Ok here's the next chapter and boy did I update quick! Hope you all enjoy and continue to review my story. I'm glad to say that since I got so many reviews so fast that I got the initiative to write this up. So many plot turns and crazy things happening! Hope you enjoy and please review!

A little more than a week had passed since the confession in Neji's room took place and Naruto was helping Hinata make lunch in the kitchen. It was a very hot summer day and Naruto absently stirred the lemonade in the picture while Hinata fixed sandwiches. He had decided on wearing a pair of straight jean shorts with a wife-beater. He noticed Hinata's denim shorts and lavender tank-top that showed off her long legs and her chest. He took note of her hair which was put up in a tight bun making him wonder how she did it.

He smiled goofily when he thought about how they had become close in the few days that they had spent together while Neji spent most of his mornings and afternoons teaching his students. Naruto remembered the day when he sat in one of his lessons and smiled at the scene. Yes Neji was a stern teacher but a kind one at that. If a student couldn't do the required move that he had taught, he took them aside and showed them again, fixing any wrong stances that had that was making them mess up. Naruto could tell that Neji loved teaching his students and he liked that. To have something that you love to do and continue to get to do it was something very rare and hard to find.

"Naruto?" Hinata questioned bringing him out of his thoughts. Naruto laughed lightly and scratched the back of his head lightly acknowledging her. "Hehe… you started daydreaming and I saw that you haven't added the sugar yet. Lessons are going to end soon and I just finished making the sandwiches." She laughed as she turned around abruptly, opening the freezer and grabbed a few ice trays.

Naruto's eyes widened and he smiled childishly at her. "Sorry bout that Hinata, I was thinking of everything that has happened since I came here and I enjoyed every minute of it." He smiled taking note of the blush that crept on her cheeks.

"It's ok Naruto, and I'm glad you got to come here to stay. If you want I can help you pour the sugar." Hinata asked as she placed the trays on the counter. Naruto nodded and got the measuring cup and took the sugar from the cupboard. He laughed when he let Hinata open the package when she began having a hard time trying to open it. It was glued too much and she couldn't open it. She sighed and looked at the blond with embarrassed eyes as she pushed the sugar to him so he could open it. Naruto nodded and secured his fingers under the tab and easily opened it.

"Here" Hinata said as she gave Naruto the measuring cup and he steadily poured it. He nodded when it was enough and Hinata smiled lightly as she emptied it into the mixture. "Thanks Naruto" she quipped when she finished pouring.

"It's fine Hinata" Naruto said as he placed the sugar back and found her stirring it already. He grabbed the ice on the counter and started putting them inside of the mix.

"Mhmm I smell lemons." Neji said as he walked inside from the back patio. He smiled at the two in the kitchen and came up behind Hinata and gave her a hug. "Morning Hinata" he said softly. She giggled and nodded at the comment and continued to stir and Neji smiled at the blond. "And good morning to you too Naruto." He said.

Naruto blushed lightly and tilted his head to the side cutely. "So how was practice today?" Naruto asked.

Neji laughed and took off his gong fu top and sighed. "Well it's hot as ever and I had to open all the doors. I sweated too much in my clothes, it was killing me but other than that class was good. The students did everything I asked." He replied walking to the laundry room, placing his top inside of the washer.

Naruto blushed and quickly turned his head in the other direction while Hinata note of the action and smirked a little. Naruto sighed and helped Hinata take the plate to the table and sat down heavily. He knew the anatomy of the male body but he was getting flustered over the smallest things. It was true that ever since that night in Neji's room it was hard to face him the same way and seeing how toned and flat Neji was made him accidentally glance his way.

"Lunch is ready" Hinata announced bring Naruto back from his thoughts. He really needed to get his head straight and worry about the important things. He smiled at her and grabbed a sandwich from the plate and started eating silently. Neji grabbed a few cups and brought them to the table and poured the three of them drinks.

"Thanks for the meal Hinata and Naruto. I appreciate it." He said taking a bite from his own sandwich as well. Hinata giggled and began eating as well.

Naruto absently let his mind wander to Iruka and he sighed. He must miss him so much, he knew it hurt Iruka how he had just left like that but he couldn't take it anymore. Itachi was insufferable. He felt a vibrate in his pocket and his eyes widened. There was only one person he gave his number to and it had to be him.

He quietly excused himself from the table making them send questioning glances to each other. Naruto quickly picked up the phone and answered.

"Hello?" he asked hesitantly.

"Yo" he heard the other answer. "I can't believe you put your number in such an odd place."

Naruto smiled into the phone as he heard his friend's voice. "You finally found it Shika. I was wondering when you were going to call."

"Well it would've helped that you told me you were leaving it… Though it's nice to finally hear your voice… How have you been?"

Naruto smiled as he gripped his phone. "I've been doing good so far, jus trying to screw my head back on though." He said walking upstairs to his room.

"I've missed you, you know. Everyone misses you man." Shikamaru sighed tiredly.

Naruto grimaced at the tone and sighed. "How are you holding up though Shika? You sound so tired is something wrong?"

There was a slight paused before he answered which scared the blond. "I'm fine but you shouldn't be worrying about me too much. Itachi has gone mad without you here."

Naruto gasped at the info and held the phone tighter in his hand as he closed the door behind himself. "What do you mean he's gone mad? What happened?" Naruto asked desperately.

He heard Shikamaru sigh and bit his bottom lip. "Itachi has been searching for you and has given up his position in the company. He confronted Kakashi and threatened him, wanting to find out where you are. As of this moment, no one knows where he is and Sasuke has been looking for him too."

Naruto gasped at the information. Itachi had given up his position for him? He couldn't believe something like that would happen, just because of him? "Are you serious Shika?" Naruto asked.

"Naruto yep it's all true. But can you tell me where you are?" he asked suddenly.

Naruto gulped as he thought quickly. "I trust you so please only let Iuka know ok. I'm a Neji's place."

"Really? I would've never thought you would be there…" he said.

Naruto sighed and ran a tired hand through his hair. "I feel bad for letting Iruka suffer through this so please only let Iruka know and please give him my number."

"Sure. Take care of yourself Naruto." Shikamaru said.

Naruto glanced at his phone awkwardly at Shikamaru's reply. It sounded as if he wanted to get off the phone. "Well of course I'm trying. I want you to take care of yourself too Shika."

"Ok but I gotta get going. I'm busy at the moment now."

Naruto frowned but let the brunette go anyways. "Ok… talk to you later then." He said as he hung up.

Neji frowned as he listened from the other side of the door. That meant that Naruto was beginning to give out his whereabouts and now people were going to come and get him. He didn't like he thought of Naruto trying to leave at all. He glared at the door as he bit his lip.

"Hey Naruto?" Neji quipped as he knocked on the door.

Naruto flipped his phone shut as he glanced at the door. Hopefully Neji didn't hear him tell Shikamaru where he was. "It's fine to come in Neji." Naruto smiled as he was greeted with and equal happy face. "Did you hear me talking?" Naruto asked sweetly, not trying to evoke and suspicion.

Neji cocked his head to the side and shook his head no. "I just came up here to check on you. You left the table very abruptly and Hinata got worried." Neji lied catching the hint of guilt etched on the blonds' face.

"Oh I'm sorry Neji. I didn't mean to worry you guys like that. I only had to take a phone call is all." Naruto frowned as he glanced away. Neji almost regretted telling Naruto a lie but almost. He had to make sure that Naruto was staying for good, no matter what.

"How about we go shopping for Hinata to apologize for making her worry?" Neji smiled as he extended his hand.

Naruto nodded happily as he took the outstretched hand. "Yeah that sounds good. But I'll go tell her before we leave that I didn't mean to make her feel that way." He confessed scratching the back of his head.

"No it's fine Naruto. I can tell Hinata while you get ready ok?" he said lying through his teeth. Naruto chuckled and nodded once Neji let go of his hand. "I'll meet you downstairs ok." He smiled closing the door behind himself.

Shikamaru bit his bottom lip as he got off the phone. He did not like the way he was being threatened at the moment. "I did what you said now don't you dare hurt him. If you ever lay a hand on him again I swear I'll be the one to make sure you get a one way ticket to hell." Shikamaru threatened as he glared fiercely.

"Doesn't matter now. I got what I needed to know so you're no longer of use to me Nara." Itachi hissed as he yanked the phone from the brunette's hand.

"You've gone crazy like everyone's saying. I doubt even Naruto would ever want you back after all the shit you have caused him." he spat fisting his palms.

Itachi rolled his eyes and brought the phone to the brunette's face. "As long as I get what I want, I don't care what measures I have to do to attain it. Naruto has me wrapped around his little finger and I would die for him. That's how much I love that blond to death." He smirked breaking the phone in half. "Maybe you're right but Naruto fell for me before and I can only hope that he could again." He smiled as he tossed the broken phone to the ground.

Shikamaru gritted his teeth as he saw the elder raven casually walk out of his front door. He had gone completely crazy…

Crazy in love…

"Bye Naruto, bye Neji! I'll see you two when you get back!" Hinata waved as she watched them disappear down the road. Naruto smiled at the beautiful woman that Hinata had become and could only adore her kind nature.

"By the way Neji, what is it that Hinata needed for dinner anyway?" Naruto asked as he adjusted his shirt. Neji just had to give him a plain blue shirt that barely reached his shorts. It kept riding up as he walked and it was getting uncomfortable because his belly and hips were showing a bit. Of course the little show didn't go unnoticed by Neji.

"She just wanted some greens, pork, and beef. She really wanted to make stew tomorrow." Neji smiled as they walked along the path. He even dressed himself in white baggy shorts and also wore a thin white shirt. Neji pulled his hair back and put it up in a ponytail to avoid as much sweating as possible from the blazing sun.

Naruto mentally agreed and shielded his eyes from the heat. It was extremely bright outside and the rays were making his eyes cringe. "How far is it to the market?" Naruto asked looking at the brunette.

Neji laughed lightly at the question. "The city must keep you inside most of the time it seems. Can't take a little heat?" Neji commented making the blond blush.

"No, can't you see from my amazing tan that I get a lot of sun?" Naruto said as he poked out his tongue playfully.

Neji scoffed as he folded his arms. "I knew you always had that tan as we were growing up and you know it. You don't even go to the beach I bet." He laughed making Naruto blush.

"So, doesn't matter and you still have not answered my question Neji." Naruto pouted glaring at the trail towards town.

Neji laughed lightly at the blonds' discontent. "It's right around here." He said walking in between two bushes and led the blond through some thick trees. "We're taking the shortcut." He smiled once Naruto saw the town.

"Wow it's smaller than I imagined." Naruto said as he raised a brow. Neji rolled his eyes and pulled the blond towards some stands where the people were selling products.

"Like I said, the city has corrupted your mind Naruto." Neji laughed catching the glare sent his way.

Neji smiled at the old woman selling the meat and nodded in thanks when she gave him his order. "All we need to get is some vegetables and then we can leave." Neji said taking hold of Naruto's wrist.

Naruto blushed at the contact and glanced away as he was dragged along by the brunette. He really couldn't understand Neji and his weird ways of connecting with people. He was always very sarcastic and nonchalant with the way he spoke, so now everything was confusing him.

Neji paid for the veggies and silently dragged the blond behind him. It was weird how Naruto wasn't speaking like he usually would and frowned when he turned back to saw a confused look on his face. "What is it Naruto?" Neji asked almost scaring the blond.

Naruto chuckled hesitantly as he smiled awkwardly. "It's nothing really Neji so you don't have to worry." He said bringing the brunette to a halt. "Is something the matter?"

Neji turned and faced the blond with a sad look making Naruto bit his lip. "Why wouldn't I care about you Naruto? Like I said you're important to me and I always want to know what's wrong, even if you think it's insignificant."

Naruto blushed and looked away so he could avoid eye contact. He knew he shouldn't have made Neji feel that way but for awhile now he didn't really have anyone to care about him… especially Itachi. "Hah… you're right Neji and I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. I think you're important to me too and I do find it hard to feel like I'm wanted. It's been awhile since I've been happy…" Naruto trailed off with downcast eyes.

Neji's breath hitched at the small confession. Naruto deserved so much more than Itachi could give him and even Gaara shun his doting feelings aside. He knew now that Naruto was the one for him even if Gaara didn't want anything to do with him.

"Naruto its fine. I promise that you'll never feel that way when you're with me because you'll always be one of my main priorities." Neji smiled making Naruto's heart skip a beat.

"Y-you mean that Neji?" Naruto asked hesitantly. Neji had to laugh at the question and of course he meant every word that he said.

"I promise." Neji said gripping Naruto's hand tightly. The blond smiled in acknowledgement as he was pulled. "Now let's get going before the food spoils."

Mikoto frowned as she folded her husband's laundry. He had to go into the company just for the sake of it to continue running and nobody knew where Itachi was. She was worried for her baby and she hoped and wished that he was ok but she knew Fugaku couldn't continue working anymore. He was growing old and had begun taking medication for his heart when he resigned his position and handed it over to Itachi…

She sighed as a few tears dropped from her pale but flawless cheeks onto her husband's dress shirt. What was going on with Itachi? She wiped the tears from her face when she heard the front door open. She quietly stood and put the rest of the clothes that were in the dryer into the basket and brought them along as she greeted her husband.

"Hello dear, how was your day?" she asked as she put down the laundry, taking his briefcase.

He sighed heavily and kissed her on the cheek as he smiled halfheartedly. "Stressful as usual without Itachi. Sasuke has become overwhelmed with all the work and with Naruto is gone everyone is dejected. I don't know what our knucklehead of a son could do to drive Naruto away like that but Itachi needs him dearly." Fugaku confessed to his wife.

Mikoto sighed and followed him to their bedroom as he sat down and began taking off his coat. "It seems Sasuke has found someone else besides Sai." Mikoto said to break the silence.

Fugaku looked up and hmphed. "Good for him. I hope he finds someone who will actually love him and not cheat on him." he rasped taking out his prescription out from his pocket. He popped the cap and took two pills dry and sighed.

Mikoto couldn't stand to see her love go through everything and take the brute of the punishment. It wasn't fair. "I need to talk with Sasuke and see how he's doing. I'd like to visit him and meet this new person in his life." She smiled as she placed his coat on its hanger.

"That seems like a good idea but I'd like to have a word with Nara. He was Naruto's closet friend and co-worker. I'd like to see how he's doing and what he knows." Fugaku sighed. Things were getting out of hand and it could only get worse if things didn't get resolved soon.

"Ok well I'll drop by and visit Sasuke tomorrow." She smiled and kissed her husband on the forehead, leaving him to get ready for bed.

The Next Day

Kiba frowned and growled angrily as he walked into Sasuke's bedroom finding him sprawled out in his bed snoring lightly, as if he had no cares in the world. He approached the bed silently and quickly removed the covers exposing the ravens bare chest. Sasuke groggily woke up and glared at the brunette who disturbed him from his sleep.

"Why'd you have to wake me up Kiba. I still got a few hours before I go in to work." Sasuke growled pulling the covers back so he could get comfy.

Kiba blanched at the statement. Did he even realize what time it was? "Sasuke you need to get up please. Its way past the time you're supposed to come in. it's almost noon." Kiba whined trying to convince his boss that he needed to get up.

Sasuke sighed heavily and opened an eye to glance at his digital clock next to his bed. Ugh… he was right. "I don't wanna." Sasuke whined turning over and ignoring the brunette.

Kiba's eyes widened at the childish way Sasuke was behaving. That was not how a boss should be acting towards his worker. "Sasuke I don't have time for your stubbornness. You gave me a spare to your door and I expect you at least respect me and get up and get ready for work." Kiba growled tugging at the sheets again.

Sasuke sighed as he held onto them tighter; making sure that Kiba couldn't pull them. "But I've worked 8 days in a row… and have worked overtime. I deserve at least one day off." He said pulling the sheets over his head.

Kiba frowned and gave up, releasing the sheets as he sat down at the edge of the bed. He knew he was defeated. "Sasuke who has been by your side the entire time and left at the same time as you. I'm in the same boat as you and I agree that you should deserve a break but Itachi is gone and Fugaku is the only one running the company at the moment. Don't you feel you should let your father have some rest instead?" Kiba sighed running a tired hand through his hair.

Sasuke heard everything Kiba had said and it was true. Kiba had been there when he stayed after hours continuing paperwork and filing away documents. He had been there too and he did agree that Fugaku deserved to rest. He glanced to the side guiltily when he saw the saddened expression on Kiba's face. He really did care for his and his father's wellbeing and he was happy.

"Well I guess I need to get up and get ready for work." Sasuke announced throwing the sheets off swiftly. Kiba's head jolted up and a smile adorned his face making Sasuke turn away out of embarrassment. Kiba could be cute sometimes.

"Do you really mean that Sasuke?" Kiba asked looking into Sasuke's eyes for an answer. The raven nodded silently confirming the brunette's question.

"Of course but I need to shower before I go in." Sasuke said scratching his belly tiredly as he pulled a towel from his closet.

Kiba blushed at the exposed skin and looked away quickly. "Ok I'll wait for you in the living room." He said as he saw Sasuke disappear into his bathroom.

Kiba closed Sasuke's bedroom door softly as he made his way into Sasuke's living room. He sat down and looked at his watch hesitantly. He hoped that Sasuke wouldn't take too long.

He smiled when he recalled the past week and how much better they had gotten. Sasuke had begun treating him better by talking to him and spending more time. He would come by his desk and Sasuke would ask him if he were busy later. Of course Kiba obliged and came along either way. They had finally opened up to each other and that same night when Sasuke asked Kiba to come over to his house, he gave Kiba a spare key. As you could probably guess, they started dating after that.

Kiba smiled at the key he held in his hand. He never really was in a real relationship and being in one with Sasuke could make him become more open and relaxed around people. He liked the thought of being close to Sasuke in that way. His thoughts were interrupted when a woman with beautiful long black/bluish hair walked in.

What the heck? Why would a woman be coming in here like she owns the place?

"Sasuke?" she said sweetly not noticing the brunette on the couch. Mikoto silently placed her purse on the counter in the kitchen and came to a halt when she saw Kiba sitting on the couch. "And who might you be?" she smiled walking closer to the brunette.

Kiba reframed from smiling when he heard Sasuke's bathroom door open from down the hall. He quickly got up and maneuvered around Mikoto, seeing the confused expression on her face. Why would a woman just waltz in her like she owned it? He shouted in his head as head as he opened Sasuke's bedroom door.

"Sasuke someone-

"Mother? What are you doing here?" Sasuke said cutting off the brunette who gasped. His mom? Oh wow he felt so stupid, how could he NOT see the resemblance there?

"Hello Sasuke, I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing and talk to you. Fugaku told me you would probably be home since you didn't show at work yet." She smiled coming closer to the raven that tightened his towel around his waist.

"Oh mother you don't have to do that. But it's nice seeing you again." Sasuke said, wrapping his arms around his mom's waist. They shared a brief moment before they pulled apart and smiled.

"But honey, who is this?" she questioned smiling at the brunette.

Kiba blushed and looked away embarrassed as Sasuke stood beside him. "This is my boyfriend Kiba and he works at the company.

Fugaku sighed as he shuffled throughout all the paperwork on Itachi's desk. Since his son had disappeared, no one was here doing it or even filing them away. So many contracts and business plans were left on his desk catching dust. He had to get that boy straight before all his hard work over the years would go down the drain like nothing.

Temari knocked on the door and then silently walked in bowing as she usually did. "Hello Mr. Uchiha. I have some documents from a neighboring company who wishes to consult a meeting concerning a merge with an international distributer." She announced handing the paperwork to him.

Fugaku sighed and pushed aside the worked he had in his hand to look over the plan she gave him. "Send in Shikamaru Nara for me please. I would like a word with him on a matter." He said putting on his glasses.

"Yes sir." She said bowing as she left smirking a bit when she realized she was heading over to the customer relations department. It's been awhile since she last saw the brunette and she was actually happy Fugaku had sent her here to fetch him. She smiled when she noticed a lazy employee swirling his coffee in his mug and she couldn't stifle the snicker that wanted to come out.

"I see someone isn't excited to be here." She laughed scaring the brunette a bit.

He sighed and smiled at her dejectedly. "I guess you can read me pretty well, other than Naruto." He said shaking his mouse so his computer could come off sleep mode.

Temari frowned and eyed him suspiciously. "Is something wrong? You usually don't mind my interruption." She said crossing her arms over her chest.

Shikamaru frowned and glanced at the blond. "I think something bad is going to happen. I can feel it." He said making Temari raise her brow.

"What do you mean? Does it have something to do with you?" she asked worried. She didn't mind torturing the brunette on her own terms but when someone else became a threat, then it became personal.

Shikamaru shook his head slightly. "Not really but I have to deal with it." He said reading over his work that he submitted to Fugaku earlier.

She frowned and unfolded her arms. "Is it something I can help with?" she asked.

"No it's impossible and I don't want you getting involved." He said shaking his head.

Temari inwardly cursed, glaring out the window. "Well, I hope things get better and Fugaku wants to speak with you." She said turning on her heals as she left.

Shikamaru sighed and watched at the blond left. "As I will always say, tch troublesome." He said aloud, meaning women. He tiredly got out of his seat and trudged over to Itachi's office and knocked on the door as he walked in.

"I heard you wanted to speak with me." He said to Fugaku who rubbed his temples.

"Yes, I do and last I hear, you were one the one who was closest to Naruto correct?" he said putting down the documents.

Shikamaru frowned and sat down in the chair in front of the desk. "That's true but I saw this coming already." He stated leaning his head back.

Fugaku took off his reading glasses and eyed the brunette curiously.

"Well then, where is Naruto."

YES! I finished the next chapter you guys. Wow I updated much sooner than I expected. But I doubt I'll update as quick next time. I appreciate all the comments and reviews you guys have sent me! Please R&R!

Until next time,

Urahara