I know some stuff are hard to understand at the moment, but there is a reason for that ;)

The reason Naruto didn't seek medical help was not because he knew about Itachi, but because he was thinking about Sasuke. If they went to the hospital that'd make the raven even more worried, so Naruto passed it off as a small scratch (he's kinda super brave)

Late update ~~ I KNOW -3

I noticed I can only write after midnight and I finish all my chapters in 3 AM ^^" and because I've been going to bed like 11PM I can't write L School is exhausting even thou you do nothing T.T
Let me hear your thoughts on this chapter :P

-88-88-88-8888-88888—888888- ( the horizontal line disappeared from the editing panel?!)

A loud knock on the door pulled Naruto out of his slumber. At first he confused it as a part of his dream, but after he remembered that cats meow instead of knocking he forced himself to wake up. He was conscious, but had still not opened his blue eyes. The comfortable atmosphere around him didn't seem to let him fully wake up. There was something about the warmth surrounding his body and the scent inflating his nostrils that just made him seek further relaxation. Something gently pressed his body in the soft warmth and a breath tickled his cheek. The sensation brought him back to reality, his ears catching the dull knock again. He shot open his eyes when the door opened, suddenly remembered where he fell asleep. He looked hastily around, finding himself sitting between Sasuke's legs, his own on the armrest, Sasuke's hands protectively wrapped around his waist as he occasionally let a small moan escape his throat. The blond tried to pull out from his hold desperately as he felt footsteps in the small hall. Sasuke's hold was rather possessive than protective as he tightened more when the other tried to escape. Naruto called his name hoping he'd wake up, but with no luck. The door to their room creaked a pink silhouette showing. She stopped in her tracks when her eyes fell on the sight.
"Na- Naruto?!" She almost cried out as her eyes examined the blond's face dangerously close to the raven. That seemed to be enough to wake him, onyx eyes peeling open. His hands separated and the blond hurried to get up. His leg had fallen asleep and he felt himself stumbling back. Sasuke was quick to react despite his sleepy state of mind and he pulled his hand drawing him closer.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice still sore from the sleep

"Y-yeah" Naruto freed his hand and leaned on a desk between the door and the armchair.

It was hard to determine whose cheeks were redder- Sakura's or Naruto's. She was not sure what to say as she found them in such situation

"Sorry. Asuma wants you to attend dinner." Her voice came lower than she expected and was quite hard to hear.

"Are you two dating?!" Three pair of eyes shot up to the doorframe where none other than Sai was casually leaning, his arms crossed before his chest. He had a look that was a mix of hatred (obviously directed to Sasuke) and curiosity.

Naruto wasn't a person who'd normally explain himself especially to a lowlife like Sai, but he felt like he had to just to erase the awkwardness. "No, we are not."

Sai pushed away from the wall coming closer and stopping next to Sakura. He eyed both of them, narrowing his eyes in suspiciousness "So your relationship is purely platonic then?" He had to know for himself, but he made it seem like he was interested in the name of the team.

Naruto immediately shot a 'Yes', Sasuke calmly stating a 'No' at the same time. They looked at each other Naruto throwing him a confused look and he could see how displeased Sasuke was with the opposing answer. Sasuke's eyes were narrow in a mix of anger and slightly showing lust as he stood up from the armrest he was leaning on and walked up to the blond. He stopped right before him, not more than 5 inches between their faces. He cupped his chin and leaned in. Naruto's eyes grew wider in shock as Sasuke's lips caressed his. The kiss was a mere press between their lips, but Naruto couldn't escape the feeling of coziness. He closed his eyes sinking into it. The raven's teeth gently nuzzled on a bottom pink lip and he backed off. "Not anymore." He smirked with mischief as he stared intensely in the hazy blue eyes. He passed Sakura and the other raven and went down the hall. Naruto was left to stare at the empty space not able to assimilate what had happened.

Sasuke licked his lip and 'Hn'-ed as he watched his teammates come through the restaurant doors. Sai was pacing, obviously enraged, and Sasuke could swear seeing flames burning around him. That made his smirk wider. He didn't like that guy and was more that glad to see how much he was bothered by his little doing with Naruto. Speaking of the blond, he was walking slowly with Sakura, both of them had those empty looks on their faces and were staring down. Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle when he saw the flushed cheeks of said boy.

"Why do you all look so gloomy?" Asuma asked sipping some kind of pink liquid from his glass. He cocked an eyebrow when nobody answered him turning to Sasuke to meet the obvious look of pleasure. "And Sasuke's grinning?! Did somebody reversed your personalities?!" Sasuke growled with a look of annoyance, but soon returned to his previous expression.

"Kids." Kakashi broke the sudden silence "Are you ready for tomorrow's race?" all four pair of eyes fell on him and he smiled

"Eat up everyone. You need to rest tonight. I want you all in the lobby at 8AM. Order whatever you want." Asuma looked rather happy biting from his bagel.

Naruto's eyes wandered through the menu and he quickly picked a chicken soup. He gave his order and once again sank in his own thoughts. Thou he wasn't thinking of anything at all. He was supposed to, for sure. But everything in his mind was blank, as if he had nothing to think with. He finished his dinner on auto pilot, going straight to his room after that, again on auto pilot and finally falling on the bed. His earlier nap had tired him even more, well not the nap itself but the things that happened after that. Naruto was no idiot, okay he was kind of slow sometimes, but he was definitely smart! Then why couldn't he assimilate what had happened earlier? He had definitely been kissed. By Sasuke. He shook his head staring at the ceiling. Nope still didn't know what's happening.

Sasuke came through the door speaking to somebody with him. Naruto had been in the process of falling asleep, but he was brought back by the voices

"We have to go to the police" – a familiar voice

"No. They can't do anything" –Sasuke

"If Itachi is really here we have to get you somewhere safe."- the familiar voice was more persistent now

"I'm not safe anywhere. He'll find me if he wants." – Sasuke's voice was angry

"And what about Naruto?! What if Itachi decides to kill him this time?!" –the voice was coach

"…."

"I can see that you care about him. At least protect him, when you're too foolish to protect yourself."

"I'll call Orochimaru." –Who is Orochimaru? The blond felt his thought tangling as he was angered by the trust Sasuke placed in that Orochimaru guy

Naruto heard the door lock and Sasuke's presence came closer, already in the room

"….Orochimaru?" – Sasuke's voice was passive now

"…"

"Do you have people nearby?"

"…"

"I'm at the swimming race. I told you about it before"

"…"

"I think Itachi is here."

"…"

"Yes, I saw him"

"…"

"No."

"…."

"I think he got me confused with somebody. He was surely after me"

"…"

"Around 8:30AM."

"…."

"Left side"

Naruto suddenly felt the other closer to him. He was too tired to open his eyes.

"You're awake, right?!" Sasuke's voice was softer and almost came out as a lullaby. Naruto felt the uneasiness in it. He was sure it was directed towards him.

"You should have let me believe you didn't know" The blond mumbled sleepily his eyes were half opened

"Are you scared?" Sasuke pursed his lips in a thin line. He really didn't remember when exactly had he stopped worrying for himself and started worrying for Naruto. Asuma had a point and Sasuke couldn't risk the blond's life.

The morning came slow, too slow. Naruto couldn't decide if he's uncomfortable with sleeping by Sasuke's side after the earlier encounter. No, the problem was he didn't feel awkward at all, which was even more worrying. He couldn't shake the thought of the feeling he got earlier. Sasuke was probably the first person he could call home – that was how he felt in his arms – simply at home. But isn't that weird?! Wasn't he supposed to hate it? Or at least not feel anything? Sasuke was so close to him and he could feel his body warmth. He could also feel the tenseness. The other was fully awake. Naruto was sure the raven was staring around the room with wide open eyes. He really felt sorry for him. Hell, Naruto had no idea why it didn't worry him. The thing in the showers, which was a warning. Possibly for him to leave Sasuke alone… That angered him. Who was Itachi to scare him away?! He wanted his brother's life to be hell, that's why he wanted the blond away. It would surely be easier to crush him if he had nothing. But Naruto was not giving up! He was going to Save Sasuke. He was going to make sure the other was happy, even if that meant killing that Itachi with his own hands!

The blond laughed internally at the thought. He was nothing compared to a serial killer. How could he face him?! Oh, shit! How would Sasuke face him?! He turned to the raven, who caught his look and turned too. Sasuke's eyes looked even blacker in the dark. Figures. They stared through him and pierced him with sorrow. Naruto had no idea how Sasuke felt. But he wanted that look gone.

Sasuke stared in those deep blue eyes. They were like little windows. This was the first time he saw that look. Disgust. Rage. Determination. What was Naruto even thinking about?! Maybe he hated Sasuke for what he did, maybe he wanted to be far away from him. Itachi would get his victory and chase the blond away. Even if that wasn't his intention. He'd win. Again.

Naruto reached out and pulled Sasuke's head closer. He felt the other's startle at first, but then he obeyed and let Naruto bring him to his chest. Was it because Naruto knew how pain of losing someone precious felt like or for some other bizarre reason, he didn't know, but he wanted to help Sasuke.

The raven snuggled in Naruto's warmth, blocking all the questions going through his head. He wouldn't ask. Not why Naruto was so nice. Not what was the other thinking right now. Not even why he didn't just leave the raven. Naruto was definitely the only person who could make Sasuke feel like that. Safe. Protected. Not crazy. Just- peaceful. The Uchiha Sasuke who never gets close to anybody, who feels nothing for anyone. He was here, letting his walls drop before a person he didn't ever imagine to.

The road trip to the Swimming competition want smoothly. They arrived at 8:20AM and moved to the dressing rooms. Sasuke and Naruto had a talk about the blond's leg and decided that the wound was small enough to be left unnoticed. They changed in their swimming suits, Naruto purposely putting on one that was covering his calf. They avoided the showers, still uneasy about the incident.

Sasuke and Naruto had individual events, besides the relay. Naruto was first line on the 100m freestyle and Sasuke was second. The gun fired and Naruto's body flew in the water. He moved fast and steady, the cloth successfully protecting his wound. After the turn he had trouble with extending his arm. He felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Changing cycles he desperately tried to gain ahead. He touched the wall and jumped out of the water. First place. He grinned.

"Naruto" Sasuke spoke coldly "We need to talk"

"Ohhh trouble in paradise" Sai called from the sideline giggling. Sasuke just threw him his deadly glare and dragged Naruto with him. When he made sure they are alone he let him go and turned to him

"Does your leg hurt?!"

"No, its good. Don't worry." Naruto smiled at the concern in Sasuke

"Then why did you mess up your pace?" Sasuke couldn't take any bullshit. He knew they had to go to the hospital. "I'm sure you're hiding something"

"Sasuke," Naruto came closer putting his hand on the other's shoulder "don't worry. It was my shoulder. I probably didn't stretch well enough."

"… Okay" He would let it go, for now. There were bigger things to worry about.

Naruto snatched second place from Sasuke, both taking their medals and leaving for lunch. Asuma had ordered lunch and they all took a place in the garden.

"Good job boys!" Asuma patted both their heads grinning proudly. Their teammates congratulated them, Sai even going out of his way to embrace Naruto for a 'pat on the back'. The blonde noticed it was a bit extreme for just a path. It felt like a fucking eternity with that gross thing sliding down his back, when the other had finally backed off Naruto and Sai both noticed the indifference Sasuke showed. He had ignored everything that had happened, staring emptily at his food.

Sasuke stood up before anyone else, saying that he had finished his meal and needed to do something. The others had called after him, but with no luck, Naruto noticing what it was all about.

The raven moved towards the second floor. He was following a long haired guy with circle glasses. The royal purple costume had clearly spoken for him. Orochimaru's subordinate. Sasuke followed him down the long corridor, the stranger stopping before a bench. The raven was unsure of what to do, finally deciding to take the place beside the other.

"Sasuke, right?!" The gray haired man spoke. Sasuke couldn't miss the disgusting note to his voice.

"And you are…?" the raven didn't bother turning to face the other, not even stripping his pocker face.

"The person who's gonna take care of you." The teenager could feel the small smile creeping on the other's face.

"And how do you intend to do that?"

"We've set a few of our people around here. If Itachi even dares to come he'll just all into our trap."

"Good." Sasuke stood up and turned his back to the man "I won't forgive you if you miss him."

-8—8-8-888-88-888—8-8-8-88-8-8-8—8-8-8-

"Where were you?!" Naruto ran to the onyx eyed boy. His eyes glimmered, concern already present in them

"I had something to do, I told you." The expression Sasuke maintained was the same pocker face from earlier, thou he could feel himself losing it.

"Dammit, I was worried! I thought something happened, teme." Naruto was clutching his white stamped shirt, his tanned body convulsing lightly.

"Hn." Sasuke smirked, his expression lightening "What?! Did you cried because you though we'd be separated?!"

The blond frowned, the concern quickly getting replaced by anger "It's not funny, I was scared you're lying with a cracked skull somewhere!"

Sasuke's eyes twitched at the reply. He hadn't really accepted it yet, but Naruto felt for him. Now he felt bad for joking with such a thing.

"You should stop being so ignorant and get it through your head! I do care for you , you asshole! Losing a friend IS a big deal for me." Naruto was spitting words in Sasuke's face. The other still not sure how to return them.

"Tch." The blond watched him walk away, his irritation burning. Why was Sasuke such an idiot. He had just a bit too much mood swings even for him.

The final siren signaled all the swimmers to take their places. All the backswimmers entered the water, preparing their positions. Sai looked up at Naruto and winked at him self declaring that if he reaches the wall before everyone else Naruto will own him a kiss. Before the blonde could argue the gun fired and their swimmer was in motion. Naruto wasn't sure who to root for anymore, his team or any other. There was no frickin'way in hell he's gonna kiss that nasty bastard. Naruto felt his pulse rising and realized that Sasuke's attitude and Sai's words were frustrating him. He tried calming down. If he flew into the water with that heart rate he was going to lose for sure. He glanced at Sasuke, who was staring into the audience. His eyes were smaller than usual and the bump between his brows was bigger. Naruto could guess why. If his brother was really here Sasuke was in danger. He was amazed at how the raven could keep himself together at a time like this. From everything he learned about his psychological condition and from what he saw for himself, Sasuke should be locked in a safe room.
"Naruto" Sakura called and the blond turned to see the swimmer only 10 meters away.

"Good luck Sakura." The blond prepped the girl, who was already on the mark. Naruto was watching super carefully to see if Sai touches the wall first. The time was just 0.2 seconds away from the first time. Sai left the pool looking at the time and frowning whilst Naruto grinned like the happiest person on Earth. Sai said something about getting his kiss anyway, but Naruto was too busy reaching for Sasuke.
"Hey." Naruto patted the raven on the back "It's my turn"

Sasuke looked at him, his black orbs still oozing emptiness. "Yeah"

"Don't make us lose, bastard" the blond grinned climbing on the stone block.
"Dobe" the raven smirked, finally turning his attention to the competition "Worry about yourself"

Sasuke saw the smile on Naruto's face just before he dived in the water. He hurried to take his place, analyzing his surroundings. They were on third place, but with Naruto's speed they'd probably snatch first away. He watched the tanned swimmer piercing through the water molecules, his body flawless as always. Sasuke took his time to examine the other's movements. He didn't notice anything off about his leg, but there was something that drew his attention. The blonde's reach was off. His art wasn't extending as far as usually. Sasuke noted to himself that he should ask about that later, and prepared to jump in the water.

"Perfect exchange!" Asuma noted when the raven jumped right after the blond touched the wall.

"I guess intimacy is a big factor even in swimming." Kakashi joked while watching the grin on Naruto's face.

"They are going to kill you if they heard." Asuma thumbed-up at Naruto who was waving his hands at him.

"Good thing they can't" Kakashi was enjoying his perverted sense of humor. "But they really did it. If Sasuke doesn't fail they'll take golden medal."

"Don't jinx him, Hatake"

"Go Sasuke! Only a little more!" Naruto shouted with all he got.

"Sasuke! You can do it!" Sakura joined him, both jumping in enthusiasm

Sasuke's time lit and he ripped off his googles.

"Good job." Naruto extended his hand to him, the other grabbing it. The blond helped him out of the water, both boys grinning.

"Told you so." Sasuke smirked mischievously

"Shut up." The other bumped him with his fist.

Sasuke, Naruto and Sai headed to the locker room. Naruto was jumping around saying how that was the best win ever whilst Sasuke was trying to calm him down. Sai was sulking behind them.

Naruto was walking with his back towards the door when he suddenly bumped in someone. He jumped forward, Sasuke catching him. He turned saying how sorry he was, when he noticed how weird looking this person was. His words stopped, making Sasuke look more carefully too.

"Little brother." The cold voice spoke with indifference

Sasuke took a step back, his hand grabbing Naruto's wrist and pulling him with. His body froze. A lump in his throat threatened him from lack of oxygen.

Naruto looked at the stranger then back at Sasuke shivering from the sudden atmosphere. There was no mistake. Itachi.

"We need to talk" the cloaked guy kept his red eyes focused, not moving an inch.

"Sasuke" the blond whispered at said boy.

"Run" the raven pushed back Naruto turning away from his brother. He started running after Naruto. Itachi followed them with his eyes. They wouldn't go far. He moved in their direction, listening to the sounds of running water. No one could take him for a fool. That's why he had Deidara. His companion had locked the doors after the three boys entered. No one was going in or out.

Sai hid behind a tall barrier, listening closely to the voices. He saw his two teammates run in an opposite direction. He noticed them stopping and walking back. Sai cocked his head and moved away from the barrier. Itachi walked in the middle. The two boys far on the right and the other raven on his left. They turned watching him cautiously

"I said we need to talk, Sasuke" the younger raven shuddered from the sly voice. They were like trapped rabbits between two foxes. The way he said his name, with a different tone then the rest of the sentence made him shake with fear. Was it really this?! Was this how his life was supposed to end?! He couldn't even fix his life. He lived all those years in fear, swallowed by his anxiety, living cowardly, reaching for the closest thing that could take his mind away from reality. He couldn't let Itachi control him anymore. Not with what he actually earned by himself standing right next to him. Not with Naruto who was the only thing able to hold him down.

Sasuke felt the poison creeping in his veins. His throat burned. Itachi brought feelings Sasuke didn't know he had. He clenched his teeth letting go of Naruto's hand. The blond looked at him in question. He smiled trying to imitate his usual cocky smirk. He moved a step closer to Itachi clenching his fists

"Itachi." Sasuke barely got the words out of his mouth, despite his state of shock they came out as emotionless as the ones his brother said

"You finally decided to act as an Uchiha? Cowards are not worthy of our family name, I'm glad you understand"

"You are in no position to speak about family! After all you destroyed it!" Sasuke's head was burning and his vision was blurring again. This was the worst moment for him to spree out of control.

"You have no idea what you're saying, little brother!" Itachi frowned showing more emotion than he intended "But first," he turned towards Sai, locking eyes with the teenager "You!" Itachi lifted him by the t-shirt and slamming him against the near-by wall. "You are a big problem for me, I should do something about it." He eyed the boy fury flashing through his eyes

Deidara passed by Sasuke and Naruto, the boys jumping from the close encounter.

"Hnn. Don't ya worry fellas. I'm not here for you" he grinned and went up to Itachi. "We don't have much time, Itachi" he patted the long haired man on the shoulder, but the other didn't move his eyes from the pale boy. "Orochimaru's people are outside, tell little Sasuke what you need to and let's go"

"Just let me deal with this scum here" Itachi chuckled internally at the fear in the boy's eyes. He deserved it. What he did the other day was unforgivable.

All of them heard the door knob shuffle and turned to the door

"…."

"I'll do it, You go deal with your bro, Hn"

"Fine" Itachi spitted the words, bashing the boy's body against the wall and walking away

Deidara erupted in hysterical laughter at the sight of Sai sitting in his own pee. He grinned widely grabbing him by his hear and smashing his head in the wall.

"Sasuke, you know nothing." He came closer to the raven. He noticed Sasuke shielding Naruto with his body. Itachi smiled and brought confusion to the little raven's face

"I think I know enough." Sasuke said with an even voice

"I didn't kill him." Itachi stared into his brother's eyes. He wanted him to see the sincerity in his own

"What?!" Sasuke hollered his bangs falling over his face "Don't you dare lie to me!"

He was sure that Itachi didn't kill his father. But his mother's death was proof enough for him to believe it. After all why would a mother's last words be a lie?

Naruto was standing behind Sasuke not sure of what to do. He didn't want to let Sasuke take the risk. But what was he supposed to do?! Itachi was right before them. It wasn't an assumption anymore and this presence was enough to creep him out.

"I was set up." Itachi screamed back

Sasuke looked up startled. His brother never screamed. Never

"I'm tired of hiding, Sasuke. Do you know how much it took me to come here?"

"What the fuck are you saying?!"

"You've been tricked. And you are still being used."

"By whom?!" Sasuke shouted, now seriously pissed off. He didn't trust anybody, there wasn't anyone who was able to use him. Itachi was the only one.

The door suddenly burst open and a team of armed men flew in. They passed by both boys and went after Itachi, who had disappeared in thin air. They searched for him, but with no luck. A medical team went up to all three of the boys. Sasuke and Naruto were okay, but the short haired raven who was with them had a broken jaw and was knocked unconscious.

-3—3-4-34-5-4-5-6-6-6-56—67-7-657-5-

The moment where Sasuke is talking with Asuma and then with Orochimaru is told from Naruto's perspective. That's why the comments are a little off, and you don't know what Oro is saying

And yes, I do hate Sai. I despise him.

This chapter is maybe the worst one yet. I took too long to write it and was in so many different moods that it ended up like this. Next chap will be better :P Thank you and bye

The moment where Sasuke is talking with Asuma and then with Orochimaru is told from Naruto's perspective. That's why the comments are a little off, and you don't know what Oro is saying

And yes, I do hate Sai. I despise him.