AN: From now on updates will be every two weeks. I will try not to prolong it any longer than that! Also, Fugaku's parents and Hizashi's parents are OCs created by the mun behind fire-hearted-father on tumblr. Awesome blog and the portrayal of Fugaku is amazing! (I roleplay as Hizashi and we have some threads together as well.)

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Lee woke up at ass o'clock every morning to run laps around the neighborhood. Afterwards, he showered, ate breakfast and then caught the public bus to school. On the weekends, he stuck to the same schedule, except instead of catching the bus to school, he would ride it to his part-time job at the local curry restaurant.

Bills, clothes, food, and other necessities, all came out of Lee's pocket. The government did send him money monthly. Then again, it wasn't really enough to do much of anything with. His parents died before he could even talk. They left him a small inheritance that his foster parents ran through in the short span of two months. Once they went through his money and the checks that the government sent weren't enough, they left Lee on the doorsteps of a curry restaurant when he was two years old.

The social worker hadn't even known that he was no longer living with the couple so the checks continued to go to them. However, Lee didn't really mind it. The family that owned the curry restaurant had taken him and raised him as their own. And similar to their own kids, Lee had to work at the restaurant on the weekends. Of course, he didn't mind it at all. When he was seventeen, Lee decided to move out and get an apartment closer to his high school. The small apartment with his family had started to get too crowded for his liking. Despite what people may have thought, he really did enjoy his space.

Lee never saw himself as unfortunate. Not compared to other people who have had it far worse than him. Yeah, he had a bumpy start, but, in the end, he didn't have it so bad. When he first met Neji, he immediately felt connected to the prodigy. He really didn't know why he'd felt that way. Lee just felt as though he and Neji were destined to be friends.

There had been moments when Lee was convinced that Neji couldn't stand him. Then every time, Neji would do or say something that let him know that the boy also saw him as a friend. Over time, they became best friends. They never really established it, but, Lee just knew.

Now, for the first time since they knew each other, Neji allowed his mask to slip. Lee expected Neji to act as if he had never knocked on his door late at night and cried in his arms. He had been prepared for that. If Neji decided that that was what he wanted, he was prepared to respect his friend's wishes. But, when he returned home from his morning run, he was shocked to see Neji was up waiting for him.

The Hyuuga sat at the edge of the bed. When Lee walked through the door, he patted the vacant side next to him. According to his schedule, Lee had a five-minute shower to take before he went to the kitchen to prepare a well-balanced breakfast. However, the schedule be damned. This was a once in a chance lifetime. He wasted no time, crossing over the threshold and taking the seat next to Neji.

Neji turned his body so he could face Lee. While he wasn't near ready to tell the boy about Hiashi, he felt like he could tell him about why he'd came over last night. Also, Neji really needed advice. Maybe if he told Lee the situation, he could get a second opinion on things.

Tokuma had been the person that he could talk to about anything. At the age of ten, Tokuma was raped and it continued until he was sixteen. They were both victims of abuse. Naturally, they were able to understand each other better.

Still, Neji wanted to try to put his trust in someone else who deserved it. He needed to start somewhere. "For starters, I'm gay," he almost laughed at the stunned expression on Lee's face. " I know a lot of people around school think the total opposite."

"Well, Neji, you know that you have my full support!"

He did know that. He was just warming up for what he really wanted to talk about. "Last night, I did something that I'm not really proud of..." Just thinking about it made him sick to his stomach. That had to have been a sign because Neji had never felt so guilty after consensual sex.

"You can tell me, Neji," Lee assured him with a sincere smile. "I'm not going to judge you."

"I had sex with a guy in the downtown park and the guy that I was involved with saw me."

Okay, Lee had not been prepared for that confession. Still, he didn't judge Neji. "Did...he become violent with you when he found out?" He frowned in concerned.

Neji shook his head vehemently. "Itachi is the sweetest guy ever. He has never hurt me."

"Uchiha Itachi?"

He really hadn't tried to drop a name. It was too late now, though. "Yes. Our relationship is complicated. We were never dating, but I still feel like I cheated on him. Do you think that he will hate me forever?"

Lee had to take a moment to just stare at Neji in mild astonishment. He didn't even seem like the same person right now. Neji's face said it all. He was genuinely worried that Itachi was going to hate him forever. When had Neji ever cared so much about what someone thought of him? When had Neji ever cared? Neji seemed so...human at that moment.

"I don't know him. But, I don't think that anyone can hate a person forever."

That wasn't true. Neji would hate Hiashi until the day he died. Of course, he understood that Lee was just trying to make the situation better. "I wasn't ready for things to end between us. Lee, I really like him."

"Then why did you have sex with someone else?"

Because he was a slut undeserving of the love that Itachi had tried to give him. Perhaps, the only person that he was good enough for was Hiashi. The man had truly ruined him. Tears started to fall; Neji didn't even try to hide them. He was so exhausted. Too tired to put up his usual mask of indifference. Everything inside of him felt completely broken. Even breathing was painful. His entire body started to tremble and before he knew it, he was wrapped in the safety of Lee's arms. The other teen was so sweaty, still, Neji allowed him to hold him.

"I don't deserve him but I want him," he cried.

Relationships were just one of those things that Lee seriously sucked at. He had never dated. The girl that he had a crush on thought he was the most annoying person on the face of the planet. The only time he'd even came close to reaching any base was during a baseball game. He had no idea what to say to make Neji feel better. And, that made him feel so useless.

Lee figured that it wouldn't hurt to stick to what he knew best. "Don't give up, Neji. If you want to be with him, I say go for it. You have to just show him that he's the only person that you want. But, if things don't work out and he can't forgive you, it won't be the end of the world. Graduation is Sunday. We'll be starting a new chapter in our lives soon. You deserve to be loved and I just know that there is someone out there who is more than willing to give it to you."

"No," he shook his head as he continued to cry. "I don't deserve love." The only thing he was good for was a one-night stand.

"Now, I understand. You don't love yourself, Neji. Until you start to value yourself you will always have this mindset that you are undeserving of love."

Why would he love himself? There was nothing to love. "I don't even know how to begin to love myself," he wiped at his eyes and straightened up. "You act as if it's so easy, Lee. It's not."

"I know it's not easy, Neji. But it isn't impossible. I used to hate myself..."

Neji lifted his head in disbelief. He had been under the impression that Lee had never experienced a negative emotion in his life. "Why?" He sniffled a little.

"The phase didn't last long. I was just in a really dark place over my shortcomings. Thanks to Guy Sensei, I was able to overcome my depression," Lee tilted his head thoughtfully. "Stay with me for the remainder of the week. I promise that by the end of the week you'll feel better."

"I don't know, Lee. I don't want to impose on you."

"It will be no problem at all. You are always welcome in my humble abode!"

Realistically, what did he have to lose? He wanted the pain to stop. He wanted to turn his life around and maybe Lee could help him. "Fine. I'll stay."

Lee beamed at him. "Great! Since today is our last day at school how about we skip?"

Now, that sounded like an amazing idea. "I would really like to go back to sleep." He wanted to just lay in bed for the remainder of the week. There was also a speech that he needed to write.

Shaking his head, Lee smiled. "Sleep? No, Neji. You and I are going to start on improving your outlook on yourself!"

Neji couldn't even suppress an eye roll at the declaration.


Summer was drawing to a close. Most of the families had already started to head back to the city. School for most kids had already started. Lucky for Fugaku and Hizashi, their school started next week. After weeks of buttering his parents up, Fugaku succeeded in persuading them to allow him to attend the same high school as Hizashi. Of course, he left out the fact that, he really just wanted to be around his boyfriend as much as possible. His parents simply thought that he'd made a new friend.

Sarani and Kazusa absolutely adored Hizashi. Initially, they had been disappointed that Fugaku chose the second son instead of the heir apparent to be friends with, but, all of that changed after they got a chance to meet Hizashi.

It was as if he had been a different person in front of the Uchiha clan head and her husband. (Yes, Fugaku's mother was the clan head.) Hizashi was very respectable and charming. He managed to go through the entire evening without swearing or making a lewd remark.

And, his table manners made Fugaku look like a caveman. Afterwards, while he'd walked Hizashi home, Fugaku had joked that the boy should really try to get into acting, because, he had one hell of a knack for wearing different faces. Hizashi assured him that, no matter how many masks he donned, Fugaku would be the only one to know the real him.

Fugaku had found comfort in that. He, of all people, had the fortune of knowing the "real" Hizashi. Still, there were moments when he had his doubts. They were on the beach now, resting on their backs, on a picnic blanket that held majority of the memories of their summer together.

"Where do you go when you go quiet?" The question was whispered, a bare breath of sound. Glancing over at Hizashi, he waited for an answer. Hizashi would go from talking Fugaku's ear off, to as silent as the dead, staring off into space, in only a matter of minutes. During those times, his flawless features were marred, and set in a deep scowl. He wanted to know where his mind went whenever he got like that.

Keeping his eyes on the starry sky, Hizashi answered. "I go to a place where my demons hide from you..."

Did he forget to mention that they were high out of their minds? Hizashi had brought a joint that night and they had smoked it together. Fugaku could remember promising his parents that he would never be stupid enough to do drugs, yet, there he was, high as a kite.

"Will you ever let me meet them?"

"Meet who?"

"Your demons..."

Slowly, Hizashi turned his head to stare at his lover. Then, he moved closer and placed his head on the boy's bare chest. "Why would you want to meet them?" He lightly traced circles around the passion mark he'd left on Fugaku's neck. They were starting to get reckless. "Wouldn't it be better to just act as if they didn't exist?"

"Because they are a part of you," he said matter-of-factly. "I love everything about you. I'm sure I can love your demons too."

There was something so funny about that response. Hizashi couldn't help but to burst out laughing. The laughter was contagious, and eventually Fugaku joined in. They had no idea what they were laughing about. Everything just tickled them. When their sides started to hurt, and, the laughter turned into choking, it ceased.

Fugaku rested his head on the sand as the laughing fit wore off. What in the hell were they really smoking? There hadn't been anything funny about what he'd said. But, even while he thought about it, he snickered a little.

Marijuana was such a strange drug.

"I was serious, Hizashi. You don't have to hide anything from me." Fugaku wasn't stupid. Something wasn't right with Hizashi. There was something...off about him. He couldn't figure it out and it was starting to drive him insane.

Things were going so great between them. Telling the boy that he'd lost his virginity to his twin brother would be a major mood killer. "Let's not let the high go to waste," he insisted. Lowering his head, he placed a kiss on Fugaku's nipple. Flicking his tongue out, he lapped at it before taking it into his mouth to suckle on it.

Sex was always used as a distraction from unwanted inquiries. Fugaku had picked up on that weeks ago. However, he was still young. Sex was very thrilling to him; he couldn't deny how much he enjoyed it. So, he said nothing as Hizashi slid down his body, kissing every inch of flesh until he had his mouth wrapped around his dick. He only threw his head back and lost himself in the pleasure.

With practice, Fugaku's stamina had improved a great deal since their first time having sex. He had also gained enough skill to take more of a dominant role during intercourse. No longer did he lay there and just allow Hizashi to do all of the work. His favorite position was missionary; as vanilla as that was. (Hizashi's words not his.)

But, there was something about that position that gave him everything that he needed. Direct eye contact so he could watch Hizashi's beautiful face contorting in pleasure, and their bodies flush together. What more could he ask for?

"I think I went for five minutes that time!" Fugaku exclaimed once they were done. Breathing heavy, he looked over at Hizashi, seeking validation for his performance.

"You were great, babe." Hizashi gave him a light peck on the cheek. "You're getting better at this." He really was. It was to the point where Hizashi didn't even look at anyone else. The only person that he saw was Fugaku.

Fuagku smiled smugly. "I wish I could rub it in my ex-girlfriend's face," he realized what he said and grinned sheepishly. "Don't worry, I'm not going to like...give her a demonstration or anything."

Hizashi shrugged. "I'm not worried at all," he casually sat up and stretched his hands above his head.

"You're not worried that I'll cheat on you?" His ex-girlfriend constantly nagged him about the possibility of him cheating on her.

"Why would I be?"

"I don't know. I was just wondering."

Shaking his head, Hizashi laughed. "Fugaku, if you ever cheated on me, I would kick your ass. End of discussion. It's getting late. I don't want to arrive home at the same time my dad does this time."

One time, he came back home just when Taiyou was returning from visiting his mistress. He barely slipped in unnoticed. If his father caught him sneaking around, the punishment would be severe. Or, he would have to listen to a long lecture. And, realistically, he preferred a beating over a redundant lecture.

Standing up as well, Fugaku hugged Hizashi from behind. "Tomorrow, I need to tell you something."

"Why can't you tell me now?"

"Because, it's a secret that has to wait until tomorrow."

Hizashi really hated surprises. Mainly because he would stay up all night trying to figure out what it was that Fugaku needed to tell him. "Can you at least give me a hint. You know I hate shit like this, Fugaku."

Fugaku ignored him and nuzzled his neck. "Have I ever disappointed you with any of my surprises?"

"No." He was fortunate enough to have a very romantic boyfriend. Fugaku always outdid himself when he planned dates or picnics for them. "Okay, I'll be patient. Where are we going to meet?"

"Here at noon."

"I'll see you then."

-o0o0o-

During the walk home, Hizashi was distracted. His mind was in another place entirely. The marijuana and sex had numbed his senses. If he had been in his right mind, he would have realized earlier, before he even stepped foot inside of his home, that something was amiss. All of the lights were off inside of the mansion. That alone would have been cause for alarm. Hikari kept at least one light on all night, at all times.

The gate was also unlocked. Normally, he had to jump over it. But, tonight he just walked through the gate with no problem. Hizashi just assumed that it was Hiashi's doing. His twin brother had ruined his bouquet of sunflowers a couple of nights ago and replaced them with lilacs. His reason for doing so was because he hated sunflowers. Hizashi had never wanted to murder Hiashi so badly in his life. He made sure to show his brother what he thought of his measly lilacs.

Burning them had been the closest thing to revenge that he could possibly achieve. Fugaku gave him a bouquet of Sunflowers every Friday, so Hizashi would just get a new vase and replace them.

Since that incident, Hiashi hadn't bothered him. No more late night visits, or pestering him about spending the day together. And, Hizashi had enjoyed every moment of it. However, now, he understood the reason for the distance. His dear brother had been up to no good.

As soon as Hizashi opened the front door, he was met with his father's backhand. From experience, he simply took the hit, fell to his knees and kept his head bowed as he awaited further punishment. He didn't make a sound, no matter how much his face stung. Talking would only make whatever he was in trouble for worse.

Taiyou had no intentions of delivering a long lecture that night. Instead, he grabbed a handful of his youngest son's hair and yanked him up like a rag doll. "How dare you shame this family like this!" In his free hand, he held a small Ziploc bag of a white, powdery substance.

Hizashi had been around the block enough times to know what cocaine looked like. However, that dime sack did not belong to him. He didn't mess around with the heavy drugs. "Tou-san, it's not—" He was silenced by another blow to the face. Blood filled his mouth, and fear kept him from spitting it out so he swallowed it. The taste was horrid and he had to choke back the urge to vomit.

"Don't you dare lie to me! I found it in your room!" Taiyou released his hold on the young boy. Hovering over his crouched formed, he shook his head in disgust. "I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in my house! I will not raise an addict! Do you hear me?"

Hizashi's head jerked up. "That isn't mine! Hiashi obviously planted it in my room!"

Without a word, Taiyou flipped on the light. Kneeling down, he grabbed Hizashi by the chin and lifted his face. Taking note of the boy's red eyes and the smell on him, his own eyes narrowed. "Where have you been tonight? What have you been doing?"

Instead of waiting for an answer, he turned Hizashi around, and started to yank his pants down. All the while, the boy kicked and screamed, but, Taiyou was far stronger. Hikari had the audacity to try to intervene. He shoved her to the side with barely a glance in her direction. Hiding upstairs, Hiashi watched the entire scene unfold through the stairway railings. This was what Hizashi deserved for betraying him. When it was all over, he would be there to comfort his brother, not Fugaku.

Once Hizashi's pants were down, Taiyou took one look at the boy's underwear and his suspicions were confirmed. "So it's true... One of your lovers got drunk, and thought it would be funny to tell me about how you let them have their way with you. Now, because of you, some child out there will grow up without their father. Because of your inability to keep your legs closed, Mrs. Yuma is a widow now."

On the floor, Hiakri's cries grew louder at the admission. Hizashi only stared at the pants around his ankles. His father had confessed to murdering a man as though it were nothing.

This family was a nightmare.

Ignoring his wife's tearful pleads, Taiyou continued. "I could have had him arrested, since he was well over thirty and you're only sixteen, but, I couldn't allow that shame to smudge the clan's reputation. Do you see? Do you see how your actions ruin the lives of others?"

What a cruel thing to do; blame Hizashi for the murder of a man. "If there is anyone to blame, it's you! You allowed Hiashi to rape me for years. It's because of you, that I am like this!"

"I advise you to keep your mouth closed," Taiyou warned.

Keep his mouth closed? Hell no! He was tired of allowing the man to beat on him for no reason at all. "Doesn't it sicken you to know that the future head of this clan is a fucking lunatic? Your precious first born is a rapist and a sick human being! What do you think people will say when they find out that you allowed this to happen?

"Who would believe you with the way you sully yourself on a nightly basis?! You have shamed this family long enough. I refuse to allow you to continue down this path. There is an institution for wayward youths and I will allow them to handle you.

Hearing that, Hiashi ran down from his hiding spot upstairs. "No, you can't send him away!" That wasn't a part of his plan. The man was supposed to break Hizashi and forbid him from leaving the house, not send him away. "I want him to stay here with me. I am the heir apparent so—"

The entire foyer was thrown into an eerie silence. Only the sound of the strong hand connecting with skin reverberated through the entire area. Hikari covered her mouth in shock. Hizashi peered up through his matted hair. And, Hiashi held his throbbing cheek, shock was written all over his face.

"I am the head of this house! I am the head of this clan! You will do well to remember that, Hiashi!" Taiyou's voice bellowed throughout the house. The ferocity of it striking fear in the hearts of all those present. "You do not run me, boy! I am disappointed in you most of all, but, you are my heir so I have held my tongue. But no more! Hikari, go pack a bag for Hizashi. We'll be leaving tonight."

Hiashi opened his mouth to protest and Taiyou flashed him a look that made the boy change his mind. There was nothing left to say. Taiyou had finally put his foot down.

The clan head walked up the stairs and Hikari followed behind him like a sad puppy. While Hizashi laid on the floor and wept, Hiashi tried to comfort his brother. "I am so sorry. I didn't think that he would go this far, Hizashi. Please, don't be sad."

"I'm not sad, you fucking dumbass," he made a sound that was a mixture between a broken sob and a maniacal laugh. "I can finally get away from you. This is the happiest night of my life." It wasn't the entire truth.

The bright side was that he would get a chance to get away from his family, however, that also meant that he wouldn't be able to see Fugaku or even explain the situation to the boy so he wouldn't think that he was abandoning him.

That same night, Taiyou and Hizashi traveled to Iwagakure on the family's private jet. There was a reformatory school twelve hours away that had a reputation for turning juvenile delinquents into upstanding citizens. Enrollment had been closed, however, they were more than eager to make an exception for the Hyuuga clan head.


It had been the longest two years of Fugaku's young life. One night, Hizashi had been there, in his arms, and the next day, he was gone without a trace. Fugaku had made an attempt to ask Hiashi about Hizashi's whereabouts, but the teen had only said that it was all his fault. Apparently, Taiyou had found out about their relationship, so he sent Hizashi away to a reformatory school.

Fugaku had been so distraught. He was also very shocked that the clan head had never mentioned it to his parents. He had often debated on coming clean to them before Taiyou got around to telling them about his relationship with Hizashi, but, the man never did.

It wasn't until late March that Shikaku stopped by the Uchiha compound with a letter from Hizashi. The letter had been brief. Hizashi had made sure not to mention any names or anything of significance. However, he made sure to let Fugaku know, in a very discreet way, that he still loved him. He asked Fugaku to wait for him. He had no idea when he would return, but, he wanted Fugaku to be there when he got back.

And, like the lovesick puppy that he had been, Fugaku waited for two long years. Their reunion had been in the backseat of Madara's car during a silent auction hosted by the Hyuuga clan. Fugaku counted that night as one of the best fucks of his life. At the age of eighteen, his stamina was way better than it was at sixteen. And, god, Hizashi had been so tight...

Blinking rapidly, Fugaku took in his surroundings. He reminded himself that that had been in the past. Besides, wasn't it inappropriate to reminiscence about his deceased lover? Well, of course, fond, non-sexual memories were fine. But, was it wrong to think about all of the mind blowing sex they had?

For personal reasons, Fugaku decided that it was beyond inappropriate. Also, he was in a public place. He was too old to be caught with a boner. Snorting under his breath, the clan head shook his head. The media would have a field day with that.

Shikaku leaned in the doorway of his office with his arms crossed. "What can I do for you?" Then he smirked. "I see you're not here for any virility enhancements."

Glancing down at his lap, Fugaku sighed. "Goddamit," he cursed under his breath. How embarrassing. He looked around the waiting room and was beyond relieved that the two elderly patients were not even looking in his direction. Quickly standing to his feet, he walked into Shikaku's office.

After leaving Itachi's earlier that morning, he went home and found Mikoto and Sasuke soundly asleep in bed. He couldn't resist the urge to join them. Unfortunately, that only lasted about an hour before the alarm clock went off. Fugaku encouraged them both to sleep in while he started his day. They both were in need of an off day. And, so was he, but he had a promise to keep.

Before he used his money and influence to get the answers he wanted, he decided to visit with Shikaku. The man had known Hizashi longer than he had. There had also been a different connection between the two. Every time something went wrong, Hizashi always went to Shikaku. One point. Fugaku had been jealous of their bond, but with time, he came to admire Shikaku. The Nara was three years younger than them, yet, his intelligence surpassed theirs.

Shikaku took a seat in his worn out leather chair. While, Fugaku took a seat in front of his desk, he took a sip of his coffee. It was cold now, yet he didn't feel like walking to get a fresh cup. Cold coffee wasn't so bad. Walking all the way to the break room, however, was a different story. "I need a coffee maker in my office."

"Huh?"

"Nothing," he waved the Uchiha clan head off. Shikaku had a habit of thinking out loud. "So, what can I do for you?"

"Did Hizashi say anything to you before he passed?"

Passed? Shikaku frowned a little at the wording, but said nothing. Leaning back in his chair, he silently observed Fugaku. He took in the dark circles under his eyes, the disheveled appearance and the dark cloud looming over the older man. "Did you shower today?" The sheepish look was enough to answer his question. "What did you really come here for? You know that there was only one person that he loved more than you. So, what else could you possibly want to know."

Neji was the only person that Hizashi had loved more than Fugaku. That was why it was so odd that the boy had never mentioned his father to Itachi. Surprisingly, Hizashi had been a great dad. Far better than Fugaku could have ever hoped to be. At first, Fugaku had been a little worried. Hizashi had never wanted to bring a child into this world. Which was understandable. Nonetheless, he had treated Neji like the center of his universe.

"Itachi and Neji are romantically involved," Fugaku confessed.

That made Shikaku's eyebrows raise. Then he shook his head, chuckling a little. "What are the odds? I thought that Neji and Shikamaru would get along. Shikamaru describes Neji as being far too troublesome for him to bother with." Then his smile dropped. "He has also mentioned that the Hyuuga prodigy isn't as perfect as people like to portray him as..."

"My son believes that there is something going on inside of the Hyuuga compound that is a cause for immediate attention. Thanks to those bloody laws, there is only so much I can do. My goal is to gather enough evidence on my own to bring it to the attention of the committee."

"Come on, Fugaku, you know who really runs this city. It'll be risky challenging the Hyuuga publicly."

Fugaku did know that. Still, when it was all said and done, they all answered to the same, higher authority. "I'm willing to take that risk. I owe that much to Hizashi. I owe that much to his son."

Shikaku nodded his head in understanding. He decided to finally reveal something that he'd kept to himself for years.

"Hizashi had been planning to leave the city with Neji. After learning about the revised laws, he came to me to take out a small loan to help him start a new life for him and his son. But, there were several hurdles that he needed to jump in order to do so. The Hyuuga clan's original laws are sickening. Did you know, that by Hyuuga law, Hizashi isn't even Neji's legal guardian? Technically, the boy belongs to the clan head. All children born within the walls of that compound are property of the reigning clan head."

How disgusting. Hizashi would have had to wait until Neji turned eighteen in order for them to leave together. He could have been charged with kidnapping if he had taken his own son with him. It was another reason for Fugaku to hate the Hyuuga clan.

"When he learned that, Hizashi had been furious. That didn't deter him, though." Hizashi had met with Shikaku in secret during late nights. If Natsu, a friend of Hizashi's within the Hyuuga clan, couldn't look after Neji. The man would bring his son with him. The boy would be soundly asleep in the office while Hizashi stayed up all night in search of a solution.

"Why did he never come to me about this? I could have helped." Fugaku would have done everything in his power to assist Hizashi. Their relationship may have been over, still, they always remained friends.

"Don't take it to heart," Shikaku lifted his hands in a placating fashion. "You had your own problems to deal with and two sons to raise. Hizashi wanted to make a new life for himself, but mostly for Neji. I'm sure he would have told you once he had everything settled."

"Did he ever find a solution?"

"Yes. Inoichi joined us a couple of nights. With his help, we found a loophole in the laws." Shikaku smiled fondly as he thought about that night with his two best friends; whom were now deceased. They had been so happy when they finally found a solution. He was surprised that their loud cheers didn't wake Neji. "Two days before he was scheduled to leave this city for good...Hizashi killed himself."

They shared a look. Words were unnecessary. The truth was laid out before them, and Fugaku couldn't control his rage. All of this time, he never knew that Hizashi had been attempting to leave the city with his son. If he had known that, he would have never believed that the man had simply killed himself.

The Nara only sat there quietly as he watched the Uchiha clan head fall apart with the same information that had been eating him up for years. Why would Hizashi kill himself when he was so close to the freedom he'd been yearning for since he was a child? Why would he kill himself and abandon Neji? They all knew how much Hizashi had loved his son.

The answer was simple.

"I'm going to find the son of a bitch that did this," Fugaku promised through clenched teeth. "When I do, I'm going to kill them myself!"

Shikaku chuckled. It was a hollow, sardonic sound. "Oh, Fugaku, I am sure you already know who that son of a bitch is."

Closing his eyes, Fugaku placed his face in the palms of his hands. At Hizashi's funeral, Mikoto kept mentioning how there was something wrong with Hyuuga Hiashi. The woman was convinced that the man's aura sent chills through her body. In his own grief, Fugaku had ignored her. While he grieved, he shut everyone out. He took Hizashi's suicide as what it was. He didn't even try to figure out what had really occurred because he'd been so depressed that Hizashi was dead. He couldn't handle the fact that Hizashi was gone forever.

Then, when he had started to pick up the pieces of his broken heart, Itachi had tried to kill himself. Fugaku often wondered how he managed to keep his sanity. But, because of his negligence, he'd failed his loved ones.

"No matter how solid we may think the evidence is," Shikaku said. "An accusation like this, against Hiashi without enough evidence could ruin us." Hell, if they stepped too far out of line, it could put their families at risk. Hiashi was a very powerful man.

Fugaku knew how far Hiashi's influence reached. He just didn't give a damn. "I'll get whatever evidence we need. " If there wasn't enough evidence, then, he would just take care of Hiashi on his own.

Either way, justice would be served. Fugaku would make sure of it.


"Are you sure about this?" Shisui asked for what felt like the millionth time that day.

Ignoring him, Itachi stared out of the window at the iron gates of the compound. It seemed like they were in a completely different city. The entire place seemed so out of place. Two guards manned the gates, both donning neutral clothing and dull expressions on their faces. If Itachi didn't know any better, he would have assumed that the two men were identical twins. The physical similarities were uncanny. The only thing truly distinctive between them, from that distance, was their hair styles.

It wasn't a secret that the Hyuuga clan still practiced selective breeding. Well, inbreeding, was the actual term he'd heard Madara use once. His uncle absolutely despised the Hyuuga clan; the former clan head in particular. So, whenever he discussed the clan, he rarely said anything good. The older man had also mentioned a very disturbing rumor about past clan heads keeping concubines under one roof. According to Madara, nine years old, was the age of one of the youngest girls.

Itachi and Shisui had eavesdropped on the conversation. Their uncle had a habit of drinking and going on long tirades about things that pissed him off. Sometimes, the rants were very entertaining. But, that one rant in particular had left a bad taste in their mouths. Thinking back on that, only made him really worry more about Neji's well-being.

Of course, he knew that Madara had probably been over-exaggerating. Or at least, that was what he had convinced himself in order to sleep that night. Still, he had his own reasons to be wary of Neji's clan.

Three days had passed since the incident with Neji. When he tried to get in touch with the boy all of his calls went straight to voicemail. At first, he had thought that Neji had him blocked. But, he called him on three different numbers that Neji couldn't possibly know and they all went to voicemail. Shisui told him not to worry. If it had not been for his friend's presence, Itachi would have been worse off than he currently was.

Each day had felt like an eternity. Itachi had been so anxious to mend things with Neji. He'd been prepared to put everything behind them and start fresh. Now, however, Itachi was just concerned for Neji's well-being. He wanted to just make sure that the boy was fine. So, he decided to take a trip to the Hyuuga compound to see for himself.

With a final, mental pep talk, Itachi opened his car door. Shisui soon followed and they walked up to the front gate. Most of the compounds didn't even have guards at the gates. The gates were opened during the day and non-clan members were allowed inside to visit without a problem. Tourists liked to stop by, take pictures and visit the Naka Shrine at the Uchiha compound. Security there was pretty tight, but, the thing was, it didn't appear that way.

There were men and women on standby, prepared to neutralize any threat. They remained hidden until they were needed, which was rare. His father didn't want people to feel as if they were stepping foot inside of a concentration camp whenever they visited.

"State your purpose." One of the guards demanded as they approached.

Shisui chuckled under his breath. "Shit, is this a prison or what?" He shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "We're doing great today. Thanks for asking."

Itachi decided to speak up. "We're here to see Neji. Is he here?" The last thing he needed was to get into an altercation with the two Hyuuga guards.

Before the guards could come up with a lie to tell to the Uchiha, another Hyuuga male walked up from the sidewalk carrying bags in his hands. "What business do you have with Neji, Uchiha-san?" When the guards saw him, they opened the front gate.

"I'm a friend," Itachi explained.

The newcomer gave Itachi and Shisui a once over. Shisui could have sworn the guy was sizing them up. Probably trying to see if he would be able to take them both if things were to get physical. The pervert in him couldn't help but to inwardly snicker at the double entendre. He would admit that that would be one interesting ménage à trois. But seriously, why was this clan so on edge?

"They're with me," the stranger waved off the guards. With his head, he motioned for Itachi and Shisui to follow him.

They didn't have to walk far. Benches were seated on the side of the stoned walkway. The Hyuuga sat his bags down before facing them. "You said that you and Neji are friends?" He asked Itachi.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name... "

"Tokuma. And you two are?"

"I'm Itachi," he pointed to himself, and then towards his companion. "This is Shisui. I came here because I have been trying to get in touch with Neji and his phone appears to be off. Is he here?"

"What is the nature of your relationship with Neji?"

"I've already told you that we are friends."

Tokuma shook his head. "Neji doesn't have friends." Well, Neji had a few friends, but, Itachi wasn't one of them. "Understand that, Neji doesn't get visitors here. As someone who cares about him, I am naturally wary when people I do not know come looking for him. Now, I want you to tell me why you're really here. Know that if you are here with malicious intents for him..." The threat was clear.

Shisui was instantly intrigued. "You think you can take us both if it ever came down to it?" Obviously, Tokuma wouldn't have allowed them inside of the gates if he hadn't been confident in his victory. Now, he wanted to spar with the man just to see if he were really that good or just cocky like majority of his clansmen.

"Shisui..." Itachi already knew what the man was thinking. "We aren't here with malicious intents. I was worried about him because I care about him." Would it be out of line to admit that he was in love with Neji? For some reason he felt as if Tokuma wouldn't like that so much. It made him wonder the nature of Neji and Tokuma's relationship. The man was even willing to fight for him. That spoke volumes on its own.

"Neji is safe," Tokuma informed him. "As you may know, he will be graduating Sunday. So, he is staying with a friend, celebrating their last days as seniors."

"Is his phone really off?"

"It is turned off. Last I spoke to him, he said that he just needed a break." It was really Lee whom Tokuma had spoken with. Neji only spoke with him briefly to confirm that he was, in fact, staying with Lee for the week.

Itachi sighed in relief. As long as Neji was somewhere safe he would be fine. "Thank you. I really wanted to see him. I guess I will have to just wait for him to come to me." Though, what if he never did?

"Or you could come show your support Sunday at his graduation, " Tokuma suggested.

That was one way to show Neji that he was serious about him. It was also kind of romantic. He could show up with a gift and be there to congratulate the teen in person. There would be so many people there, though. Was he ready to face that large crowd? And, what if Neji rejected him in public. His stomach started to hurt at the thought of that happening.

Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, Shisui gave it a light squeeze. "Itachi and I will be there!"He assured Tokuma. His vacation was for two weeks. He could assist Itachi in getting Neji back until he had to return to work. That was what best friends were for.

"Then it is settled." Tokuma picked up his bags. "I suppose I will see you two there. It was nice meeting you both." It was nice to know that Neji had found another person that cared about him. Especially enough to come to the compound looking for him. Itachi had risked Hiashi finding out. Lucky for them both, the man was still out of town.

"Wait," Shisui took a step closer. "I know there is at least one dōjō here."

"There are three," he answered offhandedly.

Shisui smiled like a kid in a candy store. "Come on, Tokuma, give us a tour. Maybe you and I can engage in a light spar. What do you say?" He had always wanted to fight a Hyuuga. All in good fun, of course.

"Shisui, I am sure Tokuma-san is a very busy—"

Tokuma shrugged. "Sure. Why not?" He didn't want to go home anyway. "Follow me. We can start with a quick tour of the compound. Then, I can show you why our clan is the mightiest in the Hidden Leaf," he joked.

That little joke only succeeded in intensifying Shisui's excitement.


Midway through, a decent crowd had gathered around to watch the spectacle. It was more than just a light spar between Tokuma and Shisui. The spectators saw it as a test to see which clan was the strongest. Most of them were very confident in Tokuma. The man was well liked within his clan and it showed. Still, there were a few who had their doubts. Shisui had a name for himself as well.

Itachi used the spar as a distraction. He was curious to see how Shisui would fare against Tokuma. Yet, he also wanted to look around the compound some more. While the outside was guarded like a fortress, the inside of the compound was very lax on security. He was able to slip away from the dōjō unnoticed. At first, he thought about trying to find Neji's bedroom.

But, Itachi felt like that would have been an invasion of the teen's privacy. Instead, he took a walk to the mausoleum that stood in the back of the complex. He didn't know why he felt the need to pay his respects to Neji's father. It just felt right.

Tokuma casually told them that the clan head was away on business. The man had obviously allowed that information to slip. Why? Itachi also didn't know the answer to that question. During their tour, it was as though Tokuma was trying to convey a hidden message to them. There was something about how he worded things. He used the term, "branch member" a lot. The way he spoke of the branch members was like they were...slaves.

Then, Itachi and Shisui saw it for themselves. There was a young boy, whom didn't look a day over thirteen, serving another, older man and his wife tea as they sat under the veranda. There were also a lot of women dressed in maid uniforms. The two Uchiha had raised an eyebrow at that. It was just as Neji had said all of those years ago.

Itachi had grew up in a three story mansion situated near the Uchiha compound. Never in his life did he have any servants waiting on him. There was a nanny that came whenever his parents went out. Even then, she didn't come as often because there had always been someone in the compound willing to look after Itachi, Sasuke and Shisui when they were younger.

They had a small market inside of the compound so that households could prepare their own meals. Mikoto had handled all of the cooking and cleaning for their household. The only time a hired chef came in was when they were hosting their annual Winter festival or any other big event. They did have chauffeurs, though. Each of them were paid for their service.

All of the vehicles they traveled in were unmarked and armored. Not because they were the first family of the Uchiha clan. There was really no need for that kind of security for a clan head in Konoha.

They were a very well-known, wealthy family. Whenever they traveled to different countries, security guards were mandatory. Only Sasuke always had a personal guard with him. The man traveled with him and his friends wherever they went. The teen absolutely hated it. But, it was necessary. People really did try to kidnap children from wealthy families to hold them for ransom.

Also, there were other groups of people that hated their family. When Itachi was fifteen, on a trip to France with his father, two activists threw a bucket of pig's blood on him, and called him a child killer. The bucket had been meant for Fugaku, but the man wasn't even traveling with them at the time.

They only manufactured the weapon, still some people treated them as if they were the ones going to foreign countries killing civilians. Sometimes, that was what it felt like. Understandably, that entire situation had contributed to his social anxiety. And, he was never going to France ever again.

"Hello."

Itachi had been so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't notice the young girl sitting in front of the mausoleum. She appeared to be picking flowers. "Forgive me for intruding," he bowed politely. When he straightened up, he got a better look at the girl. He hadn't seen the Hyuuga heiress in a while. A little over a year to be exact.

Hinata smiled at him. "You are not intruding. Though, I am surprised to see you here. Are you lost?"

"No. I came to pay my respects."

"Oh?" She stood up and dusted her dress off. "Well, I will leave you to it."

"Would you mind showing me where Hyuuga Hizashi's plot is?"

Picking up her basket of flowers, Hinata gave him a curious look and then nodded her head. She turned to push the large doors open. Itachi moved to help her, but she managed on her own. "Uncle Hizashi belonged to the branch so he is in the very back."

"What exactly is the branch? I hear the term so often in regards to the Hyuuga, but, I don't really know what it implies."

Averting her gaze, she stared at her feet. "I really don't know, Uchiha-san." She hadn't meant to use the term in the first place.

The heiress was lying. She was next in line to lead this clan. Of course she knew what it meant. Itachi decided to keep his thoughts to himself. It wasn't his place to call the young woman out on anything. "Hn. Well, I think I can find it on my own."

"Here," she handed him a handful of daisies. "I was meaning to change the flowers, but you can if you want."

Carefully, Itachi took the flowers from her. That was a very kind gesture of her to change the flowers on everyone's grave. "Thank you. "

Hinata didn't stay long after that. Itachi watched her leave. Again, he was convinced that there was something strange about the Hyuuga clan as a whole. If Neji's father had been a branch member, did that mean that Neji was also a branch member? How did they determine if someone would be deemed a branch member?

Most importantly, what in the hell was a branch member?

Itachi was starting to get a migraine as he tried to piece together the small bits of information that he had. With a frustrated sigh, he walked into the back of the mausoleum in search of Hizashi's plot.

The man didn't even have an epitaph on his slate. In fact, none of them did. They only had a name, date of birth and the date of their death. Itachi had to kneel down to replace Hizashi's flowers. The old ones were so dried out that he was able to mash them in his hands and sprinkle them to the cold ground. At least there were incense nearby and a means to light them.

He wondered if Neji ever came to pay his respects to his father. Or, did the boy despise the man for taking his own life? Itachi had no idea why Hizashi had decided to take his own life, but, he honestly knew what it felt like to see that as the only option.

As the incense burned, Itachi closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for Hizashi's soul. He also promised the man that his intentions for his son were genuine.


July 25, 1986

This journal was the only thing I was allowed to bring from home besides my underwear and the necessary toiletries. My mother slipped it to me when my father wasn't looking. A single sunflower was pressed to the first page of the book. I suppose it was her way of telling me to write all of my anger and frustration down instead of running my mouth about how utterly twisted my family is.

I don't even know where to begin.

First, I need to take a moment to applaud my brother for his creativity. Hiashi, you sadistic piece of shit, do you know no bounds? I guess it was so easy to get father to believe that the drugs were mine. But tell me, did you think your plan all the way through? With me here, all the way in fucking Iwagakure, who will you have to torment? You may have succeeded in ruining my chances with Fugaku, but you also gave me the freedom that I needed from you.

Bravo, dumbass!

I want to have a chance to tell my story. Someone needs to know how corrupt the Hyuuga clan is. Someone needs to know the truth. I hope one day, this book lands in the right hands. Honestly, I am too afraid to even ask for help. No one gives a damn about me. The only person that does, can't do a thing to help me.

I was born to suffer. Nothing can change that.

I guess I can start with the start of it all. My name is Hyuuga Hizashi and I am sixteen years old. At the age of twelve, I was raped by my twin brother, Hyuuga Hiashi. It was after we stumbled upon our father having sex with a woman who was not our mother. I couldn't believe my eyes. I also couldn't really comprehend what was going on at the time.

Since we were in the closet hiding, we couldn't leave until they left. I hid in the closet, with my eyes covered. Hiashi watched the entire thing through the crack in the door. When it was over, and, they had left. I tried to leave the closet. Hiashi urged me to stay there with him. I have no idea why I didn't just trust my gut and leave.

The first time was my fault. I should have fought him harder or screamed louder. But, I didn't. And because I was so weak, my brother continued to rape me almost every single night...


The journal slipped out of his hands and fell to the floor with a soft thud. Neji made no move to pick it up. He only sat there, staring at his clenched fist. He was grateful that Lee had been called in for work that afternoon because he didn't think he would have been able to pretend as if everything was fine. How in the hell was he supposed to handle that kind of information?

His own father had once been a victim of the same man that made his life a living hell. That had been the last thing he had expected to find in Hizashi's journal. It was like something from a badly written television drama. His father had already suffered so much before he even started the journal. Neji couldn't imagine the years prior to that.

"Fuck!" Neji screamed at the top of his lungs. He was infuriated.

There were no more tears to cry; he'd done enough of that during his stay with Lee. When it came to himself, he had never been this angry. But, after learning about what Hiashi had did to his father, Neji was out for blood! No matter how much he pretended otherwise, there was no one in that world whom he loved more than his father. That was why it had hurt Neji so much to hear that his father had killed himself because of Neji.

How stupid was he to believe anything Hiashi had ever told him? His father didn't kill himself because he hated the idea of having Neji as a son. He killed himself because he had Hiashi as a brother. The mere fact that he was born into the Hyuuga clan probably drove the man insane.

"I'm so sorry," Neji bent over and picked up his father's journal. The sunflower had slipped out and he tucked it back in. He remembered that his father had always kept a fresh bouquet of sunflowers on the dining room table in their home. "I am so sorry that I have spent so much time hating you, tou-san." He had just felt as though Hizashi had abandoned him.

However, the only person to blame for all of his suffering was Hiashi. At first, he had simply wanted to leave the compound and the city for good. He would have refrained from trying to tarnish Hiashi's reputation, but, now he would make sure that everyone found out about how sick the clan head was. His father's words would serve as his proof. Together, they could work together to destroy Hiashi.

Holding the journal close to his heart, Neji promised to honor his father's wish. At the age of sixteen, Hizashi had wanted his journal to fall into the right hands and it finally had.

Lee had been trying to find ways to show Neji that he was worthy, and, that regardless of how things may have felt at times, he did have a purpose in life. Up until now, Neji was still unconvinced. But, now he realized that his best friend was right. He did have a purpose. And, that purpose was to watch the Hyuuga clan, and every corrupt son of a bitch within its walls burn!

Then, something hit him. Neji opened the journal again. Skimming the first entry, he saw a familiar name. Fugaku. Wasn't that Itachi's father? Well, he didn't know anyone else with that name in Konoha. With someone as prominent as Fugaku backing him, Neji would have an easier time taking Hiashi down. First, he needed to read more of his father's journal to learn the extent of his relationship with the current Uchiha clan head.

Making himself comfy, Neji opened the journal and continued to read.


Ending the phone call, Fugaku rested his head on his desk from exhaustion. In between, overlooking a clan, running a business, being a husband, a father and now a private, fucking investigator, it was a wonder that his gray hairs hadn't started to come in. He doubted he would make for a fine silver fox, anyway. The Uchiha did not age as well as the Hyuuga did. Then again, the Hyuuga were an entire different breed altogether.

Chuckling to himself, Fugaku lifted his head to glance at his private bar. He was in need of a drink. That was when he remembered that Sasuke was sitting in his office. His youngest boy was so much like him compared to Itachi. Itachi was in a league of his own in all accounts. Fugaku could relate to Sasuke more. But, the teen was convinced that Itachi was his favorite.

Little did Sasuke know, they both worked his nerves just as much as the other. He had no favorite. Wait, that wasn't true. Mikoto was his favorite.

"As I was saying," Sasuke picked up where he'd left off before his father answered his phone. "I want to intern in Suna for the summer. That way I can start gaining more experience."

"You want to go to Suna? With Shisui? Are you sure about that?" Regardless of who he was, Shisui would work Sasuke just as hard as any other employee. As playful as he could be, Shisui was very serious about his job and he ran a tight ship. "You know Shisui will fire you if you screw up, right?"

Sucking his teeth, Sasuke scowled. "It's because he doesn't like me. I bet if I were Itachi—"

Fugaku cut him off; he was not in the mood for this shit today. "No. He will fire you because that is what happens when someone constantly screws up on a job. Shisui is professional. He understands that it's more than just a company. This is our future, Sasuke. "

"Then why won't you let me do more with the family business? Itachi was an intern at fifteen! He was already joining you on international business trips before he even graduated high school. But, you have me wasting away with a tutor I don't like and therapy sessions that are useless. And how come you won't let me—"

He took a deep breath. "Please, son, put a lid on it."

For fuck's sake, when was Sasuke going to get it? Everything didn't center around him and his feelings. Everyone was suffering. He wasn't the only one that had been angry at Itachi. Shisui had been his best friend long before Sasuke was even thought of. The younger man had taken Itachi's suicide attempt very hard. But, he had never shunned Itachi. Or, made him feel guilty.

Fugaku could understand the anger that Sasuke felt. Because, he'd felt that same anger towards Hizashi. Eventually, that anger subsided. With time, he came to understand that some things were just too much for a person to bear. He had hoped that, by this point, Sasuke would come to that same conclusion. But, his son was just as angry as he'd been months ago.

He had no idea where Sasuke had gotten that attitude from. Although, Fugaku had been an only child, he had never really been spoiled or self-centered. Mikoto was also very selfless. That woman would take a bullet for any one of them without a second thought. So, where did Sasuke develop this mindset from?

Sasuke stood up from his seat with the intent to stomp out of the office. However, Fugaku only glanced at him, and he knew that he had better sit back down. Sighing, he did. "I will work hard. Can you please just give me the chance to prove myself?"

"We can discuss it later. Okay?" He had no intentions of sending Sasuke to Suna, but, if that was what the boy wanted, he would consider it. "I was thinking about us going to visit Itachi later this week. Shisui is in town for two weeks and your mother really wants to cook for all of us like she used to." She wanted to have dinner with her four boys. That was what she had said to him that morning. His wife was starting to smile again and that gave him hope for their future as a family.

"I'll pass."

"It wasn't an option. You mother wants us all there. And, I think it would be good for you to see your brother. He misses you."

Sasuke snorted. "Did he think about that when he tried to off himself?"

Calmly, Fugaku stood up from his desk. He walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink. It had been a very long week, and, it wasn't even Friday yet. There hadn't been any leads regarding Hizashi's true cause of death. They really just needed to find a way inside of the Hyuuga compound to speak with someone. Of course, that was damn near impossible.

Overall, the clan head wasn't in a good mood. Knocking the drink back, he didn't even grimace as the cognac burned down his throat. "Son, I have no idea why you insist on behaving so ugly towards your brother. He made a mistake. However, what's done is done. How many times has Itachi sacrificed something for you? How many times has he disregarded his own feelings just to make you happy? Now, he needs you. So, end this little pity party of yours! And stop behaving like a selfish little shit!" He slammed the glass on the bar and it shattered. "Get out of my office! Have Tekka drive you home!"

When the door to his office slammed, Fugaku cursed under his breath. He hadn't meant to yell at the boy like that. Sasuke was just having a hard time coping. But, man, Fugaku really didn't have the patience to deal with the constant whining all of the time. That was what he paid a therapist for. He wished that he had the time to fix all everyone's problems. He was just one man with the responsibility of a clan, a company and a family. Sometimes, he had to be the bad guy. That was just how the cookie crumbled.

Moments later, there was a knock at his door. More than likely his secretary to see if everything was alright. The door opened, he turned around ready to tell the young woman that he was fine, but it wasn't his secretary.

Neji closed the door behind him and leaned against it. "Did I come at a bad time?" His eyebrows perked to show that he really didn't care. The teen moved away from the door and glanced around the large office. Then his pale eyes landed on the broken glass.

He was the last person that Fugaku had expected to see. God, he was a splitting image of Hizashi. Their mannerisms were even the same. Fugaku felt a little sorry for Itachi if Neji was anything like his father had been in his teenage years. "I wasn't expecting to see you here, Neji."

"I wasn't expecting to find out that you and my dad used to fuck, Fugaku."

Yep. This was definitely Hizashi's son.

Then, Neji lifted a leather journal. "You and I have so much to talk about. I hope you don't have any more meetings for the rest of the day. This could take a while." He walked over to the lounge area and took a seat.

Fugaku made sure to tell his secretary to cancel all of his meetings for the remainder of the evening. He had a feeling that this was going to be a conversation that he didn't want to miss.


An: Next chapter, our love birds will finally see each other again!