Hey guys, yes, I'm still alive! :'D

I am sooo sorry for the late update, school has gotten super busy and stressful, and when I actually do find time to write I've been using it to work on my Christmas NaruSasu / SasuNaru stories. Please forgive me, I tried to make this chappie longer (longest one yet!) and add a bit more of the yaoi and shounen ai tingz!

Note: Slight KakaIru.

Review and I will love you forever ;)


Friends Forever

The brand-new volume of Make-Out Paradise sat untouched and neglected on the desk in the silver-haired, elite shinobi's bedroom. A Leaf-headband was thrown over the comfy swivel chair, and overdue reports lay scattered around the desk, for the jounin was too lazy to work on them. Cold, stagnant miso soup sat still beside the door, made lovingly for the ninja's dinner, but was forgotten now. The masked shinobi refused to eat and sat comfortably on the windowsill of his bedroom, watching as the sun began to set.

Kakashi Hatake was depressed. Naruto and Sakura's reactions to the new, memory-less Sasuke had been so heart-breaking to watch, that Kakashi had nearly lost his composure yet again. He was hurting, too, over the Hokage's decision, but he could only imagine the pain Naruto was feeling after just getting Sasuke back. They would have to start all over; leaving their memories of the past behind and starting fresh with this new Sasuke. This stranger.

It was as if his family was falling apart all over again.

Why was it always Squad 7 that God decided to spit on? Hadn't they gone through enough already? Naruto and Sakura were only seventeen, yet because of the trauma caused by Sasuke's departure, they had been forced to grow up a little too fast. He could say the same for Sasuke, but on a larger scale. Losing everyone you love as only a mere child was un-imagineable. They deserved happiness; something they had been so close to obtaining in the past several days, but was now far out of their reach yet again, maybe even farther away than the last time, or impossible to reach. Naruto's face when he saw Sasuke... it had looked so broken, hopeless, lost.. Kakashi could tell that he was blaming himself. It killed him inside, to see how the Hokage's choice had completely destroyed his team, his family, possibly for good.

"Kakashi..." Iruka walked into their bedroom and put his arms around the anguished copy-cat ninja. "I heard what happened, I'm so sorry." Kakashi kissed the man tenderly on the forehead and let out a depressed sigh.

"Don't be, it's not your fault."

"How.. How's Naruto?" The tanned chunin asked hesitantly, worry colouring his voice. Kakashi clenched his fist.

"He took it pretty bad, a lot worse than Sakura," Kakashi murmured painfully. "It really isn't fair, how much pain he's been through for the past five years- no, his whole life. When Sasuke returned, I thought that they would both finally be able to find happiness, in each other. But any chance of that has been taken away. Sasuke didn't even remember his best friend's name." Iruka placed a hand gently over Kakashi's, appearing a lot calmer than he felt.

"Naruto is just going to have to accept that the old Sasuke is gone," he said softly. "Over time, I'm sure they'll be able to re-build the bond that they shared before."

"No, that's impossible," Kakashi whispered bitterly. He didn't like being so negative, but it was true. "Sasuke and Naruto's bond became unbreakable because it was built upon the memories they shared and made together. Even though Sasuke left to severe that bond, it really strengthened it. And that's why Naruto won't be able to re-build the relationship he and Sasuke worked so hard to create, because Sasuke can't remember everything they went through together."

"So there's no hope then?" Iruka asked quietly, his heart aching for Naruto. "It's permanent? There's no way to regain Sasuke's memories, they're lost forever?" The silver-haired jounin didn't answer, and silence swept over the pair. After a few minutes, Kakashi glanced down at Iruka.

"No, there is still a way." Iruka's eyebrows shot up at that, his chocolatey brown eyes burning and pressing him to continue. "Sasuke's sharingan. It's very unlikely, but if they are awakened, then there is a slight possibility that his memories will come flooding back to him. It's only possible because he has Itachi's mangekyo sharingan fused with his own, gifted to him when Itachi died. But Sasuke won't know how to awaken them in this memory-less state, so there's only a small chance that his memories could return."

"Why didn't you tell-"

"I couldn't tell Naruto," Kakashi whispered in a strained voice. "Hokage's orders. So he's going to have to learn to at least cope with the new Sasuke, but that also means that he'll probably never find true happiness." Iruka's heart broke into two at those words.

"But.. he can still become Hokage, so..." he trailed off, desperately trying to find a solution to the problem, a scrap of hope for the blonde, anything. Kakashi shook his head.

"I spoke to the Hokage again. Naruto told her that he didn't want to become Hokage anymore..."

The masked shinobi buried his face in Iruka's shoulder, needing to hold onto something for support. A few tears escaped from Iruka's eyes, as he realized the full torture this situation was putting Naruto through. Naruto wasn't one to give up, but now... Iruka sucked in a sharp breath. What Kakashi had just said...those were the hardest words Iruka had ever had to hear.


"Let's head home, it's getting dark," Naruto told Sasuke quietly. He took Sasuke's hand in his, causing the Uchiha to blush slightly, but he didn't let go. For some reason, it felt right to hold the blonde's hand, natural. Naruto pulled Sasuke along, heading for his apartment. Kakashi had already told Sasuke that he was staying at Naruto's for the time being; the only question left was whether or not Sasuke's stay would be a long one like Naruto had originally presumed. Naruto truly believed that he would never be able to accept this new Sasuke. Normally he was a pretty optimistic guy, but in this case, optimism was impossible. Maybe he would eventually learn to cope with the new Sasuke, but he couldn't let go of the old one. They had been through too much together for that.

They reached Naruto's apartment, and Sasuke stepped hesitantly inside. It was exactly like he had pictured it to be, one big open area; a small kitchen in front, a bathroom to his left, and Naruto's bed to his right. It made sense though, hadn't Kakashi mentioned that Naruto lived alone? Sasuke watched the blonde longingly, wondering how he himself had ended up alone, too. Kakashi hadn't told Sasuke anything about his past, other than the fact that he had no family. Were they dead? Sasuke had no idea, and probably wouldn't feel anything if they were anyway; he wasn't heartless, he just had no recollection of his ties prior to his memory-loss and didn't even know who he was. Apparently, his shared experience in loneliness was what had brought him and Naruto together. Sasuke sighed in exasperation, that still didn't help anything! I hate this, Sasuke thought bitterly. I hate not knowing who I am, and being so clueless! How were my memories lost anyway... He watched as Naruto stripped down to his orange boxers and a loose black tank top, blushing slightly. Or better question... why? I can see how this is negatively affecting everyone, especially this Naruto. Sasuke closed his eyes, feeling helpless. The only thing he knew was that he hated hurting the blonde. He didn't really know why, but it painfully tugged at his heart to see Naruto with that lost, anguished look in his eyes...

"We should get some sleep, we're training tomorrow," Naruto said quietly, breaking Sasuke's thoughts. He climbed into the bed, resting his hands comfortably behind his head. Sasuke was about to murmur a reply, when he froze. Wait... am I supposed to sleep with him? he thought a little awkwardly. Naruto glanced over at the Uchiha, sensing his slight discomfort. He almost smiled at the blush tinting those ivory cheeks pink, almost. But the pain was slowly beginning to consume him, so it turned into a grimace.

"Sorry Sasuke, but this is the only bed," he murmured apologetically. "If you're uncomfortable with this, than I can sleep on the floor." Sasuke shook his head, jagged pieces of his black bangs falling into his eyes.

"It's fine," he replied, wondering if Naruto had done this before with the real Sasuke. Yeah, he felt like a fake. It wasn't a pleasant feeling. Naruto spoke again, as if reading his mind.

"Sasuke and I, we've slept together a lot. It just felt natural to us, comfortable even..." The blonde trailed off sadly, lost in thoughts of his rival. Sasuke turned around, feeling a little out of place. He's speaking as if I'm a stranger... but I am Sasuke. I'm still here, he thought desperately. The raven quickly stripped off his clothes, pulling on a pair of loose black sweats that Naruto had laid out for him. Gingerly he climbed into bed next to the blonde, snuggling under the warm sheets. They gazed at each other, liquid black into cerulean blue. Naruto turned away abruptly, something flashing briefly across his eyes before it was out of Sasuke's view. But Sasuke had seen it. Pain.

Sasuke's expression turned sad, and he tentatively grabbed the other boy's hand. Naruto turned back in surprise, biting his lip at the contact.

"Naruto," Sasuke whispered pleadingly. "Can you tell me more about... us?"

. . .

Naruto watched the beautiful raven-haired boy sleeping beside him. His eyes were closed, dark eyelashes carressing those pale cheeks, and his mouth was slightly parted as he breathed slowly and evenly. He looked innocent and vulnerable in sleep, but then again, he seemed like that when he was awake now, too. The blonde teen gasped lightly when Sasuke snuggled closer, unconsciously clinging to Naruto's shirt. Naruto watched him tenderly, a protective look in his eyes as he brushed loose strands of blue-black hair away from Sasuke's flawless face. His heart contracted painfully.

This experience was definitely on the list of the hardest things Naruto had ever had to do.

He had told Sasuke to get some rest, and that tomorrow he would tell him about their bond. Sasuke had pouted, but then nodded drowsily as he drifted off into a dreamless sleep. Naruto hadn't been able to answer the question at that moment; this sudden change was still fresh and was really taking its toll on the poor blonde. It was just so hard to accept that Sasuke really was gone... well, the old one at least. The one that had laughed with him, cried with him, comforted him, fought with him, insulted him, believed in him. The Sasuke that remembered him... the one that no longer existed.

At least he's still alive, Naruto thought, hopelessly trying to think up a positive point to the situation. But it barely helped, because to Naruto it really did feel like Sasuke was dead. He missed his rival and best friend and it broke him into pieces on the inside. How could I let this happen?

His slim body tensed when Sasuke nuzzled comfortably into the crook of Naruto's neck, sighing contentedly in his sleep. Naruto couldn't resist. He kissed the raven gently on the forehead, relaxing his body back into the mattress, and snaked an arm around the snoozing Uchiha's waist. It still felt nice to be close to him, but it hurt too, almost more than it was worth. Naruto buried his face in Sasuke's midnight locks, his aqua eyes shimmering.

"I'll bring you back Sasuke," Naruto murmured soundlessly, but with determination. "I'll find a way to get your memories back, I promise."

The sleeping form merely clutched Naruto tighter, humming slightly against his collarbone, causing the blonde to whimper at the constant hell known as his life.


Sasuke was awoken by a few rays of sunshine protruding from the single window of the small apartment, burning his eyelids. He had felt so warm, dangit... He groaned softly, not wanting to leave the comforting warmth of Naruto's bed, and slowly opened his eyes.

And stared.

He couldn't control the burning red heat that crept up his face as he stared frozen at the body against his. One of his hands was tangled in Naruto's soft blonde hair, while the other was fisted in his black tank. His face was pressed against the blonde's neck, his forehead being grazed by Naruto's lips as he breathed evenly in his sleep. Naruto's arms were wrapped firmly around the Uchiha's waist, preventing him from escaping. Sasuke went rigid for a moment, wondering what the heck was wrong with himself, but slowly relaxed, deciding not to attempt to jump away. Naruto murmured his name softly, still deep asleep. Sasuke let a small smile grace his features. He wouldn't wake the blonde, not when they were both so comfortable; he probably needed this. Sasuke closed his eyes again, breathing in Naruto's scent. Honeysuckle and sunshine... well, that is if sunshine had a smell. It was intoxicating. He laid there, snuggled up in Naruto's arms, and let his thoughts take over again.

Sasuke was a ninja, and apparently a very good one. But of course he didn't remember any of that, and that's why he would be heading out with Naruto and Kakashi today to test his skills. It was strange, really... wondering what kind of abilities he had before his memory lapse. He decided that he would ask Naruto when he finally woke up. Sasuke sighed, sounding hopeless.

I wonder what kind of person I was... Judging by my team-mates reactions to me the other day, Sasuke Uchiha doesn't act like this at all, and that's why they had looked so suspicious at first. Naruto pulled Sasuke tighter against his body, humming contentedly. This earned another deep blush to coat the Uchiha's face. And this... was it a crush? Had Sasuke Uchiha been in love with Naruto Uzumaki? Sasuke watched the blonde as he slept, smiling a little at a bit of drool on his lip. Man, would it ever be awkward if he didn't... Naruto shifted again, wedging his knee between Sasuke's thighs. The raven teen gasped, gripping Naruto's shirt hard.

Oh sweet mother, this is bad...

Sasuke tried to squirm away, unsuccessfully. Just then Naruto's sleepy blue eyes fluttered open.

"Morning Sasuke," he mumbled drowsily, apparently oblivious to the intimate position they were in. He tried to get up, grunting when he realized that he couldn't. That's when Naruto noticed that his body was tangled with Sasuke's, his thigh rubbing against Sasuke's groin. He blushed as he stared at the equally red face of his rival. Aw, dangit!

"S-sorry about that! Heh..." Naruto apologized in embarrassment, quickly disentangling himself from the raven and hopping out of bed. He closed his eyes in a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his head. Sasuke sat up slowly, nodding, and turned away to hide another blush.

"It must be awkward, sleeping with practically a stranger," Naruto murmured, his smile turning sad. There it was again, that anguished look in those cerulean eyes. Sasuke glanced up, feeling pathetic.

"I'm sorry," he whispered quietly, regret in his voice. Naruto grabbed the Uchiha's hand and gently squeezed.

"No... I'm sorry for not protecting you," Naruto said quietly, flashing a heart-breaking, painful smile. Sasuke winced, as Naruto pulled him up. "Let's get ready, it's already eleven. Kakashi said to meet at the bridge at seven, so he should be on his way there now."

Sasuke stared as the blonde teen stripped out of his tank top, and pulled on an orange pair of ninja pants. He noticed a dazzling, teal stone at the end of a necklace as Naruto pulled on a fitted black fishnet t-shirt. Briefly he wondered if it had any significant meaning...

Sasuke made up his mind.

"Naruto?" he asked hesitantly. Naruto turned around in the middle of putting on his black and orange jacket, and stared at the raven questioningly. Sasuke bit his lip. I hope that this won't make things worse...

"I want my memories back, will you help me find them?"

For a moment, Naruto just stared, dumfounded, at the half-naked Uchiha. Sasuke looked at the ground, hoping that there was even a way to get his memories back. He gasped softly as Naruto threw himself at the raven, burying his face in Sasuke's sweet-smelling, tousled morning-style, black hair. His arms wrapped around Sasuke's neck, hugging him tight against his chest.

"Are you sure?" Naruto asked in a cracked voice. Sasuke nodded, hesitantly wrapping his arms around the blonde's slender waist.

"Thank you," Naruto whispered gratefully. He reluctantly pulled away and walked towards the door, putting on his sandals. After quickly tying the Leaf headband around his shagging blonde hair, he flashed Sasuke a genuine smile and threw a relieved Sasuke his clothes. "Hurry up and get changed. Maybe after training I can show you around the village some more; it might jog your memory." Sasuke smiled back and nodded, turning around to change. For the moment, Naruto really did look happy; excited even. And that was all Sasuke had really wanted.

Five minutes later, Sasuke and Naruto were out the door, heading to Team 7's bridge to meet up with their old sensei. Not surprisingly, the silver-haired jounin was nowhere in sight when they arrived. Naruto sighed in annoyance, plopping down on the ground to wait for his lazy teacher. Sasuke leaned against the bridge, crossing his arms. Naruto smiled at that. It reminded him of their childhood.

"So exactly what kind of abilities did I have as a ninja before?" Sasuke asked rather curiously. Naruto pouted, grunting in irritation.

"Freakishly good ones..." Naruto muttered, causing the Uchiha to laugh. Naruto winced slightly; Sasuke never used to laugh like that.

"That's not what I meant, like what kind of moves did I have?"

Where was the superior smirk and the light bonk on the head? Naruto shook his head and forced a smile, trying not to notice what was missing.

"Well, for one thing you're really fast, but you're also very strong. I can't even count how many times you've broken my nose." Sasuke looked deeply disturbed and concerned by that. Was I some sort of delinquent? Naruto chuckled at the teen's expression, and continued. "You have tons of powerful jutsus in you, too. To name a few, there's the Chidori that Kakashi taught you during the chunin exams, oh and of course your fire-style jutsu that runs in your Uchiha blood..."

The blonde went on and on, continually listing names of Sasuke's best techniques. Sasuke's obsidian eyes were wide by the end of Naruto's explanation, and all he could think was dang- Sasuke Uchiha is a beast.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Naruto exclaimed, grinning. Sasuke's jaw dropped. There's MORE? "You have a kekkai-genkai, a special bloodline trait passed down the Uchiha clan; it's called the Sharingan." Oh, Sasuke liked the sound of that. He was about to ask Naruto to explain this 'Sharingan', when...

"Sorry I'm late boys, I was helping the elderly cross the street and-"

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before sensei. Your excuses just get lamer and lamer." Naruto snorted, unamused, at the silver-haired jounin that had appeared in front of them, holding none other than the new volume of Make-Out Paradise. Naruto grumbled. "Psh, helping the elderly my a-"

"Now, now Naruto, show some respect," Kakashi drawled lazily, his visible eye curved in a smile as he cut his student off. Sasuke chuckled at the infuriated blonde. Kakashi glanced at Sasuke in surprise, a flicker of sadness crossing his eyes before he forced his emotions down again. Maybe it's better this way, for Sasuke... He clapped his hands together excitedly, turning his attention back to the present moment. The copy-cat ninja grinned evilly.

"Alright Sasuke, let's see what you can do."