Transitions

Author's Note: Awesome reviews guys! Can you feel the love? Cause I sure can! :-) Anyways, sorry this chapter is so late! I meant for it to be out on Wednesday but alas that didn't happen. Hopefully you can forgive me? If not, I put in a little bit of fluff to bribe you :-P Oh! A guest reviewer asked me how Naruto got the assault videos, if you check chapter five again it'll say he went on to YouTube. Now, we all know that YouTube features a bunch of different videos every day, so one of those days 'Gays in the City' was featured and Naruto happened to find it whilst searching for other things. Hopefully that clears that up and I wish the most enjoyment in the chapter!

Summary: When Naruto's sister and Sasuke's brother hook up, things become tense. Naruto deals with his obvious attraction for the younger Uchiha, while Sasuke deals with his wavering sexuality. Throw in a heartbroken she-beast ex-girlfriend and you have your very own high school sitcom.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything pertaining to the Manga Naruto. Those rights belong solely to Masashi Kishimoto.

Warnings: Language, fluffiness, and child/teen abuse (not sexual!)

'This is thinking.'

"This is talking."

'Naruto and Sasuke.'

Welcome Home

Naruto POV

Sasuke managed to get his shoes back from his…cousin? Clone? Weird penis obsessed freak? Oh well, doesn't matter. What matters is we're on an airplane. With my bike being driven to my house by that Sasquatch of a man. And I'm on an airplane. I am not okay with this!

"Dobe. Why do you look green? Don't tell me you're afraid of heights.

Damn that smirk of his anyway! I can just feel it radiating smugness from my left. God I hate his arrogance!

"It's not the heights that bother me. More like the falling to my doom and burning in a pile of metal bits."

"You honestly think I would step foot onto a plane with an incompetent pilot? You really are a dobe."

"Listen teme, it's as simple as this. Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, and Naruto has to stay on the ground. Which we clearly are not on right now!"

And cue eye roll.

"Clearly. Unless the grass has suddenly turned blue with white clouds everywhere."

Called it.

Why am I friends with him again? Oh right, because it hurts less than having him ignore me. Stupid heart. Why can't it just shut down and leave me to my peace?

'Cause than I'd be dead. And mother would kill me…and that's just not an option.'

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We will be landing in about twenty minutes. I request that you put your seatbelts on now and hope that you have had a pleasant flight with us."

"Oh thank god we're almost home!"

"…You're excited to face your mother?"

Oh…right. Didn't think that through.

"No. I'm excited to be on the ground teme."

Hopefully mother doesn't kill me though, I'd kinda like to live to see mine and Sasuke's friendship rekindled.

Sasuke POV

If there's one thing that pisses me off more than fan girls and an overly moronic dobe…it's people staring at me and said overly moronic dobe. Even if he is being over dramatic and stupid.

"Dobe get up! You're embarrassing me!"

"Land! Oh sweet and stable land!"

Oh dear lord, I asked him to be friends again why? I have a feeling this is gonna cause me more headaches than it did when we were younger.

"Mr. Uchiha?"

Huh? Oh no…it's Hidan which means my father knows that we came back today…which means I'm dead. Officially cold and six feet under in a wooden box.

'If there is a god up there…please help me.'

"Hello Hidan. What does my father want?"

"He has requested that I pick up you and….Mr. Uzumaki and take you to the Uzumaki residence."

Oh good, an audience for my untimely demise. How thoughtful.]

"Thank you Hidan. We'll be right there."

And here's where the fun begins. Naruto panics, knowing how against my father is of us being friends and how insane his mother is and sometimes his own father as well as my mother having that disapproving look on her face. I can feel my mask slowly slipping as he rambles on and on about how dead we are. It's quite annoying actually.

"Would you shut up! It'll be fine. At most we'll be grounded until we leave for college, and we'll get yelled at till we're deaf."

"Yeah, if we're lucky. Or did you forget, my mom is CRAZY! She'll probably beat us both!"

"Dobe just get in the car before you make ME deaf."

He just sat there staring at me. At first I thought he was just being considerate about my poor ears but then his face turned sad. He looked like he wanted to say something but didn't know how…or he was scared.

'What on earth could he be scared of? Other than his mom….maybe my dad?'

"Dobe?"

"Hn?"

"Are you…okay?"

Again with the sad look…I can't stand to see him upset. It just…doesn't look right. So I did the only thing I remember ever helping him. I hugged him, holding his head to my chest so he could hear my heartbeat. I remember when we were younger it use to put him to sleep, he said it was cause it made him feel safe and real.

"'Suke…what if your dad tries to stop you from being my friend again?"

I hadn't thought about that.

"I won't let him. I'm eighteen Naru, he can't tell me what to do anymore."

"No, but he can tell you where you can't stay. He can beat you till you bleed. He can literally throw you on a plane with no money and have you shipped half way across the world. What am I gonna do then?"

He was actually scared of losing me? I never thought he was this vulnerable when it came to our friendship.

"Naruto, whatever he does, I promise I'll always come back to you. No matter what you're my best friend, and nothing's gonna change that. Especially not some traditional homophobic asshole like my dad."

He looked like he almost believed me. And I knew what would make it true and official that we were back.

"Dobe give me your hand."

"What? Why?"

"Just do it."

I took his hand in mine, and while we laced our fingers and thumbs I managed to make a pinky promise.

"It'll always be you and me. I pinky promise."

"Always."

I think that was one of the truest smiles I've ever seen on his face. And for some reason, it not only made mine heat up but it made something inside me flutter. I recognized part of it as being happy for once. But the other part had yet to reveal itself.

Naruto POV

Okay, this is it. Time to face the family…I honestly don't think this is gonna be pretty but it'll be even worse for Sasuke. I have to be strong and show him that I've got his back. We'll get through this. We're not eight years old anymore. I really hope that means something.

"Calm down 'Ruto, we'll be fine."

And that's why I love him. It's not cause of how he looks or how rich he is. It's because he can read me and his smiles, however rare they are, always make me less nervous. He's the reason I try to be strong, because he could never want someone so weak in his life. Even if I'm just his friend.

I opened the door to my house and immediately had my cat thrown at me…or maybe it jumped at me I'm not quite sure. Either way my shirt had holes in it.

"Uh…hello to you Bunta."

And cue shivers. Is it just me or did the room cool off about twenty degrees.

"Naruto Arashi Uzumaki! Where the hell have you been?"

Definitely not just me.

"Just let me explain before you kill me. And I promise I can explain."

This was gonna be a long night. I swear if I ever became a cop, I would be the best interrogator there was because of my mom.

"Ahem."

Uh-oh. And here comes the evil homophobe. Sasuke I'm sending you all the strength I have for this one.

"Sasuke Obito Uchiha. We'll discuss this at home. Let's go."

Honest to whatever god there may be, I've never seen an Uchiha look defeated before. But that look on Sasuke's face when his father addressed him made me want to scoop him up and run away. I hope he's okay by the end of this.

"Good luck Sasu."

I hope he's the only one who heard it. I don't wanna make it worse for him.

"Good luck Naru."

Well at least he kind of smiled.

"Naruto. I'm waiting."

"Gomen-nasai okaa-san. As I was saying, I can explain. The day I left was the day of mine and Sasuke's Social Justice presentation. And with Kakashi-sensei's permission I showed a video of how gay people are treated by homophobes. The video was of me and Ten-ten getting assaulted. I had gotten so tired of all the jokes that I decided to show them what comes after it. After they're done joking. Most of them looked sick and appalled, but others didn't look bothered in the slightest. I knew I had to leave. I just…felt it. I needed a break and so I got on my bike and left. I ended up at Lake Michigan, which is where Sasuke found me. I guess he remembered me telling him that if I was gonna run away it would be to Michigan to play basketball."

I guess my mom didn't appreciate my reflectiveness at the point because she threw a book at me.

"And you didn't think to call? Didn't think to say hey mom dad don't worry I'll be okay, I just need to have a mental break down and give you both a heart attack!"

"You would have made me come home! I couldn't handle it! And it's not like either of you could possibly understand. You don't know what kind of bullshit I put up with every day! How much it hurts to have people you don't know judge you and beat you based on how you feel! What was I supposed to do? Just grin and bear it the next time some asshole pulled a knife on me or kicked me to the curb? Or would you rather I fight back and go to jail for what would be seen as murder because I'm gay?"

That got they're attention. My mom actually looked shocked, Kyubbi looked downtrodden and my father….well I was more afraid to look at him than anyone. I was scared of the disappointment that I know would be etched into his every feature.

"That's not the point. Naruto you choose to act the way you do. You choose to put your sexuality out there. And no it's not right for people to treat you that way, but we are your parents. You have to tell us where you're going. You can't run away forever, and if you don't like it that much than do something about it! Because leaving without notice or warning is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in my house!"

'Wow….what a wakeup call. Never expected to see it coming from my own family let alone my mother. Thanks mom, love you too.'

"Really mom? I choose to act the way I do because it's who I am! And I refuse to change that for anyone and that includes you! If I need space I'll bloody well take it, it's not something I'm gonna apologize for. And I'll handle my problems anyway that I see fit. Because honestly, after what you just said, it's none of your god damn business anymore."

SLAP! I knew I crossed the line with that one. But how could I care after what she just said?

"Mom!"

"Kushina! That's enough!"

"You will never talk to me like that again. Or you can find somewhere else to live."

"No, he won't. He's staying here because he is our son. The both of you need to reign in your temper and stop acting like children. Naruto go upstairs I'll be there in a moment. Kyubbi take your mother to the garden to cool down."

"Yes tou-san."

I trudged upstairs knowing that he was following me. I still hadn't looked at him. As mad as I was, I can't believe I was that abrasive to my mother…so much for being a good son.

"Naruto."

"Yes?"

My eyes were downcast, hopefully hiding the welling of emotions in my eyes.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you."

'I guess my cowardice has to end sometime.'

"Hai tou-san."

"I'm glad your home."

The relief in his eyes was responsible for me clinging to him and crying like the little boy I felt I was. This past month I've been so afraid and broken…the last place I ever wanted to be cast out of was my home away from my father.

"Sh sh, it's okay. You're home now."

"Dad, I'm sorry. I just – I didn't and –"

"Relax. Believe it or not I understand the need for space. As well as the need to get away for a new perspective. Or running away as you put it. Your mother does too. She was just so worried about you, and I'm sorry for what she said. The only fault here that belongs to you is leaving without telling us where you were going. Other than that it's just a cruel world that likes to break the spirits of free people like you."

Have I mentioned how much I love my father? Just like Sasuke, he knows exactly what to do to make everything disappear. I try so hard to be like him only to feel as if I'm letting him down.

"I just don't want to disappoint you."

"Nonsense. You've never disappointed me and you never will as long as you stay true to yourself. I love you son, that will never change."

"I love you too dad."

"It's been…a tiring night. Get some sleep. You have the weekend to recover before your last day on Monday."

Oh great. A lovely thing to look forward too.

Sasuke POV

Ouch. Ow. Fuck! Ouch, god damnit all! This is ridiculous. The beating stopped hours ago and I still can't move.

"Aniki?"

I'm gonna hate myself for this but I can't stay here. Not tonight, and not until I heal.

"Yes otouto?"

"Can you…can you help me up please?"

He gently lifts me out of bed to stand and my knees almost buckle underneath me.

"Be careful otouto. Perhaps it best if you stay lying down."

"No, I'm not staying here tonight. I packed a bag immediately when I got home and called a cab ten minutes ago. I need to heal and I can't do that here, he'll only continue what he was too tired to finish last night. And I for one am not strong enough to handle a physical beating and mental berating all in twenty-four hours."

My brother almost looked proud of my rebellion….until he schooled his face back into that perfect Uchiha mask.

"Very well Sasuke. I'll help you downstairs. Otherwise you'll fall and he'll most likely kill you."

I knew Itachi was just as scared as I was of our father. The only difference being he was scared for me. Not himself. To my father Itachi was perfect where I was just the back up to his successor.

"Thanks Aniki. I'll see you on Wednesday for the flight."

"Goodnight otouto, and be careful. I'm afraid some people may be as frail as you right now.

Vague as ever brother. Stupid weasel fan.

I slowly slid into the back seat with my bag and gave the driver the address of where I was sure I could rest and heal. Otherwise I was shit out of luck.

I just hoped he was awake and wouldn't freak out.

Naruto POV

I heard everyone else snoring in their sleep. But I just couldn't drift off to la la land. I tried sleeping pills, water, cookies and milk, hell even some sake! But I was as restless as ever. Which proved to be alright because shortly after five a.m. I heard knocking at my door.

I walked out in my boxers to see who would come this early in the morning only to back into my wall.

Before me stood Sasuke covered in dirt, blood and bruised all over.

"Sa – Sasuke?"

"Dobe…I need a place to stay…at least for now."

His father is so dead when Sasuke is all better. I'm gonna kick his ass from here to Kingdom Come.

Sasuke POV

The dobe helped me with my bag and practically carried me upstairs to his room. Even though I won't admit it, I was thankful for his concern and tenderness. Even when I didn't move it hurt. I don't think I've ever hurt this much before.

"'Suke stay here and I'll get the first aid kid. There's no way either of us is sleeping until your outer appearance is blood free. I'll help you change after you're clean."

It made sense, but I was so drowsy from the car ride…and probably concussion that I barely heard him before I blacked out on his comforter.

Next day

I awoke much later in the day to snoring beside me. I looked over and saw Naruto…still in his boxers. And when I looked down I was in mine and a t-shirt, with fresh bandages all over. He must have cleaned and dressed me while I was blacked out. For some reason it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Or at least as much as I thought it should. I tried to get up to use the washroom but ended up falling and letting out a very manly cry. The pain hadn't lessened, if anything it had increased.

Naruto woke up with a start and stared at for a moment before I assume he clued in to my predicament. He rushed to my side and placed me back on the bed gently hugging me to him. I felt his shoulders shake and wetness on my neck. Why was he crying?

"Sasuke I'm so sorry. I never wanted you to get hurt and that's exactly what happened! You're all bruised and bandaged and it's all my fault!"

Now I understand. Well sort of. Except the part where he blames himself. This was not his fault.

"Idiot. You didn't beat me. My dad did. And yeah he did it because I came home with you. So what? I promised you we would be okay and we are. So drop it and stop blubbering. As much as I care about you I do not care for babies. Got it?"

I still sound like an asshole to him. I don't get it. First I'm nice and caring towards him and now I'm being a dick. This is either a direct effect of me being in pain or me not knowing how to react so close to being woken up. I pledge both are valid.

To my surprise he actually started laughing. It was a tad sniffly at first but, then I saw him smile and knew his tears were gone. Although he was still hugging me when I had to pee like a race horse.

"Dobe, as much as I love being squished to death, I'm about to piss on your bed. So I suggest you help me to the bathroom."

His face lit up like a Christmas tree as he carried me away like some blushing bride.

'Dear god this is humiliating.'

Naruto POV

After Sasuke finished in the bathroom I walked him back to my room so we could talk more and just hang out. I really did miss this…whatever it was.

"Hey Sas?"

"Hn?"

"I never did ask you who the Sasquatch and penis-obsessed freak were."

"Uncle Maddie is not a Sasquatch and Sai is…well we have no adjective for him. He's just Sai."

"Uncle? I never knew you were related to a woolly mammoth."

Sasuke POV

Why I thought I should come to his house I'll never know. But spending the rest of my weekend with the dobe didn't seem so bad…as long as he stopped calling Madara a Sasquatch…seriously if Uncle Maddie heard him it could be the last thing he does.

But apart from that…being with Naruto again felt nice.

Third Person POV

'I never knew how much I missed you. It's good to be back."

The boys smiled and laughed together, but unbeknownst to them fate had different plans for the rekindled friendship. Plans that could very well make them…or break them.