Part three

Flashback

"You said that it was a contract, but I don't remember agreeing to one, or signing anything of the kind." Naruto scowled, obviously trying to remember the occurrence but being unable to.

"You've agreed to adoption. Surely there was something mentioning Sarutobi-sama as your... authorized guardian." Itachi replied. The blond looked at him dubiously, and then pulled at his hair thoughtfully.

"Alright, there was a word or two...And this connection, how does it work? I assumed it must be something really advanced; a jutsu connecting two people's lives, you know, it must be something."

The teen nodded. "A combination of fuuin and iryo jutsu. Your physical state is mirrored in mine. There are small seal marks on our backs, now hidden by genjutsu that were placed by the Sandaime."

"And I don't remember of such event because...?" A suspicious gaze was directed Itachi's way, and the teen raised an elegant brow.

"You were unconscious?" Itachi supplied.

End of flashback


Three years later

"Team Kakashi reporting back from the mission." The jounin with his eyes glued to the book in his hand announced as he stopped by the pair of chuunin that guarded the gates of Konoha.

Behind the jounin a trio of ninja appeared, bickering about a jutsu or something, while back and forth, a trio of medium sized dogs ran and danced by the feet of team members.

"Mission accomplished?" Kotetsu asked, suddenly waking up from his slumber of boredom. "Anything exciting happening?" The second question he directed to the blond, who glared at his brother in the peak of their argument.

"Yeah, kicked several nameless asses, nothing much memorable, but it was funny." Naruto informed the gatekeeper still not moving his heated glare away from his brother's responsive one.

Kakashi started walking into the village without a backward glance. "Disclosing information is a crime, Naruto." He muttered, and expected his team to follow.

"I was vague!"

Hana, who was attempting to control the tic that developed over the last few years on her temple, firmly grabbed the back collars of her teammates and dragged them behind her, going right after their sensei. 'Insufferable brats.' She kept muttering, even hissing under her breath.

It was clear that both Sasuke and Hana were chuunin. Their green vests showed it to everyone. Sasuke wore the official, usual chuunin attire, while Hana went for dark grey shorts, black sandals, and the vest that was tighter and more form fitting than the classic one.

And even though Naruto was a chuunin too, he completely discarded, despised uniforms and wore black pants with dark orange bandages tying his calves, black sandals, orange shirt and black vest with a hood. No matter how hard anyone tried to convince him that orange wasn't a ninja colour, the blond continued to clad himself in clothing that had at least a bit of orange detail.

"We'll give a report and go home. Stop making a fuss, children." The perverted man chastised his students.

Hearing that they were referred to as 'kids', Uchiha brothers got red in their faces and took positions on either side of their female teammate. With noses high in the air, the boys pretended that nothing embarrassing had occurred.

Kakashi led his team straight to the Hokage building and into the room for giving report, half listening to the kids whining about the lunch they missed and dinner they'd like to make plans for. The calm noon in Konoha led the jounin to believe that they would be debriefed without line.

"Team Kakashi, come in, come in!" The Hokage motioned for the team to enter, with a wide warm smile. The jounin went to the desk and gave the mission scroll to the Leader, then made several steps back to stand with his team.

"Track and Assault team is reporting back from the mission, Hokage-sama." Hatake added, for formality, and finally hid his book in the pouch.

The old man opened the scroll and checked the contents. "Yes, your assignment was to find the killer of Miss Noroi and bring him, her, or... them to her father." The old man clarified, puffed his ever present pipe and directed his gaze at the team.

The jounin nodded and moved his hands behind his back. "We investigated the case and found a serial rapist that travelled around the Fire country; his travels are the reason he wasn't identified and caught yet. We followed his scent to his next destination and used a decoy to lead him into a trap."

Grey brows furrowed, and the Hokage glanced at the female member of the team.

All four members of team Kakashi blushed and sweat dropped'. "She was too scared, too nervous and too unreliable to take that role." Sasuke accused through gritted teeth. Hana became even redder and her lips trembled in distress.

"And you absolutely refused to pose as bait, though of all of us, you had the best emotional control." Naruto said to his brother, turning grim.

"Naruto had to use his invented... Orioke no jutsu to become the best snare for our target." Kakashi informed their Leader, who switched his stare from one team member to another. After the last statement, even the jounin flushed and lowered his eyes in shame.

Sarutobi sighed. "Alright, how did the mission proceed from there?"

The jounin cringed. "Well, we tracked the target and found that he had a cousin that knew of what our target did to victims and also gave him a place to stay; we marked him as our target too. Naruto lured the first target into the trap, making a false date, while Sasuke kept an eye on the second target. And, long story short, after a spectacular performance, Naruto, with the help of Hana who tried hard to prove she wasn't useless, got the serial rapist and killer captured, while Sasuke and I simply knocked the man's cousin off. Our employer was happy to deal with the pair himself, after we thoroughly expressed our feelings toward lady killers and rapists to the pair..." Kakashi trailed off. At this point the grey brows of the Hokage were somewhere up in the hairline, expressing his attention.

"You didn't need to be so ridiculously honest, sensei." Sasuke muttered in the silence that formed and folded his arms.

"Felt like it." The jounin eye smiled.

The blond and the female glared at Kakashi , folding their arms too, not in the protective gesture, but rather trying to keep their hands from harming the teacher.

xxx

..It wasn't a celebration where relatives and guests were called to attend. Even though it was a change and an awaited one, the main family preferred to make it quiet. And it surprised Itachi, who was used to his life being placed on the platter, for all to see.

It was evening, and their family gathered around the table. The young man observed as his younger brother fidgeted in his position on the cushion, resettled and then looked around for another cushion in a very bold way. It was what Itachi loved about him the most, this unwillingness to be a stiff person, made of stone like most of the members. In many ways, it was Naruto who helped cultivate that sort of behaviour. Though thankfully, after years of being submitted to the extravagations of the blond and his spreading madness, Sasuke still knew the limits, boundaries and had manners.

Fugaku was in a pleased mood; even the lines on his face became softer, noticeably. Mikoto was smiling, her hands were placed on her lap, but unlike her usual submissive gesture, this one was loose and calm. Sasuke though, looked bored. There was this gleam of knowledge in his eye, which was accented by an occasional, pointed stare, but Itachi could not interpret it.

"We should have sat at this table for this special occasion, three, even four years ago." The older man spoke and looked at each of the faces of his closest family. "There are circumstances, things that go out of our control, sometimes. Still, this day finally came, and I congratulate you, son, on your promotion to jounin. You were requested for missions above your rank, joined teams with far greater experience, and to me, you proved you deserve this position before anyone started to discuss it. And I want you to know, that I'm proud of you."

There was a rare warmth in the man's voice Itachi wasn't sure how to react to. Being an official jounin was different of course, because he had access to other missions, files, duties and could even become a teacher, if he wished to. Part of it was in his reach when he was still a chuunin, as the shinobi population knew of his skills. Official rank though, made things easier. The young man looked up and gave a slight smile. He did not really care about the man's acknowledgement of him. Even Sasuke's proud grin, a hidden 'thumb up' hidden under the table, meant much more. And mother, well, if she was happy then he was glad that he could contribute to that. Though he doubted that she cared much about whether or not he had a higher rank. She'd rather worry about risky missions and his absence in case those were long termed.

"There is also another thing I would like to announce." The older man said and took a sip of sake. "You're eighteen years old now, young man, and it's time to start looking for a woman you'd spent the rest of your life with. We had no small amount of offers, negotiations and debates with representatives of several clans. And there is a candidate that might interest you." Expectantly, Fugaku looked up at Itachi to judge his reaction, but as most of the time, was met with impenetrable, emotionless wall.

If there was anything Itachi hated more than hopelessness, it was someone controlling all the simple aspects of his life.

He didn't have a choice in whether he became a ninja or not, he was just faced with training sessions and expectations of the family. No one asked if he wanted to kill, he was ordered to. Spying on his clan? It wasn't like he wanted to, but between the death of many people and preventing the tragedy from happening, what kind of choice did a sane person have? He was already tied to one person, had accepted it finally, and his father just goes and arranges a marriage. Was there a chance of anything happening out of his own choice and idea, ever?

Well, it's not like he didn't know of the man's actions either, but Fugaku could have waited with making the choice and announcement. The man should've also asked for Itachi's opinion of things. 'Are you ready to think about the future, son? Maybe you'd like to start your own family?' for example.

"Recently, a new clan joined our country, and our village." The older man started explaining, for a moment ignoring Itachi's expression. " for generations Fuuma clan was a family of ninja in Rice country, that lost its standing due to the consequences of war, like many others. Instead of joining the Sound village that formed in their country, though, this part of family travelled here. They joined our ranks and marrying into Konoha clans will make the connection to our village even stronger. Besides, they have no bloodline that could interfere with the kekkai genkai of Uchiha, and no power to hold over us, rather the opposite of it. "

Inwardly the young man scowled. Of course it would be a clan weaker than them. Whichever girl was used for marriage was already treated like fresh blood for Uchiha, and a bargain in dealings with the family that would serve the stronger clan in every possible way.

"Is there a planned date for a meeting?" Itachi asked, his voice levelled.

Mikoto clapped her hands softly, happily, and smiled widely at her eldest son, probably thinking that he was very interested and excited at the prospect of meeting a possible fiancée. "As a matter of fact, there is! The day after tomorrow, and I prepared a traditional kimono for you to wear, with a small kamon, as you always prefer, dear." Then she went on describing the attire for Sasuke and Fugaku, and then dishes she planned to make. Through it all, Itachi and Fugaku kept their faces full of patience, while Sasuke rolled his eyes at their mother's speech. She was in her element so they did not interrupt her, but laughing and grimacing in her presence at such times was unwise. The youngest Uchiha heir did all in his power though, to bring forth the feared Fugaku's scowl. And it made keeping his face straight while watching all that much harder, Itachi admitted.

Finally, his young brother gave him a glare that said it was Itachi's fault for asking the tricky question and all the young man could do was roll his eyes as well, in response. The dinner promised to be long...


The next day

Hearing that Itachi made jounin, at last, Naruto didn't know other way to congratulate him than to bring sweets and hug the young man till Itachi turned red in embarrassment. It was doubtful that he'd agree to celebrate by making a party, and if Naruto organized the party himself, the eldest Uchiha heir would never forgive him... unless Itachi repaid in some- prank or humiliating way. That wasn't something the blond looked forward to, so he decided to visit the raven haired jounin with a bag of dango.

As he walked through the door, made a speech and handed the sweets, Naruto was rewarded with a small, grateful, cute smile that made Itachi look much younger than usual. Like a little kid, he grabbed the gift and without a word went to the kitchen to make tea.

It was an odd hour it seemed, because Mikoto was visiting a friend for gossiping, Fugaku always had one business to take care of or another, and Sasuke was doing some private, secret training at the moment. It was the younger Uchiha that informed Naruto of Itachi's promotion, an hour ago or so, before shoving the blond out of training grounds.

The main house was strangely quiet, and with his friend being so silent, Naruto, who sat at the small kitchen table, started to worry. It wasn't like Itachi was talkative, no, he rarely engaged in debates and long conversations, but a kind of gloomy aura surrounded him that day, and Naruto wasn't sure what was the source of it. He almost opened his mouth to speak and ask creepy questions, but Itachi returned with the tea- most probably made with secret express technique- and joined him by gracefully sitting down. The blond noted that Itachi's pants were a part of pyjamas set, black and slightly loose, and for a change, he wore a white tee shirt. Comments and questions he prepared left his tongue though, because Itachi looked truly happy and pleased as he ate dango off the paper plate. His dark eyes sparkled, merry, and the blond expected him to start humming or singing at any moment from now. Disrupting that moment of contentment was like committing a sin.

"That was very thoughtful of you." The young man said between bites, and was too immersed in the treat to see Naruto leaning on the table with both of his arms, head resting on the top of his hands with a wide toothy grin directed at no one in particular. Blue eyes were gazing up, pleased at the gratefulness Itachi expressed.

The boy grabbed one stick and smiled mischievously at his friend when Itachi mock glared at the daring move.

"So, will you tell me what's bugging you?" Naruto asked, without testing the waters and beating around the bush. The jounin looked up puzzled. "Don't pretend to be confused, there's a dark cloud over your head, heavy and ominous."

Sighing, Itachi grimaced a bit and sipped his tea. Naruto mirrored him, lifting his own cup, but did not avert his eyes from the silent Uchiha. He knew that it was his fault Itachi became a jounin now, at the age of eighteen, and not years before, when he proved to have a skill and a mind of one. The council waited until Naruto became a chuunin, and until Itachi surpassed the level of jounin, for the safety of the both of them. Naruto blamed himself for the injustice but did not voice that thought, as it wouldn't change anything but remind them of it.

"I thought that Sasuke had already informed you." The answer came, and the blond chewed contemplatively as he thought back on his brief encounter with a brother that morning.

"Hmm, well, there was this strange, indecipherable, unnamed expression on his face for a moment, but he didn't reveal anything to me other than your promotion."

Itachi smiled and looked down at the table. "He's young; he doesn't understand it yet, and doesn't treat it seriously enough."

"Doesn't understand, treat seriously, what exactly?" The boy prompted, intrigued. He leaned forward, impatiently awaiting the answer.

Ebony eyes looked up at the eager blond warmly. "I'll be married soon."

Naruto blinked, expecting something else.

Itachi tilted his head slightly, knowing that he shocked his friend, but also knowing that sooner or later, there'd be a reaction of some kind, most probably amusing.

"Married? To whom?" The boy asked dubiously. He didn't wait for a reply before continuing. "You don't even have a girlfriend! I'd know if you had one! Who is it?"

Calmly, dejectedly, the jounin shrugged.

"You don't know? You've got to be kidding me!" Naruto threw his arms in the air in indignation.

"I'll meet the most possible candidate, tomorrow." With the same indestructible calmness, Itachi replied.

The blond blinked again, without comprehending.

"It's different in big families, in clans, where heirs have reputation, future, name. Where politics have more weight." Itachi started explaining. "There are negotiations, bargains and meetings made between families. I'll be given a bride. And I'll have to marry her because I'm eighteen now, and have to continue the Uchiha line, so to speak."

"But, but what about love?" Naruto asked, his eyes impossibly widened. "Shouldn't marriage be out of love? How are you going to live with someone you don't even know?"

The jounin actually laughed at that, slightly, quietly, sadly, as if he saw naivety in its true form and just now understood it. That didn't suit him, made him seem all that more bitter and resigned. Whatever happiness he radiated with minutes ago was gone. "People marry through contracts, deals and arrangements all the time, Naruto. How do they live? They accept their spouse, learn to appreciate some things about them, and ignore some others. It's not about love, but power, blood, politics, and influence. Money."

Naruto slumped in his chair.

He certainly didn't expect it. Marriage because one was of age? Just like that? No girlfriend, no dates, no getting to know them before you say 'yes'? And clans lived by these rules. Itachi though, certainly didn't deserve it. It was obvious he didn't want it.

Being an heir to the clan seemed to be unpleasant business, at times...

The blond picked up the cup of cold tea and gulped, maybe to get rid of almost present bile in his throat. "What are you going to do?" He glanced at Itachi, who inspected another stick of sweets with delight. A shrug later that was the answer, he chewed with eyes closed, back in the world of sugar.

"You're just going to accept it?" The boy stared incredibly.

"Yes." A controlled grimace said otherwise, though.

xxx

Kakashi saw the dynamics of team Ebisu the moment it was transferred to him. Uh, he didn't believe it was coincidence that he was chosen as their sensei. Despite him never having a team of genin, he suited that position more than anyone. Hana had three dog partners, and he had his ninken, Sasuke had Sharingan, and he had one too, and Naruto was the powerhouse with potential to use every and the most dangerous ninjutsu, and here he was, Kakashi, who knew over a thousand of those. It's not like someone had suggested Kakashi as a teacher for the team that had their jounin betray them, after the investigation he led on that case. And it's not like it wasn't obvious that this team would become the best for tracking, pursuing and assault. Just what Kakashi himself specialized in. Sandaime forced him to face the facts. And he couldn't refuse either. After the whole scandal of Iwa believing Naruto to be the son of the Fourth despite Konoha claiming it was a lie and a misunderstanding, and the revelation that Ebisu had a support of one of the wealthiest people in Fire country, Kakashi felt it was his responsibility to keep the genin safe. He felt that if he didn't accept the proposition, they'd be attacked again. And they needed training and competent sensei to teach them to survive. Even Uchiha clan accepted his position, without any fuss. Surprising, but not unpleasant.

Where was he? Yes, dynamics. Hana believed that she was the leader, since she was older and felt that she was responsible. Most of the time though, her tactics and plans changed when Sasuke and Naruto suggested ideas and methods that she could not refuse to accept. It irked her, sure, but she was capable of seeing flaws in her logic, and it was a trait he helped develop in her, which made him proud of the accomplishment itself. Sasuke was the observer. He analyzed events and surroundings, commented at the appropriate time, and most importantly, stopped his teammates from doing stupid things. His flaws though, lied in self critique. For some reason he believed that his brother was better when it came to the use of ninjutsu and stealth. Well, it was true, if one looked at this from one point of view, where Naruto had so much chakra that even the innocent technique became deadly, and skill to stay in shadows that could not be natural. If Kakashi had to make a guess, he'd say that it came from being the host of the Fox. From the other point of view, though, Naruto wasn't as fast as Sasuke, and didn't know as many techniques. He did not have the sharingan that could let him predict enemy's moves.

Looking at his dark haired, sweating student, the jounin remembered also that Naruto always had more endurance.

Sasuke believed himself to be inferior, and therefore, he trained in private, on his free day, away from the rest of the team. Roots of this behaviour were in his early childhood, when he was in shadow of his older brother. Kakashi could not fix it, so he went along with it. After all, the boy would be stronger.

"I don't like to be spied on, Kakashi-sensei." The boy announced, turning around from inspecting the damaged trees. For the last hour he tried to use some wind related jutsu, but as it wrought more chaos than direct harm, the man knew it was not mastered yet.

"I'm just making sure you don't injure yourself. ...Fuuton, Sasuke? Adding something new to your offensive arsenal?"

The boy smirked knowingly and drank water from the canteen he brought with himself in case he became thirsty. Deliberately, Sasuke made slow gulps, to make the man wait longer for his answer. It was often a sweet revenge on chuunin part for making the team wait on Kakashi for hours at times, when they had no immediate mission to attend to.

The jounin rolled his eyes, seeing through Sasuke's tactic. That's right, Naruto was also always better when it came to executing revenge.

"Recently I gained access to archives of Uchiha clan that were too confidential and dangerous for me to get hands on before. I found interesting notes made by members of clan that died quite long ago, notes on techniques they saw with the doujutsu and could not use for one reason or another. The one I try to master now is not something I'd ever be able to use, as it takes a powerful wind user, with large magnitude of chakra to learn and to control."

Kakashi made an 'oh' of realization and tilted his head. "So, this..."

"Yeah. It will be a gift, for Naruto of course." The boy confirmed a bit sheepishly.

They really treated each other like brothers. The jounin couldn't count how many times they considered feelings of the other, surprised with caring actions. There were families out there, of blood, that did not treat each other that way. And here two boys were, not related, not growing up together from the day of birth, and if one didn't see colours, you'd claim they had a bond of true siblings.

"Was there anything else interesting, in those archives?" the man asked.

Sasuke grinned evilly, with sparks of joy in his eyes.

"Thought so." Hatake suspected as much. Team Kakashi would soon start a training session, courtesy of one young Uchiha, and he couldn't wait to see the dynamics start their work.


The next day, evening

The biggest hall was organized and furnished to contain a crowd of people. Discussions between elders were made, and Itachi already met a possible bride. She wasn't ugly, but wasn't beautiful either. Just a girl that believed he'd fall for her looks, seducing manners, and what not. He quickly admitted, subtly and in between the lines, that she was chosen by his parents and elders, without his consent and interest. Then he made his way through the crowd and found an empty couch. Itachi hoped that his intimidating image would shy people away from his person, which would give him some needed air to breathe.

All around, the guests came and went between groups, gossiped, gave him glances. Snacks and drinks were on small tables, by couches, chairs and even cushions, prepared for everyone. Looking at the event he wanted to roll his eyes at the robes some guests chose for this occasion and things they made up and spoke of, without knowing any details of the situation.

From his position, Itachi also saw Sasuke conversing with some girl that had long orange hair and glinting hearts in her eyes, clearly a sign that she fell in love on first sight. And his little brother was barely holding off the grimace, seeing the effect he had on the poor girl. In her hurry to persuade the young Uchiha that she was worth his attention, she lost all grace required for her dress. That kimono had subtle, thin flowers that suggested finesse and in contrast, this girl was too lively, too sharp in her movements, too young to seem beautiful or simply attention gathering.

Suddenly, someone jumped on the couch beside him, taking a seat sharply and brusquely. Heart beating too loudly, too quick to decide if he was irritated, offended, disappointed or angry, Itachi directed his efforts into keeping his face as emotionless as a moment ago, and just as intimidating.

"Huff, fuck and dammit, you won't believe what I've got to say." The newcomer muttered under his breath.

It's just Naruto.

Quite as suddenly, tension left Itachi's body, even if it wasn't seen in his simple, black and grey kimono. "Where were you?" He asked, hiding an accusing note that threatened to be heard in his tone. The blond was supposed to use all methods of war, fair and unfair, to keep all guests away from his personal bubble. His emotional state was unstable because of the whole affair which is a reasoning enough.

Naruto did not pretend to have grace, perfection, and charm, his crumpled appearance showed it well. His breathing was laboured though, and his blue, piercing eyes danced wildly over the room, searching. Itachi casually and delicately straightened some folds and wrinkles that were in his reach, hoping to fix Naruto's look a bit, before he was seen by someone of high standing. The blond had an identical simple attire, with the difference that beside the Uchiha fan on his back was also a typical red swirl. Itachi glanced down and saw that his friend's white socks and white zori gained a grey and brown tint, probably because he had ran somewhere in this kimono. Must've been urgent. But to show up like this? Only Naruto would dare.

"I came right on time, but the moment I saw them I had to walk out and confirm something. This is the Fuuma clan, and your 'bride' is not someone I suggest accepting." The blond turned to Itachi, leaned closer and whispered. "She's crazy, all of them are. Not that all other ninja aren't but this family is something special. I've met that bunch before."

Someone got close to the couch with a friendly smile and a drink in their hand, probably to say 'congratulations, that girl would become a perfect wife', but Itachi looked up with his best, scary, source of all evil and anger glare. That person quickly lost their smile, good mood and any intention of coming close ever again. Hastily retreated, too.

"There's no guarantee that next option they find would be better. Most of the time, second options are worse, and I will have less of influence over that choice." Uchiha heir spoke quietly, directing his gaze ahead of him.

"She's insane." Naruto insisted with a hiss. He knew that the clan had a story asking for pity, where they were fooled by Orochimaru who promised them fame and glory, where they had two most skilled members sacrificing themselves to free the rest of family, and abandoned their country to start anew. "Ask Sasuke, I think he remembers that mission of finding Orochimaru's lair quite well."

"Sasuke expressed his opinion quite clearly, when he paled at the sight of Kotohime." Itachi replied and went back to staring ahead of him into nowhere. A minute later from the corner of his eye he saw the twitch that started in the blond's eye.

"...And?" Naruto prompted, when Itachi did not continue. Someone passed them with a questioning stare, and both gave their paramount heated glares in response.

"And what?" The jounin threw the question back, still not looking at the blond directly.

"What are you going to do? Don't tell me you're just going to sit here, ignore the situation until it brings you to the wedding, and then you'll simply let that bitch be your wife? Are you too lazy to deal with it, too scared or too uncaring?" The speech came in one breath, harsh whisper that was directed right in Itachi's ear.

One blink and an elegant raise of a dark brow later, the jounin finally, slowly turned to his companion. "The answer to all of your questions, is yes. "

A silent pause was filled with voices of conversing guests that surrounded them, but the pair continued to stare and glare at each other, finding themselves in an argument.

"You're destroying your life." Naruto stated firmly. Their faces were so close he could see the reflection of the room in the young man's dark, almost black eyes that narrowed.

"It's my life." The young man answered just as firmly and turned his face away.

Annoyed and frustrated, Naruto huffed and crossed his arms, leaned back on the couch and started brooding.

Why didn't Itachi fight against his family? Did he not care that this girl was insane enough to kill him if the clan accepted her? Not that killing Itachi was easy, as he was quite beyond the whole Fuuma clan in skill. But for mental health, he should have said no. Or come up with a plan to change his parents' mind. He could find someone who'd pretend to be his girlfriend, and claim he was in love and would not betray her. That way, Fugaku and Mikoto would've thought twice before forcing him into marriage. Then again, they might force him to marry the girl that pretended. And it's not like there was anyone the jounin paid more attention to, to make a right choice. Naruto could not come up with a memory of Itachi dating anyone. Ever.

"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, let me make an announcement." Fugaku's voice resounded in the hall and crowds of people.

Naruto watched his friend sigh, close and reopen his eyes to gather all wits and stand.

He didn't want Itachi to sacrifice his happiness like that. So what if others married through arrangement all the time? Itachi didn't deserve it.

People gathered around the clan head, listening to his speech. The Fuuma members stood the closest and especially that witch with long, dark, dangerous hair and eyes that sometimes glinted red with madness. And it was no doujutsu. Of all of her clan members, her kimono was the most beautiful and expensive. Still the blond did not believe it would have made a difference about his or Itachi's opinion of the girl. Hanzaki was beside her, encircling her shoulders with his arm in a proud, protective manner. Itachi gracefully walked to them, not betraying his emotions, and unable to stop himself, Naruto followed him close by, in disbelief.

All around them people smiled. It clashed with foul mood the blond radiated, and he fought the scowl that pleaded to form on his features. All these guests did not know of Fuuma clan that well, and did not really care about Itachi or his candidate for fiancée. They saw this party and assumed that the clan heir was lucky, assumed that Kotohime had high chances of stealing and keeping his heart. In reality though, Itachi wanted to be free, and the Fuuma family wanted power, respect and money. Just as Itachi recently explained.

Fugaku started describing the history of the Fuuma clan by telling a tale, which was nicer than the real story. The crowd cooed and aww'ed, swallowing the speech.

Itachi was stoic, more so than ever.

Do something, your friend is about to give up his life. The voice inside Naruto's head whispered urgently. He knew that Itachi wasn't a child and was capable of making his own choices and decisions, but he also knew him well enough to understand that the young man simply did not care. He was used to doing what was expected of him his whole life. Yes, he let himself be free sometimes, let himself make small choices, small lies here and there, secrets. But never about such an official, public, important family matter.

It's just the beginning, and it could get worse. What if the next candidate is worse than this one, though? What can Itachi do but go with the flow? It's not like they'll listen. Uchiha clan would always want the best deal, the most beneficial one, and doubtfully any idea someone else would have had, they'd meet enthusiastically. Then he has to go against the flow.

Fugaku finished his speech with a soft, almost genuine smile and people around them clapped as if they were given a signal of sorts.

If you don't step in now... Frantically, Naruto worked his mind and his eyes widened in fear, anticipation and determination. He mouth was open, ready to speak up, to defend the young man. The claps reached their peak and the witch turned to look at Itachi, and then she seemed to make a step in his direction.

"What?" Naruto asked shockingly at the same moment she raised her foot. The blond looked around at the crowd, aware of Itachi's position on his right side, just a step further. "What do you mean?" He continued loudly and the clapping ceased as people looked at him in confusion. Naruto turned to Itachi. "Your possible fiancée? You've gotta be kidding me!" His mind was in overdrive, coming up with every possible plan and solution, tactic that would lead the Uchiha clan to believe they'd better not interfere in Itachi's life in the same way as today.

From Itachi's point of view everything was as boring, as pointless as he had expected it to be. Announcement, meeting, even clapping, until the blond opened his mouth and started sprouting some nonsense. He was asking questions as if he stepped into the room now, after a yearlong mission, and not an hour ago.

"Why didn't you tell me anything, Itachi? Do you... do you want me to be jealous or is it your twisted version of a break up?" The boy spoke to him, his eyes glistening with the tears that started forming. Itachi was unable to respond as he didn't know what the boy played at. Or rather, he already suspected what the blond so suddenly came up with, in his 'spur of a moment faze' as Kakashi called it. Keeping his face as unmoved and emotionless as possible, Itachi let Naruto continue, not sure if he should stop the tirade or let it be. What irked him though, were countless witnesses...

"What, you lost your voice?" The blond asked Itachi bitterly and looked at the guests and clan attendants accusingly. They all blinked, glanced and whispered in between each other, some gasped and covered their mouths, others glanced at the Uchiha clan head questioningly. Naruto faced the heir again and a shiny tear slid down his cheek.

Itachi frowned with indecipherable emotion. "Naruto..."

"I thought that you, that we..." The blond cracked and wiped the tear away with the back of the hand. "...you bugger..." He added hoarsely, hiding his face behind his hand and started to run out of the hall.

No one stopped him as everyone was too lost, too frozen, too confused. The room was silent and each of the blond's steps as he hurried out of the building was loud and echoed in the silence that had formed.

And then everyone was looking at him. Itachi suppressed the urge to cringe. He hoped that his face did not answer their questions. What had just Naruto done? In front of so many people?

"Son...?" Fugaku inquired, his brows furrowed.

After several attempts to speak, opening and closing his mouth, where he tried to decide which answer, and which action was better, Itachi looked up. "I'll go...calm him." He answered softly. And before anyone could object, he gracefully strode out through the puzzled, parting crowd, with every intention of finding the blond.

He didn't hear nor see the people stir, and Hanzaki verbally attacking the head of Uchiha clan. "What is the meaning of this? Young Uchiha is in a relationship?" The man scowled and unsheathed the sword that was placed on his back. Harshly, he pointed the tip it at Fugaku. Said man raised his brows and then both of his hands in placating manner. People moved away from the both of them, expecting a bloody argument.

"There's no need for violence, Hanzaki-san. We're all civilized people, let us settle this matter in peace." Fugaku spoke, he was rather lost in the matter himself, but determined to get to the bottom of it.

"I am settling this in peace!" The man interrupted, turning red as his temper rose, his flush seemed to merge with the red band covering his forehead. "You should have warned us that Kotohime would have to seduce the boy first." He panted and then while blinking, lowered the zanbato. Then he grinned widely as if his threat was a joke and grabbed a tall blond woman from the side. "Well, we also have blonds if it's his preference!"

The woman smiled sheepishly, and the crowd sweat dropped.

xxx

Following Naruto's trace, Itachi found him in his personal training spot that said blond often invaded. At least the boy wasn't stupid enough to stay in plain sight after that scene. It was dark now and there were no street lights nearby, the area was shadowed and well hidden from prying eyes. Not thinking for too long, the jounin placed an illusion over the place to make sure they were not heard nor interrupted.

Each step he got closer, his anger and frustration got closer to the surface of his skin and the forefront of his mind. And he gritted his teeth, which wasn't something he did often. So little could affect him that way, and Naruto had taken the first place on the list for a very long time.

Rustling of grass under the blond's feet alerted him that he was close and Naruto did not try to stay quiet. Stupid blond. He walked faster and saw the prankster pace, nibbling his nails in a nervous gesture. Then the blond looked up hopefully, and turned to him. "Well, did it work?" he asked, clearly excited.

Itachi no longer bothered to keep his expression neutral; scowling, he fisted the front of Naruto's clothes and roughly pushed him into the bark of the tree. "What were you thinking?"

The boy showed surprise and his hands automatically covered Itachi's fists to ease the violent gesture or pull the hands away. "W-what do you mean? I tried to help ya!"

"Help?" The brunet exclaimed incredulously and gulped the air to say more, but the blond he had pinned to the hard surface beat him to it.

"Look, I know I made your life difficult since the beginning, messed it up to be blunt, but I want to fix it, you know? I wanted to..."

"Fix it? You just DESTROYED it!" Itachi bellowed, emphasising his point by lifting the blond and pushing him into the tree again.

"Ouch, wait! Calm down, wasn't it a brilliant plan? They think we're dating or something and Fuuma clan will step down, see, and all this arrangement is nullified!" Naruto explained quickly, sincerely, just the way he saw it.

Itachi looked down on him, breathing harshly and glaring. He was so angry that his sharingan activated and spun, which caused a shiver to run down Naruto's spine.

"Did you even think about my REPUTATION? You've PULLED that stunt in front of dozens of people!" His hands shook with anger and even fear. "Dammit, Naruto, you're not even fourteen! Even if they believe this – do you realize what it looks like for Kami's sake! It was stupid! STUPID!"

"Well sorry from trying to SAVE your LIFE!" The blond retaliated, pushing Itachi away.

The jounin stumbled but straightened up. "I wasn't DYING!" He screamed and attacked the blond again. This time, Naruto fought against the manhandling and they used their fists to hurt each other. It made them feel better to get rid of excess energy. Itachi did not hold back. For once confident that Naruto deserved every bit of pain. Naruto treated the assault seriously, and fought back with as much power. Aware but no longer caring that he felt the pain twice, Itachi kicked the boy's side. "You didn't even ask me! Just expected me to play along you stupid brat!" Itachi accused in between strikes. Seconds later, he managed to hit the side of Naruto's face with a well aimed punch. The smack of it had its pain reflected on his own face but the satisfaction of hurting the blond was stronger.

"Umf, bugger, that's the thanks I get for trying anything at all while you waited for the noose to wind around your neck? Well, you're welcome!" The blond shouted in response and managed to land a hit on Itachi's jaw, after a fake move with his elbow that seemingly aimed at the side of Itachi's neck but was followed by the real attack, a trick that was part of his reflexes now.

The young man stepped back and rubbed the place that was sure to sport a visible bruise.

Both panted and nursed painful spots, glaring at each other reproachfully. Naruto was the first to pay attention to Itachi's attire, he then paid attention to his own. "We look ridiculous." He muttered, grimacing. Their robes were all crumpled, dirty and very un-ninja like.

Itachi glanced at himself more thoroughly too, smiled, then grimaced. "Don't change the subject."

The blond huffed. "Alright! What do you want me to do?" He inquired helplessly and leaned against the tree that had abused his back a moment ago.

"I don't know." The brunet whispered and leaned on the tree that was closest to him. "They will assume we are seeing each other in secret, that we're gay, and that I was a coward to hide the truth, or that Fugaku was a fool to ignore it."

"Answer me, one question, honestly." Naruto asked exasperated.

Itachi looked up with a pinning look 'was I ever anything but honest?'.

"What is it that you want?"

xxx

Eight steps before reaching the main house Naruto stopped. "Are you sure that they're still waiting? We could go there tomorrow." He asked Itachi in a whisper. It was dark outside, night time by the blond's estimation. And as there was no noise in the district area he suspected that majority of guests already left to go home, after some apology from the Uchiha clan head.

"Father's most probably pacing, waiting for me to come back and explain everything." The young man replied, gazing at the windows. The lights were still on, which proved that they were 'welcomed'.

With a sigh, Itachi opened the door and pushed the blond in front of him. They took their sandals off in the empty hallway and exchanged a long look at hearing Sasuke's voice coming from the living room. Wordlessly, they debated if coming back was actually a good idea. Doubt entered Itachi's eyes and Naruto's stare became sharper. Before their conversation gained in 'volume', Fugaku appeared in the doorframe with a glare that could kill. Immediately, the pair dropped their telling expressions and straightened, standing side by side.

"Inside." The man said and pointed at the living room. Without a word, Naruto and Itachi walked past him and saw that Sasuke was sitting in the chair with his arms crossed and a grimace marring his face. Also, he was tapping his foot in a nervous gesture. Mikoto was pacing, not knowing what to do with her hands, and covered her mouth, her cheek or forehead with a palm of one or both of them.

None of them changed clothes yet, so dressed in traditional, occasional attires and ready to start an argument, all parties present looked almost as ridiculous as Naruto and Itachi noticed they did when they had started fighting about two hours ago.

"Sit." The older man ordered, pointing towards the floor. They sat on their knees, both of them together on tatami and Fugaku sat in front of them, while Sasuke and Mikoto directed their full attention on the pair. Sasuke with the darkest of scowls, and Mikoto with apprehension visible in every movement and the occasional twitch. "Speak."

Both of them made noises in response, opening their mouths and humming, trying to form words and then starting over again. The upper lip of the older man started creasing and noticing it, Naruto regained his ability to speak.

"We're a couple."

Itachi sighed at that, clearly not happy with his choice of words.

"I... I admitted to have... feelings and Itachi..." The blond continued stuttering.

"I accepted..." Itachi added quietly, looking at the floor to hide his eyes.

"though hesitantly..." Naruto contributed without being asked.

"And we started seeing each other..." The young man said firmly, still looking down. Fugaku kept looking from one to the other, judging and glaring, daring them to lie about their relationship.

"In secret..." The blond added, as if to make sure the man understood how they were dating. Unlike Itachi, he was looking up at the man, with his bright blue eyes opened widely, exuding all their honesty and innocence.

Itachi bit his lip to keep his face expressionless; he thought that the tear that had glinted on Naruto's cheek and slid down like it was a 'star of innocence and pain', at the party, was a fluke. But this open, sincere confession of their... affiliation flew from the blond's mouth like he had prepared for it for months. And the face that expressed how scared, guilty, and in love Naruto was... Well, Itachi had heard from Kakashi, Naruto's instructor, that the blond was a great actor, perfect for infiltration and 'role playing', if you get the hint... Itachi, you're doomed. He whispered in his mind, unable to raise his face, because if he saw the faces of his family, his parents mostly, that without a doubt believed every single word that left Naruto's talented mouth he'd either show how astonished he was, start laughing like a maniac, or he'd do something plain stupid.

"Itachi did mention something about that chick being a candidate to become someone's fiancée..." The boy continued, admitting that he was informed of the situation.

"I was too subtle..." the jounin added to justify Naruto's behaviour at the party.

"So it didn't quite seem to me that the girl was going to become his fiancée..." the blond pointed at his right side, where Itachi knelt and ignored the accusing tone.

"I planned to reject Kotohime-san either way..." Itachi justified himself, this time, and frowned, to show that he did not plan to hurt the blond.

"But that did not occur to me at the moment and I just reacted!" Naruto threw his arms up helplessly.

Itachi didn't know what to say after that, and his friend looked like he didn't either, so they settled on observing what Itachi's family would do. After a long inner debate, the jounin finally looked up, slowly, to see that Fugaku had his brows pushed far into his hairline, in astonishment, Sasuke's eyes had widened comically, in disbelief that said 'I don't believe a fucking word you said, did you actually expect me to?' and Mikoto was staring at them with her mouth open... in wonder...

The head of the family snapped out of his trance and wanted to say something, but then his gaze settled on their bruises, the side of Naruto's face, and the side of Itachi's face and Itachi's jaw. As if on cue, both of them swallowed and lifted their hands to touch the abused places gently.

"We had a fight before coming here." Itachi informed solemnly.

The man stood abruptly and started pacing, as the brunet expected him to. The moment the man's back was turned to them, the pair exchanged glances. How did it go? What now?

Sasuke gave them questioning glares, keeping his mad pose with his arms crossed and exuberated a subtle level of killing intent.

Suddenly a hand landed on Sasuke's shoulder. "Your brother doesn't think so." Fugaku said, looking at the youngest Uchiha inquiringly. The boy cringed and gulped.

"Well... yeah." He answered and immediately Naruto addressed him.

"Come on, Sasuke! We're not hiding anymore!" The blond said waving his hands.

"You said that you didn't know of their relationship!" The older man almost shook his youngest son.

"I didn't, I swear!" Sasuke replied, scared now.

Naruto looked like he wanted to abandon his kneeling position and jump to convince his brother. "You don't have to pretend to be oblivious! We've revealed that we're together!" He shouted, twitching and still waving his hands nervously. Now that he thought about it, Itachi noted that Naruto wanted to gather Sasuke's attention with his gestures in some surreal subtle way, while Sasuke continued to gaze fearfully at their father.

"They're not really together, it's just some idiotic prank Naruto played!" The boy spoke quickly and looked at the blond, who seeing that finally Sasuke was looking at them, started blinking with one eye, grabbed Itachi's hand, waved with their 'joined' palms, and even elbowed his 'partner' which forced Itachi to contribute and nod several times to confirm that the blond wasn't kidding. Thankfully, Mikoto didn't see that as she tried to get close to Fugaku and lay her trembling hands on his shoulders, to calm him, perhaps?

Not paying attention to his wife, Fugaku fiercely turned to the pair again, pointing at his youngest son. "See? He says, he didn't know!" The man shouted, holding Sasuke's shoulder.

"Sasuke! Stop denying it and protecting us, you idiot!" Naruto screamed in response.

"They seem to believe you pretend to protect them!" Fugaku continued, raising his son off the chair.

"I swear I didn't know they're together!" The boy wriggled in Fugaku's hold and at this point the woman tried to pry her husband off their youngest son. Naruto continued to make 'subtle' signs and mouthed some words in Sasuke's direction, who turned his gaze from them to father, to Mikoto and back. What are they playing at? "I didn't know! ...They... I d-didn't... see...w-w-w-well... well...m- maybe ...maybe I did?"

At the last quiet word the man threw Sasuke back into a chair and raised his arms to heaven with a scream of frustration. "A-a-argh!"

Mikoto rushed to his side and started talking and whispering really quickly, embracing the man, rubbing circles on his back and generally babying him to bury his temper.

Sasuke huffed, shaking his head as he was now in undignified position in a chair, and with a stone face, gave the pair on the floor his best glare. In response, both Naruto and Itachi gave him subtle 'thumbs up'.

He added sharingan to his glare, hoping that they pee right then and there from fear. ...Or at least cower from his anger. This was a prank on the largest scale and to think he wasn't included? Besides that, how could they make a joke of such an affair? There were guests, deals made, and their parents certainly didn't appreciate that. And Itachi, Itachi wasn't a person to get involved in such a thing, he'd never agree, no matter how much Naruto tried to persuade him, or what blackmail would've been used. So, it only meant that his older brother did this for his own benefit or had no other logical choice. ...Or it simply wasn't Itachi.

"..No, no, that's enough!" Fugaku responded to something his wife said and turned to Naruto and his eldest son, revealing a red, furious and sweating face. "I feel that if you linger here for a moment longer I will strangle you with my bare hands. Get out of my sight!"

The pair swallowed, nodded slightly and without another word, walked out, followed by Sasuke's mighty glower.

xxx

Naruto opened the door and walked in. "I am home." He spoke, and started taking off those same, white but dirty sandals. From inside the house, his guardians appeared and faced him. Uruchi with tears in her eyes, fiddling with her hands and Teyaki with a puzzled expression, scratching the back of his head. They already changed from dress robes into night clothes, it appeared they would be sleeping now if it wasn't for Naruto's absence.

"We are so worried..." The woman started but stopped when she saw Itachi enter the house and close the door behind him.

"Um, guys?" Naruto directed attention at himself and looked in between all the people present. "Can Itachi stay the night?" He asked sheepishly, adding an apologetic tone;

The older pair nodded. "Of course, we understand. You're welcome to stay, Itachi-kun. Naruto always has a spare futon in his room." Uruchi spoke and took Naruto's face in her hands. "Is there anything you need, dear?"

"No, thank you." The blond whispered and the woman kissed his forehead. She stepped back and started pushing her confused husband into the corridor and one of the rooms. "Well then, get a good night's sleep, boys. It's late and you'll need strength tomorrow."

Naruto grimaced and cringed, wondering if tomorrow could be worse after the first reaction of Itachi's father. He highly doubted the man could suddenly change his stance after one night of sleep. Fugaku-san would have to get used to the thought of his son in relationship with a jinchuuriki, first. Imagining the scowls and growls the man would make at night each time he remembered that fact, the blond tilted his head smirked. ...Maybe it wasn't that bad.

Itachi rolled his eyes after seeing Naruto's quirk. The blond was like an open book, what with all expressions he made consciously and unconsciously. Just a second ago he was anxious and now he was self pleased. That was probably optimism towards tomorrow.

The boy led the way to his own room and seeing the mess of scrolls and papers, pushed everything in pile in one corner. Then ignoring it, pulled out the spare futon that truly looked to be often in use.

"Sasuke likes to stay over, because he's too lazy to go home. We work over tactics and techniques in here. For some reason, he believes my room is more 'cosy'." Naruto answered the unasked question and snorted. "personally, I think that he doesn't mind making a mess in my room, while his own is got to be 'tidy'."

Itachi closed the door, and smirked, knowing it to be true. He watched as his friend made him a bed beside his own, moving around the room like a little tornado. Suddenly, a pile of clothes was shoved in his chest, and he stared at it dubiously.

"Not your sizes, I know, but it's better than sleeping in that outfit, don't you think?" The boy asked, pointing at the wrinkled kimono with his stare. "Unless... you prefer to sleep naked or something?" Naruto blinked inquiringly, without any double meaning or wriggle of brows Itachi could've expected.

Blinking as well, the young man went through the pile and one by one, gave the shirts back to Naruto, keeping a pair of pyjama pants, that were a bit too short but would have to do. He hoped that his sight deceived him in the darkness, and frogs beating foxes images on the fabric was just his imagination, though, knowing his luck, and knowing Naruto, the caricature image of those animals was far more ridiculous in reality than now. Thankfully, the door was closed, and there was no Sasuke, no father and no mother to see him. Well, no one beside the shameless blond himself. ...Maybe he should've chosen a 'naked or something' option?

Itachi looked up and saw the yellow tornado make a motion over his face that looked like brushing one's teeth and walked out. ...Probably to the bathroom. The brunet sighed and started the process of changing into 'night's attire' while the boy was out and noted that all his previous concern about situation mellowed to the point of feeling normal. Has he accepted it so quickly? Unbelievable. Hours ago he was ready to beat the boy up, seriously harm him, to be honest, but now they got ready for the night like nothing ever happened. Seeing the ease with which they treated each other, he decided that for the moment, he could live with it.

With trained care, Itachi folded the robes and not finding the laundry bin, placed them on the chair.

"You can use my toothbrush, it's orange." Naruto whispered so close to him that Itachi almost jumped. He was sure that he didn't hear him come back, so he assumed that the blond unconsciously used stealth to move in silent house as his guardians peacefully slept. Still, the wild beating of his heart wasn't pleasant, as the thought of the blond sneaking around without him noticing. Other than that, he noted that his friend didn't have to inform him of the colour of his brush, as it was all too painfully obvious. Well, Itachi, we all do things for the first time sometimes, and it looks like your first teeth brushing with orange accessory has come.

He cringed. Not that using someone else's brush was disgusting, but if it was associated with any colour other than orange, he'd be more willing. Not that he'd say no, the same as with those funny pants, either.

Stifling a sigh that wanted to escape him, Itachi walked out, found the opened door in the corridor that had lights turned on, and thankful that Naruto was thoughtful enough for that went through his usual ablutions, using the damned orange brush and utterly ignoring how pyjama garment looked under lights. He told himself that it was only for one night, and somehow, tomorrow things will be back to normal. He sighed and turned the lights off, glad that Naruto's guardians were sleeping.

The blond already turned and twisted under the covers, looking for the comfortable position. Itachi rolled his eyes at that, because it proved that at night, unconscious, the boy was just as restless as in the time of the day. Conscious of that fact, they young man mentally prepared for snores, mumblings and kicks that might disturb him before morning came.

"I mumble, snore and cuddle, which shouldn't bother you as you're on a separate futon, but Sasuke noted that I also 'travel' sometimes, so I apologize in advance for any of those." The boy spoke softly.

Itachi snorted before he could stop himself and settled under the covers as well. "I think I can survive that."

"You better." Naruto added and turned on his side facing his friend. "I'd wish you sweet dreams but you have to accept my wishing you quiet and peaceful night, because otherwise, sweet dreams won't last long."

As a guest Itachi'd say it didn't matter, but he just made an agreeing noise. Satisfied, the blond nodded and burrowed his face into the pillow. Another thought ringed in the brunet's mind and he spoke into the darkness. "You cuddle?"

The blond made an agreeing hum, "Uh, love it."

xxx

Crowds of people stared and pointed at them as they walked down the street.

It looked like rumours and gossip reached everyone by now and people questioned their relationship. With distaste, some stares were directed at their joined hands and quickly turned into glares. It wasn't funny. Especially, as most of the time, those same people directed worse of their gazes at Naruto, like he was the reason. And then, as if pitying him, the villagers gave him supportive nods and glances.

It was making him sick. He squeezed the blond's hand tighter, to reassure him that it did not matter. But before he could say anything, the noise from behind stopped him and he turned around, his brows furrowed.

But there wasn't anything or anyone that could be the source. Itachi started to question it but for some reason could no longer move. Desperate, he screamed but no sound came out. And the noise, the banging continued.

The crowd of people turned into the bleary picture of the unfamiliar room. He was on the floor and saw the light that came from the window, it made strange shadows...

And then abruptly he heard knocks, someone knocked on the door. What hour was it?

Itachi squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, resigned. He moved to rise but found that he couldn't. Something heavy was stopping him.

Further inspection revealed that while he was sleeping on his side, Naruto 'travelled' and embraced him from behind. Itachi compared himself to the pillow or a toy a child would clutch possessively. Not that he minded... too much. He didn't even notice until someone woke him.

With a sigh, the young man freed himself from the tight grasp and hurried to the front door. Whoever knocked, could still be there with an urgent matter. The wooden floor was cold and he absently wondered why he didn't put on the socks. On the instinctive way to the entrance he rubbed his face to wake up properly but gave up as he needed to feel cold water on his face and a hot coffee flowing down his throat for that.

Opening the door he quickly saw Sasuke scuffing his feet in an impatient, irritated manner, with a bag in his hand. First thought that popped in his mind at the sight was that Sasuke had no reason to appear here, and the second that it was too early.

But he knew that Sasuke was always an early riser.

The boy probably heard that someone walked out, because he turned to face the door but instead of greeting Itachi, Sasuke froze and blinked.

Not ready to deal with whatever problem his brother had, the jounin motioned for him to get inside the house.

But Sasuke didn't budge.

"What is it?" Itachi asked.

The boy blinked again and dubiously pointed at the older brother. "Did you even see what you're wearing? I'm not going with you anywhere. Here," the boy handed the bag to Itachi, keeping quite a distance between them, as if afraid to get too close. Meanwhile the jounin, just as confused, looked himself over, and seeing those bloody ridiculous pants remembered the details of the previous night. It didn't give the necessary energy and push to react, though, so he just took the bag from Sasuke; it was handed to him after all.

"Come inside, Sasuke, I'm sure Naruto and his guardians wouldn't mind."

The boy shook his head in denial of many meanings. "I'm here just to bring you clothes and deliver a message from mother. 'You can come back home, but don't aggravate nor provoke your father. He will get used to the new state of things.'" Sasuke even added the manner in which Mikoto would've spoken.

Itachi nodded and motioned his brother into the house again.

"No. My part is done. I'm leaving so deal with this mess yourselves." The boy said waving his hand, turned on his heel and started to walk off.

Itachi grabbed him by the collar of the shirt and pulled back.

"Hey! Let go!" The boy shouted and struggled against the hold.

"We still need to talk." Itachi calmly replied and managed to effortlessly draw his brother into the doorframe, where Sasuke immediately snatched onto the edges with his limbs.

"We don't!" The boy hissed. "I will not be involved in this!"

Itachi rolled his eyes. "Did I give you a choice?"

Dragging the youngest Uchiha into the house, where he still continued to kick and writhe, Itachi hauled, almost threw him into Naruto's room, conscious of the fact that the blond's guardians might still be sleeping.

Temper rising, hair in disarray and eyes wild, Sasuke quickly jumped off the floor where he was unceremoniously discarded. Itachi closed the door and ignoring his brother stepped to the sleeping blond.

"Naruto." He spoke, hoping that simply calling the blond would be enough. Naruto was lying on both of futons, in a weird angle, tangled in covers. Strangely, he clutched Itachi's pillow now as a replacement. Thankfully, even if covers were mostly on his legs, the blond wore night pants and simple sleeveless shirt. He looked more presentable than Itachi himself at the moment. "Naruto, wake up."

Sasuke, who was speechless watching his older brother, sighed and shoved him aside. "He's never going to wake up if you call him like you sing a lullaby." He snorted and then started shaking his teammate with unusual force, knowing well of all quirks. "Up, dobe! Time to make some things clear."

The blond moaned, raised his head and opened his eyes half way. He looked at the person that woke him so rudely, Sasuke who crouched by him, and then at Itachi, who patiently stood and bent over him. "Um, right..." He rubbed his face and tried untangling his hair, still half asleep.

Sasuke stood up and gave a suffering sigh. Then he glanced at bare-chested, barely conscious Itachi, who needed his dose of coffee. "Why aren't you changing out of that?" He asked and pointed at the pants that obviously belonged to the blond.

The young man blinked and looked down at the bag in his hand. "I need a shower."

"Go take it, 'Tachi. I'll look into some breakfast... ." Naruto muttered, yawned and walked out of the room. The jounin nodded and Sasuke rolled his eyes, seeing that the pair shared a trait of zombie state in the mornings. As Itachi went to the bathroom Sasuke went after his blond brother into the kitchen where Naruto and Uruchi, who must've woke at some point before or after Sasuke came, were busy preparing food. The woman ruffled the boy's hair.

"Go wash your teeth, Naruto." She admonished. "Good morning, Sasuke, come on in, settle down, boy."

"Morning Aunt Uruchi." Sasuke greeted and sat at the table. Naruto glanced at him and then spoke to his guardian quietly.

"Mum, whatever you hear me and guys speaking about, is a great, grand, super secret all right? Like, our lives might depend on it, ok?"

The woman froze for a moment, looking unusually serious, and then nodded. "Eat you breakfast, I'll go and bring snacks to old man." She said cheerfully. "He opened the shop so early, surely he will need additional energy." She put two plates on the table for Naruto and Sasuke and gathered the snacks, thermos and actually went out to Teyaki with a smile. It was her way to show that she didn't plan to hear what they talked about, even though she didn't mind Naruto's secrets. The blond smiled and placed tea before his brother.

A moment later Itachi walked in, dressed in his usual shinobi attire but without a pouch and sandals... and with wet hair. He sat on the opposite side of his younger brother and Naruto was already putting a plate with food in front of him and a cup of coffee under his nose. "Milk and four cubes of sugar, dear." The blond whispered and kissed Itachi's cheek.

Sasuke, who was at that moment drinking his tea, choked at the sight and sputtered.

Itachi just gave his brother an evil stare and sipped his perfect morning drink. Dazed, Sasuke switched his gaze between the pair and a million of disturbing thoughts went through his mind. Naruto started eating too and drank a bitter, black tea.

"Don't mind Naruto. He's already practicing." The jounin broke the silence and his dark eyes revealed mirth even though his face was made of stone.

"Practicing? Practicing what?" the boy inquired, blinking and grimacing.

"Soon people will start to pay attention, look for a proof that we're a couple and try to separate us if they believe that our relationship is false, unstable or weak." Itachi explained, but Sasuke continued to frown.

"I don't understand..."

Naruto, who looked to be more aware and chipper now, elaborated. "They want Itachi to get married, and he doesn't want to. We'll pretend to be a couple for a while until this business goes down, and then break up quietly, when there's no pressure or when 'Tachi finds someone."

"That's crazy!" Sasuke yelled, unable to imagine that plan working. Everybody knew that they were just friends.

"That's what I thought too, but Naruto put this plan into motion without consulting me first." Itachi said, elegantly using chopsticks and glaring at the blond beside him. Naruto just smiled in response.

Sasuke turned to his teammate. "Don't tell me. Another one of your 'improvise and see consequences later' episodes? This time you crossed the line, dobe!"

"It's pointless, Sasuke. He doesn't even realize what he got us into." Itachi added. The blond pouted and stood up to reach some shelf.

"Don't be mad with me, I did it in your best interests." Naruto voiced and placed a plate of sweet senbei on the table, close to his friend. "Here, I'll make it up to you!"

Itachi just smiled and shook his head.

"Dobe. There will be spies, any moment from today, watching your every step, hearing every word. If you want to succeed, you'd really have to play the role to the best of your abilities and for the longest time. You don't know who's keeping an eye on you to check if you're boyfriends. I don't think simply declaring you're a couple is going to be enough." Sasuke informed him seriously and finally calm, reached for his tea.

The mood in the room turned sombre.

Naruto, who stood by Itachi, gave a sad, slight smirk and gave the older Uchiha a tender hug from behind, encircling his neck with his arms. The jounin stiffened a bit.

"I know. I'll do my best. Do you doubt me, teme?"

xxx

The moment team Kakashi gathered in their usual spot, on the small bridge over the stream, Naruto knew that something changed. For worse.

Hana gave him measuring, disdainful looks, looking down her nose at him. For better effect, her posture was straightened and arms crossed. When he and Sasuke came, she did not even greet them, just glared meaningfully.

Kakashi-sensei on the other hand, made a visible disappointed face, shook his head and overall made the blond feel miserable. "Naruto, I know that you don't like formal parties and may have a grudge against Fuuma clan, but whatever motivated you for that prank? It was cruel and you went out of line. Uchiha clan is well respected and you made them look like..."

"It wasn't a prank!" The boy shouted interrupting the captain, fisting his hands in anger and unable to stop the pulsing temple and a ragged breathing. "It wasn't a joke! Why do the people keep thinking that it was!"

Hana's dogs whined, hearing the start of the argument. They pushed and sniffed her legs, but the girl was too frustrated to react. "I can't believe that a guy like you could get Itachi-san! He's gorgeous, he's a genius, and you're a lucky, crazy, totally opposite of him personality wise person! For God's sake, you're brothers!" She accused pointing a finger at her blonde teammate.

"Hey! We've never felt like brothers! Sasuke and I- yes, without a doubt, we've got a brother bond of the highest level, but Itachi and I started like friends!" Naruto explained, verbally attacking the girl that made assumptions.

Kakashi looked stupefied, but then the man just shook his head to clear his thoughts and spoke. "Stop it, Naruto! The joke is over, it isn't funny! You shouldn't treat it seriously, Hana."

All team members became quiet. Kakashi forced his 'be quiet' gaze on them, Sasuke sighed and closed his eyes, Hana reined in her expression and posture, and Naruto... well, the blond gave his captain the iciest, sharpest and angriest glare ever.

Seeing as no one was going to step down nor clear the matter, Sasuke coughed to get the attention of others. "It wasn't a prank, sensei. The dobe just couldn't wait until after the party to have a row with Itachi. As a result, he created a big mess by revealing matters that should stay quiet, hidden and forgotten." He grimaced as he spoke, showing the blond that he was displeased that he had to cover him, and giving others an impression that he wasn't fully supporting his brothers' relationship.

The girl half sobbed, half screamed and turned around from the group. She started kicking the wooden construction in defeat and aggravation. Like many other girls her age, she had a crush on a heir of Uchiha clan, and couldn't accept the fact that her teammate was in relationship with the boy of her dreams, a hidden one, and worst of all, her teammate was a male, which most obviously meant that she had no chance with Itachi in the first place. It was a shocking revelation, to say the least.

The dogs sat on their back legs and growled, giving glances at Sasuke, who glared in a quiet response.

Naruto and Kakashi, who were locked in a stare, stayed quiet as well, but the jounin gradually changed his expression from accusing, to the shocked one. The battle of gazes was broken when both of them were snapped out of it by loud cracks and kicks Hana made.

"It's impossible." The man voiced, turning his head left and right, slowly, in denial. "I would've known..."

"You wouldn't. No one would've, if it wasn't for my rushed judgement and temper." The blond admitted coldly, still calmly mad about his teammates' reaction.

The jounin turned to Sasuke for help, knowing that he was the most intelligent, logical and reliable one of all his students. But the boy just gave him an expression that said that he didn't like to be involved in this sensitive matter, and the man suspected that he must've felt very uncomfortable with the knowledge of such an affiliation between his brothers.

It couldn't be a prank if Sasuke behaved this way.

Kakashi sighed and hid his face in the palm of his hand, dreading the day that just started.

xxx

Even though it wasn't quite an evening yet, the place was crowded. Teams, dates and families were present at every table, making a comfortable noise. Sometimes though, some of them stared and glared when passing the table.

It wasn't nice. Naruto glared back boldly, not caring anymore about subtlety. The barbeque place was great and cosy, but if this continued, he would not step foot here again.

Usually team Kakashi spent here some relax time after complicated missions, but today, Sasuke suggested that he met with Itachi for a 'date'. And the blond didn't have anything against the idea, until now. It was clear that he wasn't welcomed by customers.

"Naruto!" Someone shouted and before he could turn around, a pair of chuunin jumped on the bench on the other side of the table. Kotetsu and Izumo looked like they were looking for him all over the village, and at last, could regain their breath. He raised a brow at their behaviour.

"Good we've seen your yellow mop of hair! Do you know what sort of rumours go 'round the place?" Kotetsu asked, leaning over the table and speaking as if he wanted to share a secret.

The blond crossed his arms and glared. "I have an idea."

Izumo smiled. "Come on, clear it up for the best Konoha source of gossip and information. We're gate keepers, we need to know such things. What trouble have you wrought now?"

Naruto huffed. "Everyone immediately assumes that I'm that bad guy who started everything."

Mischievously, spike haired chuunin whispered. "Isn't it always that way, though?"

They waited for an answer from the glaring boy, but the evil gaze turned away from them onto something behind them, and blue eyes softened and sparkled with happiness. The pair tilted their heads in confusion, and then saw none other than Uchiha Itachi, the name present in every conversation these days, tied to the same rumours that recently circled around the blond.

Casually and calmly, the young man walked to the table and sat beside Naruto, quite close as the pair of gatekeepers noted. Close enough for their shoulders, and probably thighs, to touch. It wasn't what one normally considered as friendly proximity. But still, it could be like that because they were very close friends, or brothers.

Moving his stare from one uninvited guest at the table to another, Itachi pointedly lifted his arm and sneaked it around Naruto's shoulders, making their position speaking on its own. "Do we have company for dinner, a double date, Naruto?"

The boy looked up at him happily and leaned in. "If you don't mind, I'd offer them to join us."

Mouths dropping and eyes wide, the blond's friends waved their hands in denial and sputtered. "No no! We're not t-together! It's... it's ok, you h-have a date so we'll just g-go... and you know...keep quiet about... you, you know, seeing each other..." They muttered, glancing fearfully at the jounin that was scary even when he was friendly. And if Itachi smiled and looked kind and soft, one expected to be killed slowly and painfully. That was what rumours said, anyway.

"No need to hide it, guys. You may spread this around all you like, 'cause I don't want any girl or guy out there thinking they can touch what's mine." The blond spoke calmly but with a pressuring tone. They immediately understood that they were to spread the threatening message as well. Cowed, they glanced at Itachi, wondering if he'd oppose the idea. His answer would most likely show the dynamics of the relationship, or even the stage of it.

"Likewise." The young man replied, and the gatekeepers nodded frantically before stumbling off the bench and hurrying out.

"See ya around!" Naruto said as his friends left, and turned to his 'date'. "You scared them to death. Now they will avoid me."

"Good." Itachi muttered and watched as food was brought to their table. The girl that served was blushing madly, and didn't say a word, probably too shocked, too cowed and too embarrassed.

"I asked to realise our order when you show up." Naruto voiced needlessly, but the jounin nodded nonetheless. They started cooking and spoke with glances that had far more meaning than usual. Sometimes there was a glare, when Naruto did some stupid thing like casually entwine their legs under the table, or kiss the young man's cheek not bothering to ask Itachi for permission or simply give a warning sign. Here and there, they gave evil stares to people that pointed at them or made disgusted faces. Suffice to say, none of them expected such a 'heart warming' reaction to them being together. It destroyed any good mood or pleasant tension in the air of their 'date', which prompted them to leave and reconsider the idea of meetings in public places.

xxx

The training ground was obliterated.

The blond was breathing heavily, bending and holding onto his knees, trying to come up with a plan to defeat his opponent.

Itachi was behind the trunk of the tree, panting too, after using the most powerful fire technique he knew. The wave of flames, a jutsu that covered a wide amount of space; the only escape was to move several metres high in the air, above the flames that were active for at least fifteen seconds, and that was much, in the world where normal people couldn't fly. Naruto though, wasn't normal, and even if he could not fly, he could create a shadow clone while in the air, which could push or throw his creator higher, and be replaced with the next one. It was ridiculous, and both of the opponents knew that, but this creative way of using bunshin saved Naruto's life, or at least, his skin. Itachi got used to the blonds improvisations and tactics that were outside of the box, therefore he simply knew that whatever he used, Naruto would magically avoid getting hurt. That meant that their training ground turned into the utterly demolished area. Would the Hokage charge them for damages?

The blond emerged from the smoke and wisps of flames, directing a devastating burst of wind and with it the heat that was stagnant in the air at the line of trees where Itachi was recuperating. The young man tried to run but seeing that he could get literally cooked, used the replacement jutsu and appeared on the other side of their destroyed field.

"Cough, can we have a break?" The jounin asked, finding a cover behind another three, unsure of whether or not the blond would agree.

Naruto turned around to the side where Itachi's voice came from. "Can? I think we need it!" He answered and saw his friend reveal himself and step forward, but instead of moving closer, Itachi leaned on the tree, looking exhausted. The blond joined him, slowly making steps that made his muscles scream in indignation. Together, they used the tree trunk, that was the largest and the least destroyed in the area, to have a moment of rest. The sounds of wood cracking and burning, flames ceasing to rise filled the silence.

Tired of being judged by villagers they discarded the idea of having dates in public to satisfy clans that without a doubt observed them. It was too much. The stress of playing the role alone was enough, but coupled with reactions they got and general behaviour of different people made it a hard task. The girl that almost became Itachi's fiancée kept approaching him and making attempts at seducing him. Other females of the village suddenly started attacking Naruto, in revenge or for some reason in an attempt to seduce him as well. None of it worked, of course, but all of it grated on their nerves. Sasuke insisted that if they planned to execute their 'prank' to its fullest, they had to have dates in public places, with gestures of affection, touches, kisses and hugs included to make it believable. Itachi though, insisted that Sasuke simply wanted to make their life more complicated, since he was pulled into the situation without his consent. Itachi was pulled into it without being asked as well, but he knew that wrong choice of words and expressions motivated Naruto to act without thinking, and therefore some fault was on his own shoulders. Besides, becoming independent about his private life and choice of partner was sure to make his life as Uchiha heir more bearable. If Naruto wanted to help with it, then who was Itachi to refuse?

They regained their breath, no longer panting, but the layer of sweat wasn't that easy to get rid of, nor tiredness. Itachi slowly turned his body closer to the blond and leaned over him from the side. Then he shifted his face closer, until his lips were close to Naruto's ear. "Close your eyes, make it seem like you just listen to me but don't react."

The boy did so, closing his lids softly and tilting his head so that it seemed he tried to hear better.

"We've been watched for hours by a spy, but our display of techniques and dangerous elements did not deter this guy from observing. I think he's waiting for something, and doesn't plan to leave until he sees that." Itachi spoke, almost burying his face in blonde locks to hide the movement of his lips. A good spy could read those and it wasn't what the jounin wanted. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes." The blond replied suggestively and smirked.

"Don't open your eyes too much, they're too telling." Itachi muttered and Naruto gasped when he felt his friend touch his neck with his lips. "We better look like we do it all the time, Naruto." The jounin reprimanded between nips and even slight sucking. The blond was surprised there was little pretending in those. But he supposed one couldn't fake without actually doing something. Thinking quickly, he relaxed and purposefully wound his arms around his 'boyfriend's' neck.

Itachi trailed up with his explorations and his hands found their place on Naruto's hips. The breath the blond regained before, became ragged again, but this time in excitement and anxiety. He fooled around a lot, and was one of the best actors in his generation, people said, but even to Naruto, making out with his best friend was more than a little weird, and he wasn't sure how far he could go in playing along, nor how well their skills could synchronise.

Lips that were subtle and demanding at the same time, finally reached his mouth and the blond came to conclusion that he better let Itachi have his way for as long as he knew what he was doing. Besides, however you looked at it, he was the young, small and submissive one in this relationship, ne? That's what people expected.

Itachi's teeth grabbed the lower lip softly and pulled a bit, teasingly. Then after a slight pause, he just plunged in and over, displaying a passion Naruto wouldn't have ever suspected to see. Their air became one, mouths too small and limiting for contact Itachi seemingly aimed for. And that hot tongue invaded his much too personal space with such confidence that Naruto was left almost immobile. It touched his, feigning a war that Naruto didn't start nor noticed starting, and then explored his teeth, which could not be that interesting, right? But sensations were drawing all thoughts out of mind. And then all too suddenly, the moment of hot, weird connection stopped as the young man released his mouth to breathe.

Naruto could only gulp awkwardly and open his eyes half way to mutter "Closet sweet toothed..." to comment on the sweet taste he managed to analyze, amazingly as his mind was blown away, before Itachi's mouth closed on his again, repeating the strange experience that could become a onetime thing or a normal occurrence, depending on the amount of spies and times they found them. One of Itachi's hands found its place on his waist, moving in circling motions which felt strangely natural for it to do. . If that was what the spy waited for, then he finally got the show he wanted to see.

The jounin pulled away again to nuzzle the side of Naruto's face in the show of unseen affection and casually bit the blond's ear, "You have to respond, you know? Hmm , by the way, did you eat ramen?" to hide his lips moving again, and to make a smart mocking reply, apparently. If Itachi was pretending, and he did, then he was an amazing actor as well. How was it possible? Did it imply that his stoic, intimidating and cold personality was a front as well? The thought was making Naruto furious inside, and he grabbed Itachi's hair with his fingers quite fiercely, if a frown on Uchiha heir's face, that could be interpreted in several ways, was any indication. Then without too much thinking he just attacked Itachi's mouth with the passion of similar degree displayed by his friend, but his was fuelled by anger and confusion. And as his hands continued to tug and tongue to fight with Itachi's, he had a next thought of acting stupid, because really, Itachi was a jounin, and of course he was a good actor. Even if he did not flaunt it. Every shinobi was. Naruto just had a temper... and a rushed judgement. One that thankfully, stayed in his chaotic mind most of the time. If one managed to read his thoughts, they'd claim he was crazy.

Kissing though, wasn't bad. Not that he had much experience, but if it was unpleasant, he'd note it to tease Itachi. There wasn't much to tease about though, beside the sweet taste of his friend's... saliva. Did that disturbing thought just went through his mind? Well, Itachi noted that he ate ramen before their training session, so they were even.

Gradually, the passion filled kiss became softer and calmer. There was even tenderness in the way Itachi's palm touched the side of his face and tilted his head a bit higher, giving an angle in which their noses did not get in the way. Itachi's hair, soft and silky in his hands, lost the rubber band from all the tugging and became a messy halo around his head.

At last, when breathing became a necessity, they parted, gulping the air. Their foreheads touched and Naruto noted that cold metal plate of Itachi's headband was smooth and pleasantly cooled his skin.

"Is he gone?" The blond whispered barely moving his lips.

Itachi frowned, concentrating, and then sighed. "Yes."

They continued to lean onto each other's foreheads, calming their breath and wondering if that scene was enough for the spy to make conclusions and not come back.

"I hope you're not thinking of whether or not it was good. Cause it was but it doesn't matter, right? Where did you learn to do it by the way? That girl from your team a year or more ago? I thought that affiliation was fleeting and did not go far. How long are you going to keep your..."

"Naruto." Itachi interrupted the blond's monologue and making a bit of space between them looked down on his friend pointedly. "Was it your first kiss...?"

The boy blinked and his eyes darted about for a moment, before resting on Itachi's again. "No, I mean I kissed before, it's just that this was... this was the first real one." He mumbled with a blush.

The jounin raised a brow. "I thought you dated that... Yamanaka girl."

Naruto blushed even more. "Uh, right, well, whatever we did wasn't that daring, and we didn't see each other for long, she fell in love with Sasuke at first sight and broke up with me. So..."

"Oh..."

Both of them felt awkward.

"well, do you know who it was, or who this spy could work for?" Naruto asked, directing their thoughts elsewhere.

Itachi gave him a look. "Does it matter? Soon whatever this spy saw will be known to everyone interested. We can't change or influence that, so lets' just wait for results."

"Ah. All right then... Um, 'Tachi, how long are you going to keep your hands on me...?"


A. N. Fuuma clan characters come from the Land of Rice Fields Arc.