Naruto looked up at Fugaku, eyes wide as he let the idea sink in.
"You knew... my parents?"

Fugaku nodded and then he shared a look with Jiraiya, who continued the story, looking at the past as if it's all in front of him. Jiraiya took a breath as he chose at which memory should he start telling.
"It started when..."

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Everything belongs to Kishimoto-sensei. But some possessive boyfriend claims that Naruto was never someone else's possession. That Naruto's theirs or something. Unbelievable, right? *sigh* Oh, hey Sasuke. What's with the... *gulp* g-glare...?

Saya-chan: I'm on a roll! Yippee!
Naruto: Don't tell me this one also contains...?
Sasuke: It will and you won't have a say in it, dobe.
Naruto: Wait! Let me prepare my mind!
Sasuke: I will prepare you dobe... I have lube with me-
Naruto: I wasn't talking about that, teme!
Sasuke: Come on, on all fours. Hurry.
Naruto: Listen to people, bastard!
Sasuke: I won't repeat it. Come here.
Naruto: Kiss my ass, teme!
Sasuke: Oh, I would love to.
Naruto: Daaaaahhh!
Saya-chan: *sweatdrops* Sasuke, you really are... *sigh*

Chapter 20: The Past

Mikoto stood outside the vacation house she and her family had been staying at for the last few months. She stood there watching the said house being engulfed by wild flames with her newborn infant in her arms and Fugaku standing beside her with a five year-old Itachi in his arms.

The fire had started thirty minutes ago, firefighters already doing their best to put out the fire while some are making sure there weren't anyone left inside the manor. Fugaku and Mikoto were sure that there were no one left inside the house. Just them and their two children.

Two hours had already passed and the fire was already gone, making the couple sigh in relief. Their vacation house is located in the middle of a forest and they were lucky the wind wasn't that strong that day or the fire would be spreading really fast and the forest would've also been caught in flames.

Neither of them knew that someone was around their house who had been caught in fire, and they were soon informed by the firefighters that a body had been recovered in the basement and was burned to death.

Fugaku soon learned that the body belonged to the very person who had been threatening his and his family's life for years. The very man who threatened him that he'd steal the top spot of the Sharingan Co., but failing to do so with his unjust methods. His own Uncle. Uchiha Madara.

Sasuke and Naruto stared wide-eyed at Jiraiya as he tell the story. They just learned that Sasuke's family had been forced to run and hide in one of their vacation house in order to keep Sasuke away from the threat Madara had been sending them. That he'd kill the brat if they don't give up their title to him. Or that they'd kidnap the five-year old Itachi.

Sasuke asked his father a question when Jiraiya excused himself to the toilet. He asked how Madara had never been given any position in the company. The problem would have been solved if he just stayed quiet with a proper position in the company. Madara was a smart man and may be good in running a company, but it was like a two-edged sword, Fugaku said.

Madara have been working as a manager in one of the branches located in Oosaka, and it had been in good condition. But everything went wrong when one of his men committed a mistake, making his clients lose their trust in him. He was able to correct the mistake, but he failed to convince the clients to continue their business with him. They do not trust him enough, they said. They reconsidered though, when Fugaku himself went and talk to them. He was able to convince them since they started business with Sharingan when Fugaku was the one who offered them the deal.

Driven by madness and envy towards Fugaku, Madara did everything to bring Fugaku down from his position. He even resorted to selling confidential information to other companies, but he was caught by Fugaku's younger cousin, Uchiha Obito. Obito had been suspicious of Madara ever since he was assigned to the Oosaka, being asked to watch over their uncle. But Fugaku only intended to make Obito assist Madara though, he never thought that his uncle would actually try and put their company in danger. Everything resulted to Madara losing his position and his name being tarnished.

Since then Madara, who is out for revenge, had tried many times to provoke Fugaku. He was even sent to the prison once when he tried to kidnap one of the clients. But his anger only added up when Fugaku himself bailed him out of the prison. But instead of feeling grateful, he felt his pride being stained. He made it clear that he's out to avenge himself, and sent many threats to Fugaku and his family.

Fugaku's family had been under the protection of the police for years since the very first threat arrived. It started when one of Fugaku's cars exploded, killing his driver who had served him for almost ten years. Nara Shikaku was one of the people who had been assigned to guard him and his family, he was just a mere agent during those years. Fugaku started having unwavering trust towards Nara when he once used his own body to shield a three year-old Itachi from a gunshot when Madara's men attempted to kidnap the kid.

Madara's actions became bolder and bolder that when Mikoto was about to have their second son, they received a threat saying he'd kill the infant the instant he's born. This made Fugaku mad. He would do anything to protect his family. So they were forced to go out of their house and hide in one of their vacation houses in Nagano. Mikoto was able to safely deliver their second son; Sasuke, and was able to keep being in peace for about two months. They never knew when Madara found out their whereabouts, but seeing that the man had killed himself somehow in a fire he attempted, they were somehow relieved that the nightmares are already over.

But two years later, when they went to Tokyo and spent their Golden Week there with a two-year old Sasuke and seven-year old Itachi, another fire erupted in the hotel they stayed in. The fire started in the room beside the one they were staying at, and the fire had spread mysteriously fast to the next room, trapping them inside. Fugaku and Mikoto held their children safe in their arms, trying to get themselves out of the room. Fugaku had almost lost hope when the way out was blocked with flames, but one blonde haired man came to their rescue followed by a red-haired woman. The two made sure that Fugaku and his family went out safely before making their own way out of the room. They all got out safe and sound with only few burns and scratches here and there.

Fugaku wanted to thank the couple who saved him and his family, but they had already gone fast. After the incident, which they thought is pure accident, they received another threat. The threat contained a picture of a blonde infant, almost Sasuke's age, with his dead parents' body on the background. Fugaku slammed his hands on his desk as he recognize the faces of the couple. They were the ones who saved his family from that fire before. Rage building up inside him, he flipped the paper and there was a message there.

I fucking killed them for interfering. I've almost had my fucking revenge, but it was all ruined thanks to them. I saved the fucking brat's life, though. So if you don't want anything to happen to this kid, you should prepare yourself. Before that, I'll make sure to fuckng enjoy myself making this brat experience the things I did when you decided to kill my master. It's a challenge, you fucker. Keep your fucking ass safe, and in exchange, this fucking brat's life is void. If you want this kid alive, you fucking die.

Fugaku found out that Madara had a student he took care of when he was in Oosaka. This student must've been thinking that he killed Madara, not knowing that Madara was the one who got caught in his own trap that day. He also found out that the person had kidnapped the blonde infant, but lost the kid again when the authorities found his whereabouts and leaving the kid behind.

For years, Fugaku tried his best to find out which orphanage took the kid but when he was about to have a lead, he found out the kid had been adopted. It was hard, even with his influence, to convince the authorities to have the kid in his care when other another couple is already taking care of the kid. But Fugaku thought that the kid is already safe with proper parents who can take care of him.

Years passed and Fugaku believed that the kid back then is leading a good life with his new parents. He had been naive though. He didn't know that the kid had been suffering all this time, with all those unknown fires that makes him lose his family. That he believed he's being cursed. And then he heard something from Nara about a guy named Jiraiya, who had adopted the kid. He learned that Jiraiya is a friend of the couple who saved his family that day. He also learned that their names were Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina, and that the kid's name is Uzumaki Naruto.

"I owe my family's life to your parents, Naruto. And I wanna give my own life just to make sure that you'd have a good future." Fugaku told Naruto, looking down as if ashamed.
"That would be the only thing I could do in return. I'm sorry, Naru-"

Fugaku wasn't able to continue his words when he felt abody press against him, slender arms around his neck. A sob that escaped the person's lips made Fugaku realize that Naruto was hugging him, crying.

"It's not your fault, Fugaku-ji-chan... My Mom and Dad did the right thing. I can only be proud of them." Naruto squeezed tightly as he cried his eyes out. What wonderful parents he had. It was a shame that he couldn't meet them, but because of them, he met these wonderful people around him. He met people who truly loved him, and he was thankful.
"I wanna thank them for saving you... And I know that they're happy because they know that I've already found where I belong. I can't thank you enough..."

Sasuke found himself shaking in fear and joy. Fear that there is someone out there after his family's life, and joy because his family and Naruto's connection is stronger than he had ever imagined. He felt Itachi's hand on his shoulders, and he can do nothing but to lean his head against his brother's chest, finally letting his tears flow. How can he have such a wonderful family? He loves his family so much he thought he had to do something to protect them all. He looked up to see Jiraiya smiling at Naruto. Jiraiya noticed the youngest raven's eyes on him and he grinned at the raven. Sasuke also wanted to thank this guy, though he won't voice it out. He leaned back against his brother's chest, trying his best to hide the tears he allowed to escape.

That night, Naruto and Sasuke slept together again on Sasuke's bed. They both lay on their side, looking at each other, tracing the other's face with their hands. Sasuke used his thumb to brush against Naruto's lips. Naruto used his forefinger to poke Sasuke's nose earning himself a soft laugh from his lover. Naruto broke the silence.

"We both have wonderful parents, don't we?"

"Yes." the response was fast Naruto had to smile warmly at his lover.

"And a wonderful big brother."

Sasuke hesitated to answer fast. He never put it into words how much he looked up to his brother. But it wouldn't hurt to be honest in front of the one he loved, right?
"Yes..."

Naruto's smile went wider again before he leaned forward to place an innocent kiss on Sasuke's lips, Sasuke responding immediately by kissing back before the blonde attempt to pull back. A pale hand made its way to tanned neck as Sasuke deepen the kiss, prying those plump lips open using his tongue. The blonde allowed intrusion when he felt Sasuke's breath against his face. They were hot and inviting. Soon, he could feel those familiar butterflies in his stomach and when Sasuke made a slight movement with his hips, he felt the raven's arousal brush against his thigh. He blushed furiously and pulled back, pushing Sasuke a bit.

"What's wrong?" Sasuke was afraid he did something the blonde hated.

Naruto's heart pounded against his chest, the memories of last night making its way back into his mind. He blushed even more, if that was possible. The thing that happened last night was because the raven tried to calm him down, and there were no one around to actually hear them on the second floor. But now, their parents are there, even Itachi is there at the room beside Sasuke's. There's no way he'd do something embarrassing with people around who could actually hear them, considering how vocal he was last night.

Sasuke thought of the same thing, so he understand what the blonde feels at the moment. So instead of giving in to his desires, he smiled gently and patted the spot beside him where Naruto had been before he pulled away. Naruto looked with big puppy eyes.

"I won't go any further than kissing, I promise." Sasuke held out his hand. Naruto took the larger hands and he felt a slight squeeze as the raven pulled him closer and the strong arms circled around his shoulder. God, how he loved when Sasuke is being too gentle, he can't believe how messed up they were when they first met.

He recalled bumping into Sasuke that day. The cold eyes the raven used looking down at him that made him shiver in fear. Thinking carefully about it though, it wasn't fear he felt, but anticipation. He knew that deep inside he's a person who never backed down to challenges. And Sasuke was the very first person to ignite that part of him. That was why he couldn't bear being around the raven. He was afraid that Sasuke would easily reveal his real self. His weak willed, pathetic self. But the gentleness he felt that one fateful day when Sasuke saved him from the people who attacked him believe that Sasuke is a really good person. And he was never wrong. Sasuke is a kind person with a cold exterior. he knew it, he felt it. He would do anything to return the kindness.

But he wouldn't be able to do that if he continue to use him as shield against the person who's targeting his life. That is why he decided to settle it himself. No one needs to be hurt anymore.

When he was sure that Sasuke's already soundly asleep, he gently removed the pale arms around his waist and tip-toed his way out of the room. He went inside his own room to get some jacket, considering the autumn nights a little bit cold to his taste. Again, he tip-toed his way through the hallway of the second floor and down the stairs, and made his way outside of the manor.

He doesn't even have the slightest idea where he should go, but if he was being followed, he was sure that the person will show himself soon enough. He was never wrong as he heard footsteps behind him as he walk the dark streets. he stopped walking, feeling his heart beat loud against his chest. He's afraid, he could almost pee his pants. He knew he was shaking, but what could he do? The person is after his life, he could be killed any moment. He recalled his parents. It was this person who killed them. He recalled Jiraiya's wife. It was this person who caused the accident that killed her.

He felt anger build up. He felt like he wanted to make this person pay for what he had done, he wanted revenge. But he realized that this person killed people out of revenge, too. And if he ever managed to actually kill this person, then he would be no different, right?

He was about to turn his back to face this person, but he felt something hit the back of his head and he fell unconscious. The last thing he saw before he pass out were a pair of bloody red eyes, thinking he had seen them somewhere before.

Gods! Naruto is in danger! Call the police, someone! How would Sasuke feel if he learned that Naruto went to the criminal himself? How would Fugaku react once he learned that his efforts of trying to protect Naruto would only be in vain? What would become of Naruto? You'll find out soon! ^^ Any comments? Anyone?

Saya-chan: Please be okay!
Sasuke: You made him go there yourself!
Saya-chan: Sasuke, calm down!
Sasuke: How would I calm down!? Tell me!
Naruto: Well, the fact that I'm just right here beside you?
Sasuke: Fuck! Hey, dobe! Come here!
Naruto: Hai, Hai, coming... Geez...
Saya-chan: Possessive basta-
Sasuke: You sure you wanna finish that fucking sentence?
Saya-chan: *gulp* Man, PMS much?
Sasuke: Shut the hell up.
Naruto: You really swear too much when you're anxious, huh?
Sasuke: And who's fault do you think it is?
Naruto: Huh?
Saya-chan: This will be the first time I ever felt sorry for Sasuke.
Naruto: What? Why?
Sasuke: Shut up!
Saya-chan: Hai Hai..
Naruto: Can someone tell me what's happening?