Chapter 6

Naruto couldn't believe his eyes. Sasuke was standing in front of him after being apart for five long years. He had expected him, longed for this moment. Why did it suddenly seem like a dream? Like a mirage.

"Sasuke..?"

Naruto looked over the man. It really was him. He was really here, standing in front of him, and in all his glory. He stood tall and muscular, a lean but strong body clad in a pair of dark jeans and a bomber jacket left opened showing his chest and abs. He stood tall and relaxed, firm and unwavering. It gave away his high status, his wealthy background, never a day where he had to worry about a thing.

He had matured just the way Naruto had expected. Sasuke had always been beautiful, practically had all the girls swooning over him even back then when they were just kids. Naruto imagined the American women were throwing themselves at him by the boat load.

"You still have that habit of staring."

Naruto listened to that velvety voice. It was the same as back then except now with an underlining base.

Sasuke reached out his hand and gently rested it on top of Naruto's head. "Seriously, this is embarrassing. I was expecting a hug or at least a hello."

"It's really you. You're really here." Naruto gazed into those gentle brown eyes and when Sasuke gave him his charming smile, Naruto threw his arms around Sasuke and embraced him with so much force, they nearly fell backwards into the hallway.

Sasuke brushed away the blonde strands that fell over those beautiful blue eyes. "You've grown up a lot," he said softly. "What happened to that annoying brat who used to follow me around everywhere, huh?"

Naruto hugged Sasuke closely, unwilling to let go of this precious moment they shared, this moment he has dreamt of all these years.

"Keep squeezing me any harder and you'll pop me like a balloon." Sasuke was a lot like his older brother but unlike Itachi, he wasn't afraid to laugh at himself once in a while. It was one of his charms that made people so drawn to him.

"You smell really good," Naruto mumbled, pressing himself deeper against Sasuke.

Sasuke glanced over at his two bodyguards who were struggling to hold in their laugh. He sighed, blushing. "Don't say weird things. It's embarrassing."

Naruto tilted up his head, a devious grin spreading on his face when he noticed the tint color of red across Sasuke's cheeks. "You're blushing."

"Yes, and I'm sure you're enjoying it as always." Sasuke pulled Naruto away and held him at arms length, looked him over in silence.

He's strangely captivated by the body of another man. He's intrigued by the curve of Naruto's hips, his slender body that had little to no muscles. He had grown taller, now standing a few inches below Sasuke. He had really grown into his features, high cheek bones, round blue eyes and full pink lips. Naruto was unlike nothing he's ever seen. It didn't take long to become hypnotized.

"Who's doing the staring now?" Naruto teased. "Weren't you the one complaining a few seconds ago?"

Sasuke saw the smugness on his face. Yet, he didn't feel bothered. If it had been any other man, he'd feel ashamed, embarrassed even, but not with Naruto. Naruto was prettier than most women he's seen and he can't comprehend it.

"Come inside." Naruto waved his hand, trying to get Sasuke's attention. "How long do you plan on standing out there?" He tried to hide the blush burning at his cheeks. The way Sasuke was staring at him was enough to have his blood pressure rising. It was the same look Kiba had given him when they first met.

"Well, if you're inviting me in then you should step aside."

Naruto closed his eyes when a calm hand was placed over his head like before. He glanced up with uncertainty to find Sasuke staring intensely at him. "What?" he asked nervously.

"You look a lot like your dad…. and your mom, actually." Sasuke suddenly appeared solemn. "I miss them, everyday."

Naruto blinked away the image of his parents. He stepped aside, finally allowing Sasuke and his guests inside. He greeted the two men with a short hello. They were foreigners. Naruto figured they lived in America with Sasuke.

Sasuke's impressed by the beautiful apartment. He walked in further, admiring the large complex and its elegance. He turned and came to a sudden stop seeing the mess inside the kitchen. "What happened here?"

Naruto's face paled in embarrassment. "Just ignore that."

"What happened?" His eyes found Naruto's in an instant.

Naruto averted his gaze to the couch. "Come here, I want you to meet someone." How did he even begin to explain what had taken place between him and his brother without sounding completely psychotic.

Naruto gently shook his nephew's shoulders. "Wake up Jay, there's someone I want you to meet." The boy stirred awake, wrapping his small arms around his uncle's neck. "Look at how spoiled he is." Naruto felt the boy nuzzle deeper into his neck.

Sasuke watched them silently. The child wanted to be carried to his room and Naruto promised to take him if he could just stay awake a little longer. With much persuasion and promises of candy in the future, Naruto finally managed to get through to the boy. Sasuke moved forward when Naruto beckoned him over with his hand.

"Jaron, I want you to meet your other uncle. He's a really close friend of your mom and I. This is Sasuke." Naruto rubbed the dried drool from the corner of Jay's mouth.

"Hello," Sasuke said as he sat over the couch beside the boy. He gave a warm smile when Jaron glanced up at him.

The boy was his brother's spitting image. The black of his hair to the fairness of his complexion, his brown eyes lightened only slightly from genetics of his mother.

"Hello…" Jay greeted in his sleepy haze. His hooded eyes barely managed to stay open until he finally accepted sleep and made himself comfortable in his uncle's arms.

"Let me take him to his bed."

"Where's Kyuubi?"

Naruto felt uneasy by the sudden urgency in Sasuke's voice, like someone had flipped a switch. "He's in his room. I honestly don't think you should see him right now."

"Which room is his?" Sasuke asked.

Naruto won't lie. He's hurt. Why is Sasuke so concerned about Kyuubi? He hasn't even asked him how he's been these past few years. They haven't even had a chance to sit down and catch up. What was with the sudden urgency to see Kyuubi? After all, he was the reason him and Sasuke had to separate in the first place.

"Naruto."

Naruto pointed to his brother's room. He doesn't say anything as Sasuke stood up and walked towards the door. Naruto rocked his nephew as he took him to his room and tucked him in for the night.

Kyuubi sat over the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. He was angry, angry that he'd let Naruto's taunting finally have an effect on him. He's embarrassed. He thought he had grown out of his violent tendencies. Guess he still had a lot of growing up to do. But, amidst all of this, what hurt him the most was the fact that his son had borne witness to it all.

What would Itachi think of me?

There's a sudden knock at the door. He figured it was Naruto coming to apologize or further antagonize him. He wasn't in the mood for it. Not one bit. "Go away."

The person entered anyway. "It's been a long time, Kyuubi."

Kyuubi was on his feet abruptly. "Sasuke?"

Sasuke walked deeper into the room, eyes taking in the neat setting. "Nice place you have here." He approached the stunned man who was only a few years older than him.

"You can't be here."

Sasuke stopped in his tracks. He's not sure what hurts more, the fear in Kyuubi's voice or the terror ripe within his wavering eyes.

"He'll know you're here. Why the hell are you here right now, Sasuke?" Fear washed over him like a wave. "How can you be this careless?"

"It's nice to see you again after all these years. I'm doing well, thanks for asking."

"This isn't a joke, Sasuke."

"Who's laughing?" Sasuke approached him calmly. "You can relax. I wouldn't be here if I knew it would cause you and your family any danger. I promised you that I would protect you. I intend to keep that promise."

Kyuubi sat back down on the bed and sighed. "I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you're here. I knew your brother would tell you."

Sasuke leaned against the dresser beside the bed. "How have you been? Long time since we talked."

Kyuubi lightly chuckled. "You look a lot like your brother now."

"Been getting that a lot lately." Sasuke allowed the single moment of silence to pass by. "Answer my question."

"I'm alright. I've made it this far, haven't I?" Kyuubi exhaled the breath he has been holding. "If I was anything less, you wouldn't be here and neither would I."

"You have a point there." Sasuke shuffled his hands out of his pockets. "I met your son. He was too tired for any significant introductions but, he's a beautiful boy. He resembles his father a lot."

"What can I say, the Uchiha genes are no joke."

"Itachi met his son?"

"Yeah," replied Kyuubi. "I wasn't there to see their interaction. Jay was with Naruto at the time."

Sasuke has a grin on his face. "You named my nephew, Jaron?" The name wasn't exactly a traditional Japanese name. He was curious where the name even came from and the interest behind it.

Kyuubi laughed awkwardly. "It's a cute name. It's different."

"It's different alright." He smiled when Kyuubi rolled his eyes.

The pair continued to catch up. Sasuke talked about his life in the states for the past five years. He lived in New York City and had attended a private school in the city. He graduated last year and has plans on attending college in the coming fall. He wasn't sure which university he was interested to attend. He has universities practically begging him to attend their school. They all made the same fictitious claims of not wanting him because of his family's status in Japan. That was the narrative each recruiter gave him. They want him because he'd be a great asset academically. They were all full of shit.

Sasuke didn't speak on any other parts of his life. He lived a boring life. Not many people in America knew of his high status. He kept a close circle of friends and that was pretty much it. Nothing else about himself seemed worth mentioning.

Kyuubi in turn told Sasuke about a percentage of his life in the past years. He's cautious of his words. After all, Sasuke is Itachi's brother. He can't risk exposing too much information about his life to a source that Itachi could easily access. Sasuke has proven himself to be trustworthy, yet there's information that Kyuubi knew that the teen wouldn't be able to keep just between them.

Sasuke listened to Kyuubi diligently. He didn't make any comments. Kyuubi seemed different now. He was calmer, and his once lively eyes now seemed dull and lifeless. The events from years ago evidently had a great effect on him still. He wondered if Itachi had seen this change when they had reunited. Or was he too blinded with anger to see what was right in front of him. Sasuke pondered on the thoughts trapped in his head. The words want to escape his mouth but his conscience is unsure if it is his place to give such conviction.

"Kyuubi, listen to me." His voice was delicate. "It's time to come clean. You have to tell Itachi what happened to you."

Kyuubi laughed. "You're insane."

"I understand why you're afraid. But, how long do you plan on torturing him like this? It's not fair. Think of your son."

Kyuubi was on his feet quickly, his face twisted with anger. "I am thinking of my son, and my brother. They are the reason why I have done all I have to keep them safe. Now, you're telling me to just give that all up and for what?"

"For my brother."

"Your brother was the one who turned his back on me. I gave him a chance to be in his son's life. He chose otherwise. So, don't stand here and tell me that I should do this or that for his sake."

There was no lie in everything Kyuubi had spat at him. Itachi had a chance to raise his son, but the ultimatum given to him was too cruel. An option anyone would have had difficulty accepting. It may have seemed Itachi was in the wrong, but he was not to blame. The true person to blame lived on happily protected by Kyuubi's fear.

"I won't force you." Sasuke pushed himself off the dresser. "Shisui took away everything from you. Your fear for him is justified, I understand that. I was there. But Kyuubi, the only one suffering in all of this is Itachi. Shisui's living his best life with zero consequences." He looked Kyuubi straight in the eyes. "I love my brother more than anything in this world. He doesn't deserve this. He deserves to be in his son's life. This has to end now."

Kyuubi shook his head. "I can't."

"You can." Sasuke pleaded. "Itachi will protect you. I will protect you."

Kyuubi's eyes wavered with fear. "He'll come after us. He'll come after Naruto."

"This time my father won't be there to protect him."

Kyuubi remained unconvinced. He knew firsthand what Shisui was capable of. He couldn't bear to lose everything a second time. He was on the brink of going mad five years ago. What the hell would happen to him if the same events were to happen again? The thought of it has his stomach turning.

"Hey." Sasuke placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Have a little faith in us."

Kyuubi nodded his head. "I do."

"Good." Sasuke dropped his hand. "I want to take Naruto out. Is that alright with you? I'll bring him back before midnight."

Kyuubi looked over to the clock hung over the wall. It was almost nine pm. "It's fine." He watched as Sasuke turned to leave. "Hey Sasuke, Naruto is um a bit… well he gets irritated quickly. Just be careful what you say around him. He's not the sweet boy you grew up with anymore."

Sasuke chuckled. "When was he ever sweet?"

"Just be careful."

Inside the living room, Sasuke found Naruto busy cleaning up the large mess in the kitchen. "Hey." He waited until Naruto looked up at him. "Get dressed. I'm taking you out."

"Where are we going?"

"Anywhere you want."

Naruto looked around. He had managed to sweep up most of the food and broken glass off the ground but he still had to mop the floors. He turned around, his blues narrowing when his brother approached him.

"It's okay, I'll finish up."

Naruto shoved the broom to his chest. He held on when Kyuubi tried to take the broom from him. "You fucking listen to me. You ever hit me again, I'll burn this whole fucking place to the ground."

Kyuubi sighed. He didn't even recognize his little brother anymore. It was scary. It was like living with a stranger who found entertainment in constantly harassing him. He didn't say anything as he swept up the rest of the mess.

Naruto returned a few minutes later wearing a pair of jeans, sweatshirt, and a pair of sneakers.

Sasuke groaned as he was dragged out of the apartment. When they finally reached the lobby of the large apartment complex, Naruto let go of his hand.

"Quite a grip you have there," Sasuke mumbled, massaging his wrist. "Where are you in such a hurry to go?"

"Anywhere. Everywhere." Naruto turned around so he faced Sasuke as he walked backwards. "But, first, we have to make a pit stop somewhere. I hope you have your ID with you."

"Don't get me arrested on my second day in the country, Naruto."

"Me? I could never do such a thing."

"Why do I not believe you when you say that?"

Naruto grinned. "Because you're smarter than that, that's why."

—

Sasuke drove through the streets. His bodyguards drove in a separate car following behind him. He followed the directions Naruto gave him as he drove down to a vacant parking lot of a liquor store. When Sasuke peered through the window to see the store name, he sat back in his seat and ruffled his hair. He turned to Naruto who was smirking at him.

"Do you have your ID or not?"

Sasuke pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. "Kyuubi won't be happy if I brought you home drunk."

"Fuck what he thinks. Give me your ID." He smiled when Sasuke reached for his phone and began texting something on it to his bodyguards.

The two talked amongst themselves as Sasuke drove them to another site Naruto directed him to. Some time later and they were parked by the side of a beach. It was quiet and the night air was cool and refreshing. The beach was vacant to just the two of them. Sasuke allowed himself again to be dragged to a corner on the beach hidden away by large rocks. They were a safe distance from the waters but close enough to admire the beauty of the calm waters.

"Where am I supposed to sit?" Sasuke looked at Naruto who had made himself comfortable on the sand.

"Um… down." Naruto chuckled. "It's just sand."

Sasuke proceeded to unzip his jacket and slid the soft fabric off his body. He laid it flat on the ground, his muscles defined under the moonlight. He sat down and crossed his legs before glancing over at Naruto who quickly turned around.

"Why did you buy two drinks?" Naruto asked nervously. His cheeks flushed red as he peered into the plastic bag in his hands.

"Give it here." Sasuke removed the two bottles of tequila. "I can finish a whole bottle myself." He studied the bottles carefully before handing one full one over to Naruto.

"Yeah, right." Naruto opened the bottle with a haste twist on the nob. "By two shots you'll be on the floor guaranteed."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Maybe it is."

Naruto regretted his words. Several shots later, his head was spinning while Sasuke appeared sober as a judge. What the hell? Was this even happening or was he just too drunk to see how under the influence Sasuke was. Minutes later, Naruto found himself lying on the ground with his head on Sasuke's lap as he gazed up at the stars, a stupid grin on his face. He didn't even remember why he was smiling. He was somewhat conscious enough to listen as Sasuke talked to him. They had been catching up on their lives. Now, they were on the topic of their goals and dreams.

"You could be the lead director of my design team." Sasuke presented the idea and it really didn't sound that bad. "You've always been talented."

"Doesn't sound too bad." Naruto agreed with a half consciousness. "Engineering, huh? You really are obsessed with cars." His words were slurred yet comprehensible to an extent. "Seems you got it all figured out, your future and all."

Sasuke brought his hand down and his fingers slipped into the soft blond hair as he soothingly massaged it between his fingers. Naruto moaned in content and shifted his head deeper into Sasuke's lap. "Mm, that feels good."

Sasuke slowly exhaled. "Don't do that."

Naruto grinned as he repeated the action. He bit the inside of his mouth when Sasuke grabbed a handful of his hair in a tight grip. "What's the matter? Scared your girlfriend would get mad at you?"

"She probably would."

"Do you love her?"

"Yes."

"More than me?"

"I don't know."

Naruto's either too drunk to fathom the full meaning behind Sasuke's confirmation or he had expected Sasuke to say something along that line. Either way, he surprised himself when he doesn't feel anything. He smiled a weird, goofy smile.

"What's with that smile?" Sasuke asked in a breathy tone, still in the process of calming a certain part of himself down.

Naruto shifted his body over the sand, his head climbing higher into Sasuke's lap as he looked up into his deep brown eyes. "I'm glad she cares enough to be angry."

Sasuke continued to run his fingers through Naruto's hair. "You're talking about your lover?"

Naruto chuckled. "Lover? I'm not sure if that's the right word. He's…. a good distraction."

"Tell me about him."

Naruto's too drunk to recognize the dangerous change in Sasuke's voice. "He's an asshole. He does whatever he wants without a care in the world."

"Why are you with him?"

Naruto smiled, a dullness appearing in his eyes. "The sex is good."

Sasuke brought his other hand down to cup Naruto's chin, his thumb delicately traced over the small wound on the corner of Naruto's lip.

"Did he do this to you?"

"No."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

"Then, what happened?"

"Kyuubi hit me."

Sasuke raised a brow. "What?"

Naruto chuckled. "If you don't believe me, ask him yourself."

Sasuke cleared his throat. "Why did he hit you?"

"Cause' I wanted him to."

Sasuke didn't get a chance to further interrogate Naruto when he eagerly rolled off his lap and spilled his guts beside the rocks. He heaved the alcohol and the rest of his lunch that day out on the sand while Sasuke stood behind him with his dirtied jacket in his hands.

When Naruto finished he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and slowly approached Sasuke.

Sasuke shook the sand out his jacket and wrapped it around Naruto's shoulder. He embraced him, bringing Naruto's head into his chest with his hand cupping the back of his head.

"Time to take you home."

—

When they arrived at the apartment, Sasuke carried Naruto to his bedroom. He undressed him and tucked him in bed. He then looked around, inspecting the large room. It was like an art museum. Framed paintings hung over on the walls. A projector projected a slideshow of pictures of art pieces. Sasuke ventured over to the large desk at the corner that was littered with drawings.

They were mostly drawings of his nephew and other people that were not familiar to him. The techniques in Naruto's drawings showcased his skills. Sasuke wouldn't let that talent go to waste. He moved through the room, inspecting here and there. Suddenly, the sound of a text tone caught his attention and he looked over at the projection to see a message alert from a contact named Kiba.

He read the message, a frown forming on his face as he did so. His eyes lingered on the name for a little longer until he finally willed himself to exit the room.

"I give you permission to take him out and you bring him back drunk?" Kyuubi said, dissapointed.

"That was bad judgment on my part."

"You didn't drink?"

"Water. I don't drink."

"Oh." Kyuubi yawned tiredly.

"Naruto told me you hit him. Is that true?"

Kyuubi averted his gaze from Sasuke as he sighed. "We got into an argument and it got out of hand. Also bad judgment on my part."

"Was this the first time?"

Kyuubi witnessed the increasing deepness in Sasuke's voice. "It was the second time."

"There won't be a third." Sasuke said matter-of-factly.

Kyuubi nodded. "Like I said bad judgment."

"I have disciplined myself to stay away from your brotherly affairs. With that being said, I won't stand aside and let anyone lay a finger on him and that includes you. You can take that however way you want to."

Kyuubi again nodded. He exhaled the breath he was holding when Sasuke left. He knew Naruto only told Sasuke he hit him because he knew how Sasuke would react. Naruto knew how much Sasuke cared about him and the extent he would go to keep him safe.

His own brother hated him that much.

—

So, what do you guys make of Naruto and Kyuubi relationship? And Sasuke's appearance in the story. Let me know what you guys think so far.