After reluctantly scrubbing the remnant of Narutos scent, coupled with the grime that had inevitably built up from being in the forest for twenty four hours, Sasuke was making his way to Itachi's room. He made sure to throw on a sweater with a tight fitting hood to cover the trail of colourful bite marks Naruto left along his neck in hopes of deterring suspicion for as long as possible. To say he was dreading this conversation would be an understatement. As he approached his brother's room the air seemed heavier for some reason, he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Itachi knew about Naruto, hell he too liked the blond and knew of Sasukes ambitions towards him, so what was this feeling?

Standing outside the white wooden door, Sasuke takes a moment to compose himself, as much as he's been acting differently lately he is still an Uchiha and needs to look and act the part of indifference. Raising his hand he uses the knuckle of his middle finger he knocks three times awaiting approval to enter.

"Come in," a muffled voice replies, sounding somewhat pleased.

"Itachi." Sasuke greets brusquely as he enters his brothers room.

Itachi's room had a similar layout as Sasukes, they both enjoyed dark colours, Itachi opted for red stained wood furniture as opposed to Sasuke espresso stained. Itachi's room was painted in a charcoal colour with one red accent wall. His bedding and window coverings were black with red viny leaves elegantly embroidered in. The far left corner was a large white leather couch where he had a large television he seldom used, it was more to fill the space. Upon entering his room was his little work space he used while not in his office. He had a beautiful cherrywood desk with a matching full wall bookshelf filled with hundreds of different books.

Making a motion that gestures for the younger brother to come, Itachi says, "come, sit."

Without a word Sasuke makes his way over, sitting down so he's perched on the edge of his brother's bed he folds his arms and crosses his ankles. "What do you want Itachi?"

Itachi's chuckles "come on, you know I want to know about your...assignment with your little crush."

Sasuke rolls his eyes, "I told you it was good."

"Ah but we both know there is more to it than that, so come on, spill it." Itachi demands sounds slightly anxious.

"Why can't you just leave this for now, Itachi?" Sasuke groans, flopping backwards on the bed.

This reaction wasn't what he was expecting, he knew Sasuke wouldn't willingly spill the details, but the body language the younger raven is putting out now was completely different from the ones he emitted when arriving home. "Come on Sasuke, what happened? You know you can always talk to me."

"God, I know Itachi! This is just so awkward." Sasuke exclaims, throwing an arm over his face to hide his creeping blush.

Witnessing the slight blush, Itachi smirks. "So something good did happen then?"

Figuring this was going nowhere, Sasuke sighs pleasantly as he remembers the last twenty four hours. "Yeah, something good happened."

Even though Sasuke can't see due to his face being covered Itachi lifts his arm, rolling his hand gesturing for his brother to carry on. "Please continue."

Removing his arms from his face, Sasuke looks to his brother before looking up at the elegant white stucco ceiling. "I told him I liked him."

Getting up from his seat Itachi sits next to Sasuke, feeling the need to be in closer proximity for this. "And what did he say?"

A genuine smile curves over the younger brother's lips. "He said he likes me too."

Smirking at his brother's adorable reaction he gestures for him to go on. "And?"

"We kind of sort of might be dating now," whispered Sasuke. It was still surreal to him and admitting it to his brother made him feel like one of his stupid fanclub members but he somehow couldn't find it in himself to care.

Itachi was profoundly proud of his brother, finally accepting these types of feelings was monumental for him. "Sasuke look at me." he gently demands, not wanting to sound harsh and give Sasuke the wrong impression.

Sasuke hesitantly looks over at his brother to see him giving him a small smile. After making eye contact Itachi replaces his softer face with a more serious one. "Does he really make you happy?" he finally asks. Itachi loves Sasuke more than anything, and regardless of anything he would protect his little brother no matter the cost.

Sitting up and facing his brother, Sasuke immediately answers, "yes he does." This was something he didn't need to think about anymore. He had no doubt that the blond has provided him more happiness than he can ever remember in his sixteen years of life. He was finally excited to wake up in the morning to see what his day would hold.

Observing his brother very closely for any signs of hesitation, seeing none, Itachi grins. "Then I'll say I'm happy for you. Just take things slow yeah? Naruto had a troubled past and you haven't exactly had a relationship before."

"We'll be fine Tachi, we agreed to keep things between us because of school and his family, but I'm sure we can make this work." Sasuke confidently states, not breaking eye contact once.

Itachi couldn't help but smile at his brother's determination, he definitely approved of the impact Naruto had on Sasuke. "Then you have my blessing, though what are you going to do about Mother and Father?"

Sasukes eyes widened as he cringed briefly, "I'm not going to tell them right now. I know they're fine with you being gay, but you know how Mom wants grandchildren, and I don't know how Father would act having another son liking men."

Sighing, Itachi gives Sasuke a sympathetic look. "I know what you mean, but if you guys are going to take your relationship seriously you'll have to be honest eventually."

Sasuke rolls his eyes and scoffs. "I know that Itachi, but we haven't even been together twenty four hours yet, let us figure it out okay?"

"You just want to wait until they move don't you?" Itachi asks, raising a curious brow at the younger brother.

"Yes, yes I do." Sasuke snorts. He wasn't stupid, he wasn't going to say anything until Naruto was fine with it, and having his parents in a different country wouldn't be such a bad idea either.

Shaking his head, Itachi chuckles before poking Sasuke in the forehead. "Just be careful, and remember I'm always here for you."

Half heartedly scowling at Itachi, Sasuke rubs his abused forehead. "Tch, You don't always have to do that you know."

Itachi stands up and shrugs, a smirk never leaving his face, "I know."

"Tch" Sasuke rolls his eyes.

Walking over to his desk, Itachi starts putting papers in his briefcase. "I have to go to the office for a few things, you wanna come?"

Taking a moment to contemplate his brother's offer, Sasuke shrugs, figuring he hasn't been to these offices yet, plus he doesn't have anything else to do but daydream about his absent boyfriend. "Sure, I have nothing else to do."

"I told you no!" Naruto growls. He was here to do his job, not play twenty one questions with his horny coworker. At this moment he was regretting ever sleeping with her.

"Why not? You never turn me down!" Exclaims an overly emotional redhead.

"Izuki drop it, I don't need to explain myself." Having had enough, Naruto begins to walk away.

"Fine, but I'm not done with you Uzumaki!" Izuki shouts. Sighing as she watches the strong, broad back getting further and further away from her.

Stalking off to clock in, Naruto avoids everyone. After dealing with Izuki he just needs to focus on his job. He's had a very interesting weekend thus far and needed to think about something else. He was thrilled that Sasuke liked him, but he was still quite wary. How was this going to work? They couldn't be open at school or in public, there was no way Minato could find out, and what was going to happen if Minato decides to sell him off again? Was there really even a point in being in this relationship? Letting out a sigh he's starting to realise how fast they jumped into this.

'I need to talk to Kurama,' he mentally mutters.

Kurama always knew what to say, plus his giant companion knew why he didn't do relationships. He's never wavered before, and he needed to get to the bottom of why he so readily crumbled under the raven. He's spilled more to Sasuke than he'd ever slipped to Shikamaru, what does any of this mean? For some reason just the thought of the midnight eyed teen brought a smile to his face.

'God I'm confused,' he internally sighs feeling the beginnings of a headache forming.

Actually, now that he thought about it he hadn't talked to the fox since the assembly, he really wished he wasn't at work right now. This inability to sort his thoughts and feelings was driving him mad. You would think being happy would be enough, but nothing is ever that simple when it comes to Narutos life.

Continuing to work as his thoughts carry him away, before he knew it his break time had approached. He had one goal, avoid Izuki, he didn't want to be pestered with her questions, hell she had no right to them. He wasn't sure what to tell her if he was being honest, he told her he didn't do relationships, so now that he's in one what is he going to tell her to keep her from trying to get in his pants? Lying isn't an option, the only one he lies to is Minato, other than that he likes knowing his conscience is clear.

Making his way out the back of the store he perches himself on the table top of a lone picnic table used by mostly the workers who smoke. He didn't bother buying any food, he found he wasn't really hungry, he just opted to buy an iced coffee. Sitting there tentatively sipping his diabetic goodness, he hears a shuffle off feet walking towards him. He didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Fuck." he quietly mumbles.

"What?" A female voice rattles through his ear canal.

Looking over his shoulder he's met with the only person he's trying to avoid. "Izuki." He tries to greet as casually as possible.

"You're avoiding me, Uzumaki." She grumbles, feeling annoyed at the lack of blond she's interacted with this evening.

Letting out a heavy sigh he looks away from her. "I just don't want to do this, why can't you just accept I don't want to continue that way and move on?"

Stepping up so she can occupy the spot next to him on the table top, she looks at him trying her best to observe his face. "We've been doing this, whatever this is between us almost since you've started, why can't you just give me an answer?"

"I don't owe you any explanation, that's the thing, I don't need to tell you anything Izuki." Naruto groans, irritation written all over his face and embedded in his deep voice.

"But you do! Am I somebody you think so little of that you just walk all over me like everybody else than toss me aside?" She exclaims emotionally, voice quivering somewhere between sorrow and rage.

Furiously whipping around, Naruto shoots her the coldest glare he's ever subjected her to. He lowers his voice, pronouncing every word menacingly slow. "I'm like everyone else? I'm walking all over you? Who uses who here Izuki, huh? Do you even fucking hear yourself?"

Izuki swallows, allowing a very audible gulp to be heard. "I, I didn't-"

Naruto cuts her off through clenched teeth, "yeah, you didn't. Now, if you don't mind I'm trying to enjoy my break, why don't you do us both a fucking favour and leave me the fuck alone, my mood is awfully foul now."

She couldn't handle the coldness he was showing her, he was a force of consistency in her chaotic life, she's grown to fall in love with him and hearing him talk to her in such a manner causes tears to escape her eyes as she begins to sob. "Why can't you just love me huh? Am I not good enough?"

Looking away from the crying female, unable to handle watching her cry over him, Naruto leans over, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighs trying to reign in his furry. "We've been through this Izuki, we're friends, you told me you understood this. I can't give you anything else, I've always been straight forward about that with you."

"But it's not fair, Naruto!" She exclaims between muffled sobs.

Having had enough of being on the receiving end of unwarranted shouts, Naruto loses his patience, causing him to point and yell. "Don't you dare lecture me on what's fair!"

Izuki stares at him, slightly frightened. Seeing he's not getting through to her Naruto gets up in an effort to prevent himself from completely losing his temper, giving her one last glance before walking away, "I'm sorry, but I can't give you what you want, life isn't fair, both you and I are well versed in the matter."

"Naruto, please, I'm sorry!" She begs, finally finding her voice. How could she be so stupid? He is the one good constant in her life, she couldn't throw his strong calming presence away because of this. She needed him around even if she couldn't be with him.

Stopping dead in his tracks he lowers his head letting out a heavy sigh. "Just sort yourself okay Izuki?"

Lifting his head, sending a glance over his shoulder he sees the tear shed redhead slowly nodding her head before whispering, "I will, just please don't leave me."

Turning around slowly he begins to open his mouth only to shut it again. He wasn't sure what to tell her, he didn't want her to cling to him and get hurt even worse, but he also hated seeing her look so dejected. Looking to the sky as if searching for answers in the vastness, he found none. Finally he decided to speak his mind, what else could he do? "I won't leave, but you can't keep hurting yourself with your false ideals and preconceived notions. I told you how it would be from the get go, if you can't be just my friend we'll have to sever this friendship and only be coworkers. I won't have you incessantly hurting yourself because of me, that's all I can offer."

Hearing that he's not outright abandoning her brings her a small sense of relief. Wiping her tear tracked cheeks she sniffles her plea again, "okay, I'll work on it, just please don't leave."

Biting his cheek out of anxiety, he wasn't sure she knew what she was saying, but he would allow her to try once, he couldn't do any more than that. "Alright, well I'm heading in, I think some space will do us both some good."

This wasn't the answer she wanted, she still felt hopeless, but what could she do? This is the only way she could keep him in her life, and she needed him one way or another. Looking down at her lap desperately grabbing at the hem of her shirt like it's the only thing keeping her grounded she nods, softly agreeing. "Okay."

Closing his eyes and drawing in a deep breath, desperately trying to centre himself. Feeling his anxiousness slightly ebbing he opens his eyes offering Izuki a quick head nod before turning around disappearing back inside the building, leaving the emotional girl behind.

"Wow, I didn't expect it to be this big." Sasuke comments staring up at the modern glass building before him.

Itachi snorts as he punches in the code to unlock the door. "Yeah, you wouldn't expect buildings like these hidden away in a quaint little town would you? I completely forgot that you haven't been here yet."

Sasuke shakes his head as he follows Itachi in through the entry. "No, I really didn't. Makes a little more sense why father wants this to be headquarters. How many floors is it?"

Itachi answers as they walk past the empty reception desk making their way towards the elevator. "It's thirty floors."

Entering the elevator Sasuke nods. "Is anybody here?" It was blatantly obvious how void of life the building seems but for some strange reason Sasuke found the need to fill the silence with light conversation.

Not bothering to look at his brother, Itachi informs him while pressing the thirtieth floor button, "only the cleaning staff are here today, it is Sunday after all."

Ignoring the snarky Sunday remark, Sasuke smirks when he realises they're going to the top floor. "How's it feel having a top floor office?"

"The view is quite nice." Itachi answers smugly, earning him a snort from Sasuke.

Walking through the lobby and making it to the thirtieth floor, Sasuke would say that the building has a very modern feel to it. The floors are tiled in large dark grey tiles and their drop ceilings and walls a brilliant white, giving the space a very bright, open vibe which is nice for an office to have. Like the lobby there is an identical reception desk, they're all white with black marble tabletops with the red and black Sharingan Corp name and logo splayed across the front. The reception area was a large open concept design, it had a few sections of sleek black seats, off to the side there was a little nook with a variety of different types of teas and coffees where anyone waiting could indulge themselves.

Walking past the reception area the brothers make their way through head directly towards Itachi's office. This floor was reserved for the higher ups offices and house the conference rooms for the various meetings they have on any given day. The office doors were stained a shade of dark Mocha. When the two brothers approached Itachi's office Sasuke noticed how his office was the only one that had two doors.

Itachi unlocks his office, pushing the dual doors open, the sight effectively surprises Sasuke. Itachi's office is a complete contrast to his bedroom and home office. The floors are a brilliant white ceramic with walls just as bright. He has a black leather sectional, white tables with white and grey marble tabletops to the immediate right and his desk centred to the left is a long sleek black with a black and white marble tabletop. Itachi's office was at the corner of the building so two walls simply put, were walls of glass, giving a view that reaches past the town's limits. It really is a splendid view.

The remaining two walls were layered with elegant paintings and shelving that housed family photos and various awards he's received while working at the company. A few plants and sculptures were strategically placed throughout the office as well. All sculptures seemed to be ones Itachi couldn't part with from his ex, and famed artist Deidra. He was one of those artists that didn't believe in last names. To the far back right of his office Itachi had his own bar, mini fridge and all, where anything from water to whiskey could be found.

Walking over to his desk Itachi places his briefcase on his desk, opening and rummaging through the heap of files. Sasuke stands in the doorway taking the sight in before making his way over to the wall of floor to ceiling windows.

"It really is a view, you weren't kidding." Sasuke marvels. The sun was setting, casting beautiful hues of pinks, purples and oranges cascading over the landscape.

Turning slightly before continuing his search, Itachi smirks, "I told you. This is the tallest building this town has, hard to beat that."

Sasukes shakes his head sporting an amused look as he walks over to his brother's fridge grabbing a bottle of water. "You want anything?"

"Ah, water would be fine, thanks." Itachi responds sounding somewhat distracted.

Grabbing two bottles of expensive glass bottled water Sasuke walks over handing one to his brother. "Here you go."

Itachi takes the bottle appreciatively. "Thank you Sasuke."

After taking a drink, Sasuke quickly starts to feel bored. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Ah," Itachi looks up at Sasuke before walking over to the pile of folders on the other side of his desk. Grabbing the pile he brings them over, handing them to Sasuke, "I need you to look through these and find all the forms I need to sign, and the ones that are already signed I need you to alphabetize and run them down to Ebisu's office on twenty seven.

Sasuke brings the folders to the couch and uses the coffee table to help his sort through the cluster. Finally finding all the unsigned documents, he alphabetized them ahead of time just so it's easier after Itachi signs them to get them sent off properly.

"What are these for anyways? He asks Itachi curiously. Sasuke wasn't really reading them, just searching for signatures or lack thereof, for Itachi to go in on a Sunday they must have been important, so his curiosity undoubtedly peaked.

"With me taking over within the next week everything is being transferred under my name, so Instead of fathers they need my signature. Some are to do with staff transfers, others are to do with our different partnerships more or less." Itachi shrugs uninterested. To a normal person it would appear Itachi wasn't thrilled, but in reality it was just his Uchiha genes.

"Ah," Sasuke nods. He can't help but picture being in Itachi's shoes, after all this is what he's destined to do as well, though he wouldn't dare tell anybody it wasn't really his dream. Being an Uchiha you do as is expected of you, and he will continue to follow that path and make his family proud.

Sasuke makes his way down to the twenty seventh floor and finds Ebisu's office quickly. With the building being so open it made navigating rather easy which Sasuke was grateful for. Placing the folders in the in box Sasuke locks the office behind him before making his way up to his brothers office again, all while trying to picture working there.

Entering Itachi's office Sasuke was about to flop down on the couch only to get interrupted. "Hey Sasuke can I get you to make me copies for a few documents?"

"Sure, where's the copy room?" he asks as he walks to Itachi's desk grabbing the folders he's holding out for him.

"Thanks. It's down the right hall from the reception area. Once you see the kitchen you'll find it, it's right next door to it." Itachi explains.

"Right, how many copies of each then?" Sasuke asks phlegmatically.

As he goes through the pile of documents he's currently working through Itachi answers without even having to think. "Three of each if you will, the copiers are all the same as the other offices so you should be able to work it out."

With a quick nod Sasuke is off once again with one thought in his mind, 'I feel like his assistant.'

Naruto wasn't sure how, but he managed to get through his shift without murdering someone. His only goal now was to get to his place of residence, keeping the murder free streak up. He was hesitant about getting home, not only because of the possibility of Minato, but the fact that he's going to be sleeping alone again. He found it rather comforting to sleep with the raven in his embrace last night, and that frightened him. He couldn't help but wonder if it would affect Sasuke at all, he figured it probably wouldn't but he still wondered.

'Ah, I wonder how your night was.' Naruto finds himself wondering as he makes his way home, Reptilian by Nine Inch Nails playing through his earbuds.

Arriving home, Naruto finds himself feeling spoiled, making him frown. Minato wasn't home again and he was starting to get used to the peace which is something he can't afford. He needs to keep his guard up, he seems to be slipping a lot lately.

Stripping himself of his earbud and shoes he makes his way to the kitchen to throw together a quick turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato before retiring to his room for the night. Unlocking his phone as he eats his sandwich he realises it's already 12am and he hadn't text Sasuke yet. He found himself missing the raven, so keeping true to his promise he sends him a text letting him know he's home.

Naruto:

Hey teme, I'm home.

Several minutes go by with no response, the blonds sandwich long gone by now. Having nothing to distract himself now, he finds himself cursing himself for already being so dependent on the older teen.

'He must be sleeping.' he mentally sighs. This really was a problem, he hated feeling reliant on anybody, but he couldn't help himself.

Not being tired in the least, Naruto decides to add all the pictures from camping to his google drive to share them with Sasuke for their catalogue. Upon adding them he notices Sasuke had already added his, looking through them all for shits and giggles, he couldn't help but gasp. He had never seen himself looking so carefree in his life. Not even in the band pictures he has. His eyes seemed to almost glimmer for the first time ever. Sasuke pictures were something as well, he can't tell from personal experience, but even though he was looking his usual apathetic self, there was something about his eyes that betrayed the look and feel he was trying to give off. Without noticing it, Naruto had a soft, carefree smile splayed across his tanned face. Before he knew it a notification popped up, causing an even bigger smile to stretch.

Teme:

Sorry dobe, I passed out. Can I call you?

Naruto:

No worries and sure.

Narutos phone starts to buzz immediately, he almost never has the actual volume turned up.

Naruto answers, "hey."

"Hey," a raspy sounding raven responds.

Naruto chuckles, "you sound sleepy, you didn't have to worry about answering you know."

Sasuke scoffs, and Naruto can practically feel the eye roll. "I wanted to talk dobe. I didn't mean to pass out, it just kind of happens."

"Still, you sound sleepy." the blond points out.

"I'm fine dobe. Anyways, how was work?" Sasuke asks between a stretched yawn.

Naruto grunts remembering the events of his night. "Well I didn't murder anybody, so I have that going for me."

The raven snorts in response. "That good huh? What happened?"

Naruto lets out an irritated groan. "Do you remember that girl you met at my work?"

"Izuki?" Sasuke mutters feeling irritated at just the mention of her.

"That would be her. Well she lost it on me today because I didn't return her feelings." Naruto sighs, giving Sasuke just enough information without revealing the intricacies of their previous open coworker ship.

With an irritated eyebrow twitch, Sasuke is fully awake now, he knew she was all over his blond, hearing the confirmation of it does nothing to eb his resentment towards the woman who works with his blond. "What did she do?" He asks trying not to sound possessive but fails miserably at.

"She cried and yelled and pretty much blamed me for everything, saying I'm just like everyone else treating her like shit." Naruto let out a long groan thinking back at the sobbing woman.

Sasuke clicks his tongue in annoyance. "Tch, you even let her just volunteer you for her shifts when she wants to go off and get fucked up, how can she say you treat her like shit? It's honestly better for her to know you have no feelings for her sooner rather than later."

"Right?! I told her as soon as we started getting close that I could never be with her, I was never going to be in a relationship." Naruto mutters exasperated.

"What do you mean you were never going to be in a relationship?" Sasuke grumbles. Hearing the blonds' lack of interest in relationships made his heart drop. He wasn't sure he should take it as he was a mistake or special. He was clearly hoping for the latter.

Realising his poor choice in words, Naruto tries to explain, "I don't mean I regret trying this out. I admit we probably jumped in a little too quickly without thinking everything through, but I truly want to give us a shot Sasuke, I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't. That being said, you are my first relationship, I never saw myself wanting to try before, but with you I do. This may sound cheesy, and most people don't understand, but...Wait, actually let me ask you something first, What do you think of soulmates?"

He wasn't sure why, but Sasuke felt like he was hit with a ton of bricks, like he was supposed to remember something that he couldn't. Taking a deep breath he answers honestly, "um, well I don't know. I guess it's not something I've really thought about before. I guess I would say I can't prove or disprove them."

"Well you see, I've always believed in them. I just thought, what's the point in being with someone if I was never going to be with them forever you know? Seems counterproductive." Naruto clarifies nervously. He didn't want Sasuke to think he found their budding relationship pointless, but he wasn't going to lie to him about his lack of past relationships.

"So what does that mean for us?" Sasuke sulks, not liking the way this conversation is going.

"I honestly don't know, but what I do know Sasuke is that you are the first person who's ever made me revoke my code. You are the first person who I want to try, I'm not going to freak you out by declaring you my soulmate or anything, but you are definitely special." Naruto stammers nervously but also being completely honest.

The raven smiles, responding in barely a whisper "I, I think you're special too." A warm feeling engulfs Sasukes chest while feeling the flutter of thousands of butterflies in his stomach.

Naruto feels that same foreign feeling creep into him and both teens sit there smiling like fools, listening to the soothing sound of each other's breaths. Naruto is the first to break their trance clearing his throat. "So, how was your day after you dropped me off?"

Sasuke was feeling grateful to the blond for finding something to converse about, he wasn't sure he could handle much more vulnerability tonight. "Oh, well Itachi bugged me about us, then I ended up going with him to the offices that I hadn't been to yet and helping a bit. Actually I have to send you a picture after, the view from his office is amazing, you can see past the city limits, it's amazing, hold on I'll send it now."

"Alright," Naruto chuckles, waiting to see the view that has amazed the great Sasuke Uchiha.

"Alright, sent." confirms the raven.

Opening the photos Narutos is momentarily speechless. Displayed before him is the town's skyline casted with vibrant purples, pinks and oranges. Naruto had to agree with Sasuke, "wow, you weren't kidding."

"Told you, the sunset just made it even better. Anyways after helping Itachi he was teaching me a few things I hadn't learned yet. After that we went home and my parents were home so we went out to dinner, then came home and accidentally passed out reading." Sasuke ended up surprising both Naruto and himself with the depth of detail he explained regarding his day. Had it been anyone else he would have grunted at them and then conversation would've been done.

The two teens continue to talk until 2am comes around, by that point Naruto can hear Sasuke trying to keep himself awake causing the blond to chuckle. "Alright, well I think it's time for some sleep, you sound like you're about to pass out."

"Hn, am not." mumbles a sleepy raven.

"Heh, whatever you say, anyways I'll see you tomorrow at school yeah?" The blond says softly, not wanting to disturb the half asleep raven on the other end.

Sasuke lets out a long yawn, "Hn, alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Good night dobe, sweet dreams."

Naruto lets out a soft chuckle, "Yeah, Night teme, sweet dream."

Hanging up the phone Naruto goes and completes his bed time routine only to come back to his room and find himself still not sleepy.

'I should have fallen asleep on the phone with Sasuke.' he mentally grumbles to himself.

Setting his phone he climbs into bed and takes the time to go see Kurama, whenever he absolutely couldn't sleep his giant companion always helped, plus he had some things to discuss with the giant furball anyways. Closing his eyes he drifts to Kurama.

"Hey Kurama, how have you been?" He asks sheepishly. Truthfully he felt a bit silly waiting so many days before finally conversing with his companion.

"Heh, finally have time for me huh?" Kurama grumbles, feigning annoyance. One of the fox's favourite pastimes is teasing its jinchūriki.

"Tch, like you were doing anything but sleeping." Teases the blond, obviously knowing the fox wasn't truly irritated with him.

The fox opens its eyes and chuckles, "That's besides the point brat. So what's up?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things if that's alright?" Naruto asks. Even though he knew Kurama would never deny him, it still felt polite to ask first.

The fox snorts, "go for it, I'm guessing you found out something about the being searching for me?" Kurama was truly curious as to what transpired after Naruto returned from his mind that day.

The blond sighs," Yea, and no. Part of it is about that, part isn't. First the "being" was an older looking man, I didn't talk to him but he gave me a note saying he's going to explain things to me next time he's in town and that I don't need to be afraid of him. That day he ended up drawing me directly in front of him and he seemed as surprised as I was."

Kurama takes in the information being presented to him before asking, "did you get his name or anything?"

Naruto shakes his head, "no, the most I got was Mr. J. That's how he signed off his letter he left."

The fox raises his non-existent eyebrow, "What do you mean left, didn't you say he gave it to you?"

Remembering how the note came about Naruto scoffs, shaking his head again, "no, he taped it to my front door, he was lucky I was home alone."

"Ah, I see, did he say anything else?" Kurama inquires, curiosity evident in its voice.

"Something about searching for a while and not expecting me. I'm guessing he expected to find you, not us. And like I mentioned before, he said I didn't need to fear him, that it was the opposite, whatever that means. What do you make of it?" Naruto asks after trying to explain.

The fox ponders, mulling things over in it's mind. "Hm, well if he was truly after me, I guess he wouldn't have just left you and informed you he was returning. That being said I have no idea who he is or what he wants. It takes a very special person to be able to do what he did, he's no ordinary man."

Naruto hangs his head and sighs. "Any advice on the matter then?"

Looking at the blond sympathetically, Kurama says, "just whatever you decide to do, be careful."

Looking back up, Naruto hesitantly nods. "Alright." He figured he still had a while until he needed to worry about meeting this mysterious man anyways, no use in fretting over it now.

Kurama chuckles at the exasperated teen. "Now, now, don't be so down, what else did you want anyways?"

The blond throws his head back and groans, "It was about my soulmate. You know how I stay away from relationships because I'm waiting for my one and only?"

The fox nods, "Yes, and?"

Raising his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, Naruto takes a deep breath then sighs, "well I threw caution to the wind and I have my first boyfriends."

The mind space they were currently occupying began to rumble from the deep baritone laugh of the fox spirit. "Is that all, you sounded like you were about to tell me something terrible."

"Kurama! I'm being serious, I think he might be my soulmate, and you're making fun of me?!" The teen scolds his overly amused companion.

Taking a few deep breaths trying to calm down, Kurama paws away a stray tear. "Phew, sorry Naruto, but you really need to have a little good in your life. You were acting like a relationship was going to kill you."

"What's the point when I know none of them will last? I'm not into wasting time." Naruto grumbles back.

"So what makes you think this boy might be your soulmate?" Kurama curiously asks, finding itself rather intrigued, knowing Naruto would flat out deny any sort of relationship that wasn't purely physical. The fox wanted to know more about this human who has captivated its jinchūriki.

"Oh I don't know, maybe it's the fact that I've only known him a couple weeks and he's managed to convince me to ask him out! Or maybe it's the fact that I can't stop thinking about him, or the fact that he makes me feel warm and tingly and I get this feeling in my chest like my heart is going to jump out of my body. He makes me feel an annoying flutter in my stomach that I can't keep at bay no matter how hard I try. He makes me feel hopeful and happy. These things confuse the hell out of my Kurama! Is this what a soulmate's supposed to make you feel like?" Naruto asks following his jumbled rant.

Shaking its head at the confused teen before it, Kurama chuckles, "Naruto, calm down. As for your question, unfortunately I can't answer that for you, only you can. What I can tell you though is if he is your soulmate, a time will come where you'll just know. This is why I told you your refusal of relationships wouldn't work, how are you supposed to find your soulmate if you don't search? If you think this boy might be it, go for it, test your theory, see where it goes, at the very least you'll get some joy in your previously gloomy life."

"Argh, why is this stuff so confusing?" Naruto mumbles in frustration.

"Sorry Naruto, but this is just one of those things only you can find answers for." Kurama's voice was laced with sympathy. The fox really wished it could give Naruto all the answers, but that just wasn't possible, especially in this instance.

Naruto hangs his head, finding the floor particularly interesting. "I know, sorry for being a downer, I just want something to be simple for a change you know?"

Bringing one of its tails forwards, Kurama uses the tip to lift the teens face so they're looking at each other. "You don't need to apologise to me, just be a bit easier on yourself is all I ask."

"Yeah, alright Kurama I'll try." Naruto nods his head slowly, he figured Kurama was right, he couldn't rightfully find out if Sasuke was his soulmate if he doesn't take it seriously and put effort into finding out.

Kurama smirks at the teen, pleased at the prospect of making some leeway with his troubled psyche. "That's the spirit. Now was there anything else?"

Blushing slightly, Naruto rubs the back of his neck, nervously mumbling, "well I was kind of sort of going to ask if you could help me get some sleep tonight?"

"Of course brat." The fox whispers gently. Without hesitation Kurama extends a tail, wrapping it around Narutos body, bringing him through the bars and close to the giant foxes body where it can wrap more tails around him, effectively lulling the restless teen to sleep almost immediately.

Kurama smiles gently at its precious jinchūriki, preparing for its own slumber, the fox whispers softly, "Good night Naruto."