I am so sorry for the delay in updates! There is no excuse, I was just lazy. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter! I'll try and update more now that I have my mojo back! :) IMPORTAINT! The first part is from Itachi's pov kind of, it was before, just wanted to put something's that he saw in there. After his part, it goes back to the plot.

Quote/Lyrics: You've got a second chance, you could go home. Escape it all. It's just irrelevant.

Itachi's adventure.

Obscured by the darkness a lanky figure wondered through the long corridors and turned the sharp corners of the maze hallways to find his little brother's bedroom. He was curious as to who Sasuke had been hanging out with so much lately. For the past month Sasuke and his mystery guest had been going out at least three to four times a week, yet Sasuke hadn't brought this mystery person home not once.

It was his duty as big brother to unravel these things and bind them together in a new book. Chapter 'Sasuke has a mystery friend' was already open and he needed to find out who exactly this person was before they hung out again. It wouldn't be a lie to say he was bored and just wanted to pry in his little brother's life to piss him off and make him yell obscene things at him and then slam the door in his face.

Yes, being a big brother had so many delightful perks.

However, a whole month of Sasuke walking around either talking or texting on his cellphone was getting annoying. All the miniature Itachi did anymore was go to work, walk around outside taking pictures, going off with his friend or talking on the phone. It was annoying that Sasuke wouldn't argue back with him like he use too, they hadn't had a real conflict in too long now, Sasuke was being so selfish. What was Itachi supposed to do with his free time now?

What a selfish little brother Sasuke was being!

He had also discovered which car Sasuke had taken out the first time he met up with this… person and he knew for a fact that Sasuke only took that car out when he wanted to make a good impression on someone, normally one of their fathers subordinates as a favor for their father. But no; Sasuke had taken that car out most of the times he went to meet up with it and that was very odd.

Perhaps his brother had finally found someone special; then again Sasuke was awfully weird about that kind of thing. Not once had he shown any kind of interest in anyone, not in that way at least, but here he was now, ignoring his sparked arguments and instead shushing him because he was always on the phone, god he didn't know how selfish he was acting when he did that!

Itachi had rights! Rights to annoy the living hell out of his little brother!

As he made his way to Sasuke's room he pushed the door open without knocking, Sasuke wouldn't hear him anyways, and he was probably on that stupid telephone. He looked around for his little brother and spotted him lying on his stomach on his large satin covered bed. He smirked to himself and snuck up behind him, effortlessly bringing both of his hands down on Sasuke's ass as hard as he could in an open hand slap. The sound crackled through the room and Sasuke snatched his body toward the older Uchiha, one hand grabbing his ass in pain and the other gripping the phone tightly.

"Itachi don't smack my fucking ass like that you pervert!" Sasuke screamed at the older male, glaring with all his might.

"Then get off the phone little brother, I wish to have a full conversation with you." Itachi crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly.

"What are you, three?" Sasuke scowled, "Get out, I'm on the phone."

With that Sasuke turned back to the phone, ignoring his brother's presents. "Sorry Naruto, my older brother's jealous because he doesn't have all of my attention anymore."

"I'm not jealous Sasuke." Itachi hissed.

"Denial isn't only a river in Egypt you know." The younger raven remarked, a smirk playing on his face.

"Say what you wish Sasuke however, I've been worried about you as of late. Who is this… friend of yours that you've been spending so much time with?"

Sasuke sighed before turning back to the phone once again, "Hey Naruto, can I call you back in a few minutes? Okay… Okay. Bye."

Itachi watched in both amusement and annoyance while his brother said goodbye to his friend. Sasuke seemed too different when talking to this 'Naruto' person, he seemed too… not angry? Yes that was it! That was exactly it. Sasuke normally sounded so angry when he talked on the phone; he always yelled about something and hung up on the caller 99.9% of the time. But with Naruto it seemed to be different, Sasuke seemed a lot calmer and even a tad bit happy.

Oh boy that doesn't sound too good… Itachi thought to himself. He knew what it was like to be happy, despite what everyone thought they knew about him, he had been happy once. His parents knew about this time in his life but not many others, Sasuke for example. He was much too young to understand. After all, when Itachi was seventeen Sasuke was only twelve.

The older raven blocked those thoughts from his mind long ago, made himself think that person never existed and he had never known him. The human mind is an extraordinary thing, if you tell yourself things like 'wait who are you talking about? I don't know him.' Or 'You're crazy, I don't even know who you're talking about!' for six years every time you think of a certain person you can actually convince yourself that you haven't ever known that person.

Really though, your just blocking out all thoughts about that particular person and you slowly start to drive yourself insane. It was a must do though, he didn't need thoughts of something as fake as love filling his mind and making him feel light headed and warm inside, he had better things to think about besides the person he was once in love with, the person he told himself he never knew in the first place.

Now he was just a bitter shell of what he used to be and he didn't want Sasuke to experience that kind of pain. A pain so true that it tore your heart in two and set it on fire while you crumpled to the ground in the pouring rain, letting go of all your 'Uchiha pride' and begging for that person to stay, to please not leave because without them you were nothing. The thunder ringing in your ears not comparing to the pain in your chest while tears ran down your face mixing with that bittersweet rain as the one you loved walked away from you, ignoring your cries and pleas, you're begging in a tear filled voice without a single glance back… No, he didn't want Sasuke to experience what he had at such a young age.

Love was an Uchiha's kryptonite.

"Itachi!"

Itachi blinked and looked at his brother with slight confusion. "What?"

"If you want to fantasize then please, get the fuck out of my bedroom to do it." Sasuke snapped back, anger lacing through his voice.

Ah, there was the anger Itachi had been looking for. "I wasn't fantasizing Sasuke, I was merely thinking. Who is this 'Naruto' person that you've been spending so much time talking to both in person and on the phone?" Itachi smirked, waiting for Sasuke to get even angrier.

"First of all…" Sasuke hissed. "It's none of your business. And second of all, why do you care?"

For a moment Itachi faked a look of hurt, touching his hand to his chest and gasping quietly. The look in Sasuke's eyes was that of an angry, angry, person even if on the outside he was calm with just a death glare gracing his features.

"I care because you are my little brother and I have the right to know who you've been spending so much time fawning over."

Sasuke's glare intensified as he looked at his older brother with such distaste it put a bitter lemon to shame. "I'm not fawning over anyone and like I said, it's none of your business Itachi."

"Fine. Are you planning on going out with her again tonight?" Itachi smirked, waiting to be corrected.

"Him. I am going out with him tonight." Sasuke couldn't see Itachi's motive. None of this was any of his business so why was he sticking his nose where it didn't belong? Maybe their father had asked him to do a bit of spying… or their mother.

Sasuke watched as Itachi turned and left silently without as much as a goodbye. Not that he wanted one anyways but it was rather weird, maybe Itachi was planning something? Great that's just what he needed was a creepy ass older brother stalking his every move.

:_

Itachi pulled up a good distance away from the park entrance and turned his car off. He was parked under a large oak tree and it was dark except for the lights inside the park so his car could not be seen by his brother and his guest who Itachi had yet to see clearly. As of now the two were sitting on top of a set of monkey bars with their legs dangling down toward the ground, their figures illuminated by the large light that brightened the park in the darkness.

Yet he couldn't tell anything about either of them really, they were just dark shadows that he could hardly make out. Sasuke and his friend had been here for a while already, Itachi had waited about thirty minutes before pulling up at the park so his brother wouldn't notice him and get suspicious. The two seemed to be talking animatedly, their hands moving as they spoke back and forth before they grabbed ahold of the metal bars to keep themselves balanced once again.

From what he could tell Sasuke was relaxed, very relaxed in the presents of this other person and that worried him. Sasuke shouldn't feel this at ease around anyone. Don't get him wrong, he was happy for his little brother; to a certain extent. He only wanted the best for Sasuke and he wasn't sure if Naruto was good for Sasuke or not. It might be slightly creepy to stalk your little brother while he's out with a 'friend' but it was for Sasuke's own good.

He wasn't going to make a habit of this; it was only a one-time thing. He just needed to see this person that had been taking up so much of Sasuke's time lately, they were all getting curious. Even their uncle Madara who comes over quite often had noticed Sasuke's strange behavior and had asked about it.

So, tonight he would spy on the two and get a good look at what Sasuke had gotten himself into.

Nearly two hours of sitting there, watching the two and Itachi had realized something. Sasuke had not made a new friend. Sasuke had not made a new client, Sasuke had not made a new enemy, and Sasuke was on the road to meeting the one called destiny. Against everything he had hoped for, he knew it was too late. She had sunk her claws into these two boys and she wouldn't let go until she was fully satisfied. He could only hope as her drove away that the smiles were sincere, that the quiet laughs were loud enough to be heard, that the lingering looks would be noticed, and that the rare brush of hands that would quickly retreat would soon grasp one another and hold on tight, never letting go.

Because when one of them let go, hurt would fill their young hearts and the memories of one another would stay with them forever, they would never love another like they would love each other. Even time would not be able to heal the wounds that are created by an Uchiha's kryptonite.

Back to plot.

Sasuke buried his face deeper into the endless warmth, not remembering the last time he had been so deliciously warm. It was like hot chocolate on a frost bitten winter's day, a blazing fireplace during winters haze. He moaned in satisfaction and let out a breathy sigh, knowing that he was waking up and wouldn't be able to sleep any longer. As consciousness roused him, he remembered that Naruto was here and he opened his eyes lazily with a stifled yawn. Pale blonde apprehended his vision and he blinked a few times, he was indeed still holding on to Naruto tightly. His pale arms stretched under Naruto's neck and around his shoulders as well as over his waist, holding him close. Naruto was not much different, his arms bundled between the two heated chests clutching Sasuke's shirt as if it were the blanket itself, their legs tangled in a mass of limbs.

He allowed a true smile to grace his features for a few seconds, just staring down at Naruto with unknown feelings swirling in his chest. He hesitantly lifted one hand and let a single finger travel over the smooth surface of Naruto's face from his temple to his neck. It wasn't until electric blue eyes slowly met his own did he realize what he was doing, he quickly retracted his hand and looked away; trying to conceal the small blush that threatened to rise.

Naruto stared with tired eyes at the raven for a few moments before realizing the position they were in. Instantly, he snatched himself out of Sasuke's embrace, stopping a throat ripping scream from escaping through his lips at his action. His breath came in struggled gasps between the near silent cries, he could tell right away that the action had caused some of his wounds to re-open and it hurt. His hand gripped his side tightly, trying to will the pain away. He laid his head against his raised knee and tried to steady his breathing and stop the tears.

"Naruto?" Sasuke was at his side in a matter of seconds, thinking the awkward position had triggered Naruto's fresh tears. Unaware of the multiple injuries trailing along the pale body, he gripped Naruto's shoulder in a strong hand, earning a major flinch. "Naruto I'm sorry I didn't mean to be all over you like that, I just woke up and-"

"It wasn't you. I-I just… Can I take a shower please?" Naruto asked in a shaky voice.

Taking in a deep breath he drug himself out of the large bed and let out a sigh. Sasuke's worried eyes made him smile ever so slightly, "I'm okay Sasuke, and I just got a bit freaked out is all. I don't like to be touched; yesterday... Yesterday I wasn't okay; you only got to touch me because I was upset, I was afraid… Just don't... Don't ask questions please…"

Not knowing how to respond to that Sasuke simply nodded. "I'll get you a change of clothes."

Scene Change

I don't know why, but a part of me started to ache when he said that to me. The old saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me." Didn't apply here. I shouldn't be beating myself up over something this simple, should I? I mean he's wrong; I wasn't getting my hopes up about anything. Right? Uzumaki Naruto is just another person; he is no one special, just someone I decided to befriend. He's just a friend.

So why the hell am I hiding out on the balcony of my bedroom trying to avoid him as long as I can?

Maybe it's not such a good idea if we sleep in the same bed again. I can't control what I do when I'm asleep and I don't want to freak him out again. Though the question is, why did he freak out like that? I've never seen anything like that before. He looked like he was in pain; did I hurt him or something?

"Sasuke?"

I look up at the sky when I hear his velvety voice calling my name. I know I'm acting stupid but the desire to know exactly why he doesn't like to be touched, why he came to me crying and hurt yesterday. Something inside of me was screaming 'you already know you fool.' And another part of me just wanted to remain ignorant and unknowing. Ignorance is bliss after all. Right…? I shook my head, if, and that's a very big if, something like that was going on; if someone was hurting Naruto, I want to make it stop. I wasn't to protect him and keep him safe, beat the living hell out of whoever dared to lay a hand on him.

Sasuke was snapped out of his thought when the balcony door slid open and Naruto came out to stand beside him, looking at the same morning sky. Luscious lime grass covered the ground for a good ways before it was taken over by the silhouette of trees, a lone bench sat stationed beside a very large oak tree which was overflowing with bright green leaves clustered together, the sun turning the sky a mix between blues, yellows, and pinks. A light breeze washed over the two, warming their faces. The scent of fresh cut grass mixed with the scent of the magnolia tree's that lined the front of the house.

Neither boy wanted to break the peaceful silence that floated through the air like the warmth that graced their skin. These days were rare, when you are constantly fighting with family or being tortured by them it's hard to get a moment of true peacefulness, but right here and right now, this was the moments both savored and would always remember.

Alas, a soft sigh shattered the silence. Without looked over Sasuke found the courage to speak what was on his mind. "I don't know what's going on. I don't know why you chose me to run to and I'm not going to ask what happened because I know you will tell me when you feel you're ready too. We aren't the closest people in the world but right now I feel that you're my best friend and I hope you feel the same. No matter what happens, no matter what you say or how bad whatever this is, is, I will always be here for you." Perfectly arched eyebrows shifted downwards slightly, "We haven't known each other for very long, but I feel like we've known each other forever. It's weird and welcomed at the same time… Just know that, whenever you feel like talking about his I'm here to listen."

If Sasuke was looking at Naruto in the moment than he would have saw the flash of emotion that passed through those cobalt eyes as he spoke. He would have saw the way Naruto's face screwed up as he tried to suppress the tears from those few sentences and he would have caught the way the blonde's breath hitched in his throat.

"Sasuke?" Naruto whispered, trying to conceal the emotion that threatened to escape. "Could we go get something to eat…?"

Scene Change

After a short discussion about who would pay for Naruto's food, they made their way back outside and into the 2010 Mustang GT Cobra, one of Sasuke less flashy cars. They were on their way to the local park to get some fresh air before they headed home. Sasuke had done some thinking and he would ask Naruto about going by his place to pick up some things that way he wouldn't have to keep wearing things that were too big for him. Not sure how Naruto was going to react, he waited until they arrived at the near empty park save for a few teenagers smoking on a picnic table under the pavilion.

Both boys soon found themselves sitting on the swings side by side, just enjoying the quiet atmosphere. Naruto picked at the sleeve of his hoodie not knowing what to say. Sasuke on the other hand was gathering his thoughts, unsure of how Naruto would react to his question.

"Naruto, we should stop by your house so you can pick up some things. I don't mind if you stay with me for a while, but you'll need your own things. I know wearing my clothes will get old…"

"No!" The look of terror that overcame Naruto's face made Sasuke want to cringe. "I don't mind wearing your things, I can just go buy a toothbrush and stuff… We don't need to go to my house."

"Naruto, be logical. Why spend money on things you don't have too. Look, we're going to go there. You need to get your cellphone and some clothes, it will be straight there and then straight to my house, I promise."

At loss for words Naruto simply growled, glaring at his shoes. He did not want to confront his guardian now, or ever for that matter. Running away is something he'll be punished for, he hurt enough. Maybe… just maybe if Sasuke came inside with him than he wouldn't be messed with. But what if Muku decided to go after Sasuke? That would be something he couldn't live with… No, think rationally. Muku isn't that stupid.

"Only if you come inside with me." The blonde looked up to meet confused onyx eyes.

There was no denying that Naruto had started to trust Sasuke in the months they had started to hang out. Naruto had allowed small touches here and there, he had laughed, truly laughed and smiled around Sasuke, hoping that the friendship they had created would stay strong, become stronger. But this morning had been horrible, not so much the fact that it was Sasuke holding him, but the fact that as soon as he realized what was going on flashbacks of the day before flooded his mind and he felt the desperate need to just get away.

He did not want Sasuke to get hurt, and he knew by the feeling in his chest that someone was bound to get hurt. The feelings he continuously pushed aside grew stronger each and every day, and if it were not for the life he lived, maybe… Just maybe he and Sasuke would be more than friends. But right now, he needed to focus on solving the problem at hand, he did not know what to do except run. How would Sasuke react if he knew the truth?

Scene Change

Naruto's heart was pounding in his chest so hard he thought Sasuke could hear it from the other side of the car. If you listened just hard enough he was sure you could hear it screaming "Don't go in there." With every beat. He was starting to change his mind. It wasn't too late; they hadn't gotten out of the car yet. Though they had been sitting there for nearly two whole minutes, Sasuke was waiting on him he knew.

"Maybe we should just-"

He was cut off by Sasuke frowning and getting out of the car. He let out a heavy sigh and tried to smooth the crease in his brows out; he didn't need Sasuke being any more suspicious than he already was. He didn't want to answer the questions that were bound to come if something happened, but maybe Sasuke's word was good. Who knew, maybe he wouldn't ask anything at all like he had said.

Either way he opened the car door and started making his way up the cobblestone steps slowly, wanting time to just once freeze so he could mentally prepare himself for the hell he was about to drag Sasuke into. Taking a deep breath he opened the front door, Sasuke following close behind him as he walked inside.

The house was pretty normal looking, Sasuke noted. When you walked in the door he was greeted by a large kitchen colored in green, an island table and a regular dining table, a large opening lead to the living room which held a large sofa as well as a smaller one and a lazy boy, a flat screen TV was hung one corner while a fireplace occupied the middle. Pictures of Naruto and who Sasuke assumed was Naruto's father or guardian adored the mantle along with some Indian artifacts. There was a step down room that was decorated to be a computer room, from what he could see there was a sliding glass door that lead to a hot tub.

Then as they walked around a corner there was a set of stairs, a bathroom beside them and a bedroom beside the bathroom. Naruto led them up the stairs and on the top floor, three doors was all he could see. He was assuming it was a bedroom to his immediate left and to his right was another bedroom and beside it was a bathroom with a step down shower. He was slightly confused when Naruto kept walking past all three and took a turn to the right but was quick to discover another door. When Naruto opened the door they were met with another step down room, the room was rather large.

The walls were an off white color with two of them solid black. A small in wall and the wall in front as soon as you walked down the steps to your right was black. A large bed was in the middle of the room in front of them, light gray sheets and a black comforter decorated the bed and pillows. A large stair book shelf was in the corner, filled to the brim with books and CD's, a few posters and a desk with a computer and chair. A large flat screen TV hung on the wall in front of the bed and a shelf stacked with notebooks and a pair of headphones decorated above the bed and a dresser against the far wall with a large mirror on top. Two large windows sat between the far walls, an oak tree that looked perfect to just sit in and gaze at the sky grew just outside one of the windows.

Naruto shuffled through his closet and pulled out an overnight bag, glad to find that Muku wasn't home right now. He went to his dresser and pulled out some clothes. Jeans, shorts, sleeping clothes, boxers, and everything else he would need for his stay at Sasuke's house.

"Hello Naruto, I would say I'm glad you came back but it looks like you're leaving again."

The voice made his blood run cold and his heart stop. He quickly turned around with wide eyes and pulled Sasuke to his side. Swallowing, he answered. "I just came to get some clothes."

Sasuke looked between the two with confusion, this was the man in the pictures he had seen earlier. He stood tall and proud, long dark hair in a low braid slack over his left shoulder, messy bangs obscuring his face. A straight nose and dark eyes matched with equally dark eyebrows which seemed perfectly shaped much like his own gave him a seemingly flawless physique.

The man looked at him with dark eyes much like his own, they just seemed… Dull. He suppressed a shiver but didn't back down and continued to look back at the stranger. He was raised to be polite so against everything inside of him that told him not too, he walked closer and held out his hand to the man.

"Uchiha Sasuke, I'm Naruto's friend."

Muku smirked and gripped Sasuke's hand, not missing the way Naruto stiffened behind him. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sasuke; I'm Muku, Naruto's father. I presume Naruto is running away to stay with you?"

Sasuke ignored the way the last part was hissed and retracted his hand, something inside of him told him they needed to get out of this house now. He was not a believer in paranoia but the vibes this man was giving off freaked even him out.

"Yea… Yes sir." Sasuke stood tall, trying not to fidget with something.

"Well I think me and Naruto need to have a little talk, would you excuse us please Sasuke." Muku left no room for argument but the way Naruto was looking at him made up his mind. He's never seen azure orbs look so terrified before, so broken and afraid. Against his better judgment he shook his head and stood in front of Naruto.

"I don't think Naruto is in the mood to talk right now." He said sternly.

"Sasuke…" Naruto whispered. He looked at the raven with wide eyes, why was he standing up for him?

"Do you have everything you need Naruto?" Sasuke asked without looking back. When the blonde meekly nodded he spoke again. "Good, let's go then."

"Excuse me." Muku growled, making his way down the steps until he was directly in front of Sasuke. "Who do you think you are coming into my house and taking my son god knows where?"

"I think I'm Naruto's friend." Sasuke did not retreat, if anything he leaned closer. He was a Uchiha and Uchiha's did not back down from anyone. Even if that someone was his best friend's father, so he took a deep breath and spoke once more. "Go to the car Naruto, I'll be there in a second."

Muku looked surprised at that, he snarled and just as Naruto was walking past him gripped his arm tightly, snatching him back. Sasuke was quick to grasp Muku's wrist tightly and pry it from Naruto's own injured wrist. "Go."

Naruto was gone in haste, his heart threatening to come out of his chest and knock him over dead right then and there. His head was spinning as he threw himself and his bag into Sasuke's car. However glad he was to be out of that house, away from that monster he was worried. Sasuke was up there alone with him…

"I don't know you and I honestly don't think I want too, but we need to get one thing straight right now. I don't know why Naruto doesn't feel safe here, in his own home, but I think I have an idea. If he feels safer at my home than that's where he will be staying for the time being." Sasuke hissed, releasing his grip on the older man's slim wrist. "He came to me a crying mess yesterday. It's not every day you see someone afraid to be touched, bruised and bloody on crying on your shoulder. I have a pretty good idea what's going on here and if I were you, I wouldn't try to fuck with him while I'm around. I don't care who you are, Naruto comes first and if I have to get my hands dirty to make sure he's safe then so be it."

With that and one final glare Sasuke shouldered past the raven and made his way downstairs and to his car. Not soon enough they were on the road again, the silence echoing through the small space. Sasuke spared a glance at Naruto and his frown deepened. He seemed to be distant, like he was in another place.

"Please don't ask…" Naruto whispered without blinking.

Sasuke looked back at the road with a sigh, "I told you… No questions. I'm here when you're ready to tell me."

Inside, Sasuke was ripping his brain apart. The only thing he could think of was how he was right, someone was hurting Naruto. Now he had all the conformation he needed to know something was up, even if he didn't know the whole truth. The aggressive display had proven him right and that made him want to rip that man to shreds. What kind of father was that? His heart ached not only for Naruto but for himself as well, because he realized that he was falling for someone who might be broken beyond repair…