Hello my lovely readers! Are you surprised to see me? Me too. Anyhow lets continue.

It's been so long since the warnings were posted I think it's about time we go over them. This story contains : Abuse, Rape, Sex, Self Injury, and Violence.

Naruto . . . Why can't you be mine?

Onward!

/-\\

I had known Minato since my first year of high school. He was a senior and was widely popular; his smile was contagious and he always looked to the world with a brightness in his eyes. As my senpai I looked up to him in many ways. Somehow he knew what advice to give and how to fix any difficult situation. I wasn't surprise when he graduated he wanted to get involved in politics. Not long after that everyone in Konoha knew his name and had nothing, but nice things to say.

By the time I had become a senior he and I were the closest of friends. I was there when he graduated from college, when he ran for mayor, and of course got married to Kushina Uzumaki. I was so happy for him. Unfortunately, it wasn't long after that things took a drastic turn for the worst. I was just finishing up my second year of college when I received a strange voice mail from Minato.

"Iruka, take care of Naruto." he said, his voice just barely over a whisper and strangled. Naruto was Minato and Kushina's newborn son; he was just born a few hours ago before then. I was worried by what Minato had meant so I thought it was about time I paid him a visit. When I had reached his home my heart was already pounding in my chest. I went to knock on the door, but it merely slid open with an eerie creek, cries that could only belong to Naruto resonating throughout the darkened building.

Quietly, I ventured inside shouting Minato's name, but my words went unanswered besides the continued crying. I could barely see my surroundings and the approaching storm was making it worse. With my hands out in front of me I sauntered down a nearby hall, towards the partially ajar door that allowed the moonlight's silhouette to pass through. As I got closer Naruto's cries seemed to grow louder and the thunder outside began to roll. Nervously, I peeked inside the room to see a small bundle on the edge of a messy king size bed.

I smiled as I pushed open the door and went over to the covers where small silks of sunshine peeked out. Naruto's cries continued even as I picked him up along with the bundles of fabric, quietly coddling the infant to my chest.

"Hush Naruto. It's okay." But my words were in vain for Naruto didn't quiet down. I rose my hand, stroking at his cheek yet that made the poor baby shriek louder. Frowning, I pulled my hand away, eyes widen as I glanced down at the boy. Lightening outside flew through the sky, but made it easier to see what I had been missing. I gasped, a small whimpering escaping my lips while I tugged off the blankets around him. The red stained fabric fell to the floor, but went ignored as I stared at the bloody wounds that marred Naruto's stomach and cheeks.

I held the weeping child to my chest, eyes still wide, stumbling from the bed in shock, but my back hit something hard. At first I thought it was a wall, yet as I turned I saw something swaying in the air. The lightning struck again and illuminated Minato's ghostly face, a rope around his neck.

"M-Minato...?" I whispered, expecting him to reply, but when he didn't I knew he was dead as if the unnatural length of his neck had not explained that. My heart berated in my chest, I couldn't look any longer at my dear friend. Going around him I ran away, disoriented behind the tears that were forming in my eyes. I stumbled into a different room, the scent of copper surrounding me. Chocking and staggering about I slipped on something wet, but was careful to protect Naruto as I hit the tile floor.

The tears in my eyes finally fell as I grabbed the nearest thing to help me up. It was cold and damp, but I figured it to only be the bathtub. I whined pathetically as I tried to get a hold of myself, but it was impossible. The lightening brought light to the new room barely, but it was enough however to see the red hair that I knew was Kushina's, my hand clutching her bloody wrist.

I released it immediately and rolled onto my back, Naruto's crying still continued through the home. Soon after mine had too.

Iruka sat quietly with Naruto in the kitchen, both staring at each other. Neither one wanted to speak first, the air around them thick. A small wall clocked ticked with each second, Iuka's finger tapping gently at the back of his hand with the same beat. How were they supposed to talk about things like this?

"I'm gay." Finally, Naruto spoke through the silence.

"So am I." And Iruka responded.

"I'm dating Sasuke."

"I'm dating Kakashi."

Then the silence returned, but this time without the tension; small smiles spreading on both their faces. There wasn't really a need to talk about it. They simply needed to tell each other what needed to be said.

"Why didn't you-" Both speaking at the same time, but stopping in an attempt to give each other a chance to talk.

"I didn't kn-"

"It was too s-"

Iruka and Naruto stopped speaking, blinking quietly at each other. Gently, Iruka placed his hand upon Naruto's, smiling as he stroked at it lovingly. "Let's just forget about it. I know you'll come to talk me about things when you're ready. I love you dearly Naruto."

Naruto grinned brightly, trying to hide the twinkle of blissful tears to his eyes. "I love you too Dad."

...What needed to be said.

/-\\

Gaara hummed, nuzzling his face into the curve of the male's neck. Neji smiled, holding his panda closely to his chest, his own legs on either side on the boy. They laid on panda's bed, comfortably snuggling together. Neji had returned with Gaara after the counseling session. It took the brunette forever to get his panda to this state. Inside he was seething when he thought he couldn't calm his panda down. He still wanted to bash Hiashi's head in, but he could wait for that. Right now he enjoyed holding his panda and was happy that Gaara had finally stopped crying.

Blinking Neji caught sight of something brown out of the corner of his eyes. Reaching carefully, as not to disturb the snuggling panda, he grabbed the object that was tucked beneath a ruffled blanket on the bed. He smiled, the object being an old brown bear, with buttons sewn as the eyes, and random stitching on its body.

"Who is this?" Neji asked, tilting his head to Gaara.

The said boy peeked from Neji's neck, shyly glancing to the bear, a small pink tinge crawling onto his face. "...Teddy." It was a little embarrassing to admit that, but Neji just found it to be cute.

"Teddy." Neji repeated, smiling to the bear. The bear wasn't very large, but he could imagine a toddler Gaara holding the bear, it practically being the length of his body. "It's nice to meet you Teddy. I'm Neji."

Gaara watched as Neji waved the bear's hand, smiling quietly. He remembered when he was young how Teddy was always there to comfort him on lonely nights. It was his first friend and he still loved Teddy very much.

"I didn't know you had such a fondness for bears." Neji smiled, bouncing the bear closer so it's round head and the tip of its little nose could nuzzle against the boy's exposed cheek. "You really are a panda."

Gaara scoffed, trying to hide his blush as he lowered his head. "I don't. It's just that one." He was obviously lying, but Neji could play along.

"That's too bad. They seem to be rather fond of you." Neji placed the bear's mouth to Gaara's nose as if making it give Gaara a kiss affectionately, his smile widening at Gaara's soft giggles.

Unfortunately, Kankuro took this moment to enter into Gaara's room. He had just come from his room and wanted to check on his little brother which he had been doing often. He didn't really know how to explain this new found concern for his younger brother. Maybe it was because he was getting older and was more independent. After all the only reason he had basically ignored Gaara in the past was because of his father's orders. Now he couldn't really careless if he got punished; he wanted a relationship with Gaara. In any case, upon opening the door he saw Neji, whose back was to him, cuddling with Gaara, the red head's giggles giving him the wrong impression of what was going on.

"Uuuh…okay. No. Neji it is time for you to go home." It wasn't a secret that Neji and Gaara were dating, it being a rumor through the school. The problem was he never saw Neji and Gaara being affectionate and he didn't want to.

Neji blinked as he glanced over his shoulder at the approaching Kankuro. He had no time to react when he was grabbed by his shirt collar and yanked to his feet. Kankuro still didn't release the boy as he headed for the door, a growling Gaara standing and following after.

"Kankuro stop!" Gaara shouted, glaring daggers at the teen's back.

Kankuro continued down the hall to the stairs, leading Neji in front of him by his collar, his grip not loosening. "Neji doesn't need to be here when dad returns." Gaara had quieted down at that, he didn't want Neji to be here when his father comes home.

"I for one, do not think this is necessary." Neji said, being careful to watch his step on the way down the stairs.

"Yeah, well, your opinion doesn't matter. "Kankuro responded, opening the front door and pushing the brunette outside. "Come back another time."

After closing the door in Neji's face Kankuro turned to blink at the fuming Gaara. "What?"

"Stay out of my life!" Gaara growled, clenching his fist tightly. He didn't want Neji to be there when his father returns, but he could escort him out when he was good and ready to. He didn't need Kankuro making his decisions and he certainly didn't want his opinion.

"I'm only trying to l-"

"I don't need you to! Can't you see you're making my life hell!" With that being said Gaara trotted his way back upstairs.

Kankuro blinked faintly at Gaara's departure, sighing as he moved up stairs to his room after hearing Gaara's door close.

Outside Neji leaned against the door frame, arms crossed behind his back. Could he be part of Gaara's problem?

He hummed at the thought. Gaara didn't seem to like him very much. He could practically hear them shouting through the door. Football players are notorious bastards.

Shrugging lightly, he pulled Gaara's bear from behind his back, smiling at it gently.

"Oh look Teddy it's another time, isn't it?" He made the bear nod.

/-\\

I have always wanted to be a dad, but I never actually thought I would be one. The first few months after I had adopted Naruto had seemed so surreal. I had settled into this new life as a dad and Naruto was growing into the light I knew he was. Even at the age of four Naruto already had this grin that not even Minato's could compare too.

No one understood why Minato and Kushina had killed themselves and with no real evidence to go on no one was caught. Konoha had declined in economy quickly without Minato around to properly guide the city. Many people lost their jobs and some even committed suicide themselves because they couldn't adapt to the sudden change. Since that day, spiteful glares met Naruto everywhere he went. He was called a monster – a freak because everyone blamed such an innocent child for the deaths and the hardships that followed; thinking he's some type of bad omen. Sometimes I wonder how he could be so strong. I tried my best to make Naruto see the beauty in the world and not shelter him no matter how much I wanted to.

With his little hand in mine we would take our weekend walk to the lake near our home; at his age it was usually the only time he went outside. Naruto loved going there, but then again Naruto loved everything except broccoli. He bounced and smiled like the ball of energy he was. Unfortunately, he would always settle down when someone walked by and glared at him, but it wasn't long before he was hopping around again.

No one wanted their sons or daughters to play with him so he never had any friends. That was until he spotted a lonely raven haired boy sitting on the end of the dock at the lake. Sasuke was a quiet, but polite child. It's surprised me how Naruto and he, were attracted to each other. Their personalities are complete opposites, but that just made them closer. When a smile spread onto Sasuke's face when Naruto approached him I just knew things would go further than just friendship between those two.

Itachi huffed after he finished the last of the dishes, drying off the final one and placing it away in a cabinet. He still questioned how he ended up having to do the dishes; it was normally Haku's job. He smirked slightly at the thought, now he remembered; he left Haku indisposed. Last night instead of letting the boy do his beloved house cleaning he ravished him until he couldn't walk straight.

Itachi left his thoughts when his phone started ringing. Odd. I don't remember leaving my phone in here. Blinking quietly, he picked it up, glancing over the text sent by BOYFRIEND.

'Are you ready for our first date?'

Itachi raised one elegant brow at this. What was Haku thinking? The strangest thing was that Haku was in their bedroom why would he be texting him? Must not want to get up.

But that still doesn't explain the message. Did he forget that they had a date planned? If that was the case it wouldn't be their first like the boy stated.

'Don't you mean 56th date?'

It wasn't strange at all that he knew how many dates Haku and he had been on.

'. . . No . . . I mean our first date.'

Itachi brows furrowed. What was Haku doing? Was he trying test him to see if he remembers their first date? Itachi didn't know what was going on with Haku, but he didn't mind playing along. It was most likely the boy's way of having some fun.

Our first date was over two years ago. We spent the day on the beach that we had all to ourselves and at night we skinny dipped beneath the ocean. It was like we were in our own little world because of how long we were able to stay under.

It wasn't long before he received a reply.

'I'm sorry, I think I have the wrong number.'

Now Itachi was confused. This had to be Haku, no one else would be labeled boyfriend in his phone.

'You're labeled boyfriend in my contacts.'

'. . . But you weren't here two years ago.'

'Baby, we've been together for almost three years.'

'No we haven't! Are you cheating on me?'

"What the hell!" Itachi frowned. If this was some kind of joke he was not enjoying it.

"What's wrong sweetie?" Haku came in from down the hall, pinning his hair back as he blinked to his boyfriend, tilting his head slightly when he saw Sasuke's phone in his hand. "What are you doing with Sasuke's phone?"

"Sasuke's?" Itachi's eyes widen slightly as he looked to Haku. "But..."

"Sweetie, I told you, you need glasses. You're going blind. Sasuke's phone is midnight blue, your phone is black." Haku sighed softly, shaking his head faintly with his hands on his hips. Itachi's eye sight had been degrading gradually, but he could be easily compensated by the use of glasses or contacts.

Itachi squinted at the phone in his hand, it definitely had some color to it now that he looked close enough. But that means...

Sasuke's phone started ringing and an apathetic look came to Itachi's face. Oh shit...

"Sasuke, your phone is ringing." He called for his little brother and not soon after did the teen come trotting into the room.

"I wondered where I left that." Sasuke said taking his phone from his brother.

"Hello?" He answered, watching as his brother walked calmly, but oddly swiftly down the hall.

Haku blinked quietly, watching as his boyfriend left before heading to a cookie jar on the counter to grab himself something sweet. His back was hurting a bit, he deserved a treat. Quietly, he watched as Sasuke went rather pale, frowning slightly in worry.

"Naruto, what-I-wait-don't-what?" Sasuke's eyes widen, loud yelling and crying coming from his phone. "Naruto. . . Sunshine . . .Don't be like this. . . "It wasn't long after that it was obvious someone hung up from the other end.

Haku never thought it was possible for someone to hold a look of confusion, despair, and shock all at once. Sasuke lowered his phone from his ear, looking close to tears as he looked to Haku. "N-Naruto . . . Just . . . He . . . He broke up with me. I don't know what I did. He said . . . He said I was cheating on him."

Haku frowned more, he didn't want to get Itachi in trouble, but Sasuke looked so . . . Broken. He couldn't just sit there. ". . . Itachi had your phone."

Haku rose his hands defensively, wondering if maybe he should have kept his mouth shut due to the new expression on the raven's face. "I'm sure whatever he said was an accident!"

Sasuke pursed his lips, trying to control his anger at Haku's words. Everything was starting to piece together. A growl left him as he headed his way down the hall. ". . . Itachi . . . Uchiha!"

By the time he reached it he was already running down it, perfectly trimmed nails leaving angry marks on the Japanese style walls on his way.

Haku nibbled at his cookie, cringing when he heard a crash from down the hall.

/-\\

Kankuro stretched as he headed his way down the hallway. When he opened his door the scent of bacon and eggs wafted pass his senses, but it was strange since Temari normally burned everything. She must be getting better at it.

He stopped by Gaara's door, raising his hand to knock on the door, but stopped midway; Gaara wouldn't want to be bothered by him right now, sighing he instead continued on his way.

"Hey Temari, what's for..." Trotting his way down the stairs Kankuro spoke, but his words trail off spotting Neji and not Temari. Neji responded by glancing over his shoulder, blinking innocently at the older teen while he buttered a piece of toast.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Kankuro practically shouted, entering the kitchen, and slamming his hands flat on the island counter.

"Making breakfast." Neji smirked.

Kakuro growled, sitting himself behind the island. "How did you get inside?" But instead of responding this time Neji merely turned his back to him. Kankuro raised his hands, imitating claws and shaking his hands as if strangling someone. Sighing, he settled down, shaking his head. There was no point in fighting with the Hyuuga; it was only giving him a headache. His head turned to the sight of a plate with freshly made scrambled eggs and bacon. He reached for a piece of bacon, but a fork came out of nowhere and if he hadn't moved his hand Kankuro didn't think it would have survived. Eyes widen, he glanced to stare into the glaring ones of Neji.

"This is for Gaara. Keep your grubby hands off." Neji hissed, pale eyes beaming with the intent to kill. He was not slaving over a hot stove for Kankuro. He'd be damned if he let someone touch Gaara's meal.

"You could have just told me damn! You almost stabbed my hand." Kankuro argued. "Besides you're wasting your time; Gaara doesn't eat breakfast."

Neji frowned, he would not hit his boyfriend's brother...Yet. "...He doesn't eat a lot of things."

Kankuro gave him an indescribable look. "That doesn't make sense. What are you talking about?"

But Neji didn't respond, putting a piece of toast on the plate.

"Hey I'm tal-"

"Kankuro..." Gaara's voice drifted into the room as he came into the kitchen, a deeper frown on his face.

"Shut up." Seafoam eyes narrowed. "You're annoying."

Kankuro chocked on his words before gathering strength and spluttering out a, "Whatever." He sighed, crossing his arms over his chest.

Gaara quietly sat himself beside his brother at the island, glancing to the plate of food that was pushed in front of him. Sea foam eyes slowly glanced up at a smiling Neji. "Good morning Gaara."

But Gaara didn't respond as he looked back to the plate. There was so much food on it. He didn't want to be rude because Neji worked hard to make it, but he also didn't want to eat it.

"You didn't have to." He whispered, feeling a gentle hand on his head he looked up into opaque eyes.

"You don't have to eat it all." Neji leaned down pressing a chaste kiss to the top of the boy's head. He understood Gaara couldn't stomach a full plate, but he wanted his panda to get enough in him, considering how little he normally ate.

"You guys are up early." Temari came trotting into the kitchen, placing an earring in her ear as she looked to her brothers. "Oh hi Neji."

The brunette only nodded in recognition. She opened the fridge, grabbing a bottle of juice. "So, I can't stay. I'm meeting someone. Kankuro you'll have to make your own breakfast."

The blonde blinked as she looked back to the boy's, her eyes widening at the plate in front of Panda. "Gaara, you're eating breakfast?"

The silent panda looked at the pointed expression from Neji before his eyes fell on the plate in front of him.

"Hn." He answered, picking up the fork beside him, digging into the eggs, and placing some in his mouth.

"I would have never thought. I tried everything to get you to eat breakfast for the past two months." Temari spoke in awe, surprise that this was actually accomplished.

"Two months?" Neji rose a brow.

"Oh yeah. He's just not a hungry person, you know?" She shrugged. "So, you made this for him? I can't see Kankuro making anything not burned." She sent a look to her brother.

"As if your food is even more edible." Kankuro shot back.

"Whatever, you eat it." Temari rolled her eyes." Anyways, I got to go." She waved off, heading out to tend to her own business.

Kankuro huffed, looking to Gaara and Neji soon after. "I should be going too since I don't have any breakfast." Eyes settling on Neji. "You might want to be gone soon also. Dad wouldn't like it if he came home and you're here."

He climbed off the stool he was on and ruffled Gaara's hair, the said boy swatting his hand away gently.

"I understand." Neji said.

Kankuro just waved as he walked out the kitchen. Neji looked to Gaara, his pale eyes resting on the boy's ruffled red hair. Feeling a sting of jealously, he feathered his fingers through the panda's hair. Gaara looked up at him with a piece of toast in his mouth, raising an invisible brow. The brunette just cleared his throat, walking to the sink to clean the dishes, hiding a faint tinge on his face. "Where's your medicine?"

He didn't see the flinch from Panda.

"I already took it." Gaara placed his slightly eaten toast back on the plate. For now, Shukaku was quiet, probably still sleeping. He didn't like lying to Neji, but the boy didn't even know about the personality. He wouldn't understand that he needed Shukaku.

"Alright." Even so, Neji trusted his panda. Their relationship was still fresh. It wasn't his place to really push into Gaara's business so easily. He looked to Panda's plate, frowning slightly. Only pieces of egg were eaten, a strip of bacon, and a bite of toast. That wasn't as much as he had hoped. Grabbing a clean knife, he went to the fridge, taking an apple out. "Gaara would you eat a few slices of apple for me?"

Gaara was about to protest, but the sadden look Neji gave him stopped him. "Only a few."

"Only a few." Neji repeated and smiled, cutting the apple into slices before handing them to the panda on a saucer dish, taking the other plate away.

As he nibbled at the apple slices Gaara took his phone from his pocket when it started vibrating.

"Hello?"

Just as he answered the call he tugged it from his ear at the wailing from the other end. "Naruto, what's wrong?"

He frowned, eyes narrowing. Gaara had this protectiveness of Naruto; he didn't like it when Sunshine was sad.

"He what?"

His eyes looked to Neji, the brunette turned from the sink, a piece of bacon hanging from his mouth, blinking innocently. "Okay Naruto, we'll be there soon."

Shutting the water off from the sink Neji turned to look to Gaara, the panda placing his phone away. "What was that about?"

"Naruto said Sasuke was cheating on him." Gaara responded, hopping off the stool.

"He what?" Neji's brows furrowed, taking the plate from the island.

"That's what I said. We need to go see him."

"Right." Neji looked to the plate in his hand, only one slice of apple having been eaten. He frowned back up at Gaara.

"You said only a few." Gaara shrugged, turning and heading out the kitchen. That was a few to him.

/-\\

Naruto and Sasuke had grown really close in the short time they had lived. By the time they were seven they were inseparable. Every time Naruto and I went out Sasuke had to come too. It warmed my heart greatly that Naruto had such a close friend. People would still treat Naruto badly, but Sasuke wouldn't just let it happen. He was a little spit-fire and he lived up to his reputation as an Uchiha. It got to the point that instead of directly causing Naruto pain everyone would settle for whispers and glares behind his back because no one wanted to deal with the intimidating raven.

One day we decided to go to the park. It was a place Naruto and I use to avoid because the children would bully him and the parents would throw things at us. Yet this time Naruto was adamant in going, reassured it would be okay because Sasuke would be there. In the end, it turned out to be a good idea. Naruto enjoyed playing on the swings, Sasuke was possessive in being the only one to push Naruto.

It was actually that day that both boys met Gaara. The boy was small for his size and was even quiet at that age. He would sit alone and play in the sandbox all by himself. He didn't seem to get along with anyone until Sasuke and Naruto came by. Naturally, Naruto forced his way into the poor boy's little lonely world. Despite that it wasn't hard for him to warm up to Naruto and Sasuke. Surprisingly, Sasuke and he had a lot in common, personality wise at least.

Those boys would have a lot of fun together. I remember Naruto telling me how often they played house. Sasuke the father, Naruto the mother, and Gaara their son. I had laughed at that, but then I didn't know how well that game made them grow so close. The smile I had when they played that game around the sandbox until sunset would always last.

Iruka went to the door the moment he heard knocks with a concern look on his face. At the sight of Gaara and Neji he smiled gently, letting both boys inside. "Hello you two. Naruto is in his roo-"

He stopped speaking as he heard Naruto bound down the hall and leaped in Gaara's arms.

"Gaara!" Naruto wailed, hiding his teary face in the panda's black sweater.

"Naruto . . ." Gaara sighed, patting at the boy's back, trying to give him some type of comfort. He wasn't very good at this kind of thing.

Iruka left the boys to their own devices as he went to the kitchen. It was concerning, it wasn't very often that Naruto and Sasuke fought and when Sunshine told him that Sasuke had been cheating on him it was hard to comprehend. Unfortunately, the proof was pretty convincing.

He was just about to make the boys some snacks to raise their spirits when his phone began to ring. Blinking faintly, he took it off the wall and put it to his ear. "Umino Residence. Oh hello..."

Iruka trailed off as he listened closely to other end, his eyes going to Gaara around the corner; the boys still in the living room talking.

"Yes. A-Are you sure? That can't be t-... But..." Now Iruka was growing mad. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He whispered into the phone. "Now see here, I've known Gaara since he was a child. You can't be se- Alright...I understand."

He frowned, sighing as he looked down towards his feet. "Of course. Alright, you take care too Hiashi." Iruka made sure not to talk too loudly, knowing certainly that the boys wouldn't be too happy to know Hiashi had called. Placing the phone back on the receiver, Iruka set about making snacks.

For a while now he understood the boys would have obstacles in their lives and even though he wanted to protect them from these trials, it was experiences they had to learn from on their own. It was sad in a way and hurt Iruka's heart, but he had to be strong.

"That sounds like the date Itachi and Haku went on" Neji blinked, looking over the text messages in Naruto's obnoxiously orange phone.

"Huh?" Naruto frowned, tilting his head.

"Are you sure Neji?" Gaara asked.

"Yeah. Just before Sasuke and I went overseas Haku and Itachi went on their first date to the beach in the Land of Waves." Neji explained, handing Naruto back his phone. "Has he ever called you Baby?"

Naruto frowned more, holding the orange device to his chest. "N-No."

"Itachi calls Haku baby." Neji explained.

"But...Why would he say those things then?" Naruto whimpered, looking at the phone in his hand.

"Isn't Itachi's phone black? They're almost the same." Gaara hummed, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Itachi's sight is bad." Neji nodded in agreement.

Despite the encouraging words it only made Naruto whimper more until he was almost in tears again, pushing his phone into his pocket.

"What's wrong now?" Gaara frowned. He thought that it was a good thing.

"I didn't trust him or give him a chance to explain himself. I just assumed. I should have known he wasn't that type of person." And then the tears came again.

"Anyone would react the same way from texts like that." Before Gaara could say anymore there was frantic knocks at the doors.

"Naruto!" Sasuke's voice filled the other side of the door along with the banging strokes to the wooden surface.

"Naruto!" He shouted again.

"Sasuke?" Naruto whispered, blinking slightly wide eyed.

"He just wouldn't sit by and do nothing." Neji smirked, moving aside when Naruto pushed between Gaara and him to get to the door.

"Naruto...!" A disheveled looking Sasuke sighed in relief at the sight of his blond when the door was open, but he didn't get to say more as Naruto fell into his arms. He didn't complain as he circled his arms around Sunshine, burying his face into bright strands with a smile.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions." Naruto sniffled into Sasuke's dark blue shirt, hugging him around the waist.

"It's alright. Itachi thought my phone was his. He thought you were-"

Naruto silenced him with his finger to his lips, shaking his head. "You don't need to explain. I should have known you wouldn't cheat on me."

"Who is he going to cheat on you with? Sakura?" Gaara scoffed.

"I don't know she seems pretty attached to Sasuke." Neji grinned, sending a look to Sasuke.

"Shut up, you ass." Sasuke frowned, he hated how Sakura fawned over him. "Why are you here?"

"Gaara got a call from Naruto. We came to comfort him." Neji explained.

Sasuke nodded, glancing down at the blushing blond. He petted at Sunshine's hair, making big blue eyes glance up at him curiously. "If you're still willing, I'd like to take you on the date I promised."

Naruto quickly brightened, grinning that familiar smile. "Of course. Just give me a moment."

Tugging from the raven's arms Naruto bolted towards his room, tugging a stunned Gaara away with him. "Come help me get ready Gaara!"

"What good would I do?" Gaara's voice drifted from down the hall.

Neji chuckled, shaking his head as Sasuke came further into the flat, closing the door behind him. "You look..." He trailed, searching for the appropriate words. "...Like shit." Nicely put.

Sasuke weaved his fingers through his midnight hair. "When I found out what really happened. I went ballistic. 'It's over' isn't what I ever want to hear Naruto say about our relationship again."

He sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Itachi..."

"I'm sure he didn't mean it."

"Yeah..." Sasuke huffed, looking elsewhere with a knock of his head. "Blind bastard."

Iruka smiled to himself, leaning against the inner wall of the kitchen. His heart swelled seeing just how fast the boys were growing. Sometimes he wished time would just slow down so he could fuss over their childhood some more. Now that they were getting older they'll be dealing with more problems than he would have wished. Shaking his head, he picked up one of the sweet tarts off the tray of snacks he made. He shouldn't be thinking about the bad things. He should just be there for them to help them through it all.

"Dad, we're leaving now!" Naruto shouted from the living room.

Squeaking, Iruka moved from the wall, trotting to the living room quickly. "Ah! Hang on, let me take a picture!"

/-\\

Over the years Naruto, Sasuke, and Gaara spent almost every moment together. To watch them grow up together was something brilliant to see. Their smiles were like a light that couldn't be darkened. Unfortunately, that light dimmed slightly when they were twelve. Sasuke was always a bright boy so it was no surprise when he was twelve that he quickly gained attention from schools overseas. Sasuke was still young, his guidance counselor felt that experience abroad would be good for his education.

I didn't want Sasuke to leave, but even I had felt the same for him and I knew Naruto wouldn't want to hold him back either. It was written all over his face when Sasuke told him he was going overseas. My little ray of Sunshine had easily put a smile on his face for Sasuke's sake, but I could easily tell how torn up he was by it. Even Gaara who had opened his heart to Naruto and Sasuke, had grown more quiet than usual during the times they had left together before Sasuke's depature. They had spent every moment of the day together until that time.

And that time did come.

It was hard to watch as Naruto tried to remain strong for Sasuke, but had a hard time letting go of his sleeve for him to get on the plane. Gaara, surprisingly, couldn't hold back his tears, even as he pulled Naruto away. When Sasuke began to board, Naruto brushed his sadness away to wave at Sasuke with a genuine smile, wishing him well, and to come back soon. His burst of encouragement made Gaara stop crying and returned a smile to Sasuke's face as he boarded the plane. As the plane took off into the sky, Naruto finally allowed his tears already in his eyes to fall.

It was that day I learned something important about light; it flickers, but it always brightest in the dark.

Sasuke took Naruto to a festival in town. Naruto had always liked amusement parks so the little ray of sunshine immediately perked up when he saw the lights in the distance, the rides, and festivities about.

"So pretty! Look at all the lights Sasuke!" Naruto said, staring out the window as they parked. It was nearing sunset so everything was gleaming in a beautiful warm tone.

"Yeah. They're supposed to have fireworks a little later too." As he put the car in park.

"Really?! That sounds awesome!" Naruto, barely waiting until the car was in park before climbing out; he was so excited.

Sasuke couldn't keep his eyes off the boy. The smile on his face, was like a gift from the gods to him. He climbed out the car, locked the doors, and set the alarm before he took his sunshine's hand to lead him into the festival.

The festival itself was an arrangement of multiple tents, rides, and vendors. There were circus people in strange garbs, a man on stilts, and even a petting zoo. Sasuke allowed himself to be dragged around the entire time hand and hand with Naruto. One of their first stops was at a tent for a game where he had to throw a ball at a set of bottles. Naturally, Sasuke would have did it just for Naruto, but Naruto had a better idea. He wanted it to be a competition. So after a game of Ball Toss, Watergun Race, and Hoop Toss, Naruto had a decent size bag of stuff animals. Sasuke even got himself a snake one.

Naruto was all bounces, but he was able to settle down while they watched a circus performance. His favorite part was the acrobats swing performance. After the show, Naruto did a cart wheel right out of the tent and Sasuke could do nothing, but look on in amusement, carrying the bag of stuff animals.

"You see that Sasuke?! I can totally join the circus. Believe it!" He said, glancing back and pointing at him.

Sasuke hummed. "I would think Iruka would have something to say about your choice in profession."

Naruto giggled. "You're probably right. Come on, I want to ride some rides!"

"Alright. Alright. I'm coming." He said as he followed after the boy quickly before he quickly rushed to his falling boyfriend.

Naruto released a small squeak, stumbling back, but only slightly because before he could even fall Sasuke's arm was around his waist to keep him up right.

"Hey! Watch it freak!" A very wide man with a fat face, held a roll of cotton candy in his hand, biddy eyes glaring down at the small Sunshine. The man had a disgusted look on his face as he continued on his way, mumbling under his breath. "What's that thing doing here?"

Naruto frowned, lowering his head, having lost his spark. Sasuke, of course noticed this, he glared fiercely at the male's back, releasing Naruto as he went straight after him. He stopped; however, when he felt Naruto tug on his arm.

"'Ske, don't worry about it." Naruto smiled softly, glancing up at the raven.

"But Naruto. . ." Sasuke trailed off with a frown, Naruto shaking his head.

"Let's not let that ruin anything. I'm used to it by now. I'm okay, see?" Naruto smiled, hooking his arm with Sasuke, the raven glaring vengeance in the direction the fat man had went.

". . . Yeah."

"Great! Now let's ride the Ferris Wheel!"

Sasuke allowed himself to be pulled along. He wasn't going to let that man ruin their day or his mood. They rode the Ferris Wheel, three times before Naruto wanted to a roller coaster, then the kamikaze, and carousal. After that they made out on the tea cups and took photos at a photo booth.

Naruto had regained his spark very quickly and when they were done taking photos, Sasuke suggested they ride to Ferris wheel one more time as it was also time for the fireworks and it would be the best place to view them. Of course, Naruto had agreed, skipping off towards the Ferris Wheel, when something round caught the corner of Sasuke's eye.

"Hey Naruto. I'll be right back. I think I forgot something. Why don't you go save our spot in the line?"

Naruto blinked before giving a smile. "Kay! Don't get lost!"

As Naruto headed to the Ferris Wheel Sasuke took a detour through the petting zoo and out by a food vender selling hot dogs. His eyes blazed a crimson red as he stalked up on a familiar target. There was a shout, but Sasuke was already gone like a ninja in the night. He had quickly met back up with his Sunshine to ride the Ferris wheel with the boy. They were stop near the top as the fireworks took off.

Naruto was thoroughly enthused, but Sasuke couldn't keep his eyes off of the brightness in the boy's eyes. Strange really, Naruto seemed to outshine even fireworks in his eyes.

Naruto felt Sasuke staring and looked at him. "What's wrong? Don't you want to watch the fireworks?"

Sasuke smiled. "I am watching the fireworks."

Naruto blinked, looking at the fireworks then back at Sasuke who was still staring at him. He pouted. "You're not watching the fireworks. Why are you staring at me?"

Sasuke's smirk only grew. "Because I'm watching the most beautiful light in front of me."

Naruto's face immediately turned red. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't get any words out. That was fine for Sasuke. He leaned right over the boy, pressing their lips together as the fireworks burst one after the other above them; illuminating their kiss with the stars and flashes.

Off in the distance, a round pudgy man was having a hard time getting off the ground, his poor ice cream come stuck to his forehead, as icy mint chocolate chip ice cream dripped down his face. People looked on, their chuckles drowned out by the fireworks.

/-\\\

Finish!

Are you surprise I updated? Me too. I've had this chapter sitting for a while. I've been contemplating what I'm going to do and I decided that I'll just continue. My writing gets better as I go and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Things might be a bit different to the plot, but it will still generally be the same. I want to thank everyone that has been patient with me and I'll try to update more quickly.

Did you guys get the various Naruto episode references?

For those that didn't catch on, Iruka was giving Naruto's back story. I did this way because this chapter was mostly focused on Naruto and Sasuke. Yes, it's pretty much a filler.

Please Review!

Preview of Next Chapter :

[ The Panda and The Owl ]

The male's face was soft with a small smile, his eyes a warm almond, and hair a timid wheat. He had an outline of faint freckles across his nose that could be easily missed, but Gaara saw; he couldn't stop staring.

The male took a single step forward, not wanting to impede on the boy's personal space.

"Hello Gaara."

Gaara didn't speak for a moment, unable to form worlds. His voice cracked. ". . . Uncle . . .?"