REMINDER: These are side stories my story CTBT? These specials elucidate the childhood relationships that led to the possible future couples and/or current couples in my story. Can be Naruto characterxOC or Naruto characterxNaruto character.

Disclamer: Naruto definately doesn't belong to me.

Can They Be Trusted? !Special!

"A picture tells a thousand words, believe it!"

"These were the good old days…"

Fifteen year old Takara Natsumi was lying down on her queen sized bed in her pink-ish schemed room, holding a black leather-bound photo album in her hands that contained precious pictures of her childhood, of her family and of her first real friends, the Uchiha brothers as young kids. The notebook sized album was embroidered in scarlet intricate designs and outlined in gold.

"It is a lovely place to store treasured memories," her mother had said when she had gave it to her for her 6th birthday. "When you look at it you can always be reminded of the bonds with those close to you…be sure to keep it safe, dear."

Natsumi smiled softly as she slowly unbound the lock and opened it up to the first page. A giggle left her lips, seeing the primary photo. It was her and Sasuke on his own 6th birthday: She was hugging the Uchiha around the waist, beaming happily, her head slightly leaned on his thin shoulders; Sasuke was somewhat pouting at the closeness but he looked happy as well for there was a big smile on his face, clashing with his semi-mopey expression.

"Oh…I remember why he was all down…" she muttered quietly, frowning. "Itachi had been on a mission and couldn't make it…"

The brunette continued flipping through the album (which was completely unorganized by date), laughing at one where she and Hikari had taken a picture of when they decided to play a trick on Junko at night; the classic whipping cream in hand and nose tickling trick. Junko had whipped cream dripping down his face, for he had sat up once he'd realized what had happened and had cried angrily.

"Whatta baby Junko was that night…"

Of course they had gotten in trouble that same night too and had cried as well. Anyway, she turned over more pages and smile at one with all of them present: Itachi, Sasuke, and her siblings, and herself. This was taken at the park they always played at by her mom and dad who had decided to throw a random picnic party. Hikari, as usual was nearby Itachi, they were sitting down on the picnic spread, talking about who knows what; Junko was poking a stick in an ant hill while Sasuke and Natsumi watched curiously.

"We were all happy back then…"

Natsumi's smile faltered and trembled, remembering Itachi's horrible betrayal of everyone's trust. She had always wondered, just why? What had caused him to commit such an appalling and malicious crime? The old scar on her back gave a nasty throb and she winced. Ignoring the ache she continued going through the book, smiling at fond and bittersweet memories until she got to the last photo which was not the last page. It was again her and Sasuke at the age of 7 during the Christmas holidays, incidentally, underneath a mistletoe. Natsumi blushed slightly as the nostalgic recollection appeared vividly in her mind.

~Flashback~

"Christmas is coming here yaye!" cheered an 8 year old Hikari, jumping excitedly. "That means presents!"

"Is that all you think about?" asked her twin dryly.

"No, I also think about going out to sing carols and give out gifts to our friends too!"

"Kids," called Aime, walking downstairs, followed by Akio. "We have a mission today that's a week long."

"What?!" yelled the three siblings incredulously. "But you promised to spend time with us!"

"Sorry, my dears." said Akio somewhat cheerless at not being able to have family time with his beloved children. "But that's how it is…we're ANBU, you know that."

"But daddy," mumbled Natsumi, sounding like she was about to cry. "You promised us."

Akio smiled sadly, and knelt down by his youngest child and rubbed her head affectionately. "I'm sorry, Natsumi…I will make it up to you. That I promise you."

She brightened up slightly and nodded. "You better this time daddy!"

"I will," He kissed her forehead and beckoned the elder two and they received one as well.

Hikari, Junko, and Natsumi then ran to their mom and hugged her. Aime and Akio walked to the door, opened it, and stepped out into the wintry weather outside. The couple looked back their three children with smiles. "We love you three forever."

"We love you forever too mommy and daddy." chimed all three happily. That was their thing to say whenever they went out for long missions; the Takara children were well aware of what could happen to their parents whenever they went on these types of missions.

"Oh and dears…there's a surprise at the door for you all."

"Huh? But you're at the—" Akio and Aime disappeared in a swirl of leaves before they could finish and in their place were…"Itachi and Sasuke?!"

"Hey guys," greeted the younger vibrantly, grinning at their astonished faces.

"Wh-what are you two doing here?" asked Junko.

"Your parents informed me of their mission…" said Itachi as he stepped inside pulling his otouto in behind him before closing the door. "I don't have missions for the entire week they are gone…so…after asking my father for permission, I, along with Sasuke decided to stay over here and watch you three."

"R-Really?" asked Hikari happily. "That's so great, Itachi-kun! You and Sasuke are staying over for a whole week! I gotta get my camera-chan for this~" She practically flew up the stairs to the surprise of all. Itachi just smile at her endearing eagerness.

"I've never seen her move so quick…" muttered Junko with a puzzled expression.

"Sasuke," said Natsumi. "You have to come and see this new video game I got, its set up in the den!"

"Okay!" They both ran to the hallway when Itachi called for them to stop; they looked at the elder Uchiha who was smiling oddly and not looking at them, but rather above their heads.

"Aniki, what's wrong?" Itachi pointed slowly up at whatever he was looking at and they followed his gaze. Sasuke and Natsumi blinked.

"What's that plant doing hanging up there?" she muttered. "I've never seen it before…"

"That's because you don't pay attention." said Junko mockingly. "Mom and dad always put that up during December."

"Why?" asked Sasuke naively, looking at his brother for answers. "What's it for?

Itachi chuckled and nodded to Natsumi. "You two must kiss."

"What?!" Sasuke's jaw dropped while Natsumi turned redder than blood itself, avoiding any eye contact with all persons."But, why aniki?"

"That's the rules, otouto."

Junko folded his arms. "Yeah, what Itachi said. I've seen our parents do it too. Hurry up and do it." I don't like this at all…

The young raven flushed slightly and turned to Natsumi just as she did, doing her best to fight off her darkening blush and not lock eyes with him.

"Well…just get it over with." she mumbled.

"O-okay…"

Natsumi closed her eyes and slightly puckers up, remembering seeing other people do that when they kiss. Sasuke gulped and leaned forward to meet them when he remembered something; he smiled and planted his lips softly on her cheek instead. A loud shutter click echoed in the room and both 6 year old moved away from each other, startled. They heard Itachi laughing and Junko grumbling incoherently about something. A familiar, smug voice resonates in the house.

"That'll be a good photo to put in that memory book of yours." Hikari lowered her camera, her scarlet eyes twinkling mischievously. "Ne, imouto?"

Sasuke and Natsumi turned pink and scowled in unison. "Hikari!!"

"At least it was only on the cheek…" muttered Junko, looking on the brighter side. Ugh…I definitely have to watch over her more…

"Now, now, don't act like that you two…I'm capturing precious moments that you'll thank me for later, in case they fade away as we all get older."

The elder Uchiha nodded. "I agree with Hikari."

"See? Even Itachi-kun and I see eye to eye on this!"

"Whatever aneki! Come on Sasuke; let me show you that new game now."

"All right."

They walked down the hallway, ignoring the older kids (Itachi and Hikari) teasing calls. Natsumi glanced at Sasuke curiously, fidgeting with her hands, her lips tightening. "S-Sasuke…"

He looked at her. "Yeah…?"

"Umm…how come you only kissed my cheek…?"

"Huh…?" He blinked innocently and broke into a smile. "Oh, that's because only adults do that!"

"Ohh…" She looked down, her face going sad. Of course…

The young raven took note of her downcast expression and frowned. "Natsumi?"

"It's nothing…"

"…There is also another reason…"

"Another reason…?" she repeated.

"Yeah: I realized adults do that when they really like each other…so…I think when kids kiss on the cheek it means the same thing…because…" Sasuke paused. Natsumi held her breath and gave him a fleeting look. "…Because I really like you a lot Natsumi!" he finished brightly.

She gasped, her red orbs widening and she snapped her head to the Uchiha another blush unfolding in her pale cheeks. "Sasuke…"

"So you don't have to be sad, cus I do like you!"

A smile lit up her gloomy face and she giggled and took his hand and to his surprise, pulled him down the rest of the hallway. "C'mon, let hurry and play that game!" I'm so happy…thank you Sasuke…

~End Flashback~

The youngest Takara, now fifteen, smiled tenderly at the picture, yearning to go back to the past, where everything had been right.

"I wonder if he even remembers." She frowned and sighed glumly. "Probably not anymore…"

Ever since that fateful night, all Sasuke ever thought about was getting revenge on Itachi. He changed that night; he became distant and impassive and though he's lived with them for now, almost eight years, that hasn't altered one bit. The Takara's were sure to give him much love…but what Itachi did weighed deeply on his mind and they couldn't to this day get him to give up on killing his older brother himself, instead of leaving it to those who are responsible for capturing criminals. Natsumi closed her eyes, and sat up and put away her faraway, dear memoirs, when the raven himself strides on in, but she doesn't see him.

She sighed again, deeper and sadly than before. "Sasuke…"

"What Natsumi…?"

"Gyah!!!" She leapt out her bed and crashed on the floor hard. Quickly she scrambled to her feet and gave the boy on her mind an irritated stare, her content mood ruined by the one who had made her at peace for the time being. "What the hell, Sasuke?! You could have said something when you entered you nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Some kunoichi you are…" he remarked rolling his obsidian orbs at her overreaction. He caught sight of the album and glanced from it to her face and scoffed. "Why are you looking through that old thing?"

Natsumi blanched and quickly gathered it in her arms, embracing it protectively from his meddling eyes. "S-shut up! I just felt like it." she retorted crossly, closing it with a sharp snap, glaring furiously at him. 'Insensitive jerk…' "What do you want?"

"I need your help with something…now."

"What?!" she hollered not believing her ears. "You don't own me, Sasuke! I'm not someone who just jumps to your command and obeys it with a smile on my face like that of your fan girls!"

"Actually, that's where you're wrong…" he replied back calmly. "You lost that game in Super Smash Brothers Brawl to me yesterday…and you owe me. Remember our traditional deal?"

Natsumi frowned upon recalling and hung her head. "Oh fine…" Damn him!

"Good. Hurry up." The Uchiha left out and with a deep, resentful groan, she follows him after putting away her treasured album of memories.

"I said move it."

"Sasuke one more time and I swear I will kick your ass—ugh!" Natsumi groaned as she re-hoisted a large box through the doorway. "What the heck is in here?! It's heavy—and I'm pretty sure you could have done this yourself since you're stronger than me!"

"I didn't feel like it. That's why I have you carrying it for me."

"But I carried it all the way from your place to our house through a freaking blizzard!"

"And I care…?"

"Damn it Sasuke you're such an asshole!"

"Yo Sasuke, after she's done with that, tell her to go back out and get me some donuts."

"Junko you're an asshole too!"

"Only the best…" he said smugly, watching her struggle contently from the computer chair, previously Internet surfing. "After the Uchiha, of course."

"Watch it, Junko."

"Oh, you know it's true. You treat Natsumi like a maid—you even called her a house cat once."

Natsumi wanted to drop the god forsaken box and throttle the Uchiha after hearing that one. Now I understand why Naruto wants to kick his cocky butt so much!

"Not to mention Naruto and Hikari," continued Junko. "Although, she's the only one I've ever seen go against you and carry out her threats."

Sasuke folded his arms and scowled; yeah Hikari got on his nerves because she didn't listen to him like Natsumi. It was irritating how obstinate the eldest Takara was.

"Where do you—ugh—want this—ugghh—at…?" asked Natsumi in between grunts of effort.

"The living room…" For now…until I want it moved upstairs…

"F-fine…"

They both walked through the hallway entrance when Junko rapidly realized where they were heading; his eyes widened. "Wait, don't!"

"Stop right where you are, Sasuke and imouto!" Said persons instinctively did so and Sasuke glanced to the left; up at the top of the stairs was a grinning Hikari, her fist on the side of her hips.

"What is it?" asked Sasuke, glaring up at her. "Natsumi is busy doing my bidding."

Natsumi cringed in humiliation. 'Oohh…this is so embarrassing…aneki will think I'm pathetic...wait maybe she can save me!' She looked hopefully to her possible savoir.

"Yes I can see that…she can continue (Natsumi's jaw dropped) afterwards."

"Afmter w-wha?!" snapped the youngest Takara angrily, voice muffled by the box being pressed to her mouth. Hikari you totally failed me! What kind of aneki are you?!

The eldest Takara looked pointedly at Sasuke. "Take a look-see up."

Sasuke blinked and did as he was told and noticed the object; some way or another, they had ended up underneath mistletoe together, strategically placed above the entrance to the living room by Akio before he and his wife had left out for their usual mission that regularly occurred during the winter holidays for the past two years. They had forgotten to take them all down…

"Wha izz ut?" inquired Natsumi (still muffled), annoyed that she was left out of knowing thins…again. The heavy box was taken from her arms and set aside on the floor; Natsumi looked quizzically at the Uchiha who only smirked at her as he pointed up to it. She follows his gesture, blushing deeply upon seeing it and avoids catching his eyes.

"Oh, here we go again…" grumbled Junko. "Just get it over with already instead all the blushing garbage." This is just like before except…we're all older…th-that means instead of the cheek it will be—!' The middle Takara curled his fist, his brotherly instinct kicking in, but he didn't act on it.

"Well you heard Junko…get it over with." Natsumi muttered, embarrassed beyond belief that she was in the same situation with Sasuke of all people.

"Fine." he said coolly, not at all mortified like he was as he was back then and leans in.

Natsumi flushed and, thinking he's going to kiss her on the lips, slightly puckers up. Sasuke almost rolled his eyes at her red face, and then smirked to himself and continued moving in. To her surprise, she feels his soft lips against her cheek instead (insert camera click). The young Takara blinked and opened her eyes. Sasuke then moves forward and puts his mouth by her ear. "Just like before, huh, Natsumi?"

The brunette gasped in unhidden shock staring amazedly at him as he pulled away from her, surveying her with a small, real smile. "…Sasuke…you…?" She couldn't finish her sentence for she had been rendered speechless; an overjoyed smile formed on her lips. He does remember after all.

Unfortunately Hikari breaks the moment with second louder click from her camera. "Got another lovely pic to go in your collection, imouto. Now say cheese!"

Natsumi redden heatedly. "Aneki cut that crap out!"

"That's it we're taking down all these damn mistletoes." mutters Junko, bristling at seeing his little sister being kissed by the Uchiha. He's got a lot of nerve doing that in front of me; he knows how I get overprotective.

"Hikari you're so freaking de—"

"SURPRISE!" Natsumi screams and falls to the ground, covering her head; Naruto jumps out the cardboard box and grins at the astonished faces on Sasuke and the two eldest Takara's. "Hey guys, what's good?"

"Naruto…" Hikari smiled happily. "You're here!"

"Of course, dattebayo! I wanted to—ack!"

A pale hand yanks the blonde by the collar of his orange sweater. Light grey eyes glare into sky blue ones darkly. "Dobe what the hell were you doing in there?"

"Ow—I wanted to surprise y-you guys cus I haven't been o-over in a while so—uggchk!"

"Where the hell's my belongings that were in there at, you baka?!" growled the irked Uchiha, shaking him.

The blonde's head flipped flopped back and forth violently and that's when Naruto got mad. "O-oi, teme! Enough's e-enough—get your h-hands of me, d-dattebayo!"

"Naruto I'm not playing around; where are they?!"

"Sasuke, get your hands off him!" snapped Hikari, running downstairs.

The Uchiha ignored her, until he saw that crazed gleam in her eyes and remembered her soft spot for Naruto; he sucked his teeth and, with the flailing, yelling kitsune in hand, ran for the door. Hikari pursued after them, running outside in the heavy blizzard after them with a cry of: "Get you Uchiha butt back here with my—er I mean, Naruto!"

"…Well no wonder why the box was so heavy…" commented Natsumi after finally realizing she was in no danger, sitting up. "What a sec if Hikari's going to fight Sasuke I wanna see!" And she took on outside after them gleefully, hoping they'd both beat each other senseless for obvious reasons.

Left behind, Junko sighed deeply. "Why do I still live in this house…?"

~Year Later: July 23rd-Sasuke's 16th Birthday and His Promotion to Tokubetsu Jōnin (Special Jōnin) ~

Natsumi was grinning as she slipped a new photo in her cherished album. "This one reminds me of—"

"Imouto!" yelled Hikari from downstairs, cutting her off. "Come on we're leaving to go out to and celebrate for Sasuke's b-day!"

"Hell ya, its party time, dattebayo!"

"I've had enough of this." said the Uchiha, annoyed, also downstairs. "We just left from four parties thrown for me…I want to relax."

"Nonsense, Sasuke!" That was Akio. "You can't just say no to party-ing more when two amazazing (spelled like that on purpose) things happened today!!!! We're gonna party until we pass out!"

"And you call yourself a father?" muttered Junko. But I do like this plan…I can pick up a cutie girl…Hehehe…

"Hurry Natsumi dear." called Aime. "We're leaving."

"I said I don't—"

"Sasuke, I will drag you all the way there if I have to!" said Akio fiercely.

"The hell you will Aki—!"

"Naruto, grab him by the legs!"

"With pleasure!"

There was an intense struggle heard downstairs and Natsumi groaned and ran down stairs. "Dad you can't force him!"

The prized album is left lying open on Natsumi's bed. Placed beside each other on the same page is the photo of the kiss between Sasuke and Natsumi as kids and now beside it is the newest one of them as teens courtesy of Hikari.

A cold wind suddenly blows throw the room from the opened window; it flips the pages and rests at the last picture at the end the photograph album; it is of Natsumi and Sasuke standing side by side at their current age in the snowfall in their winter outfits. Like the first photo in the book of Sasuke birthday, Natsumi's arms wrapped around his waist in a hug, her head again, leaned against his now muscular, shoulder, positively glowing with happiness; Sasuke(wearing a silly birthday crown) has his eyes closed, hands in his pocket but a tiny smile is evident on his face, betraying his seemingly cold, indifferent expression.

And even though he had changed dramatically after Itachi had committed his truculent act exactly 8 years ago, he still looked happy like he did on his 6th birthday 10 years ago…despite all he endured and his unemotional attitude…the bond between them hadn't altered at all.

Believing in tomorrow: I don't like Sasuke…

Me: Why?

Believing in tomorrow: Hmpf…you know why…

Me: -rolls eyes- Are you ever gonna get over the fact that he k—

Believing in tomorrow: DO-NOT-SAY-IT. I'll kill you.

Me: -whimpers- I'm sorry onee-san!

Sasuke: What's going on?

Believing in tomorrow: -eye twitch- Uchiha…Sasuke…must kill…

Sasuke: Should I run?

Me: Oh yeah. Thanks for reading! Now I must go and save Sasuke.

Believing in tomorrow: NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU UCHIHA BRAT! -runs after him weilding a chainsaw, laughing crazily-

Sasuke: OH MY GOD! -runs-

Me: Aneki that's dangerous! -chases-