A/N: Mm..it's been too long. I deeply apologize. I understand some of you are upset. Hopefully I can be better in the future. But thank you to those who supported this story, and of course, anyone who reads this. This is the longest story (and my first) I have ever wrote, and it has spanned over a year (not counting when I was gone). And I'm glad I was able to bring smiles to some of you through my words. It really means alot to me. Enough of that though.
Sorry if this seems choppy, I haven't written in so long(it's also a little bit short). It was hard to get back into that feel. Also if you do see any big mistakes, don't be afraid to point it out. I usually just quietly fix it after.
Either way, I hope you can enjoy this chapter.
No words could explain how happy Sasuke was. His smile seemed to never disappear. But as happy as Naruto was for Sasuke and Mine, he couldn't help but feel upset. No..he was jealous. He was busy with work and by the time he came home, Sasuke was either sleeping from exhaustion or playing with Mine. Today was the day where Sasuke was sleeping.
"Sasuke sleeps a lot." Mine came to welcome Naruto home.
Mine had been here for a week and he has made himself at home which made Naruto glad.
"He's a cat after all." Naruto smiled and patted Sasuke's head. "Don't you sleep a lot too?"
"Hmm, it depends! But I've been too excited these days hehe." Mine wagged his tail.
"I'm glad you're enjoying your stay here." Naruto smiled.
"Itachi and Kurama are making dinner tonight!" Mine grinned.
"Oh?" Naruto was more surprised that Kyuubi was cooking.
"They're making steak and fish!"
Naruto smiled at how suitable it was. It made Naruto wonder if Sasuke would ever get sick of fish.
"I'm going to help them. Kurama's so cool!" Mine's eyes sparkled
"And I'm not?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
Mine just grinned and ran to the kitchen.
"Dammit." Naruto mumbled then turned to Sasuke. "Hey Sasuke." He lightly patted Sasuke's cheek.
"Hnn.." Sasuke turned away.
"I missed you a lot." Naruto bent down and kissed Sasuke's forehead.
Sasuke didn't budge this time, so Naruto continued kissing Sasuke. He licked Sasuke's neck and started to nibble on it.
Sasuke suddenly turned around with a frown on his face.
"Hello Sasuke." Naruto smiled.
Sasuke then smiled back. He sat up and hugged Naruto.
"I missed you too.." Sasuke softly said.
Naruto suddenly hugged Sasuke tighter.
"I really missed you.." He then gave a quick kiss on Sasuke's cheek. "Did you have fun today?"
Sasuke nodded and then yawned. Naruto sat next to Sasuke on the couch Sasuke usually slept on.
"I just wanted to tell you that my birthday is in a couple of weeks." Naruto smiled. "I wanted to let you know so that you wouldn't feel bad when it comes and you didn't know. Nor do I expect you to just know."
Sasuke turned his head and gave a big smile to Naruto.
"Wh-what's that for?" Naruto was suddenly flustered, not expecting that and got a little embarrassed.
Sasuke then got up and ran to the kitchen. Sometimes, Naruto couldn't understand Sasuke. But he followed him and helped everyone cook.
After everyone ate dinner, Naruto was exhausted. He was tired from work and he just wanted to hug Sasuke all night. But he was extremely disappointed when Sasuke wanted to sleep with Mine.
"I..I'm sleeping with him..!" Sasuke declared when Naruto clearly let Sasuke know he didn't like it.
"Don't say it like that." Naruto sighed.
"I-it's okay Sasuke, I can sleep by myself." Mine could understand what was happening.
Sasuke's ears fell and his tail drooped down. He bit his lip and then pushed Naruto away slightly out of anger. He didn't understand why Naruto was mad.
"I'm sleeping with aniki!" Sasuke yelled before running to Itachi's room.
Naruto sighed and just left to go into his room, leaving Mine alone. Mine stood there awkwardly before returning to the guest room. He became a little anxious from the tension but he knew he shouldn't say anything.
Sasuke was in Itachi's room but he wasn't there. So when he heard Naruto and Mine go back to their rooms, he quickly ran out and went downstairs and then went to Kyuubi's room.
Itachi jumped when Sasuke came bursting through the doors. He quickly got off of Kyuubi's lap. Sasuke glared at Kyuubi.
"What's wrong Sasuke..?" Itachi was worried but he was a little embarrassed to be seen sitting on Kyuubi's lap although that wasn't the first time.
Sasuke stared at the two of them and then suddenly his eyes started to water. Kyuubi just rolled his eyes and let Itachi tend to his brother.
Itachi hugged Sasuke, unsure what the problem was until Sasuke started to say how he hated Naruto.
"Hate is a strong word Sasuke, especially towards the one you love." Itachi smoothed Sasuke's hair. "Did you two have a fight?"
"I..I just wanted to sleep with Mine.." Sasuke mumbled.
Kyuubi started to laugh.
"He's just jealous."
"W..what do you mean..?" Sasuke looked at him.
Kyuubi sighed.
"He doesn't want you to sleep with Mine because he just wants to sleep with you."
"O..oh.." Sasuke thought about it, and then he smiled. "Hehe." He giggled slightly.
"I'm leaving." Kyuubi got up and went to the bathroom, not wanting to deal with Sasuke.
"Why don't you go say goodnight to Mine and then make up with him?" I'm sure Mine will understand."
Sasuke nodded, giving a quick hug to Itachi before heading back upstairs. He made his way to Mine's room. He gave a bashful apology and Mine smiled, patting Sasuke on the back. He told him to not worry about it and to make up with Naruto. The said goodnight to each other and Sasuke made his way to Naruto's room.
"Naruto..?" Sasuke peeked in through the door.
He saw Naruto's figure laying on the bed. He walked up to the bed, wondering if Naruto was already asleep, but to his surprise, Naruto turned around and hugged Sasuke down onto the bed.
"I'm sorry Sasuke.." Naruto softly said. "I was being childish. Thank you for coming here though..I didn't have the courage." Naruto mumbled, squeezing Sasuke.
Sasuke didn't say anything, but he hugged Naruto back. He relished in the warmth. He looked up at Naruto and gave him a light kiss.
"I love you.." Naruto sighed.
"I..I do too." Sasuke softly replied.
They both talked softly to each other, making small conversations. Sasuke was the first to drift off into sleep, so Naruto pulled the blanket over them and hugged his lover until it was his turn to fall asleep.
The sun shined through the bedroom window, waking Naruto up. He stretched, accidentally smacking Sasuke's head in the proccess.
"Shit, sorry Sasuke." Naruto mumbled, rubbing where he hit.
Sasuke held Naruto's hand, motioning for him to rub him more. He was happy when Naruto obliged.
They stayed in bed for a little bit before Naruto finally got up. He had to drag Sasuke out of the bed in order for him to get up. Sasuke's ears twitched and he went out of the room.
"Morning Sasuke." Mine grinned, he was waiting for Sasuke to come out.
"Morning!" Sasuke beamed.
It was Naruto's day off, so he was looking forward to spending time with everyone. He could already hear Sasuke and Mine making a ruckus around the house. Then soon after, he could hear Kyuubi yelling at them to go outside. He noticed it became quieter, but then he heard the back door being opened and then closed.
Naruto headed downstairs and sat at the kitchen table. He didn't feel like going outside yet. He told Sakura that he would make breakfast for them. She sighed when he told her he was going to make ramen.
He was going to check up on Sasuke and Mine, but they ended up coming in before. They were both hungry, so they helped Naruto make the ramen. Sasuke went to get Kyuubi and Itachi when it was almost done.
"Sasuke is coming.." Itachi softly said.
"I know." Kyuubi sighed, slightly annoyed. He was brushing Itachi's hair. He liked stroking the soft strands of Itachi's long hair.
Itachi quietly got up and walked up to the door, opening it before Sasuke came. He saw Sasuke at the bottom of the staircase and gave him a big hug.
"Did you two make up?" Itachi smiled, already knowing the answer.
Sasuke sheepishly smiled.
"C..come eat breakfast!" Sasuke grabbed Itachi's hand.
Kyuubi grumbled a little bit under his breath. He glared at Sasuke when he saw that cat stick his tongue out at him.
"Be nice." Itachi noticed what was happening.
"Hmph." Sasuke sulked.
Kyuubi didn't answer, but followed behind them. They all ate breakfast together, but Kyuubi was sick of Naruto's ramen addiction.
Itachi was doing dishes while Sasuke and Naruto helped put away the clean ones. Kyuubi had gone downstairs, not wanting to be with the others, while Mine went to call his Aunt.
Sasuke held one of the dishes, but it slipped out of his hands and crashed on the floor.
Sasuke and Itachi jumped from the noise, but Sasuke started to bite his lip. He then scrambled to pick up the broken pieces.
"S..Sasuke..don't touch it..!" Naruto bent down and grabbed Sasuke's wrists.
Itachi was a little startled, but he just watched the two of them. They both seemed scared. Itachi didn't understand what had happened, so he quietly stood there.
Naruto froze, remembering a similar situation that had happened before. How could he have been so cruel back then, and now it is a completely different story. He let go of Sasuke's wrists and carefully picked up the pieces.
"N..Naruto…?" Sasuke lightly touched Naruto's cheek, ears down.
Naruto felt his eyes blur. He dropped the pieces and quickly wiped his eyes. Tears dripped as Naruto tried to suppress it.
"I..I'm s..sorry.." Naruto choked out through his sobs.
Sasuke understood what Naruto was apologizing for. He patted Naruto's head to comfort him.
"What did I do to deserve you.." Naruto gave a pained smile.
Itachi quietly watched their exchange. He knew that Naruto wasn't exactly kind in the past with Sasuke, but he could tell that Naruto wanted to change.
"Sasuke..Itachi.." Naruto started. "I don't want to come off as a saint to you guys. I'm not perfect. I don't really know how you guys viewed me, but I just..want you to know that we are equals. Especially you Itachi, you've been doing well adjusting here, but if you need help, please tell someone. You've been close to Kyuubi..you don't have to ask me, but I just want to make sure you are all okay. But..me too..I need help sometimes. You've both helped me incredibly and I hope you two realize that." Naruto wanted to make that clear to them.
"Master.." Itachi gave a soft smile. "Let's clean this up."
"Yeah..thank you." Naruto felt he had to say that.
"Uhm..are you guys okay?" Mine approached them.
"Yes." Itachi smiled.
Naruto cleaned up the broken pieces. He felt tired.
"Sorry you had to see that." Naruto looked at Mine.
"As long as you guys are okay. You guys are like a family, it's nice." Mine grinned.
That made Naruto smile more happily. They all helped clean up and then Mine and Sasuke went out to play outside as Naruto tagged along.
Itachi headed back downstairs and greeted Kyuubi. He sat down on Kyuubi's bed where he was laying.
"Do you ever have regrets?" Itachi suddenly asked.
"Of course, I think everyone has regrets." Kyuubi responded as he turned to stare at Itachi's back.
"Master seems to be troubled still.." Itachi started. "But I think they will be fine."
"Trust me, they've both changed a lot..me included."
"Change..is hard.." Itachi admitted.
"That's because you've been doing the same thing your whole life. Loosen up a little, it's okay to be selfish once in awhile."
"I think I have received enough already." Itachi noticed Kyuubi sitting up.
"If you want something 'Tachi, you can always tell me." Kyuubi was hoping Itachi would rely on him a little bit.
Itachi thought for a second before replying.
"I think I am okay right now.." Itachi softly said. "I'm just happy everyone seems to be doing well. But to be honest..I'm a little curious on how master was to Sasuke. I only know a little bit..but I'm not sure if I want to really know either."
"Hey 'Tachi?"
"Hm?" Itachi turned to look at Kyuubi.
"If I told you what I did to Sasuke..would you hate me..?"
Kyuubi's chest started to clench when Itachi didn't answer for a bit.
"No.." Itachi softly whispered. "What matters is now..it's troublesome to hold onto the past." His ears slightly dipped. "I say that..but it's hard for me myself to move on."
Itachi suddenly stood up.
"I think I want your help." He turned around to face Kyuubi. "May I have a hug."
Kyuubi was a little shocked from the request. He clumsily stood up and gave Itachi a hug. He felt Itachi was holding back something, but he didn't say anything.
It was time for Mine to leave. Sasuke and Mine promised to call each other. They bid their farewells and watched the carriage leave into the distance. They both had fun together and Mine felt welcomed.
Naruto was a little embarrassed that he saw him cry but he felt it didn't matter anymore. It was nice to have company over, and it was even better than Sasuke had made a friend.
"Ahh, finally it can be a little quieter around here." Kyuubi said as he stretched his arms.
"I think it was nice." Itachi gave a small smile.
"It's cold.." Sasuke mumbled as a strong, morning breeze hit them all.
"You need to wear long pants Sasuke, not shorts anymore." Naruto said as they started to head back in.
Sasuke was a little sad Mine left, but he was also happy because he could spend more time with Naruto now.
Well, that's what he thought until Naruto said he had to go to work. He kissed Sasuke goodbye and quickly left the house.
Much to Kyuubi's annoyance, thinking he could spend time with Itachi, was now being spent with Sasuke intruding.
"Wh..what do we do on a birthday?" Sasuke asked. He was sitting on a chair next to Itachi in Kyuubi's room.
"Don't you remember what happened on your birthday?" Kyuubi raised an eyebrow.
"B..but..I don't get it.." Sasuke said, defeated. He didn't exactly know the tradition of birthdays. "What did Naruto do on his birthday..?"
"Eh, we just went out for dinner, nothing much really. He always just wants ramen anyways."
"Maybe you can write him a letter otouto." Itachi chimed in, understanding it was probably Naruto's birthday soon.
Sasuke liked that idea, not knowing what to give Naruto as a gift.
"If you don't know what to give Naruto, why don't you just give yourse—"
"Kurama! Please don't say something like that." Itachi scolded him, not liking that idea, nor the mental image it gave Itachi.
"Sorry." Kyuubi grumbled, he was just joking anyways.
"Sasuke, I think master will like it if you give him something meaningful."
Sasuke nodded.
"I..I'll start writing it." Sasuke got up and nearly ran up the stairs.
"I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't say things like that to Sasuke.." Itachi gave a look to Kyuubi.
"Whatever." Kyuubi grumbled again.
Itachi sighed and looked away. He didn't like Kyuubi's attitude, but he didn't say anything. He fiddled with his fingers, not exactly knowing what to do.
"I'm sorry." Kyuubi gave in. "I won't say something like that again."
"Thank you..I'm sorry for raising my voice." Itachi quietly said.
It was awkward as they both didn't know what to say. Itachi was used to times like these, but Kyuubi was feeling a bit unsure what to do.
"Uhm..'Tachi..?" Kyuubi's heart started to race a little.
"Yes?" Itachi looked at Kyuubi.
"I..I like you...I think.." Kyuubi wanted to punch himself for stuttering. He felt so out of character, it disgusted him almost.
"I..like you too.." Itachi softly whispered, but he looked away. "I'm..going to check on Sasuke.." Itachi quickly got up and left without looking back.
Kyuubi sat there a little dumbfounded. He couldn't help but feel a little rejected. He blamed it on his attitude and sudden forwardness. He felt lost. But one thing was for sure, he really did like Itachi.