Throwing his suitcase on the bed, Naruto kicked the bed in anger and thrust his hands through his hair. "ARGH!" he growled out, pulling on his blond locks and smacking his forehead. "Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Idiot! Moron! GAWD! How could I-!" Naruto paced the room and waved his arms about. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he took several breaths. "Okay Uzumaki, this isn't helping any, get a grip."

He had called his agent, demanding a new hotel and not taking no for an answer. He checked out in record time, caught a cab and made it to a hotel situated on the other end of Central Park. He needed to calm down for tonight's show, he looked at his watch, finding he still had a few hours. He flopped back on the bed, arms out over his head, and closed his eyes. Flashbacks of when he walked into Geffen Hall, heading to Sasuke's practice room, and hearing his song when he opened the door, the shock shook him to the core, leaving his head in a fuzzy whirlwind with a mixture of anger and sadness. He felt his eyes betray him, filling to the brim with tears again, Sasuke's face of surprise and then the rest was all a blur when his emotions took over. A knock on the door caught his attention.

"Naruto, it's me," the deep voice rumbled through the hardwood.

Naruto slowly got up and quickly wiped at his face, trying to appear somewhat presentable. Deep down he knew it was a lost cause, but can't blame a guy for trying and he knew the man behind the door couldn't be fooled. He quickly unlocked the door to come face to face with green eyes and fiery red hair. The black eyeliner green eyes were peering hard into Naruto's blue eyes, flickering over his face before stepping forward and grasping the smaller into a crushing hug.

"Don't-Ever-Do-That-Again," Gaara growled out into Naruto's neck, hugging him firmly. Naruto released a squeak in the hold.

Naruto slowly moved his own arms around his friend, realizing that Gaara was upset on what transpired just an hour or so ago. "How did you know where I was?" Naruto mumbled out into Gaara's hair as he patted Gaara's back lightly.

Gaara pulled back, his one hand still squeezing Naruto's shoulders. "Your agent of course." He patted on Naruto's shoulder and held up his other hand.

Naruto eyed the familiar flute case Gaara was holding up and gave a gracious smile. Stepping back he opened the door wide inviting Gaara in.

"Explain what happened," Gaara poured orange juice into cups, and then held up a vodka ouncer. "Want one?" he asked as he poured one of the small vodka bottles into his own cup. Naruto shook his head and took the plain orange juice.

"There isn't much to explain," Naruto nervously chuckled out as he scratched the back of his head. Gaara gave him a pointed glare. Naruto sighed and began to explain.

Gaara shook his head as he downed his third orange juice, listening to the blond explain the situation. From when he lost his sheets to right up when he ran into Gaara when he was fleeing the Geffen Hall. "So let me get this straight, you believe that Sasuke Uchiha, the man you have been having an amazing time with during your time in New York, and now you think that he was planning all along to steal your score?"

Naruto weakly nodded his head, his cheeks blushing and giving a sheepish grin. "Well when you put it that way, it kinda sounds off tilter huh?"

Gaara sighed as he took a seat beside his long time friend. "Look, Naruto, don't you think you should at least give the guy a chance to explain?"

Naruto slumped his shoulders, twisted his fingers together in his lap and looked at the hotel room floor. Part of him knew he should, but the bigger part was still hurt, angry and just wanted to break something. And what did he really know of the Uchiha's? They just met and he was ashamed to think that he was so easily falling for the guy. He let his guard down, wearing his heart on his sleeve, gawd he was such an idiot! It was so much easier being angry.

"Okay, I can't tell you what to do," Gaara said as he got up. "But, I think you should at least get some rest, your second performance is in a few hours. You're not looking so good" Naruto nodded slowly in response. "I need to get back to work, call me if you need me. I'll be attending your last show, remember." Gaara rubbed the blond locks lovingly.

"Thanks Gaara," Naruto mumbled out as he walked Gaara to the door. Gaara gave him a wave and headed down the hallway towards the elevator, Naruto gently closed the door, flicking the lock. He leaned against the door, replaying the days events once again in his mind. He frowned, but then pinched his lips and his brows creased in deep thought. ' No! He had a right to be upset! If Sasuke came to him to explain, and if he was in the mood, he would listen,' he firmly told himself. He nodded his head firmly with his thoughts and made his way to the bed.

He stopped suddenly, his thoughts riddled with images of Sasuke. But Sasuke wasn't like that. He was hard headed, smart mouthed and stubborn. He couldn't imagine someone like Sasuke coming to him wanting to explain. Someone so-so talented, beautiful, strapping, amazing, and just simply perfect...Naruto sighed. He really was smitten wasn't he. He stripped off his shirt, pants and socks and climbed under the covers in the bed. He was emotionally drained and a nap was a good idea.

==intermission==

"He checked into a new hotel, but he's alright," Gaara spoke into the phone.

"Thank goodness, thank you Gaara-san," Itachi responded, his voice sounding relieved.

"He was upset enough to believe that Sasuke stole his sheet score, but-I think if Sasuke came to explain to him..."

"I'm afraid he's being difficult right now. He was distraught to find that Naruto wasn't in the hotel room we had come to know him to be in," Itachi explained.

"Naruto can be hard headed too, make no mistake about that," Gaara chuckled. "But," Gaara's voice was suddenly serious. "If Sasuke does anything, I mean anything , that could cause any pain to Naruto…"

"I understand Gaara-san," Itachi chuckled. "Don't think that he would get away with it with me here."

Gaara chuckled in response. "So, we still on for dinner?" his voice dropped a few octaves, sounding suggestive.

"I'll pick you up at eight," Itachi purred out in response.

That evening, Naruto looked himself over in the mirror in his dressing room, checking his outfit, his hair and his face. He applied chapstick to his lips, shoving it in his pocket for when he would need it while out on stage. He gave himself a few hits to the chest to pump himself up and took some deep breaths. His chest still panged slightly in irritation at the hits, but he closed his eyes and concentrated on his set. He had woken up after his nap feeling like he hadn't slept a week. His chest hurt, but he swallowed some antacid pills to help and downed a cup of orange juice. A headache was behind his temples, but he rubbed it off as lack of sleep. He still got dressed and caught a cab to the hall.

He growled with clenched teeth in the mirror a few more times, feeling ready to hit the stage. Grabbing his flute, he double checked the alignments, checked the keys before placing it in the carrying case especially made for when he carried it on and off stage. The light above his door began to blink on and off, the sign that he had five minutes till stage time. 'Let's do this!' he mentally pumped himself up and headed out the door.

==/\/\==

The ambulance lights were flashing against David Geffen Hall, blue and red highlighting the area for several blocks in the night. Several people were milling around the truck, peeking around each other, trying to get a look at what was going on. A police officer was yelling at everyone, " step back! Give them some room! Come on people!" A gurney was being pushed through the open glass doors, flashes of bulbs going off from the cameras of the few reporters and cell phone lights recording and taking pictures by spectators, were a constant scene as the gurney rolled through the crowd towards the ambulance. The oxygen mask covered the man's face, his eyes were closed, his face was pale and the blanket covered him up to his chin. A towel covered the top of the man's head, a heavy rice pack placed across his forehead. A stocky man was running behind the gurney, his brown eyes wide with concern and hopped in the ambulance with the gurney.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Gaara burst through the hospital room doors the next morning, his eyes scanning the room and falling on the blond haired musician who was currently eating his breakfast in his hospital bed. Naruto barely smiled, a plastic spoon held between his smiling lips while he waved at Gaara with the arm that wasn't hooked up to an IV. The blond looked horrible. His skin was a gray colour, his lips were practically colourless and his hair was limp. Gaara stomped over to the edge of the hospital bed, the blond eating his morning porridge and a boiled egg. "What the hell happened? Are you alright? I saw it all over the morning news!"

Gaara grabbed Naruto's cheeks, squeezing them slightly as he turned Naruto's head about, his green eyes taking in Naruto's head, looking for injuries, the spoon still sticking out through Naruto's pale pink lips. Naruto's blue eyes flickered to each of Gaara's green eyes, letting Gaara have control. When Gaara finally let go, he stood back and sat on the edge of the bed, his green eyes piercing at Naruto, demanding some answers.

Naruto shoved his spoon into his porridge and gave a nervous chuckle. "It's alright Gaara, really. Just exhaustion, possibly not enough nutrition and stress... stuff like that," he mumbled out the last bit before he shoved another spoonful of porridge in his mouth, giving Gaara a slight shrug.

"How could you not be taking this seriously Naruto? Collapsing in the middle of your performance is not normal!" Gaara grumbled out. "You need to take care of yourself dammit." Gaara glared at Naruto.

Naruto stopped eating and looked up at Gaara, giving him a sad smile. "I'm tired Gaara," he whispered out. "I want to go home." His shoulders slouched and he leaned back in his bed, his appetite now gone. Looking out the window, Naruto said no more.

Gaara could see the shadows under his eyes. "Are you sure that's it? Stress? Fatigue?" Gaara was concerned now. Naruto answered with a shrug.

"Uzumaki-san," a voice came into the room. It was Naruto's agent. "I'm so glad you're okay." He wandered over to the side of the bed, his face looked tired, his hair was a mess, most likely from running his hands through it all night. His tired brown eyes looked at Gaara and nodded in respect to the red haired man. "I've made the arrangements Uzumaki-san, as you requested."

Gaara took that as his time to leave. He stood up and put his hand on Naruto's leg, causing Naruto to look over at him. Gaara smiled, "look, give me a call when you are settled?" Naruto gave a small smile and nodded yes. Gaara hummed in response, "okay, I'll talk to you later. Get some rest." He patted Naruto's leg and left the room.

"Uzumaki-san, I am just waiting for the discharge paperwork and we shall be on our way. Is there anything you need before then?" The short agent was flipping through his notebook, his pen moving about on different pages.

"No. The sooner I get out of here, the better," Naruto sighed out, pushing a hand through his hair before turning to look out the window again.

==intermission==

Itachi sipped his morning coffee and turned on the television in the hotel suite, which he and Sasuke shared. Sasuke was currently in the shower, having just gotten up a while ago, and Itachi had room service to deliver up breakfast and coffee. He flicked through the channels, looking for the local news.

"...collapsed last night and was escorted out by ambulance. Reports state that he is in stable condition at the hospital and is scheduled to be released sometime later today. This amateur video was taken shortly after he collapsed."

Itachi watched as the news official turned her head when the screen flickered to an obvious amatuer cell phone video that wiggled and went in and out of focus. The blue and red lights were obvious, several people were in the way and it was hard to see what was going on due to it being late in the evening and the person filming obviously couldn't hold their hand still. The scene looked as if it was taken from the inside of a building, the lights reflecting through the glass windows from the outside. People were crowded around the glass doors and looking around.

Itachi tilted his head with interest as he watched the scene unfold.

The picture had now changed to a steady more professional taping, and it was outside the building, near the ambulance. People still were gathered around the ambulance, but at least the professional was set up in a position that one could clearly see the gurney starting to come out of the building.

"Our reporter was on the scene in this next take, and you can see the medical officials taking Naruto Uzumaki, 24 year old renowned flutist, who was performing at David Geffen Hall, into the ambulance…"

Itachi heard no more as he watched the scene unfold on the screen. He couldn't tell who was under the coverings, the person on the gurney had his torso and most of his head covered, with an oxygen mask over the one part of his face that wasn't covered. But if the news reporter was saying it was Naruto-

He picked up his phone and phoned Gaara, and grumbled under his breath when it went directly to voicemail. Itachi wasn't surprised, just frustrated, he knew Gaara was a busy man and was most likely in a meeting already. He settled for a text, asking Gaara to call him as soon as he was able. Now he needed to break the news to his otouto…

==/\/\==

Sasuke strode through the hospital corridor, his eyes narrowed at every person that dared look his way or get in his way. His hands were in tight fists, his lips were pinched in a frown and he held a dark shadow about him that when anyone got close, they scurried back and out of his way in fear. Itachi kept up beside him, watching the numbers on the walls, making sure they were going the right direction.

Itachi wasn't able to get any information out of the executive director at Geffen, since she was not available and he had to patiently wait for Gaara to get back to him, which took a couple hours. Thankfully he was able to keep Sasuke in the hotel but certainly his otouto was ready to start running to every hospital in New York to find the blond. Itachi didn't question it, especially since Sasuke was so adamant the night before about not caring about the blond to only turn around and demand to find him, see him, determine what happened. Gaara let Itachi know what hospital Naruto was in, what room and that he was alright, nothing broken or serious. As soon as he let Sasuke know, he was chasing after his otouto.

Sasuke stopped at the numbered room, the door closed, no window in the door and Sasuke stood staring as if willing the door to get out of his way.

"It works better if you grab the handle," Itachi smirked at him.

"Shut up," Sasuke growled at him quietly and he finally reached for the door handle, pushing the door open.

The bed was empty, stripped to the bare mattress, the curtains opened wide and pushed against the wall, the small chairs pushed into a position so the person in the room could wash the floor. Sasuke stepped just inside the room, his eyes taking in the area, then turning to look at the person washing the floor.

"Where is Uzumaki Naruto?" Sasuke barked out at the man. The man said nothing and stared back, holding his mop in both his hands. "I asked you a question! Where is Naruto?" Sasuke took a step towards the man, who finched from Sasuke snapping at him.

"Tsk otouto. Be polite," Itachi scolded his brother, who stepped in behind Sasuke and looked about the room. "It's obvious that Naruto is no longer here and I hardly think that this gentleman, who is cleaning the room would know any details." Itachi shook his head.

"Excuse me, you can't be in here!" a female voice fired off from behind Sasuke and Itachi. Both men turned to see a middle aged woman, dressed in nurse's scrubs with both hands on her hips, a frown on her lips.

Itachi smiled, "do forgive us miss, but we were just looking for our friend, Uzumaki Naruto, has he moved rooms?"

The nurse folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at Itachi, measuring him up. "Uzumaki Naruto was discharged a few hours ago," she snapped at Itachi. "Now I suggest you show more respect for the staff in this hospital or I will have you removed!" She humphed out with a stern look on her face and stepped to the side, indicating that they needed to leave.

'Gone? Already?' Sasuke plucked his phone out of his pocket and swiped to find Naruto's number, dialing and holding it to his ear as he walked past the irate nurse. He gave her a nod and a small grunt as he left the room.

'We're sorry, the person you are trying to connect with is not available…'

Sasuke frowned, pulling back his phone to end the call shoving it back in his pocket. He lowered his head, his hair hiding his face as he stepped back down the hall.

Itachi thanked the nurse kindly before following Sasuke out of the room. "Otouto…" he called out. "I'm certain that-"

"It doesn't matter," Sasuke snapped back, cutting off Itachi. He quickened his pace and headed for the elevator.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

3 months later

Itachi sat at the large desk, going through the documents laid out in front of him, penciling in figures to the various different ledgers, gold rimmed glasses hanging off the edge of his nose. Hearing the soft chimes going off from a grandfather clock located in the corridor outside his office, Itachi pulled off his gold rimmed glasses and sat back in his chair. Placing the glasses on the desk, he closed his eyes briefly and rubbed his temples.

"Your tea Uchiha-sama, a deep voice called out when the door opened. Itachi hummed in agreement and let the servant place the tray on the edge of the desk. "Will there be anything else?" Itachi shook his head and dismissed the man with his hand. Taking a deep breath, inhaling the tantalizing scent of the tea, he leaned over to the tea and poured himself a cup. The daily newspaper was also on the tray, as per usual, Itachi grabbed it and spread it over his desk. Leaning forward slightly, tea in hand, he flipped through the various pages, catching up on the local events in his home city.

Itachi and Sasuke had returned to Japan after Sasuke's final performance in New York, and as per usual Sasuke took the stage by storm, the violin prodigy that he is, but Itachi could see that Sasuke was brooding. Sasuke may be able to show an impassive look to all his fans and the general public, but Itachi knew better. After their unsuccessful attempt at finding Naruto at the hospital, Itachi had talked to Gaara and it was discovered that Naruto was indeed alright, but he went home to get some much needed time off and rest. That was all that Gaara would disclose, stating that it wasn't his place to say anything more, in which Itachi agreed. He was just thankful that Naruto wasn't seriously hurt or in trouble after seeing his collapse at David Geffen Hall. Itachi had informed his moping otouto who only humphed in response but Itachi could see the relief and sorrow in his form, his behaviour and most of all in his eyes. His otouto had tried endlessly in trying to connect with the blond with his phone, when Sasuke thought Itachi wasn't looking, with sadly no success. After Sasuke was informed, he threw himself into his music, and would only speak to Itachi with one word answers and grunts. In the last few weeks, Sasuke kept to his music library, playing piece after piece, sometimes well into the night and Itachi worried. He worried when he saw his otouto begin to fold into himself, he worried seeing the sweat pour down his face and back from the hours of practice and begged him to take a break when he saw his fingers crack and bleed from the constant pressure he pushed on the strings. Yes, his otouto was mentally breaking and Itachi was at a loss on how to help him. Funny though, how a meeting up with a vibrant blond for less than a few weeks could make such a change in his otouto.

He flipped the pages of the newspaper, a large posting caught his eye and he found himself reviewing it very carefully. He leaned over, pulling the newspaper up closer and slipped his gold rimmed glasses on again. "Well, this is interesting," he hummed to himself and a small smile played upon his lips. He quickly grabbed his daytimer, reviewing what he had booked for the upcoming dates and nodded and hummed seeing that one of the days was open. He pulled out his phone and went through the various screens to get what he wanted. When he was done, he sat back, his tea cup in hand and continued to smile softly.

Sasuke frowned when the hairs on his bow snapped while he was in the middle of a piece. Running his arm across his forehead, wiping the sweat, his fingers clenched the bow aggressively as he walked over to the cabinet to restring his bow. The whole process just pissed him off more, precious time taken away from his work. While he worked on restringing his bow, Itachi walked into the music room.

"Otouto, I do think it's time for a break." Itachi walked smoothly across the wooden floor, carrying a tray of cheese, crackers, juice and water. He placed it on one of the tables and looked about the room, tsking when he saw all the scores of music sheets littering the area.

"Hn," was all Sasuke grunted out.

Itachi made his way to an armchair, settling himself into it quietly and watched Sasuke work on his bow. "How many have you gone through otouto? If I didn't know any better I would say you are playing too aggressively," he teased.

"Whatever," Sasuke scowled out in response.

Itachi sighed slightly, used to the snappy retorts that Sasuke had been quite fond of using the past few weeks. "I have some news," he started. "I have gotten us seats at the Suntory Hall in two nights."

Sasuke stopped what he was doing and threw a glare at Itachi. "Not interested," his tone was sharp, irritated and clipped.

"Not an option otouto," Itachi snapped back. "You need to get out and stop hiding yourself in the music room." Itachi made sure to make his voice authoritative, with an equal glare showing that no was not an option.

"Why the fuck would I want to sit in a stuffy hall, watching low rated performers that just came off the line and are hoping to make it big?!" Sasuke yelled out.

Itachi was slightly shocked at the outburst, but, it was the most his otouto had said to him since they came home, so at least it was somewhat of a positive change to Sasuke's regular responses. Itachi shook his head, "how could you say such things otouto." Itachi sounded disappointed. "No matter where their experience lies, everyone has to start somewhere, just as you did, and we should be supportive of possible upcoming talents." He didn't take his eyes off of Sasuke with his lips tight into a firm frown. "You will be attending with me, and it is obvious you are in need of a reminder of how to be humble." Itachi stood aggressively, gave a glare to Sasuke before striding out the room, closing the door firmly behind him.

Sasuke just watched Itachi leave, his thoughts on what his aniki had just said to him and how it was said. His aniki sounded disappointed in him, and he felt a sting of guilt in his chest. He frowned as he rubbed his hand over his chest, as if that would help ease the hurt, but slowly he realized he really was being an asshole. Letting out a big sigh, he finished restringing his bow and then sat to eat what Itachi had brought. He would talk to Itachi later.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Itachi and Sasuke stepped out of their impressive vehicle, the driver bowing slightly to them both as he held the car door open. Three large security men dressed in suits walked with the Uchiha brothers to keep the public from getting too close. The night was humid, with the promise of rain in the air and Sasuke pulled his coat a little tighter around his neck to keep the chill out. A few paparazzi were flashing their cameras as the brothers walked by and the Uchiha's just kept swiftly walking, not listening to any questions that may have been thrown at them. The two beautiful men kept their faces stoic and eyes forward to the large glass doors before them. They were quickly shown to their box seats, the door men taking their jackets and helping the brothers to their seats. They were offered programs, Itachi thanked the man when he took one and Sasuke declined. Itachi smirked to himself when he saw that his otouto showed no interest in the program.

"I certainly hope to see some rising stars tonight. My understanding is that there is a special guest at the end of the program," Itachi hummed out nonchalantly.

"Hn," was all Sasuke said as he took a drink that was offered by a waiter. He adjusted himself in his seat, took a sip and waited for the show to begin. The orchestra was still warming up and Sasuke looked about the large area below their box. It was the same old, the main population were elderly people, dressed to the max, chattering quietly amongst themselves until the show started. Sasuke suppressed a yawn.

The lights began to dim, indicating the performances were about to begin. Adjusting himself once more, Sasuke settled in to watch the various performers come to the stage. He couldn't wait for intermission.

==intermission==

After intermission, Sasuke clenched his teeth tightly and called for another drink. As always, Itachi made his way around the swarms of people, many of them recognizing Sasuke and of course, many of them wanted to chit chat with him as if they knew everything about him and were his best friends. Itachi reminded him that he must be gracious to his fans, not be so aloof and at least recognize and be polite. 'There are ways to remain appreciative to others and not be so rude otouto.' Itachi's words singing through his head as they made their rounds during intermission. He was so ready to leave, hide in his music space and fuck the rest of the world.

"Come now Sasuke, it isn't all that bad, quit pouting," Itachi whispered firmly as the lights began to flicker, informing guests that it was time to be seated as the second set was about to begin.

Sasuke just glared in response when Itachi tsked him and turned his head to stare at the stage. The night was almost over and he just had to bare it for a couple hours longer. He finished his second drink for the night when the lights began to dim.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen, let's give our artists another round of applause!" A large man dressed in a tux called into the microphone on the stage a couple hours later. Sasuke could see the sweat on his brow reflecting from the spotlight and scrunched his nose up a little. He clapped politely as the artists that performed throughout the evening filed out on stage to give their final bow. The people below all stood, calling out bravo while applauding the several artists. Sasuke just sighed, it was always the same. Sure some of the artists had talent, but many of them had a long way to go and Sasuke was all too familiar with the work involved to become where he was today. The master of ceremonies clapped his hands lightly together as the artists all began to file off the opposite end of the stage and Sasuke began to get up from his chair.

"Wait otouto," Itachi whispered out and grabbed his wrist. "There is a special guest, remember?"

Sasuke snorted out quietly, making his annoyance known to his aniki before sitting back down in his chair. Just fucking great…

The master of ceremonies turned to the crowd, smiling brightly and waited for the applause to die down and people to retake their seats. "Thank you all again ladies and gentlemen, and as you are well aware, we have a special guest artist performing for us tonight!" The applause gathered up in sound again briefly at the announcement and Sasuke just rolled his eyes. "Many of you may be aware of this young prodigy, having seen him perform in various areas all over Japan and recently he finished a tour in the United States!" The applause again rose up with a few ohh's and ahh's murmuring through the crowd.

Sasuke lifted a brow in slight interest.

"Well I am absolutely pleased that he agreed to perform for you all tonight, as you know he is a very busy man," the man chuckled slightly with the audience. "Therefore, please help me thank him for coming here this evening," the man called out and held his arm up, pointing his hand to the side of the stage.

Sasuke watched as a dark silhouette from the artist walked through the darkness, coming closer to the spotlight and he squinted his eyes as if that would help him see more clearly. His breath hitched when the man came into the spotlight and stood beside the master of ceremonies. 'No...it couldn't be…' Sasuke's lips parted in surprise...he would recognize that smile, that beautiful glow of skin and hair anywhere.

"Welcome flutist prodigy, Naruto Uzumaki!"

'Sasuke nearly fell out of his chair as he leaned closer to the banister of their box seats, his heart thumping erratically, his eyes taking in Naruto's form, who was dressed in a smart suit that hugged his frame perfectly. His small flute carrying case in one hand, the other reaching around to hug the master of ceremonies and that brilliant smile that haunted Sasuke's dreams. A flash of jealousy shot through him as he watched Naruto hug the master of ceremonies briefly, (he was then aching that he could switch places and be the receiver of that embrace), Naruto's head nodding and his lips releasing a small laugh that rang through Sasuke's skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps up his arms.

The master of ceremonies then left the stage, giving Naruto a few gentle slaps on his shoulder before he left and Naruto began to settle into his position on stage. Sasuke didn't blink or breath as a hush went over the crowd when Naruto began to bring the flute up to his lips. Sasuke's own tongue traced his own now dry lips when he watched Naruto's teeth rub over his bottom lip, the tip of pink tongue stick out and moisten them before puckering them up to begin his set. Sasuke felt his heart ache at the sight and he never wanted to be Naruto's instrument so badly in his life.

The soft tunes began to float from the flute, Naruto's fingers gracefully touching the keys and Sasuke released his breath he didn't realize he was holding. The haunting sounds vibrated deeply through his skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake and the pain in his heart intensified.

Itachi just smiled softly in the shadows, watching as his otouto focused solely on the artist performing on stage. He only hoped that his otouto would play it smart this time around or heaven forbid the outcome.