Chapter 13

After Kyuubi had left Asumi with accordance to Sasuke's wishes, Kyuubi ended up calling a taxi to take him back to his apartment. He wasn't acquainted with that part of town and he thought it'd be easier grabbing a taxi rather than taking the public bus like he usually did.

When he arrived at his apartment complex, Kyuubi paid the driver who was kind enough to have not engaged him in an unwanted conversation throughout the ride. He needed the silence to reflect on his thoughts.

Since his call with Sasuke, Kyuubi found himself engulfed in this strange sensation of paranoia. He couldn't seem to shake off the haunting feeling that he was being watched. He kept glancing around every second, his movements erratic as every little sound caused him to flinch. He was on edge, he hasn't been this nervous in years.

It concerned him as to why he was feeling like this now, and the meaning behind it. Kyuubi kept his head down as he walked through the lobby towards the elevator. His thoughts were in disarray as he thought over his conversation with Sasuke.

He genuinely believed that someone else had been on the phone alongside Sasuke. He didn't-have evidence and Sasuke had not made any inclination towards his assumption, but Kyuubi could feel another presence. Whether his suspicion was fueled by his paranoia, Kyuubi was sure something wasn't right.

The elevator arrived with a loud ding causing Kyuubi to flinch horribly with wide eyes and a loud gasp. He glanced inside the empty metal that had caused his entire body to become rigid with fright. Kyuubi closed his eyes, inhaling a deep breath before he exhaled slowly and stepped inside. He scoffed at his behavior. He was losing it.

Kyuubi situated himself into the back of the elevator, leaning his body against the metal rail. He looked ahead and took in the scenery. A few residents lingered here and there with the usual desk attendant at his post. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. This made him relax and exhale a deep breath of relief.

It must be true what they say. Home is the safest place a person can be in.

"Sorry."

Kyuubi saw the hand before he heard the voice. His hands grasped the cold rail behind him tighter as he once again stared into the lobby. A man had entered the elevator just when the doors were about to shut. The scene was like a horror movie and maybe it would've been a normal action if Kyuubi was not already on the verge of collapsing from apprehension.

Kyuubi kept his eyes on the ground, not looking up at the stranger in front of him.

"Sorry about that." A voice suddenly said with a nervous laugh.

Kyuubi looked up to see the man sheepishly rub the nape of his neck. He was dressed in a casual attire, seeming to be anywhere between his mid to late twenties. Kyuubi relaxed his tensed shoulders. He continued to watch the man and instantly lowered his eyes when the man turned to look at him. Kyuubi can't comprehend why he suddenly felt strangely awkward.

The confined space of the elevator wasn't helping much either.

"I hope you don't mind me prying but are you okay?" The man turned around in his spot to face Kyuubi who stood behind him. A kind smile spread across his face.

The man has seen Kyuubi here and there occasionally. He had wanted many times to talk to Kyuubi, but always found himself lacking the confidence to approach him. Kyuubi wasn't all that intimidating. He was of average height and had a feminine physique. Yet, he had this confidence about himself that didn't come off as cocky but as someone who knew their worth.

That's what made the man nervous to introduce himself to Kyuubi. Instead, he crept in the shadows and shyly watched Kyuubi. The odd thing now was that he has never seen Kyuubi nervous before. For some reason as a stranger, it worried him.

Kyuubi watched the stranger skeptically. He averted his eyes to the buttons of the elevator and saw they were going to the same floor. Kyuubi found it strange. Obviously, he hasn't met every resident living on his floor but he's seen most of them and not once had he seen this man. Maybe, he was visiting a resident on that floor. Yeah, that might be it.

Coming back to reality, Kyuubi instinctively stepped back from the invasive hand that waved back and forth in his face. He relaxed when he heard a gentle laugh, and he looked up to find the man's face again. He was tall.

"I didn't mean to frighten you. You seemed lost in space and you were just staring at me. Well, you see, I got kinda flustered." His wide grin nearly reached his ears. "I am a little concerned, though. You seem nervous about something."

"No, it's nothing." Kyuubi muttered. His eyes trailed over the man's physique. He had some muscles and weight to him. Kyuubi noticed he had a very cute face, soft features that didn't quite match his athletic built. "There's no need to worry about me." He assured.

"I'm glad to hear it. The name is Kae, by the way." He offered his hand to Kyuubi.

Kyuubi hesitantly reached out and shook the hand. "Kyuubi."

The man nodded to the introduction with a weird grin on his face. Kyuubi couldn't quite understand the strange vibe he was receiving. There was something odd about him.

"I find it amusing that I live right next door to you and I'm just now introducing myself to you." Kae shuffled his hands inside his pockets as he tilted his head. "To be honest with you, I've been waiting for this moment to happen for some time now. I've always wanted to introduce myself to you but- well I guess you can say, I'm a little shy." He laughed awkwardly, his hand brought up to once again rub the nape of his neck.

Kyuubi offered a small smile. "I'm flattered but there's no reason to be shy. I don't bite." Kyuubi continued to take in the man's features. His eyes were round and a deep shade of brown, strangely making him resemble that of a puppy.

"I hope I'm not too forward but I just want to say that you're very beautiful. I just thought that – wow you probably think I'm a creep." Kae slumped himself against the metal wall, burying his head in his hands in embarrassment. "I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable." His eyes watched the floor with guilt.

Kyuubi chuckled awkwardly. Strange, he acted like a child almost. The ding of the elevator sounded and the doors slid open. Being a proper gentleman, Kae stepped aside and allowed Kyuubi to exit first before he followed suit.

They walked in silence down the hall until they arrived at their front doors. Kyuubi went to look for his keys while Kae knocked the door of his apartment. Kyuubi thrust the key into the lock, and turned when the door beside him swung open. Out ran a small girl that looked to be the same age as his son.

"Big brother, you're back." The girl greeted in excitement, her small figure hugging the tall legs of her brother tightly.

Kyuubi watched as Kae picked up the young girl and sat her on his waist. He pinched her cheeks playfully, emitting giggles from the child. Kyuubi was quick to look away when Kae turned to him and he focused on unlocking his door.

Gosh, he hoped he hadn't been caught staring, that would be so awkward.

"Really, I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable in the elevator." Kae gave a small smile when Kyuubi turned to face him. "If I did, I'm genuinely sorry."

Kyuubi was stunned. There were many well-mannered respectful people out there in the world but whenever he met one, it was always shocking.

"No, it's okay. You didn't cause any offense." Kyuubi gave him a warm smile.

Kae nodded. He's just about to bid his farewell when his sister's small voice interrupted him.

"You're really pretty." The little girl chimed. She hid her face in the crook of her brother's neck when Kyuubi glanced her way.

"Thank you. You're much prettier than me." Kyuubi smiled widely when she whined cutely in embarrassment.

Kae joined in the laugh. He waved Kyuubi a goodbye and entered his apartment. Kyuubi stood there and simply watched the door. Even then, he still felt uneasy. Kae had done nothing out of the ordinary to make him feel this way yet he couldn't will away the odd feeling towards the man.

"I'm home."

Kyuubi announced his presence as he closed the door behind him. He walked further into his apartment. His son immediately came running to him but Kyuubi verbally stopped the small boy who was covered in flour and batter from embracing him.

"Baby, look at the state of you."

"We are making cookies!" Jay shouted excitedly, running back into the kitchen with his mother following after him.

"Hello, uncle Kyuu." Kota greeted cutely with his attention focused on his little hands molding the batter into a cookie like shape beside his mother. "We're making cookies." He said happily.

"I can see that." Kyuubi went over to the counter, standing across from the smiling trio happily engaged in their baking. He watched his son who was now kneeled over the top of one of the tall stools, his little hands molding cookies alongside Kota.

"Well, that was quick. What did he say, hello and goodbye?" Yugito removed the tray of cookies from the counter and slid them inside the oven behind her. She tilted her head to remove the fallen hair strands from her face. She then glanced over to Kyuubi and she could practically feel the nervousness radiating off him. "What's wrong?"

Kyuubi averted his eyes from the boys to Yugito. He cleared his throat as he loosened his hair from the ponytail it was fashioned in. "Nothing. Something came up so Itachi had to cancel."

"Wow, so he's not only an asshole. He's an egotistic maniac." Yugito said matter of factly, purposely ignoring the glare she received. "I'm just saying." She held her hands up in defense.

Kyuubi closed his eyes and brought his hands up to massage his temples. His eyes then snapped open and he quickly glanced around. "Is Naruto not back, yet?"

"Nope, he is not." Yugito answered. "Well, at least when he comes home there'll be cookies waiting for him." She chuckled. "You know how much that boy loves sweets."

"Yeah." Kyuubi tightened his jaw. He was worried.

Naruto's been gone for a while. Just what kind of project was he doing? If there even was a project to begin with. It wouldn't be that far off for Naruto to have lied to him. For now, he'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But, he'll definitely be needing answers when Naruto returns.

For now, all Kyuubi was concerned about was if his brother was safe wherever he was.

Naruto walked downstairs into the living room of Kiba's home with a duvet loosely wrapped around his shirtless body. His silver chain was illuminated over his bare chest from the dim lighting of the room. He ran his fingers through his soft hair, situating himself comfortably over one of the sofas in the room. He looked down on his phone, browsing his social media while he purposely ignored the few text messages he received from Kyuubi. He soon grew bored and threw his phone beside him.

Naruto settled on watching a random anime displayed on the wide television screen. He's somewhat content for the few minutes he had to himself to just let go of everything and have a moment of distraction.

Some minutes later, Kiba returned. He gave Naruto a small greeting as he passed through the living room into the kitchen to set aside the plastic bags of food he carried.

"What did you get?" Naruto questioned as he walked over to the counter, the duvet is discarded from his body and left over the sofa. "I hope you got some rice cakes." He peered through the bags and pulled out a bag of chips. "Did you get anything to drink?"

"Come here." Kiba grabbed a tight hold of Naruto's arm and forcefully dragged him out of the kitchen into the living room. He shoved Naruto aside when they're by the couch. He stepped back, hard eyes firm on Naruto.

"Sheesh, I'm sorry I asked. No drinks, then."

Kiba rolled his eyes and tightened his jaw. He's become accustomed to Naruto's sarcasm, but now definitely wasn't the time for it. Even if admittedly it was one of the many qualities about Naruto that Kiba found attractive. Naruto was a challenge and he liked that.

Naruto sat back down on the couch and instantly wrapped himself in the duvet as he made himself comfortable. He opened the bag of chips in his hand. He gasped in shock when the small bag is ripped from his hands, some of its contents spilling on him, before it's tossed over to the opposite couch.

"Are you serious?" Naruto arched his brow as he glanced up at Kiba who glared down on him. He then ducked away when Kiba reached towards him, and he shouted in discontent when he's forcefully pulled up and rough hands rip away the duvet from his body. "The fuck is your problem?" Naruto exclaimed with a shove at Kiba's chest.

Kiba's intense eyes stared at the small pendent over Naruto's chest. "I thought you said your father gave you that necklace." He voiced calmly in an accusing tone.

Naruto arched an eyebrow at the random question. "Why do you suddenly care about my necklace?"

"That Uchiha guy had the same necklace. What's your relationship with him?"

"What, you jealous or something?" Naruto had a smug look on his face. He suddenly chuckled, his amused laugh quickly halting when Kiba gave him a warning glare. "So it's okay for you to fuck whoever you want but when I do the same thing, it's a problem?"

"You with him?"

"I really don't see how that's any of your business. We're not exclusive, remember?"

"Naruto." Kiba's husky voice is deeper than usual. His tone is harsh and the name is spoken in a way that sent a chill down Naruto's spine. "Don't fuck with me, right now. I'm not in the mood." He inhaled deeply. "What's your relationship with Sasuke fucking Uchiha?"

"He's a childhood friend." Naruto said with a roll of his eyes. He frowned when his words did nothing to nullify the anger swimming within dark green eyes.

"You're bullshitting me." Kiba licked over his lips as he began to stalk over to Naruto, his demeanor threatening. "You're a fucking liar. You told me your dad gave you that necklace. He gave one to that bastard too?"

Naruto shrugged uncaringly. "Guess he did." He went to walk pass Kiba when his arm was gripped tightly and he's shoved into the couch with Kiba standing above him. "Stop grabbing me like that!" Naruto grabbed the decorative pillow and swung it at Kiba who caught it in his hands. "Seriously, you need to calm the fuck down." Naruto warned with a deep frown. "I swear if you hit me again Kiba, you'll never see me again."

Kiba gazed into unflinching blue eyes and when he found no sign of weakness, he stepped back and sighed deeply. He ran his hands through his wild curls. Naruto's words resurfaced a painful memory that has his raging anger simmering down immediately. He bit the corner of his bottom lip as he willed away a scene between his mother and father. He recalled the same words spoken to his father by his mother.

Kiba cursed lowly as he rubbed the nape of his neck. "I just want you to be honest with me." Kiba can't fathom the rush of sudden emotions that's unfamiliar. He wasn't the jealous type, and he had no reason to be. He didn't believe in relationships, that's why he and Naruto never formally established one.

Kiba can't comprehend where this foreign emotion stemmed from. He's never been the jealous type. He encouraged unfaithfulness within so called relationships. He didn't get the concept of monogamy. He was the last person to be angry if Naruto was in fact seeing someone else. He understood this, yet he can't help the strain he felt in his chest and the anger that coursed through him at the thought.

Naruto exhaled sharply as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Let's just drop it, okay?" He chewed on the inside of his cheek when the raw anger swimming within Kiba's eyes resurfaced. He watched cautiously as Kiba's fists clenched and unclenched in a timely manner.

"Whatever." Kiba finally said, shattering the deadly silence instantly. His hard glare doesn't falter as he looked over Naruto's body in a slow calculating manner. "You don't owe me anything. Fuck, do I care who you fuck?" He shrugged his shoulders and turned to leave.

"Wait." Naruto ran after Kiba just in time to stop him from leaving the apartment. He alarmingly cowered back when Kiba raised his hand to shrug him off. "I'm sorry."

Kiba gave him a look of disdain. "I don't need you to apologize."

"Then stop making me feel like I need to." Naruto sounded desperate, his blue eyes wavering. "I didn't sleep with him. He's just a childhood friend, nothing more." He inwardly cringed from how weak he sounded, pleading to of all people fucking Kiba. "It's just a stupid necklace." He hurriedly unhooked the chain from his neck and tossed it to the side, not caring where it landed. "It doesn't mean anything."

Kiba stood unmoving. "Prove it."

Naruto looked deep into Kiba's eyes. Somehow, hoping he could find a glimpse of the kinder Kiba to try and reason with. When he saw nothing but resentment and distrust within jaded eyes, he drew in a deep breath. Apprehensively, he approached Kiba. He gazed deeply into Kiba's eyes as he lifted himself up on his toes and captured Kiba's lips in a soft kiss. His hands trailed up Kiba's chest and clasped behind his neck. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss and he moaned softly when he felt Kiba's rigid body relax against him.

Naruto pulled back when he felt Kiba's warm hands caress his bare waist. "I don't want you to turn me away." Like everybody else. The last part doesn't leave his lips. "I should've told you about him earlier."

For a moment, Naruto just stayed in Kiba's arms. He's hoping this is where the argument would subside and they'll resolve their little miscommunication. He smiled, noticing a change in Kiba's demeanor. The sudden swift motion of his body being whirled around and shoved into the wall has Naruto gasping loudly and his eyes widening.

"Yea, you should've." Kiba practically growled in a tone that's harsh and decisive. He held Naruto's uncertain gaze for a moment before rough hands forced him around. He leaned over, his hand around Naruto's neck as he trailed wet kisses and harsh bites on soft tan skin. "You want me to stop?"

Naruto shook his head meekly and muttered a soft no, permitting rough hands to strip him naked. He pushed his hands against the wall, feeling the dry paint against his dull nails as he tried to grip the wall for some kind of support. He exhaled shakily, warm tears brewing in his eyes as he struggled to swallow the lump in his throat.

Aggressive and rough, Kiba allowed him the escape he needed. As harsh movements thrust his body into the wall, with force that's sure to leave bruises, he concentrated on forcing himself to believe that this was okay. Naruto ignored the harsh fingers that dug into his ribs, the hand that shoved his head against the wall to keep him steady.

Desperate of relieve, he tried to recall sweet moments between him and Kiba. Of a time, where he and Kiba didn't fight but instead shared memorable whispers of sweet nothings. Of a moment he shared with Kiba where they didn't get high or drown themselves in liquor. Those moments did exist. Most of which consisted of Naruto listening to Kiba's hopes and dreams about being the best soccer player in Japan and Naruto being supportive of the idea.

Naruto can't recall a time where he's the one talking about his dreams, where he's being supported. Insults and harsh words mix with invaluable compliments from Kiba rush him with the force of a powerful wave. For the first time, Naruto began to honestly question the toxic nature of his relationship with Kiba.

Sasuke's falling in and out of sleep. It was late in the evening and he was extremely exhausted, both physically and mentally. At the moment, he was sat within the recovery room near the hospital bed his beloved laid in soundly asleep. He was beyond relief when he was notified that the small procedure to stitch Analeina's wounded wrist had been successful. He was extremely thankful when assured his angel would make a smooth recovery.

When he had first arrived, he was immediately asked questions regarding Analeina's injury. With that sort of injury, excited minds grew concerned regarding Analeina's mental health. Even after Sasuke had explained that it was not a self-inflicted injury, hospital guidelines insisted Sasuke completed some forms regarding the nature of the injury, amongst other details. When Analeina woke up from her medicine induced sleep, she would be required to likewise complete forms regarding her injury and her relationship with the Uchiha.

Sasuke understood this and complied fully with the hospital's terms. Despite his fatigue and irritation, he remained polite and maintained the respectful and high class image of his family's name and status.

Hours have passed since Analeina's procedure. In order to relieve her of some pain and discomfort, the doctors had sedated her. Her bandaged right hand lied over her side, attached to a few machines stationed beside the bed. Her other hand that was free of wires was held lovingly within Sasuke's larger hand. The pad of his thumb soothingly massaged small circles over the soft skin.

Sasuke eventually dozed off, losing the battle against sleep, his heavy eyelids finally fell shut. Just as quickly as he fell asleep, he abruptly caught himself and swiftly peeled his eyes opened. He gazed at Analeina, silently watching her, attentively blinking when closed eyes began to twitch and slowly fluttered open.

"Angel." The endearing term left him like a breath of fresh air. He sat up and leaned forward when he felt slim fingers slowly intertwine with his own. He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss on the knuckles of the slightly pale skin.

"S-sasuke…" Analeina rasped out softly, her hand held Sasuke's hand tighter as she tilted her head to stare at the beautiful man beside her. "What's going on?" She asked in a small weak voice.

"Shh..." Sasuke lifted his hand caressed the side of her face. He smiled when she hummed contently from the soothing gesture. "It doesn't matter now. All that matters now is that you're awake." His voice wavered, momentarily exposing his vulnerability that he only wore proudly around the woman in front of him.

"Where am I?" The question came out startled in a tired voice. She began to force her body to move, rejecting the gentle hands that maneuvered to keep her down. "I'm alright, babe." She assured softly. She's thankful when Sasuke granted her the freedom to sit up and she immediately inspected the unfamiliar setting. "I'm in a hospital?" She turned her gaze over to Sasuke. "How are you here with me right now?"

Sasuke leaned forward and pressed the back of his hand over Analeina's forehead. "You don't seem to have a fever." He retrieved his hand away and sighed deeply. "What's the last thing you remember?"

The question stirred her odd. She blinked as she watched Sasuke, the man evidently fatigued and troubled. The Sasuke sat before her now wasn't the confident Sasuke she's come to know, admire, and love. She's seen this Sasuke once or twice before, and often her kind words of assurance was enough to console him. At the moment, she was the one in need of consoling.

"The last thing I remember–"Analeina went to move her hand but frowned when the movement is restricted. She glanced down beside her and gasped silently at the sight of her bandaged wrist with a tint of red over the white cloth. She lowered her head as the memories forcefully rushed her with zero warning. "There was this Japanese man. He said his friend was injured and he needed help. He grabbed my hand and took me to him and I…" She turned her gaze to Sasuke. "Sasuke, am I in Japan?"

Sasuke gave a silent nod. He wanted to say more but now was the time for him to listen. Figure everything out, and then reflect and take it from there on.

"I- I was, how is this possible?" Her shaking voice and fearful tone matched the hysteria on her face. "Sasuke, I- I was just America and – and I was brought here? What the hell is going on?"

"I'll explain everything to you, later."

Analeina wrenched her hand from Sasuke's hold, shocking both Sasuke and herself. "No, explain it to me now." She was frightened, terrified at the thought of the events that had transpired these past days. She needed some clarification.

"I said I'll explain, later." Sasuke repeated calmly. He exhaled deeply as he rubbed his temples. "Right now, I need you to trust me."

"Trust you?!"

"Ana!"

Sasuke hard eyes glared at the woman that gawked at him in both bewilderment and fear. Not once has he in their two years of relationship yelled at her. He never raised his voice to her when they had disagreements, not when he was angry, not once. Sasuke brought his head into his hands as he breathed in deeply. He needed to get a grip. He needed to not give Shisui the satisfaction of having this much of an effect on him.

Analeina breathed in and shook her head. She sighed and molded her lips together as she tore her eyes from Sasuke. She furrowed her eyebrows and pursed her lips. "Sasuke, you need to understand why I'm afraid."

Sasuke removed his face from his hands and ran both his hands through his soft locks. "I do understand, angel."

Analeina's head swiftly snapped over to Sasuke. "I don't think you do." Her frown deepened. "I could have died." She scoffed. "But instead of explaining things to me, explaining to me why I was kidnapped and brought to a foreign country and assaulted, you want to remain secretive."

"Angel, all I ask is that you trust me." Sasuke's brown eyes lifted up and desperately tried to attain some sort of affection from the hard hazel eyes hat glared at him. "I can't begin to understand what you're going through but I need you to rest now. After you're released, I will explain everything to you." He stood up and sat over the small space just beside Analeina's waist. His right hand caressed the slightly matted caramel curls, tucking a lose curl behind small ears. "You have no idea how much it pains me to see you like this." He leaned over and softly kissed the cute button nose, then slightly pale cheeks, and full soft lips. "I need you to trust me, angel."

Hesitantly, Analeina nodded her head. Though not fully convinced, she remained skeptical. Nonetheless, she found enough assurance in Sasuke's love and affection to calm her nerves down for now. She raised her head and captured Sasuke's lips into a gentle kiss. "I do trust you." She leaned her forward against Sasuke's. "But this is beyond anything else we've experienced. I'm just afraid Sasuke."

Sasuke stared deeply into her eyes, his hand caressing her cheek, the soft strands of her light brown hair dancing against his fingers. "I know you are." Sasuke whispered soothingly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. But now, I'm here, and I'll keep you safe. You have nothing to fear."

Analeina nodded, settling herself comfortably within Sasuke's warm and loving embrace. "I love you." She whispered softly.

Sasuke kissed her forehead lovingly. "I love you more, angel." He kissed her again. "I'll let the twins know you're awake." Sasuke smiled and hesitantly pulled away. When he's assured by Analeina that she'll be alright, he headed out the door.

Outside Sasuke informed the twins that Analeina had woken up, and they simply nodded. He made sure to let them know not to question her regarding the kidnapping incident, and to refrain from asking her too much questions. Simply put, he wanted them to keep the conversation to a minimal and allow her to rest.

Sasuke felt the awkwardness that still lingered between him and his bodyguards. He wanted to take a minute with them and settle their little dispute, perhaps give them an apology. But, Sasuke deemed it was the wrong place and not the right time. He headed down the opposite way and glanced back to find the twins no longer outside the door. He was lucky his bodyguards loved and cared for his beloved almost as much as he did. It seemed they would do anything to protect her. It was assuring to know the love was rooted that deeply.

The cold breeze of the night was refreshing against Sasuke's skin. As he leaned against the railing of the hospital balcony, he watched over the city scenery, breathing in and out slowly. Today was a hell of a day yet he's thankful for the experience. Clearly, he has been too naïve for too long. He was foolish, thinking he could handle Shisui on his own. Like he was some comic book fucking super hero, ready to swoop down and single-handedly save the day. Obviously, he's mistakenly discredited Shisui for way less than he was. He won't make that mistake ever again.

This fight was no longer his to fight.

Sasuke glanced down at the cellphone in his hand. With one call everything changes. Whether for the better or worse he wasn't entirely sure. All he knew was that he had to do what he should've done five years back. Kyuubi would no doubt be angry with him for what he was about to do. However, there was no going back.

Sasuke straightened his body as he brought the phone to his ear. Two rings and his brother's voice were heard.

"What do you want? I'm a busy man." Itachi said in his usual monotone voice.

"It's about Kyuubi. It's time I told you the truth."

Sasuke turned around and once again glanced over the scenery, his expression stoic as he waited for his brother's response.

"I'm listening."

Kyuubi forgive me.

Naruto had returned home late in the night with the mother of all headaches, and a slight limp in his step. He quietly shut the door and shrugged off his shoes. He turned and he wasn't the least bit surprised to find his brother sat over on the couch watching him with a disapproving look.

"Hey." Kyuubi greeted him. "You're coming home pretty late." His eyes followed Naruto who went to walk past him.

"Yeah." Naruto replied simply.

"Jay wouldn't sleep until you came home." Kyuubi kept his eyes on Naruto's back. He waited until Naruto turned to face him before he continued. "We watched a few cartoons and he eventually fell asleep."

Across Kyuubi's lap was little Jay who was snuggled cozily over his mother's lap in the small blanket that was wrapped warmly around him. Naruto felt his heart clench and he automatically felt guilty. He walked over to his brother, his gaze never leaving his nephew as he lowered himself down and brought the sleeping child into his arms.

"I'll take him to his room." He pressed the boy closer to his chest. He cooed him back to sleep when Jay stirred from the shift in position and Naruto quietly shushed him. Inside the room, he laid his nephew onto the small mattress, tucking him in warmly before he placed a soft kiss to Jaron's cheek. "Good night, baby boy." He whispered, smiling when Jay snuggled deeper into the warmth of the cozy bed.

Naruto glanced over to the clock on the wall by the bed. It was nearly 11 pm. This was early for him since he usually came home much later but still, it was later than he thought. He didn't realize just how long he had spent at Kiba's. He shuddered, taking a moment to breathe and will away the painful memories. As if on cue, a sharp pain in his side caused him to wince as he massaged the tender area with his hand.

Naruto walked out of the room and closed the door behind him quietly. He turned and frowned at the sight of his brother who was leaned against the wall in front of him with a stern look. "What?"

"Can I see your project?" Kyuubi asked in a soft voice.

Naruto rolled his eyes and moved to go to his room. "There is no project. But you already knew that." He really didn't have the energy for this.

Kyuubi grabbed Naruto's shoulder when he went to walk away, pulling him back and he quickly removed his hand when Naruto gasped loudly in discomfort. "I'm sorry." He furrowed his brows. He hadn't grabbed Naruto that hard. "Are you okay?"

Naruto inhaled and closed his eyes. In all seriousness, he wasn't okay. He was terrified, confused, and in pain. He was shaken up, and he needed someone to talk to. He needed someone to confide in, someone to protect him from it all. But that person wouldn't be Kyuubi, not when all Kyuubi ever did was blatantly lie over and over again.

"Naruto?"

"Just leave me the fuck alone!" Naruto yelled out in frustration, his words harsh and his stare hard.

"Tell me where you were. The truth and I'm not asking." Kyuubi demanded sternly. He crossed his arms over his chest and watched Naruto with stern eyes.

A moment of silence settled between them, adding on to the rising tension. Kyuubi softened his features and gazed wide eyed when Naruto began to laugh hysterically. He sounded almost maniacal and Kyuubi lowered his arms, staring in shock and becoming extremely concerned.

"What the hell happened to you?"

Naruto pushed back some strands of hair that had fallen over his face when he had lowered his head in laughter. Naruto's suddenly caught off guard when his head was held and nudged lightly to the side with his brother's finger prodding at his neck.

"Naruto, what the hell is this?" Kyuubi questioned loudly in shock. He stared in shock, stricken from the sight of the many harsh bite marks and hickeys that littered Naruto's skin.

"Get the fuck off me!" Naruto shouted, smacking his brother's invading hand away while his eyes glared heatedly at Kyuubi's shocked expression. Now, he was really pissed off. As if Kyuubi already didn't know he was seeing someone. He was the one that gave him permission to get birth control, after all. He was so hypocritical.

Every word that came out of Kyuubi's mouth was a lie but he felt offended when Naruto turned around and did the same to him. Naruto rolled his eyes at the thought, cursing underneath his breath. The day he turned eighteen and collected his portion of his parent's wealth couldn't come any sooner. To finally be able to get the fuck out of this place and escape his psycho of a brother.

"I make it my business to not get in your relationship. But Naruto, that's not normal. If he's hurting you-"

"Shit, you're so goddamn annoying. I don't care how much you look like mom, you're not her. Get that through your thick head." Naruto's face was mere inches from his brother who cowered back from how close he was to him. Naruto gritted his teeth as he shoved Kyuubi away from him, not the least bit concerned by the harsh impact of his brother's back colliding with the wall behind him.

"Sometimes I wish their life could be exchanged for someone else's." Naruto said in a whisper, his glare burning straight into his brother's wide eyes. He snarled at him before he turned and walked down into his room, slamming the door shut behind him as a further indication that the discussion was over.

If you could even call what just happened a discussion.

Kyuubi sighed as he slid down the wall behind him. Just when he thought he was getting somewhere with Naruto this happens. Naruto's harsh words repeat and taunt him in his head. As much as he tried to not let it get to him, the silent tears that hurriedly escaped his eyes made it evident of his hurt feelings. Some point in his life he had said those same words to himself. Maybe if their parents were still alive, Naruto wouldn't be in this much pain. They would be able to help him in the areas he wasn't capable.

All these years, Naruto had been right, he was selfish.

He had turned Itachi away. He turned his little brother away. He even turned his own son away. Everything he's done that he thought was in the best interest of others was misconstrued was in the best interest for only himself. All these years, everything he's done, sacrificed, had he done it to protect himself. Maybe he wasn't the hero he thought he was all along. Maybe, the problem wasn't Shisui. All these years, maybe it was him. He didn't know what was right anymore. The lines grew thinner and thinner.

The thought of it has the tears rapidly falling down his face and wetting his bare arms. Sasuke was right. He couldn't fight this battle alone. He needed Itachi.

Thank you for reading everyone. So what do you guys think of the story so far? Any favorite characters?