Title: The Darkness In Which We Share.

Pairing(s): SasuNaru

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Naruto is property of Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing, but you already knew that, didn't you.

Chapter 1: The Shadowed People

The rain battered off the window of the classroom, the storm still as fierce as when it first started earlier that morning. There, Naruto was stuck inside. With his hand on the glass, he painfully looked to the gates. He expected to see that figure all day. Never once did he arrive. The blonde had to wonder what had happened to him. It was never like him not to show up. It only made the pain Naruto's heart ache even more. The door slid open and in walked two men. Iruka glanced up from his book, startled to see the two men in black, both drenched by the rain. However, they bypassed the brown haired man and walked past the other children, heading for that one lone child sitting on the windowsill.

"Naruto Uzumaki?" one of the voices asked, sounding dark and demanding.

The cerulean eyes flew wide, the orbs of blue shaking within their white cage. The blonde trembled, scared with why he was wanted. Slowly, he moved his shoulders around, showing only half his face to the two men. He recognized them immediately. They were the police force. He focused his eyes on one of them, thinking that he remembered them for somewhere.

"We have some bad news for you..." the other added.

-I-

The figure dashed down the street. The golden sun reflected off his bright yellow hair, blinding anyone who dared pass the boy. The tanned figure, bag in hand, rushed further down the streets, turning corners this way and that. People quickly moved out the way, his white shirt blowing in the breeze. His feet thundered along the road like never before, though it was a constant, recurring thing. He should have been used to it by now. Leaping over a fence, the blonde made it to the gates, just as the bell sounded. Dashing past a couple of girls, he reached the door and threw it open, greeting the school entrance with a large grin. It was something he always did. That grin...was his trademark. That trademark belonged to Naruto Uzumaki. He rushed around the corner of the building and climbed the stairs in a record time of five seconds – no kidding. He skidded to a stop at his classroom door and slid the door open, embracing his lateness with his cheesy smile. Waltzing in like nothing had happened, Naruto held his bag over his shoulder and smiled proudly. Reaching his desk beside the window, the blonde collapsed with a hard sigh. Safe...he thought to himself.

"Uzumaki! You're late!" the harsh words of his teacher rumbled throughout the room, making the chair shake, even with its somewhat heavy occupant.

The brown haired man folded his arms, narrowing his eyes down on Naruto. While the blonde admitted that Iruka was his best teacher, he hated the man's wrath. According to Naruko though, he was a sucker for nosebleeds. It just showed where his mind truly laid. Naruto couldn't help but giggle at the thought.

"What's so funny? You think it's good to be late for class! No wonder you're failing!" Iruka screamed over the chatter, making everyone in the class turn to Naruto.

It was nothing new though. Everyday was the exact same. He'd always be late, always be shouted at, get a small punishment and that was the end of it. Nothing ever came of it.

"So what if I do, sensei?" Naruto smirked, wiping the small amount of sweat that had gathered from his forehead.

The rage in Iruka only gathered more, his face turning red and enlarging in front of Naruto. The blonde pushed himself back in his seat as the man before him looked like he was going to pop any moment. Suddenly, Iruka sighed and swallowed back that anger. He turned his back on Naruto and folded his arms.

"You're getting a detention. Be at the usual place," he uttered, before heading back to front of the class.

It was always like that. Never once had Iruka given him the full wrath. And while Naruto was glad, sometimes he did wish Iruka shouted at him, because then at least someone would be speaking to him. It always felt so lonely to Naruto. He never really had any friends – except Naruko, though she was his sister, but she didn't count. And anyway, she was always busy with work, returning at all hours of the day.

"Anyway, let's check attendance," Iruka began.

Naruto slouched in his chair, veering his gaze to the window. He watched the outside world go by. People walked on in the sunshine, they smiled, they were happy... And it made Naruto sad. While the boy was staring at the outdoors, he was unaware of a set of eyes on him from a few seats behind. The darkest eyes known gazed on the skull of the sunshine haired teenager. The pale chin rested itself on a pair of clasped hands that matched its colour perfectly. The firm line of his mouth parted for just a brief moment, and then those eyes changed their view, watching the teacher like they should have done in the first place. Naruto Uzumaki...The owner of the eyes thought, his mental voice cold and emotionless.

-II-

At morning break, Naruto took a walk along the corridors of the school. It was the least he could do to make it seem that he wasn't so lonely. Most people would just think he was walking to see a friend in another class or just coming from there. It wasn't something you questioned. Still, he kept the smiling look on his face, just as a front. He didn't want to look vulnerable. He'd probably pounce the next person that acknowledged his presence, though he did have some self restraint. Walking up the corridor, the cerulean eyes focused on a figure. He had ebony hair, pale skin and cold look about him. Naruto gritted his teeth. It was Sasuke Uchiha. The blonde twisted his face in disgust and strolled on past. The raven haired teen shoulder bumped him in the process, making him stagger backwards the way he was going. He caught the glance of a smirk before turning around and walking again. Bastard! Naruto hissed mentally. He narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth, his rather large canine fangs showing. Little did he know, Sasuke Uchiha had taken something from him. The raven haired boy unclasped his hand to show a small phone. He smirked at his success and pushed the flip phone into his pocket, before strolling along the corridor like he had done before.

Returning to his classroom, Naruto stretched his arms up and clasped his hands behind his skull, the long strands of yellow hair peaking through his fingers. Like always, he failed to see the pair of eyes on him. This time though, they were white, the owner of a girl with long, dark hair. The blonde teen walked right on by the first desk, the girl with white eyes blushing slightly. He failed to notice her. He was so oblivious to it all.

"Naruto, sit down already. Class will begin in a minute," a pink haired girl stood in the sapphire eyed boy's way.

He lowered his arms and smiled sincerely. The girl narrowed her eyes and stomped off, flicking her long hair behind her back. Naruto sighed and returned to his seat. He had always liked Sakura. His heart would always beat so fast when she was around him. He didn't know if it was love, because he had never really felt it before, but it was the closest feeling he had. He retreated to his seat and leaned back, hanging his arms over the back like he was half dead. His cerulean eyes stared up at the ceiling. Maa, I hate this, he thought to himself. I bet you're watching this, just wondering what happened to me, right? I wonder the same things... Naruto turned his head to watch the door. Sasuke Uchiha wandered in at that moment, looking stoic as ever. No one would put a smile on that guy's face, ever. Sakura, bounded right up to the raven haired boy, offering a large smile.

"Hello, Sasuke-kun!" she giggled, grasping her hands behind her back.

Sasuke only made a small groan in reply and walked right past the girl, not bothering with her at all. That was something Naruto would never get. Sasuke was passing up the chance of being with a beautiful girl. He didn't care about girls, or anyone for that matter. It was weird, in Naruto's mind, why Sakura would even go after someone like Sasuke. He clearly wasn't interested. Couldn't she go for someone who at least cared for her. For example; him. Still, there was nothing Naruto could do about it.

-III-

Naruto unlocked his front door and slid it open, wandering inside. The house was empty and silent. This meant that Naruko was working late again. The smile dropped from his face and the shoulders slouched, finally being able to take pity in himself. He threw his bag on the couch and wandered to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he took out a can of soda. Standing in the doorway of the living room, he opened the can and began to pour its contents down his throat. Did you think we'd be this lonely, Naruko and I? The blonde asked internally. I didn't... After finishing his drink, Naruto chucked the can in the trash and made his way to his room. It was a combination of orange a black. While the walls were a bright orange, with the carpet to match, his drawers were almost near black, as was his desk and wardrobe. He made his way to the side of his bed and collapsed forward onto the softness. He longed for that comfort. Everyday he would think about being in someone's arms. He didn't care whose they were, as long as he was wanted there. Turning his head to the side, so he could breathe, Naruto closed his eyes with a short sigh.

"Naruko...what were they like?"

"It's probably best that you don't remember. That way it will never hurt as much. I knew them well, remember them so clearly, that it aches in my heart more than it does in yours..."

"If it hurts so much, then how can you stand the pain? I can barely take what I feel..." Naruto whispered, partially opening his eyes.

He focused on the window, with the rays of the sun still beaming through. Bright and prosperous. That had always been his thought of them. From what little Naruko had told of them, he knew enough to know that they cared and loved him so much. Yet, he could never find the key to that door. The love they had for him was locked away. He highly doubted he would find the key after all this time. It was selfish of him really, or so he thought. Couldn't he just be content with what he had? After all, Naruko worked so hard to keep them both, to prove to social services that she could handle the family, look after the two of them.

"Naruto! I'm home!" a joyous, female voice shouted out.

Usually, Naruto would greet her, smile and try to be happy. Today though, he just didn't have the energy. Instead, he buried his head further into the bed and closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep so he had some sort of excuse as to why he never replied. Just as thought, Naruko opened his bedroom door and stared at her younger brother lying on his bed. Her face softened from the gleeful grin to a bitter-sweet sadness.

"Naruto..." she uttered, slowly stepping towards the edge of the bed.

She reached a hand out and ruffled his hair, his yellow spikes feeling like warm silk on her fingertips. You were always so much like him, she thought. Retracting her hand and dropping it by her side, Naruko turned and walked back out the room, without so much of a glance backwards. She knew his smile, his happiness was fake, but he was trying so hard all the time. She had to given him credit for trying to make her smile. With the sound of the door closing, Naruto pried his eyes open and stared out the window again. On the bed stand, the cerulean eyes glanced to the photo of four people. Two children and two adults. However, the sun's rays reflected off of the faces of the two adults, only showing the younger versions of Naruko and Naruto. Sitting up, the blonde removed his eyes from the photo and stared into space. He didn't blink for a few moments, but suddenly, the doorbell went, waking him from his stupor. He pushed himself off his bed and wandered to the door, opening it slightly to see Naruko rush to their front entrance. He heard the mumbled form of a voice and then Naruko's high pitched glee that somewhat resembled Miku Hatsune*.

"Naruto! It's for you!" his sister shouted, making the shriek that Naruto oh just loved.

Pouting slightly, the blonde emerged from his room and wandered past his sister to the door, making a small remark on how she should think about toning down her voice. The elder of the siblings took this to quite some offence and stomped off in a huff. Clearly she hadn't grown up at all. Turning to the door, Naruto stopped short, shocked to say the least as to why that person was standing in his doorway. Of course, it was Sasuke Uchiha. Quickly, the blonde took up a pose of disgust and anger, demanding harshly as to why this piece of vulgar rubbish was bothering him. Calmly, the ebony haired Uchiha delved into his pocket and brought something out. Holding out his hand to Naruto, he unravelled his fingers, revealing a slightly worn flip, mobile phone with a charm hanging off the end which could be recognized as a misshapen frog.

"Oh..." the younger of the two uttered, feeling slightly bad for acting the way he did, "I didn't even realize it was missing..."

Sasuke blinked for a moment, as Naruto slowly took the phone and stuffed it into his pocket, "I found it at school. You must have dropped. I thought you'd probably need it," the Uchiha shrugged.

The younger's pupils glanced to the floor for a moment. Yeah, on the twelfth of never. Who's gonna give me a message, huh? Naruto thought to himself, mentally rolling his eyes at the same time. Plastering a big grin on his face, the blonde rubbed the back of his hair, kneading the fluffy spikes through his fingers.

"Well thanks. I'd be lost without it," he chuckled, veering his gaze back to his mortal enemy.

"I'll see you at school then. Goodbye," Sasuke replied as he turned to leave.

"Yeah! See ya tomorrow!"

Naruto watched Sasuke as he walked down the garden path and out the high gate. His eyes followed the movements of the Uchiha very carefully, making sure that he'd get down the street all right. It was a rough area, nothing like where he came from. Dropping the smile, Naruto shook his head and slid the door shut. He sighed and leaned forward, resting his palm against the wooden frame. Still, a ghost of smile traced his face, something he'd never admit to anyone.

While Naruto hated Sasuke and vice versa, underneath the Uzumaki had actually very much admired Sasuke. He knew that his parents had died while serving on the force, leaving him and his older brother. In conclusion, he and Sasuke were very much alike, giving Naruto some hope to find a true friendship. But because of Sasuke's arrogance and obnoxiousness, plus his aura that just made people love him, made this hope turn to hate, making Sasuke Uchiha his eternal rival. He wanted to be friends, but never had the latter shown any interest in doing so. However, Naruto noted that the Uchiha never seemed to have any friends of his own, not true friends, best friends, people he could turn to. And it gave Naruto a little hope again, that hope residing in that small smile. Inside, he was shining. Perhaps...he wasn't so lonely after all. Maybe, just maybe, he could find that happiness to make his heart not ache so much. Naruko had buddies, why couldn't he?

-IV-

Hands in his pockets, a smirk on his face, Sasuke felt triumphant. His heart was glowing and beating at an alarming rate. The dark eyes he owned gazed up at the sun and he stopped in his tracks. He made Naruto smile. That's all he could think about. Sasuke made a low noise at his own stupidity. He felt like a perverted fangirl, squealing – mentally – because she was brave enough to talk to that guy. Shaking his head a small bit, the Uchiha resumed his pace, slow and casual. At least he had something to think about when he got home. Yes, he admired that smile, that façade Naruto wore around everyone. Sasuke just hoped that one day it would be truly real. He was a kind soul after all, he deserved a little joy, as did himself.

Sighing, Sasuke gave a small smile to no one in particular, though the girls he was passing shrieked in delight, badly containing their glee. He chuckled mentally. Really, he wanted Naruto to shriek and whine like those girls, though he couldn't put his finger on why. He didn't even know why he took his phone in the first place and put his number in it. Really, he just wanted an excuse to talk to Uzumaki, but still he found himself wondering why. Why did he favour Naruto's opinion over all? Why did he crave that beautiful smile? Why did he want to be liked by this boy? Why was he even thinking about him that way anyway? The answer eluded Sasuke. He'd just have to keep on giving into these demands and hopefully he would find out. Maybe then, he'd know why he truly wanted to spend all his time with Naruto. For now though, he would just bask in the glory of achieving his heart's desire, taking it only one step at a time.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Sasuke stopped short as he reached the high arched gate that led into one of the many gardens of the Uchiha estate. He internally groaned at the annoyance and pushed the main gate open, revealing a large, stone path with pebbles covered in moss at each side, leading up to a tall and big front door. It was like a mansion, though actually it was a little too small to be classed as a mansion. Quietly walking down the path without a noise, almost as if he didn't want anyone to hear, Sasuke reached the main door and turned the knob, slowly pushing it forward. However, the old building it was, the door creaked and the light poured into the dark hallway. The ebony haired teen peered into the shadows of the hallway, glancing around, though it seemed like he was checking if the coast was clear. Deeming it was, he tip toed inside and gently closed the door behind him, making a small click as it shut properly. The boy scurried down the hall, discarding his shoes neatly at the door and made his way to a door. Just as he turned to the handle, a dark voice called out.

"So you're back, Sasuke," it said in a low tone, masculine and condescending.

The black orbs flew wide, the irises trembling within their white cell. Shit... A voice in Sasuke's head breathed. Swallowing slightly, Sasuke loosened his grip on the door and turned to the black silhouette standing halfway down the curved stairs. All that could be seen were the whites of his eyes.

"I didn't think you'd be back so soon. After all, you did go to see the Uzumakis...right?" Sasuke didn't need to see his face to know that his brother was smirking.

The younger of the two snarled and clenched his jaw, turning his hands into tight fists as he continued to stare at the shadowed figure on the staircase. This was his cause of anger and despair, the reason why he was so closed off and barely wanted to company. It was because this man had forced him to. And he loathed him for it.

"Itachi," Sasuke hissed with hate lathering his tongue.

A/N:

Seera (MB): Dun, dun duu! Itachi makes his entrance XD (Because we all love him!)

I hoped you like my first Naruto fic. It's a SasuNaru, because that's my favourite couple in the whole wide world. Anyway, the beginning is a little snip it from another part of the story, but I'm not telling you any more. Please review, fave, alert this story. I do appreciate the feedback. Crap? Rubbish? Okay? OCC? You tell me.

*Miku Hatsune – a character made by Crypton as a voice synthesizer. A program used by a computer to make and cover songs of Japanese, though English and other languages have been attempted.