Thank you for the reviews and pointing out my errors. If you have any suggestions or constructive criticism, please don't hesitate and send it to me.

Disclaimer:

Must I even state the obvious?

A/n: Prologue ended, story would now progress in present times.

Chapter 1: Owned

Small puffs of smoke rose from his pipe, the third hokage stood by the window of his office. The other occupant of the room stood by him joining his watch of scenery.

The Hokage sighed and adjusted his hat. He broke the silence. "How long has it been Iruka? Six years?"

A look of sadness and longing passed through the chunnin's face before it was gone. "Hai, hokage-sama."

…

"He has already missed the passed two exams. I don't know if I should continue hoping for him to come back. It's been so long. If only I was there. If only I showed him the acknowledgement he needed. IF ONLY I WASN'T HESITANT HE WOULD STIL BE HERE!"

The sound of humored laughter bounced off in the room as the hokage shakes his head. Iruka blushed. "F…forgive me for my outburst Hokage-sama. The genin exams always make me nervous and the stress I've been getting from this year's students has been pushing me at my limits and…" The third cuts him from his endless chattering. He only chuckles a bit more and pats the younger man good naturedly at the back.

"Iie, iie. It's okay Iruka. There's no need for you to mask your concern for Naruto, I understand very well how you are feeling." The third tapped his pipe at the window to clear away the ashes. He put his pipe back at his robes and looked at the scarred man. He smiled sadly, the tugging at the lips only accented his late age by showing off the obvious wrinkles at his face.

"Naruto may have wavering thoughts about fulfilling his dreams but there is one thing we are sure of, wherever Naruto may be he is always cared for and protected." He sighed and went back to his table. He lets his old body fall at the cushioned chair wearily.

Iruka mulled out the third's words a bit before looking back outside, gazing at the dying sun. He heard a slightly irritated tone from the other person in the room and he smiled without reason.

"Blasted documents! Iruka, even now that you're a responsible chunnin you always bring trouble and headaches. If I didn't know you better, you're actually having fun swamping me with this paperwork!" The third half complained in attempt to lighten the mood.

It worked. A bit.

Iruka smiled and turned to the old man. "Of course I am revered third Hokage. After all, as much as you favor to sit yourself in that chair collecting dust by doing nothing, It is better that you actually do something."

The third grumbled nonsense words and settled to his usual habit. Procrastinating.

There was comfortable silence.

"Hokage-sama?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think that Naruto would someday return?"

…

…..

Sarutobi smiled reassuringly at the distressed academy teacher. "We could only hope Iruka. It's the only thing we could do for now."

Break:

'It-chan you jerk!' Naruto walks the halls of an inn with a slight limp. The older man beside him smothered his laughter. Naruto shot a glare at the said so man. "Rough night Naruto-sama?" Naruto only intensified his glare and sighed. He settled to a pout. As always… "Ten-niichan you're mean. And I told you stop calling me Naruto-sama!"

The man only shook his head and smiled kindly at the thirteen year old teen, albeit amused but kind nevertheless. Naruto scrounge his face in suspicion before turning away with a huff.

'Mou! I was sure that our room is much closer than this. Stupid inn! Suddenly deciding to make the hallways longer when I'm this condition! Stupid It-chan!' The blond ranted inside his head as he and the older man beside him trudge forward with groceries at hand.

In truth the length of the hallways and the inn itself hadn't change.

"Finally! Our room! God that took almost forever!" Naruto exclaimed in relief as he opens the door and stumbles in.

Only to see a smug Class S missing nin named Itachi sitting on the bed facing him with a knowing smirk on his lips.

Naruto narrowed his eyes and growled. 'Itachi no baka.' He dumps his share of groceries at the nearby table and made his way to the bed where he fell to non gracefully. He buried his head at the sheets and the soft mattress.

'Ahh! Bed!' He turned to his back and looked around. 'Ten-niichan is gone. Must be packing the supplies already.'

Suddenly a pale face blocked his view of the ceiling tiles. He frowned a little; he was still a bit miffed about having to walk after…that. He blushed. Even though he understood the reasons why, still….It hurts!

Itachi's lips curved upwards in amusement as if already knowing what was passing at his young koibito's head.

'And I wouldn't doubt that he already does. It-chan you jerk!'

If that cocky smirk didn't confirmed his suspicions then the air of smugness clinging at the missing nin like second skin did.

Itachi closes his eyes and lowers his head, meeting the younger teen's lips with his own. "Sleep. You'll need it." He whispered, Naruto smiled lazily and nodded. All annoyance and anger forgotten he sunk at the pillows. Itachi toyed with the blonde's hair as he waited. Soon enough there was that all too familiar snoring. His eyes softens as he looks back at his angel before standing up and making his way at the other room where the man that accompanied Naruto earlier sits on a chair reading.

"Tenpou…" The man in question looked up from his book and nodded "Itachi-dono". Itachi leaned at the wall near the door. He silently observed the man.

Tenpou in all the years that they have known him hadn't changed. He still is the kind, calm and patient man that they he met three years ago when he and Naurto ventured the western lands. He closed his eyes.

He adjusted his cloak and picked up his sakkat. "I'll be going now." The person he's addressing to was watching him. Naruto lies on his stomach at the bed, pouting. "I told you joining that org will be troublesome." He unwrapped a lollipop and put it in his mouth.

Itachi smiled slightly. "Yeah…" He put on his straw hat and made for the door.

A voice called him from behind. "Ne, ne. It-chan. Bring something when you get back!"

Itachi shrugged. "I'll think about it."

Naruto smiled and hugged his orange fox plushie as he watch the taller shinobi leave.

Itachi sighed as he cleans his shurikens with a cloth. His feet are casually propped up the coffee table while his sits in a rich blue lounge chair. The wide window that took half of the wall gave him a very beautiful view of the town. The moon's silver light shown through, illuminating the room where the floor is literally covered with corpses and blood.

The brunette closed his eyes as he blindly and expertly continued cleaning and sharpening his weapon.

A second passed.

The shuriken he was holding flew. He opened his eyes with the sharingan activated.

At the doorway stood a man maybe early twenties, the shuriken missing his head purposely by mere centimeters.

"Why are you here?" Simple and straight to the point, Itachi doesn't need to know the man's name, why should he? He is no one he should concern himself for.

The man despite being almost hit by the projectile is calm. He walked forward to the missing nin. Itachi watches in a bored fashion, however his fingers gave the slightest twitch, warning the man to stop.

"You killed them?" The man asked in a calm voice.

Itachi shrugged. "It was a mission." He answered curtly.

"Why didn't you kill me?" The man continued.

"I wasn't required to." Itachu pocketed his shurikens inside his coat

…

…

……

…

a cloud passed away from the moon, letting further light in. Itachi could finally make out the man's features perfectly.

The man has shoulder length raven black hair. He has a pair of small square glasses before his emerald green twin orbs, two black earrings at his left ear and He's attired in black slacks, sky blue button up shirt underneath a white coat.

Despite that layer of clothing covering that slender body it could be plainly seen that the man is built. He face is smooth and calm as well kind. His eyes carried great intellect, sorrows and patience.

'A scholar, a doctor, probably even a fighter.' Itachi's impassive face and eyes betrayed nothing. He could see well using the eyes of the Sharingan.

The man suddenly smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Ano…I don't know how to say this demo…" The man bowed slightly. "Please let me serve you."

Itachi raised an eyebrow. "…why?"

All traces of nervousness and mock embarrassment gone, the man became serious. "The people that you killed had done great offence against me and the person I cared for."

The uchiha narrowed his eyes. "…and?"

The man smiled slightly. "Maa. Maa.. It really is quite foolish but think of this as a bonus or an act of gratitude for taking care of them."

Itachi inwardly snorted as his red eyes started to narrow more. Clearly the man is pretty enough but he isn't interested in him besides the man is far older than him. He seems educated and willing but…

"What's your purpose?"

The man's eyes turned to crescents. "Nothing really. Just as I said earlier, it's like a payment for killing them off."

"Do you plan to do anything that may endanger me or someone I care for?"

"No."

"Do you have any malicious intentions or do you seek some kind of payment?"

"No."

"Would you serve faithfully?"

"Yes"

Itachi's lips quirked for the tiniest bit. The man hasn't lied yet. He would know so if the man did with the help of his bloodline.

He stood up and made it for the door. Stopping at the doorway, he looked back over his shoulder. "What is your name?"

The man smiled. "It's Tenpou."

Itachi nodded. "Itachi. Let's go."

Tenpou nodded and followed behind. At front, the smallest of smiles has taken place on Itachi's lips.

'Naruto did ask for me to bring something home.'

It turns out that Tenpou is exactly what Itachi thought, he is a scholar and a doctor. His fighting ability however is yet to be proven.

He opened his eyes and made his way to the chair and sat down directly in front of his servant. Tenpou put down his book.

The older man asked. "Nani desu ka?"

Itachi leaned back, his poker face betraying nothing. "Take care of Naruto in all aspects; physically, emotionally and mentally."

Tenpou's emerald eyes curved in amusement. "That would have been understood without saying shouldn't it? I would always take care of Naruto-sama, Itachi-dono."

Itachi brows slightly furrowed in thought. "Pardon me. I can't help to feel…concerned at his being." His emotionless crimson eyes locked to a pair of emeralds. "As long as you remember to stay at your boundaries Tenpou."

At this the other man chuckled. His laughter sounding like silver bells. "Iie, iie. Of course Naruto-sama is definitely a beautiful boy demo I only love him as a brother. Besides I'm too old and I have other preferences."

"ahh…" Still the brunette remained a bit lost at his emotions and musings.

Tenpou smiled at the Uchiha's 'concern.'

'Concerned is an understatement. More like worried beyond reason as well as possessive. But he is Itachi. I guess there is that to take account.'

He gestured at the empty table. "Would you like some tea Itachi-dono?"

Itachi merely grunted in acknowledgement and nodded still too lost at his thoughts.

Tenpou shook his head and smiled. He went to the kitchen and came back with two cups and a Tea pot.

He poured the steaming mixture at the cups. "Naruto-sama is amazing. Even with his age and having you as his traveling companion and lover haven't dimmed his brightness." He added some sugar at the mixture before returning to his seat. "Even though he has been through a lot and even experienced killing yet he still remains naïve and innocent. It practically envelops his whole being that you could feel it in the air."

The brunette didn't reply as he drank the concoction.

"I wonder at times, how he could retain such traits especially him being a ninja. I also wonder why you let him remain wearing such loud clothing when his profession chooses otherwise."

Itachi carefully placed the now empty cup at the table. "It is because I make sure that he remains the way he is and this is the exact matter I am greatly concerned for now that he is returning to that place and under your care. Tenpou I want and expect him to still be the Naruto I knew when I visit him."

"Hai, of course."

Itachi lips quirked upwards. He bowed slightly. "Thank you for the tea." The other did the same. "Thank you for joining me and you are welcome." the brunette stood up while the older man remains sitting, trailing his master with his eyes.

Itachi stopped by the door; His hand already at the doorknob. "It suits his nature doesn't it?"

He doesn't need to look back to know that Tenpou is smiling.

"Hai. Everything that is him is bright. He's like the sun." The man agreed.

At that, Itachi nodded and went out heading back to his and Naruto's room.

&&&

The brunette strokes his blond kitsune's whiskered cheek lightly with his thumb while the younger teen unknowingly leaned in closer purring in his sleep. There was a soft smile on his lips as the blond curled further to his chest.

"He's like the sun"

Itachi closed his eyes and rests his head at the nest of golden locks. The things Tenpou said strikes up an old precious memory.

Both of them sat at the top of the hokage mountain, Naruto in his arms while they watch the sun go down. Well the blond was while he was too busy looking at the boy in his arms; the last trails of orange light bounce off those golden hair and tan skin while those baby blue eyes glowed like sapphires.

"My sun…" He whispered as he brought the boy closer and kissed the boy's head.

Naruto simply let himself sink at the warmth and comfort slightly troubled. "Naze? Why do you always compare me to the sun?" His cloudless blue eyes slightly glassy, the torture he always receives from the villagers passing through his head. He bit his lower lip. "Doushte? It-chan, you know really well that the happiness I wear is just a mask."

Itachi turned the younger boy around so that Naruto is facing him. The brunette's features are soft yet serious as he held the younger boy's chin with his fingers. "You always spread warmth and light wherever you go whether you have that mask on or not naru-chan."

The blond looked confused and itachi only smiled. "You don't understand yet and you may never will but to me you will always be my sun."

He bends down lightly touch the blonde's lips with his own. Naruto clutched the older teen's cloths and smiled through the sweet kiss, all thoughts of watching the sunset lost as Itachi embraced the light and warmth that is Naruto.

Itachi held his sun tighter. The feelings and doubts he had suppressed earlier broke free. Tomorrow Naruto would leave. Tomorrow Naruto would return to that accursed place leaving him outside the boundaries working as a missing nin of Akatsuki.

His body shook; the pang on hurt at his heart pains more than anything he had ever encountered. He should have left without Naruto, He shouldn't have associated with the boy. Now his need and worry for the blond makes it hard for him to let the young teen go and fulfill his life's mission.

What if he couldn't see his sun again? What if the villagers try to break him? What if someone else took interest of Naruto? What if…what if Naruto forgets him?

At the last troubled question he held the blond almost in a deathgrip. Naruto awakens by the pressure of the tight hold. "I..it-chan."

Itachi has his eyes shut tight. The lonely nights, the pressure, the stress, the mechanical type of living and the darkness. 'No! Never! I won't let him forget me. I don't want him to. I need him.'

"It-chan you're hurting me!" The pained voice of his blond made him open his eyes wide and release his hold. "G…gomen." Itachi whispered before sitting up on the bed and drew a shuddering gasp. His hands are trembling.

He raked his hair and drew a wearisome sigh. For some reason he felt unbelievably tired.

Arms smaller than his wrapped around his torso. Naruto leaned at the older teen's tense back. His voice sounding warm and reassuring; "Dajobu. It-chan. Nantoka Naru, everything will be okay."

Itachi nodded and forced himself to relax. 'Nantoka naru…'

Naruto smiled, feeling that the older boy's mood has lightened he let go and urged the Uchiha to lie back down to bed with him. They lie together face to face. Onyx meeting cerulean. The soft smile still played with his lips, Naruto leaned in closer that he was apart to the brunette by mere inches.

"Aishiteriu It-chan. Zutto Aishiteru."

"Zutto…?" the brunette asked.

Naruto laughed lightly, his cheeks pink. "Hai. Datte wa…Itachi-chan was the first to say that to me and see me. Arigato."

Itachi fondly traced the scars on his blonde's cheek. 'Forever…Naruto belongs to me.'

He smiled, "Sleep. You're leaving tomorrow. I'll try to visit you when I can."

"Promise?" Those big baby blue eyes are filled with hope and unabashed affection.

The brunette brushed away the golden trails away from those said so eyes. "Hai. I promise."

Break:

The third grumbled as he looks desperately at the tall piles of documents on his table, on his floor, everywhere in the room in total. He cursed under his breath even though none would hear him. Oh how he wished that there is already fitting candidates for his position so that he could finally take up his long overdue retirement.

He dreams of a place with no papers, no insanely long and high towers, no headaches, no stubborn and pompous nobles and no constant complaints and requests. He dreams of many things and one of them is having his two former students return to proper mental and emotional health. His last student who seems stable at both aspects is quite lacking at the thinking department, unreliable as well too busy indulging himself with his vices such as women and liquor therefore cannot take over his place.

He looked longingly outside the window from his seat. He wished, he really wished that Jiraiya would finish the next book or better yet join him at his research.

He sighed and looked at the wall clock.

'6:30 in the morning. Iruka and the other teachers would be starting the classes soon.'

He sighed again and looked back at the papers with distaste. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. He perked up.

"Sandaime-sama. There are two people who wish to visit you." a voice of one of his ninjas stationed in this tower sounded through those thick doors.

"Hai, hai! Let them in!" He answered happily. Yes, finally an excuse to escape away from those work!

The door opened and two figures walked in. His eyes widened and slowly he broke to a grin

Break:

Iruka drank from his cup of coffee as he busily arranges his stack of documents. He rubs his temple and stood up with the still filled cup at his hand.

He hates it when it's time for the genin examinations. It always makes him nervous and sad. Nervous that the students he so painstakingly teach may fail and sad that when they pass, he would have to part with them. He hates the loss of the children who grew to him leaving more.

Just when he thought that he had gathered his nerves and fortified his patience there was a sound of poof in the room as well as smoke. And there stood the third Hokage.

Startled, it is all that he could do to prevent himself from having a heart attack. "H..hokage-sama!"

Sarutobi chuckled and step aside revealing another person hiding behind his back.

Iruka felt his heart skip a beat. There was a crash as his cup fell to the floor, its contents spilling at the wooden surface. "Omae…" He couldn't continue. He's finding it hard to breath at the moment with the sudden tightness on his chest.

The person grinned cheekily.

"Tadaima Iruka-sensei."