if someone was.... let's say a few years older than you came onto you, you wouldn't say no?"

"Dunno what I'd do. I don't have parents or any type of interaction that would resemble love, therefore I don't know what it feels like or how I should give it back. The closest thing I'd have to it is my care for my plants if I'm being honest." Naruto said, staring in the distance, hugging his knees to his chest.

The raven laughs, his deep voice slightly lowering "You know, if you don't know what love and affection looks like, it's possible for someone to take advantage of your innocence...you should be more careful, you're a very naïve person..."

He leans in closer to the blonde, as he continues his train of thought.
"If you don't understand love, you would also be quite responsive to affection and praise...and you wouldn't recognize manipulation"

He moves closer again, the smirk still on his face "You trust people too easily...just a few moments ago you told me your name and about your team...without thinking I might have been dangerous, and yet you're still here...talking to me like we've known each other for years..."

The blonde glanced at Itachi before returning to his daze "But you wanna know why?" Itachi looks him over, slightly intrigued "Why is that exactly..?"

"Tonight I wanted to kill myself... It's the perfect time to do, perfect cover." His smirk falters, as an almost unrecognizable look of concern appears on his face. "Is that so..."

He leans in much closer now, his deep voice low. He gently places a hand on Naruto's cheek, and brings him in closer until he's just a few inches from his face.

He stares into the blonde's eyes, the cold black pools his eyes were made of slowly softened, as he looks over the younger, his hand on his cheek slowly reaching to rest just under their chin, and he gently tilts Naruto's head so he's looking directly at him.
"Now why would you do that?"

Naruto looks up at Itachi his lips slightly parted and sadness in his eyes, like a pair of whirlpools in the ocean meeting with dark pools of darkness "I told you. Everyone hates me."

Itachi laughs slightly, his smirk slowly returning, he slowly moves his face closer to the youngers. "Everyone?"

He looks him over again, his eyes slowly turning a deep red color again as they take in every feature of your face "I don't hate you.." Naruto frowned. "You don't count, we just met"

He lets out another short laugh, his hand still under Naruto's chin, and his face still rather close to his.
"And yet here I am, willing to listen to your problems, something your supposed teammate wouldn't do..."

He brings his other hand up to touch the others face, as he looks him over once again, his deep voice slowly lowering again to a low, almost whisper like tone. "And yet you've entrusted me with your secrets, things you wouldn't tell anyone..."

"Even if you told anyone, they won't care, everyone is better off without me." Naruto spoke, his expression hardening.

He frowns slightly. "That's not true...I care" He moves his face even closer, his nose is almost touching Naruto's, sharingan and flaring up while he stares at Naruto.

"But you're not going to follow me back in the village or come whenever I'm miserable. You're here now but you'll leave eventually just like everyone else."

Itachi brings his face so close, their noses are now touching, as his hands slowly move to run through blonde hair. "What if I didn't want to leave..."

His eyes are a striking shade of red, and the smirk is back on his face
"What if I stuck with you...no matter what?"

His voice is now a low, deep murmur.
"What if I'd always be here for you, whenever you were miserable, whenever you were lonely, whenever you wanted someone...what if I never left?"

"Prove it." Naruto's voice came out barely a whisper, almost as if he got hypnotized, lost in the influence the sharingan held by the other.

Itachi raises his eyebrow, a smirk forming on his face „'Prove it' you say? Very well..."

Itachi runs his hands over blonde hair one more time, before sliding one of his hands down his neck, over his shoulder, until it finally comes to a stop resting on his waist "How about I prove it now... And if it's to your taste, you'll have to be my lover... Forever"

He gently brings his face so Naruto's forehead is resting against his, his lips just a mere fraction away from Naruto's, as he murmurs just above a whisper. "I'll never leave you alone...I'll protect you....I'll love you..."

He gently pulls Naruto closer, until the younger is almost flush against his body, as his other hand continues to run through the blondes hair

"I'll prove it to you, that I'll come whenever you need my assistance, and that I'll never leave your side...that's a promise..."

The older continues in that deep, whisper like tone.
"I'll love you until my very last breath...I'll give you all the affection you've been so lacking in your life...I'll show you what it's like to be really loved..."

He gently moves the others head back again, but continues to keep him so close to him, as his lips are now just hovering over the others bleeding ones  "Now promise me something..."

Naruto looked up in a daze-like state "What is it?"

Itachi leans down a little more, placing gentle kisses over the side of his throat, before murmuring into his ear. "Promise me you won't try to take your own life again...I won't allow it.."

The blonde widened his eyes but slowly and reluctantly nodded "I promise..."

The other smiles, his deep voice slightly low again, as his arms tighten around the blonde. "Good...because I won't allow it...I won't let you hurt yourself...you're mine now, do you understand that...?"

He brings his lips back up by the blondes ear "Mine to love...mine to care for...mine to protect...and most of all, mine to always keep an eye on...you won't ever be alone again...not on my watch"

"Thank you Itachi..." The man smiles, and places a gentle kiss on the tanned forehead "No need to thank me...I told you, I'll be here for you whenever you need me..."

His voice lowers again "And that's a promise I intend on keeping..."

Naruto smiled at the raven, but then groaned as he remembered his task "Now I need to get that damned water... I don't wanna leave you and go back ya know..."

Itachi laughed again, at his reluctance to leave, and smiled gently at his now lover "And I don't want you to leave...but you have to go back eventually...we can't stay out here all night..."

He runs his fingers through the blonde's hair again, and sighs slightly.
"Just promise you'll think of me while you sleep ok...?"

"Mhmm that would really be better than to listen to Sasuke snore." Naruto said with a bit of a laugh at the end, raising a hand to caress Itachi's cheek, secretly making a shadow clone to go get water.

Itachi chuckled. "You're right about that one..." He gently pats Naruto's head again. "Better go get that water, they'll be wondering where you are..."

Itachi starts to stand up, and gently pulls Naruto up with him, a small noticeable smile pressed on his face. "I'll see you again I promise...you won't be able to get rid of me now..."

His smile widens as an idea crossed his mind, his eyes soften again, and without warning he gently lifts the blonde's chin, and pulls him in by his waist, and gives Naruto a deep, but short, kiss.

After the kiss, Naruto just stands there for a second, his hand going up to touch his lips, but getting interrupted by the shadow clone he sent a bit back to get water "Oi, I got the water for ya know!" He said before giving the real Naruto the jug and dispelling himself.

Itachi laughs again, finding his reaction absolutely adorable, his eyes still a deep red color. "Don't just stand there in a daze...the clone got the water, you'd better get going..."

"Yes... Good night Itachi..." He said, waving as he walked back to camp with the water

Itachi chuckles slightly, as he watches the way he awkwardly waves back at him as you leave "Good night, don't dream about anyone but me alright..?"

He watches Naruto as he disappears back into the deep, dark woods, his eyes slowly turn back to their normal onyx color, and the smirk returns to his face, as he slowly starts to turn to leave "Such a gullible, beautiful, innocent boy..."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Naruto returned to the camp his team set, placing the water in its place and then going to his and Sasuke's tent, careful to not startle or wake him but as he slowly crawled into the tent, Naruto stopped at the sudden and unexpected sight of Sasuke, sitting up staring directly at him, his eyes dark and cold as always. "Why are you still awake Teme?"

Sasuke glared at him, the usual annoyance clearly visible
"I could ask you the same thing Dobe"

"I just got back from getting water. It took me longer than expected to find a river without light... Or anything else for that matter"

Sasuke snorted, looking at Naruto and then speaking in a mocking tone. "You couldn't even do that right? You really are a useless bastard..."

But he suddenly paused, and his eyes narrowed "Why were you out for so long anyway? It shouldn't have taken you that long to just find a water source..."

Naruto shrugged , taking out his sleeping bag "The one I found is twenty minutes away, figure that out."

Sasuke scoffed and rolled his eyes, clearly not believing Naruto
"Then why did it take you three hours...? And why do you smell different..?"

"First of all, do the math, forty minutes is just the walk there, second what do you mean I smell different?"

Sasuke continues to give Naruto a cold glare, as his eyes slowly move over his face.

"You smell different...it's not unpleasant or anything...different..." He continues to look him over
"And you do realize it's almost 4 in the morning, right..?"

Naruto just rolled his eyes "I do teme, that's why I want to sleep." Sasuke glares again. "Then go to bed idiot...but first answer my question...what were you really doing out for so long...?"

"I told you, I searched for a water source... I'm low on chakra and I didn't notice until I tried making shadow clones to get more area fast, I need to get some solider pills from sensei in the morning."

Sasuke huffs, not believing Naruto
"But what took you so long...? How did it take you three hours just to find and bring back water, that's not like you...something's off..."

Naruto scoffed. "Just leave me alone Sasuke. I'm too tired to deal with your trust issues right now." Naruto says, taking off his jacket and slipping in his sleeping bag

Sasuke huffs again, his annoyance clearly visible. "You really are hopeless...and I don't have trust issues, I just know you well enough when you're lying...and you are right now..."

He then scooted closer to Naruto
"Now I'm going to make this simple, and you can answer yes or no: did you meet someone while you went to get water..?"

Naruto didn't turn around but still responded. "No Sasuke." Sasuke sat directly beside you now "Alright then Dobe...I guess I'll drop it...for now..."

Sasuke lays down, as he continues.
"But I'm watching you, so don't go sneaking out with that mysterious 'water' excuse again..." He turns onto his side, his back facing you "Get to sleep...Moron..."

Naruto soon fell asleep in his sleeping bag laying on his side, in a quiet and dreamless sleep, peaceful that he didn't have in a long while.

Sasuke, being a naturally light sleeper, notices the moment Naruto's breathing becomes deeper, his muscles relaxing, signifying Naruto's sleep. He watches him closely, listening for any slight movements he makes. He continues his observation for a long time, before slowly rolling onto his back, as he continues to watch Naruto, deep in his thoughts..
He continues to watch him, as he can't help but think something is off. He's known Naruto for years, knows how he acts and how he behaves, and he's sure something feels off...

Sasuke scooted closer to Naruto, studying his whiskered face as he sleeps, trying to find whatever it is that's different in Naruto...
He sighs, and continues to stare at his sleeping form, when suddenly he notices something... Naruto's lips are slightly parted, and there's a slight smile on his face. This was new, he's never seen Naruto sleep so peacefully before, and he's also certain he's never seen him smile in his sleep...

Sasuke narrows his eyes, as he continues to look over him. Naruto has never slept so peacefully -at least with him- before, and the slightest hint of a smile on his face was unnatural to him, something wasn't right. He silently scoots over even closer, he's only a few inches away from the sleeping blonde's body by now. He studies him closely, his dark eyes staring intently at the other.

He can't help but watch him closely, studying his peaceful expression as he sleeps. He's never seen Naruto so peaceful, or content. He usually has seen him struggling with night terrors, or restless, never sleeping deeply or with a content expression on his face...
Sasuke sighs again, and slowly brings his hand up, his fingers hovering just a few centimeters above the blonde's face. Before he can bring himself to actually touch him, he suddenly notices a small mark on the others jawline, and quickly moves his hand to gently touch it, as his eyes focus in on it.

He gently traces the slight mark, and a slight frown appears on his face. It was a small mark, the color slightly visible against the tanned skin on his neck, not quite a burn, and not a cut, it almost looked like a hickey in a way...something is not right... He slowly lowers his hand, still staring at the mark on his neck. He continues to stare at it for a long time, silently analyzing it. This wasn't Naruto's normal self, he was acting differently, his entire body language has changed, even his sleeping pattern...

He scoots his face closer to his neck, studying the strange mark closely. There was no way it was just an "ordinary hickey" he's known Naruto for years, and he's never seen him intimate with another person. Who the hell gave it to you Naruto, they were on a mission for fucks sake...?

The raven gently brings his hand to gently brush against the mark, his fingers barely touching it. It was small, but he could tell it was a mark of some kind, and he knew there was no way it was a natural mark...he wasn't entirely sure what it was, but it just reinforced the fact that something, or rather someone, had been with Naruto in the woods...

He continues to stare at the mark, a deep frown on his face. He was growing more and more suspicious of what had really occurred in the woods. Why was he out for three hours just for water? Why did he smell different? Why was he acting differently? Why the hell did he have a mark on his neck..? Something was up, he just knew it...

The next morning, Naruto and Sasuke were woken rather rudely by Kakashi. "Sasuke-kun, Naruto-kun wake up or you'll have to get your own breakfast!" Kakashi yelled as he threw a cup of water inside the tent, landing perfectly on the two terms face.

Naruto sat up groggily, wiping the water off his face before yawning, the hickey like mark no longer on his neck, almost like it was an fragment of Sasuke's imagination.

The two boys go outside, eating the bentos that they packed then returning to their tents to pack up and get going once again. Sasuke, ever since he woke up had been starting at the spot where he would've sworn he saw the hickey-like mark.

Ever since, Sasuke kept a close eye on the blonde, and has also gotten more snappy and jumpy than usual.

Don't hurt me...
I didn't mean to...
Or perhaps I did...

Naruto and his team left the hokages office after giving the report back, the four going in different ways to their respective homes.

Naruto walked in the red light district, climbing up the stairs slowly. Naruto opened the door to reveal a trashed apartment by the villagers most probably, "demon" or "monster" written in red paint on the walls and windows but he paid no mind to it, locking his door he dropped his bags and went to the bathroom to take a shower, taking along with some clothes to change

After his shower, Naruto started cleaning up his apartment, a few minutes in, sensing a familiar chakra, he turned around and looked at Sasuke in the eye "Sasuke I'd appreciate it if you'd stop being a creep and following me around like a stalker, seriously, it's creepy."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, not expecting Naruto to address him, but not surprised he was annoyed
"Creep is a strong word Dobe..."
he paused, and continued

"But since I'm such a 'creep' could you do me a favor, and answer a simple question..?"

"What?" Naruto said with a clear annoyance in his voice as he picked up a water bottle.

Sasuke smirks, he could tell he was already getting Naruto slightly off his guard by being there unannounced.
"I'm just a bit curious, did anything happen in the woods last night?"

Naruto gritted his teeth, a vein popping on his forehead "You wanna know the truth? Fine. I actually tried to kill myself. Yeah I took your advice, and it didn't work, so now, because after I don't know how many clever attempts to kill myself I found out I can't do it, I'm starting to act mature enough to actually live my life."

Sasuke suddenly freezes, completely caught off guard by his surprisingly blunt response "You..." He pauses, staring at Naruto with a mix of disbelief and slight anger "...you actually tried to commit suicide..??"

Sasuke continued to watch Naruto, he's shocked he'd even admit it, but at the same time he can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of anger and disbelief "You...why would you do that..? You idiot.."

Naruto then turned and glared at Sasuke, unshed tears clouding his vision "Why wouldn't I? This whole damn village hates me for something I didn't do, so please remind me Sasuke, why wouldn't I do such a thing? Why wouldn't I listen you your, Sakura's, or everyone's wishes to kill myself? Well I tried, and it doesn't work, so now I'm living on my own accord."

Sasuke continues to glare, his eyes narrowing at Naruto's words, as anger and disbelief continue to swirl around in his mind "Idiot...do you have any idea what you almost put me, Kakashi, and the whole team through if you actually did go through with that..?"

Naruto stopped for a moment, clenching his fists and glaring at Sasuke before speaking "If you cared you wouldn't have sent me in the first place. You knew it was dangerous, but you still sent me. So don't pretend you care. Now get out, I don't want to see your face at the moment."

"Idiot...you think I sent you, not caring or hoping you'd survive? Do you really think I could do that..?" Sasuke said, looking slightly hurt.

Naruto didn't mind that though, too absorbed in his own anger and hurt to notice "Just get out Sasuke. Leave me alone, this is my apartment and you have no right to stay here."

The raven haired boy scoffs, and his glare deepens, anger clear in his eyes. "Why...so you can just try another suicide attempt when I'm gone..?"

Naruto stepped back, his glare softening as he thought of hir response, thought of Itachi. "I told you, it won't happen, I have a reason to stay now and you don't have any reason with it, get out"

Sasuke continues to glare, his anger still evident as he steps closer to Naruto, getting into his personal space, as his cold glare stays focused on the blonde "And what reason do you have to stay..?"

Naruto froze for a moment, his brain shutting down completely and in a moment of despair he just slapped him, starting in Sasuke's eyes coldly with a blank expression saying. "Get out."

Sasuke pauses, as the blonde's hand comes in contact with his cheek, the sting of the slap surprising him, as an angrier expression crosses his face. "Hmp...you really do have guts for a Dobe... You actually have the NERVE to slap me..." He said as he brought his hand up to touch the stinging red mark on the side of his face. "Now you've gone and done it Dobe..."

He scoffs and starts to smirk again, as the idea of how to get revenge on him forms in his mind "You have a lot of balls to SLAP ME.."

Naruto tried to put distance in between them but failed miserably. "Get out of my personal space — and life preferably — teme. I'm done with letting you step over me."

Sasuke huffs slightly, as he continues to smirk, and his grip on the others wrist tightens "You keep forgetting your place...idiot.."

He suddenly spins him, and harshly pushes Naruto up against the wall, pinning you there with his body, holding his head back by his hair. "You haven't learned your place yet dobe..." The blonde tried to get out of the ravens grip, trashing around in his hold "Let me go Teme!"

After some more pinning on the wall and moves from Sasuke that were blocked and insults thrown at each other, a shadow clone knocked Sasuke out, leaving real Naruto to slide on the wall to sit down on the floor.

Sasuke goes tumbling and collapses onto the floor, knocked out cold by Naruto's clone jutsu after being caught off guard.

Naruto hugged his knees, tears going down his cheeks and he looked up at his clone. "Take him to his house and lock him up... I need a moment"

The shadow clone nods, and it gently picks up Sasuke's prone unconscious body, and quickly leaves the apartment. The minutes pass as Naruto is left alone in his apartment. He can tell it's becoming even darker outside, signifying the day is slowly turning into the evening time.

"Itachi... Fuck I hate this village..." Naruto said, crying in his knees as he hugged them to his chest, the remaining evening light shining through his window just beside the blonde, leaving him in the dark.

Everything seems eerily quiet in the now empty apartment, and his voice reverberates off the walls from the lonely cry

Hid tears trickle down his face, as the loneliness and isolation of his life seems to wash over him. The silent and empty apartment a stark contrast to the blondes internal crying and emotional pain

The silence seems to suffocate the boy, and he is completely alone in the quietness of the apartment, his thoughts and emotional pain the sole focus of his mind.

"You said you won't let me alone like this again..." But there is no one to hear your words but you, and the room is too quiet for anything but the sound of your voice to fill it.

The darkening sky outside does nothing but further worsen his emotional state, as he's left in the dark, both literally and figuratively, with only his thoughts and solitude as his solitary companions.

Untill...

A wave of calmness washes over the blonde, the feeling of the Kyuubi's calming chakra - a stark contrast with its normal angry and hateful one - brightening and calming the boy enough to stop hyperventilating.

Naruto looked at the window sill, seeing a crow - rather raven- on it. He decided to stop sulking at least for a bit, taking a piece of pretty dried bread from the kitchen and going to the window, opening it and placing the bread on the inside part of it "Here little one... You must be hungry if you didn't leave when I approached..."

The crow on the window sill turns its head at him, its beady black eyes focusing intently on the blonde. It continues to watch him silently, its small head tilting to the side curiously. It watches as his hand brings up the bread, the small piece of food being placed on the windowsill. It continues to stare at Naruto and the food for a few seconds, before hopping forward and grabbing the piece of bread off the sill, and perching itself on the windowsill again.

It starts to gently peck at the bread in its mouth, small sounds of the small pieces breaking off and being eaten filling the air, as its small black eyes continue to never leave Naruto.

"I should really clean around here... And wash up again... Damn teme, I'd burn my skin off just to not feel him again. Wait damn minute- why am I talking out loud to a crow? I must really be going insane..." Naruto said, scratching his head and looking around.

The small black bird continues pecking peacefully at the bread, seemingly satisfied it is no longer hungry. It doesn't seem to react to his sudden realization he is talking aloud, instead only focused on eating the small piece of food

It suddenly stops eating for a moment, and turns its head slightly, it's small beady black eyes looking at Naruto curiously, almost as if listening to him talk to himself. It's almost looking like it's trying to understand his words.

Naruto just shook his head, making three shadow clones and sending them to do different tasks in different parts of the apartment, settling down to make himself some food to eat.
The small bird continues to look at him curiously, as it notices the sudden presence of his three shadow clones suddenly appearing around different parts of the apartment, the sound of them working and tidying the apartment gently filling the air.

The real Naruto went into the kitchen space and made himself a cup of instant ramen, sitting at the table and slurping away at it.

The raven continues to watch, its small head still tilted from side to side, its beady black eyes continuing to gaze at Naruto as he starts to eat his ramen. It seems almost entranced by his presence, and refuses to leave the sill.

"Weird... You want more bread little one?" Naruto said as he stood up and took another pice of bread, placing it close to the raven.

The small bird shakes its head a little, as the blonde brings the bread closer, refusing to take the bread. It tilts its head further to the side, its beady black eyes still gazing in its focused stare, not leaving Naruto.

It makes a soft "CAW" sound, as if trying to get your attention while still refusing the bread. Its small head continues to tilt from side to side pointing outside, as it continues gazing at you intently, as if fixated on him.

"Huh- what is it little one?" The crow suddenly makes a slightly louder "CAW" sound, the sound almost seeming like an attempt to communicate with Naruto. It's small, beady black eyes continue to remain fixated on him, its head tilting even further to the side.

"Eh- you want to show me something?" Naruto asked, tilting his head a bit

The bird makes another softer "CAW" sound, almost seeming like an acknowledgement to your words, as it shakes its head slightly up and down. It continues to watch you intently with its beady black eyes, and makes another "CAW" sound, as if trying to get you to follow it.

"Alright? Lead the way then?" Naruto said, a bit unsure of his decision.

The bird suddenly flaps its wings, and lands on the floor of the apartment, instead of the windowsill. It makes another small "CAW" sound, and turns its head behind itself, as it starts to slowly make its way towards the door of the apartment which Naruto opens, locking it after exiting, and then following the crow in one of the forest at the border of the village.

The raven continues to fly at a steady pace, bringing him deeper into the forest. It turns its head back periodically to see if Naruto is still following it, and continues its path through the growing darkness of the forest as it eventually leads you into a small clearing deep within the forest, a small creek in the middle of the clearing running steadily with its gentle current. The forest surrounding the small clearing is starting to become completely covered in blackness, as the darkness of night slowly covers the treeline.

The bird suddenly stops walking in the middle of the clearing, the creek gently running nearby. It makes a soft "CAW" sound, as if gesturing for him to come closer, even in the dimming light of the approaching night "Why have you taken me here?"

It makes another small "CAW" sound, and it suddenly takes off into the air, gently gliding over the small creek in the middle of the clearing. It does a quick loop in the air, before gently descending itself on a flat rock near the edge of the creek, next to the small stream of water, and turns its head to look at Naruto.

As he approaches the bird on the rock, Naruto suddenly hears the faint sound of crickets coming from all around, as the black sky of the approaching night, and the creek gently flowing water, start to fill the air with a small amount of noise, and drown out the eerie silence of the forest.

Naruto looked at the scenery in front and around him as the sun almost finished setting, suddenly feeling an presence approach.

The small bird suddenly cocks its head, seeming to notice something. It makes a single quiet "CAW" sound, and looks behind Naruto. Then, the sound of someone or something approaching reaches your ears from behind.

The footsteps stop suddenly, their presence obviously behind Naruto, as the blackness of the night completely surrounds you, and the creek gently flowing next to him becomes the only thing giving any sort of light in the pitch blackness of the night. "Who's there?" Naruto asked stiffly, closing his eyes tightly, bracing himself for some type or impact or pain

The small bird on the rock suddenly flaps its wings gently, a small sound of beating wings filling the air before it settles itself back on the rock, its beady black eyes focused intently on the two.

A small moment of silence falls, as Naruto doesn't hear any response from the mystery presence behind him. Then, a familiar rough voice suddenly fills the air, breaking the silence of the dark night

"You really did follow the bird out here?" The familiar voice of Itachi suddenly washes over the blonde, the deep baritone voice cutting through the silence of the night with ease. He can tell he's standing close behind him, not even several steps away.

Naruto felt a hundred different emotions at that moment, fear, anxiety, relief, dissapointment, joy and surprise all at the same time.
He turned around and leaped forward, wrapping his arms around the older male "Itachi!"

Itachi is a bit surprised as Naruto suddenly turns around and hugs him, his arms at first staying at his sides as shock briefly crosses his face

A few moments pass, before he slowly lowers his arms and gently wraps his arms around his shoulders, enclosing the blonde in his embrace.

Itachi gently continues to hold Naruto in his arms, his firm body providing a comfort that his mind and soul had desperately missed. He continues to hold the blonde against his chest, as he lowers his head and buries his face into the crook of his neck. "You missed me that much?"

He suddenly utters in a somewhat quiet voice, the deepness of his voice almost being a soft rumble against your skin as he gently speaks into Naruto's neck.

Naruto sighs against Itachi's neck, hugging him tighter "You have no idea..."

Itachi gently tightens his hold on Naruto, pulling him even closer to his chest, his grip on the other almost possessive. He buries his face further into the younger's neck, his nose gently brushing against his skin as he gently inhales his familiar scent. "I wasn't gone that long..."

The raven haired male mumbles against his neck, as he remains holding Naruto in his arms, his grip almost seeming to grow even tighter as he continues to hold the blonde against him.

Naruto's eyes started to get blurry with tears once again as he sighed again, speaking in a shaky tone "It was horrible... Sasuke got suspicious and then got sensei on me... Then he came after me in my apartment a-and...."

Itachi suddenly stiffens as you mention Sasuke. He stops burying his face into Naruto's neck, and suddenly lifts his head, the slight expression of anger now crossing his face as he looks down at him

"What did Sasuke do...?"

Naruto also lifted his head from Itachi's shoulder and looked up at him with watery eyes "He came in my apartment and just wouldn't leave and when he started getting close close I slapped him without thinking it trough which he didn't like and he..."

Itachi's sharingan flares as the blonde explain what happened. He tightens his hold on him even more, his face gaining an anger and almost dangerous look in his expression. "And then he what...?"

Naruto flinched at the tone of Itachi's voice "He slammed me in the wall and pinned my hands above my head but I was able to make a shadow clone and knocked him out but I was so fucking scared ya know..."

His hands tighten even more as Naruto further explains the interaction with Sasuke. The anger and dangerous look in his expression deepens, his eyes almost taking on a dark, sinister look.

"He actually laid his hands on you...?"

Naruto looked down in something similar to shame "He always does things like that when it doesn't go his way..."

Itachi lowers his face to pepper kisses on Naruto's face, going over his forehead, eyelids and nose, cheeks then lips and chin, going lower to his neck as he gently takes in the youngers scent again, his grip on him still being possessive and dominant, refusing to loosen as he holds the blonde against him, almost not wanting to let go of him, wanting Naruto to stay close to him "He shouldn't be allowed to touch you. You're MINE..."

The possessive note in his voice is obvious, as his arms seem to instinctively tighten around Naruto even more, his grip and hold almost becoming possessive. They stay like that for a long time and Naruto gasps, when Itachi suddenly bites him gently on his neck, a small, slightly deep bite that causes a slightly sharp but also pleasurable pain against Naruto's skin, getting a small moan out of the younger.

"No one should be laying their hands on you but me..."

Itachi mutters against the tanned neck, gently licking the small bite against the others skin, as if it was his way of marking and claiming Naruto as his possession, his own, and no one else's. "No one should be harming you, or touching you, or threatening you...except me..."

He suddenly mutters again, as his other hand goes behind Naruto's head and grips his blonde hair tightly, slightly yanking his head back as he further inspects the whiskered face, as if continuing to look at every detail about him to claim and possess as his own.

Naruto held back a moan, not quite doing a good job at that, instead ending up moaning out Itachi's name. "Itachi..."

Itachi suddenly pulls Naruto's head back a bit more, as he leans his face down to the blondes, his face mere inches away from the youngers.
"You're mine...you belong to me..."

He suddenly mutters lowly, his tone deep and almost dangerous, a possessive dark tone behind his words, as if claiming Naruto as his, and only ever his.

Naruto only whispered, a small and almost unnoticeable sound "I am... Only yours."

A small, dominant smirk suddenly crosses Itachi's face, the dark look in his eyes never leaving as he continues looking at Naruto closely, the grip he has on his hair remaining as dominant as ever "That's right...you're mine...mine to do with as I please..."

He suddenly closes the gap that is still between there faces, his lips suddenly crashing against the blondes. His kiss is hungry and demanding, his deep kiss and almost dominant force feeling like it's trying to claim the other entirely as his own, to own every single part of him.

He keeps Naruto held tightly against him, his one hand gripping blonde hair and the other gripping his chin, as he claims his mouth with his own, his deep kiss demanding and almost possessive, his lips continuing to own Naruto's, showing that he belongs entirely only to him.

He suddenly moves them both, and gently pushes Naruto against the closest tree in the clearing. He presses him against the tree behind the blonde, his body suddenly pressed up against his front, his lips still claiming Narutos in his possessive kiss. His body against the blondes, pins him against the tree, almost trapping him in place under his dominant presence.

His hands drop and he tightens his grip on the youngers waist, almost as if silently reminding him that you're still entirely his, his possessive grip becoming more dominant and demanding as he continues speaking, his voice low and almost possessive against his skin as he speaks into Naruto's ear.

"I own you remember...as far as I'm concerned, you're entirely mine....mine to watch, mine to touch, mine to keep an eye on...all mine..."

Itachi suddenly moves his head down, and buries his face into the crook of Narutos neck again, as he suddenly grips the back of Narutos head again and forces his head back, exposing his neck to him as he then suddenly begins to place kisses on his neck, his possessive and demanding kisses becoming firmer as they mark and claim tanned skin.

"It's almost like this skin has my name written all over it...because you belong to me...every part of you is mine..."

The older suddenly bites him lightly on the neck, a firm bite that leaves a deep red mark on Naruto's skin as he possessively claims and owns the blonde for himself. Naruto leaned back against the tree, moaning out the ravens name again "Itachi"

The taller growls lowly against Naruto's neck as he says his name, the possessive tone in his voice deepening as he continues to bite and mark his neck with his possessive kisses. "Don't...say my name...it's too tempting when you do..."

"Especially when you say it with such a breathless and needy tone...it's almost impossible for me to not want to continue to claim you as mine..."

He suddenly bites down on the others neck roughly, the bite almost hard enough to actually draw blood, as it's an obvious dominant and possessive mark claiming ownership over the shorter as the blinde had to hold back his own moans by arching his back and biting his lip.

"I will claim, and mark, and own your entire body as mine...I will have as many marks and bites as possible litter your skin, to mark and claim you as my property... I will have my ownership over you be as obvious and clear as possible so the world will know you belong solely and entirely to me..."

Itachi picked up Naruto when he felt him slipping -his knees were giving out- , which hooked his legs around his waist and wrapped his arms around his neck in response.

Itachi gazes down at the blonde, his eyes almost gleaming with a dark, possessive hint in them, as he looks at him almost greedily

"You're so perfectly pinned and trapped against me, aren't you...no choice, but to be under me and submit to me, to my presence, my body, my touch...you're so much smaller and shorter than me... I can restrain you with just my body...so helpless under me, and at my mercy..."

Naruto looked up at him, one of his hands travelling over Itachi's neck, to his hair "I wouldn't want it any other way..." Itachi smirked at that, holding Naruto's hand "You seem to like being dominated and pinned by me, so helpless and at my mercy like this don't you...you're so easy to manipulate and overpower...being so small, I can just put you in place and use you as I see fit..."

"And because you're such a good little submissive thing and mine to control, you're going to be a very good Kareshi, aren't you...you're going to do and be anything I want you to, because you know you'll enjoy it, won't you, my little plaything?"

But only that Naruto stayed quiet, his head leaned back to hide his blush and sweat building up on his forehead as he tried not to move around for friction in his lower department.

"No words of disagreement...that's good, that's exactly what I want, such a good, little submissive...and my little Kareshi is going to listen to me, and do whatever it's told by its Koi, aren't you..."

He gently brushes the blonde's cheek with his fingers, as he then suddenly grips his chin and raises Naruto's head up, forcing him to look up at him.

"Itachi... love me please... Show me how it feels for the first time please..." Naruto spoke in a daze, blushing and slightly out of breath.

Itachi's eyes soften slightly at the other's words, as he gazes into blue pools, a small, genuine, fond smile crosses his face. "Of course I will, because you're mine to love, and I'll show you how it truly feels..."

He leans down to capture Naruto's lips in a gentle, warm, heartfelt kiss, his lips moving against the others in a loving caress to show him the real meaning of loving someone.

-------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, as the sun was still rising and the crickets singing, Naruto woke up in the clearings forest ground, sleeping on Itachi's chest covered by a blanket, the scent of cigarette smoke coming from above him. Itachi leaned on a tree, playing with Naruto's hair and smoking. "Good morning Kareshi." Itachi said, looking down at Naruto with a smile.

"Good morning Saiai..." Naruto yawned, raising himself a bit to peck Itachi on the lips.

"I'll have to leave tomorrow morning but don't worry, I'll leave one of the summoning crows with you to make sure you're alright Kareshi." Itachi announced as he put out his finished cigarette, gazing lovingly at his half asleep lover.

"Alright... But quick question, can I have a cigarette?" The blonde asked as he sat up and stretched.

"You smoke?" Itachi asked as he held out his pack of cigarettes and lighter to the blonde, surprise written on his face.

"I do it sometimes..." Naruto said, placing the white and orange stick in his mouth and lighting it. "Also, were doing it in bed next time if there's going to be one, my back hurts like shit" the blonde explained as he popped his back. Itachi chuckled and wrapped an arm around the blonde "I'll keep that in mind Kareshi."

'Yeah... I could get used to this.' Both of them thought at the same time.

Chapter Text

Don't tell anyone.
Don't you dare.
This is our little secret.

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Naruto's and Itachi's small meetings continued... For a long time at that.

Sasuke is still a little and suspicious piece of shit, making both —mostly Naruto — on edge.

Team seven was currently training on training grounds seven and currently, Kakashi was sparring with Sakura, making sure she got one of the moves he teached that day down, and Sasuke spared with Naruto.

The two boys were sweaty and tired as the golden evening light shined on them, reflecting off Naruto's hair and  both there headbands metal piece.

The blonde stopped for a bit, jumping back to catch his breath and thinking for a way of defeating Sasuke. The raven, seeing an opportunity awakened his sharingan, placing the other in a genjutsu, sneaking behind his teammate and tying him up to the tree.

After Kakashi finished with Sakura, noticing his blonde student tied against the tree contemplating what insults he will throw at Sasuke this time, decided it was best to end training for the day.

"Alright, Sasuke untie Naruto please, you're dismissed for today and tomorrow for personal reasons —date with Iruka— see you in a day at the hokages office at six." The masked jounin said before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

Both standing genin dropped at the command, Sakura greedily walking away towards her house and Sasuke going to untie Naruto.

"Thank goodness... I think those ropes left a bruise..."

Sasuke scoffed at the blondes words, crossing his arms to his chest before speaking “What, you're scared that little lover of yours is going to finally leave you? You're a shinobi, not some pretty princess so suck it up.”

Sasuke had been acting like that for months — ever since the incident at Naruto's apartment — snappy, on edge, suspicious and just a jerk — dick — in general.

Naruto looked at Sasuke, then started walking away "Whatever, you're just mad I have a life that doesn't concern you."

Sasuke was frowning, biting the inside of his cheek and clenching his fists in order not to grab a fistful of the blondes hair and smash his head on the tree thill he begged to stop. He was an Uchiha, he had to control his impulses.

The black haired boy watched his blonde teammate fade into the crowd, but not quite as an feeling of dread washed over him.

He jumped from roof to roof to Naruto's apartment, an place he refused to go to ever since the incident.

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By the time Naruto got home, an raven haired male awaited him, sitting cross legged on his couch and reading an book about seals.

"Hello Kareshi, welcome home." Said the silky voice of the older.

"Hi Saiai..." The blonde responded tiredly, an small smile perched on his whiskered face as he took his jacket off, leaving him in a t-shirt and going over to the couch and hugging his spouse.

Itachi wrapped one arm around the blonde, pressing his lips on the youngers forehead and then continuing to read his book.

It wasn't until a loud bang on the door that they started moving — panicking — Naruto shoved Itachi in his closet, just in time for Sasuke to not see his brother.

Sasuke had managed to break the lock, opening — slamming — the door and infiltrating inside the small apartment, only to see the whiskered blonde closing his closets door.

"Why weren't you answering dobe!?"

Naruto looked at him for a second, looking a bit more buzzed than usual but otherwise unusually silent.

"Why should I answer? Please get out if you may." He said with slight annoyance — who wouldn't be when the time with their boyfriend, who he hadn't seen for weeks was interrupted?— but very distant as if he was deep in thought.

Sasuke scoffed, stepping closer to his teammate, but the blonde stepped back,his eyes narrowed as he looked at Naruto, noticing his slightly buzzed and distant demeanor.

"Why do you sound so strange, dobe?" he asks, suspicion etching across his features. "Have you been drinking or something?"

"No Sasuke, I haven't been drinking, so please leave, I am not in the mood."

Sasuke glared at Naruto, his suspicion growing, something wasn't right with Naruto.

"What's wrong with you? You're being — no shit — weird."

He takes a step closer, his eyes scanning the room warily as if searching for something.
"And why was the door locked?"

Naruto looked at him and raised a blonde brow at him "It's five PM, I was going to take a shower and then go to sleep, you know, basic human needs and activities"

Sasuke's suspicion didn't increase, but he doesn't relax his guard either, he just continues to glare at Naruto.

"You're acting strange," he repeats, his tone growing more firm. "And you still haven't answered my question. Why are you so distant and buzzed

The blonde boy shrugged, looking at his teammate with a neutral expression "I'm just tired I guess".

Sasuke doesn't seem convinced by Naruto's answer. He steps closer to him, his eyes narrowed.

"You're tired? Since when do you get tired so easily?"

He looks Naruto up and down, his gaze intense. "What's really going on, dobe?"

Naruto stepped back once again,not once glancing at the closet where Itachi was staying and watching the whole ordeal from. His wounds from previous incidents — abuse— that he suffered from and because of Sasuke healed, but not fully. Just being near him, without the eyes of someone who could do something, made him uncomfortable.

"Maybe it caught up to me, it doesn't matter, I'm tired and I have my bed waiting for me."

Sasuke continues to scrutinize Naruto, his suspicion not fading. He looks at him again, searching for any signs of deception or hiding something.

"You're acting weird," he says again, his tone firm. "You're never this quiet. And your eyes are glassy. You sure you haven't been drinking?”

By that point, Naruto was really annoyed, he frowned before answering "So what, even if I was? It's not your damn business so get the heck out!

Sasuke scowled at Naruto's defensiveness. He crosses his arms over his chest, his suspicion turning into irritation.

"Drinking or not, you're acting strange. And as your teammate, I have a say in it." He says as he takes another step towards Naruto, his voice growing stern.

"Now, what's going on? Don't think I didn't notice how you pushed me out of the room. Something's not right here."

Naruto didn't say anything, still standing near the door pretty far from the closet — and Itachi — as Sasuke's eyes roam the room, scanning every corner and nook. He's become even more suspicious, suspecting that Naruto is hiding something.

"Tell me the truth," he demands, his voice harsh and commanding. "What are you hiding, dobe?"

But Naruto just shifted from one leg to another with his crossed arms "Nothing. Please, leave this as it is, I don't have the energy to argue with you."

The raven haired teen scoffs, his irritation — jealousy — growing. He doesn't believe Naruto's denial for a second.

"I don't buy it, Naruto. You're acting fishy as hell. And you're not getting out of this that easily."

He takes another step towards Naruto, his eyes darkened with suspicion. "What's in that closet?"

The blonde followed the others gaze, starting at the closet and almost as if seeing Itachi's gaze fixed on himself. "Clothing, extra ramen stash and my meds." Sasuke's eyes widenslightly at Naruto's mention of "meds".

"Meds?" he repeats, his suspicion growing even stronger. "What kind of meds?"

Naruto shrugged, thinking quick and lying smoothly. "Migraine and stomach ones, Jiji made me go to the doctor when I was sick and they gave the prescription all that time ago, still using it."

Sasuke's suspicion was now bordering on certainty. He looks at Naruto, his eyes narrowing again.

"Why do you have those meds? You never get migraines or stomach aches. Unless.." He looks at the whiskered blonde closely, his gaze boring into him.

"Unless you're hiding —no it's not going to be a pregnancy so delete that comment — something. Something serious. That's why you're acting so weird. You're on medication for something you don't want me to know about, aren't you?”

The blonde's lips itched upward, staring profusely at his teammate. "Perhaps." Sasuke's suspicion turned into disbelief. He can't believe what he's hearing.

"Perhaps? That's all you have to say for yourself? You're on medication for something serious and you're just throwing this at me nonchalantly? Why the hell are you hiding it from me, idiot?"

Naruto snarled at the raven haired boy, speaking in an mocking tone. "Why should I tell it to you, you're not family, you aren't my friend, you are just my supposed teammate, and thill a bit ago, abuser."

The harshness of Naruto's words hits Sasuke like a punch in the gut. He flinches, taken aback by the sudden harshness in Naruto's tone. He looks at him, struggling to find a response.

He had indeed treated Naruto badly in the past, verbally and physically abusing him ruthlessly. But he had thought they had grown past that — yeah no —. To hear Naruto say it out loud, to his face, stung.

His eyes harden, his defenses going up. He tries to cover up his hurt feelings with anger.

"You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to," he says harshly. "But it doesn't change the fact that you're hiding something serious from me, your teammate and "not-friend." I want to know what it is."

Naruto fixed him with a glare. "Kakashi knows and that's enough. I don't need the whole village in my business."

Sasuke flinches again at Naruto's response. He doesn't like the fact that Kakashi knows about it and he doesn't.

"Why does Kakashi know and not me —take a wild guess—?" he demands, his voice sharp. "I'm your teammate, dammit. I should know if something serious is going on."

Naruto though continued, not letting Sasuke past his defences. "And Kakashi is the one in charge of us."

Sasuke scowls at Naruto's response, but he can't deny the logic. Kakashi is their sensei, it makes sense that he would know something like this first.

"Fine," he says, his voice still sharp, but slightly softer. "I can understand that but why can't you tell me? I'm your teammate, too. I have a right to know if you're going through something serious."

He looks at Naruto, his eyes narrowed, but now with a hint of genuine concern.

"Is it something really bad? Something that could affect your health or your ability to be a ninja?"

Naruto sighed, uncrossing hus arms and softening his glare slightly "No, it doesn't concern you and neither would it affect the team."

Sasuke's frustration returns however he crosses his arms over his chest, his eyes flashing with irritation.

"How can it not concern me if we're teammates?" he demands. "And what do you mean it doesn't affect the team? You being on medication is clearly affecting you. You're acting weird as hell."

The tan boy looked at Sasuke tiredly. "Sasuke, I'm saying it for the last time, either you leave, either I knock you out and throw you out the window, or you leave."

Sasuke's eyes widen at Naruto's threat. He can tell that Naruto is serious and he doesn't want to risk being thrown out the window, or whatever else the blonde has up his sleeve.

"Fine, I'll leave," he says, his voice still irritated. "But this isn't over. I'm going to find out what you're hiding, eventually."

He turns to leave, throwing one last glare in Naruto's direction. "And you better hope it's not something serious."

With that final warning, he exits the room, closing the door rather forcefully behind him.

Naruto waited for Sasuke's chakra to fade a good  distance before opening the closet —the real one not the gay one— door and helping Itachi out of it. Itachi emerges from the cramped space, his eyes meeting Naruto's with a mixture of relief and concern.

"That was too close," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't think he'd barge in like that."

Naruto nodded, going to the front door and looking at the state of the lock. "The crazy bastard even broke my lock..."

Itachi looks at the broken lock on the door and shakes his head, a mixture of frustration and annoyance. "That idiot," he mutters under his breath. "No respect for boundaries or privacy."

Naruto made a makeshift lock,— don't ask me— then went to the living room where Itachi sat on the couch, and wrapped his arms around the ravens neck. "Wanna take a shower together?"

Itachi's expression softens into a small smile.

"A shower sounds nice," he replies, his voice low and warm. "As long as you're joining me, of course."
He takes a moment to look at the whiskered boy, the smile widening slightly.

"After the scare we just had, I could use some stress relief. And a shower with you seems like a perfect way to unwind."

Naruto nodded, going to the bathroom and starting to fill the bathtub, placing a foam solution and making sure the temperature was right.

Itachi follows Naruto into the bathroom, his eyes taking in the sight of him starting to fill the bathtub.

He stands behind Naruto, wrapping his arms around his waist and leaning his chin on his shoulder, pressing a gentle kiss on his neck.

"You know," he murmurs, his voice low and sultry. "You could've just told Sasuke I was here. It would've saved us a lot of trouble."

Naruto looked at Itachi twice before almost yelling. "Are you hearing what you're saying!?" Itachi lets out a soft chuckle, his breath warm against Naruto's ear.

"I know, it was a stupid suggestion," he admits, his arms tightening around Naruto's waist. He nuzzles his face into Naruto's neck, inhaling the scent of his skin.

"But I can't help but fantasize about a world where I can be with you openly, without having to hide in closets and lie to your teammates."

He pulls back slightly, his eyes roaming over Naruto's body, taking in the sight of him in the soft light of the bathroom.

"But for now," he says, a hint of desire in his voice, "Let's forget about Sasuke and everyone else. Let's just focus on us."

He reaches up, gently turning Naruto's face towards him and looking into his eyes.

The younger boy just looked up at his lover as he closed the water tap "Sure..."

Itachi smiles, his eyes filled with affection as he looks at Naruto. He rests his forehead against Naruto's, his hands still on his waist.

"You drive me crazy, you know that?" he murmurs, his voice low. "The way you risk getting caught just to be with me, it's insanely risky but also incredibly hot."

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After the shower with the two love birds, they laid in Naruto's bed and talked for a while, about what happened in the past few weeks they were apart.

Itachi was sprawled out on the bed, his head propped up on one hand as he looked at Naruto, a content smile on his face.

He couldn't believe how well Naruto had handled Sasuke's intrusion. It had been a stroke of luck and some quick thinking on Naruto's part that had saved Itachi from being discovered.

He ran a hand lazily through Naruto's hair, enjoying the feeling of the soft strands between his fingers. "You really saved me hide back there," he said quietly. "Thank you."

Naruto looked up from Itachi's chest, speaking tiredly. "It's alright Saiai. It's a good thing I have a lot of secrets I keep away from the team and my friends."

Itachi chuckled softly at Naruto's comment, his fingers tracing a pattern on Naruto's bare chest.

"You've always been good at keeping secrets," he replied, his voice warm and approving. "And I appreciate the effort you go through to keep our relationship hidden."

He leaned in closer, pressing a soft kiss on Naruto's forehead.

"But seriously, you were really quick thinking back there, pushing me into the closet before Sasuke came in."

He chuckled softly again, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I don't think I've ever seen you move so fast before. Sasuke nearly gave me a heart attack when he tried to open the door."

He shifted slightly, his body pressing closer to Naruto's.

"It got me thinking, though," he continued, "just how much experience do you have with keeping secrets huh, Kareshi?"

His voice was teasing, but there was a hint of curiosity underneath it, as if he was genuinely wondering about Naruto's answer.

The blonde thought for a moment, a look of contemplation on his face. " A lot. But it wasn't as if I lied, it was half truth. I keep the antidepressants and other pills I have in my closet drawer"

Itachi's eyebrows raised in surprise at Naruto's revelation. He had known that Naruto had some mental health issues and was on medication, but he hadn't realized the extent of it.

"I see," he said softly, his voice becoming serious. "You've been keeping that hidden from everyone, haven't you? Even your team?"

Naruto laid his head back on Itachi's chest, hiding his face in the others chest. "Only Hiruzen and Kakashi know."

Itachi's eyes softened as he gazed at Naruto, his hand gently stroking his arm, and them placing it under the youngers chin and revealing his face.

"And now me," he added quietly. "You trust me enough to let me know, even though you didn't have to."

He leaned in closer, his other hand coming up to cup Naruto's cheek, his gaze steady and serious.

"Thank you for trusting me with this, Naruto. I won't tell anyone, I promise."

He looked at Naruto, his eyes searching for his expression. He could see the exhaustion on his face, the toll of keeping secrets and maintaining appearances weighing heavily on him.

He pulled Naruto closer, his arms wrapping around him in a protective embrace.

"You don't have to keep everything bottled up, you know," he murmured, his voice soft and gentle. "You can lean on me, talk to me about anything. I'm here for you."

Naruto held Itachi's hand on his face, smiling at his lover. "And I don't?"

Itachi smiled gently at Naruto's response, understanding the defense mechanism behind his question.

"Yes, you do," he replied softly but firmly. "You don't have to act like you're tough all the time. In fact, you don't have to act tough with me at all."

He brushed a strand of hair away from Naruto's face, his thumb tracing the curve of his cheek.

"You can be vulnerable with me, Naruto. I won't think of you as weak. I'll never think of you as weak."

He held Naruto's gaze, his eyes serious and earnest.

"I love you, Naruto. All of you, including the parts you're trying to hide. I don't care if you need medication, or if you have moments of weakness. That doesn't change how I feel about you."

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on Naruto's forehead.

"You're strong, Naruto. But you don't have to be strong all the time. I'm here to catch you when you fall."

Naruto just smiled, wrapping his arms tighter around Itachi, giving him a much needed hug. "And that's why I love you."

Itachi tightened his embrace in response, pulling Naruto even closer to him. A warm, affectionate smile spread across his face as he looked at the man in his arms.

"I'm glad," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Because I love you more than anything in this world."

He nuzzled his face into Naruto's hair, inhaling the scent of him, his eyes closing blissfully.

"And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you feel safe and loved."

He ran his hand through Naruto's hair, relishing the feeling of the silky strands between his fingers. His other hand traced gentle patterns on Naruto's back as he continued to hold him close.

"Just promise me one thing, Naruto," he said quietly. "Promise me that you'll let me in. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed or like you're about to break, come to me. Don't shut me out."

Naruto looked at Itachi and then sat up slightly on his waist, straddling him and pressed an kiss on the older forehead "I promise."

Itachi's eyes fluttered shut at the feel of Naruto's lips on his forehead. A soft, contented sigh escaped his lips, and he opened his eyes again, looking up at Naruto with a mixture of tenderness and affection.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's all I ask."

He reached up, wrapping his arms around Naruto's waist and pulling him down on top of him.

He laughed quietly as Naruto landed on top of him, the weight of his body a warm, comforting presence.

"You know," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement, "this is a nice position. I could get used to having you on top of me like this."

The younger blonde blushed bright red, mumbling multiple inaudible things and only an "Shut up you bastard" stood out among everything.

Itachi let out a soft chuckle, thoroughly enjoying the sight of Naruto's intense embarrassment. His hands slid down to rest on Naruto's hips, holding him in place on top of him.

"Oh, you're blushing," he observed, a wicked grin on his face. "Is this the same Naruto who's always bragging about being a 'badass' ninja?"

The banter continued for a while, but after some time, both of them went to sleep, blissfully unaware of the blazing red sharingan fixed on the bed where there sleeping forms laid.

As Naruto and Itachi slept soundly, the owner of the sharingan outside continued to watch them with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

Sasuke couldn't believe what he was seeing. His teammate, his "rival," in bed with a guy. And not just any guy, but his brother. The traitor that he had been hunting down for the last six years.

Anger and confusion swirled together inside him, his mind trying to process the unexpected scene playing out in front of his eyes.

He forced himself to stay hidden, observing the two men in the bed, his eyes never leaving them. His mind raced with questions and conflicting emotions. He had never even considered the possibility of Naruto being with Itachi, let alone in a romantic relationship with him.

He watched as the two men slept, their bodies tangled together in an intimate embrace. A pang of jealousy mixed with his anger, a feeling he had thought he had long since conquered.

Sasuke clenched his fists, feeling strangely betrayed by the sight before him. Naruto had always been an open book, easy to read and understand. But this secret, this relationship with Itachi, was something he had never even suspected. And he couldn't help but wonder how long it had been going on for.

He wanted to confront them, to demand an explanation. But he was stuck in a precarious position, unable to move or act without risking being discovered.

He tried to make sense of it all. How could his teammate, the person he spent most of his time with, be sleeping with his brother? It didn't make any sense. And yet, the evidence was right there, laid out in front of him.

He watched as Naruto murmured something in his sleep, shifting against Itachi. The older Uchiha's arm wrapped more firmly around him, pulling him closer.

In the recesses of his mind, memories began to surface. Random instances of Naruto being late for training, of him sneaking off without a clear destination. At times when he would come back from his mission late at night, his cheeks flushed and a dreamy expression on his face.

The pieces started to come together in Sasuke's head. Naruto had been meeting with someone. Consistently. That person was Itachi.

His heart clenched with a mixture of anger and hurt. Why hadn't Naruto ever said anything? Why had he kept this a secret from them all this time?

He continued to watch the two men in the bed, his eyes locking on Naruto's face. He looked so peaceful, so happy. And that just made Sasuke feel even more confused and conflicted.

He felt a strange mixture of shock and denial. How could he have been so blind? How had he never suspected anything? And yet, a part of him had known. Deep down, he had noticed the changes in Naruto, but he had dismissed them as meaningless quirks.

He watched as the two men slept, their bodies intertwined, and an unsettling realization took root in his heart. He had been ignorant. And now, it was suddenly, forcefully staring him in the face.

As the memories continued to flood his mind, Sasuke was forced to confront another uncomfortable truth. Memories of his own actions towards Naruto played out before him. Cruel words, harsh treatment, and physical abuse. He had never thought much of it, seeing it as a way to toughen Naruto up and push him to be stronger.

But now, seeing Naruto cuddled up with Itachi, the pain and suffering he had inflicted on him seemed even more cruel, more senseless.

Looking at Naruto in Itachi's arms, Sasuke felt a new wave of shame wash over him. Had his cruelty played a part in pushing Naruto towards his brother? Had he unintentionally driven his so-called rival away from himself and into Itachi's arms?

He watched as Naruto stirred in his sleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. The same face that Sasuke had seen filled with pain and despair. He saw the way Naruto sought comfort in Itachi's presence, the way he visibly relaxed in his arms. It was a side of Naruto that Sasuke had never witnessed before. A side that he had helped create through his own actions.

In his sleep, Naruto whimpered. He shifted closer to Itachi as if wanting to hide in his presence, he was seeking comfort and to be protected, something Itachi was willing to do.

Even in his sleep, responded to Naruto's distress. His arms wrapped more firmly around Naruto, one hand rubbing soothing circles on his back. He pulled Naruto closer to him, cradling him protectively against his chest.

In that moment, Itachi was the epitome of a loving and protective partner, providing comfort and safety to Naruto subconsciously.

Sasuke watched the interaction, a pang of guilt and regret adding to the emotional turmoil he was already feeling. He had never thought of how his words and actions had affected Naruto, how much pain he had caused him.

His gaze remained on the pair on the bed, watching as Itachi soothingly whispered something in Naruto's ear, his voice low and reassuring. It was a stark contrast to Sasuke's own harsh and cold treatment of the blonde.

Sasuke watched as Itachi's actions silenced Naruto's whimpers. His heart tightened as he realized how much comfort and security Itachi provided to Naruto, how different it was from the way that Sasuke had treated him.

His mind whirled with conflicting emotions. Anger at Itachi, jealousy at their relationship, and a deep-rooted guilt at how he had treated Naruto.

He had never even thought Itachi could be capable of such tenderness, such gentleness. But there he was, providing the very comfort and safety that Sasuke had denied Naruto for years.

Sasuke's heart twisted in his chest at the sight before him. Itachi, the powerful and ruthless Itachi Uchiha, known for his cold demeanor and sharp intellect, was tender and gentle with Naruto. He caressed him almost reverently, as if he were handling something incredibly precious.

Sasuke could see the subtle ways Itachi supported Naruto, the way he held him close, the way his hand soothingly rubbed circles on his back. It was an intimate and affectionate act, and it made Sasuke's blood boil.

He clenched his fists, anger and jealousy seething within him. How could Itachi, of all people, be so tender and caring? How dare he act so loving towards Naruto, the one person Sasuke felt he had a claim on?

But underneath the anger and jealousy, a voice of reason whispered. He couldn't deny the fact that Itachi was providing the comfort and support that Naruto so clearly needed. The comfort and caring that Sasuke had never offered.

Suddenly Naruto clutched at Itachi's shirt, slightly opening his eyes and looking up at the raven haired man. They smiled at one another before Itachi pressed a kiss on the blonde's forehead.

Sasuke watched, his heart clenching tighter in his chest as Itachi kissed Naruto's forehead. There was an intimacy and familiarity to the gesture that spoke of something much deeper than just a casual relationship. It was clear that Itachi cared deeply for Naruto, and Naruto returned that affection in an equal measure.

Sasuke watched as Itachi and Naruto interacted. The tender glance, the soft smile, and the warm kiss on Naruto's forehead. Every gesture they made towards each other seemed so natural, so intimate. It was as if they belonged together, as if they had always been together.

The sight filled Sasuke with a strange mix of emotions. The anger and jealousy were still there, but now they were accompanied by a deep-seated loneliness. A loneliness that made him yearn for what Itachi and Naruto had found in each other.

Sasuke felt a pang of jealousy. He had never been on the receiving end of such tenderness from Naruto. He had always been too cold, too distant. And now, it seemed like he had missed his chance

He bit down on his lip, trying to force back the wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. How could he, Sasuke Uchiha, heir to the once great Uchiha clan, be feeling so envious of the relationship between Itachi and Naruto?

The irony was not lost on him. He had always seen himself as the stronger one, the one who would surpass Itachi in every way. But now, he was standing on the outside, watching as his older brother found happiness and companionship in Naruto.

He tried to rationalize it in his mind. He told himself that Itachi didn't deserve happiness, that he was a traitor and a criminal. But deep down, he knew that it wasn't about Itachi. It was about him. It was about the fact that he couldn't give Naruto what Itachi clearly could.

He could sense the change in Naruto since he was with Itachi. The tension that used to be a part of him was gone. He was relaxed, happy, and visibly in love. It was a transformation that Sasuke had never thought possible, let alone achievable by his brother.

Naruto laid his head back on Itachi's chest, mindlessly tracing different patterns on the older's chest "When are you leaving, Saiai?"

Itachi's hand continued to stroke Naruto's hair, his fingers gently weaving into the golden strands. He looked down at Naruto, his eyes tender and affectionate.

"In a few days," he replied, his voice was soft. "I have some business to attend in another village. I'll be back shortly."

He pulled Naruto closer to him, feeling the weight of his body against his chest. He was reluctant to leave, but this mission couldn't be avoided.

Naruto let out a soft sigh, his tracing ceasing for a moment.

"I'll miss you," he murmured, tilting his head up to look at Itachi.

Itachi's heart tightened at Naruto's words. He knew that leaving would be hard on both of them.

"I'll miss you too," he replied, his hand coming up to cup Naruto's face, his thumb brushing over his cheek.*

"But I promise, I'll come back as soon as I can." Naruto leaned into Itachi's touch, his eyes closing for a moment. He knew that Itachi's work was important, but that didn't make the thought of him leaving any easier to bear.

"You promise?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Itachi smiled softly, his eyes never leaving Naruto's face.

"I promise," he replied firmly, his words filled with a solemn resolve. "I'll come back to you. No matter what."

Naruto stared at Itachi for a few moments longer, as if trying to commit every feature of his face to memory. Then he nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"I'll hold you to it," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Itachi chuckled softly, a warm puff of air ruffling Naruto's hair. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead.

"You do that," he teased softly. "And don't get into too much trouble while I'm away."

Naruto chuckled, looking up at Itachi with a semi-inocent looking face "When have I ever got in too much trouble, Saiai?"

Itachi raised an eyebrow at Naruto, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He gently flicked Naruto's forehead.

"Don't play coy. You and trouble are as inseparable as you and ramen."

Naruto laughed, rubbing his forehead where Itachi had flicked him. It was true; he did have a knack for stumbling into trouble.

"I can't help it if trouble finds me," he said, a cheeky grin on his face. "I swear, it's like it's attracted to me."

Itachi merely chuckled, his hand rubbing small circles on Naruto's hip. He knew all too well how much of a trouble magnet his lover was.
"Ah, you poor victim of circumstance," he teased, his tone filled with affectionate sarcasm. "It's always the innocent ones who end up in the most chaos, isn't it?"

Naruto stuck out his tongue at Itachi, a playful gesture. He loved these moments when they could just banter and joke around. It was a break from the seriousness of their lives, a small moment of normalcy.

"Innocent?" he echoed, his tone laced with faux offense. "Who, me? I am the picture of innocence and propriety."

Itachi snickered, unable to hold back his laugh. It was obvious to anyone who knew him that Naruto was far from innocent and proper. But he played along, indulging Naruto's delusions.

"Of course, you are," he agreed, his voice dripping with exaggerated sincerity.

"You're the very essence of gentility, a model citizen and a paragon of virtue."

Naruto grinned widely, pleased with Itachi's exaggerated praise. He loved when Itachi played along with his jokes.

"Now, you're just buttering me up," he accused, his tone light and teasing. "Trying to get on my good side, are you?"

He poked Itachi playfully in the side, his fingers finding a particularly ticklish spot.

Itachi let out a surprised laugh, his body instinctively tensing against the tickle attack.

"Hey!" he protested, trying and failing to keep a straight face. "Cheater. That's below the belt."

He tried to bat away Naruto's hand, unable to suppress his amusement. He had forgotten how ticklish he was in some spots.
Naruto chuckled, his grin becoming even wider. He loved finding these little weaknesses in Itachi, moments when the older ninja's composed facade slipped.

"You never said anything about playing fair," he pointed out, clearly enjoying himself. He continued to tickle Itachi, his fingers dancing over his sides and under his arms, aiming for the most sensitive spots.

Itachi squirmed, trying his best to remain dignified and composed, but Naruto's expert tickling was making it nearly impossible.

"Stop," he wheezed between laughs, trying to squirm away. "I concede, I concede!"

His body was shaking with suppressed laughter, but he was determined not to give Naruto the satisfaction of seeing him dissolve into a giggling mess.

Sasuke stood hidden, watching the scene unfold before him with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His older brother, the infamous Itachi Uchiha, was being reduced to a laughing, squirming mess by Naruto. It was a side of Itachi that he had never imagined. But then again, he never thought Itachi would be in a relationship with anyone, let alone Naruto.

He clenched his fists, suppressing the urge to interrupt the scene. Instead, he was forced to stand there and watch as Itachi and Naruto continued to play around.

Sasuke's mind was racing. He had never seen Itachi like this - relaxed, open, even carefree. And it seemed that Naruto was the one bringing this change out in him. It was infuriating. How could someone like Naruto, someone so unserious and seemingly carefree, be the one to bring some light into Itachi's life?

He clenched his jaw tighter, watching as Itachi playfully swat at Naruto's hands, trying to escape the tickling assault.

With a swift, seamless movement, Itachi shifted his weight, pinning Naruto down on the bed. He straddled him, his hands trapping Naruto's wrists on either side of his head.

His expression was one of teasing dominance, a playful gleam in his eyes as he held Naruto in place.

"You're quite the troublemaker," he said, his voice lowered to a near-growl. "Always trying to fluster me like that."

Naruto let out a surprised "oof" as he was suddenly pinned down, his eyes widening at the swift change in position. But there was no fear in them, only a mixture of bemusement and excitement.

He tried to squirm out from under Itachi, but the older ninja had him firmly pinned, his body pressed against Naruto's, effectively trapping him.

"Who, me?" he replied, feigning innocence in his tone. "I wouldn't dream of it, Saiai."
Itachi chuckled at Naruto's feigned innocence, clearly not believing it for a second. He leaned down, his lips hovering close to Naruto's ear as he spoke.

"Liar," he whispered, his breath tickling against Naruto's skin. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Trying to get a reaction out of me, to see me lose my composure."

He gently nipped at Naruto's earlobe, his teeth grazing the sensitive flesh. He didn't bite hard, but it was enough to send a shiver down Naruto's spine. Itachi knew all too well the sensitive spots on Naruto's body.

"You like it when I overpower you, don't you?" he murmured, his voice still deep and possessive.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he watched Itachi and Naruto's interaction. The sight of Itachi pinning Naruto down, speaking in that low, possessive tone, was too much for him to handle.

Without a word, much to his impulses, he got off the window and left.

Sasuke's sudden departure went unnoticed by Itachi and Naruto, their focus entirely on each other. Itachi was too engrossed in his gentle teasing and flirting, and Naruto was too caught up in the thrilling back-and-forth between them.

It wasn't until a few minutes later that Itachi suddenly tensed, his eyes flickering towards the window. He had a feeling that someone had been watching them. He didn't need to look to know who it was. A pang of guilt flickered in his chest, but he quickly pushed it aside.

Maybe I should go talk to him...
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Chapter Text

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Love me.
Take care of me
Give me a reason to stay.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Konoha. Not a single cloud in the baby blue sky, merchants sold their products to the locals and travelers, people were talking, shinobi were running around doing their errands, but in one specific tiny apartment, a whiskered blonde was shouting at his lover.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU THINK HE SAW US!?" Naruto yelled, raising his hands and clutching at his golden spikey and slightly curly hair.

Itachi ran a hand in his hair to try and smoothen it out, looking at his blonde apogeticaly "Kareshi, please let me explain-"

"What could be there to explain!? He saw us! And you didn't make any move to stop him and wipe his memory! Do you know just how much shit we're in!?" Naruto yelled, starting to pace all over the room, tugging at his hair still.

Seeing his blonde like this made Itachi's heart sting, especially since he was the reason his blonde was panicking. He almost wanted to stab himself, he wasn't supposed to fall in love with Naruto. He was supposed to only lure Naruto and the Kyuubi into the Akatsuki's clutch, but he just couldn't.

He looked up at Naruto and decided to try and calm his blonde.

Naruto didn't notice when Itachi got next to him, but he felt the bruising grip Itachi had on his wrists. He whimpered before Itachi detached his hands from his head and he felt a bit of relief as his scalp was freed from the tension his own hands caused.

"Calm down, I'm sure Sasuke hadn't gone to anyone. I'll go make sure he doesn't, but I can't leave you here when you're acting like a wreck."

Just like a domino falling, Naruto lost his balance and supported himself on Itachi, who only shook his head.

The older male placed his blonde on the couch and pressed a light but meaningful kiss on the others forehead, a hand coming up to cup the blonde's cheek, his touch possessive and gentle.

"I... I'm sorry Saiai..." Naruto finally spoke whilst leaning in Itachi's touch, a somewhat rare moment of submission coming from Naruto, moments that were becoming more and more common as their relationship progressed.

Seeing and hearing the blonde's submission brought a smirk to Itachi's face, his hand going up and ruffling Naruto's hair "It's alright Koi, it's only natural for you to be worried. But for now, stay here like a good boy and let me handle Sasuke."

Naruto didn't like how that sounded. Whenever Itachi did something his way –oftentimes through questionable techniques– and Naruto wasn't a fan. It was just something about his tone and the way he articulated his words, paying extra attention to the way that he would tell Naruto to act or be in a certain way.

He wasn't dumb. Touch starved, yes. Emotionally disabled, yes. Bipolar, maybe. But he wasn't dumb.
He could see the way Itachi tried to possess him.

To the elder Uchiha, he was a toy, that he cared for, but eventually discarded till the next time. Making sure it wasn't damaged, but still treating it in a certain way.

Or perhaps he was a bird. Caged away by the iron bars the Uchiha placed around him.

He was cared for and pampered, but he couldn't help but miss the freedom he had before.

He heard somewhere that the Uchiha feel love harder and more intense than any other emotion.

But Naruto couldn't help but wonder if love was what Itachi was feeling. If he thought about it,Itachi was a stranger, and he couldn't fall in love just like that, and the timing was too spot on.

He saw all of these and said nothing. He couldn't tell him anything after all, he brought him groceries that he otherwise wouldn't get, took care of him, made love to him, therefore Naruto felt guilty, and like he had to stay in this relationship and close his eyes when things like these happened.

He didn't even notice when Itachi left.  He just woke up from his train of thoughts alone. It was quiet, Naruto couldn't decide if he preferred it this way or how it is with Itachi. Although most of the time it's to fuck.

Nowadays it was rough and fast, Itachi being a missing nin he couldn't stay a lot.

He missed the first few times when it was slow and a bit innocent even. The elder male would caress the kitsunes body, almost like worshipping him, whispering sweet nothings when it hurt, pepper small kisses all over his body.

Heck even the aftercare was different. At first, Itachi would take him and shower together while a shadow clone changed the sheets, then dress him in whatever comfortable clothes he found in the mess in Naruto's closet, and massage his muscles until he fell asleep.

Now they didn't really do it as much, Naruto often falling asleep and waking up alone in the cold and dirty sheets. But he couldn't complain, or it'll gain him the aftercare, but a few days of limping too.

It felt like he was exchanging sex for material goods.

But he couldn't complain, the previous day was innocent and loving enough that he would seem to just be acting like an ungrateful brat.

Naruto sighed and walked to the kitchen, he needed some ramen.
He's been eating a lot more since he started dating Itachi. It didn't make him gain weight, since he was just as, if not more active than before, but it still left him with some stomachaches.

He mindlessly walked around the kitchen, preparing a bowl and placing an frozen ramen kit in it. He then put it in the microwave and waited, leaning on the counter and looking out at the life beyond his window.

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Sasuke was currently losing his mind.

His best friend, rival, fuck it even crush, was fucking around with his brother.

He still couldn't wrap his head around this information. How could the dobe, his dobe was fucking his brother.

Sasuke was sitting in a remote area in the Uchiha compound. He avoided all of the houses of his uncles, aunts and especially his parents house, since he had a train of flashbacks only when he tried walking there.

He was clutching his head, pulling at his raven hair as tears began pouring down his eyes. He did this with his own hands. He pushed Naruto away straight in his brothers arms just because he couldn't fucking accept he was a fag.

Now he was paying the price for it.

He wasn't even sure when he started feeling like this for the blonde. At the start he was annoying, he stood up the most among everyone he met. He was enveloped in a cloak of mistery.

Then he started noticing small things about the blonde. How his eyes lit when he saw something he liked, how his hair shined in the classroom light, how his body was littered in moles, everywhere except his face.

And so the line between curiosity and love blurred beyond recognition.

As Sasuke contemplated his life decisions, a presence appeared behind him, his shadow looming over Sasuke's figure.

"Hello Oututo..."

Sasuke felt his blood freeze. Had Itachi noticed him while he was watching? Shit he must be angry... Oh well, at least I saw Naruto naked for once, that gotta count for something right?

"-right" Itachi finished, looking pointedly at Sasuke.

Double shit, he wasn't listening. If his blood wasn't boiling at the fact that he just now registered the killer of his clan was standing right in front of him, he would've asked him to say it again as he thought a little prayer.

Sasuke took a kunai out of his tool pouch and dumbly lounged at Itachi  – dumb idea, he knows it, but it was all he thought in the heat of that moment – who easily dodged and immobilized Sasuke.

" You weren't listening at all were you Oututo?" Itachi asked tiredly, he really wanted to cuddle with Naruto instead of having to deal with his little brother, then again, Naruto would be mad at him if he didn't.

Sasuke squirmed, trying to get out of the elder ravens grasp " I don't need to listen anything you say!"

Itachi sighed. " Look, whatever you saw there, you won't speak a word. Don't make me use genjutsu and anger Naruto even more."

The teen was confused "anger?" To which Itachi replied "Yes Oututo, Naruto is very paranoid, and your little stunt wasn't welcomed calmly."

"Hah?"

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I wanna be your lover...
I don't wanna be your friend...

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Naruto was napping when Itachi had slipped back into his apartment. The raven almost cooed at the sleeping blonde who was curled up into a ball, an orange cat he has never seen before laying at his feet.

The raven walked up to the bed and shook the sleeping beauty gently. "Kareshi...wake up..."

The cat looked up at him and meowed before getting up and plopping next to Naruto's head.

Itachi insisted, shaking the blond more forcefully. "I'm up I'm up!" he grumbled annoyed. Naruto really didn't want to deal with Itachi and his   weird, annoying tricks and manics.

"Get up then. I'm hungry and I'll make us lunch but I don't know where everything is."

When he heard of food, maybe Naruto's mood lightened up a bit, but he was still extremely troubled.

He did everything on autopilot. His thoughts scattered all over the place, but thankfully his boyfriend didn't ask anything...

But Itachi knew something was wrong. And boy was he scared, maybe Naruto didn't want him anymore... Or he found someone better or... Or... Anything could go wrong and the raven just couldn't even imagine a life without the whiskered blonde.

His situation was already bad as it it, he was supposed to lure Naruto in the Akatsuki's clutch, not fall in love like a god-damned idiot! He killed his own clan for a mission, but he couldn't find the strength in him to not get completely charmed by Naruto. He was an idiot.

And that wasn't his biggest problem yet, the Akatsuki were getting impatient, and it wasn't like he could magically turn their opinion around to have Naruto join and not be hurt, nor get out of the organization.

If he did that he'd be killed off and fed on by Zetsu. 'Shit, get a grip Itachi! You're almost twenty, not an angsty tren anymore!' he yelled at himself in his head, but his inner turmoil was broken by Naruto taking his hand forcefully and put under running water.

"- be careful! You could've burned yourself worse." Naruto yelled at him, turning off the stove. Itachi looked at his hand and saw a nasty looking burn mark on the back of it. He chuckled, he'd been so drowned in his thoughts that he didn't notice he poured boiling hot tea on his hand and not the cup.

On the other end, Naruto looked at him as if he grew another head. 'This guy is either mad or a psychopath, I can't tell if I'm attracted or if it's creeping me out...' Naruto sweat dropped...

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Kiss me, kiss me
Tell me that you miss me.