Be alright, Dobe...

Sasuke's hands are shaking, for sure Itachi could feel it. He can't blame the youngest Uchiha... Naruto became important to their family.

Be alright, Please...

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. If I did, I'll make it so Sasuke would be the one to chase after Naruto. *wink*

Saya-chan: So happy to see people waiting for the updates. I love reading your reviews!
Naruto: Hee Hee... It makes me smile, too... Right, Teme?
Sasuke: Hn.
Naruto: Oh, come on! You should at least say thanks to people who read this story! Such a downer.
Sasuke: Just you is enough, Dobe.
Saya-chan: Mou... Sasuke...
Naruto: Downer! Downer!
Sasuke: What ever...

Chapter 12: New Beginning; Another Family

Several minutes earlier, Naruto was peacefully sleeping on his bed. The lights in his room is still on. He suddenly felt a little suffocated, then a cough erupted from his throat. The stuffed toy he had in his arms was the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. But why is it so foggy? The next thing he felt was heat.

Hot...

He didn't get up right away because he's still half-asleep. But remembering the fact that Konoha is currently in winter season, and the fact that he doesn't have a heater woke him fully to see smoke coming from the door to his room. Smoke everywhere in his room. He stood up and ran towards the door, opened it only to be greeted by wild flames engulfing his whole kitchen. He stumbled back as the heat fully made contact with his feet. He saw his leg that was scalded by the fire on his doors. Soon enough, the fire will also be in his room. He didn't know what to do. The fire had blocked his way out, he had only the windows as his escape. He decided to head for the windows to save himself, but a flash of reddish orange stopped him. He grabbed the thing and flew out his window, shards of glasses wounding different parts of his body. He landed in a rather hard concrete feeling pain all over his body. He was still breathing, thank goodness. Then he felt some of the shards falling to his head, looking up he saw part of the window he broke falling onto him.

Itachi made a screeching noise with the motorbike as he stopped driving. The building in view and rescuers on sight. Many people are helping out to rid of the fire, and some are just staring at the burning building. Sasuke got off the motorbike the same time Fugaku and Mikoto came in their car.

"Naruto!" Sasuke pushed and shoved his way through people to get closer to the building. A fireman blocked his way, telling him to back off because it is dangerous. He slapped the hand away, trying his best to ignore their shout for him to stop.
"Naruto!"

He saw the second floor of the building already engulfed in fire. He also saw the door to Naruto's room almost gone and black. He felt his heart pounding hard against his chest. It can't be. It just can't be. He was just talking with the blonde through the phone earlier. He decided to be always with the blonde. He was supposed to protect him. Now where was he when Naruto was possibly suffering? He has to find the blonde. He has to save him.

Naruto...

He took several steps again approaching the building. Some of the firemen blocked his way.

"Get off! I've gotta find him!" he didn't hear any other voices during the time. He didn't even realize Itachi grabbing his body to prevent him from throwing himself into the fire.
"I've gotta save him!"

Sasuke can almost see Naruto screaming in pain, being engulfed with fire. He felt a lump in his throat and that unfamiliar tightness in his chest. He can't believe he cannot do anything for the blonde. How can this happen to him? How can he lose his...
"Naruto!"

...Sasuke?

All thoughts stopped as Sasuke heard this little voice above all the noise that surrounds him. He suddenly stopped moving and listened carefully.

...Sasuke...

There it is again. A small voice reaching out for him. He scanned the whole area with his eyes, trying to find an answer. Where does this voice came from? His eyes fell on the bushes just beside the burning building, then his eyes went wide making his breathing stop.

There he see, Naruto sitting on the ground. Blood on his head, and some on his arms and legs. He had the frog stuffed toy Sasuke got from that arcade they went to last Sunday. Eyes blurred with tears as he released himself from his brother's arms, Sasuke approached the figure in the shadows.

Naruto felt tears trickling down his cheeks when he saw Sasuke lock eyes with him. He wanted nothing but to be held by those strong arms. He wanted to stand up and run towards the raven, but he can't. He watched as the raven strode approaching his way with increasing speed until he was running. Then those arms finally claimed his shaking body tightly holding his whole being.

"Sasuke..." he felt more tears run down his cheeks as Sasuke held him tightly in his arms.
"Sasuke!" he let go of the stuffed toy and threw his arms around the raven's neck.

Sasuke was relieved as soon as he felt the blonde's body against his. The blonde was shaking. His voice, his body, his soul. He almost went crazy when he thought he wouldn't see the blonde anymore. He cannot allow that. No. He won't lose the blonde. He won't lose Naruto. Not his Naruto. He promised himself from now on not to turn his gaze away from the blonde. He knew he can't live without the other anymore. And he welcome this new feeling with open arms as he embraced the blonde tightly and protectively in his arms.

"Naruto-kun!" they both heard the worried voice of Sasuke's mother. They finally let go to acknowledge the presence of Sasuke's family. They were all here for him. Worried about him. He felt warm inside as Itachi knelt down in front of him to check for his injury.

"He's hurt everywhere..." Itachi checked every wound the blood came from and made sure the cuts aren't too deep.
"Can you stand?" He saw the blonde shake his head 'no'.
"Sasuke.."

Sasuke immediately went and carried Naruto in his arms with Fugaku guiding them to their car. Mikoto was talking with the firemen to make sure if they needed any help with transferring injured people to the hospital. Luckily enough, all occupants of the building seemed to have evacuated the place before the fire spread. Back in the car, Sasuke held Naruto protectively close to his body.

"We have to bring you to the hospital, Naruto-kun." Mikoto knew Naruto's insecurities about going to a hospital, but they seriously had to go this time. They didn't know how much damage the blonde's body took after all. Seemed that Naruto doesn't get a say on this. Rather, he wasn't even listening.

Currently, his ear is on Sasuke's chest, listening to his heartbeat. He held the stuffed toy close to his body as he leaned to Sasuke with hands soothingly caressing his back. The wounds on the blonde's body aren't deep but the number makes him worry. Especially the burn on Naruto's legs. They have to go to the hospital fast.

Arriving at the emergency room, Naruto's wounds were treated and the doctor asked him to stay for a night. The blonde was currently sleeping, exhaustion taking over his entire body. Fugaku and Mikoto already left for home while Itachi and Sasuke stayed at Naruto's bedside. Itachi watched his little brother who was holding the blonde's hands tightly in his bigger ones. He can still tell they're shaking. Itachi put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke stood up and walked with Itachi outside the room. Once outside, Itachi crossed his arms and spoke.

"I'll ask the nurse to let you stay overnight... They should be able to allow us because Naruto will be out here in the morning anyway." Itachi saw the younger one nod in response, eyes on the door of Naruto's hospital room. Itachi's eyes lingered on his little brother's figure. He inwardly smiled at the sight.
"Hey, Otouto."

Sasuke turned to look at his brother, worry still in his face. Itachi smiled at him.
"Do you understand yourself right now?"

Sasuke thought of the question. There are more to it than what was said. He understood it and nodded. Itachi smiled again and ruffled his little brother's hair.
"Good..."

Itachi left Sasuke by then, knowing that the younger raven needed his rest, too. Sasuke went back inside Naruto's room and sat on the chair beside the bed. He resumed holding the blonde's hand while looking at his peacefully sleeping face. He was glad Naruto was able to sleep after what happened to him. He squeezed the blonde's hand tighter as he recalled the feelings he had the time he hadn't seen the blonde yet. In the middle of confusion, Sasuke had only come to one conclusion.

Right from the beginning, when he first met the blonde. The moment he's doing everything to get into the blonde's life, even messing with his weakness. And when he saw other hands on the blonde's body. The wounds inflicted on those tanned flesh. The moment the blonde broke down in front of him. The tears. His protective approach to the blonde. The genuine smile. The moment he saw the blonde with a girl who likes him. The moment he realized his own existence to the blonde. His fear of losing the blonde just merely moments ago. And the feelings of not wanting to let this hand go. He knew he can't get away from these emotions anymore. That's more he like it though. Sasuke never felt anything with anyone before aside from his family. He hadn't had any important friends before. Naruto was a first. But it seems that Naruto would also be the last.

I love him...

He tucked a stray blonde hair behind an ear as he watch Naruto's sleeping figure. He smiled as he finally admitted his own feelings.

I love you, Naruto...

He felt tears trickle down his cheeks, recalling the tears he shed earlier when he saw Naruto on the ground with wounds all over his body.

"Naruto..." he whispered the blonde's name. The same time, Naruto's eyes slowly opened, Sasuke's face registering to mind. This is the second time he saw tears on that perfect face. Naruto smiled and squeezed Sasuke's hand back.

"I'm okay now..." Sasuke smiled back and nodded. His thumb brushed on Naruto's hand in his, soothingly putting the blonde back to sleep. Naruto shifted a little in his bed as he tugged Sasuke's hand into him.
"You should lay, too... I know you're tired."

Sasuke didn't hold back. He lifted the blanket and got in, too, enveloping both his and Naruto's body with it. He laid facing Naruto, the blonde doing the same. They held hands all this time, never knowing when they fell asleep. Sasuke unconsciously squeezed Naruto's hand in his, and Naruto unconsciously squeezed back. May the morning wash away all the weariness they all felt that night.

Early morning at Konoha High, everyone's busy talking about the fire that occurred last night. Kiba ran towards the gates to see his friends immediately. He heard the news just this morning, and knew that he had to know what the hell happened to his blonde friend. Is he okay or what? It's not a surprise because everyone knew of Naruto's life condition. Not the story behind it, though. They knew all along that Naruto lived as an orphan. But the fact that the blonde never mentioned anything about it made them think that he's probably trying to hide it from them. So they never said anything to Naruto.

Once he got in within the school gates, Kiba immediately saw Shikamaru with Chouji and Shino not far from the parking area. They were talking with Sasuke who looked like he just got there himself. He saw Sakura and Ino making their way to the group, worry clear in their faces. He ran towards them, hoping he'd hear some good news.

"So he's okay, then?" he heard Shikamaru ask Sasuke. Shikamaru heard from his father that he saw Sasuke's family took Naruto to the hospital last night.

"God, thank goodness!" Ino almost fainted in relief to hear from the Uchiha how Naruto just got out of the hospital this morning with just few wounds and scalds. Nothing serious. Sakura held her friend's arms, also feeling relieved at hearing the good news.

"Where is he now?!" Kiba asked, itching to see the blonde right away. Sasuke put both his hands inside his pocket as he answered.

"My house."

"Can we see him? Pretty please, Uchiha-san?" asked Ino. Hinata came by to try and hear some news about her crush. Sasuke saw the bluenette approaching, and he felt like shoving all these people away. He's not in this school just to answer all their question. But he did this for Naruto. He had to go home and tell the blonde not to worry about his friends worrying over him being absent this day, and possibly the next days. Shikamaru looked at Sasuke for a moment, then sighed.

"Guys... Naruto's unaware that we knew where he lived. We, going there, will make him feel pressured. We should just let him rest." Shikamaru scratched the back of his head while saying these.

"Then... Is it okay if I go?" another voice erupted behind Shikamaru. They all turned to look at Iruka who was walking with Kakashi in tow, worry clear in Iruka's face.
"As Naruto's Homeroom teacher, and as his friend as well. And he knew I know where he lived... So it won't put any anxiety in him."

Sasuke looked at the tanned brunette, realizing how desperate he is. He sighed and waved his hand, indicating he agreed. Iruka smiled in relief.

"I'll accompany Iruka-sensei... If you don't mind." Kakashi spoke this time. No one knows what's hidden behind his mask and his left eye, but they sure see that he's smiling through his visible right eye. Sasuke huffed a breath as he whispered a 'Do what you want' while walking towards the lockers.

The whole day, Sasuke didn't pay any attention to the classes he was in. The students were talking about the fire last night, but none of them really knew that the place was where Naruto lived. Now Sasuke was wondering how Naruto's friends found out about it without the blonde noticing anything. The school bell rang signalling the end of the last period. Sasuke calmly put away his things and headed for the door. He was stopped by Hinata though when he was about to reach the door.

"Uhm... C-Could you please... Give this to Naruto-kun?" she was looking down, as if afraid to look at Sasuke. She was handing him a bag with who knows what's inside. Naruto would hate him if he turn this girl away, so he grabbed the bag and stroded away without saying anything.

At the parking area, Sasuke saw Naruto's friends all gathered up, with things in their hands. Ino had flowers, Sakura had fruits, Kiba had manga and CDs, and Chouji had different kinds of junk foods. He approached his motorbike, not wanting to hear them say anything about handing all those things to the blonde. Thankfully, Iruka came and told them he'd be the one to give it to Naruto.

Sasuke started his engine and drove off without saying anything.

"He's such a jerk. How could he tolerate Naruto when he's always about to errupt when he's with people." Kiba said, arms on his hips.

"But you know... He's really cool... If only I didn't have Sai, I'd really go for him." Ino said, blushing.

"As if he'd go out with a pig." Sakura teased, grinning at her friend.

"And never with a girl with a forehead as wide as yours, Sakura dear..." Ino shot back in same teasing tone.

"And never did I hope, too... I have Lee-sempai after all."

"Did you call, Sakura-san!?" Lee emerged from somewhere upon hearing his name.

"Tch. Troublesome..." Shikamaru started heading for the gates, but then a car stopped in front of him. The door opened, revealing Kakashi. Iruka went inside the car after waving goodbye at their students, and they also drove off to the Uchiha manor.

Arriving at his house, Sasuke saw Naruto sitting on a single sofa in their living room. He was munching on sliced apple while watching T.V. He smiled as he felt happy having the blonde comfortably sitting in their living room as if he naturally belong there. He sat on the armchair of the sofa Naruto was sitting at and snatched away a slice of apple and ate it in one bite.
"Hey! Aunt Mikoto sliced that up for me! Go get your own apple!"

Sasuke playfully stuck a tongue at him and snatched another slice.
"Grr! Teme!"

The doorbell rang when Naruto was about to tackle Sasuke off the armchair. A maid errupted from somewhere to open the door, revealing Iruka and Kakashi. Too late though, Naruto lost control of his actions and fell towards Sasuke. They ended up on the floor with Naruto above Sasuke. Sasuke saw the teachers standing at the doorway, eyes on them.
"Iruka-sensei!"

Naruto's mouth is near Sasuke's ear, so the raven felt ringing inside his head when the blonde shouted. Sasuke sat up and held Naruto so he'd sit properly on the floor.
"Dobe." he whispered.

"Teme." Naruto whispered back.

Naruto was about to get up on his own, but the pain in his leg made him sit back on the floor again. Sasuke noticed this, so he lifted Naruto up in ease and helped him take a seat on the sofa.

Kakashi and Iruka stared at the display of closeness between the two. They knew that Sasuke and Naruto are hanging out lately, but they never knew they were this close. It was the first time they see Naruto act so impulsively and care freely. Usually the blonde acts stupid, but a bit stiff. This change felt so refreshing that they had to smile.

Mikoto emerged form the kitchen with her apron on. She saw the teachers on the doorway. She was reminded by Sasuke through the phone earlier that their teachers will be visiting Naruto. She smiled at the two men.

"Oh, welcome, Sensei... Please take a seat." She asked a maid to bring tea and sweets as she approached the guests with her warm smile.

"They're here for you, Naruto-kun."

Naruto looked up at his teachers and smiled at them wearily. For sure, Iruka knew that he's an orphan, but he never felt comfortable about it. He realized that Iruka being here means he came to see his condition. That was a huge fire after all. The tea and sweets came, and Mikoto asked the guests to get comfortable as she went back to the kitchen. Sasuke also left the three by themselves as he headed for his room on the second floor. Naruto munched an apple again, and looked between his two teachers. Iruka broke the silence.
"How are your injuries?"

Naruto swallowed as he answered.
"Fine... I got a huge burn on my leg, though." he raise his leg to show them the bandaged wound.

Kakashi eyed his student. Naruto had a few bruises on his face and arms, he didn't know how many are there hidden in his clothes. He had bandages on his arms too, and few plasters on his face. But the blonde is eating apple with enthusiasm, so he deemed the blonde nonetheless safe from major injury. He still had to ask though, they're going to report to the principal after all.
"Naruto... You feeling alright?"

"Yupp! Really, sensei, you both worry too much! I got out just fine. I had few scratches and cuts from jumping off the window, but I'm alive!"

"Don't make this a joke, Naruto!" Iruka suddenly raised his voice, he felt Kakashi's hand on his shoulder and he saw Naruto's face in shock. He calmed down and sipped his tea to try and relax.
"I'm sorry for yelling... I was just..."

"Thank You, Iruka-sensei... I know you're just worried. It's fine. I'm fine.." Naruto smiled at his teacher, Iruka smiling back as well.

"Oh, and here's from me and Kakashi-sensei..." Iruka handed Naruto the things he got from Naruto's friends. He had to lie about the gifts because they had to hide the fact that his friends knew of his current condition. The blonde thanked his teachers, but had to wonder how they knew of Naruto's favorite manga author and jpop performer. Kakashi shrugged as Iruka wearily laughed, not knowing how to reply.

They talked for a while as Sasuke's mother once again went to the living room to ask the guests to have dinner. Iruka and Kakashi refused to stay using loads of work to be done for the next school day as an excuse. They bid farewell to the blonde as they left the Uchiha manor.

Fugaku got home at seven in the evening, and they all had dinner right after. Sasuke took glances at Naruto while the blonde ate with enthusiasm. But Sasuke knew better. He knew that the blonde was acting cheerful all day to decrease the worry of the people around him. He couldn't blame him. He just lost everything he had last night. The only thing he was able to save were his sleeping wear and the froggy stuffed toy. He knew it'd be insensitive to ask Naruto about his plans from now on. It would shatter his heart to hear the blonde's answer anyway.

They were eating fruits as desert, the table is cleared of used plates and utensils. Everyone was quietly eating, when Itachi broke the silence.
"Now will be a good time to say it, Father."

Fugaku nodded and looked at Naruto.
"Naruto-kun."

As if on cue, Naruto put everything he's holding back to the plate in front of him and sat properly before looking back at Fugaku.

"What do you think about staying here with us from now on?"

The words were like lightning that struck Naruto's brain cells numb with the way he couldn't immediately respond to the question.
Me? ...living with...

He couldn't believe what he just heard. He looked at Mikoto, she was smiling at him. He looked at Itachi, he was also smiling at him. He finally looked at Sasuke, he was silently watching his reaction and probably figuring out his train of thoughts. Him? Living with these... wonderful people? And what? Endanger them with the fate that is persistently clinging onto him? No... He won't. He shook his head as his inner thoughts made him feel insecure once again. His eyes started to water. Everyone watched as the blonde seemed to start breaking down right in front of them.

I won't risk having this family suffer because of me.

He smiled as he shook his head, tears starting to flow.
"I'm happy for the invitation, everyone... But, I can't."

He stood up, but Sasuke's hand prevented him to do so.
"Naruto... Please listen to my father." Sasuke pleaded for the blonde to stop panicking.

Naruto continued to shake his head, making Mikoto worry. She never saw someone break apart like this her whole life. This child, she had to hold onto this child. He seemed sadder than she thought. She stood up to be beside the blonde, but Fugaku beat her into it. He walked towards Naruto and held both his shoulders to pry him into looking at him.

"Naruto-kun... Listen to me."

He leaned lower to face Naruto. Naruto's tears were blurring his vision, but he can see the face Fugaku was making. It was gentle. He's gently smiling at him.

"Naruto-kun... I talked with the orphanage who took care of you... I asked them I wanted to adopt you as my own child."

Naruto stopped shaking his head. He's slowly letting the words sink into his head.
"They told me that they'd be glad to, but they had to ask permission from your former adoptive parent."

Naruto blinked once as Jiraiya came into mind. So he's still Jiraiya's adopted kid. But years have already passed since he left Jiraiya and went back to the orphanage. If they're still connected somehow, why didn't the old man try and get him back? Is he being hated?

"They said they've been trying to get a hold of him for years now, but they can't. They didn't know where to contact him."

"What? Did something happen to him?" Naruto asked in worry. Of course he'd worry, he's still his father. Fugaku squeezed his shoulder and smiled.

"There's no need to worry." the way Fugaku spoke, it seemed like he knew something, Sasuke could feel it. Naruto relaxed at the words.
"What I was saying, is that they can't just transfer your adoption under my name, but they agreed to let you stay here from now on.

"But!" Naruto remembered the fire last night. And the ones that happened with the house he stayed at before. He didn't want the same thing happen to Sasuke's family. They've done too much for him already, the last thing he wanted to happen is to have this warm household engulfed in fire. Itachi stood up and put a hand on Naruto's head, smiling as he spoke.
"Naruto-kun... You don't have to worry about those fires... This house wouldn't burn."

Sasuke finally spoke, not wanting his father and brother steal all the good part.
"You're not like what people think you are, Naruto... Don't be fooled by the people in your past." He stood up and faced the blonde who was now looking up at Fugaku.

Mikoto also stood up to approach the boys. She smiled at Naruto.
"Do not worry about anything, Naruto-kun... We'd be happy and at ease with you here in our home." She pulled Naruto in a tight hug, his head leaning onto her shoulders.

"We've grown to love you even though we just met you... So please... Do us a favor and stay here with us... We'll be good family for you."

Family...

Naruto's tears flowed again as he repeated the words in his mind.

"I'd have... 'Family'..?" he sobbed as he hugged Mikoto tightly. He just can't believe what's happening. He never thought he'd have a family again. He thought all this time that he'd never have any rights again to have a family. Because he's cursed. But Sasuke's family gave him another reason to believe.
"...thank you.."

Mikoto's tears that were lingering in her eyes flowed as she heard the words from the blonde. She'd be glad to have Naruto as her son. Now she have many reasons to shop for colorful items with the blonde, rather than the dull dark colors her husband and sons always buy. She laughed at the thought as she released Naruto from her arms.

Fugaku ruffled Naruto's blonde hair.
"Welcome to our family, Naruto.." he dropped the suffix. Family never use suffixes in their names, right?

As he stood watching his parents with his blonde friend, Sasuke felt Itachi's hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at his brother's smiling face.
"Have you told him already?"

Sasuke looked at Naruto again as he respond to the question.
"Not yet... Not now..."

Itachi raised an eyebrow. He thought Sasuke was the type to confess immediately once clear of his feelings. Guess he can wait patiently, huh?
"I want his full attention to me the moment I tell him."

Itachi smirked. So Sasuke just didn't want his confession being mixed up with other things. But he's right. Right now, all Naruto needed is a family and a friend who will stay beside him. He had new found respect at his younger brother for holding back. But until when would he be able to hold back now that the subject of his affection will be in the same roof from today on? This will be interesting.

There you have it! So now that Naruto is already a part of the Uchiha household, what will happen from now on? How about Sasuke's feelings for Naruto? And don't forget about Naruto's feelings too... Shocks! It means their feelings are mutual, right? Confess already! Tee Hee...

Saya-chan: Thank You for your patience, minna! Hope you'd be staying with us till the end of this story. I just don't know how many chapters it will take before we reach the end. But many things will still happen, so please look forward to it! *wink*

Naruto: And here I thought you'd just end it here like this... Phew.

Sasuke: It can't end with just that, dobe.. Remember, I haven't devoured you yet.

Naruto: W-What do you mean? Could it be..?

Saya-chan: It's that 'could it be', Naruto-kun... Naahaha.

R&R Please!