Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Masashi Kishimoto did. I'm just a humble writer who's trying to go wild with her imagination, borrowing his characters.
A/N: At first I wanted to thank lara5170 for your comment, suggestion and encouragement. It really helped.
My next one is for Mistytails about your question for me. This fic is rated M for a reason and yes there will be lemon in later chapters, but I don't think it will be before some chapters more. Till then continue to read this fic and please enjoy.
Chapter – 21
Naruto was lazing around the gaming room at the underground basement; he knew this place the dojo is just opposite to it. He was amazed to see the vast expense of the room as he looked at the high tech screen and sound system while he was waiting for Sasuke and Itachi to show up.
It was during lunch that they decided to spend the evening together and it was Itachi's idea to be it a movie night. Naruto must admit that he never pegged Itachi for a movie person but it seems looks can be deceiving. Actually if he think about it now Itachi was very different than he had thought him to be. He was fun to be around and it was always comforting to be around him. Itachi had his own sense of humour and even Naruto was sometimes afraid how twisted it can be; though he had never experienced it himself yet, but the stories that float around the office was enough for him to pray that he never get to the bad side of that specific Uchiha.
Light footsteps warned him of his company as Itachi appeared at the door; he had a gentle smile on his face as Naruto turned towards him and gave him a smile of his own.
Itachi walked to him as he focussed on the shelf Naruto was standing in front of and smiled at the memories it brought back to him.
"These used to be Sasuke's favourite movies and series when he was a kid" Itachi said softly as he eyes the animated movie collections in front of him "otou-san had collected all of them and there are also some special collections in there."
"I never thought Sasuke to be an animation lover" Naruto replied truthfully.
"Hmm" Itachi hummed lightly as he turned to the shelf once again "looking at him now he had become a very different person from what he was back then. He used to be so cheerful and carefree that you can always find a smile on his face." Itachi sighed softly as he crotched down to open the last drawer of the shelf. "My leaving the house had really affected him hard; I had never thought of that possibility back then" he stood up with a small tape in his hand and eyed it lovingly "had I known back then; I would have done anything to change that. I wanted to change that even now if it was in my power to change him like he was before; like our relation was before. I can give anything to get my baby brother back to me again."
Naruto eyed the Uchiha for a long minute then turned back to the shelf, studying the level and the collections carefully. "I think you are a great brother Itachi" he commented simply; though he was not looking at him he can feel the surprised gaze of the elder Uchiha at his side. "I would give anything to get an elder brother like you." He turned to Itachi as he said his next words "and Sasuke also understand that very well. I know your relationship is strained right now but I have seen how much Sasuke adore you till now. You are his role model and I think you always will be." He chuckled softly at the Uchiha and said "no matter how much of a jerk your little brother seemed to be he is a big softy by heart; all you need to mend your bond again is to spend as much time as you get with each other."
Itachi was quite surprised to hear those words from Naruto. He had never expected Naruto to say such deep words or understand their relation soo well; will all his goofiness he had seriously expected Naruto to be a twat. But was not that surprised; after all he is the son of two most understanding and kind person he had even met; he shouldn't have expected any less.
"I am glad that Sasuke found a friend like you Naruto; he really needed someone like you in his life" Itachi chuckled at the surprised look on the blond's face and continued "if you even need someone to talk to I will be always there for you; as a friend and as a brother."
Naruto's words constrict in his throat at the words that left the elder's lips. He had never expected to hear them in his life and not in a million years from the person he had come to respect so much in these past few days. He had always wanted a relation like that and now to have this kind, gentle and strong person in front of him to offer the same he had longed for his whole life; he couldn't even control his own actions when his arms spread and he hugged the elder Uchiha tightly to him.
"Thank you; thank you so much" Naruto mumbled grateful to the chest he had buried himself for the moment; not wanting the Uchiha see his almost glassy eyes and think less of him. "You don't know what those words mean to me" Naruto tighten his hold "thank you."
Itachi patted his head lovingly; somewhat feeling awkward for the situation. He was not a person of much physical contact and certainly not used to be hugged this suddenly; but for now he can indulge the blond. He knew what this boy had gone through; he had a detailed talk with his mother about him and can understand where all this was coming from. Truth to be told he seriously admire the blond's strength; to survive on his own this long and also able to preserve that smile on him; it took a lot of courage and strong will to do that; not everyone is capable of that.
Itachi sighed softly as he ruffled the bond's hair and hugged him back lightly. Now he has sure this is the person they needed with them to heal the past wounds; no one but only Naruto can do that. He is the only one who can show them the way of life and teach them how living truly was once again.
Sasuke was humming lightly as he stepped down the stairs to the basement. Naruto was there and Itachi had gone down to look after the blond some time ago. Sasuke chuckled lightly at the thought; who could think that such a grown up person can still nerd a supervisor to look after him; he could certainly look forward to teasing the blond about this later.
He had thought about to give the blond company himself, but Itachi had insisted that he had something to discuss with the blond and went down early. Sasuke balanced the things he was holding carefully as he walked down towards the movie room.
He was a bit surprised when Itachi had suggested the idea to watch some movie together, but had brushed it off as his brother's odd way of bonding and having family time.
Sasuke frown a bit as he finally reached the bottom of the stairs and walked to the room. He can't hear any noise of talking coming from the room; though the room was sound proof but he can see that the door was open and he was sure that they wouldn't start without him, and the idiot is certainly not the person who can shut his mouth up whenever he was in someone's company; not even when the baka's companion is his brother. A sudden flash of Itachi standing over a dead blond came to his mind, but he shook his head with a chuckle to get rid of the images. He knew his brother to be an antisocial person but even he is not that cruel and he was sure that Itachi liked the blond to some extent and wouldn't do anything like that. But from his personal experience with the baka he knew that the idiot easily spark fire into anyone and that someone killing him someday for his loudmouth wasn't impossible; he himself had came very close to doing the same on several occasions; and Itachi was so not good at tolerating people.
The thoughts swirl around his head as he came to the open door finally; but the sight that greeted him, he surely wasn't expecting that in a million years. He actually had to clutch the tray harder as to not drop it on the floor as his eyes grew wide at seeing the pair in front of him.
"What are you two doing?" the voice from the doorway broke the silence that had enveloped the pair earlier.
Naruto was the first to pull back from the embrace when he recognised Sasuke's voice from the doorway, but he wasn't certain what made the raven irritated this time; he could always recognise the certain edge in the raven's voice whenever he was angry, annoyed or irritated.
"Hey Sasuke" Naruto said with a gentle smile when he noticed the raven to stand there at the door with a narrowed eyes and a very irritated scowl on his face. "You certainly took your time" he finished lamely as to not have any other topic at hand.
"I see that didn't stop you from enjoying yourself" Sasuke bit back and entered the room to place the popcorn bowl and the soda cans on the centre table, as he saw his brother and Naruto to exchange look with each other.
"Umm...Sasuke" Naruto started confused as he turned back to the younger raven once more "did something happened?" Naruto watched as Sasuke's eye twitched at the question and certainly a thought came to his mind and he grinned widely. "Are you jealous Sasuke?" Naruto's widen like a Cheshire cat when he saw the next look came across the raven's face "You know there is no need for you to be jealous. Itachi is your aniki and you can hug him anytime you want."
"Shut up moron" Sasuke growled as he turned his back to the pair that was now smirking at him and sat on the middle of the sofa.
Sasuke himself didn't know what irked him like that; they were only hugging and that's not a bad thing; but Naruto's next words had certainly urge him to thinking as he thought about his feelings. He was surprised to feel that he wasn't irritated because the moron was hugging Itachi, but actually it was other way around. His eyes grew wide as he realised he was actually angry at Itachi for having hugging the blond like that.
He knew his brother for not to be an affectionate person, and he certainly didn't do hugs, and it's a big no if a blond moron was involved in that. So for that Itachi to willingly involve in a hug it was obviously a big shock for him.
He knew Naruto to be a very physical person and he seek comfort in that; heck he hugged his friends all the time and it was surely not the first time he had seen him to hug anyone else. Then why did he feel like that? was Naruto right in his assumption of that he was jealous because he got a hug from Itachi. But he knew in his heart that not to be true, he was sure of it; but then why he is feeling like this. His own thoughts were confusing him beyond believe.
"I can always give you hug if you want, you know" Sasuke was brought back from his thoughts when a strong arm dropped on his shoulder and promptly pulled him to the side.
Sasuke face went red as he realised he was buried into an orange clad chest and the heat of the blond seeped through him. "Get off me you moron" Sasuke tried to push the blond away but the stiffness in his limbs was almost making it impossible.
"But Sasuke I thought you wanted a hug" Naruto said innocently as he hold the struggling raven close "if Itachi won't give you one you can always have one from me."
"Dobe let go" Sasuke struggled harder and both boy lost their balance only to crashing back on the couch with Naruto on top of Sasuke. Sasuke clutched the blond's shirt in a vice grip and buried his face into it more at the sudden movement as they lay there completely still.
Itachi was watching the exchange between two boys with amused eyes. He can see the emotions that were rapidly changing on his little brother's face. He had never seen so many emotions together on Sasuke like this before, well he was not counting when he was little; and was little bit happy that his brother was still capable of this many emotions. It was quite refreshing as to say and he was certainly enjoying himself looking at the two boys.
He can see there is a special bond between the two and no matter how much Sasuke tried to insult the blond, there was a certain warmth in his eyes every time his black orbs found the other's blue one's.
He must admit he was quite worried when he had seen Sasuke in a sour mood as he had came here. He didn't know the reason but was worried it will ruin his plan for the movie night.
He was relieved to see that it didn't take Naruto more than five minutes to change Sasuke's mood for the better. He smiled at the thought that the blond had that effect on everyone, and he himself wasn't out of that equation.
To him it looked like Minato and Kushina had given him their every quality even when they weren't there in his life to guide him, and for that he was thankful to them.
He walked to the struggling pair on the couch, who had settled themselves after their crash. It looks like they had to be more careful about the things around then when these two were involved.
"I would appreciate it if you don't molest my brother in front of me, Naruto" Itachi said as he stood beside the sofa and looked down at the pair. He couldn't see Sasuke as Naruto's frame was completely covering him, but he can feel the embarrassment that radiated from Sasuke at his words.
He loved to embarrass his little brother and it had been quite an entertaining pastime for him in their youth. His wide eyes and the blush he always spotted when embarrass was always precious to him. It made Sasuke look more like his baby brother than the egoistic emo he wanted to be presented as at that time, and not to mention it was always fun for him.
Naruto, who was still on top of Sasuke, looked up to the elder Uchiha over his shoulder, a wicked grim playing on his face as he voice his words. "So you are saying I can molest him behind your back?" Naruto's grin spread as he took in the one raised brow of the elder Uchiha at his words. "Would you prefer that? Uff..." before Naruto could continue he found himself crashing on the ground and looking at the ceiling.
"Moron" Sasuke commented as he sat up on the couch, glaring down at the blond whom he had throw off of him just a moment before, only to get a cheeky grin in return.
"You didn't like my hug Sasuke?" Naruto asked in an innocent tone as he got up and took a seat next to the glaring raven, a small pout forming on his lips to empathise his point.
Sasuke only narrowed his eyes at the blond as he started to look over the CDs that were spreading on the table. Naruto looked over to Itachi who had taken a seat on the other side of the younger raven and was smirking at his brother's ire and the blond's expression. Naruto looked over Sasuke's shoulder and quickly grabbed a CD from the pile and held it in front of the raven.
"The Dictator!" Sasuke exclaimed as he read the front and looked at the blond in question.
"I haven't seen it" Naruto said casually with a shrug.
"Fine" Sasuke took the film from him and got up the set in the home theatre and got back in between the two people on the couch quickly.
It was past midnight when the credits of their last movie rolled down. Itachi looked to his side for the boys only to let a small chuckle escape his at the scene to his front.
Naruto and Sasuke were huddled together as the slumber peacefully. Sasuke's head was on Naruto's shoulder and his right hand was circling the blond's middle as he sleep peacefully. Naruto on the other hand was holding Sasuke close, his right hand was thrown around Sasuke's shoulder and his left one was on the other side of Sasuke's waist and was holding him close in a small side embrace; his head was lying on top of Sasuke's as he slept too with his mouth slightly open.
Itachi stood up and didn't want to break the boys up; though he was little surprised that Sasuke had let Naruto hold him like that. The boy hated it whenever someone held him in his sleep; but if there is Naruto involved he should probably stop being surprised anymore.
Itachi shook his head lightly and went to the cabinet at the long end of the room and brought a blanket back with him. He gently spread the blanket over, covering the sleeping boys carefully and left the room after closing the door behind him, with one soft smile on his face.
He was on the ground floor when he heard some noise from the kitchen and walked towards it to check. He saw the lights were on as he neared the kitchen and saw his mother on the counter once he entered it.
"Okaa-san" Itachi called softly as to not startle her "What are you doing here this late?"
"Oh Itachi" Mikoto exclaimed as she turned around to greet her eldest "I had come for some water, but I see your movie night is finally over."
"It is okaa-san" Itachi said as he looked back towards the stairs again.
"Sasuke and Naruto had gone to their rooms?" Mikoto asked to confirm that they had finally ended the night.
Itachi chuckled lightly at the question and mentioned his mother to follow him at the confused look on her face.
"I think you are going to love this" Itachi said as he led his mother to the stairs he had just came from a moment before.
"I already think this is going to be good" Mikoto exclaimed excited as they descend the stairs and walk in the small hallway.
"You will see" Itachi said as they came in front of the closed door and gently open it for his mother to enter.
Mikoto hardly bit back her squeal of excitement as she notices her two boys huddled up together on the couch. Sasuke had moved a little in his sleep and now his head was buried in Naruto's neck as Naruto continued to hold on to him tightly.
"You just wait here" Mikoto ordered Itachi as she turned around to left the room "let me bring my camera for this."
Itachi stood there with a small smile as he shook his head at his mother's excitement. Suddenly a thought came to him and a devious smile spread across his face. He was really going to look forwards to next morning breakfast after this. His little brother was going to be an adorable bundle of nerves and he will have a great time with it; and if he was lucky maybe he can bring the blond at his side, which he didn't think will be a hard task.
Silent footsteps alert him of his mother's return and soon Mikoto was standing at the door with the digital camera in her hand. She walked in the room and started to click photos to her heart content; she wasn't sure if she was going to get an opportunity like this again and she wanted to totally utilise it now.
Itachi's smile only grew as he continued to watch his mother to take pictures from different angle and he realised he would definitely have his mother on his side for this if not anyone else.
It took Mikoto almost ten minutes before she realised that there was not anymore angle left for the pictures and she walked back towards her eldest, with the camera clutching in her hand and a wide grin on her face. Itachi only shook his head with a small smile as he looked at his mother's glee; she can be such a child sometimes. Who would say that she is a mother of two grown up boys and the Uchiha matriarch if they saw here now like this?
"C'mon Itachi, let's go" Mikoto said in a hushed voice as she pushed him out of the door and closed it silently behind her. "We don't want those two to wake up" she continued to look through the pictures as they walked back to the upstairs.
Itachi also leaned down to take a look on one or two pictures and smiled at the perfect angle his mother had. She was always keen to take their pictures as long as he remembered. She always used to say that she wanted to capture their every moment growing up in those pictures and albums she had created later on. He himself didn't know how many family albums they had.
"They look so adorable" Mikoto gust as they reached the ground floor. She was still looking through the pictures.
"Okaa-san that's ok" Itachi said to calm his mother down a bit. If he didn't intervene now he knew his mother will gust over it the whole night. "It's getting late; I think we should go to bed now. You can fawn over them all you want in morning."
"You are no fun Itachi" Mikoto almost whined, causing Itachi to chuckle a bit. "I didn't raise you to be so serious Itachi" she continued with an almost pout on her lips.
"No you didn't okaa-san" Itachi said as he took few steps towards his mother and leaned down to give her a gentle hug "and I am very thankful for that."
"At least you are better than your brother" Mikoto said with a sigh as she returned the gesture and rubbed light soothing circle on her eldest son.
"But I think that is going to change soon" Itachi said with a smirk as he let go and stood straight again.
"If today's incident is any indication then I think so" Mikoto said with a smirk on her own, "I am so going to enjoy this."
"So do I" Itachi confirmed then continued "but I really think we should go to bed now. It's already late."
"Ok" Mikoto said as she walked to the stairs to the first floor along with her son. "Good night Itachi" she bid her son for the night once they were in front of his door and walked down towards her own after she was greeted back.
Sasuke woke up with pleasant warmth surrounding him and all he wanted to be buried comfortably in it again; but his internal clock was telling him woke up. He slowly opened his eyes only to meet with a dark room and something hard pressed against him. He blinked for a moment to adjust his eyes with the dark; his brain was puzzled for a moment as he looked around the room. His room was always bright with sunlight in the morning, but this time it was dark. After some moment of more adjusting his eyes he realised that he was still in the movie room.
'Maybe I fell asleep here' he mumbles to himself and tried to sit up straight, only to realised he was held tight by something. He looked up to see the familiar shock of blond hair and a very familiar face so close to him.
His body was suddenly aware of the position he was in and he tried to shift uneasily. He was almost on the blonds lap and his face was buried in his chest. He realised he can't even move as the blonds strong arms were holding him tightly to the hard body pressed against him. His face started to heat up and he was sure it was completely red at the moment.
He started to squirm in the hold only for Naruto to tighten his arms around him more. Sasuke's brain was in complete frenzy as he tried to think of a way to get away from the situation without waking the blond up. If Naruto woke up like this he would be in for a hell lot of teasing from the blond and he was certainly not ready for that.
He froze completely as a sudden thought hit him, and hard. If they were sleeping here and was covered with a blanket that means Itachi knew about their falling asleep like this. He groaned as soon as the thought came to his mind once he realised Itachi was probably waiting for them to wake up before he started his torture on them. He didn't know about Naruto but he certainly didn't want to face his brother right now; and like that suddenly the idea of staying here with Naruto became very tempting to him. But he knew he can't stay here forever, hiding from his aniki. He had to face Itachi sooner or later, and it will be good if it was sooner rather than later.
Sasuke started to move again and heard Naruto to mumble something in his sleep and hold him tighter. Sasuke was sure that he was going to suffocate if the blond pressed him a bit more to him.
"Oi dobe" Sasuke said in an even tone as he tried to wake the said dobe up. "Dobe, wake up" he gently shake the blond to get his attention.
Naruto mumbled something which distinctly sounded like 'too early' which made Sasuke's eye to twitch lightly.
"Dobe wake up and let me go" he said irritated as he almost shout in the blond's ear and watched with satisfaction as Naruto's eyes opened and looked down at him.
Sasuke's breath hitched as his eyes locked with the blue one's as Naruto stared at him with confusion. In this dim light also he can see that how bright the pair of blue pools was. Sasuke knew it but it was the first time he realised how unique and beautiful Naruto's eyes were; he couldn't take his eyes away from them and he saw the confusion in them slowly eased with realisation.
Sasuke was a bit disappointed and he suddenly felt a bit cold as Naruto's arms left him and he stood up slowly. Despite the blanket being still draped around him he couldn't help the cold shiver that ran down him as the blond's warmth left him.
He shook his head lightly and stood up after throwing the blanket away to the side and watched with fascination as Naruto yawned and stretched back fully. His eyes travelled down where his t-shirt had rode up and he can see the strong muscles of his abs stretching above his low riding pants.
"Enjoying the show Sasuke?" Naruto's teasing voice brought him back from his world and his face instantly spotted a red blush when he realised he was caught staring, again.
"Like there is anything to enjoy" Sasuke scoffed lightly to dismiss the situation as he started to walk to the door.
"Hay teme, wait" Naruto said as he followed him down the hall and to the stairs. "Awww... don't be like that" Naruto said as he followed Sasuke "I was just teasing you."
Sasuke ignore the blond as he continued his way to the dining room. He knew the blond was teasing, but he also like to rile the idiot up like this. He knew Naruto will continue to whine till he didn't talk with him and he kind of like that when Naruto followed him around.
"Ohayo Sasuke. Did you have a good sleep?" Sasuke froze at the dining doorway at the deep voice of his brother.
He had completely forgotten about his earlier dilemma when he had woke up, or more like how he had woke up because of Naruto. It looks like the blond had internal capability to completely freeze his brain without even trying.
He slowly looked up to his brother as he hadn't missed the subtle hint of mischievousness in his voice; and Sasuke was sure this day was going to give him a hell lot of travel. Itachi was facing his back to him but Sasuke didn't dare to speak up in return as his eyes travel to his mother for a way out.
Mikoto was watching her younger son's reaction very closely and she was delighted to see the mix of emotions that travelled through his face. She knew Sasuke had caught up to the subtle teasing in Itachi's tone and she was very eager to see the play unfold and for her part to come.
"Ohayo Sasuke" Mikoto greeted in a cheerful tone as she mentioned the now two boys at the doorway to take their seats, which was accepted quickly.
Sasuke took his usual sit beside Mikoto as Naruto sat beside Itachi, and was quick to start a conversation with the elder Uchiha brother. Sasuke watched the two to talk with each other in keen interest and vaguely wondered about what the blond was thinking or if he was this quick to forget about the morning, or didn't it effect him the least.
Sasuke's cheeks heated a little at the memory of getting up in Naruto's arms and how the blond was holding him close; he was quick to shake his head to get rid of the thoughts as not to appear obvious in front of everyone and not to give Itachi any more ideas.
Speaking of which, that was the other subject he wanted to avoid this morning. He took a quick glance at his brother and saw him still busy in a conversation with Naruto. He remembered his brother's greeting this morning and how he had ignored it completely; he was sure there is more to come but when or how that was another thing he had no idea about.
Sasuke sighed softly and decided for now to enjoy the breakfast and not be anxious about Itachi and his antics.
"So Sasuke" but said boy's relief was short lived, as Itachi's voice caught his attention from the other side of the table.
"Yes aniki" Sasuke regarded him before he started to take bites from his meal.
"You didn't answer my question from earlier" Itachi asked with a smirk "did you slept well?"
Sasuke swallowed his food with a gulp before squarely meeting his brother's eyes. "Yes aniki", for all this years if Sasuke had learnt anything about Itachi is to face his directly and not to avoid the topic of interest for his brother. He will become more ruthless if you dance around the bushes.
Itachi watched Sasuke with interest for several minutes before giving him a small smile and nodding his head in interest, "very well, that's good to hear. You looked tired yesterday."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes a little, obviously not believing Itachi to drop the subject so soon; but looking at him now Itachi was not addressing him anymore and had again turned too talked with the blond sitting beside him again.
Sasuke watched the pair to talk in a low voice again. It was not easy to hold Itachi's attention for this long, but by the looks of it the blond was doing a very good job at it. Sasuke eyed the pair closely as he noticed the small smile that was hovering over Itachi's lips. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the pair and turned to focus his attention to the food again. If the pair had decided to ignore him like that he was not inclined to force his stay between them.
Sasuke finished his breakfast quickly and stood up to go to his room; he needed to bath and a change of clothes. He was almost out of the door when he heard the unmistakable voice of the person he was hoping for.
"Where are you going Sasuke?" Naruto asked as he turned to the raven, who was quietly leaving the room.
"To my room" Sasuke said over his shoulder as he looked at Naruto "I need a bath."
"Ok" Naruto replied with a shrug and a small smile "see you later."
"Fine" Sasuke almost huffed at the blond's nonchalant expression and quickly left the room.
He had no idea why the blond was avoiding him; Naruto had not talked with him even for a moment the entire breakfast. He thought about had he done something to upset the blond this morning, but quickly shook his head. If the idiot wanted to avoid him he also didn't need to be around him anymore. He has whole day to see and he was sure it will not be long before Naruto barge into his privacy again. Then it will be his turn for the game.
Sasuke ascended the stairs with a small smirk playing his lips at the realisation and before long he was standing in his room. Sasuke gathered his clothes from the closet and went to the adjoining bathroom for his shower.
It took Sasuke almost half an hour before he emerged in his room again. He looked around the room and noticed there were no sign of disturbance in his room, and obviously not any sigh of any blond moron to enter his room. He vaguely wondered where the moron is if he still hadn't come looking for him.
Sasuke quickly got dressed and decided to hunt the dobe down himself and look for what that idiot was up to. He came out of the room and descended the stairs and frowned a little.
The house was really quite, which was almost impossible if a blabbering blond was staying with them. He decided to search for him where he had last seen the idiot.
He entered the kitchen only to see his mother over the counter, preparing for lunch. Sasuke decided to directly ask the question in his mind and quietly walked up to her.
"Hello okaa-san" Sasuke said softly as he stood beside her.
Mikoto turned to her son to give him small gently smile in greeting, "Hello Sasuke." She turned to her work again, "you took your bath?"
"Hai okaa-san" Sasuke said softly as he started to look at his mother's work closely with interest. "Where is Naruto?" he decided to ask the question finally "the house is never so quite when that baka is in."
Mikoto chuckled softly; her laughter floated like chime of bells around the room. "That's because he is not in the house Sasuke", at her son's confused look she continued "he and Itachi had gone to supermarket to pick up some things for today's lunch."
"Oh" Sasuke said in a monotone, as his mind reeled about why the blond hadn't wait for him.
As him sensing his line of thoughts Mikoto said "they were trying to wait for you, but I needed the things quick and I guessed you would take your sweet time in your room as usual." Mikoto glanced at the now lightly pouting boy sideways, thought she was sure said boy hadn't even noticed the look yet, "there is no need to be upset Sasuke."
"I am not upset" Sasuke said hotly causing Mikoto to chuckle lightly at her son's temper.
"Naruto was going to call you, but I stopped him" Mikoto admitted "I knew how much you got irritated when anyone does that."
Sasuke wanted to protest, but it was right; so he decided to keep his mouth close and also it was not his mother's fault that the dobe was an idiot. He should have waited for him anyways.
"Don't worry" Mikoto chimed happily "they will be back soo. Till them why don't you go and watch some tv."
Sasuke grunted his agreement and went to do what his mother had suggested, and the meantime his mind reeled around the thought about not to talk with the blond moron for the day, when he will get back. If he enjoyed his brother's company so much he is free to spend his time with him.
"Hey Itachi" Naruto called over his shoulder to get the elder Uchiha's attention "do you want some ice-cream?"
Itachi walked over to the front of the freezer where Naruto stood looking over the ice-cream collection of the store. "Of course" he said politely "which flavour do you want?"
"Well it's hard to decide for me" Naruto said still inspecting the collection with attentive eyes. "What flavour do you want?" he finally sighed heavily as he turned to the amused man standing behind him. "What?" he asked in a confused voice once he noticed the slight smirk in the corner of his lip.
Itachi only shook his head in answer as he leaned forward to imitate to blond and closely look at the freezer.
They had come to the nearest supermarket earlier and were almost completed with their shopping. He was walking to the billing counter when the blond had called him over. Itachi had a good time after a long time with Naruto; it was refreshing to talk with the blond with the confined of the office. It's not like he didn't find him entertaining in the office, but there are some protocol they had to maintain and both were busy most of the time than not, which limited their time greatly.
Itachi wanted to know the blond more; he was getting close to that each day. Thought it was not hard to read the blond and those who know his parents, it was glaringly obvious how much the blond was alike them.
"What do you think Sasuke will like?" Itachi bit back a smile at the blond's question. It was more of a reason he wanted to know the blond. He can see how much his brother had become close to the blond; their friendship always brings him a pleasant feeling.
Sasuke never had any real friends and now that the blond was here he can finally experience that, and it is also clear for them how much Naruto cared for Sasuke and their friendship.
Itachi turned to look at Naruto with a raised eyebrow in question.
"Oh I forgot, he doesn't like sweets" Naruto said in exasperation, then a small smirk tug around the corner of his lip as he asked his next question "Do you think they make any tomato flavoured one?"
"Yes, but right now they are not here" Itachi said simply with a smile.
"Then I guess we can take cherry flavour" Naruto said finally. He took the container from the freezer and turned to look at Itachi who was looking at him with question. "What?" Naruto asked as he kept the box at the trolley "at least they both are red, so I guess he will not have that much problem with this" as Itachi chuckled lightly at his explanation he continued "and we can always trick him in to it."
"Well I guess we can do that" Itachi said as they stood behind the line "but don't you think he will be angry if we do that?"
"Nah" Naruto said dismissively "he can never stay mad at me. He loves it when I tease him."
"I seriously doubt that" Itachi said as he stare at the blond.
"Ok fine I accept, it was a little overboard" Naruto said with a small pout "but you can't deny that he can't stay mad at me. He will forgive me eventually and if not I can always make him do that."
Itachi only shook his head with a smile as they walked up to the cashier for billing.
Naruto found Sasuke at the living room getting his frustration out on the television remote. He knew what had got Sasuke this angry and he smirked to himself; the Uchiha is too easy to read for his own good. He walked into the room and sat on the couch beside the fuming raven.
"What are you watching Sasuke?" he asked casually with a grin to ease a conversation, though he knew it will not be long before he had to jump into peacemaking. It kinds of gets old sometimes but if it is the raven he enjoys every moment of it.
Sasuke took a sideway glance at the now grinning blond and chose to not answer him; he is too pissed to start a conversation with him right now. It had been almost an hour since he was sitting here alone and was waiting for them to come back and he was more angry about them leaving without him in the first place. He hated it when he was left out like this and now he is determined not to talk with the moron, and if he could help it not for a long time at least.
Naruto leaned down in front of his face with a small smile, taking Sasuke completely off the hook. "Are you angry at me Sasuke?" he asked in a gentle voice as he leaned closer at the now wide eyed Uchiha.
Sasuke could only curse himself mentally as well as the blond. He hadn't expected the blond to pull a move like that; but now that he think about this it shouldn't had come with that much of a surprise. The moron was always unpredictable in his own way.
"Get off my face you moron" Sasuke growled after a minute of composing himself and was now glaring back at the blond with fire in his eyes; though he didn't dare to meet his gaze as he knew those deep blue pools could easily quench his anger out.
"But you are not even looking at me" Naruto whined as he pouted lightly.
"I don't have to look at you to get you off my face" Sasuke growled again as he didn't missed the playful undertone in Naruto's voice.
"I have brought ice-cream for you" Naruto teased as he took in the now flushed face of the raven.
"And where do you get the idea of me liking ice-cream?" Sasuke said as he raised his hand to push at Naruto's shoulder, trying desperately to put a distance between them.
"But its tomato flavoured" Naruto replied as he quickly grab onto Sasuke's hand on his chest and held it tightly before the raven could snatched that away.
Sasuke's eyes grew a bit wide at hearing that but he didn't show it as he lowered his head. "And what does that change?" he mumbled softly.
"Hmmm... now that's a tough question" Naruto mused as he tugged onto Sasuke's hand causing the raven to almost fall on him with a 'eep' and drape his arm around Sasuke to keep him in place, close to him. "Well for the starters it will elevate your mood and second I know how much you love tomatoes" Naruto finished with a small smile at the raven's head who had buried his face in his chest. He smiled at the raven head and pulled him closer to himself. "On the second thought; make that list reverse" Naruto said thinking for after a moment."
"How do you even know that?" Sasuke breath hitched as the implications of his own words had came towards at. "Did okaa-san tell you that?" Sasuke asked sceptically as he waited for the blond to answer; though he knew what it could be. There is no way Naruto had learned about it after only watching him couple of times.
"No, I figured it out myself" Naruto confirmed. "You are not that hard to read Sasuke. Once anyone got to know you a little bit; it's not hard for them to do that" he said casually as he felt the raven stiffen against him and gave a reassuring smile of his own. "But that's what that makes you special to me" Naruto continued as he run his thumb in soothing circles over Sasuke's shoulder; watching with releif as the fight left Sasuke.
Sasuke settled himself into the blond's hold and didn't try to free himself anymore. He was really enjoying their time together and not to mention the warmth that surround him whenever Naruto took hold of him like this.
"Sasuke" Naruto said after a moment of silence between them as he earned a soft sound in return "do you want some ice-cream?"
Sasuke was bit surprised to hear the question but lightly nodded his head anyway.
"Ok then let me go and get it" Naruto said in return as he proceed to loosen his hold on the raven.
Sasuke instinctively grabbed onto his shirt softly, not wanting to let go of the warmth yet but thought better of it and slowly let Naruto go.
Naruto gave him a small smile in return and left the room only to come few minutes later with a tray carrying the bowls of ice-cream and this time Itachi was on his toe following Naruto into the room and sat on the other side of the large couch after grabbing his own bowl.
Sasuke glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye and took his own bowl from the tray as he felt Naruto sat next to him.
Sasuke looked down to his ice-cream in hand and stared at its colour as to determine its nature. It was a bit reddish all right and he gingerly took a spoonful into to his mouth only to close his eyes shut as the flavour hit his senses this time.
He took in a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes to see the other occupant of the room to enjoy their treat without any fuss. He looked around for something and threw the first object he got straight to Naruto's head, which was the television remote and it hit dead on the target.
"Ahhh..." Naruto shouted at the sudden intrusion in his senses and sharply turned around for the offending subject only to meet with blazing onyx eyes to meet his. "Sasuke, what's the big idea?" Naruto glared at the raven who returned to favour wholeheartedly.
Sasuke wanted to strangle the moron right there for the first point but thought better of it. "That's what you get for lying to me" he said calmly and returned his attention to the bowl in his hand and started to eat happily.
"Well I didn't hear your complain" Naruto said with a growl as he watched the raven closely "and as much as I can see you are even enjoying the reason you hit me in the first place."
"That's beside the point" Sasuke answered calmly as he continued to eat not heeding the blond "I didn't say I hit you because of the ice-cream."
"Well that was part of the reason as I know" Naruto protested and turned to his own now melting beverage.
"It was" Sasuke confirmed "but that doesn't mean I don't like it."
"Grrrrrrr...teme" Naruto started in a frustrated voice but once he saw Sasuke turned towards him with a cool look on his face; he quickly shook his head and continued "you are impossible."
"Well it's not like I will let you win all the time" Sasuke replied with a smirk as he look towards the blond's face.
Before Naruto could answer his phone rang and he picked it up quickly and walked to the next room for some privacy. He came back a moment later with a small smile and resumed his place once again.
"Well..." Sasuke started looking at the blond questioningly "who was that?"
"Oh yeah" Naruto exclaimed as he put down his bowl after finishing his treat "my brother." He proceeded to explain "he and his friends needs some help with their project."
"Oh" Sasuke said softly as he also put his bowl down, but didn't comment much on it.
"I have to tell Mikoto that I'll be leaving early" Naruto mused, completely missing the surprised look that turned into a sad one soon directed towards him. "I know she will not be happy but I have to promise her to spend more time next when I am here."
"You are leaving?" Itachi spoke for the first time since he had been there to confirm himself once again. He was quietly enjoying the banter between them till now but once Naruto said of his plans he didn't missed the sad looks that came over his brother's eyes.
"Yeah, I have to" Naruto confirmed as he got up with the tray after Itachi placed his own bowl down "but I promised to be longer next time."
"Heh, who said anyone wants you here next time" Sasuke scoffed in annoyance.
"I know you didn't mean that Sasuke" Naruto replied with a smirk "you are just irritated that I'm leaving early."
"Who gave you that idea?" Sasuke turned his head away not wanting anyone to see how he was feeling "like I care anyways."
"I think you care more than you let on" Itachi commented from the side causing the young raven to turn around and give him a glare which clearly said 'shut up', which only serve to amuse Itachi more that threatening him; but the conversation died down there without further argument mainly because a certain raven wasn't feeling like arguing anymore.
Naruto left the house half an hour later. Sasuke wanted to return to his room but after his mother coxed him to it he had spent some family time with Itachi and her, and he could only say he had really enjoyed it just like that old time when he went to sleep with a small smile dancing on his lips.
TBC...
A/N: So guys tell me how you like it? I know it's not much but I promise the next chapter will be most interesting. You have to believe me when I say that I was literally typing with my eyes closed and half asleep. So please tell me how it turned out.
I have good news to share with you. I got a job this month and I am so happy about it, it's my first one and I am really excited about finally starting my career and earning of my own and not to be dependent on my parents for every small thing.
Please wish me luck and please R&R.