Chapter 10

The sunlight shun brightly through the apartment causing Kyuubi's eyes to squint from its invading light. Naruto sat in the kitchen, his head in his hands and his body slouched over the marble counter.

Kyuubi silently entered the kitchen. He was aware of the events that had taken place last night. Sasuke had called him late at night asking if Naruto had returned home safely. When Kyuubi replied with a concerned no, Sasuke explained the altercation that had taken place. Kyuubi had stayed up all night pondering where Naruto had ran off to. He knew how unpredictable his brother was. Kyuubi's mind had ran wild with unsettling thoughts. He spent the rest of the night waiting for Naruto to come home. He eventually fell asleep, waking up now to find Naruto at home safe and sound.

Kyuubi watched Naruto wearily. His maternal instincts were yelling at him to lecture Naruto on the stunt he pulled. But, he doesn't. He imagined Naruto was currently going through a lot. He knew first hand how truly heartbreaking it was when the person you cared about the most disappointed you. He broke Itachi's heart in the same way, and years later he was still dealing from its consequences.

Kyuubi poured himself a cup of orange juice. Naruto was awake but he still refused to acknowledge his presence. Kyuubi found it hard to talk to his own brother, scared he might say the wrong thing to set off a tantrum. He brought the cup to his mouth and silently took a sip.

Naruto finally sat up, his hands running down his face as he groaned in exhaustion. He felt like utter shit. His entire body ached and his head felt like it was being pounded into by a hammer.

"You want some breakfast?" Kyuubi asked him with a careful tone.

Naruto's blue eyes found him and Kyuubi's shocked when he's actually acknowledged with a simple shake of the head no. Kyuubi wanted to avoid the conversation altogether. He also knew as a big brother he should try to comfort his little brother whether Naruto wanted to hear it or not. He needed to say something.

"Sasuke told me what happened last night." He's gathering ingredients to make breakfast as he spoke. "Are you okay?" A stupid question however, he didn't know what else to say.

Naruto remained quiet as he watched his brother attempt to avoid his eyes by moving around the kitchen grabbing this and that. He was exhausted. He had spent most of the night getting drunk and high. Afterwards, he and Kiba began fooling around, something he soon came to regret when Kiba became too rough with him. Maybe if he was sober, he would have pushed Kiba away. But he was drunk and like always allowed Kiba to do whatever he wanted. And maybe secretly, he didn't mind it. They went round after round until they were finally drained and too stubborn to fall asleep, they both laid awake having meaningless conversations that Naruto can't even remember.

Now, he's dealing with the brutal aftermath of too much sex and too much alcohol. He can't even think straight let alone comprehend what Kyuubi's saying to give him a response.

"Here." Kyuubi placed down the cup, extended the two white pills in his hand to Naruto. "It'll help with the headache."

"Thanks." Naruto swallowed the pain killers with a single gulp of water. His head was back in his hands again, his thoughts all over the place.

"Naruto, are you okay?"

Naruto aggressively pulled away when a gentle hand was placed on his arm. "Do not fucking touch me Kyuubi or I swear."

Kyuubi slowly dropped his hand. He returned to preparing breakfast. He made sure to make extra. He knew Naruto would be hungry later on.

Naruto exhaled tiredly as he stood up. He turned around to leave but found his feet stuck to the ground. It would be so much easier to just let go of everything and sleep, wake up and pretend everything was okay. Maybe get drunk again, maybe have some more sex, sleep it off then start all over again. He can't bring himself to go through with it. He knew Sasuke's decision to stay away from him was not of his own accord. Somehow, Kyuubi was a part of it, pulling the strings like he always does.

Something happened between Kyuubi and Sasuke, something they were both choosing to hide from him. Question now was, why? What the hell could have happened that would make Kyuubi pack up and leave everything behind? What was so serious that it would make Sasuke stay away all these years? Naruto can't figure it out and the pounding in his head only seemed to worsen.

"What did you and Sasuke talk about when he first got here?" He's barely able to keep his eyes on his brother.

Kyuubi continued to mix the batter in the bowl. "Um, not much. Just did a little catching up. That's about it."

"All that comes out of that mouth of yours is lies," Naruto said bitterly. "It's just nonstop."

"I don't know what else you want to hear. That's the truth."

"Why didn't you tell me you were in contact with him all these years?"

"He asked me not to tell you," Kyuubi said softly.

"And you just went along with it knowing how much he means to me. You chose to keep him away." He tensed his jaw. "Why?"

Kyuubi sighed as he set aside the batter. "Naruto, I know it's hard for you to understand why Sasuke did what he did. But, it was done with good intentions. He's doing all of this to protect you." He wiped his hands with the kitchen towel laid over the counter. "Just try to understand him."

"To protect me or you?"

"You, Naruto."

"That's bullshit!" Naruto scoffed. "You're so full of shit. You forced him to stay away."

"I didn't." Kyuubi let out the breath he held. "It was his own choice. One he thought would keep you safe."

Naruto gritted his teeth. "Keep me safe from what?"

Kyuubi shrugged. "I can't tell you," he said. "I'm sorry."

"Two more years until I get my inheritance. When I do, I promise you will never see me again." Naruto turned his back to his brother. "Sasuke has been more of a brother to me than you ever have. If I find out you forced him to stay away from me, you better pray Jaron is around when that happens."

"Naruto, I didn't-"

"Shut up!" Naruto's eyes were wide with rage, warm tears running down his face. "Just shut the fuck up." His feet felt heavy as he walked to his room.

He crawled into his bed, curled himself inside the sheets. Alone, he finally broke down, his sobs muffled in the pillow he buried his face into. He reflected on himself, on his life. He's been hurt too many times. He's tired of the feet constantly stepping over him. Kiba, Kyuubi, and now Sasuke, he's tired of them all. Who gave them the audacity to treat him like he was trash? Like he was less than.

Fine. Two can play that game.

—

Kyuubi stood aside as Shizune opened the glass doors that led to the exclusive site of Itachi's new project. He took a step forward when the eager manager motioned for him to enter.

"Extravagant, isn't it?"

Kyuubi looked around. Shizune had summed it up accurately. The cherry colored carpets complimented the black ceilings and walls. Pristine glass drawers held the merchandise on display, making it easy for customers to view the products as they shopped. Crisp polished clothing racks were aligned by the walls with black mannequins standing beside each set, decorated in fashion Kyuubi could only describe as artistic. Bold.

"Itachi created this design himself. He's a man who knows exactly what he wants." Shizune was in awe even though she has seen the place countless times. "The interior designers did an astounding job, absolutely brilliant. There's no doubt in my mind he'll be pleased."

Kyuubi ignored her, his attention focused on the large framed pictures on the walls. Itachi modeled some of his unreleased pieces. Kyuubi walked over to a wide framed head shot of Itachi, his strong gaze almost pulling him forward. Kyuubi traced his hand delicately over the picture, his finger lingering over the slightly parted lips. Itachi's confident eyes seemed to stare into his soul. He's startled by the hand on his shoulder, embarrassed when Shizune gave him a knowing look.

"Sorry, I was just lost in my head for a second." He was suddenly shy as he lowered his eyes to observe the tan shoes on his feet.

Shizune's red coated lips pulled up into a smile. "He is a very beautiful man, isn't he?"

Kyuubi looked at her. "Yes, he is."

Shizune continued to show Kyuubi around. She explained his task to him, notified him Itachi would be arriving shortly. In the meanwhile, she would stand by and if Itachi should have any questions or concerns, Kyuubi was to refer them to her strategically.

Soon, Shizune was briefed that Itachi Uchiha had arrived. Kyuubi felt his heart in the pit of his stomach. His fingers drummed against the fabric of his jeans. Shizune stood on the other side of the entrance. Her red bottom heels went well with her black elegant fitted dress. She applied a quick coat of gloss over her lips before quickly pushing it back inside her purse.

Kyuubi watched as the anxious look on Shizune's face quickly transform into one of enthusiasm at first glance of the long awaited guest. She welcomed Itachi into her store with a firm handshake and an overbearing smile. Kyuubi smiled when Itachi kissed the back of her hand. Itachi hadn't lost his charm. Kyuubi stood by silently as they talked. He knew an introduction would be made yet he's caught off guard when Shizune introduced him to Itachi with kind words. Electricity jolted through his body when Itachi's chocolate eyes landed on him. Kyuubi nervously welcomed the cold stare.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Uzumaki."

Itachi stood tall, dressed in a sophisticated all black suit. Kyuubi studied the silver bracelet hung loosely around the exposed wrist as Itachi held his hand, shook it in a firm hold. Kyuubi forced a smile. He wanted to say a greeting back but he can't find his voice. He had expected things to turn out like this. Just one look from Itachi and he can't seem to function properly. He can't even open his mouth and say a simple greeting back.

Why did he accept to do this in the first place? If he had been fired as a result, what difference would it make. He didn't need the money, this was just a hobby. But here was a free chance to reunite with the love of his life. Even if the wisest choice was to refuse, his heart wouldn't let him.

Shizune cleared her throat as she softly touched Kyuubi's arm. She gave a look hidden behind a smile, the kind of look all managers specialized in. Kyuubi gave her an apologetic smile, quietly offered a small greeting to Itachi who was now looking elsewhere.

"Next time be kind enough to wait for me, Itachi." Sasuke strode in accompanied by two of his bodyguards. "After all, I am your invited guest."

Itachi looked at Sasuke as if he suddenly didn't understand Japanese. "My brother, Sasuke, will be joining us today. I hope that's alright."

"Of course," Shizune replied.

Sasuke accepted Shizune's hand with a charming smile. They shared a few words. He excused himself, walking around his brother as to not disturb the discussion that had picked back up. He went to stand beside Kyuubi, completely perplexed by his presence.

"What are you doing here?" Sasuke whispered.

Kyuubi scoffed. "I work here."

Sasuke chuckled. "Did he know you would be here?"

"No."

"Interesting."

Sasuke looked up to find his brother's watchful gaze on him. He cleared his throat as he took a step away from Kyuubi. He had to keep his distance, play the apart. After all, Kyuubi was his brother's ex. They no longer had a relationship and neither should they.

"Mr. Uchiha," Shizune's momentarily distracted by the glistening diamond in Itachi's ears. "Mr. Uzumaki will now begin the tour. If you'll please follow him." She nodded to Kyuubi and when she received a nod back in reassurance she made her exit, her heels loud against the floors.

Sasuke tucked his hands inside the pockets of his jeans, his abs and chest again exposed in the button up he wore. Kyuubi eyed him amusingly. Honestly, what was it with this kid and always showing off his chest. He shook away the amusing thoughts and led the way to the secluded section in the back. His nerves worsened as he listened to the whispered footsteps follow behind him. The doors were already unlocked when he arrived, leaving him the task of simply drawing back the dark curtains. He stood aside to allow the brothers inside.

Itachi marveled at the creation that depicted his imagination perfectly. As he roamed the area, he appreciated the fact that his money did not go to waste. Beside him, Sasuke looked around, equally impressed by the extravagant site. Sasuke traced his fingers over the glass exterior of the large drawers, his eyes glancing over the elegant decor. It's very much his brother's taste. Brooding and dark must've been the theme.

Itachi began finding little imperfections in the display. He's walking around, finding little things not to his liking. Sasuke's laughing, assuring his perfectionist of a brother to not stress the little things. Still, Itachi's thinking bigger and better. He wanted to do more. Sasuke convinced him against it. He's sure the revelation of the project to the public will have the media buzzing for weeks. It didn't need anything extra. They continue to argue over the matter.

"Itachi." Kyuubi called softly, stopping briefly when the brothers faced him in perfect synchronization. "Do you have any questions, about anything?" He gulped nervously, taking a step back when Itachi suddenly started towards him. He's counting to ten in his head to try and calm down.

Itachi's standing in front of him. He looked over Kyuubi, his eyes calculating while his mind debated over his actions. He can't seem to make a decision, simply standing there and watching Kyuubi with uncertainty. Kyuubi frowned seeing the eyes that once looked at him with absolute adoration now stare at him with gross resentment. He felt as if the room was shrinking. His mouth opened and closed wordlessly. He wanted to reach out, desperately wanted to feel Itachi's sturdy body against his own, melt into his arms and breathe in his intoxicating scent. He smiled blissfully at the thought. He wondered if Itachi would let him this time, or maybe he'll push him away like before.

"Is this amusing toy you?" Itachi asked him. "Toying with a man's emotions like this."

Kyuubi missed Itachi's soft lips that used to tenderly press against his forehead. His nose. His cheek. His lips. He loved the way their lips fit together, perfect like the last two pieces of a puzzle.

"You think this is a game?"

Kyuubi missed Itachi's warm embrace, the love that was so full in his eyes. He missed everything they had. He wanted them to be a family like Itachi had once desperately wanted them to be. He wanted-

"What kind of man do you take me for?!"

Kyuubi winced from the searing pain in his jaw. His mouth fell open as he gazed up in fear, the hatred in flames in Itachi's browns eyes.

"What are you doing?" Kyuubi stuttered out.

"You think I'm a man you can play with?" Itachi snarled, his nails digging into the skin as his hand clenched harder around Kyuubi's jaw. "Do you think you're that bold?"

"I'm not doing anything." Kyuubi pleaded. "Please, let go." His face was scrunched up in discomfort. "Please, Itachi please."

"Itachi, calm yourself."

Itachi turned his hard eyes on Sasuke. He took in a deep breath, calming himself as his hand fell slowly from Kyuubi's face. He watched as Kyuubi instantly moved away from him.

Kyuubi stood a safe distance away, his hand massaging his jaw. He stared shockingly at Itachi who had never once used force with him. "I understand that you are angry with me," he said softly. "But you do not touch me like that ever again."

For the first time in his life, Itachi couldn't find his words.

"I know I said we should stay away from one another. It was my terms, I know." Kyuubi hugged his arms around himself. "I'm sorry but, I couldn't resist seeing you again. It's selfish, I know. I just couldn't stop myself." Kyuubi silenced himself when Itachi began towards him, coming to stand just a few inches away from him.

"Deal's off."

"What?" Kyuubi said softly.

"Tell your boss my lawyer will come by tomorrow to discuss the terms of relocation."

"No." Kyuubi looked desperately towards Itachi. "No, Itachi, please." He looked down defeatedly as Itachi walked away. He went to go after him but was stopped by a startling grip on his wrist. He turned around frantically. "Sasuke, I have to-" Sasuke shook his head.

Kyuubi turned back to find Itachi far from his sight. "No, no." The hand around his wrist fell from him and he turned helplessly to Sasuke. "No."

"Let him be alone for now. He's angry. Give him some time to cool off."

"No, this is all my fault. I should have never accepted to do this. Why, why did I do this?"

"You were assigned a task. You did nothing wrong."

Kyuubi shook his head.

"It's becoming clear the longer you keep this secret, the farther you're pushing him away. Like I told you before, it's time to tell him."

"No!" Kyuubi said sharply, quickly dismissing the idea. "I can't." His voice broke as a sob threatened to escape. "It'll kill him."

Sasuke sighed. "You can't protect him forever. If you don't tell him Kyuubi, I'll have no choice but to tell him myself."

Kyuubi clenched his jaw. "It's not your story to tell."

"I love my brother," Sasuke said sternly. "He lived five years not being in his son's life. He has lived blaming himself for what happened. His behavior today just showed me he's still hurting to the point where he is acting out of character." Sasuke stepped closer, his eyes stern as he held Kyuubi's wavering gaze. "How long do you plan on torturing him like this?"

"And what about you? How long do you plan on torturing, Naruto?"

Sasuke's thrown off by the sudden attack. He thought back to the beautiful blond boy, the harsh words he had spoken to him. The cold way in which he had turned him away.

"Why lie to him?" Kyuubi questioned him. "Why not just tell him the truth?"

"I did tell him the truth." Sasuke said sharply, a dangerous gleam in his eyes that has Kyuubi becoming careful of himself. "The truth that makes him hate me instead of you."

Kyuubi's mind flickered back to his brother. "I'm sorry."

"Do you have any idea how much he hates you? The look in his eyes when he even so much as mentions your name. Why is that? No, it's more than just moving away. What happened between you two in the past years that you're not telling me?"

"It's nothing-"

"Because we promised we would be 100% truthful with each other," Sasuke interjected, silencing Kyuubi in an instant. "What are you not telling me?"

Kyuubi hesitated. "Nothing."

Sasuke took a few steps towards him. He needed his words to be heard loud and clear. "I will play the part of the villain for now so you make sure to also play your part. Whatever happened between you two, fix it. You will try your hardest to restore your relationship with Naruto, won't you?"

"It's not that easy."

"Make it easy." Sasuke paused for a moment, his bottom lip sucked in between his teeth. "Five years is long enough. I'm tired of hiding and you should be tired of running. It all ends now."

"I'm… I'm scared." Kyuubi admitted truthfully. He loosened his long hair from its ponytail and sighed as the hair rushed down his back like a waterfall.

"Sasuke, your brother's calling for you," Charlie said, his muscles bulging in his white shirt.

"Tell him to please give me a minute."

"Got you, boss."

"Naruto won't forgive you, you know?" Kyuubi said softly.

"With time, maybe he will." Sasuke reached forward and cupped Kyuubi's cheek. He ignored the weird stare he's given and simply traced his thumb over the soft skin that had reddened from his brother's assault. "And with time, I hope you'll come to forgive my brother. He loves you, Kyuubi. Don't forget that." He leaned down, pressed a gentle kiss to Kyuubi's forehead.

Kyuubi kept his eyes close, even after Sasuke had left. He lingered in the comfort of his mind for a while longer. With a slow exhale, he opened his eyes to an empty room. He sighed in exhaustion, his stomach in knots. How does he face his boss? It was one thing to lose the job. It was another to disappoint Shizune who had so much faith in him. He might as well have spat in her face.

He felt nauseous.

—

Naruto slept soundly in his bed. He's buried deep in the sheets, his head over the soft pillow while he hugged another in his arms. Drool crept down the corner of his mouth. Blissful, he doesn't feel the small body straddling his stomach.

Jaron studied his uncle for another five minutes. He looked adorable in his blue cartoon T-shirt and gray shorts. His mother's absence has him bored. He's no longer entertained by the replays of the same old cartoon shows he watched over and over again. He wants to play, go to the park, but he's been told countless times that he's too young to go by himself.

Jay needed his uncle to take him and he's growing impatient waiting for Naru to wake up. He kept glancing over the clock on the wall as if he could actually tell the time. He looked back to his uncle, frowning when he finally figured the teenager wouldn't wake up anytime soon. He turned his uncle's head, forcing Naruto to face the ceiling. He then poked his little finger into his uncle's cheek before he quickly brought it back. The sleeping teenager didn't stir. Jay repeated the act again, then again but nothing. Finally fed up, he tugged harshly at his uncle's hair with his small fists.

"Naru, wake up!" His high pitched voice was equivalent to an alarm clock.

Naruto groaned. He's woken from his sleep in the most unpleasant way possible. His eyelids peeled open and his tired blue eyes peered through his lashes at the boy hovering over his face.

"Are you awake, Naru?" Jay whispered. His left hand left the disheveled blond hair to poke gently into his uncle's cheek. He giggled when a groan sounded from the tired teen.

"I am now," Naruto mumbled, his eyelids heavy as he fought the urge to turn over and cover his head with the comforter. "What are you doing, Jaron?"

"I'm bored." Jay pulled himself off his uncle and climbed off the bed. He made a quick dash out of the room and returned with a small note in his hand. He climbed back up onto the bed and handed the groggy teen the note. "Mommy said to give you this when you woke up."

Naruto sat up and read over the neat penmanship. He sighed tiredly as he threw the paper to the side, yawning as he stretched out his arms.

"Can we go to the park, Naru?" Jay asked with big puppy dog eyes. He returned to straddling his uncle's lap and began to play with Naruto's messy hair.

Naruto merely watched the boy, feeling small hands lift and tug at his head. He smiled, a tired look over his face that read it's too fucking early for all this, yet he couldn't bring himself to pull his nephew away.

"You look like a marshmallow," Jay said suddenly. He's referring to Naruto's puffy eyes and puffy cheeks. He grinned as his small hands squeezed his uncle's face. "You have a marshmallow face. A big fat marshmallow face."

"Alright, that's enough." Naruto shook his head at the boy's silliness, a small laugh escaping him. He glanced over at the clock to find it was now a few hours into the afternoon. He's been asleep for a long time and still he felt exhausted. "No park today Jay, I'm too tired."

Jay pouted his lips. He sniffled as his uncle lifted him off his lap and placed him down on the side of the bed. "But, I wanna go."

"No means no, Jay." Naruto reached for his cellphone over his bedstand. He's relieved when he found the charger connected to the butt of the phone. He scrolled through his missed calls and messages which were mostly from Kiba and Kyuubi.

"Naru... I wanna go." Jay tugged on Naruto's arm. He frowned when his uncle ignored him. He stood up on the bed and once again started to pull at the blond hair.

Naruto hissed from a particularly hard pull. "Ow, Jaron cut it out." He brought his nephew into his arms, playfully wrestling the boy over his lap and resting his arms on the boy's back to keep him in place. He continued to read through his messages.

"Heeeey, that's not fair." Jaron thrashed around to get free but to no avail. "You cheater!" He continued to thrash about and eventually tired himself out. He lied still with his attention now focused on a lose string in Naruto's comforter. He began to play with it, giggling as he twirled it around his finger.

Naruto sent a quick text to Kiba before tossing his phone to the side. He turned his nephew around and began tickling the boy's exposed tummy. "Who said you could pull my hair, huh?" He laughed when Jay tried to reach over to tickle him back, his small arms unable to reach him. "Say you're sorry and I'll stop."

Jay squirmed in his uncle's lap, his loud giggles filling the room. "Never!"

Naruto continued his tickle assault. "Say it or I won't stop."

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Naruto's fingers abruptly stopped. Still Jay continued to laugh, his innocent eyes meeting his uncle's loving gaze. He lifted himself up and crawled up to Naruto, his arms encircling around him as he nuzzled into his uncle. "I love you, Naru."

Naruto kissed his cheek. "I love you more. How about we have a picnic today? That sounds good?" Jay nodded his head eagerly and snuggled closer to him. "Ok, let's get to it."

Naruto dragged himself out of bed and took a quick shower. His shoulder length hair was pulled into a messy bun, keeping his bangs out of his face as he concentrated on the meal he was preparing. He moved back and forth in the kitchen while still keeping an eye on the five year old sat in the living room playing on his tablet. Naruto swore he never put the damn thing down.

Naruto's just about done setting the food on the blankets spread over the floor when the doorbell sounded through the apartment.

"Mommy's home." Jay ran to the door and opened it, disappointed for a moment before it was quickly replaced with excitement. "Kiba!"

"What's up, little man?" Kiba casually strolled inside the apartment as if his own. His large hand ruffled Jay's black hair. "How you been, kiddo?"

Jay grinned up at the teen he's met only on a few occasions but was extremely fond of. "Are you going to teach me more tricks with the ball?"

Kiba squatted down to the boy's height. "Uh, last time I did you nearly broke the tv."

"We could go to the park." He excitedly jumped up and down.

Kiba chuckled. "Maybe another time, little man."

Jay suddenly realized Kiba was shirtless, his chest lined with deep red scratches. "What happened to your chest?" he asked loudly, his eyes staring intensely at the red marks.

"Got into a fight with a bear." He mimicked claws with his hands. "Bad ass, huh?"

Jay allowed his imagination to run wild. "Did you win?" He covered his gaping mouth in anticipation of the answer.

Kiba chuckled. "Wouldn't be standing here if I lost." He grinned as Jay stared up at him in absolute awe.

"Jay, go wash your hands," Naruto broke in. "Food's ready." His eyes followed after the hyper boy that ran past him before he returned them back on Kiba.

Kiba's instantly captivated by those piercing blue eyes. "Hey."

"Hey, thanks for coming." He leaned up and pecked Kiba on the lips.

"Must be really important if you asked me here," Kiba said, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth. "What's up?"

"Have lunch with me. I just woke up and I made so much food."

"You tend to do that when you're stressed about something." Kiba pulled Naruto to his body, hugged him closely from behind. "I can't stop thinking about last night." He snaked his arms around Naruto's waist, held him tightly as his mouth moved against Naruto's neck. He felt Naruto squirm against him as he nipped at the tender skin.

"Come on, food's gonna get cold."

Kiba grinned as he pressed Naruto's back roughly against the door. "I can't help myself." He leaned down and took Naruto's parted lips in a slow kiss.

Naruto pressed his hands against Kiba's chest, gently pushed him away. It was then he's reminded of the deep scratches across Kiba's chest. "What did you do?"

"Why is it always something I did?"

Naruto looked at him sternly. "What did you do?"

They moved inside the kitchen where Kiba leaned against the counter. His hand tugged at Naruto's shirt to pull him to stand in front of him. He grinned seeing the frown on Naruto's face.

"Alright, here's what happened," he explained. "I was over at Lee's place. We were just playing a few games when his loser stepdad came home drunk as fuck. He was going on and on about some shit Lee didn't do." Kiba glanced around aimlessly, his fingers playing with the hem of Naruto's shirt. "Next thing I know, this asshole's tackling Lee to the ground and pummeling him. I'm telling Lee to fight back but he's scared shitless of the guy so I decided to step in. The loser's drunk out of his mind and grabs my shirt and rips it trying to get me off him, scratching me like a little bitch. It was actually quite funny now that I'm thinking about it. Either way, let's just say I won't be invited to his house anytime soon."

"Why's everything always a joke with you?"

Kiba chuckled. "What am I supposed to do?"

"What if he had a knife? A gun? Did you ever stop to consider that?" Naruto looked at Kiba's hands, saw the redness lining his knuckles. He sighed. One thing that made it not too hard to tolerate Kiba at times was his readiness to put himself in harm's way to protect the people he really cared about. Naruto wondered if he was one of those people. "Sit down, I'll get something to clean the cuts."

"Come back here." Kiba grabbed Naruto's arm before he could leave. He looked Naruto up and down, saw the deep irritation in those blue eyes. "Would you really care if he did have a knife? A gun?"

"Why should I care?" Naruto said. "You don't even care."

Kiba stroked his thumb over Naruto's lips, slipped his finger inside, felt Naruto's teeth gently clamp down. "You look really sexy doing that." Memories of last night again flooded his mind. "How many rounds did we go last night?"

Naruto suddenly felt shy and he shoved away Kiba who laughed at his embarrassment. He left him inside the kitchen, returning shortly with the first aid kit. He diligently cleaned the cuts while ignoring the hands invading his shirt and caressing his warm skin. He winced when Kiba pressed into a sore spot on his side.

"What's wrong?"

Naruto frowned. "You were rougher than usual last night." He closed the first aid kit when he's done. "To get back at me for what I said at the parking lot."

"Didn't hear any complaints when you was wrapping your legs around me and moaning my name." He showed his back to Naruto. "What about these scratches? You gonna clean those too?"

"Shut up." He moved away when Kiba tried to grab him. "Stop messing around."

"Admit it, you like it when I'm rough with you."

"No." Naruto again ducked out of Kiba's reach. He tried to fake him left when Kiba started towards him, forgetting Kiba was a soccer player. He yelled when his tactic failed miserably and he's caught. He laughed as Kiba lifted him up over his shoulder and spun him around.

"Admit it!"

Naruto laughed. "Put me down."

Kiba lowered him down, pressed him against the counter. "Is your brother home?"

"Would you be here if he was?" Naruto pushed his hands against Kiba's chest, shook his head. "Not here." He tried to leave but was pulled back. He squirmed when Kiba's lips slammed into his own. He tried to once again push Kiba away, moaning softly when Kiba's lips moved down his neck.

"What do you think Kyuubi would do if he walked in right now and saw me fucking you over the counter?"

"You're being annoying." Naruto was finally able to remove himself when Kiba loosened his grip after creating another small hickey next to the one from last night. "Can we fucking eat now?"

Kiba smirked as he nodded his head. He playfully smacked Naruto's ass as he followed him to the living room. Jay was seated opposite of them enjoying his small bowl of rice and other samples of the meal Naruto had prepared, his eyes focused on the cartoon show.

"Why do you insist on coming over my place when you live in a paradise like this?" Kiba prepared himself a plate.

"Not really keen on the idea of my brother hearing me have sex. Plus when he's not around, I'm with Jay," Naruto said with a mouth full of rice.

Kiba doesn't say anything. He's too busy stuffing his face. They continue to eat in silence for a while, both entertained by the cartoon show on the large screen. Kiba would occasionally catch Naruto staring at his exposed body, fueling his ego even more.

"Hey, what do you say about a road trip?" Naruto set aside his half eaten plate of food. He brought the opened bottle of water to his lips, taking a sip. "To Konoha."

"You're feeling home sick?" Kiba asked.

"Something like that." Naruto picked up his plate and continued where he left off. "I was thinking tomorrow morning. What you say?"

"That's like a four hour drive." Kiba finished the last of his water bottle. "What do I get in return?"

"What do you want?"

"Head." Kiba replied with a grin.

Naruto rolled his tongue around his mouth, eyes stern on Kiba. "You're serious?"

Kiba chuckled. "Course not. I get that for free." He cleared his throat. "Um, how about in exchange of me taking you to Konoha, you come with me to see my mom."

Naruto studied the serious look on Kiba's face. "You want to see your mom?"

"Yeah, apparently her medications aren't working anymore. She's had a couple of episodes and she's been asking about me. She gets all agitated when she does." He sighed. "The nurses think it'll help if I come see her. Only thing is, I can't see myself doing it unless you're there with me."

"You think that's a good idea?"

"She likes you."

Naruto scoffed. "She met me once."

"Must've made quite the impression."

"When are you going?"

Kiba shrugged. "Don't know. But sometime soon."

"I'll be there," Naruto assured him.

"Cool." Kiba sought out the time as he glanced over the television cable. He cursed when he realized he would be late for practice. "Hey, you have a shirt I can borrow?"

Naruto stood up and went in his room. He came back into the living room, tossing a black shirt to Kiba.

Kiba noticed the shirt was one of the many few Naruto had stolen from him. He stood up and pulled it on. His fingers combed his hair into place as he walked around the couch. "I'll text you later, alright?"

"Yeah." He threw back his head, meeting Kiba half way in a kiss. "Don't get arrested." He watched his nephew smile when Kiba ruffled the boy's hair goodbye.

Naruto leaned back comfortably into the couch when Kiba's finally gone.

"Naru?"

Naruto turned to Jay who stared at him with a teasing smile.

"Is Kiba your boyfriend?"

Naruto blinked at the unexpected question. The combination of Kiba's name and the term boyfriend didnt even sound right together.

He couldn't see himself desperate enough to be with a person who would never allow them to be seen in public together. A person who was capable of telling him the sweetest nothings in one ear, then easily turn around and spew the most hurtful insults at him in the other. A person who claimed to care about him but could just as easily raise his hand and hit him, or stand aside and allow his friends to hurt him. He wouldn't allow himself to fall in love with Kiba. As far as he was concerned, their relationship ended with sex and occasional favors here and there. These are his own thoughts and still, it doesn't even sound close to convincing.

Naruto smiled as he shook his head. "It's complicated, Jay."

"I like Kiba," Jay declared happily.

"Me too." He frowned. "Sometimes."

—

Long ass chapter I know but if you got through it, thank you. Let me know your thoughts.