::Chapter Four:: (I do not own any of the characters portrayed in this fanfic)

The rest of that strange afternoon, Naruto was on edge. Constantly, he darted his head this way and that; always looking over his shoulder, as if 'Sasuke' would pop up behind him and say "Boo!" Itachi noticed Naruto's anxiousness and thought it be a bit odd. Every now and then when he looked over at Naruto, who was helping with the sale, he noted that Naruto wasn't acting like himself. Ever since the fiasco in Sasuke's bedroom earlier, Naruto seemed different. "What was that all about anyways?" Itachi thought to himself; his attention was brought to another customer. The rest of sale went fairly smooth; except, of course, the fact that Kiba and Neji practically started a fist fight over a petty argument…something about jelly…who knows.

Later in the afternoon, Itachi invited Naruto to stay for dinner after the cleaning up was done. Naruto accepted, saying nothing, only nodding; his mind distant from reality.

"Naruto…" Itachi said over his bowl of steaming ramen. Naruto snapped his head up from staring at his own bowl.

"W-what? Yes…?"

Itachi pointed his chopsticks at Naruto; whose eyes almost crossed since he was staring at them.

"You are not yourself…" He said point blankly. Waiting for a reaction, the eldest—and now only—Uchiha picked up more noodles and slurped them up. To his surprise, Naruto gave no reaction. The only thing he did was let his gaze fall back down to his now warm noodles. He began to fiddle with his chopsticks. Itachi ate another bunch of noodles and swallowed hard. The room became quiet, the quiet hum of the refrigerator and the occasional car zooming by were the only things to be heard.

After about ten minutes of complete silence between the two, Itachi gave a long sigh. "Listen," He said, Naruto looked up. "I know Sasuke's death has been hard on you…it's been hard on me too…trust me. But, letting it effect so much that you completely distance yourself from your friends…" Itachi paused, staring intently at Naruto, who averted eye contact. Itachi chewed on his lower lip, he came to a self agreement; it was best to leave this talk for a later time.

"Tell ya what…If you want; you can stay here for a while. It must be hard to be all alone in that empty house all the time." He gave a warm smile.

"Itachi…" Naruto said softly. Itachi arched his eyebrows and hummed an "Hm?" as an answer. Naruto continued, "Have you ever gotten the feeling that…that Sasuke really isn't…you know—gone?" Naruto felt his confidence in the question fade when Itachi made a rather peculiar face at him.

A very airy "…what?" was the only thing Itachi said. Naruto felt his heart speed up. Quickly, he decided to boycott the question.

"Uh—No, nothing…never mind! S-so, is it really ok if I stay here for a while?" His plan worked, he got Itachi's mind off his question. "Of course. You've slept over before, so it's not like it's your first time overnight here!" With this, Itachi got up and picked up his empty bowl. He slapped Naruto on the shoulder lightly as he passed him.

"But I have strict rules in this household…you have to finish everything in your bowl before you are excused…"

It was in the dead of night and Naruto found himself wide awake on the guest bedroom bed. No matter how many times he yawned, his eyes would not shut. It was as if they were glued open. It seemed that all that was in his mind was this afternoon. His mind jumbled with thousands of explanations of what he saw today, but none really made any sense. He kicked the blankets off of him, he was getting over heated. This was a never ending cycle tonight, first he gets hot and begins to sweat so he takes off the covers; then he gets freezing cold and begins to shiver so he puts the covers back on, then it starts over…

He let his deep blue eyes gaze up at the fan that slowly turned; his eyes fixated on one blade and followed it. Getting annoyed with the lack of sleep he was having this particular night, Naruto sat up and pondered the never ending question in his mind.

"Was that really Sasuke standing in the doorway?" Naruto didn't believe his eyes—or ears for that matter—when the incident happened. He told himself that it was impossible, but as time went on…he found that he was beginning to believe that that was actually Sasuke.

A few minutes passed as Naruto listened to the random cars pass outside. Suddenly, Naruto got bold and got off the bed. As quietly as possible, he opened the door to the bedroom and tip toed out. He passed Itachi's bedroom, he had to refrain from laughing at the sound of Itachi's snoring. He remembered once he and Sasuke recorded Itachi's snoring and the funny whistle sounds he makes —ah, the good times.

Naruto saw his destination; Sasuke's room.

He felt his heartbeat begin to race, and his hand quivered a bit. His breathing was loud and deep. Opening the door, Naruto peered into the room. He started at the far end, and scanned his eyes across the room—all the way to the bed…
The BED!

Naruto's eyes widened when he saw a bulge under the covers; he almost let out another scream like before, but he stopped himself by slapping his hand over his mouth. He saw part of the bulge move—whatever was under it…just moved! Naruto felt a large lump in his throat form; he swallowed hard, trying to get rid of it.

Gradually, Naruto made his way to the bed, his feet making small 'tmp'ing noises as he walked. When he reached the bed, he hovered his shaky hand over the covers. Did he really want to see what was under this bed sheet? Could it be what he was thinking? Or could it be a madman that escaped the loony bin and was here sleeping…Naruto shook his head at that silly idea…

In one swift movement, he grabbed hold of the covers and pulled them away and off the bed entirely. Naruto lost his breath as he saw what he saw earlier—Sasuke—lying there, wide awake. His deep, onyx eyes stared into Naruto's.

The stunned blonde took a weak step back as Sasuke slowly sat up; Naruto dropped the bed sheet. Tears began to form at the corners of his eyes; he placed his hand over his mouth as the tears began to overflow onto his cheeks. Fresh sobs began to surface their way up out of his covered mouth—making them very muffled.

"N-no…please God…please…." He mumbled into this hand, his tears still flowing. "I'm not crazy…I-I can't be…I just can't…"

Sasuke sat up completely; stunned as well. Could Naruto really see him? Right at this moment…

"Naruto…" He spoke out. Just as he spoke Naruto yelled—quietly, he didn't want to wake up Itachi.

"Shut up! SHUT UP!" He placed his hands on his head; squeezing hard. "You're dead! YOU ARE NOT HERE RIGHT NOW! YOU'RE DEAD!!"

Sasuke felt his hopes sink. Sure, Naruto could see and hear him, but he thinks he's crazy. This whole deal was way too much to comprehend; so Sasuke did the first thing that came to his mind—

Before Naruto could protest against his sanity any longer, Sasuke got up and leaned forward.

"There is no way that you are here in front of me! There has to be a good explaina--" Naruto was cut off from his rant when Sasuke's lips—surprisingly—pressed against his. The two stood there, lip-locked, wide eyed and stunned.

Naruto stared deeply into the eyes of the recently deceased Sasuke. He-he wasn't crazy after all… He KNEW what he saw. He KNEW. All this time he had felt Sasuke's presence and now he finally understood why. But, if why could he all of a sudden hear and see…and FEEL Sasuke?

When the two pulled away, they stared at each other in silence. Naruto was the bold one and spoke up first. "Sasuke…you…you're really here…but how--"

"I don't know." Sasuke said, shrugging. Naruto pondered for a moment; he has completely put the insanity thing past him now, so now he was all seriousness. He snapped; signaling to Sasuke that he thought of something.

"You're trapped here, aren't you?! You can't pass on!" Naruto felt his own excitement rise; this was unreal to him. He was actually talking to his recently deceased boyfriend. Most people would find it creepy as hell, but this is Naruto we're talking about. Sasuke couldn't help but let a smile cross his lips; MAN, did it feel good to hear Naruto speak again. Last time he heard him speak, he was crying and sobbing…mourning his death.

"I guess so." Sasuke said nonchalantly. "I've been around this whole time actually—I even went to your house right after the accident."

"You-you did?!..." Naruto thought for a moment. "OH! Then THAT was that annoying noise that night. And here I thought it was some punkass kid…" The blonde laughed sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. Sasuke took in a deep breath; it felt nice to finally clear things up from this afternoon—HEY! W-wait a second!...

"Wait…what the hell?! How can we see and hear each other? And how did…did we…you know!!" Sasuke held his hands out in front of him, shaking one to himself then to Naruto.

"Kiss? Hmm, good question." Naruto replied. He put his paranormal knowledge to the test. "Maybe it's because you can't pass on…and since you still haven't fulfilled what you needed to…I guess your soul came to the person that can help you—aka ME!" Naruto said in a cheery voice.

Sasuke felt his face flare up when Naruto mentioned the "fulfilled" part—for obvious reasons. There was no way in heaven or hell that Sasuke would even consider telling Naruto what his "unfulfilled desire" was. No way, no how. Not today, not tomorrow, never.

Things got sort of quiet in the room as the two stared at each other for old times' sake—they soaked in the presence of each other—something they haven't been able to do for so long. After a while, Naruto took in a deep breath and smiled sweetly. "It…it's really good to see you again Sasuke…things have been…well…hard…for me…"

"I know. I noticed you were distant from a lot of people; you wouldn't even talk to Kiba normally." Sasuke said in reply. Naruto's cheeks became a deep red.

"I didn't know HOW to act. I didn't want people's sympathy…and I sure as heck didn't want to just forget you…s-so. I don't know, I just decided it was best to avoid people."

"You dummy. When you avoid people; that only makes it worse!" Sasuke smirked; he was liking the ability to tease his boyfriend again—it felt good…

"WELL, YOU WEREN'T THE ONE LEFT ALL ALONE, NOW WERE YOU!?!" Sasuke was a little taken back as Naruto grew surprisingly angry. He noticed new tears forming in Naruto's deep blue eyes. Realizing his crying eyes, Naruto quickly rubbed the tears away. "S-sorry…I didn't mean to yell…" Naruto said quietly.

"No…It's ok." Sasuke let his gaze fall to his feet. "I really did leave you all alone…I should be the one who's sorry." He felt his voice begin to quiver as he, himself, began to tear up. He placed his hand over one of his eyes; using his index finger to wipe the salty tears. "Y-you didn't deserve that horrible experience. It's all my fault you distanced yourself from others…it's my fault that your eyes filled with tears…"

Naruto watched as his boyfriend became a tad bit too emotional for his own good—doing what first came to his mind—Naruto reached out to comfort Sasuke. Leaning forward, he began to place his arms around Sasuke; that's when something odd happened.

Naruto felt himself touch…nothing. As soon as he let his weight shift, he found himself falling straight through Sasuke, flat on his face. It happened so fast that all that he managed to say as he fell to the wooden floor was a simple; yet, strangely humorous, "GAH!!"

Sasuke immediately realized what happened and knelt down to Naruto. "A-are you okay?" He asked. All Naruto did as he lifted his face from the floor was. "The hell was THAT?!" There was a small redden spot on his forehead. Sasuke couldn't help but let a tiny smile come upon his lips. Naruto helped himself up; refusing Sasuke's hand, he dusted his jeans off (as if there WAS any dust; lol). He lifted his hands, indirectly saying "What just happened?" to Sasuke.

Sasuke shrugged in reply, and said. "I don't know any more than you do. Here, let's do an experiment."

"Experiment?" Naruto questioned. Sasuke just waved Naruto to come closer; he lifted his hand up in front of him. "Do what I'm doing." He instructed. Naruto did as he was told and lifted his hand, mimicking Sasuke.

"Now, don't move your hand…" Sasuke said as he slowly placed his palm against Naruto. Their hands touched; as if Sasuke wasn't even a spiritual phenomenon at all, but rather that he was in living flesh just like Naruto. Naruto; speaking of which, made a strange face. He tilted his eyebrow up in confusion.

"Ok. Now…" Sasuke moved his hand back to its original place, "You try doing what I just did…"

Naruto nodded and moved his hand foreword; his eyes widened as he saw his hand pass through Sasuke's like nothing was even there…just air. "…creepy…" He whispered. Sasuke smiled and nodded in agreement. "You're telling me…"

"So, what does this mean?"

"Well, it looks to me…like I can touch you…you however…" Sasuke saw his hand was directly piercing Naruto's hand, "can't touch me."

Naruto scoffed and let his hand drop. "Well, that's not very fair now is it?!" He pouted; while crossing his arms. Sasuke chuckled, "Just be happy that 'they' are allowing you to even SEE me…I could disappear y'know…"

Suddenly, things got eerily quiet—way to quiet. The two both realized at once. They said in unison. "Itachi!" Just as they said that, Naruto darted his head towards the doorway. And what do you know, Itachi was standing there. He wore black sleeping pants, his torso bare. He rubbed his eye with the back of his hand. "Nhn…Naruto?" He said in raspy voice; he was still half asleep.

Naruto froze; his eyes darted from Sasuke to Itachi—then back at Sasuke, who stood in fear as well. Sasuke mouthed the words, "Can he see me?" Naruto made a face and shrugged. Itachi spoke out again as he walked into the room towards Naruto. "What are you doing in here…at 3:00 in the morning?" Naruto thought of something quick.

"I—uh—I just wanted to remember the good times!" He said with a smile. Itachi cocked an eyebrow. "Remember the good times?" He repeated. Naruto got nervous, at this rate, Itachi will think he's crazy! He had to think of something quick! Just then, an idea popped into his head—it was humiliating, and stupid—but it would get him out of telling the truth!

"I-uh…um…ok. Listen Itachi. Y'know…Sasuke's been gone for a while…a-and I uh…got…LONELY! Yeah…and well, I wanted to…" He swallowed hard. "Find a picture of Sasuke…s-so I could…y'know--" Naruto pantomimed a rude gesture—that we know 99.9% of teenage guys do. Sasuke's eye twitched and his face flared red.

Itachi's eyes widened; he turned away. He coughed into his fist. "Oh…um. Well, then I won't delay you any longer…" With this, he high tailed it out of the room faster than you could say "masturbation." (ok..that was WAY to fun to write! Lol)

When Itachi left the room, and they heard his door close, Naruto let out a deep sigh. He turned his gaze towards Sasuke, whose face was really much like O_O

Naruto took a step back, his face grew beat red. "W-what?!" He loudly whispered. "D-don't look at me like that! I HAD to think of something—so I thought of the most logical…"

Sasuke's face stayed the same as he said "Did you really do that when I was alive?" (There was a little hope in his voice—Naruto didn't notice…) Naruto's face grew a deeper red. "Stop joking around Sasuke!" With this he turned and head towards the door. Sasuke sighed. 'He still thinks I'm joking about that stuff?...' He thought to himself.

Just before Naruto left the room, he turned to Sasuke and said. "I don't know why I can see you, and why you haven't passed on. But--" he smiled, "I'm so glad I can finally talk to you again."

"Naruto…" Sasuke said.

"Um—if you want, until you find out what's keeping you here" Sasuke cringed inside; he already KNEW why he couldnt pass on!

"…y-you can stay with me…IF!" Naruto paused; he was so flustered that he repeated almost exactly what he said at the beginning of his sentence. "Uh, if you want that is…" Naruto shifted his gaze away from Sasuke. When he looked back up towards his supposedly deceased boyfriend—the moon cascaded through the window glaring its dull rays upon Sasuke's raven colored locks. His eyes had a small glare to them. Naruto felt his heart beat hard.

"Sure…" Sasuke finally said. He smiled and walked to Naruto; who was for some reason frozen by Sasuke's looks. He placed a pale hand upon Naruto's whiskered cheek. He leaned in and softly planted a small kiss on Naruto's lips. In on swift movement, he wrapped his arms around Naruto's shoulders; holding him close. His lips hovered around Naruto's ear, he whispered into them causing Naruto to shut his eyes tight—his cheeks grew warm and red. "I'd love to stay with you…" There was a short pause.

"…Naruto…" He breathed. A deep gasp was Naruto's only response. When he opened his deep blue eyes—he noticed Sasuke was gone. He was left there, his hands still in the position as if Sasuke was still there. He scanned the room—totally empty. He arched an eyebrow up.

"Sasuke?" He whispered. Just then Sasuke popped up in front of him—reappearing. Naruto had to slap his hand over his mouth to sustain a yelp. "H-how did you do that!?" He hissed.

Sasuke shrugged. "I've kinda always been able to.."

"…and you didn't feel like telling me this BEFORE you did it?"

"I thought it would've been good for a dramatic effect!" He smirked. Naruto rolled his eyes, and went out to punch his chest—only to have his hand phase right through him. "…" Naruto pursed his lips.

Sasuke's smirk grew larger. "Oh, this is going to be WAY to much fun!"

And with this—starting Naruto's new life…living with his dead boyfriend's spirit. Who knows what's in store for this poor unknowing teen. And how the heck is Sasuke going to fulfill this oh-so-embarrassing desire?! Well, I guess we're just going to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

Author's comment: HI!! Yeah, so this is chapter four's end. The reason it ends so strangely, is because there's going to be a small time skip—so chapter 5 is going to take place like…idk….a few weeks or so later. So Sasuke and Naruto have already gotten used to the fact that well…Sasuke's dead…and Naruto is the only one that can see him. UNTIL NEXT TIME!! ^.^