A/N: So yea, again, I'll be editing stuff and hopefully really be working on this too. Clandestine is a rewrite of Change with a newer, more twisted plot whoo! (The fancier title should be symbolic enough) I just wanna see how much I draw in with this first chapter. Also, clandestine means secret or sly which we all hope its meaning would be understood soon enough if I really do get the chance to finish this fic this time. Chapter titles have their first letter to spell out clandestine by the way.

con·fes·sion

/kənˈfeSHən/ (n): 1. to acknowledge or avow (a fault, crime, misdeed, weakness,etc.) by way of revelation.

The bell for luch rang.

Sasuke had only then started collecting his books when an all too familiar voice called out to him. "Oi! Sasuke!" Although irritation had been present with a roll of his eyes, the slight twitch on his lips spoke of something else. He looked over to the voice only to have spotted a yellow blur. Shit. Sasuke had no time to prepare himself when on cue, a weight settled on his back just as a pair of arms wrapped around his neck, surely squeezing him to death. Fortunately, though, before he swore he would've just died, the grip was released; unfortunately, on the other hand, the death grip was transferred to his wrist.

"Hurry up, teme! We're eating at the rooftop today. You and me. No buts!"

"Alright, alright," Sasuke grumbled, hurrying with his belongings.

For years, Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto had long been best friends. Unlike any normal relationships, no one even suspected the bond that would have come between them. Every single encounter they had then were glares, curses and physical blows; rivalry was the best way to have explained what they had. So it had been a surprise really when one day they had come across one another, more battered and bruised than any other time they've seen, and just bumped fists, laughing like there was no tomorrow. To this day, there were still those who didn't understand or accept what had really happened. And yet, to this day, there was absolutely nothing that kept them apart. Even if a certain Uchiha tried to deny the label Naruto was to him.

As soon as both had reached the windy rooftop, they went over to their usual spot by the corner where there was enough shade and warmth at the same time. They automatically sat down, leaning on the chest-level ledge that kept any suicidal student at bay. Ever since their friendship caused issues when it came to fangirls and noise, the place had become their one and only solace. Basically, with their occasional visit, it had seemed as if it was theirs and theirs to keep and occupy. Besides, nobody ever bothered going up to the place. And if there were, let's just say, they took matters into their own hands.

It was quiet at first -not counting Naruto's "ITADAKIMASU!"- knowing there was a certain topic they had to discuss, yet both uncomfortable with bringing it up. Shortly after taking a few bites though, Naruto, not at all the type of person to be in the silence and confident it wasn't Sasuke who's going to bring it up anytime soon, started with a low voice. "You'll be leaving early tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah." Sasuke sighed, taking an uncomfortable bite out of his onigiri.

There was an awkward silence before the blond set his bento aside, brought his knees close and set his head down with a huff. Sasuke stared at the blond with a confused expression. "Maaaan! I'll be a lonesome person when you're gone. They'll all suddenly count me out since I have no best friend." The raven rolled his eyes at the ridiculous idea. Naruto then seemed to turn to him with a serious expression, brows scrunched together, as he took a sip of his milk."Hey what do you think about me being an emo?"

Sasuke, did not, all, expect that. He ended up choking on his drink trying to picture his best friend garbed in black, face and hair limp and dead. Nope that was utterly horrible. He set his beverage down, coughing at the liquid that made its way to his esophagus too quickly. Turning to Naruto with a raised eyebrow, as if to say, what the hell?, his best friend only ended up laughing. Soon enough, the rich, warm tone, as always, had him laughing as well. He never knew how the blonde's blabbering nonsense always turned into some form of entertainment and a drug to his senses when it only served to annoy him in the past. Nevertheless, it never failed to raise his spirits.

When the laughter soon died out, Naruto whined, "No, seriously! Why do you have to go, Sasuke?"

Sasuke sighed. "Dobe, we've been over this. My whole family's going. I have to. It's father's business trip, okay?"

"Hmph. No!" Naruto fumed stubbornly.

"You make it seem like we're leaving for good. It's only 5 years."

"Yeah. 5 years of me being miserable!"

"...what exactly is the argument there?"

"I don't know! I just don't want you to go!" At that, the blonde began poking at his bento dejectedly.

Sasuke couldn't help the twinge of sadness that overcame him as well. It wasn't like he wanted to leave either, but there was no choice in the matter. The only thing he could hold on to was just really the fact that he was coming back. Sighing, he stared at Naruto poking his octopus-shaped hotdog, a memory flashing in his mind. "Dobe, stop that. Don't want another octopus getting the wrong idea, do we?"

The blonde snapped his neck at him, amusement and irritation dancing in his eyes. "Hey! It wasn't my fault that stupid thing didn't want to let go! What about you when the freaking starfish..."

And for the next minutes, they began reminiscing their stupid and hilarious memories. Most people would say that Uchiha Sasuke wasn't one of many laughs, but if one accidentally ended up in the roof, it would surely be a sight to see. But then again, as long as Uzumaki Naruto was by anyone's side, anything wasa sight to see. Sasuke was just the most special case. Emotions flitted so much in the air, a certain atmosphere of brightness surrounding the two. It was really something.

When the conversation soon ended with a yeah, Naruto breathed out a sigh that started to calm him down. Bright blue eyes diminished to darker, serious ones as it seemed trailed the ledge around the rooftop. He stood up too suddenly, to Sasuke's confusion... and just hopped up the ledge.

"Dobe, what do you think you're doing?" Sasuke stood up as his face contorted into horror when the blonde almost lost his balance, two arms raised at his sides.

"What do you think? I'm going to jump of course!" he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

For a second, Sasuke seemed to believe him. "What- Are you crazy? Why are you-"

"I hate everything." A shiver ran through Sasuke's being when Naruto had said it so cold and monotonous. "I hate the fact that you're leaving, the fact that a lot of things could happen between us soon, and the fact that there's only few hours to spare with you like this."

The first thought that bombarded Sasuke's mind was What the hell? Just minutes ago, everything was fine. They had been acting like their normal selves and making the most out of their time. He wasn't even sure how this had been brought on. How could Naruto seem so... desperate all of a sudden? Eyes wide, he tried to form words to get the blonde down. "Naruto-"

And then Naruto was laughing just as he jumped down in front of him. "I'm just kidding, Sasu!" he snorted, "Did you really think I was gonna take that emo thing seriously?"

Yes, yes he did. It had sounded so convincing that Naruto would just rather end it there than let time tick away to their inevitable separation. What in the world was going on? Although he knew it was impossible to glare Naruto down, Sasuke did anyway. "Why the hell did you even-"

Light cerulean eyes fell and before the raven could've read the deeper emotion between them, Naruto walked away, leaning on the other corner of the ledge, his back facing him. "Today's really the day and this is not some kind of dream, huh?"

There it was again. His tone turning low, terrified and desperate. It scared Sasuke a bit that it sounded so real. Like it was truly how Naruto conceived this situation they were in. It scared him because it was the blonde's optimistic attitude he was really wishing to see now. "Dobe, what's with you? " he said slowly. "It's just 5 years. We're not migrating," he tried to reassure him once again with the fact he too reassured himself with.

"It's not that!" Naruto seemed to snap. Upon catching Sasuke's widened orbs, he said softly, "It's just... a lot can happen in 5 years... and I'll miss you, Sasuke. Soon, I might not have any friend anymore."

The way Naruto said it, Sasuke can't help feel the pool of dread in his gut. The blonde really sounded shaken and unaccepting of this reality in front of them. It was as if he really believed the utter nonsense he was spouting out. Especially the last part. Sighing, Sasuke realized he was gonna be the one to keep the mood light for now. "Dobe, you're literally surrounded by them." It was true, anyway. Any person Naruto talks to, immediately becomes one. It was an ability he hated about the blonde once. The idea that he wasn't the only friend he had in his life.

Naruto didn't say anything at first, falling into a pensive silence. That immediately had Sasuke worried. Why was he suddenly looking so deeply into everything? This was something he rarely saw in the blonde, meaning something he wasn't completely used to. Sasuke took hesitant steps towards him.

"But-" Naruto suddenly said, voice lower than the last, already shaking this time. "It's different, of course. You're different."

"Naruto..." If his words surprised him, Sasuke was utterly unprepared to see crystal tears falling from the blonde's eyes as soon as he stood beside him. Being the joyous person he is, never in Sasuke's life had he thought he'd see his best friend cry. What the hell brought this on? Of course he knew he'd miss the idiot too. Was he really just less emotional than his best friend that he wasn't feeling the same ounce of sadness such as this?

No, scratch that. He did feel it. That terrible knowledge of separation between the two of them a mere hours away from now. Naruto was someone he treasured, even if he didn't say nor admit it too often. And he knew what the blonde meant when he said he was different. Even with the avalanche of friends that came his way, it was really only Sasuke who understood Naruto more than anyone. The same went for him. And it was that idea that made Naruto fear his departure, fear the idea of isolation, having to separate himself from someone who might as well be his conscience. Sasuke. His brother in all but blood. And that there had struck the sadness which now poured out of him. He wasn't sure why he couldn't trust someone else after this, but if he was in Naruto's position, it was hard to replace a Sasuke.

To him, it was impossible to replace a Naruto.

Of course, the raven had no way to confirm these ideas. But he just felt it. He felt these thoughts, the raw emotion pulsating out of his friend. It was as if he just really knew that their minds had the general idea of what was to come. They shared that fear, the anxiety, the utter desolation in losing someone as significant as the other. He was right... a lot could change in 5 years and he was scared of that change. Who was he without the blonde? He needed him and yet... there was nothing he could do about the situation.

Despite all this though, there was something else he saw in Naruto's eyes. They seemed shattered and just plain terrified. There was dread and so much of it written all over his face. Why was he this scared?

Again, he felt a twinge it his chest as his eyes began to prickle. He really would miss the idiot terribly. But right now was the significant time for him to regain his role as the emotionless, more mature between the both of them. Without a second thought, Sasuke took his best friend into his arms. It helped that he was taller, allowing him to ruffle the blonde hair. "Ssshhh... stop crying, you idiot." It was really this warmth, this awful familiarity that his being would long for. Something he was already missing just now. It hurt knowing time was ticking down upon this experience.

"I-I'm sorry," came Naruto's muffled voice. "You don't understand. I'm just-"

"Yeah, scared, I know," Sasuke said softly, a bit confused when he felt the blonde tense in his arms. "But you really are an idiot if you're trying to think that far and not the time we have right now."

"H-Heh. When did you start sounding so cliche?"

"Ever since a certain dobe decided to cry."

"You're the one to say. My shoulders feel wet, teme."

Sasuke's eyes widened as he did begin to see drops of liquid falling on Naruto's back. His hands reached for his cheeks, tracing it up to his eyes. Maybe he too was scared after all. If anything, he was supposed to be the one who was terrified of what awaited the other in his absence. Naruto was more capable of change than he was. Were his words unconsciously meant for him as well? Just as he was about to utter a threat for Naruto not to mention this to anyone, he instead said, "Hn. Suck it up. I'll miss you too, dobe."

"Te..." -he sniffed, beating a weak fist at him- "...me!"

Accompanied by the gentle breeze, they just stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth and comfort. Sasuke didn't mind. He knew very well that this was all the time they had to themselves. Soon, there was the Uchiha family to deal with. Besides, this was their last free time on the rooftop before 5 years swept their physical connection away. Seconds later, both flinched as they heard the bell rang.

Naruto immediately let go and wiped his tears. Without looking back, he grabbed his lunch and sped off after saying, "I-I'll see you later!"

Sasuke only smiled. He was pretty sure he saw Naruto flustered.

What he didn't though were the blue orbs that were still dead.

Sasuke and Naruto headed off to the Uchiha mansion as soon as the dismissal bell went off. God knows how large the demonic fangirls would grow and run after them if they stayed any longer. After all, it would be years before they saw their precious Sasuke-kun again. How the information leaked out, they'll never know. Once the school was a dot away behind them, the two had immediately been invaded by silence as neither knew how to say anything right after what occurred hours ago. However, as always, Naruto chose to break it soon enough.

"Uhhhh... sorry... about a while ago, I mean," he muttered uncomfortably, blushing a little as he rubbed the back of his head.

Oh he is so not living this down. "That's alright. Though I never really thought I'd see that side of you. You're more emotional than a girl, dobe."

Naruto's face finally fully reddened. "Sh-shut up, teme!" he grumbled, "It wasn't like you weren't crying either!"

Sasuke took pride in the fact that they were silent tears anyway so the comment didn't bother him really. His reputation for being stoic was still safe. Sort of. In Naruto Standards anyway. "Hn."

It was then that they arrived, passing the usual grand black gates, walking around the circular fountain, and entered the black and blue designed mansion. After years of staying over, Naruto was pretty much used to the place, enough to not have his eyes flying around, his neck twisting here and there. It wasn't like there was much to be fascinated about in the first place. Fugaku and his father had pretty much the same minds when it came to designing and architecture. Imagine their surprise when the neighbors blocks away saw both structures. Fugaku was grumbling while Minato just passed it off with a hearty laugh. It wasn't like they had the exact same design anyway.

As both reached the left corridor, Sasuke was surprised when he turned to his best friend and, once again, only caught on to a yellow blur. Hurried footsteps raced towards the opened door on the right and Naruto's shrill voice confirmed his thoughts as to who had become his victim.

"Itachi-nii!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes as he leaned on the door frame. He smirked, seeing the 12-year old dangling from his brother. Typical Naruto. He just watched as Itachi's surprised black eyes turned to soft, gentle ones whilst ruffling the blond mop and setting the child down.

"Hello Naruto-kun," the older raven said sweetly. To Itachi, Naruto was someone he was much more fond of as a little brother rather than Sasuke. The younger Uchiha would be lying if he said he hadn't envy his best friend for that in his younger years. He looked up to Itachi like any younger brother did. The thing was though... his older brother wasn't sane. He wasn't sure how his obnoxious schemes hadn't infuriated him then, but at a mature age such as 9, Sasuke had enough. For three years, he had already gotten over his annoying brother. He still liked him, sure, but only a minuscule portion of how he had when he was six. As for Naruto, said schemes didn't really deter him from loving the idea of Itachi being his older brother so much. In the end, the older raven just accepted the fact that Naruto was different, causing his sweeter brother side to be poured onto the blonde.

Once Naruto was set down and he had sat on the bed with a pout, he said, "I came to say goodbye... since I can't wake up as early as you guys to see you off."

Again, Itachi ruffled his head and Naruto's pout vanished. He always liked it when he did that. "I know. It's summer after all for you. It would be surprising to see you up at 3."

"Hey!"

The older Uchiha only raised an eyebrow.

"...yeah... you're right." Naruto grumbled.

Itachi smirked. "I'll still need to pack, okay? I'll meet you at dinner, Naru. Mother and father are in their room too if you want to see them."

Naruto jumped off the bed with a large smile on his face. "Okay, I will! See you, Itachi-nii!" His eyes landed on Sasuke. "C'mon, teme!" And he was off.

Itachi trailed the bubbly blonde before turning to the younger Uchiha, his once affectionate smile turning sinister. "Otouto..."

"Hn. Whatever." Nope, he wasn't dealing with his brother now. He'll have 5 years of that torment anyway. With that, Sasuke used his foot to kick himself from the door frame and followed his best friend deeper through the corridor. Upon his arrival, he saw a scene only a certain blonde was capable of doing. Sasuke had to hold on an erupting laugh. His mother, though, didn't mind letting it out. She was chuckling at Fugaku who happened to be on the floor, trying to say something as his head rose and fell. He gave a defeated sigh, staring at the blonde on top of him, dangerously squeezing his neck. If Sasuke looked closely, he saw the man's lips twitch upwards.

"Hey Uncle Fugaku! I came to say my goodbyes! Dad sends his regards as well!"

Fugaku winced at the high-pitched voice. Not having the heart to berate his sort-of-nephew though, he merely did the same as Itachi and ruffled the blonde's unruly hair. Sasuke smirked. No one in the Uchiha family was safe from Naruto's charm. He was pretty sure if anyone did that to his father, it would be the most awkward sight to see. But if it was his best friend, it looked natural. As if Fugaku wasn't a cold-hearted, strict businessman and just an upbeat, soft-hearted father. Sasuke shuddered.

"Alright, kid. Now get off me." Naruto got up, doing as he was told. He then eyed Mikoto and proceeded to hug her from the waist. She merely chuckled once again.

Once her laugh shrunk into a smile, she patted Naruto's back and the blonde let go. "It's a good thing you're here, 'Ruto, we're having ratatouille for dinner. As much as I want you to eat those, I need you to help me finish the last ramen cup."

If Naruto's occasional visits taught the Uchihas anything -aside from his sudden tackles and death grips- Naruto hated his vegetables. If that was provided, it only served to intensify his already horrendous amount of love for ramen. And so, lacking the parents who knew eating too much ramen was obviously unhealthy -seeing as Naruto got it from Kushina and Minato- Mikoto took it into her own hands to be that parent. She took extreme measures for the blonde to balance his food intake with vegetables, going as far as lying about dinner or the fact that there was no ramen in the cupboards when, in reality, there always was. Besides, seeing Naruto eat them was an interesting entertainment.

"Blech! Vegetables," Sasuke turned to his best friend, showing a face of disgust.

Though it amused him, Sasuke called out, "Dobe, you'll have to learn to eat them someday."

"Yeah? Then someday will take long."

The raven rolled his eyes.

"Sasuke?"

He turned to his mother. "Yeah?"

"Head up to your room and see if you've packed everything, okay? Naruto will follow shortly."

His eyes landed on the blonde who was giving him a reassuring, wide smile. "I'll be fine, teme. Aunt Mikoto's just going to give me my secret mission! I'll be there before you know it."

Although the situation still confused him slightly, Sasuke scoffed, "Whatever, dobe. Just don't try anything stupid while I'm gone."

Naruto blew a raspberry at him, giving the raven his cue to leave.

Yeah right.

Sasuke quietly hid beside the door frame, trying to overhear the conversation. What did they need to talk about with the blonde that shouldn't have him involved? Of course his initial thought was that they were to discuss something about him. But since when did his parents decide to bring Naruto in it? He had to hear this.

"Naruto..." he heard his father say.

"I know, uncle," Naruto said, his voice devoid of anything light and playful. "Again, I'm really sorry... for keeping the truth from him for so long."

"It disappoints us, 'Ruto," Mikoto said gently, "but doing this is enough for us. It's better than letting him live with a lie."

"Yeah... In advance though, I'm sorry for the trouble he'll bring you the next 5 years. It's the only way I could see it happen."

"For all our sakes," Fugaku muttered defeatedly, "let's just hope he'll understand someday."

"'Ruto, I think you better go. Sasuke might end up getting you here instead."

"Hah. Yeah. Damn bastard has no patience and..."

At that point though, Sasuke had already ran off, anger boiling in him. Just what lie had he been living in his whole life? One thing was for sure: he shouldn't have heard that. Now, he just had to focus on acting normal before whatever was meant to happen happens.

As soon as the maids called everyone for dinner, their dining happened as similarly as they did every time Naruto was present. Naruto starts a conversation with anyone but Sasuke, who he always chooses last. Said victim had no choice but to be pulled in by Naruto's encouraging words, not having the heart not to engage the blonde in conversation. Once everyone had their piece in joining it, Naruto then retreats to Sasuke while those three continued on. He starts a little, innocent conversation, which then, as per the norm, heats up and turns into a debate... of some sort. Mikoto begins chuckling, hearing the pointless argument, which causes the other three's attention to fall on the children in the table. Itachi ends up joining in once Naruto "hires" him as a "lawyer" as soon as the blonde realizes his downfall. Things conclude when the two end up calling each other names and as soon as words got more colorful than intended, Fugaku steps in to shut them up. Silence ensues... and then the laughing... and before they knew it, everyone had finished their dinner, amusement dancing in their eyes.

Once all the plates had been taken, Naruto bade his sort-of-last farewells to the Uchihas, leaving all of them a death grip to remember. All three seemed to command Sasuke to assist Naruto out, which found the young Uchiha glaring at them for telling him the obvious. Of course he was going to do that. As they both headed out, neither saw the playful obsidians turn into concerned ones.

Immediately, the two were met only by a gentle breeze and the sounds of the cicadas, their limited time together suffocating the both of them to silence. For completely different reasons, two chests clenched, two hearts beating too fast for their own good. This was it and neither black nor blue orbs could connect in fear of what was to come. For a while, no one said anything.

"I guess... this is goodbye, then, huh?" Naruto said shakily, rubbing a hand behind his head.

Sasuke risked glancing at his best friend whose eyes were dull and melancholic. His chest tugged painfully, though a bit distracted by earlier's memory. "Yeah..." What was the blonde waiting for? Shouldn't he be telling him something now?

An awkward silence fell between them. "So... I'll see you in 5 years?"

The raven momentarily glanced at him in confusion, surprised to see Naruto smiling sincerely. "5 years..." It was then that his eye caught the blonde fidgeting uncomfortably. Here goes nothing...

"Bye then, Sasuke."

Huh? Before Sasuke could reply, Naruto just ran without even looking back. Wasn't he supposed to have told him something life altering? It just didn't make sense. Did Naruto lose the courage to bring it up? He shouldn't have, right? There was a lie that had to be unveiled or else-

Sasuke froze.

What the hell was he doing?

This was the last time in the next 5 years that he would be seeing his best friend in person. Sure he's frustrated that some certain information he had to know of was being withheld from him but... didn't Naruto mean much more than that? Thinking back to how their parting had gone, his chest fell. That was it. Not even a last insult, a hug, a kiss, a glare, a death grip, a smile- No, wait... what did he just think of? Did he say kiss? Sasuke blushed frantically. Agh, nevermind that. Save the thought for later. There was no time to think about it now when his world was falling apart at the realization that that single 'Bye, then' was the last thing he was left to remember of Naruto and all his tangible form for the next 5 years.

All the years that accumulated to now... it wasn't enough! He wanted a better goodbye, a better way to remember the one true person who managed to change his world. He didn't even get a touch of the idiot. At least ruffle his hair, bump fists, trace the damn whiskers, pull him close for a ki- for a damn hug! It was his own fucking fault! The last chance he could've acted, at least, and he didn't! Maybe it was what Naruto was waiting for... and yet... nothing.

He didn't fucking act.

5 years with this guilt. No. He couldn't live with it. Some secret information be damned.

Adrenaline coursing through him, Sasuke's legs moved. Sure he was more than just bothered that there was a portion of his life that was a lie, but it would kill him not to have expressed to Naruto just how much he mattered to him. Just how much torment it brought him at the knowledge of their separation. Sasuke gasped as he felt a tear fall from his eye. He knew he would miss Naruto. Horribly so. And it was all his fault that his distracted mind caused the their unsatisfactory parting. It was bad enough that the same situation occurred during their moments in his room and at the dinner table. Naruto's downcast eyes conveyed enough then.

Dammit!

Sasuke did his best to run as fast as he can towards a certain mansion 13 blocks away. He just knew he had to do something. Anything. He had to leave a better memory. He needed to make Naruto understand. He had to-

"Ow! Hey! Watch where you're- Sasuke?"

The young Uchiha stood up, relief freeing his chest upon seeing blonde locks and wide blue eyes. "N-Naruto!"

"What the hell, teme? What are you doing here?"

Sasuke wasn't sure what to say. He looked around, suspiciously narrowing his eyes upon realizing he was just two blocks away from his place. "I could ask you the same thing. You should be home by now. Or close to it anyway."

Naruto immediately looked away. He murmured something Sasuke didn't hear.

"What?"

The blonde ruffled his hair tensely. "I... That goodbye was stupid, wasn't it?" Blue eyes looked up, shy and unsure. "I- I mean... that's what I thought anyway. Stupid, sentimental me, huh?"

Sasuke smiled, lightly punching the blonde's head. It unnerved him to think that this was the same person who had yet to divulge a certain information. "Of course you're stupid... but so was the goodbye anyways."

Naruto's eyes widened before giving a gentle smile. "Was that why you ran for me too?"

Heat flared in the Uchiha's cheeks. "Hn." What was that by the way? He had entirely been consumed by his emotions from the moment Naruto had left his side then. That was... odd yet at the same time it was the realest emotion he had ever felt in his whole life. Huh. What was that supposed to mean?

Much to his pleasure, the blonde didn't push the subject. "Anyways, I have stuff to tell you!" A feeling of trepidation ran through Sasuke's insides when he said that, mouth thinning.

To his surprise though, it turned devilish. "One: do remember that you are Uzumaki Naruto's best friend!"

For a second, Sasuke could only roll his eyes at that, forgetting his earlier anxiety. "What am I? Your dog?" Was Naruto really stalling? Why? Shouldn't he- No, wait, nevermind. Let him. Sasuke knew deep down in him he was utterly grateful for it.

He watched Naruto's face turn into mock horror. "How could you! You're not even in States yet and you've forgotten already? Oh gods this is bad!"

"I have a good idea where this is going, dobe. If that's all, I'm leaving," Sasuke tried to tease, turning around at his words. What he didn't anticipate though was his wrist being yanked back with so much force that he almost fell. "Hey!" He was met with pain-filled blue eyes.

"Alright alright! I'll stop fooling around for once!" Naruto grumbled.

Sasuke crossed his arms, his posture rigid nonetheless. Could this finally be it?

The blonde gave an exasperated sigh. "I meant it. A lot can happen in 5 years. I know we'll end up calling each other a lot" -he rolled his eyes- "or I will anyways, so that means you are not, I repeat, not to withhold any information from me especially if some stuck up bastard decides he or she is your new best friend! Are we clear?"

The raven saw sapphire blue orbs playful, yet in them was shaking steel which seemed desperate for his answer. He also didn't fail to notice that his wrist had yet to be released and every second, Naruto's hand was clenching it too tightly. Sasuke sighed. Really now? "Alright. Though you're not the boss of me, really. Besides, do you really think someone has enough stubbornness as you to worm their way into my life?" He ruffled the blonde hair. "Don't worry about it, idiot." He saw relief flash into those eyes and the hand finally let go.

"Huh. You're right," he snorted, "Like anyone has the heart to befriend you."

Sasuke glared at him. "Where's this headed exactly?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Ehe... sorry."

Silence fell between them and abruptly Sasuke remembered something. His pocket felt heavy all of a sudden, his fingers twitching unsurely. It didn't seem like Naruto was gonna reveal anything anytime soon. Should he-

"Oh right!" Sasuke flinched when Naruto unzipped his bag and tried to locate something in it. With an 'Aha!', he brought out an orange box tied with a blue ribbon. His smile was strained as he handed it to him. "For you!"

"Why-"

"Just open it, teme!"

Upon orders, Sasuke untied the ribbon and gently opened the lid. He couldn't help but gasp as he reached for a necklace with a red and white fan pendant hooped around the black rope. It was obviously worn and that only meant- Oh Gods. No. This was... how could Naruto have... He eyed the blonde with so much awe and disbelief. "How did you-"

"Ehe," he chuckled nervously. "There were a lot of fakes, ya know? It was 8 months ago you told me you were leaving so I thought why not leave you with something right? I had people search for the last heirloom of the Uchiha family and I did it myself during semestral break. That was kinda why I was gone by the way. Turns out some old blind guy didn't know what he was selling and his daughter didn't know about it either so I paid them a decent price for it. So there. You have the last heirloom aside from the Sharingan necklace your brother has and the old Uchiha katana Uncle Fugaku has in his off- Ack!"

Sasuke didn't know what to say. As soon as he realized Naruto was rambling too much, he knew in him that he didn't care anymore. Naruto had given him the last, most important heirloom to the Uchihas. Something he had sought so much and desired before Itachi could get his hands on it. Only very few knew that the only way to determine if the heirloom was real was the red 'U' at the back of the pendant said to have been splattered with blood in the olden days. And now... he just couldn't help squeezing his best friend to death. Of course he was grateful he had it, but this time it was the thought itself, the fact that Naruto searched this for him that he knew he never could've asked for a better friend.

Surely this couldn't surpass whatever information was being hidden from him right?

God he loved Naruto!

Sasuke stopped at his words.

He...

He loved Naruto.

Was that why he didn't want to let go of his best friend right now? Why this physical contact they shared threatened his heart to explode? Was this the main reason he didn't want to leave at all?

He knew well in him it was a horribly large yes.

"Sasuke, okay, you're killing me!"

The raven let go. He wasn't doing anything strenuous and yet he felt as if he'd run a marathon coming to that conclusion. He found it difficult to breathe. "I-I still can't believe-"

Naruto smiled. "I know! I'm awesome! Here, give that to me." Without waiting for his consent though, the blonde took it from his hands and placed it over his head and around his neck. "There. Uchiha through and through."

Sasuke reached for the pendant, turning it over and over, still fazed by the heirloom in his hands. He looked up at his best friend who seemed to be smiling as if he was watching a kid taste his first chocolate. There was satisfaction and amusement in the idea that he had done him good. Why had he realized just now how amazingly mesmerizing that smile was? Sasuke tried to hold in a blush. "I-I don't know how I-"

"Save it, Uchiha. You finally acting like a kid is enough for me," Naruto teased.

"You idiot, you don't even know how much-" And then it hit him. "Close your eyes."

"What? Why would I-"

"Just do it."

Naruto grumbled but succumbed to his demands anyway. "You're not gonna do the happy dance and not let me see it, are you?"

"Shut up." Sasuke made sure the blonde wasn't peeking before he reached into his pocket and drew out a necklace which he placed around Naruto's neck. He heard the blonde gasp the moment the pendant landed on his chest. "You can open them now."

The blonde seemed to do a double take as he reached for the three objects hanging on the black rope. "Sasuke, you- "

Sasuke smirked. "Pure sapphire. It looks exactly like your eyes, doesn't it?"

For the first time in the many years Sasuke had known him, Naruto can't seem to form any words. His fingers gently held onto the elongated stone and onto the two bells hanging beside it as his mouth opened and closed. He noticed how pale he had turned.

"It isn't as grand as giving me the heirloom but-"

"Are you kidding? Gods this is..."

Sasuke couldn't help smiling at the disbelieving whisper and the wide eyes full of wonder. He wasn't lying when he said the stone looked exactly like his best friend's eyes. Beautiful and light, dazzling and captivating; the moment his own eyes landed on them, he knew it was something worth buying for a certain someone.

"Fucking hell."

The Uchiha felt immobilized at his spot. He wasn't sure if his ears were deceiving him or Naruto's voice had just went dead and cold. Before he could've tried getting a grasp of the situation though, Naruto had suddenly started laughing. It wasn't the usual ringing tone he was used to hearing; this one sent a shiver down his spine for a different reason. Just like his voice, it had no tone of any mirth whatsoever. Naruto just continued to laugh uncontrollably, clutching at his stomach as he pounded on the wall beside him. What the fuck was so funny? An awful ominous feeling washed over him as Naruto's apathetic, teasing blue eyes fixated at him.

"This is just great. Fucking hilarious!" Out of nowhere, he raised a cynical smile as he brought the blue stone on his lips, giving it a light kiss. Sasuke would have blushed if it hadn't been for his utter horror of this situation. "Thank you so much, Sasuke... for leaving me with this. For giving me a remembrance of... this... whatever it is we had..."

Sasuke still felt as if he couldn't move, his eyes only able to widen at whatever it was was happening in front of him. "Na-"

The blonde didn't pay him any sort of attention, merely bringing the stone up to the glow of the streetlight as if trying to decipher its inner structure. "Oh don't worry, Sasu, I swear I'll keep it. I love it so much. Really." He finally turned to him, giving Sasuke a smile which the raven could only describe was fake. "I want to thank you for it. And for everything actually. For the- What... 7 years we've been together? Wow that's been long huh? I guess-"

"Cut the crap, Naruto! What the hell are you saying?!" Sasuke shouted. Right then, he felt as if someone had just managed to mess up his insides, beating every one of his muscles, his limbs, his organs, twisting and wrenching them into nothing. And yet, it couldn't even compare with the pain that struck his chest. What was this? He couldn't breathe, couldn't even see clearly through his hazy vision. Some sort of force seemed to cause his whole being to feel limp and weak. He couldn't move. Surely Naruto was just fooling around right? Right?

"Aw," -Naruto stepped forward- "Don't you get it," -and took another- "Sasuke-teme?" Already, their breaths fell upon one another. With a smile, the blonde rose on his tiptoes and whispered into his ear:

"I never liked you, you know? Everything was a lie."

And then he was chuckling manically, without a care at the world that shattered right in front of Uchiha Sasuke's eyes. Everything seemed to slow down and Sasuke could only see through the tunnel of his vision the blonde waving a goodbye as he walked away without ever looking back.

"I'll see you in 5 years... haha can't wait to be your rival again! Oh and Sasuke? Do keep the necklace. "

Obsidian eyes fluttered open upon feeling a tap on his shoulders. They were landing soon. He took the earphones off and adjusted himself, trying to get circulation on his legs. Upon recalling his dream, his hand unconsciously went for the fan pendant and he can't help but gripping it tightly. It was ironic to have remembered that memory when he was finally coming back. It was that day which changed his whole life. The day which his perception of Naruto and their relationship had completely changed. Twice.

He had loved Naruto, that he was sure of. But the sudden revelation he had been given the last few moments of that night broke something in him. Naruto was practically the only person who had gotten so close to his life, and more importantly, his heart. He hated how weak he had seemed when the information he had long been waiting for was thrown right at his face. Naruto had made a fool out of him, toying with his emotions the past 7 years. And it was the biggest mistake Sasuke had ever made in his life -trusting.

Trusting that Naruto was different.

Trusting that Naruto wouldn't hurt him.

If there was anything that equaled the feeling he had with Naruto nearby then, it was the feeling of giving him pain. The blonde was right in saying they were better off rivals. And now, he had made the wrong choice to wage war against the Uchiha. Naruto had hell to pay for what he'd done.

With that thought, he did the one thing he had never done in years.

Uchiha Sasuke smiled.

A/N: Yes they were 12 years old but let's not forget that there are reasons for them to have matured much more than their age says. And really, let's stop prejudice just coz of a number. When I was 12 lots of shit happened haha. On another note, has my writing improved? No? Damn.

What did you guys think, though? Things didn't really go as angsty as I planned it but I hope you get the gist that Naruto and Sasuke were rivals then best friends then rivals again. What's to happen now? How are they supposed to meet and interact? Could love really conquer all in this story? Was Naruto's words really that true? Haha review to find out! Anyways, update may come hopefully soon but I don't want to raise your hopes up so yeah don't.