I'm so sorry that I forgot about this story, I have had so much on my mind. Anyway, here's the new chapter. PLEASE VOTE ON WHAT YOU THINK I SHOULD DO FOR THE PAIRING. 🙏

Neji's POV

The TV was on, emitting a warble of sounds. A string of people advertising their useless, little products decorated the screen. Their bright colors and exaggerated expressions charmed my eyes, but my thoughts had deviated and lingered elsewhere. I pulled my attention from a particularly merry lady and turned towards my nightstand, where the only other source of light was a glaring red hue. 3:05; in about two hours I would have no choice but to peel the covers off and go to work. And yet, despite the growing threat of enduring the pain of being a sleep-deprived zombie the entire day, my entire body and mind refused to rest.

My hand groped and roamed over the silver sheets pooling around me and ceased when I felt a distinct bulge. I fished for the remote and turned the TV off. The utter silence and smothering darkness didn't hesitate to cloak me and I welcomed it. I raised my hand and reached towards the ceiling, grappling at the brisk air. My eyes struggled to adjust against the sudden loss of light, but I managed to make out the outline of my hand clamping into a fist and relaxing. With a loud smack, I allowed my hand to unceremoniously drop on my forehead, surely leaving behind a gigantic, stinging imprint pulsing on the spot.

I hissed softly, "Gah, you goddamn idiot!"

While Sasuke was tucking Menma into his bed, I took the liberty of going down to the bastard's car and fetching Naruto myself. When I reached him, he was a mess; not physically, no. He didn't show any of his tears to me; in fact he didn't show anything at all. He just smiled and greeted me, but the glint didn't reflect in his eyes. I followed him to his room, waiting and hoping he would talk to me, but he remained silent. It felt frustrating seeing Naruto distant himself and maddening knowing I couldn't approach him in the same way as that infuriating Uchiha and expect the same reaction. I was only able to watch Naruto stare at Sasuke as he left, a longing expression knotting his face.

My whole body began to feel hot and bothered as irritation and guilt started to boil the pits of my stomach. I threw off the blankets gluing my body to the mattress and flicked on the lights.

"I should fought harder. I should've protected him better," I berated myself.

I ran my hand through my hair, flinching at the countless tangles, and recoiling when my fingers came into contact with a band of sweat that lined my forehead. With a huff, I opened the drawer beside the bed and picked out a small rubber band. The icy air finally started to caress the back of my clammy neck as I pulled the strands into a loose ponytail. However, that feeling of restlessness still resided within me. I knew I could never fall asleep this edgy and unsettled, so I stood up and left the room.

The air was much crispier and lighter outside, refreshing almost. There was no need to cover my bare chest with a shirt or a robe, no one would be awake for at least three more hours, so every inch of my upper body braved the nipping cool. Regardless of the hostile and essentially disheartening shadows present in the hallway, it was an emotional and physical release on my frazzled nerves. Unlike my room, which collected my heavy thoughts in such a confined space, the corridor was an open feeling of emptiness; nothing but endless shades of black and unrecognizable dark blobs to invigorate my senses.

My bare feet shuffled across the floors cautiously, using the wall as a guide to find and descend down the stars. After roughly and cluelessly wandering in the darkness, paired with confused rambling and curses, I finally reached my destination. It was a rousing alarm to my senses when I wrapped my hands around the frozen handle. I pushed the door open and palmed the walls for a switch. When my pinkie painfully snagged across a small bulk and flicked it, the entire room lit up.

The lights illuminated every corner off the study room, showing off its every crevices with glory. I breathed in, appreciating the unique perfume the books had managed to fill the entire room in. Of all the rooms in the entire mansion, this is the only one place where I can truly unravel and relax. Well, what can I say, it's my pride and joy. All of the shelves lining the walls are packed with hundreds of books. The majority of them are novels I've learned to collect while traveling around the world. The others are either photo albums or gifts I've received over the years.

Physically speaking, the room isn't exactly ginormous, but it definitely isn't cramped. It has a small fireplace parallel to the entrance and that was the extent of its decorations. In fact, there's not even a single window in the room. That's because the bookshelves took ALL of the space. They reach all the way to the ceiling and thus completely coating the walls. In order to compensate for the lack of sunlight, about a dozen little lights littered the top of the room. Obviously, that wasn't my idea. Why would it be? Just thinking about it sounded ridiculous. But, Naruto nagged at me until I succumbed. Apparently, mimicking the night sky with using LED lights and black paint would be 'pretty'. Well, he wasn't wrong. It eventually turned out to be the defining detail of my study. When Menma came along, that's when I decided to add the bean bag chairs encircling the fireplace.

I chuckled to myself, what a difference they've made on my life.

My knuckles trailed across shelves, my fingers jumping over every book, until I arrived at a particular rack. Counting to the sixth spine, I took out an emerald album and flipped the hard cover open. On the first page, protected with a clear film, is a picture of Naruto and I as a child. He was giving his signature bright, toothy grin and he had his arm hooked around my neck. Even I was smiling, but not towards the camera. I leaned my head towards the other books and allowed myself to reminisce. With nostalgia filling my head, I ghosted over the image and dreamed of the easier days.

Flashback

The sun stung my skin. The humidity made my hair gummy and tangled. Bugs kept crawling up my legs and sticking to my sweat. The grass caused my skin to itch, even causing tiny, red lumps to rise. If anyone couldn't have guessed, I hate being outside.

I forced my feet further into the mulch, absolutely bored out of my mind. My incompetent, socially revolved teacher was so busy flirting with another random man that she has yet to notice that class started fifteen minutes ago. Of course, my classmates seized the opportunity for an extended freetime, so nobody stepped up to remind her. I could've done it myself, but last time I was just merely brushed off and even scolded; same goes for the other students who tried. I have no idea how she's managed to keep her job for this long, but I'm betting the fact that it's because she's got a pair of double-Ds. 1

Right now, everyone was either playing sports or indulged in a conversation with their friends about trivial matters; such as toys and their attraction to the opposite gender. As for myself, I was quite satisfied with swaying on the swing alone. Unlike the others, I felt no motivation to make any friends nor participate in their games. I would rather just stick in the faded background and sway back and forth on the swing, shadowed by a looming cherry-blossom tree.

I just didn't like people; I couldn't understand them. They try so hard to fit in with others, sometimes even amassing self-destructive qualities. People go as far as contorting every aspect of their personality in order to become something, or someone, they're not meant to be. As far as I know, people are born they way they are. They can't change their 'destiny' no matter how hard they try or how many backflips they can do...and I'm no exception.

Seeking a distraction from the bitterness, I averted my leer from the poor, abused ground to a forming cluster of people. They were laughing pretty loud about something, but because of the distance between us, I couldn't make out whatever they were saying. I wanted to ignore it, dismissing it as another stupid stunt, but somehow something persuaded me to rise from my seat and approach the growing crowd.

The moment I reached the group, I was immediately disgusted. There wasn't a single doubt that the seemingly innocent circle was actually a gathering intent on ridiculing another kid. It was almost appalling to see Junior High students take on the toxic character adults would show. I crept closer, probably due to morbid curiosity and peeked inside. Directly in the hollow center of the horde was a bent over boy. If I were to guess his year by his size, I would say he would be in his third. But, the little snot-machines have the privilege of a private playground, so I reckon my hunch's wrong. The only distinguishing feature I was sure of was his somewhat annoyingly blond hair.

A boy stepped forward and kicked dirt towards the kid, "Honestly? You're pretty bold talking about becoming a doctor. Don't you know you actually have to be smart to become one?"

There was a chorus of agreements; vile little beings. Sure, I'd send my condolences if I could, but there'd be no hope. People like him are meant to be stepped on and pushed around their entire life. Their existence revolves around their incompetence and no matter how much pity I can give him, their despair would remain as a constant reminder. Loosing interest, I turned away, moving towards the comfort of my swing. However, before I could completely removing myself from the crowd, the crouched boy raised his head. He wasn't crying. He wasn't angry. There was not a single trace of fear etched on his face. In fact, it looked like the teasing and insults had the opposite impact on him. He smiled, a fierce flame of determination burning in his wide eyes, and pulled himself upright, back straight and proud.

The boy pointed to himself and shouted, "I might not be the brightest nor the best, but I know how to work the hardest. That's why I'm going to work my butt off to become the best doctor in this country!" His chaotic, flaxen spikes bobbed along with each word and somehow even further intensified the grin on his face. He looked...pretty.

I recoiled. Not only was that added comment ridiculous, it was almost stupidly laughable. My face heated, I yearned to turn away, but I was foolishly captured and my legs stiffened to immobility. I had no responsibility to involve myself with the situation nor have any reason to keep watching and yet a sort of fascination with the blue-eyed boy willed me to stay.

The same crude runt stabbed his finger into the boy's chest, forcing him to step back, "Shut up! Maybe we should repeat our lesson yesterday."

"Yeah," someone piped up, "he's so dumb he's probably already forgotten."

I had no idea what they were referring to, but it must've been a dreadful experience for the boy. For once, he visibly flinched, but otherwise remained firm.

The rugged brats all bent down and picked up a nearby pebble. The leader, whom I guessing was the one mostly speaking, signaled with the throw of his arm and hollered, "Let's remind him that idiots are meant to be quiet!"

He threw the first pebble towards the blond who blocked the impending object with the incline of his arm. The other kids cheered and hurled forward; however, before the second gravel could even scratch his face, I sprinted in front of him and maneuvered myself as the target of the approaching stones.

The rocks bombarded my body and I felt every jabbing throb as it pelted my chest and skull. A particularly sharp one managed to chafe me below the eye, definitely leaving a sprouting bruise in its place. Without meaning to, I glared at everyone with pure animosity. It took them only seconds to stop, instantly quivering and shrinking underneath my gaze.

The leader scooted back into the crowd, apologizing,"Ah, I'm sorry! We didn't mean to hit you!"

They must've figured it was just a coincidence I ran in as they pitched their rubble, but I didn't care. I hardened my scowl, "Leave."

Everyone scattered into the playground and hid behind the oversized plastic shapes, some peeked from the safety of the shadows, but none had the audacity to return. I breathed in, regaining my composure, and shifted towards the dazed boy, asking, "Are you alright?"

He blinked a few times, focusing his attention on me. He titled his head and I was met with an expression so perplexed and taken aback that even I felt a little puzzled, "Why'd you help me?"

I didn't know what to say. Truthfully, I'm just about as clueless as he is. I have no idea why I protected him. I just shrugged, uncomfortable of the large eyes examining me so intently, and turned away. But, a small hand gripped my wrist and pulled me back.

"That's not an answer," he repeated.

I sighed and gently shook off his grasp. Might as well introduce myself, I guess, "My name is Neji Hyuuga. 5th grade. What's your name?"

The boy stuck out his bottom lip, unsatisfied, but otherwise answered, "I'm Naruto Namikaze. I'm in 4th grade."

I reached out my hand and tried to give an assuring smile, "Well, Namikaze-kun, if you would let me, I would like to be your friend."

Naruto's dismal pout instantly morphed into a bright smile, reaching from ear to ear, and completely forgetting about his question. He shook my hand and bounced on his heel, "Yeah! You'll be my very first friend!"

"Oh," he added, "can you just call me Naruto? I don't really bode well with my last name. Too formal."

It was a little suspicious, but understandable, "Okay, Naruto."

I heard a screech beckoning my classmates to come. I guess my teacher had finally cared enough to look down at her watch. I nodded good-bye to Naruto and trotted towards her. In exchange, he beamed my way and waved, skipping to his teacher as well. While my teacher poorly attempted to gather her students, the sudden urge to smack myself in the face flared in my stomach. What was I thinking? Not only did I entangled myself in an utterly mad horde, I somehow made friends with their victim.

Instead of face palming and drawing eyes, I took a deep breath and sighed. It's sorta disorienting having to call someone my friend; but, knowing that I would have the pleasure of seeing Naruto's bearably naive smile felt comforting to say the least. As the teacher pushed us to arrange ourselves alphabetically, I tolerated a small grin to notably pull at my lips. Maybe having a friend won't be so bad.

End of Flashback

I closed the olive booklet and slipped it back into the empty space. My fingers lingered a little longer on the spine, allowing the last remnants of sweet, innocent memories to drain from my consciousness.

"Things were a lot simpler back then, don't you agree, Naruto?" An empty inquiry lost in the chilling silence of the house.

I whistled a huff and turned my attention back to the books, counting to the 12th ridge in the shelf. I pulled out another scrapbook, this time crimson, and tossed the front open to the first page. It was another picture, but this time it was taken when Naruto and I were in our second year at junior high. The year had been kind and my relationship with Naruto developed to its fullest height; but then again, that was only because I got to know the story behind his mask.

Flashback

Swim was exhausting. Due to the looming stress of upcoming competitions, our coach has been pushing everyone in the team to their limits. Unfortunately for me, I was going to be the one representing the school in the junior high championship. I twirled my hair into a bun, cursing at the stubborn wet mop and the aching pull on my scalp, and fetched my jersey from my locker.

"I'll probably buy something to eat before calling Naruto," I muttered, slipping my arms into sleeves and shivering at the cold seemingly knitted into the fabric. It's been four years since I've met Naruto. Ever since that day, I've remained by his side. Refusing him was near impossible and leaving him is not an option. I owe him that much at least. Everyone calls us close friends since we do virtually everything together; if it wasn't for him practically pushing me into swim, I would be in his English culture club. What they don't know is that I don't have a single inkling about Naruto's personal life. Hell, I haven't even been to his house at least once.

I threw my duffel bag over my shoulder and elbowed my locker shut. I left the gym and began my stroll to the usual convenience store, mind burdened and feet itchy. People would always dismiss him as an open book, but he'd probably be one of the most secretive person they would ever have the chance of meeting. Really, the only thing Naruto's ever told me about his past was that his parents died when he was young.

It bothers me not knowing much about Naruto. I want to poke and prod until I've discovered every miracle or misfortune that's occurred in his life; but, I could never do that to him. I wouldn't dare to make him uneasy. If he wants to open up to me about his past, it would be because he wanted to, not because of my nagging. Naruto rescued me, the most I can give him is my patience and sympathy. I cuffed myself in the temple,"My thoughts sound so cliché, I could be in a drama."

The store was soon in sight, all I had left to do was cross a street dividing our town cemetery and the store. Why they opened a mart in such a remote and creepy place, I have no idea. No matter, it was always nice to hear about the news whenever I would pass by. My legs slowed down for a second and I titled towards the flowing words from the radio.

"Today is the 9th annual tribute of the horrific Uzumaki Massacre. The three lost lives will never be forgotten by the people of Konoha. It's so sad..."

I eventually tuned it out when my eyes passively shifted towards the bed of tombstones and caught glimpse of something bright in the depressing gray. It was only a flash, but I could swear I saw Naruto.

I jogged over to the cramped churchyard instead, and entered through the decaying gates. I cruised over wilting bouquets and crumbling stones to the end of the somber area where I noticed Naruto. After walking through a maze of graves, I finally spotted a thatch of gold.

Naruto was sitting on the ground, holding a cluster of sunflowers and staring at the miserable grave. Weeds had grown in between the cracked cement and the stone monument looked crudely polished. There were no incense nor the remains of previous visits. Everything seemed so unkept and filthy, I wouldn't be surprised if Naruto was its first visitor. I entered the square shrine, nodding to the dead, and perched my hand on his shoulder. He jumped at my touch and quickly turned around, but, upon noticing it was me, relaxed, "What're you doing here, Neji?" He settled his hand on mine, but his gaze had flicked back to the head-slab.

"I'd like to ask the same to you."

Finally, he broke his attention from the stones and greeted me with a pitiful smile, "Sit by me, please?"

The sheer lack of emotion in his voice almost scared me. It almost didn't sound like him. I responded, nodding, and lowered myself to the concrete. The duffel bag slipped off my shoulder, so I placed it behind me. I crossed my legs, flittering my eyes over Naruto's face to the bundle of sunflowers in his hands, until a mellow silence took over. The first thing I wanted to ask about was the flowers. Was he visiting a relative? No, the engraved kanji on the tombstone was unfamiliar, definitely not Namikaze. Maybe a friend? I guess that would explain the offhand attitude.

It took some time, but Naruto eventually spoke, "You're wondering about the flowers aren't you?"

I snapped my attention away from the bunch, "Hm?"

He laughed, "You've done nothing but stare at them."

I rubbed the back of my head, my cheeks feeling flush, "Sorry, I was just a little curious."

Finally, he looked at me, his face sincere, "Do you wanna know?"

"Will you let me?"

He laughed again, but this time heavier, "Well, I don't know how right I might be, but I remembered how obsessed my mom was with sunflowers. She always kept going on and on about how it always made her happy. I think it was something about how they smiled, but I'm not really sure. My dad called her ridiculous, yet he regularly brought her sunflowers every Saturday. Never allowed himself to miss a day."

Naruto bent down, leaning to capture one of the flowers by the stem, "I figured today, on their anniversary, I'd bring her some."

Nothing could prepare me for that surprise. I spun towards the stone monument, giving the engravings a little bit more thought.

"Uzumaki?"

"Yup," he nodded, "the same surname they've been blasting around the news this entire day."

I blinked one time. Twice. Thrice.

Naruto... The lost child?

No, wait, that's absurd. It can't be. No matter how strong a person claims they are, they can't simply brush off a past that traumatic. How can he even smile? How can he even walk and talk like a normal person?

I must've had the most confused expression on my face, cause the next thing Naruto did after turning to me was burst into chuckles.

"Neji? You all right?"

"I...uh..." I stammered. I don't know what to say. Well, what CAN I say? Should I comfort him? Say sorry? But, then again, it doesn't look like he needs much cheering. Naruto was on the brink of falling backwards from delight.

"I'm so sorry, but you look like you're on the brink of answering a major philosophical question."

He wiped a tear from his eye, "Calm down, don't think to hard. All I need from you is just a bit of your time right now."

Despite his light teases, the hilarity sounded a little forced. As if the words in throat struggled to come out of his mouth. I planted my hand on his shoulder, giving him a serious but tender smile, "Naruto, it's okay. You don't have to keep smiling anymore. You can trust me."

"I'm f-"

Before he was able to reassure me, I pulled him into my arms, almost crushing him against my chest, "You can't fool me, you know."

He froze, but returned the hug. His arms tightened around my neck while I encouraged him to rest. I wasn't sure how long we stayed that way, but I did know that the dew on my chest wasn't from my hair. Naruto was the one to back away, he rubbed his arms against his eyes, most likely wiping away his tears, and then, he smiled again. He giggled freely and hooked his fingers around mine. His hold was intimate, but only the kind you would find between good friends. It stirred a moment of discontent, leaving me wishing for something I couldn't quite figure out.

"I'm sorry," Naruto voiced, catching me off guard.

"Sorry for what?"

"For being such a bad friend."

I bit my tongue, eager to challenge, "No you're not."

He pursed his lips and grinned sheepishly, "But, I've never really allowed you to get to know me. You've told me everything about you, even when it was something as personal as family. You trusted me and I couldn't do the same."

"Naruto, you're not bad friend. Actually, I'm indebted to you."

Naruto stared at me, a little a relived but not entirely sold. So, I took a deep breath and continued, "You...when I first met you, you confused me. Eluded me. I was depressed and defeated with everything life's given me. A broken family, an inescapable destiny, I thought I was done. But you, you brushed everything off so casually. No matter how much everybody proved you wrong, you always bounced back up. I was frustrated at first, thinking you were just too stupid to realize how your life was supposed to run, but you never gave up, until I was eventually caught up in your current. You're important to me in more ways that you think, Naruto. Actually I think I've-"

I stopped abruptly. Wait, what was I going to say? 'I've fallen in love with you?' Did I really just think of saying that? Naruto titled his head, confused by my awkward pause. I ransacked every part of my brain of a proper ending, but Naruto beat me to it.

He snorted, then started chuckling, "You know, this is why girls swoon whenever you look at them. You're such a helpless romantic, I swear."

My pride felt like it shattered as my cheeks to my ears grew hot with embarrassment. I expected Naruto to laugh hysterically and tease me for a few minutes, but his chortles died down much sooner, "But, I'm glad."

"And," he continued, "I want to show you something."

Without another word, he began unbuttoning his shirt. Baffled and alarmed, I grabbed his hands and scolded him, "What are you doing!"

"Neji, how much do you think I trust you?" His tone was playful, but his eyers were somber and humorless.

"I don't know?"

He smiled and gently shook off my hands, "Why don't I show you then?"

I was extremely reluctant, but he almost sounded pleading. Like, he was on the brink of collapsing underneath a colossal weight on his shoulders. I settled down and granted him my finest heed.

Naruto took a deep breath and proceeded on detaching the next few buttons. While he busied himself with the task, I took the guilty liberty of spoiling myself by staring. His hair, blond and pointed, had this ethereal glow from the light. As if even the sun was acknowledging the blinding gift each fine strand held. With his eyes casted down, his lashes had fanned out. Gold and curly, it did its job well for intensifying the emotions that would swirl in his clear blue eyes. I trailed down his plump cheeks, to his defined collarbone and to the portions of skin exposed by each slip of a clasp. I only looked away when I noticed Naruto grip the cloth around his stomach close. At first, I was ashamed, thinking that he'd caught me ogling, but then he spoke, "Do you promise that we'll stay friends? Even after this?" 1

I almost scoffed. It was such an absurdly obvious question; but, seeing Naruto so tense and so guarded, I vowed to him, responding, "Naruto, there's nothing in the world that could ever make me take back our friendship."

He took a deeper breath and slowly revealed his abdomen. My mouth ran dry when I was given the freedom to roam every part of Naruto's naked torso, but when my eyes hit his midsection, my slightly wanton gaze turned into full-out turmoil. Despite Naruto's nervous shifting, I just couldn't tear my eyes away. Encircling his belly button was a large, blotchy tattoo of a sun. There were symbols whirling around the circle; but they were written so sloppily, it was almost impossible to distinguish one stroke from another. I moved my head, to stare at the design from another angle, and that's when I noticed a faint bulge underneath the ink, causing a shadow in his skin. In spite of the mediocre condition of the tattoo, it trailed the jutted skin almost precisely. I knitted my eyebrows together and reached towards the permanent symbol, but Naruto instantly backed away, as if fearing my touch would burn him on contact, so I retreated, muttering an apology, and continued gaping, "Is it a-"

"Scar," Naruto finished, "yes, it's a scar."

"How...did you get it?" I talked carefully. I was treading on unstable waters and unsure of what I words I should choose.

"I-," Naruto strained to continue. It showed clearly on his face.

"Naruto, please, you don't have to force yourself."

"But I need to do this," he insisted, "I need someone to understand. I need you."

"And that's why I'll always be here."

Naruto's clutch on my hand tightened and he close his eyes. His chest rose and fell from each deep breath he took.

One.

Two.

Three.

Naruto's eyes opened again and he opened his mouth to speak, "I-I don't remember my parents' faces anymore. I just can't bring myself to imagine what they look like. Maybe it's because I don't want to see the kind of face they would make when they realize their son is a monster."

That was the end of Naruto's words. He broke down onto my shoulder and passed out. The idiot was hiding a cold. I called the family butler and requested for him to come fetch us at the cemetery. As I waited for our ride, I watched Naruto sleep, his head cradled on my lap. I brushed his bangs away from his eyes.

I have no idea what kind of emotion roused my heart while I stared, but I did know that no matter what, Naruto's happiness will always come first; that's a promise.

End of Flashback

Naruto didn't say anything after waking up. It wasn't until a year later where he eventually told me about a 'hidden' gift. While accompanying him to Tsunade-sama's-his personal doctor-the 'specially sadistic' physician decided to describe in full out detail about his 'biology' and the process one might take if repeating the procedure. Up to this day, recalling even parts of the gruesome clarification can easily cause bile to rise up from my stomach.

I shut the album and returned it to the narrow space and its proper place. The fatigue was finally catching up to me, so I tumbled my body onto the bead-stuffed bag on the floor. Sure, my thoughts were still going at an exhausting speed, but my body had buckled and succumbed to its crave. I rubbed my knuckles against the back of my neck, trying to pound the tense muscles into relaxing, "Ugh, what should I do? What can I do?"

The sour touch of envy pinched my face into a harsh sneer, "Why him? Why did he have to fall for him? Wasn't I enough?"

It was a hateful, selfish thing to say, but it was too difficult not to feel hostile towards the egotistical maniac. Especially after what Naruto's been through while chasing at his tail, trying to please him.

"What are you thinking about?!" I tugged at my ponytail, "This isn't about me!"

My head was plunged so deep in an ocean of conflict and contradictions, I barely heard the small voice call out to me from the doorway, "Neji? What's got you up so early?"

I jerked my body around and met Naruto's weary eyes. If it weren't for the continuous thumping in my temples, I would've commented on his shirt. It was a shade of orange so bright, I could almost imagine myself hearing the color. The '#1 DAD' written on his shirt was yellow, so that didn't help soften it on the eyes. "I couldn't sleep. Sorry, did I wake you?"

His locks swayed as Naruto shook his head and plopped down on the bean-bag in front of me, "Nah, I was just going to get a glass of water."

Nothing but the dim twinkle of the small, glinting bulbs lit up the room, and yet I was still able to see the deep shadows underneath his eyes. I reached over and cupped his cheek, "You didn't sleep that well, did you?"

Naruto shifted his gaze, but leaned into my hand, "I'm fine. You don't need to worry-"

"Don't finish that sentence cause we both know I'm always gonna be worried when it comes to you."

"You really are a hopeless romantic, aren't you?" He stifled a laugh as he talked.

"Yeah, I guess I am."

Naruto stood up and offered a hand, "Come on, you have work in about an hour, you can still slip in a little shut-eye."

I grabbed the extended hand and marveled at the warmth that hugged my numbed fingers, a sudden itch made it's way into my chest, "Yeah, maybe."

Our fingers detached as we made our way to the door and I began to feel cold again. With each second passing by as Naruto slowly pulled at the door to exit, the itch in my heart developed bit by bit into an unshakable demand. Maybe it was because of my little trips down memory lane and rekindling a suppressed emotion or maybe it was because of my pride, but before I knew it, I was pressing Naruto against the door. My arm loomed over his head and my forehead rested on his shoulder.

Naruto tried to turn his face towards me, but all he could see was probably the top of my head. "Neji, what are yo-"

"Naruto, what would you say if I said I loved you?"

"Wha-?"

"What would you do?"

"Wait-"

"Would you leave?"

"You're not making any sense. Why would I leave? Trust me, I'm fully aware of how much you love me." I could almost hear Naruto's frown.

I grunted at the back of my throat, "No."

"No?"

"No," I repeated, "I don't just love you like a brother or a friend. Naruto, I want you. I want more than just your friendship. I love you."

It was quiet. I felt Naruto open and close his mouth; trying to find a response to what he just heard. His thoughts were going a thousand miles per hour, I could hear it in his heartbeat. Then suddenly, it went silent.

I sighed and pushed myself off Naruto. I took his arm, gently pulling him from the doorway, and squeezed my body out into the hall. I shouldn't have done it. I didn't have to right to force my feelings on him. It was selfish and stupid.

My throat closed and my heart constricted. There was nowhere else I could go, but back under the covers. Well, at least sleep sounds pretty tempting now. However, just before I could take another step forward, heat engulf my wrist, weakly rotating me around. Naruto was looking straight at me, his eyes searching. He pursed his lips and intertwined our fingers. "Neji, I don't deserve you. I'm not enough."

"Naruto," I plead, "if I had the chance, I wouldn't hesitate spending every second of my life with you."

"You know, you're still as corny as you were back in Junior High."

"You still remember that?"

I couldn't stop myself from smiling at Naruto's laugh, "Of course."

He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around my neck, "Thank you, Neji."

"And," he continued, "I couldn't think of anyone else to place my whole trust in."

I clung to Naruto's waist and buried my nose into his hair, barely stifling a relieved chuckle, "God, I've never been this happy."

He pulled away and pinched my bare side, "Next you decide to brood, wear a shirt. It's freezing."

I saluted a 'Yessir' and allowed Naruto to drag me towards the kitchen. The sun was already beginning to rise, so our only option now to counter brain-lag was coffee. Naruto started rambling on and on about whatever topic would come up to his mind first and I was foolishly hung up on each word. In about fifteen minutes, Menma would run down the stair, bright-eyed and well rested, and join in the conversation. We would sit around the table, until time would eventually separate us into each of our responsibilities. It felt peaceful, it felt domestic. Not even the endless stack of paper that greeted me at work took away the cheer in my veins. I guess it's just the promise of sweet smiles and loving moods waiting back at home kept my moral up. No, I didn't see flowers and rainbows, as some would suspect and love-sick man would see, but there was a bubbly feeling I can't quiet point out. Maybe, it's my pride seeping out knowing that even when certain challenges come to make trouble, I have the right to defend what's mine.