A/N- I'm officially addicted to butter cookies dipped in hot choc! -Yumm!-
Only 2 more parts left and this will come to an end. Hope you'll continue to read to find what happened in the end, -wink- and I hope I don't make any of the characters OOC. As for the sequel, if you have any idea at all, you can tell me. I'm having a major writer's block at the moment.

P/s- this part will be a bit longer than usual (because I can't find a good place to cut it in the first place)

Disclaimer: Naruto & co' belong to Masashi Kishimoto, not me. Or else, there won't be good cannon as it is -I suck at plotting-

Ever since that weekend, the routine has almost gone back to normal. The keyword here is almost. Sasuke tried his very best to go home late so he didn't have to face the kitten, but there were times where he came back earlier than his housemates.

Ever since that weekend, the routine has almost gone back to normal. The keyword here is Sasuke tried his very best to go home late so he didn't have to face the kitten, but there were times where he came back earlier than his housemates.

For the first few times, he ignored the mewing and clawing, even went to the length as far as went out to avoid feeling guilty.

But it only lasted for a short while. No matter how much he tried to deny it, the kitten slowly melting the ice he so long built around him.

So he let the kitten out just for the sake of it, if he came back earlier. If the tabby came to close to him, Sasuke would just pushed him away with his feet or hands; or even went as far as flicking the poor kitten's ear none-too-gently. And then he would put Hikari back into the laundry room when he went out again.

Yes, Uchiha Sasuke officially hates himself for being weak against a kitten.

It was finally a week of intra-semester break. Kiba had shipped himself away before Sakura could even say 'Ohaiyo' to him the first morning of the break. And it certainly shattered Sasuke's good mood of the relaxation plan that he has had in his mind for the past week when Sakura knocked on his door that morning and sheepishly smiling at him.

Too sweet, Sasuke's eyes narrowed, something dark nagging at the back of his mind.

Oh yeah, that smile could only mean one thing.
"Sasuke-kun…" Yup, and that voice just confirmed it.
"Straight to the point, Haruno." Sakura flinched at the icy tone. She hated the fact that Sasuke only knows her too well. The disadvantage of growing up with the stoic teen, her inner self muttered darkly.

"My parents are in town." There, she said it.

Sasuke didn't like where this conversation is going. Not at all.

"And they hate cats. My mom's practically allergic to any furry animals…" it sounded like a whine to Sasuke's ears.

"How long?" Had the temperature dropped rapidly or what?

Sakura gulped. "Till Friday-"

"No," he cut her curtly.

"W-what?" Her green eyes widen.

"Too long. I want some peace, Haruno." If the temperature has dropped, how come she's sweating like a pig?

"Please, Sasuke-kun… I'll even pay you back!" She said desperately. "I have to go and pick them up at the airport tomorrow's afternoon. I know it's short notice but I assumed Kiba would be in and it would be alright, but he quickly left before I could even say his name this morning and I don't know when he's coming back. I promise to come and play with him in every chance I get, if I would ever get the chance to sneak away from my parents, but my little brother would be here as well and you know how he is like with animal-"

At that Sasuke actually flinched, remembering how weird and bizarre Sakura's younger sibling can be and how cruel he can treat animals. Sasuke could vividly remember the gory scene he and Naruto saw the bird that that… that devil caught and 'played' with. He didn't even want to remember that particular scene!

Whatever Sakura was speaking of afterwards didn't even register as he cut Sakura with a grudging "Fine!"

Sakura stopped talking immediately. Stunned.

Actually, her mind wondered back in the past; that wasn't the first time Sakura, and Kiba were shocked by Sasuke's attitude ever since… ever since they brought Hikari back … she realized. They were very subtle changes, but they were changes nonetheless!

Maybe there is hope with the Uchiha after all! She subconsciously smiled.

"Just make sure his food and litter sands are enough. And close the door when you get out." He turned back into his room.

"Uh.. O-okay. Thanks a lot, Sasuke-kun…" She said softly.

Maybe her family's visit is a good thing after all!

000

When Sakura left the next day, bringing a small case of her clothes and necessities, Sasuke looked at Hikari at the door, as though with longing eyes asking Sakura to bring him with her and not to left him with the stoic teen.

"Hikari," Sasuke called, patting the sofa next to him. The tabby ran coming near Sasuke's feet, but making no attempt to jump onto the couch next to him. One eyebrow raised, amused.

"Come on, sit here," Sasuke patted the cushion again. But the tabby looked at him, almost confused. Was it an invitation, or an order? This teen's attitude towards him kept on changing and the kitten couldn't decide whether Sasuke actually likes having him around or not.

Gone the amused expression, Sasuke's face showed slight irritation. "Suit yourself," he grumbled, fishing the remote control and switching on the television. As soon as Sasuke switched the t.v. on, Hikari climbed up another sofa and played by himself.

Sasuke only glared.

The routine went on like that on that Sunday, with the raven teen trying to get the kitten next to him, only to have Hikari came only so close then went away from him. The only time Hikari seemed to be willing to get close to Sasuke was when Sasuke called him for food. But most of the time, he put extra kitten food in his bowl so that whenever the kitten is hungry, he could carry himself to the laundry room and feed himself.

Sakura called to inform Sasuke that she would be spending the night with her family. So Sasuke put the kitten back into the laundry room before he himself went to bed.

Only after he couldn't hear the mewling and clawing of Hikari against the door would he let himself be asleep.

Personally, Sasuke doesn't mind being trapped in his house for days without going out into sunshine, but he was beginning to get bored. One could only stare at the television for so long anyway, so he decided to go to the library to borrow some books and maybe spend the quiet evening in the café too.

However, on his way to the library, he felt guilt gnawing inside him. No matter how hard he tried to deny or suppress it, it chewed on him.

It was like the guilt he felt the week he tried to ignore Naruto for accidentally spilt out his secret to his brother.

Damn it!

Success in convincing himself that the cat would be okay by himself in the laundry room, he walked faster towards the library.

Hikari has been left on his own for many times before this. It would be okay, he's used to it.

A couple of hours later, Sasuke put away the newspaper he was reading and collected the books he intended to borrow. He thought that he had succeeded in shooing away his guilt, but he was wrong.

Maybe he has gone soft? He shook his head at that. No. Way!
But as soon as he collected his books, the phone in his back pocket vibrated. Reading the new message, he breathed out relief sigh.

Sakura will be at home for a few hours to come and take a look at Hikari. He's free to do what he wanted.

Giving a small relief smile that only he himself noticed, Sasuke sat down again and open one of the books to read in silence.

000

The weather on Wednesday afternoon was indeed clear and bright. The sky was so blue that it reminded Sasuke of his best friend.

Correction. Former best friend.

The stoic Uchiha has the sudden urge to go and spend the afternoon outside. Maybe he could read a book, under a tree or something.

"Oi, teme! Get your ass up and moving, man! Enjoy the sun while it lasts!"

"Hn!"

"Come on, Uchiha" A sudden tug at his arm made the book he was reading dropped onto the grass. "Damn it, Naruto!" he cursed softly.

A foxy grin was the only reply he got as he got up, book forgotten on the earth's blanket.
"You need some time out! Up, up! No wonder you are so pale. You should be under the sun more Sasuke. Like I said, enjoy it while it lasts…" bla bla bla… Sasuke tuned out after that.

'I don't need the sun, Uzumaki… Not when I have you as my sun…' corner of his lips curved up- only slightly, but it was still visible.

At least to trained eyes.

A mew from Hikari snapped him out of the memory lane.

'Besides, Hikari needs to stretch his legs,' it was only an excuse to go out, but it would suffice for the boy who was in denial.

Somehow his mood had lightened up that Sasuke even bothered himself to make tuna sandwich and brought an extra can, just in case he feels like feeding the cat. Everything has been put into his sling bag, including the book he's currently reading, he strode towards the tabby who was at that time chewing a feather from his play stick.

"Come on Hikari, time to… enjoy the sun while it lasts," the last words were whispered softly as Sasuke picked the tabby by the back of his neck and placed the kitten carefully into the sling bag.

He suddenly remembered the blue collar with a thin long leash attach-able to it on the kitchen top counter, near the entrance door. Picking that up, he then got out and lock his apartment door.

Finding a shadowy spot in the oh-so-familiar park, Sasuke placed his bag down carefully and took out the kitten, put on the collar and attach the leash. The excited kitten didn't wait even a second before he jumped out from Sasuke's lap and tried to catch a butterfly that passed by above his head just a second ago.

Sasuke chuckled automatically, he himself wasn't aware of it. 'Idiot.' That thought automatically rang in his mind.

Taking his book, he positioned himself against the thick bark and got himself comfortable before opening the last page he was reading the night before.

Once in a while, when Hikari got too far away from him, or up on the tree he tried to climb, the leash on Sasuke's wrist was tugged softly and Sasuke would automatically called "Hikari, not too far…"

A while after that, he took out the sandwich. Smelling the delicious aroma, Hikari came running towards him. If Sakura or Kiba was there, they would surely be shocked when Sasuke let the kitten ate from his last bite on his hands.

The raven actually laughed when the rough tongue licked his fingers clean.

It was all-too-familiar routine for Sasuke that he wasn't even aware that he let the kitten took the place of all-too-excited-and-energetic-blond he once knew. It was as though Naruto was with him that afternoon; chasing butterfly, running and rolling on the green green grass and laughing loudly.
And not Hikari.

Only when he stepped into the darkened apartment that night did Sasuke realized that the one who was with him that afternoon was only a kitten, not his long-gone best friend. With dull eyes, he moved like a programmed android again- taking his bath, ate dinner and went straight to bed.

He didn't even remember to lock Hikari into the laundry room or bothered to close his room door.

Once the light was out in his room and his head was comfortably lay on the fluffy pillow, a lone tear made its way out.

Empty eyes locked onto the ceiling above him, but his eyes refused to close, his mind refused to sleep; in fear that those memories come and haunt his sleep. That day, the day when he killed his best friend.

Soon, more and more tears made their way out and sobbing was once again heard in the silent dark room. Lying on his side, he curled himself into a tight ball, shoulders shaking with efforts to stop the tears.

"I'm sorry… I'm s-so sorry, Naruto!"

Sasuke didn't even realize it when the kitten jumped onto the bed, curled itself next to Sasuke and licked his tears away.

000

The next day went like an old film in his eyes; everything was black and white, buzzing once a while. Not even the funny programme on the t.v, -which has somehow switched on- could hold his attention.

Intense black orb looked lost and distance today. Sasuke didn't even care when Hikari ate the fish fingers from his plate and drank the water from his cup. He would just simply take another cup of water or fill in more fingers on the plate.

And he didn't even realize that it was nearing dusk now. Not that it mattered to him that he woke up almost noon too today.

Uchiha Sasuke was not himself at all.

Sasuke sat down again after switching on the lights when it started to get dark. When he sat on the sofa and gaze fixed on the running television, Hikari jumped next to him, curled up and put his head on Sasuke's lap.

"You know, Hikari…" Sasuke spoke for the first time that day. The kitten turned his head up to Sasuke upon hearing his name.

Sasuke smiled softly. "I miss Naruto…" he confessed. Hikari put down his head back as Sasuke started to rub his head and neck in gentle caress.

"Sure he was annoying most of the time. And he's loud too most of the time. But I like him the way he is. He… sort of could understand me without me telling him…" Sasuke chuckled darkly. "I don't even know how he did that. Till today I'm still clueless…"

Hikari purred at the soothing rubbing.

"But you know what I like best about Naruto? His eyes… it's so… blue…

"Sort of like yours, you know… I guess that's why I don't like you at first. You remind me of him, heck you even act like him most of the time- loud, annoying and so full of energy!"

The tabby licked his paws. At times, eyes drooping close in satisfaction of Sasuke's caress.

"But it hurts too… Having you is like having Naruto around…" Sasuke started again after a moment of pause, stopping as he felt huge lump in his throat. "But of course you didn't talk back to me like that dunce did… Still…" he added.

"If he could see me right now, I bet he's yelling at how weak I am, huh? Or maybe smirking arrogantly at how sentimental and soft I've become…

"I wonder if he would be so pissed, you know, seeing at how he died to 'save' my life and I sort of waste it all now.

"Knowing him, that would be most likely."

Sasuke picked Hikari up to put him properly on his lap as he sit crossed legs on the sofa. The kitten let Sasuke manoeuvred him freely.

"You remember when we went to the park yesterday? I was at first pretending that it was Naruto who chased the butterfly. I'm sorry I used you like that, Hikari-chan…" He chuckled as the kitten licked and bit his finger softly. Sasuke took it as sign of apology accepted- as crazy as it sounded.

"You wanna know what the idiot use to say every time we went outside to the park?..." And Sasuke started to tell the tale of one blue-eyed blond who held a dear place in his heart. Soon, he lied on the sofa and placed the kitten next to his chest as he kept telling his tale to the tabby.

Both fell asleep like that, with the t.v. still on as their background music.

On the other side of the city, Sakura's phone rang. Looking at the screen, it said Kiba. "Inuzuka…" she said icily.

Kiba shivered on the other line. That tone was never good. "Sakura, listen to me first. I want to apologize for taking off so abruptly last Saturday, but Hinata invited me to visit her family down in Okinawa. The flight was the first thing in the morning and the invitation was a last minute one, I swear!"

"You put me in a very difficult situation, did you know that, Inuzuka?" her tone was still icy, but soften a bit at the apology.

"Eh? How so?"

"How so?!" Sakura shrieked. "My family is here and there was practically no one I could ask for help to take care of Hikari-chan!"

Kiba was silent, didn't dare to ask stupid question. Sakura thought it was a wise move, so she continued, "I have to ask Sasuke-kun for that and you know how much he loathes that cat. I owe him a lot, Kiba and for that you owe me a lot!"

Kiba grumble irritatingly but decided not to start a whole new argument with her.
Apparently another wise move, Sakura thought. So he asked the brunette why he had called her.

"Well… I'm feeling really guilty about last Saturday, so I've bought the ticket home for tomorrow. The only thing is, my flight will only arrive at 11 p.m. And I absolutely do not want to ask Uchiha to pick me up at the airport."

"Why don't you come back with Hinata then, since you crawled away with her?" Sakura snapped.

Kiba flinched at that but he answered it anyway, "Hinata's coming back on Sunday. I think that's a bit late… so…"

"Cab?!"

"Uh… the ticket… it costs me quite a bit of money, considering this is a peak season, flights are usually fully booked. I had to squeeze for Business Class," there was a sound of pain in there that made Sakura think and mumbled 'served you right!'

Sakura took a moment to think. "Friday night, huh?" She tapped her fingers on the table.

"Okay. But you owe me half of the parking fees, Inuzuka! I'm sending my family to the airport in the evening and it'll cost me fortunes- you hear me?- fortunes with the parking ticket!"

"Alright! Alright! I got the message already… I'll pay you back as soon as my allowance kicks in…"

"Good. See you Friday night then."

"Thanks, Haruno."

TBC

Teaser (for the next part):
"Oi dog-breath! Do you hear me? Hikari-chan's gone!" Sakura jabbed her elbow into Kiba's rib.

Dun Dun Dun!! Review pls :) No flames though, constructive critism appreciated. Thanks!