WOW! Can you believe it I actually updated a chapter. I won't keep you long because unlike my last chapter that I said was long this one is LONG. My chapters are usually around 14 to 17 pages long. This one is..wait for it...over SEVENTY pages long. Now don't get discouraged, I didn't forget about the Halloween party or write on about nothing. Alot happens in this chapter, there's alot of change and yes I'm introducing four more regular characters. I hope you guys enjoy it because I worked really hard on this one since my life's been twisting and turning and I haven't been writing alot. It's my treat to you so aprpreciate it, with reviews and stuff, those make me happy.

Side note: I spent a good couple of hours editing this chapter. If there are a tremendous amount of typos I apologize. I just wanted to get this out there.

One last note: This chapter was so long I had to split it in two, so don't forget part II. Enjoy. love

Sai rested his back flat against Sasuke's bedroom door as he cracked a mischievous grin to himself. He looked up at his cousins and Sasuke had already begun to unfasten the buttons on Itachi's boxers while the older brother sucked at his neck. Sai waited a moment as he watched his cousin's go at each other, growing aroused by the scene. He thought to interrupt but knew they would only cease the action, so he decided to wait for a few more moments before he would leave. When he felt that Naruto would definitely not return he began to pull the bedroom door open slowly, but Sasuke had finally caught a glimpse of him as he tried to ease his way out.

"Sai!" Sasuke exclaimed. "What are you doing?" He asked as he pushed his body away from his brothers. Itachi looked up at Sai, clearly annoyed. The stare made the younger cousin halt in his explanation.

"Uh…." He stumbled only to force out the worst case of word vomit he had ever had. "Just getting rid of Naruto." Itachi's head dropped low.

"What?"

"Uh, shit."

"Naruto was here?" Sai looked away from Sasuke and Itachi. "Sai!" Sasuke shouted as he began to shake. Fear pumped through his veins as the thought of Naruto catching him began more evident.

"Yeah, he was." Sai muttered, just enough to be heard.

"He saw us didn't he?" Sai nodded. "Oh fuck!" Sasuke groaned as he buried his face in his hands. Sai looked at his older cousin whose eyes were shocked. The cousins shared a silent gesturing conversation as Sai tried to apologize for his mistake. As he tried to mouth 'I'm tired' a small thud was heard from below that made Sai's chest clamp tightly. Someone was coming in the front door. He knew it'd be Naruto, back to confront his boyfriend and knowing Sasuke he'd plead and the two would end up together again.

"Who cares about him Sasuke you're back with Itachi aren't you?" Sai said, trying to bring Sasuke back to his senses. Sasuke's face turned from distraught to utterly dumbfounded, forcing Itachi to make his move.

"Sasuke?" He called, getting his brother's attention. "I thought we were going to try?" The brother's looked at each other and their tension moved on to Sai played with the top of his boxers.

"Itachi, I-" Sasuke began, but was cut off by the loud grunting noise Sai made as the bedroom door slammed into his back.

"Oh, sorry Sai." Fugaku apologized as he stumbled into the room, tripped and barely caught himself on the doorknob.

"Father? What the hell?" Sasuke cried out. The brother's went to aid their drunken father as Sai stumbled to gain his balance.

"Oh get off of me! I can walk!" Fugaku blared, forcing his sons backwards. Fugaku shuffled his feet a few times as he surveyed his family. "What the hell are you all doing in here at this hour?"

"Um.." Sai began as he cursed himself for being so slow to the pick up tonight.

"We just bumped into each other on our ways to the bathroom." Itachi chimed in, quickly as ever. Fugaku raised an eyebrow to his eldest son and snorted at him.

"Had to go so bad you couldn't wait to unfasten your boxers?" Itachi looked down and with lightening speed went to cover his half exposed semi-hard cock. Fugaku's suspicion rose higher.

"Uh uncle?" Sai called. "I came upstairs to get a snack when I heard these two arguing. Apparently, Sasuke clogged the toilet and Itachi didn't realize it in the dark so when he went to flush the bathroom got all messy and after cleaning it up Itachi and I came in here…to….uh…get some…" Sai tried to finish the story but found his back against the wall.

"Socks." Sasuke jumped in.

"Socks!" Sai repeated happily. "Yeah socks."

"Socks?" Fugaku asked.

"Yup. We're, Itachi and I, are all out of socks and they…"

"They got wet when we cleaned the bathroom." Itachi finished their lie. "My boxers must have come undone when I bent over to put them on.

"Oh." Fugaku said stupidly. "Well yeah, whatever." The men stared at each other awkwardly until Fugaku began to laugh. He turned to exit, stumbled again and this time fell flat on the ground with half of him in the hall, the other in Sasuke's bedroom. This time the noise had finally awoken Mikoto who had come rushing out to find the source of it.

"Fugaku! What's going on?" She gasped and helped her husband up.

"Nothing, socks and all that." He said before burping.

"Oh you're drunk." Mikoto said sadly. "Why did you have to make so much noise tonight, you've been coming in rather quietly before." Sasuke and Itachi exchanged glances.

"I'm not noisy they're noisy!"

"Come to bed now."

"No! I'm not tired. I'm a grown man Mito-to-ko; I'll sleep when I feel necessary." Mikoto strained to keep her husband standing until she looked in Sasuke's bedroom.

"Can you boys give me a hand? What are you all doing up anyway?"

"Socks." They said in harmony as Sasuke and Itachi helped walk their father down the stairs. When they had reached the bottom Fugaku pushed them off angrily.

"I don't need your help! Go to bed or something!" He shouted and Mikoto came behind him to walk with him to the kitchen.

"Let's have some coffee dear." She said and gestured to the boys to get of to bed. They obeyed, to an extent. The three sat on the zigzagging stairs and listened in to the conversation.

"How can you have coffee at a time like this?!" Fugaku shouted from the kitchen. The boys listened as Mikoto's low voice asked him to calm down. "I can't!" He continued. "Our family is in ruins." Fugaku began to sob. "Look at us! One son's a filthy drug addict." Itachi's head sunk low. "It was ok while he was gone, but now he's just bringing down the other one. The homosexual." Mikoto tried to hush her husband frantically. She moved his instant coffee to his lips only to have it smacked out of her hands. "This is your fault you know? I don't have any gays in my family. This all you and your weird dead uncle's doing!" Sasuke bit down on his lip as it started to quiver. He was so shocked by his father's words that crying didn't even seem possible. "On top of it we have the other one. My sister wants to stick me with her kid, another mouth to feed!" Sai's eyebrows jolted, he hadn't expected to get dragged into the conversation. "Sasuke I could handle, but now two more. Mikoto….Mikoto!" Fugaku called for his wife as he clung to her. "I lost my job today." He wailed. "What are we going to do?" Mikoto's voice finally came through Fugaku's wails.

"I don't know dear. I…don't know." Taken away by the news the boys neglected to hear the approaching footsteps soon enough. They made an attempt to dash up the stairs but were caught by Mikoto who had a sneaking suspicion that they were there. Her tear glazed eye's caught theirs. It was obvious, at least to Sasuke that her eyes were not saddened by their family's financial state, but more so that they had heard Fugaku's terrible words. "Boys…" Her trembling voice began, but Sasuke didn't allow her to finish. He jogged down to his sweet mother and embraced her as the tiny droplets made their way out of her eyes.

"It's ok mother." Sasuke whispered to her. "We understand." They hugged briefly before Mikoto pulled away. She wiped her tears and attempted to regain composure.

"Why don't you all head down to the den. I'll bring you a snack." She tried to say cheerfully. The boys obeyed fully this time and descended into the lower part of the house without another word.

--

Meanwhile, a heartbroken Naruto curled into the corner of his couch as he sobbed loudly. He allowed himself to bawl freely, knowing that his father was away for the night with his boyfriend. He sniffled and choked as he gasped for air through his groans when the front door of his house opened slowly as Kakashi tried to sneak in the house like a teenager missing curfew.

"Oh, you're awake." Kakashi said as he walked towards Naruto who tried to hide his tears in shame. Kakashi frowned and sat next to his son. "Naru, what's wrong?" He asked, but Naruto shook his head, refusing to answer. "Hey?" Kakashi asked getting Naruto's attention. The blonde boy looked over at his father who gave him a cheeky grin. "You know you can always tell me. It'll be alright."

The smile softened Naruto's tears and caused an explosion of words that Kakashi had not expected.

"He cheated on me, Kakashi! I can't believe he'd do it. After all that stuff he said about Gaara and worrying about me cheating he just goes back to him. I was there for him all this time and stuck with him through his rape and his crappy moods and he just leaves me!"

"Woah, woah. Slow down. Tell me from the beginning."

"Well ever since Itachi came over here all nutty and cut up, I haven't seen Sasuke at all. He never returned my calls and only sometimes my texts."

"Mhm."

"After Gaara left here today I couldn't stop thinking about him. I had to see him. I waited as long as I could and just ended up giving in and going over his house."

"Mhm."

"I knocked and Sai answered the door. He told me to just go up to Sasuke's room which was weird and then I open the door and see him and Itachi going at it!"

"Having sex?"

"No, kissing and about to have sex."

"What did you say to him?"

"Nothing, I couldn't take it. I had to get out of there."

"Hmm." Kakashi said looking pensive.

"What?"

"I was afraid this would happen. You see, those two share a unique and unspoken bond. Of course Sasuke cares about you." Kakashi added at the look on Naruto's face. "But, he can't forget about his brother. It's not like when you break up with someone then never have to see them again. They live together. They have for years. You can't just stop loving your family. When you add a taboo relationship on top of it…."

"So you're saying Sasuke will never get over Itachi?"

"No, he just won't get over their relationship for any reason other than him growing out of it." Naruto's face saddened and he looked at the floor below.

"So, I have to wait." Kakashi sighed gently.

"Naru-chan, he may never grow out of such a thing. Loving him unconditionally won't make his heart change any faster or at all." Naruto rested his forearms on his legs and his forehead in his hands as a couple of tear drops fell from his eyes.

"So what should I do?" He asked.

"Honestly?" Kakashi placed an arm on top of and around Naruto. "Let it go and learn to just be a friend again. If and when the time comes the two of you will be together again." Naruto sat up and hugged his father tight.

"Ok….dad." Naruto whimpered before pulling away.

"Go to sleep. Some rest will make you feel better."

"You don't really believe that do you?" Naruto asked with a soft chuckle.

"No, but still." Kakashi grinned and Naruto returned it.

--

Sasuke twiddled his thumbs as his mother placed a serving tray with tiny chicken salad sandwiches from the left over chicken from dinner and cans of soda in front of him, his brother and Sai.

"There." Mikoto said. "You boys can snack on these, since I'm sure none of us will be getting to bed anytime soon. I'm going to go continue to help your father sober up. I'll be back down later. Oh and I brought you two some cotton T-shirts. It's chilly down here you should be wearing them." The boys all nodded in her direction before she exited and only Sai started to eat the sandwiches before him as he bent in from his seat on the L bend of the couch to get one. Sasuke and Itachi sat side by side and stared past the sandwiches, each in their own minds. After moments upon moments of silence Sai finally spoke.

"Guys, I know how you must be feeling. Just don't take it so seriously. Your dad was drunk. He didn't mean any of it." Sasuke scrunched his face not knowing if he was more hurt or angry.

"No he meant it. It's something only alcohol could allow him to say. Besides, it's not only that he doesn't love me because I'm gay nor Itachi because he's got an addiction, but apparently he lost his job." Sai quieted himself, unsure of what to say.

"It's fine Sasuke." Itachi said, surprising his younger brother. "Well, it's not like we didn't really know how dad felt."

"But what about-"

"There's only one option." Sasuke paused to hear it.

"We have to get jobs and move out. In fact, I've been thinking about moving in with Deidara."

"What?!" Sasuke grabbed his brother's hand that lay beside him. "No, I don't want you living with that guy. He's not good for you."

"Relax Suke." Itachi said calmly. He slid his hand behind his little brother and pulled him in closer. "I'm not going to do that. With our new situation, I think the best option is for us to move out together." Sasuke's face lost all expression. "That is, if you want to." Sasuke seemed to be taking a moment to think things over. Itachi found himself on the verge of telling his brother that he'd give him time to think about it but Sasuke answered.

"Of course."

"You would?"

"Yes. I don't want to be alone in this house again and I don't want you to be alone somewhere else either." Itachi cracked a smile at his younger brother who pounced on him, bringing the two together for a kiss. Their tongues wrestled and the weight of Sasuke's body slowly brought Itachi on to his back. They kissed passionately until their cousin sighed loudly on the side part of the couch. The brothers sat up and stared in his direction.

"Why are you pouting? You're involved in our whole moving situation as well." Itachi said.

"I know that." Sai said. "It's just….I never get made out with anymore." Sai frowned. Sasuke smirked and looked at Itachi who looked back, then at Sai.

"Fine, you baby." Sasuke said. He eased his way past Itachi's legs and the coffee table to Sai then brought his knees to the couch and straddled his cousin. Sai wrapped his arms around Sasuke as the younger cousin wiggled his tongue like a snake playfully above the others. Sai mimicked his actions until their tongues knocked against each other in quick licking motions. He closed his lips around Sasuke's tongue, missing the saccharine glaze of his saliva. He cupped his cousin's ass cheeks and brought their crotches closer together and tugged at Sasuke's cotton boxers.

"Hey, keep it clean." Itachi demanded before lying on his back with his feet planted flat on the couch.

"Greedy." Sai said lowly and he brought his hands up Sasuke's back. The two kissed and caressed each other until Sai noticed Sasuke's growing erection and grabbed on to it. The younger cousin shifted and slid off of the elder leaving one peck on his lips before they parted entirely. "Damn, I thought that was heading towards a threesome."

"Tch, you wish." Sasuke joked. He walked to Itachi and touched his chest. The older brother still lay on his back with his eyes closed and appeared to be asleep. Itachi moved his hand to Sasuke's and rubbed it gently without opening his eyes.

"I'm here." He stated and Sasuke moved to sit down by his feet.

"Mother should be down soon." Sasuke yawned out as he stretched his limbs. Sai yawned as well and lay down on his side so that his and Itachi's heads were near each other.

"Let's just watch TV until she gets here and don't say anything about moving out Sasuke."

"Fine."

A few hours later the early morning sun had already began to makes its entrance. The den glowed blue and Sasuke awoke to find himself curled up in the corner of the couch. Sai and Itachi both slept in the same positions they were in before and Sasuke watched his brother's chest as it lifted and sank gently. He noticed that they all had blankets over them and realized that their mother must have already come down to find them asleep.

Sasuke threw off his blanket and pulled down Itachi's already half off one. He crawled in between his brother's legs and rested on his chest, waking the other.

"Morning." Itachi said and he placed his arms around Sasuke and shifted his body slightly to allow him room.

"Brother?"

"Yes?"

"Are we really going to move in together?"

"Of course. I'll make it happen Sasuke. We'll get started right away." Sasuke crawled up higher to kiss Itachi, making the couch shake and awakening Sai.

"Unless you're gonna come give me some of that, cut it out and go back to sleep." Sasuke snorted and rested his head on his brother's chest then drifted off again.

--

Uzumaki Naruto rose to the bright sun outside and a loud knock at his door. He stumbled out of bed and down the stairs to the loud knocking.

"I'm coming!" He shouted, thinking it was the mail man with a big package. When he opened the door a handsome boy with long dark hair gleamed back at him. "Neji!" Naruto screeched. He leapt on to his friend hugging him around the neck and Neji laughed and pushed Naruto off.

"Hey what's up? Sorry I haven't come by in a long time. My classes are killing me and Tenten's been taking up all my spare time."

"No its cool, Neji. Glad to see you." Naruto beamed, rubbing the back of his head.

"So where's Sasuke? He doesn't answer his phone." Neji asked then raised an eyebrow to Naruto's changed expression. "Oh God, what happened?" He sighed out.

"Tch, take a seat. I'll tell you while I make myself some breakfast." Naruto turned and looked at his kitchen clock. "Er, lunch."

--

"So these three are at the top of the budget." Sasuke said as he sipped his cappuccino and pointed at his online print outs.

"Do you want that biscotti? I'm starving and that muffin did nothing for me." Sai said.

"Don't spoil your lunch. We'll go get something to eat soon. Should I call these places? Itachi's going to be out until late and-"

"Call em'. He won't mind. It's better to get this stuff done anyway." Sai gestured to the blonde waitress and signaled that he wanted more coffee. "You know you'd think the smell of a coffee shop would wake you up, but I always get tired in here."

"I'm going to call this guy." Sasuke stated as he patted his pockets for his cell phone. "Shit, forgot my phone. Give me yours." Sai handed his cousin his tiny black cell and watched him exit the shop. Sasuke placed the phone to his ear and paced back and forth in front of the large windows as he conversed with building owner. Sai watched him amused for a few minutes until the waitress came to pour him some more coffee.

"Anymore cappuccino for your cousin?" She asked.

"Nah, he's already hyped up as it is." Sai grin at Sasuke's ecstatic face.

"You haven't called me in awhile." The waitress said with a grin. "What's up?" Sai made a small amused noise and put his fingers in the girl's pants pocket. He moved her closer even though she seemed nervous about others watching, though still pleased.

"Sorry, Temari. My family's been going through some things and now my cousins are getting an apartment. I've been busy."

"No problem, just don't forget about me." She said and dashed away just as Sasuke walked back into the shop.

"Great news!" Sasuke exclaimed as he flopped in his armchair. "This guy, who owns the building, he said we could come look at it on Monday. I tried to get him to let us see it tomorrow so you could come, but he couldn't." Sai took a sip of his coffee and crossed his legs.

"Three day weekend little cousin…"

"Oh that's right. Well, we have to be there at one, only problem is it has two bedrooms."

"Well, what's wrong with that?"

"We only need one. Two's too much."

"Oh, let's just forget about the cousin who may want to come live with us some day-"

"Alright, alright. Hint taken." Sasuke smiled. "No other owners answered though so this is our only lead. Let's hope it's perfect." Sai raised his coffee cup and urged Sasuke to do the same so that they do a proper cheers.

"Here's to hoping."

--

"So you broke up?" Neji asked before crossing his legs at Naruto's dining table. Naruto sat to the side of him at the circular table with his head resting in his folded arms, quite like a school children who napped in class. He groaned and shuffled in his seat before his muffled words came out.

"I don't know. We haven't even talked yet. It's like he jumped off of the planet."

"Don't you see him at school at least?"

"No, I guess his parents call in with their family issues as an excuse. Or he's just skipping. But, I only have two classes and homeroom with him and I could have sworn I seen him dart past me in the hallway once. I wouldn't be surprised if he was just avoiding me. He could get away with missing classes."

"Hmm." Neji responded and brought his hand to his chin as he normally did when thinking. Naruto raised his head.

"What are you thinking about?" Neji bit his lower lip unsure of how honest he should be.

"Well, you know I tried to call him. I've been trying all week actually. I wish I could get his side of the story on this." Neji looked to Naruto only to be surprised by the questioning look he was receiving. "What?" He asked confused.

"You didn't try to call me all week. Why were you trying to call Sasuke?" Naruto asked seriously. Neji waved him off refusing to answer. "Neji!" Naruto yelled, determined to know. Neji sighed and smiled gently.

"I suppose with all this mess there's no point in keeping anything away from you. It is going to be your birthday Friday Naruto. I wanted to see if Sasuke wanted to plan something. That's all." Naruto's almost anger turned in a complete vacant stare.

"Wow, with all this stuff about Sasuke I forgot my birthday was even coming up." Naruto said sadly.

"Listen Naruto." Neji said and stood up. "I'll get in touch with Sasuke. I'll see what he has to say. I'll play mediator like I always do and you just relax. Figure out what you want to do for your birthday."

"We should probably just go out. You, Gaara and I."

"Already counting Sasuke out?"

"He counted himself out Neji." Neji frowned then turned to exit. He grabbed the front door's knob and hesitated.

"What's up with this Gaara anyway? You've brought him up a lot." Naruto started to play with the back of his hair. He blushed and started to laugh.

"Nothing, really. He's new in town and I met him in school. He doesn't live far at all. His family moved in that house that had been empty for the longest."

"Is that right? The newly built one?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm, are we to be introduced sooner or later?"

"You can meet him on my birthday."

"Will do, see you later."

--

Sunday came and went in the Uchiha household as quickly as Sasuke had hoped. He awoke with a start on Monday morning and shook his brother to force him to do the same. The two dressed normally before waiting at the bedroom door. Itachi slowly pulled it open so that he could peer outside. He caught a glimpse of a moving figured and inched his way into the hallway so that he could figure out who it was. A relief slid through him as he noticed it was a fully dressed Sai emerging from the den. The older cousin whispered to the younger below and motioned for him to check if there was anyone else in the house.

"It's ok, your parents left early." Sai called out. The brothers walked down to greet their cousin, the mood between them light and pleasurable for what may have been the first time. They exited the house and went to pile into Sasuke's red car.

"Brother." Sasuke called. "Do you think father will allow me to keep this car when he finds out we're moving out?"

"I think its best not to ask. You don't need to drive in the city and the bus isn't hard to take back here."

"Hey." Sai said as he glanced at his cell phone. "We're running late. Traffic is terrible at this hour let's hurry up."

The boys dashed into the car and began their trip into the city. They sat in what seemed to be endless bumper to bumper traffic and argued over the directions to the apartment until they had finally made it to their destination deep in the center of downtown. After eventually finding the parking garage for the apartment building the boys ran into elevator that led to the main lobby and stepped into the burgundy and gold lined room. Sasuke ran to the security desk to speak with the guard and asked where the owner of the building was at the moment.

"Oh, he's right there. Exiting." The guard informed causing Sasuke to yell out for the man.

"Does he have a last name?"

"Not that I know of, he prefers to just be called that."

"Uh, Orochimaru?!" Sasuke shouted, getting the attention of the pale dark haired man.

Itachi felt his heart drop. His body became ridged as he attempted to swallow the lump in his throat. He turned his head slowly to see one of his fears come to light. The tall Orochimaru in his more professional wear shook hands with his little brother and eyed him greedily.

"Hmm, that man, he's interesting." Sai noticed, easily becoming entranced with the man's spell. Itachi began to bite the inside of his lip while he watched Sai approach the man as well. He watched Orochimaru's lustful eyes dance on the two people's that were most precious to him bodies. He thought of fleeing, but knew that whether he tried to run away or grab his family and leave, that questions would arise. Orochimaru's eyes fell on Itachi while Sasuke pointed to him. They squinted slightly before a smile cracked open revealing his pearly white teeth. Itachi sighed to himself and walked over to the trio.

"Itachi is it?" Orochimaru asked. Itachi looked at him disbelievingly and took Orochimaru's outstretched hand. "All you boys are so handsome. If you move in I hope there won't be a lot of ruckus for the neighbors with parties and girls." Sasuke laughed.

"No, that would never happen. We're not partying types."

"At least not those type of parties." Sai grumbled, but he was heard by Orochimaru whose face became even more satisfied if possible.

"Well why don't we go see the apartment? It's on the ninth floor." Sasuke scurried back to the elevator, unsure of which of the facing ones he should take. "Not that one, the one of the right." Orochimaru instructed. Sai looked back to Itachi questioningly. His older cousin's face looked strained and worried. Deciding that it'd be best to question him about it later, Sai turned on heel and followed Sasuke. "Well boy," Orochimaru whispered to Itachi now that they were alone briefly. "if you wanted to be closer to me you could have just asked."

"This was a mistake." Itachi spat back at his best customer.

"It doesn't have to be." Orochimaru replied with a small giggle.

"Hey are you two coming?" Sasuke asked, holding the elevator with Sai. Itachi looked back to Orochimaru irritated and turned to walk towards the elevator, followed closely by a delighted Orochimaru.

The foursome traveled upwards until they reached a hallway with burgundy carpeting and matching gold and burgundy wall trimmings. The long hallway had a calming crème and orange glow and Sasuke found himself grazing his hand against the glistening paint as Orochimaru stepped past them to unlock the nearest door.

"How many people are on each floor" Sai asked, wondering if any of the doors led to another hallway.

"Only three. The apartment available is the only one on this side of the building, so you have a deck." Orochimaru said as he pulled out the door's key.

"Awesome." Sasuke said while looking up at the ceiling lights. "Sounds private." He added then looked to his brother and smiled. Itachi forced a tiny grin, not wanting to bring down his brother's mood. He rested his back against the wall next to the elevator doors hoping that his family hated this space.

"Here we go." Orochimaru said while the door clicked open. "Take a look." He said with a smile and backed out of the way to allow the others to enter. Sasuke dashed first, followed by Sai while Itachi stayed still. He closed his eyes and hoped for the best when he heard Sasuke's voice and a pang shot in his gut.

"Holy shit! This place is perfection." Sasuke said.

"Wow." Sai followed. Itachi opened his eyes and caught Orochimaru's stare. The older man gestured his hand to beg Itachi to move inside of the house, which he did reluctantly.

When he stepped into the apartment he couldn't help but be impressed. He walked into a living room/dining room area and felt Orochimaru's heat as the black haired man stepped closely behind him to close the entry door.

"As you can see this place comes fully furnished."

"Really?" Sasuke asked. "We wouldn't have to buy any furniture brother." Itachi nodded in his direction. Orochimaru stepped to his right and pointed to the dinning room.

"There's ample room for entertaining here."

"And I like this table. The glass and wrought iron. Nice look." Sai included. Orochimaru stepped more to the right.

"Here's the kitchen, all new appliances. They're a perfect chrome set."

"It's not as huge as our kitchen at home but it's enough for just us." Sasuke said, looking back to his brother for his approval, but Itachi stayed quiet and lingered towards the entry. Orochimaru walked back towards him then past him gently, nudging him on purpose.

"Over here is your living room. Outside those doors to the left is a large balcony."

"How big?" Sasuke asked as he made his way past the lot and pulled open the large glass sliding door. "Man we could fit a grill and chairs and a pool table out here!" He said excitedly before walking out to pear over the cement ledge. Sai strode to the living room to examine the furniture.

"Leather?"

"Of course."

"Nice. Sleek black, the coffee table matches the dinning set as well. Large entertainment center. It's nice here against the entry wall, no entertainment in it though." Orochimaru laughed.

"Well you'd have to buy your own television. Oh, and behind the curtains there are floor to ceiling windows." He added. Sai nodded his head approvingly.

"Bedrooms?"

"Right." Orochimaru agreed. He turned and glanced at Sasuke who was still being entertained on the balcony and placed his hand on the wall next to the sliding glass door. "Right on the other side of this wall is your washer and dryer. The sliding door right there is the bathroom, yes it locks and also can be entered from the master bedroom. This door is the second bedroom. Go take a look." Orochimaru said to Sai who obliged, leaving Itachi alone once more. "Do you like the place?" Orochimaru asked happily.

"No."

"Oh, don't be so sour. I could tell you were frightened when you saw me. Your family here doesn't know about your little occupation do they?" He asked as he made a grab at the top of Itachi's pants. The Uchiha slapped his hand away and moved backwards, bumping into the bathroom door. Deciding that he was best there, Itachi folded his arms and stared at Orochimaru whom mimicked his actions and placed his back against the laundry unit's doors.

"What do you want from me?" Itachi asked coldly.

"Nothing more than I normally pay you for, except, I could offer you an easier deal. Your family really does seem to love this place." Orochimaru said with mock pity. Itachi nodded silently. "Your little brother is much more decadent than that blonde boy." Orochimaru added with a lick of his lips. Itachi's eyes shot open and he had to force himself not to grab the man by his collar. Before he could reply Sasuke emerged from the side of them and Sai at the bedroom door between them.

"The bedroom has those long windows as well. I love this place. The view is amazing. You can see the river and the suburbs right from the window."

"I agree, this place is perfect. The master bedroom is behind this door by the kitchen right?" Sasuke asked. Orochimaru nodded and gestured for him to go on and look. Sasuke left and was followed by Sai. Itachi waited for them to be out of ear shot before speaking.

"Leave my brother out of this. He's only seventeen. If you want to deal we can deal, but if you mess with him-"

"Relax. I was only joking." Orochimaru taunted. "Besides, you know I only have eyes for you." He whispered then moved in slowly to plant on kiss on Itachi's lips. Itachi looked up at him with hateful eyes then walked away. He pasted the threshold of the master bedroom's door then walked inward, past the long dresser and to the walk in closet where Sasuke and Sai played joyfully. Itachi paused at the doorway and watched as his little brother and cousin took each others hands and spun around the ridiculously large closet happily. He smiled at their innocence until they had sensed his presence then straightened up again.

"Look at this closet!" Sasuke exclaimed.

"Yeah it's three times as big as the other." Sai added as the two walked up to Itachi and out of the closest.

"Yes, it's quite large." Itachi said.

"And here's the bathroom again." Orochimaru said as he appeared from behind a sliding door near the bedrooms entry and next to the large king sized bed. Sai scuttled to Orochimaru and peered in the bathroom.

"Double sinks" He said back to Itachi. "The bathroom and shower are separated as well. That could be useful."

"Yes this place it is perfection." Orochimaru said while he eyeballed Itachi.

"Itachi." Sasuke called to his brother. He stepped in front of him gave him the most serious face his could muster. "I know this is the first place we looked at-"

"Sasuke."

"-but I'm in love with it."

"Sasuke."

"It's really close to home, which is close to my school." Itachi sighed.

"Sasuke."

"It has everything we want and it's furnished." Itachi took his little brothers hands and began to squeeze them. "Don't act like you can't afford this place either. I know you have the money and I'm going to get a job too.

"I decided I don't want you to work, you're already too distracted from school."

"And with my money-" Sasuke said, ignoring Itachi's remark. "-and yours we can live here."

"Brother."

"I never wanted anything more than I want this right now." Sasuke said as quickly as he could. "Except for you." He added cutely. Itachi's closed his eyes and pushed air out of his nose.

"Leave the room."

"What?"

"Leave the room, you too Sai." Itachi demanded. Sasuke decided he wouldn't press his luck. He did as he was told and Itachi walked the both of them out of the room and closed the door behind them. He walked back up to Orochimaru who had already sat down on the bed.

"I think he wants this place more than he wants you even."

"How much?" Itachi asked seriously.

"I'm not sure you can afford it." Orochimaru teased.

"Save your games for when I'm on the clock. Tell me what you want."

"I can write up an exceptionally cheap offer for you. Just for legal document purposes you know. Then you can do me a little favor."

"What is it?"

"We can work that out later. Do we have a deal? I have the paperwork right in the car waiting for me below."

"What deal? You didn't tell me the circumstances." Orochimaru laughed and stood up. He slithered towards the bedroom door and looked back at Itachi.

"Now you should stop playing games. We both know whatever it is, you'll do it." Orochimaru made a smooching sound towards Itachi and exited. The Uchiha sat for a moment until he heard the front door close. He looked around what was to become his shared bedroom with Sasuke and told himself that he was making a good decision despite the churning in his stomach. He stood up and exited the bedroom, closing the door and its first secret behind him to see his brother and cousin staring at him anxiously.

"Well?" They asked in unison.

"Now all we have to do is break it to our parents."

--

Later the next day and a somber blonde boy found himself sitting idly at his breakfast table as he poked the runny yolks of his quickly cooling eggs. Naruto had been awoken by his father in the early morning hours and refused to go to school, though he dressed anyway. Deciding that he would probably need some time to mend, Kakashi approved of the skipping and made his son eggs and bacon to brighten his mood.

Kakashi watched as Naruto stared lazily at his food. He was apparently too depressed to even eat his bacon. Kakashi took a look at his watch and grimaced at the time. He gathered his things and laid a tiny kiss on his sons head before exiting the house. Not more than a minute after his car was heard driving off a knock came at Naruto's door. He jumped up with more energy than had previously seemed possible and answered the door with and wide grin.

"So he allowed you to stay behind I see." Gaara said in his usual monotone voice.

"Yup! I'm sure I can get the whole week off."

"We should go. We'll miss the bus." Naruto nodded, grabbed his keys off of the holder by the door and exited.

The twosome walked silently for a moment before Naruto spoke.

"So why'd you want to take the week off? You never did explain it."

"Well," Gaara began. He placed his hands in his cargo pockets and looked to the ground shyly. "It's sort of your birthday present."

"My birthday present?"

"Yeah. I wanted us to do things together every day this week. I could show you a few of the places I liked to go and then on your actually birthday I wanted to take you somewhere special." Gaara said lowly. Naruto cracked a smile to himself but said nothing. "Is it lame?" Gaara asked, feeling insecure.

"No not at all." Naruto almost whispered. "It's so sweet I'm getting a toothache." He chuckled at his own joke and stopped walking.

"What?" Gaara asked.

"I almost forgot. I promised my best friend I'd introduce him to you on my birthday." Gaara made a gentle smile.

"That's fine. We can have lunch with him then go to my spot." Naruto nodded and the two stared at each other once more. The faint sound of a bus approaching reached the blonde's ears and he looked ahead to see it coming to a stop.

"Oh no!" He shouted and grabbed on to Gaara's hand to pull the redhead with him towards the bus. They reached the intersection as the bus began to drive off and had to bang on the back to get it to stop. When they entered it was nearly empty with only an old woman sitting in the front and a man by the back exit. They made their way past the both of them and sat in the back of the bus on the driver's side. Naruto caught his breath and looked at Gaara who had done the same and began to stare blankly at the space in front of him. As his heart thumped loudly in his chest Naruto crept his hand on to Gaara's thigh, shocking the redhead and causing him to twitch, but Naruto continued on. He slid his hand up the length of Gaara's thigh and connected it with the other's hand and clasped them together. Naruto flushed and looked out of the bus's window, embarrassed by his actions, but Gaara looked to him silently. He admired the features of his friend and squeezed his hand gently to reassure him of his actions.

--

Later that afternoon a dark haired boy shuffled his feet as he avoided walking to his destination. He shoved hands his into his pockets and walked up to the Uchiha household, getting tenser with every step. Neji hovered in front of the door, unsure if was making the right decision. He tapped his foot and thought over what to say and ask Sasuke, but everything that sounded so right to him before seemed stupid and pointless. After pushing back a lock of his long dark brown hair out of his face, Neji had made up his mind. Thinking back about Naruto and the sadness on his friend's face had given him the courage to confront his oldest friend once more.

Neji raised his hand and knocked on the front door, gently at first but then harder when it hadn't been answered soon enough. To his surprise the door pulled open slowly and a curious looking Mikoto peered from behind it.

"Oh Neji!" She said happily. "How are you? Is college going well?"

"I'm fine and college is great, aside from all the work. I just came over to talk to Sasuke about some things." Mikoto frowned slightly.

"I suppose you know about the move. I still haven't told their father yet. I asked them to wait. I just don't know what to say." She said gently.

"The move?" Neji asked confused.

"Oh dear." Mikoto said, knowing she had made a mistake. "Perhaps you should just go and talk with Sasuke." She concluded while she patted Neji's back to urge him up the stairs. Neji ascended the zigzag stairwell slowly, first looking back to Mikoto who disappeared into the kitchen and then listening in on the conversation above. He heard Sasuke's voice, seemingly ecstatic as he talked with his cousin about some plans that Neji couldn't make out completely. Neji reached the top of the stairwell and made the floorboards creak as he did so, causing the boys inside of Sasuke's room to stop talking. Sai peered out of the doorway then back in to speak to his cousin.

"It's for you." Neji heard him say lowly before he appeared behind him in the doorway.

"Neji?" Sasuke asked, as if he hadn't seen the Hyuuga in years. What followed shocked Neji even more than the surprise in Sasuke's voice. He looked on as his friend grinned widely and approached him only to pull them both together in a hug, this surely was unexpected. "When did you get back from college?" Sasuke asked. Neji felt odd and stiffened instantly. He looked at Sasuke's beaming face and was reminded of a time before his dating Naruto and before Neji even knew about Sasuke's relationship with his brother. He hadn't seen his face look quite the same since. Neji grabbed Sasuke's shoulders and pushed him away slowly.

"Sasuke, we need to talk." He said seriously and looked towards Sai who stood inquisitively to the side.

"Um , Sai?" Sasuke asked and nodded for his cousin to vacate the room.

"Don't take too long cousin. We have a lot of work to do." Sai reminded Sasuke before exiting the bedroom and closing the door behind him.

"A lot to do?" Neji asked while Sasuke sat on his bed leisurely. "Does that have anything to do with this move your mother told me about?" Sasuke looked as his carpet and grazed his toes against it.

"So she told you already I see."

"You're family's moving?" Neji asked, so unfamiliar with Sasuke's body language that it was beginning to annoy him.

"No." Sasuke said plainly, still unsure if he was ready to tell anyone else about his plans.

"Sasuke, don't play games with me." Neji said gravely. Sasuke heaved a loud and equally irritating sigh.

"Fine." He said before scooting back on his bed and crossing his legs. "I'm moving, just my brother and I. Maybe my cousin eventually. We're moving into the city for personal reasons."

"Personal reasons?"

"Indubitably." Sasuke said with a small smile. Neji felt his eyes squint and he stuffed his fist in his pockets so that Sasuke wouldn't see his anger, though he noticed the Uchiha staring at the lumps by his side anyway; with the most disgusting nonchalant expression. Neji remembered this part of Sasuke more easily than he had the last. The small bratty side of his oldest friend that would occasionally rear its ugly head in the most inconvenient circumstances.

"Is that so?"

"Sure."

"Well, what about Naruto?" Neji asked, forgetting about his former plan of easing into the conversation.

"What about him?"

"What about Naruto? What about Naruto?" Neji repeated as disbelief surged through him. "Are you fucking serious Sasuke?" Sasuke scoffed at Neji's question and gave a mock chuckle that was impossible to discern between honest shock and a bad attitude.

"Of course I'm serious. What does Naruto have to do with my move?"

"You've got to be joking! I told you not play games with me Sasuke." Sasuke shook his head carelessly. "Naruto, our best friend that you made your boyfriend. Remember, that blonde kid about this tall? Well, he's torn into pieces because he caught you making out with your brother in here, again." Neji boomed forcing Sasuke to become alert. He uncrossed his legs and leaned in forward.

"Neji! Shut your mouth my mother is home!" Neji's eyes squinted even more if possible.

"And you already know don't you?" Sasuke sat back uncomfortably and licked the top row of his teeth; trying to look carefree but failing miserably. "Sasuke?" Neji asked softly. "What the hell is up with you?"

"Listen." Sasuke began and he stared resolutely into Neji's eyes. "I have to get out of this house. There are circumstances you just don't understand. My brother needs me-"

"Oh cut the bullshit!" Neji cut in. "It's that same old line with you. 'My brother needs me'. Why can't you at least own up to what you're doing?" Sasuke looked away from Neji and kept his mouth shut. Neji stared at him for a moment, hoping that he'd say something but the words never came. The Hyuuga shook his head in Sasuke's direction slowly as the situation unveiled itself before. "You're the most selfish piece of work I've ever come across. You weren't even going to call him were you? You were just going to leave?" Neji stared on while Sasuke played with the bottom of his shirt, but still didn't speak. "So you could just use Naruto as your human tissue until you mend whatever sick relationship you have with your brother?" Sasuke finally looked up to Neji, his face scrunched and his eyes hardly visible, but still Neji could see the glistening around his eyes.

"Sick?" Was all Sasuke asked and Neji had enough. He snorted, half amused that out of all the things he had said Sasuke had decided to only pick up on that note.

"You do whatever you want." Neji said and held up a hand to Sasuke then grabbed hold of the doorknob. "On Friday, Naruto's birthday if you didn't remember, do us all a favor? Don't call, don't send him anything. You just do what you "need" to do." Neji emphasized with air quotes. "Go off and have your freaky relationship with your brother, or your cousin, or your dad, or whoever you feel like fucking this week and just forget about us." Neji concluded; he exited and slammed the door behind him before storming out of the Uchiha household and apologizing with rushed words on his way through the front door, leaving Sasuke in his bedroom biting his lower lip and feeling furious.

"Sasuke?" Sai called to his cousin hours after Neji had vacated the Uchiha home. The two had spent the time packing clothes and other things in boxes. The older cousin had finally decided to speak to the other after watching him angrily shove old winter clothes in a huge television cardboard box.

"What?" Sasuke asked with a stiff hostility that made Sai want to leave the room. The younger cousin froze in his spot with his back facing the other, waiting for a reply.

"Cousin…." Sai began softly. "Tell me." He concluded, knowing that he wouldn't need to say anymore. Sasuke hesitated briefly; he sat on his feet and slouched over the cardboard box that bent more and more as he apparently was putting more weight on it. Before Sai knew it he watched as little cousin's body lurched as if he had gotten silent hiccups. His back violently pulsated with quickening pace, soon followed by gentle sniffles. "Sasuke?" Sai called sadly, but that only intensified Sasuke's sobs. Sai rubbed his knees awkwardly and felt torn between leaving Sasuke alone and consoling him. The protector in him prevailed and Sai began to crawl over to Sasuke. When he reached his younger cousin he returned to his sitting position behind him, placed the side of his face on Sasuke's back and wrapped his arms around his torso. "You're crushing that box." Sai said with a smile. Sasuke straightened his back and shoved the box away from him forcefully making Sai smile at Sasuke's childish ways. Sasuke slouched over again, but with nothing to rest himself on ended up in a kneeling position with his face on the carpet. He sniffled and huffed, occasionally rubbing his face in the carpet to wipe away tears while Sai hugged his back. The older cousin lifted up and kissed the younger's back before he moved to the side of his cousin started to rub up and down the length of his back, waiting for Sasuke to get the tears out of his system.

"Sick." Sasuke coughed out, alerting Sai more quickly than he expected he would be.

"What?" Sai asked and he stopped rubbing Sasuke's back.

"He called me sick." Sai sat for a moment then moved his hand from Sasuke's back and squeezed it in between his stomach and legs. He pushed his cousin forward and forced him to sit up. After he pulled him forward so that Sasuke was wrapped in his legs, Sai took his thumbs and wiped Sasuke's tears from under his eyes.

"Who?" He asked.

"Neji." Sasuke said quietly. He looked away from his cousin and pulled his hands off of his face with both hands. Then the younger cousin let his body fall to the side until his shoulder rested against his dresser.

"Why?" Sai asked and pushed one of Sasuke's bangs out of his face.

"He said I only cared about my sick relationship with my brother and my cousin." Sai snorted, which then turn into a dry giggle until Sasuke looked at him sadly.

"He doesn't understand us Sasuke. He never will."

"He's my best friend. He knows me."

"No." Sai said and brought his face closer to Sasuke's. "He doesn't. He can't understand the relationships you have."

"He said I'm selfish because I didn't end things with Naruto. You used to call me selfish all the time."

"Yeah back when we were kids."

"Last year you called me a selfish bastard because I wouldn't let you come with me and my friends on that weekend camping trip."

"Well I was pissed at you." Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Listen this isn't the same. We're going through a lot right now."

"I can't break things with Naruto. I just…can't look at his face right now, it makes me sad. I just want some time apart from him so I can get my head together. Is it so wrong for me to want to think about myself first?"

"No." Sai said lowly."

"I mean, I still love him, a lot. Maybe I should-"

"Sasuke." Sai said quickly, he felt his cousin slipping away and he fished his mind for distractions. "Baby cousin, just give everything some time. Wait until everything is moved in and you're settled into the new place, in school. Don't let all of this distract you from what's going on here, with Itachi." Sai added and smiled at the look of acknowledgement on Sasuke's face. Sasuke nodded silently and sat Indian fashion with his shoulder and temple still against the dresser.

"We still have to tell Dad. He's going to freak….or jump for joy."

"Either way, things will change for the better. Be excited again, I love how you've been these past few days." Sai's words made Sasuke crack a little smile.

"Sai?" He said slightly above a whisper.

"Yes, baby cousin?"

"Kiss me." A smile appeared slowly over Sai's face.

"Yeah?" He said happily and Sasuke nodded at him. The younger cousin sat up just as the other placed his palms on his face. He wiped the remaining moisture from under Sasuke's cheeks and placed a tiny kiss on his pouty lips. Sasuke returned the action and slid his hands under Sai's t-shirt and rubbed the sides of his torso. Sai kissed Sasuke more and licked the small indent on his top lick, tasting the salt from the tears that had swept past the area. He flicked his tongue down slipped it into the soft tightness of Sasuke's closed mouth and met his tongue that came alive with other's contact. Sasuke slightly sucked on his tongue creating a lock between the two. He pushed his tongue forward so that his could evade the other's mouth as well, tasting the quickly fading salt of his own tears. Their tongues danced perfectly together, gliding and twirling around each other like incensed snakes in dew. Sai pushed his body forward and his hands found the floor as he eased Sasuke on to his back and the younger cousin wrapped his legs around his torso. Sai pulled their mouths apart and sat up on his knees, much to Sasuke's dismay while he groaned and reached for the warmth his cousin's mouth. "Your mother's home." Sai panted.

"I don't care." Sasuke moaned and arched his back and groin so that his organ mashed together with Sai's.

"Don't tempt me." Sai begged. "You know once I've started it's almost impossible for me to stop." He said while he rubbed his hand on the outside of Sasuke's house pants. His manhood had already begun to get hard and Sai found his hand starting to tremble; it had been so long since they had last had each other. Sasuke closed his eyes and brought his hand on top of Sai's, guiding it up the length of his dick as it grew larger and grasping at Sai's crotch with his other hand. "It's been awhile." Sai said as the nostalgic feelings crept up.

"I know." Sasuke said and opened his eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." Sasuke responded and that's all Sai needed to hear. He untied the draw string on Sasuke's house pants as quickly as he could manage and pulled them down just enough so that he could grab at Sasuke's almost completely hard cock. He stroked it lovingly and let the warmth of it heat up his palm. Sasuke sighed in relief and fumbled around until he was comfortable on the floor; spreading apart his legs to give Sai ample room to work his magic.

"Do you want my mouth baby cousin?" He asked in his sexy deep voice that Sasuke would never admit worked him up.

"Definitely." Sasuke whispered and he closed his eyes again, waiting for the familiar feelings. Sai moved in closer to Sasuke's cock and blew on the hole where the first traces of precum started to appear. The chill made Sasuke shudder and the younger cousin grinned in delight; Sai was a master at foreplay. Sai had only just licked the top of Sasuke's cock when the warning creak from the top of the stairwell sounded; someone had ascending the flight of stairs. The cousin's moved frantically so not to get caught and Sasuke had only gotten his pants half up before the bedroom door opened. He sat with his back against the dresser, hiding his bare ass. Sai had pulled a cardboard box closer and was already pretending to be packing when Mikoto stuck her head in the door.

"I brought you boys up some soup and tea." She said sweetly. "It's hot so let it cool down.

"Thanks Aunt Mikoto."

"Thanks mom." Sai and Sasuke said together. The two stared up at Mikoto who looked at them curiously.

"Is packing going well?" She asked and they both nodded, grinning in the most suspicious way possible. Mikoto nodded at both of them, feeling odd.

"Ok then." She said. "I'll be downstairs if you need me." She added and left the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Sasuke tried to speak but Sai placed a finger to his mouth, listening closely. He waited for the warning creak to sound again and removed his finger.

"That was close. Very close." He said and Sasuke nodded. Sai breathed out heavily as his heart finally began to slow back to normal. He looked back at his cousin who hadn't stopped staring at him since Mikoto had left the room. "Yeah?"

"I love you Sai." Sasuke blurted out weakly and the older cousin smiled appreciatively at him. He moved in and kissed Sasuke's lips tenderly and pulled him so that they could embrace.

"We should pack." Sai said and Sasuke's face started to loose some of its light. Sai kissed his lips again and rubbed his hard on playfully.

"We'll have plenty of time to make love, interrupted love, later."

Days had passed in the Uchiha household; Sai had gone back to school and the brothers had decided to wait until Friday to tell their father about the move. They deliberately had decided to also make this the day to make their move. Itachi had made plans for Deidara to arrive with Kisame's, now Itachi's van and since they only needed to bring their clothes and personal belongings, everything was expected to fit well.

It was midnight, Mikoto had gone to sleep like normal and Fugaku had spent yet another night out doing God only knew what. He was expected to return soon, but if he followed his usual regime, not for another three hours at least. Sasuke and Itachi rested on Sasuke's bed, cuddling each other in the moonlight. Itachi wrapped his arm around his brother who curled up next to him and rested his head on the lower part of Itachi's chest. They lie on the top most part of the bed towards the side that wasn't against the wall, looking through the half covered window. Sasuke stared at the moon so long that the outer glow of it seemed to hum with the orange street lamps. He stared into the bright orb, taking deep breaths of his brother's airy body wash.

Itachi on the other hand, had not been captivated by the moon tonight. He lay with his eyes closed and his fingers entwined with his brother's hair while he stroked it and pet Sasuke affectionately. He twirled the silky strands of hair around his fingers, taking time to squeeze the wet ends from the shower Sasuke had taken an hour earlier; the shower they took together. With their father slowly becoming an alcoholic, Mikoto had been taking more and more time to herself in her bedroom, leaving the brother's with ample opportunities to make love and do other things they once never had the time to do.

"Tonight was fun." Sasuke spoke, ending their long silence.

"Mmm" Itachi replied, starting to feel tired.

"Do you think it'll be like this every night when we live together?" Sasuke whispered, but in the silence of the night his words were more than clear. Itachi opened his eyes, taking the time to seriously ponder the question.

"Only if you want it to be." He said honestly.

"I do." Sasuke replied. He twisted his body around, forcing Itachi to move his arm out of the way and looked at his brother. He stared at him intently and with the angelic puppy dog eyes that he knew were irresistible. "What's wrong?" Itachi asked, crinkling his brow.

"Will you be angry with me?" Sasuke asked, worried about his brother's possible reaction to his news.

"Never. This doesn't have anything to do with our move, does it?" Itachi asked, equally worried about where Sasuke was going.

"No, well not really." Sasuke said and paused, but Itachi did not speak. He waited and nodded in Sasuke's direction to urge him to talk. "Well…I almost did something."

"Mhmm."

"With Sai."

"Yes?"

"I almost had sex with him, but mom showed up and we had to stop. He said we'd have the time to make love later and I told him I loved him." Sasuke said and his face scrunched up into a deep frown. Itachi looked away from him and at the moon in the window behind his brother. His face was as vacant as it was before, so much so Sasuke thought perhaps he hadn't heard him clearly.

"That doesn't surprise me. Sai loves you as much as I do." Sasuke raised an eyebrow. Itachi had usually been so over protective of him that his reaction was more than surprising.

"I don't understand. What's really going on between us? All of us?" Itachi sniffed inwards and scratched the side of his nose. He continued to stare at the window behind Sasuke but eventually his eyes found his brother's.

"I can't tell you what to do. Honestly, with the things that you know I do I'm surprised you haven't demanded to have an open relationship."

"I love you brother. Why would I want to be with other people?"

"Well you want to be with Sai."

"Itachi-" Sasuke began but Itachi put his hand over his mouth.

"Don't worry about it. I know what you're going to say. I'm so in love with you that I don't even mind. You had a relationship with Sai, it won't die just because I'd rather it did. It's not a terrible thing either. I trust Sai with you. I consider this to be the best turn out, out of all the possible outcomes." Itachi finished then removed his hand and let it lie near Sasuke.

"Really?"

"Yes, just don't stress over anything. I've actually conversed with Sai about this extensively."

"I see." Sasuke said then turned so that he was no longer resting on his side but on the wall behind him. He brought his hand up and stroked Itachi's with it softly.

"You know." Itachi said and he turned his arm so that his hand faced upwards and the brother's held each others. "The next time we go to sleep it'll be in our new apartment." He stated. Sasuke smiled and looked at their hands caressing each other.

"I've been thinking about that all night." Itachi smiled at his smiling brother, closed his eyes and placed his left hand on his stomach, while continuing to rub Sasuke's hand with his other. "I'm cold." Sasuke stated after a few moments.

"That's because you're naked." Itachi replied.

"Well then why aren't you cold?"

"I don't know." Itachi said slowly. "Come back here." He added and he tightened his grip on Sasuke's hand then began to pull him closer. Sasuke sat up and the white sheet that was on him fell, revealing his stark naked body. Itachi swooshed the sheet from off of his own bare flesh and scouted over towards the middle of the bed. He spread his legs open to allow Sasuke room to lie between them and the younger brother did just that. He made himself comfortable in his brother's heat, becoming excited as their loins rested near each other then rested the side of his face on Itachi's chest once more. The older brother lifted the sheet with another loud swoosh as it floated up in the air and drifted down slowly on the both of them. He tucked it around Sasuke and placed his hand on Sasuke's head; bending his neck so that he could kiss it as well. "Goodnight." He said softly.

"Goodnight. Is the door locked?"

"I hope so."

--

Friday morning and come and gone what seemed to be instantaneously and Naruto rushed to dress himself as his earlier afternoon lunch with Gaara and Neji was steadily approaching. He had gotten his t-shirt over his head and bumped into the wall when the doorbell rang.

"Dad!" Naruto shouted. "Get that!" He somewhat ordered before pulling his shirt over head completely. He dug through his dresser, looking for a pair of jeans and screeched when Gaara appeared at his door.

"I'm sorry!" Gaara said quickly as he backed away and tried to stop from looking at Naruto's orange boxers.

"Oh, no it's ok. I just didn't know you were there. You shocked me. Come in, close the door." Naruto said cheerfully and Gaara did so. He closed the door behind him and side stepped to Naruto's bed sitting on it. "What's the book bag for?" Naruto asked.

"It's for tonight. I have your present as well, but you only get it when we get there." Gaara said, while staring at Naruto's ass. The blonde bent over while he pulled out various pairs of pants from his drawers. He had finally decided on one then stood up and looked towards Gaara smiling. Naruto tossed the khaki cargo shorts on his bed and walked up to Gaara grinning broadly.

"It's a car isn't it?" He joked.

"Damn, you figured me out."

"Gaara you shouldn't have!" Naruto beamed and he bent over to wrap his arms around Gaara's neck, hugging the redhead. Gaara wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist and pulled the blonde on top of him so that they both lay on the bed. Naruto chuckled, released his grip on his friend and sat up to find himself straddling Gaara who lay on his back looking up at him.

"So where are we going to eat?" Gaara asked nonchalantly.

"Chili's. Neji told us to meet him there." Naruto said while he played drums on Gaara's stomach.

"I hate this song." Gaara joked and Naruto laughed then stopped his patting. Instead he began to swirl his palms around Gaara's bare belly and the two fell silent for a few seconds.

"Am I crushing your nuts?" Naruto asked softly.

"My nuts have never felt better." Gaara said seriously, making the blondes cheeks flush pink.

"We're going to be late." Naruto informed.

"Is that so bad?" Gaara asked and wiggled his hips, unable to resist the tension in his crotch much longer.

"Normally it wouldn't be, but I don't want Neji to wait." Naruto said and he started to slid off of Gaara, but the redhead grabbed his forearm.

"Naru-chan, we need to talk." He said.

"We can talk." Naruto said and he stood up. "We can talk all night at your spot."

After dressing Naruto and Gaara rushed to the bus stop, following their usual routine of having to chase it down. They made it to the restaurant and walked into the entry to find Neji sitting on a bench near the hostess stand.

"Finally." Neji said. "You're twenty minutes late."

"Sorry." Naruto apologized. "We missed the first bus and my phone died so I couldn't call you, since I don't know your number by heart." Naruto said embarrassed. Neji gave him a look which prompted Naruto to defend himself. "Well I never dial it! It's always been in my phone book and you know this phone has been whacked ever since I smashed it when I fell out of your car."

"You fell out of a car?" Gaara asked confused.

"It's a long story."

"Yeah ok, fine. Are you going to introduce me finally?" Neji asked as he glanced towards Gaara who seemed overly interested in a standing potted plant in the corner.

"Oh, right. Neji this is my good friend Gaara. Gaara, this is my best friend Neji." Naruto said happily and he watched to two shake hands and greet each other. "So do we have to wait to be seated?"

"No, I was just waiting for you. Come on, they're waiting for us to order. Oh and, happy birthday." Neji said and he hugged Naruto tightly making the blonde blush for the second time that day, then lead the way to their booth. Naruto and Gaara sat on one side of the booth while Neji got a full half to himself. They entertained each other with small talk and stories of Naruto's previous accident during the appetizer's and found the situation was going along more smoothly than expected.

Neji eyeballed the pair of 'friends' as Gaara wiped nacho cheese off of Naruto's face. He seemed to take more time than necessary to do such a mundane act and more to Neji's surprise, Gaara ate the cheese from his thumb. Neji darted his eyes to another part of the darkened restaurant, admiring the stained glass windows, until Naruto and Gaara had finished their obvious flirting.

The pair continued on in their escapades throughout dinner and when dessert had finally arrived Neji had seen enough. They had gotten so comfortable in front of him that they even began to feed each other. Neji smiled when Naruto dropped chocolate syrup on his shirt and moaned profusely making Gaara fuss over him willingly. Eventually Naruto had complained so long about his new shirt that Gaara resorted to kissing him on the cheek to silence him. Neji chuckled and played with his pie, denying any recollection of what had taken place and ever laughing.

The trio finished their meal and Neji insisted on paying before they had set sites on the parking lot. They walked up to Neji's car, full of laughter when things took a slight detour. Neji looked at the back tire of his car that had deflated completely.

"Well now I know what that loud crunching noise was." He said as he looked at the broken glass under and around his tire. "You'd think the tire would have just busted if it were going to pop."

"What now?" Naruto asked.

"We can call a taxi and then once we get home Neji can call someone to tow the car home, or change the tire. Either or." Gaara suggested.

"That's a good idea. We have to get to your spot before it starts to get dark, which is soon. Wow, we've been here for awhile." Naruto said.

"Fine." Neji agreed and he pulled out his cell phone. "Does anyone know a taxi number? I used up nearly all of my minutes talking to Tenten this week. I don't want to make a lot of calls."

"I'll just call my dad." Naruto said and he grabbed the phone from Neji then walk around while he used the phone. Neji rested his back against his car and Gaara did the same. They looked at each other briefly and Neji decided it was now or never.

"So you like him. Are you planning on making a move tonight?"

"What?" Gaara asked, taken aback by the bluntness of the dark haired boy.

"You don't have to humor me. If you guys don't realize how obvious you are you should. Naruto should have told you enough about me to know that I wouldn't mind. Just, take it slow is all I ask."

"Why do you ask that?"

"He's not over Sasuke, he won't be for a long time. The only reason I think he's not hauled up in his room is you and you two must have been building up some kind of relationship beforehand as well."

"I like to think we were." Neji snorted in an amused way.

"Well, I hope so. Sasuke was a big mistake for Naruto. I know this now." Gaara nodded his head slowly and crossed his arms, staring on the ground that shone orange from the soon setting sun.

I'm nothing like Uchiha. I won't break his heart, I assure you. If anything, he has a better chance at breaking mine." Gaara said in his usual husky monotone voice.

"Well see that you don't. I don't want to have to hit you with my car here." Gaara made an amused hmm sound.

"I'll just throw a bottle in front of it."

"Ha." Neji said joyfully.

"Ok guys, my dad called a taxi it should be here soon." Naruto said as he walked up to them. "Getting along without me?" He asked with a grin.

"Gloriously." Gaara said and Neji nodded in agreement.

"Yes, we're all best friends already." He added.

Ten minutes later Neji, Naruto and Gaara crammed themselves in the back seat of a yellow cab and made their trip back home in relative silence. Once they had gotten to Neji's house the dark haired boy and Naruto slid out of the backseat of the cab.

"Well, have fun for the rest of your birthday." Neji said.

"I will." Naruto said and he pulled the slightly taller boy into a hug and rocked them side to side, almost knocking them both over. Neji laughed softly at Naruto's silliness and stuffed his hand into his pocket.

"I almost forgot your gift." He said. "Dinner was so…entertaining that I forgot I took this out of the box so I could slip it to you at the table." He added then handed Naruto his present.

"Oh, a phone!"

"Yup."

"I needed this."

"I'm aware."

"Oh it's one of those sliding ones that you can change into a tiny keyboard for texting. I always wanted one of those!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Indeed."

"You're awesome." Naruto said and he grabbed on to Neji once more.

"Of course I am. You'll have to wait to actually use it. The rest of the parts are in my car."

"No problem." Neji smirked at Naruto, patted him on the back and looked into the cab to wave goodbye to Gaara.

"Oh and Naruto?" Neji said as he began to walk away and Naruto slid back into the car. "Enjoy your night and don't become burdened with other things. Happy seventeenth." He concluded then turned to walk up to his house. Naruto grinned softly at his fading back then closed the cab door. He put his phone into his pocket and looked over to Gaara who was telling the driver where to go.

"We're on our way." Gaara said and the taxi driver shifted the gears and sped off.

Only a couple of minutes had passed before the cab came to a halt and Naruto was surprised to find himself at a dead end street leading into a woods. Gaara paid the driver and grabbed his backpack. They exited the cab and as soon as the driver had disappeared Naruto spoke.

"So you're really going to kill me on my birthday?" Gaara snorted and took Naruto's hand so that he could guide them into the woods.

"You've never been up here?"

"No, I've lived in this neighborhood since I was young and I've never stepped foot on this street.

"Well, we're not quite in your neighborhood." Gaara said and the two entered the woods. "When I moved here I saw that river and decided to follow it. It starts off as a lake then curves around suburbs."

"Yeah, the lake part is right by our houses. There's a beach there." Naruto added.

"But, right now we're on the other side of the lake."

"We are?"

"Yes, with binoculars you can make out Sasuke's house I noticed, on the other side."

"Wait, so if we're on the other side…." Naruto began and he tripped over a tree stump. "…that means we're on the highest part of this side of the city."

"Yes, this trail leads towards the cliff."

"Are you serious!"

"I can't believe as a child you never came up here. We're almost there."

"Well, our parents would never allow us to go this far. When we got older the city was more inviting."

"We're here." Gaara said. He placed a hand to Naruto's chest to stop him from walking. Gaara walked forward towards a bunch of well placed leafy branches. He moved them aside and revealed the most gorgeous view of the city Naruto had ever seen. The blonde's mouth fell open and he walked forward. He looked as he saw the almost completely gone rusty sun gleaming in the still waters of the lake far below the steep sloping edge. His eyes traced the water until he saw the side of the makeshift beach that he, Neji and Sasuke had visited many times in the summers that pasted. He looked even further, past the houses littered alone the beach side and followed the river that wrapped around the right of his eye sight and to the other side of all those houses. Past that river sat dozens upon dozens of tall buildings with flickering lights in the city.

Naruto looked back at Gaara who had already begun to unpack his backpack. The redhead looked up and him and beckoned him to the large blanket he had lain out.

"This is amazing." Naruto stammered, taken aback by the beauty of the area. He took another look at now blue silhouetted view and stepped forward.

"Be careful!" Gaara shouted. "I know someone built that wooden fence to stop people from tumbling over, but it still makes me nervous. It's very old and spindly." Naruto stepped back and walked up to Gaara.

"May I sit?" He asked happily.

"Sure, I wanted to get on to part one of my present anyway." Naruto flopped down next to Gaara who pulled a bottle of liquid and a towel out of his bag.

"This isn't part one?" Naruto asked, wondering how anything could get better than this.

"Nope. Take off your shirt?" Naruto giggled.

"That's very forward of you." Gaara chuckled and shook the bottle he took out.

"This is oil. I'm going to give you a massage." Naruto blushed and laughed softly.

"Are you serious?"

"Very. My sister took a massage therapy course in order to gain a few extra bucks, which she didn't, but she taught me a few things on the way. Come on." Gaara said and he patted a free space on the blanket. Naruto smirked and scouted over towards Gaara. He pulled his stained t-shirt over his head and lay on his back looking up at his friend. "Turn around goofy." Gaara ordered and Naruto obeyed. Before Gaara could move on top of the blonde he sat up quickly and began to fumble with his pants. "What are you doing?" Gaara asked as he began to get tense.

"Aren't you supposed to be naked when you get a massage?" Naruto asked sincerely. "It's not that chilly out, but I'll just leave my boxers on." He said and pulled down his shorts leaving himself in a slightly more naked position than the last time Gaara has seen his boxers. The blonde flopped back onto his belly and rested his head on his arm, becoming more relaxed and into the idea than Gaara had thought he would so easily. Gaara crawled over to his friend and wrapped his leg around him so that he sat on Naruto's butt.

"Comfortable?" He asked.

"Very." Gaara grabbed his bottle of oil and squirted it on Naruto's back. The warm liquid soothing him and making him sigh out in relief. Gaara oiled up his hands then placed them on Naruto's shoulder blades. He dug into his flesh and began to rub down the tense areas of Naruto's back. Gaara rubbed his finger past the smooth skin of Naruto's back and down it and began to rock his body with movements, forcing his cock to smash into Naruto's ass in a rhythmic and titillating motion. Naruto moaned beneath Gaara, which only excited the redhead even more and he wondered if Naruto was getting as much pleasure out of this as he was. Gaara moved his hands lower and started on Naruto's lower back. He tugged his boxer's slightly, so not to get any oil on them, and ended up revealing the crack of Naruto's ass. The blonde shuffled, making his boxers fall even more and Gaara wondered if he was doing so on purpose just to tease him. Gaara dug his thumbs into Naruto's lower back, emitting another loud muffled moan from him.

"Harder." Naruto requested in his deepest husky whisper. Gaara rubbed circles into the circle of Naruto's lower back then moved both of his hands to Naruto's side. He rubbed his way upwards and traced the sides of Naruto's ribcage until he had reached his shoulders once more. Gaara leaned in forward, not being able to contain himself any longer. He brought his head to Naruto's and his lips to the blonde's ears as he continued to caress his back. When Naruto groaned out once more and wiggled his hips Gaara spoke the words to him that had been welling up inside him for awhile.

"Naruto, I think I'm falling in love with you." He whispered, making Naruto gasp gently. Naruto stiffened slightly then struggled to turn on to his back. When he managed he looked up to Gaara in almost pitch darkness, with only the moonlight to aid his vision.

"I can barely see you." Naruto said. Gaara leant over and grabbed a few more things out of his backpack. Naruto heard the clicking and saw the flashing firelight of a lighter and watched while Gaara lit a new, large red candle in a glass jar and sat it by them. They stared at each other in the moon and candle light and Gaara's face seemed to become more and more strained. "Do you mean that?" Naruto finally asked.

"I do. We spend so much time together. When you told me about Sasuke I felt bad that your heart was broken, but the light at the end of the tunnel started to burn. I never felt like this about anyone, seriously. I'm not even positive I know how I feel." Naruto began to sit up and the two of them sat Indian fashion and held hands with each other.

"Gaara, I-"

"Hold that thought." Gaara interrupted and he went into his bag once more. "Here's your gift. I didn't wrap it though." Naruto held out his hand as Gaara placed a silver and turquoise pendant in it. "I know jewelry is an odd gift for a guy but this is important to me. It was once my mothers, which was once my grandfathers, so it's for a man you see."

"But Gaara, you're mother is-"

"I know. But I have a lot of her things. My father told me she left my brother and sister something like this to give to someone special. I want to give it to you because believe it or not, you're the first person that I've ever met that I would want to give this to, even though we haven't really known each other that long. I feel a connection with you, like I've known you for years, so please don't deny my gift." Naruto's bright blue eyes looked up at Gaara with the softest happiness the redhead had ever seen relayed back to him.

"It's beautiful."

"It's yours."

"Gaara….thank you."

"You're welcome." Naruto looked down at his pendant and rubbed his thumb across it. He sat it down next to him then took Gaara's hands once more. But, instead of merely holding them he pulled the redhead closer and locked the both of them into a relieving and absolute kiss. Gaara felt his heart thump so badly when his lips met Naruto's and struggled to breathe when the blonde slipped his tongue into his mouth. Naruto's hands found Gaara's black shirt and tugged at it, begging for it to come off. Gaara parted their lips for an agonizing second while he pulled his shirt over his head quickly. Naruto fondled Gaara's chest and toyed with his nipples making Gaara moan and occasionally stop their kissing.

"Wait, wait." Naruto begged and he held his hands up to Gaara's chest. "I don't know about this."

"Why?" Gaara moaned out, feeling pained by the sensations in his groin.

"Gaara, I don't know if I should just jump into another relationship. I care about you a lot and I don't want you to be a rebound."

"Naruto." Gaara began. He grabbed on to Naruto's forearms and tried to rub them to ease his friend's stress. "I won't force you, but I don't want to be friends. It's taken me so long to get to this, I can't take it back now. I care about you as well and I think you deserve better than the games Uchiha plays with you. I want you and only you." Naruto's blue eyes glistened in the candles light. He stared blankly before speaking.

"You're good."

"I try."

"Ok." Naruto said and he leapt back on to Gaara, to continue their passion. Naruto pushed Gaara down on to his back and crawled on top of him. He rubbed up and down Gaara's chest and began to breathe just as heavily as the other. Naruto started to bend down to suck at Gaara's neck, but before doing so the redhead started to chuckle softly. "What?" Naruto asked, a little perturbed, by the laughter. Gaara didn't speak, but he grabbed on to Naruto's hard on that had escaped the confines of his boxers. Naruto joined Gaara in his chuckling, but the laughter quickly turned to soft moans as Gaara's already oiled hand stroked up and down Naruto's dick. Naruto began to hump gently in tune with the strokes before he had another break down. "No, no!" He shouted and he stood up quickly, stuffing his erection in his boxers.

"Naruto?" Gaara asked, confused with his friend.

"I'm sorry Gaara." Naruto apologized and looked away as Gaara stood up next to him. "I just can't, not yet. I still love him."

"Sasuke." Gaara said sadly.

"Yes." The two stood shirtless and in Naruto's case, without pants in the dark.

"I'm sorry." Gaara said. "I moved too fast."

"No it's not you. I just need some time." Naruto said and he walked up to Gaara to rest his head on his shoulder.

"Alright." Gaara said and he wrapped his arms around Naruto. "I can wait."

--

"It's 10 o'clock Chi. Let's just go, everything's packed." Deidara whined in the back of the van.

"No, I'm not going to just disappear without telling my father." Itachi said for the third time that night. Deidara sat in the back of the almost full van with both doors open and watch Itachi slowly pace back and forth. He kicked at the cement road beneath his sneakers and sighed out loudly. After watching his handsome accomplice pace back and forth in front of him he half wanted to grab his hand and pull him down onto his lap. Before he could think twice about the idea, Sai and Sasuke emerged from the household and walked up to their family member.

"Mother say's he should be here soon. She lied to him about some dinner date and he say's he's just running late." Sasuke said exasperated. "I feel like just leaving, he won't miss us anyway."

"See! The kid's got it right." Deidara agreed and flailed his hand in Sasuke's direction.

"Sasuke." Itachi began, but looked over menacingly at Deidara who seemed like he was about to interrupt. "We can't just leave. We have to put a lid on the situation. Just be patient." He said, and patient they were. Another hour had passed before the headlights of Fugaku's sleek silver car appeared down the street. He speed up to the house, blinding everyone who was either sitting in the van or standing outside of it, only to skid to a stop directly in front of everyone.

Fugaku stumbled out of the car and stared at the lot. He struggled to discern their faces in the street light then finally walk up to them looking confused.

"What are you all doing out here? Get in the house." He said relatively normal, indicating that he wasn't intoxicated, at least not badly.

"Father." Itachi said, as he stood up from his position seated next to Deidara. "There's no use in dancing around the facts. Sasuke and I are moving out."

"What?" Fugaku said softly, not understanding the onslaught of information.

"We heard you." Sasuke chimed in, but he didn't stand. Instead the younger Uchiha brother grabbed on to his cousin's hand, outside of his father's view and cowered by him.

"What are the two of you talking about?" Fugaku asked, becoming slightly frustrated.

"I've already told you. Since you consider myself to be a burden and can't get over Sasuke's homosexuality, we're leaving. We thought it'd be best for everyone." Itachi said, rather calmly. Fugaku stared his eldest son in the eyes, the dim orange light from the lamp above them etching out the shallows of his face, making him look grim and ghastly.

"You can't." Fugaku uttered and began to shake his head. "You can go, but Sasuke needs to stay." He said and looked over to his youngest.

"No, Sasuke doesn't need to be here. He'll be fine with me." Fugaku eyed his youngest son who tried to avoid contact with him.

"Fine with you? Are you kidding me!" Fugaku blared, his voice echoing throughout the neighborhood. "You can't even take care of yourself! How could you possibly take care of my son!?"

"He's not a child, he could take care of himself." Itachi said, his voice never skipping a beat. Fugaku's chest swelled and he became woozy with anger. He staggered and Mikoto came running out of the house the help him.

"What's going on?" She exclaimed. "Why are you yelling?"

"Do you know what they want to do Mikoto?" Fugaku yelled and Mikoto's face turned from one of worry to one of guilt. "You knew?" Fugaku asked softly as he stepped away from his wife. She nodded and bowed her head in shame. "How long?"

"They told me a week ago but-"

"A week!?" Fugaku interrupted. He stared at his wife then the rest of his family. "Are you all insane? Where are you going to live? How are you going to eat? Sasuke's still in school! And who is that guy!?" He bellowed, trying to bring sense to the situation.

"We have a place to live." Sasuke said meekly.

"I have plenty of money." Itachi said.

"I'm…helping out with money." Sai lied to deter any questions about Itachi's income.

"And they live close enough for Sasuke to still go to the same school. They might even have a bus route." Mikoto concluded, even more meekly than Sasuke had. The family fell quiet as Fugaku took in the facts.

"So you've all got this figured out do you?" Fugaku said, his voice cracking from his shattered pride.

"Goodbye father." Itachi said. He nodded appreciatively to his mother then gestured for Deidara to head to the front of the van. He walked away from Fugaku without another word and got into the driver's seat of the van.

"Come on Sasuke." Sai said and turned to crawl into the little area in the back of the van they had made for Sasuke and Sai to fit in. He blew a playful air kiss to Mikoto who smiled gently and waved to Fugaku whose mouth had fallen open and couldn't close, then squeezed past crates and boxes to disappear towards the front of the van.

"Bye mom." Sasuke said more sadly than he thought he would be. He embraced his mother for a long moment, kissed her on the cheek then turned to his father. Fugaku's head start to shake slowly, as he protested his son's leaving. Sasuke gave him an awkward wave then mouthed a "bye." He turned on heel and as he placed a knee on the van to crawl in then Fugaku spoke to him.

"He'll only bring you down to his level. You're so bright, you can have a future." He said lowly.

"Itachi's bright as well father. You just gave up on him, but I won't and he won't give up on me either." Sasuke said and he crawled into the van.

"I could have him arrested. You're not of age yet, this is kidnapping!" Sasuke closed one of the van's back doors and reached for the other, when he had grabbed on the handle he looked up to his father.

"Why would you want to do that? I thought you'd be happy you didn't have a fag in your house. See you on Thanksgiving." Sasuke said then slammed the door closed. Fugaku's face scrunched and he heaved a heavy sigh. He took his wife's hand and stared at the dark van whose loud engine came to life. The headlights turned on and soon the van drove off, turned a corner and was gone.

It was midnight and the clouds had moved in. It gently rained on the city and Sasuke watched and listened to the tiny pitter patter of it splashing against the floor to ceiling living room window. He pressed his hand to the cold glass and watched the fog of his breath cover and disappear from the area of his old home across the river. When he had grown tired from the guilt of leaving his parents in the way he did he changed focus to the only thing obstructing the view of the river; the identical building that sat side by side his new home. He looked into the widows of all the apartments with turned on lights, but eventually found one with another person in it. He stared at them and began to think they were staring back at him as well. When he started to squint to see if he could make out any of the person's features they turned away from their equally large window and shut off the lights. Sasuke Tch'd at them then pressed his face to the cold glass and closed his eyes.

"Sasuke?" Itachi called, looking up at him from his seat on the black leather sofa next to Deidara. Sai looked up at his cousin as well, but from the loveseat that had it's back the window. The trio had resigned to sitting on the couch and watching the only thing they had available; an old movie about a love affair in the late eighteenth century. Itachi hadn't gotten cable hooked up in the house yet, but had ordered Deidara to go out and buy a television and DVD player and the movie came with the set. Sasuke looked over to his brother and uncrossed his arms. "Come with me." Itachi said and he stood up and motioned for Sasuke to follow.

"We're going to need to get you a chair for that window." Sai joked as Sasuke walked by him. Sasuke followed Itachi into what was now their bedroom and closed the door behind him as Itachi gestured for him to do. Itachi sat on the bed and Sasuke next to him. He played with the sheets his mother had given to them and looked up to his brother.

"Why'd you call me in here brother?" Sasuke asked and yawned.

"You're tired, you should go to bed." Itachi said and brushed Sasuke's bangs out of his face.

"What?" Sasuke asked. "You called me back here to trick me into going to sleep?" He said with another loud yawn.

"No."

"Then what Itachi?" Sasuke asked again. He stretched out his arms and flopped on to his back on the bed.

"I'm going to have to go somewhere with Deidara tonight."

"What!?" Sasuke asked, but he didn't sit up. "Oh, Itachi! It's our first night." He complained.

"I know but it must be done. If I didn't have to you know I wouldn't." Sasuke sighed and turned his head towards the head board.

"Fine, will you at least be back before morning?"

"Probably, maybe around four or five." Itachi said and Sasuke nodded. "Do you need to talk?"

"About what?" Sasuke asked and looked back to Itachi.

"Our departure. It….didn't go all that smoothly."

"Well…." Sasuke sighed out. "I'm glad we're here now, but I didn't think father would say those things."

"He's always cared more about you." Sasuke shook his head.

"I don't like it. He shouldn't do that to you, we should be equal."

"It doesn't bother me Sasuke, so it shouldn't bother you."

"I'm going to miss mom."

"You can call her once we get a phone, unless you didn't leave your cell."

"I left it. The only thing I took that they bought me besides clothes and gifts was my laptop."

"She's not far away anyway. Mom understands, don't worry about it." Itachi said and bent over to kiss Sasuke's lips. He stood up and gazed at his baby brother lovingly.

"I wanted to christen the bed." Sasuke pouted.

"We can tomorrow. I've got to go, try to rest." He said and exited the bedroom. He headed towards the entry door and motioned for Deidara to follow him. "Sai, Sasuke's feeling a little depressed. Make sure he doesn't spend the whole night worrying."

"Alright." Sai said dully as he barely heard Itachi's words nor him exiting since he had gotten into the movie.

Sasuke laid on the bed yawning for a few moments after Itachi's departure, trying to convince himself that he didn't need to feel guilty. He bent his head into the mattress to look behind him and out of the bedroom window that had more of a city view than the living room window. Sasuke sighed then sat up to pull his shirt over his head. He stood and walked into to a corner of the room to look through bags and boxes for a towel so that he could shower. When he found one of the huge, fluffy white towels his mother had allowed them to take he threw off his pants and fell back onto the bed, almost too tired to shower.

"Nice strip tease cousin." Sai said, appearing from the doorway and shocking Sasuke. Sasuke made a small amused noise and buried his face in the bed sheets. "We're alone again."

"We are." Sasuke said in a muffled voice.

"Were you going to shower?" Sai asked and he sat down on the bed then began to massage Sasuke's ass.

"Yes."

"Well, let's skip the formalities and start where we left off?" Sai asked. Sasuke didn't respond, he waited a moment then turned on to his side to look up at his cousin.

"Ok." He finally stated making Sai grin happily. "But carry me alright?" Sasuke said playfully. Sai didn't miss a beat. He stood up, grabbed Sasuke's legs to pull him closer then lifted him up in a new married couple fashion and carried him to the bathroom with no difficulty. Sai sat Sasuke on the bathroom's counter top and turned on the shower. He quickly stripped himself naked and posed in front of his cousin, making him laugh lightly.

"Stand up." Sai order and Sasuke slipped down off of the counter top. Sai put his hand behind Sasuke's hip and pulled him closer. He wrapped his other hand around him as well and the two embraced and kissed each other while inching towards the shower. When Sai's back hit the glass he slipped his fingers into Sasuke's boxers and grabbed on to his cheeks like he was kneading dough. After the younger cousin started to moan between their tongue wrestling and Sai could feel the other's cock stiffening against his own, he pulled one of his hands out and brought it to his mouth. Sai licked his index finger seductively, making sure to moisten it so much so that his saliva dripped down on his palm. He removed his finger and brought his mouth back to Sasuke's then slipped his hand back into Sasuke's boxers. Sai rubbed his wet finger along the crack of Sasuke's ass until he felt the raven haired boy shiver slightly. Afterwards, he took his left hand and some the fingers in his right and pulled Sasuke's cheeks apart gently. He massaged the cheeks more then brought his still wet finger to Sasuke's anus and teased it; rubbing the tip of his finger in smooth, slow circles. Sasuke began to rock his hips, becoming hornier with every revolution Sai's finger made around his anus. He grabbed on to his cousin's hip and squeezed the slightly fleshy area as he felt himself losing control. Sai took the hint and slid his finger into Sasuke's ass; turning and twisting it to the best of his ability. When Sasuke started to basically dry hump him, Sai removed his finger and pushed his cousin back slightly. "We're wasting water." He said with a small smile. Sasuke nodded in agreement with lustful eye's that to Sai, looked quite tired.

Sai pulled Sasuke's boxers off of him then pushed the shower door open and stepped in backwards; pulling Sasuke in by the hand as he went. The younger cousin stepped out of his boxers and pulled the shower door closed behind him. He felt the heat of the shower hug him and stepped in closer to the head so that he could wet his hair. Sasuke's closed his eyes and let his spiky hair become patted down by the water. When he felt completely soaked he wiped the water from his eyes and looked to see nothing but tiles in front of him. His head turned behind him, wondering how Sai could have gotten past him in the small shower but his cousin spoke from below.

"Down here." Sai said with a small wave. He sat on the shower's floor with his back against the wall and legs on either side of Sasuke's body; feet planted against the floor.

"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked.

"Hand me that body wash, the black and blue bottle. I hate the green one." Sasuke turned to the wall that had the shower head against it and picked up the bottle Sai asked for in the indented space built in for soaps and wash clothes.

"Was this here already?" Sasuke asked and handed his cousin the bottle.

"No, that Deidara guy and I did a little unpacking while you and Itachi brought up boxes. Come closer." Sai said and he squeezed and generous amount of clear blue liquid in his hand. Sasuke did as asked and after Sai dropped the bottle on the floor he rubbed his hands together then placed them against Sasuke's body. He worked a lather into Sasuke's stomach and down his thighs where his reach was best and prompted the younger cousin to turn around so that his slip his fingers between his ass cheeks once more.

"So you're going to wash me?" Sasuke asked rather amused as he bent over slightly and placed his hand on the shower door to brace himself.

"Why not? You came in here to shower."

"Among other things!"

"Just relax." Sai said passively and he grabbed on to Sasuke's hips to turn him around again. Sasuke faced his cousin again then felt his body being pulled down. Sai positioned his younger cousin on the floor in front of him so that Sasuke's positioned mirrored his, but the younger ones leg's rested above Sai's whose fell slightly to allow him room.

"What about you?" Sasuke asked as Sai began wash Sasuke's neck and shoulders.

"I'm clean. I took a shower at your parent's house when I arrive at eight. Remember?"

"Fine, since I have nothing else to do…" Sasuke said but didn't continue. Instead he brought one of his hands between his and Sai's legs and began to stroke his cousin's penis that lay near his own. Sai made an amused sigh and washed down Sasuke's arms, with some difficult due to the one that was jerking him off. He moved to Sasuke's legs, knees first and worked his way back to his waist, stopping to briefly lather Sasuke's dick. Sasuke continued to stroke Sai's ever growing cock, waiting to lick the precum that oozed out of it and feeling vaguely saddened by the shower water washing it away. "Are you done yet?" Sasuke asked with a giggle as Sai made his way to his toes.

"Alright…yes." Sai finally decided. "Stand up and wash whatever's left off." Sasuke obeyed and when all the remains of were gone Sai lifted his hand and motioned for Sasuke to spin around. Sasuke sighed and did so, wanting to get on to kinkier things sooner then later. He became a tad startled when Sai grabbed on to his cheeks again and gasped out loudly when they were spread and Sai's tongue licked his anus.

"Finally." Sasuke moaned out while Sai's tongue picked up where his finger left off. It flicked and prodded Sasuke's hole feverishly and eventually Sai stuck it deep within his cousin's butt; licking and slurping to Sasuke's delight. "Oh, this is why you wanted to wash me." Sasuke choking out, making Sai laugh and falter in his licking. He regained composure and began to fuck Sasuke's ass with his tongue quickly; pushing in and out of his cousin's hole, occasionally pausing to admire the small, dark tunnel until it squeezed shut. Sai spanked Sasuke's ass playfully, making a loud splashing noise from the water that fell on it. He turned Sasuke around and wiped water from his eyes, kneeling back so that he could look up at his cousin. "What are you doing?" Sasuke asked.

"Drowning in your ass water. Come closer again." Sai said and pulled Sasuke at the same time. He took his hand to Sasuke's hard dick and started to pump it. The water enveloped his fist and Sasuke's organ as he stroked the length of it quickly. Sasuke rocked his hips in tune with Sai's thrusts moaning loudly. Sai smiled and brought his head back under the water to lick Sasuke's cock; tasting mostly water but the light hint of salt from Sasuke's precum. He flicked and dug the tip of his tongue into the slit and grabbed Sasuke's waist with his free hand as the younger cousin pulled backwards gently. Then Sai's lips hugged the head of Sasuke's cock as he brought it deeper into his mouth. The older cousin slobbered on Sasuke's dick and pulled it out quickly. Sasuke looked down at his cousin who blinked and squinted to see him through the falling water and brought his hand to Sai's face to brush his soaked hair out of his eyes. He held his hand up to stop the water from hitting Sai's face and Sai kissed Sasuke's dick then made his eyebrows jump. "Do you want to?" He asked, knowing Sasuke would understand.

"Definitely." Sasuke gasped out. Sai returned Sasuke's organ to his mouth then pushed it deep inside of his throat and waited for Sasuke to make his move. A bit hesitant at first, Sasuke placed his hand on Sai's wet head and started to slowly pump into his cousin's mouth; slowly at first, but he gained speed soon with Sai's head bobbing with his humping. Sasuke's face contorted and he pushed Sai's head back out of the water and against the wall so that it didn't wiggle around. He started pumping faster, only becoming more turned on by Sai's gurgling and the long globs of saliva that dropped from his mouth. The tension in his dick grew and Sasuke eventually placed both hands on the side of Sai's head; pulling it in and pushing it out to work with his own movements. The younger cousin felt himself losing control and before he knew it Sai had pushed him backwards and started cough. "Cousin?" Sasuke asked, worried that he had done something wrong. Sai looked up at Sasuke and grinned; wiping his saliva glossed lips and chin.

"I couldn't breath." Sai said normally. Sasuke's face began to look guilty and he got on his knees and straddled Sai to kiss his lips.

"I'm sorry." He said, but Sai laughed.

"It happens. Stand up. Don't stop." Sai said but Sasuke shook his head. "Sasuke?" Sai asked and he nudged his cousin to get him to stand up, but he wouldn't move. Instead Sasuke wrapped his arms around Sai's neck and nibbled on his ear. Sai laughed again and ran his fingers up and down Sasuke's spine. "So what do you want to do then?"

"I want you to fuck me." Sasuke whispered into Sai's ear, but didn't allow him to answer. He lifted himself slightly then positioned his opening on top of Sai's cock. Sai grabbed his own organ and prodded Sasuke's hole with it then the younger cousin slid down on it, emitting deep sighs from both parties. Sasuke laid his shins flat against the shower's floor and started to bounce up and down on Sai. The older cousin grabbed Sasuke's hips and began to guide him up and down the length of his dick. Sasuke brought his mouth to Sai's neck and started to suck on it making him groan.

"Uhh, baby cousin." He whispered. Sasuke began to grind into Sasuke's dick more quickly; the splashing from the water nearly drowning out Sai's moans. The older cousin pried Sasuke off of his neck and watched his body bounce up and down speedily in front of him, occasionally stopping and rubbing his ass in a circle on top of him. Sai held on to Sasuke's torso and stopped him from bouncing. He slid down to get some leverage and started to hump upwards into his cousin.

"Sai..." Sasuke began to pant and he placed his palms against the shower wall to brace himself. Sai looked at Sasuke's nipples and bent in to suck on them, handling them with the same care as he did Sasuke's anus. Sasuke started to grind in tune with Sai and they whimpered and grunted in each others ears after Sasuke had wrapped his arms around Sai's neck once more. The bouncing started again, followed by the gentle squeaking of Sasuke's knees against the shower's floor and Sai nuzzled his face into Sasuke's neck; wrapping his arms around his cousin and squeezing him tightly. Their breathing picked up and Sai listened to Sasuke's muffled squeals. They excited him more each time another came out and the whispering of his name urged him to go on. Sai's feet had reached the other end of the shower as he slid down in an attempt to thrust harder into his cousin. Finally, Sai sat up and eased Sasuke backwards. When the younger cousin was on his back, Sai placed his hands on the backs of Sasuke's knees and pushed his thighs into his chest. The two paused, only moving their hands to caress each other's bodies in the water.

"I love you, baby cousin." Sai said softly.

"I love you too." Sasuke replied equally. Sai air kissed in Sasuke's direction the younger cousin smiled and nudge his head towards his genitals. Sai took the hint and shoved his dick back into Sasuke's ass. He glided it in and out slowly taking in the sensations of Sasuke's tight hole squeezing around his manhood. He pushed it in fast, making Sasuke grunt and his body lurch, then pulled it out slowly until he could see the head of his dick. He repeated his actions, pulling out more quickly time after time until he regained the former speed of his fucking.

"Sai, cousin." Sasuke breathed, unable to form sentences until he finally forced his words out. "I'm going to cum!" He groaned and slapped his hand against the shower door; scrapping it with his nails passionately. Sai pumped into him faster and harder and Sasuke didn't know how much more he could take. He looked at Sai biting his lower lip the same way he was and his muscles outlined by the water running over his body, down his hair and dripping off his crinkled nose; only to occasionally go flying away by the air being forced out of his mouth violently. Sai grunted loudly and was reaching his climax. When Sasuke felt a small pull of Sai's body he held up his hand, knowing he'd orgasm soon. "Let's cum together, pull out." Sasuke said almost inaudibly. Sai nodded and achingly pulled out of his cousin's warm ass. He pushed back to allow Sasuke room to sit up and started to stroke his own dick. Sasuke placed a hand above his to stop him, then pulled Sai's hand away. He placed it on his own dick and his on Sai's and they stared to stoke each other excitedly. Sai moaned and brought his lips to Sasuke's, sucking on the bottom one and licking the top before he pulled away. They both started to gasp and squeeze at each other's dicks until Sasuke climaxed and Sai followed with in a second. They came on each other, squirting out their seed with loud grunts and sighs until they both let go hold on each other and rested their backs against the opposing shower walls. Sasuke's eyelids fell slightly and he struggled to see Sai on the other side of the falling shower water. He closed his eyes and after a few moments Sai had crawled over to him and started to kiss his neck. Sasuke started to drift off to sleep but was woken up by Sai dumping handfuls of water on him.

"I'm wiping off the cum." Sai informed and Sasuke nodded and closed his eyes again. "That was beautiful." Sai whispered to Sasuke as he continued to pour water on him and the younger cousin smiled and nodded. Sasuke puckered his lips with his eyes still closed and Sai laughed. "So cute." He said in a cutesy voice himself and pecked Sasuke on the lips.

"So cute." Sasuke mocked him, but grinned.

"Look at me." Sai requested and Sasuke obliged. He opened his eyes to see Sai's wet and questioning face.

"Why are you bent over like that?" Sasuke asked.

"I don't want the water to hit my head, it'll run into my eyes."

"Oh." Sasuke concluded and looked at the shower door on his right.

"Baby cousin?"

"Yes?" Sasuke answered and returned his sleepy gaze.

"Does this mean you're ok with this?"

"With what?"

"With us, being together. I want to know before I invest anymore of myself into you."

"What do you mean by that?" Sasuke asked, a bit offended by the statement.

"Don't act dumb. I fell in love with you, brought you back your brother and once you had him you forgot about me."

"No I didn't Sai. I just wanted to be with just him for awhile. I tried to make you stay, but you left anyway." Sasuke said and some of the sadness and hurt from that past encounter flooded him.

"I couldn't share you." Sai said, feeling somewhat guilty about his departure. "I wanted to stay but it was hurting me. I couldn't stay away from long though. That's why I took the acceptance to the university near here at the last minute."

"If it was so hard to share back then why is it easy now?" Sai became silent and looked away. "Well?" Sasuke asked, not feeling particularly patient.

"Because I have no other choice." Sai said and he looked back to Sasuke with an old cheeky grin that usually meant lying.

"I don't understand. Tell the truth Sai." Sasuke said with a frown.

"It's true. I want you to myself more than I think you'll ever know, but that's impossible. Not as long as Itachi's alive." Sai joked. Sasuke frowned a little more sadly than he did before. "What's wrong?"

"It sounds like I make you unhappy." He said.

"No, in fact…" Sai began and kissed Sasuke's forehead. "There's no one who makes me happier."

--

"So he's going to throw the party?" Naruto asked sadly.

"Yes. My brother has made a lot of friends. He has this one friend who has a house that's perfect. Besides, Kankuro says my father would never let us have a party at home. We're better off just going to that party." Gaara said then began to rub his fingers through Naruto's hair again.

"I wanted to plan one though." Naruto pouted as he rested between Gaara's legs.

"Kankuro said we can help if we want."

"Fine, we can do that. When do we start?" Naruto asked, briefly turning to look up at Gaara.

"Tomorrow is fine."

"But Halloween is on Friday next week. We need a whole week to plan a party?"

"Ok then, Monday, or later. Whatever you want to do Naru-chan."

"Are you upset with me?" Naruto asked timidly. Gaara chuckled softly.

"Hey, look at me." Naruto sat up from his resting position between Gaara's legs and pivoted slightly. He looked at Gaara, waiting for an explanation that never came. Instead the redhead grabbed on to one of Naruto's cheeks and jiggled it playfully making the blonde giggle and struggle away.

"Stop it." Naruto laughed. "Does anyone else know you're this playful?" He asked after Gaara ceased his tugging.

"No, I've never been this way. It's you."

"It's me eh?" Naruto asked and he crawled back up to Gaara; starting to shake the redheads legs back and forth with his hands on Gaara's knees.

"Indeed." Gaara said lightly. He took Naruto's hands off of his knees as the blonde started to shake him too roughly. He pulled Naruto closer to him slowly until he forced the blonde's arms around his neck.

"Why do you want to be with me?" Naruto whispered into his ear once they had begun to hug.

"Why wouldn't I?" Gaara asked, unsure if Naruto was throwing him a trick question. Naruto squeezed Gaara slightly then pulled away to look his friend in the eye. "Oh, no the sad face." Gaara said seriously at the blonde's pouting expression. "What's wrong?"

"I feel like I'm cheating." Naruto uttered making Gaara sigh loudly.

"It's been over three weeks. He hasn't even called. Neji had to tell you Sasuke was over it. I wish you would let it go, not so you could be with me, just because you need to."

"It's not so simple."

"Naru-" Gaara began, but was cut off.

"No, you don't understand. I'm still in love with Sasuke. To be honest if he came here right now and asked me to leave with him I probably would. Feeling like that makes me feel like a bad friend to you. If we were to…become….lovers, well I just don't think it's fair to you. I don't want you to hate me." Gaara sat in silence for a moment while Naruto fiddled with the loose strings of his comforter, pondering the blonde's words.

"Well," He began. "I still think I can help you get over him. Don't you feel any closer to me?"

"Of course!" Naruto said more excitedly than he intended. "But I still care about him."

"But are you caring less for him and more for me?"

"I suppose."

"Then why don't you think over time you'd be completely over him and into me?"

"It's not that I don't think that." Naruto hesitated, not wanting to use the wrong wording. "But….like I said, if he were to come back right now I'd probably leave. I really don't want to ruin what we have." Naruto said and he looked downwards gloomily. Gaara eyed his friend who seemed to shrink more and more in front of him and could feel no more than the utmost adoration. He brought his palms to Naruto's cheeks and pulled his face upwards so that their eyes would meet. Naruto's lips puckered, ready to speak and Gaara cut them off; entranced by them he quickly brought his own to Naruto's and smooched the blonde. He only left one kiss and Naruto with his eyes closed and lips puckered out when he pulled back.

"I'm willing to take the risk." Gaara said once Naruto's eyelids had pulled back open. The bright blue eyes that were behind them shone and softened to Gaara's words and Naruto's face form an angelic smile towards his friend. His lips puckered once more, ready to speak before Kakashi had opened Naruto's bedroom door.

"Time for dinner!" He screeched happily as he busted in door, only to look upon an annoyed Naruto and a shocked Gaara who pulled his hands away from Naruto's face speedily.

"Can't you knock!" Naruto yelled.

"Oh sorry, I didn't think I'd be interrupting anything." Kakashi giggled.

"Shut up dad." Naruto grumbled and crossed his arms, looking to the other side of the room.

"Well, yes….Gaara are you staying for dinner?" Kakashi asked, trying to salvage what he had broken up.

"Um, sure. If it's ok with Naruto?" Gaara directed at the blonde.

"Yeah, I'd like if you stayed. After dinner we can talk about the party some more." Naruto smiled at Gaara.

"What party?" Kakashi asked innocently.

"Dad!"

"Ok, ok. Dinner's ready, come down when you're ready." Kakashi said then exited the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Naruto stood up and stretched his limbs with loud moans.

"My dad's so nosy." Naruto complained, making Gaara chuckle as he stood up as well.

"He's fine, at least he cares."

"Yeah, I guess so." Naruto griped and grabbed on to his bedroom's doorknob and opened the door.

"Naru-chan?" Gaara called, stopping the blonde from exiting. "About that kiss, I'm sorry, it was too forward. I'm attracted to you and sometimes it's hard for me to control myself when I just want to hug and ki-" Gaara said before getting interrupted. Naruto bent in and pecked on Gaara's lips, leaving the redhead confused by the doorway.

"You apologize too much." Naruto teased and dashed down his zigzag stairs. "Hurry up before I eat your dinner!" He called to Gaara from below and the redhead snorted and shook his head.

"That guy…" He stepped forward to make his trip down the stairs when a vibrating sound came from Naruto's bed; it was his cell phone. Gaara peered over the ledge of the stairwell and noticed Naruto beginning to set plates. Gaara walked back into the bedroom and looked on to Naruto's phone to see that he had gotten a text message, from Sasuke.

"Well I'm sorry ok? I just don't know how to handle this. I'm confused I've always been confused about relationships. I still love you so much so don't tell me I don't. I want to hear your voice. It's going to kill me and make things even more difficult, but I miss it. Call me when you get a chance to talk. I'm not doing anything here, I'm always alone except on the weekend."

Gaara felt a nervous tension and anger that kept him locked in his spot. He looked out of the bedroom as Naruto called him again and broke out of the trace. So Naruto had been talking to Sasuke. Gaara looked through the blonde's older messages and saw that the two had exchanged a large number of text messages throughout the day that only stopped around thirty minutes ago when Gaara had arrived. Gaara squeezed the phone, frustrated and worried. He knew that if Sasuke wanted Naruto back he would go with little struggle. Gaara's heart thumped loudly in his ears as he thought of what to do. When Naruto had called him again he deleted the newest message from Sasuke and threw the phone back on the bed. He jogged down the stairs to meet a confused looking Naruto.

"What were you doing?"

"Looking for my phone, it slipped under your bed. I wanted to call my sister and tell her I'm not coming back home for awhile." Gaara lied.

"Oh alright. Come in the living room it's too noisy right here." Naruto said as he pointed to Kakashi who was washing some of the dishes left in the sink from lunch and laughing with his lover Iruka. Naruto guided Gaara to the other side of the large rectangular room that doubled as a living and dining room and waited from him to make his call. Gaara did as he said he intended to, hanging up quickly from his sister who clearly didn't need to be called. "Is everything alright?" Naruto asked, concerned about Gaara's somewhat odd expression.

"I'm fine."

"Ok, well let's eat."

"Alright." Gaara said, but grabbed Naruto's hand to turn him around as he started to leave. He repeated his former actions and exchanged yet another kiss on the lips with the blonde, who blushed violently at being kissed in front of his father.

"Gaara!" He said with a smile and squeezed the hand Gaara had already connected with his then pulled him to the dinner table.

Now go to part II!