I was thinking of posting this up tomorrow but I felt guilty for the long wait. Some warnings (please read) before you read on:
.Please bare with me for maintaining the Japanese suffix in this story despite the non-Jap setting, I have good reasons to do so.
.Naruto's explanation might be a bit lengthy, I was still planning the plot when I wrote it so it didn't go as smooth as I imagined it to.
.Plus, expect some OOCness in this chapter; I tried to put everyone in their characters.
.Oh, and I know Shisui is a male in canon, but please bare with me of the changes I made for him in this story; I promised someone for it. Please don't hate me...

Standard disclaimer applies. Unbeta-ed.

"Otousan! I'm home!" Sae yelled brightly. Naruto winced at the shrilly voice. Did he use to be like that? Ouch…

"Otousan?" Sae asked again and when he heard noises from the back, he grinned widely.

'Now I can see how Sasuke would look like with a grin so wide,' Naruto chuckled inwardly, with hurt that he refused to acknowledge.

"Please, have a sit first Uzumaki-san. I'll be right back with some tea," Sae said politely, limping away into the kitchen at the back before Naruto could say anything.

Naruto took a look around. This looked like the old home, he realized. But there was major redecorating interiorly. And it looked like part of the house was extended.

However, although the layout followed the old Uchiha residence, the furniture and decorations were different. They looked old though. Almost as if they were second hand. Naruto frowned at this. Not that he looked down on less fortunate people now that he's rich and famous, but he was puzzled at why Sasuke didn't use the money he sent…?

Naruto saw a couple of pictures on the wall and on the table against the wall. It couldn't hurt to look at Sasuke's new family pictures, right?

Even as he said that, he felt that tug on his heart again.

Naruto chose to ignore it.

As he looked at the pictures, he became aware that most of the pictures were Sae and Sasuke. 'Where is Sasuke's wife's picture?' he thought absently.

Finally he came across one. There was only one picture in the bundle that has a female inside it- Sasuke's wedding picture. It was taken in front of the local church, he recognized the building. 'Is that it?'

There was a sudden 'clang' from the back that brought Naruto back into the reality. The sudden commotion immediately calmed down. Naruto was torn on whether he should go and see what's going on, or just stay where he is.

He didn't need to decide when Sae's voice apologized to him. "I'm sorry, Uzumaki-san. Otousan is a bit jumpy today, for some reason," he shrugged. Naruto could guess exactly why. The boy must have told the elder Uchiha that Uzumaki Naruto was in the living room.

Sae put down the tray with an empty cup on a saucer and a pot of tea. The young boy poured down the tea into the cup and instantly the smell of jasmine from the tea filled the living room.

'He even still drinks the same jasmine tea…'

"Sae…" Naruto started. The said boy looked up to him in question.

"If you have clean water in a small basin, a cleaned towel, some gauze and band aid and some ice, I could tend to your wound. It's my fault that I hit you today."

Sae seemed hesitated. But he nodded and went to get the things Naruto requested. However, it was not before "It was actually my fault for running across the street without looking right and left first, Uzumaki-san…" softly.

Naruto sipped the tea, wondering where Sasuke was. Would he come out in rage at Naruto for running into his son?

When Sae came with all the things in hands for two rounds and put them down on the coffee table in front of Naruto and then took off again for the third time, Naruto was puzzled. But when he heard Sae's voice and then the voice that he longed to hear replied to the younger Uchiha, Naruto unconsciously stopped breathing.

'It's a bit deeper… And rich,' Naruto realized, 'like dark chocolate…'

Sae came back with a small smile. "Otousan will come soon," he simply said when Naruto bent to dip the white towel into the water. Naruto nodded.

He heard the shuffle of feet and could literally feel the movement of Sasuke as he took his seat on a single couch next to Sae but he didn't dare to look up and look into the face he missed so much.

'Why Sasuke? Why must you hurt me this way?' Naruto refused to let the tears to form. He gently cleaned the wound.

Sae who didn't understand or know the former relationship of his father and the man opposite him was ignorance to the tension built. But Naruto could feel it and it was starting to make him uncomfortable- very uncomfortable.

"Naruto…" suddenly Sasuke decided to break the silence. Naruto's hands on Sae's knees stopped. "I'm sorry for my son's recklessness. He… could be careless that it can be very dangerous sometimes. Sae, have you apologized to Uzumaki-san?" His voice was clipped, but there was hint of concern and worry there.

"Yes, Otousan… I… I'm sorry for making you worry too, Otousan" Only now did Naruto dare to look up. He saw Sae's bowed head, like he was ashamed of his carelessness. In his guilt, the boy was oblivious to the way his father treat Naruto with familiarity when he called Naruto by his first name instead of Uzumaki-san.

Naruto was about to say 'He's only 7, Sasuke' but the words died in his throat as he saw Sasuke's eyes- dull and greyish black instead of intense black that he remembered.

His gaze kept on observing the elder Uchiha and he almost gasped. Years of training in observation due to his line of works made Naruto very aware of subtle changes. Sasuke, although apart from growing taller, broader shoulder and paler skin, Naruto realized that his gaze wasn't fixed on him, but rather on the wall behind him.

Sasuke was also seated in a different couch from him and Sae- he did wonder why was there was a different couch that seemed didn't match with the rest, but it was forgotten when he saw the pictures earlier.

Sae, as though understanding their guest's shock, voiced out. "Uh… Probably I should have told you earlier Uzumaki-san… that my father… uh…-"

"I'm blind, Naruto," Sasuke cut his son. Sae looked at his father, stunned.

As if sensing his son's shock, Sasuke turned to Sae, based on where the voice came from. "Uzumaki-san and I were friends back then… In fact, he actually came from this town," Sasuke explained softly.

"Honto?!" Sae asked excitedly. Sasuke nodded.

"Uh… Yeah…" Naruto said nervously. Why was Sasuke so calm? He was at awe at how gentle Sasuke is with his son. 'Duh, you idiot! It's his son! What do you expect?!'

Sasuke turned to Naruto's direction. "Okaeri, Naruto." Welcome back…

"Tadaima…" he answered back just as softly, blue eyes trying to explore any emotion at all from the dull eyes. But he found none; only endless, bottomless grey pit.

I'm home… Sasuke…

000

And so Naruto agreed to have dinner and stay the night over at the Uchiha residence- for old time's sake, just as Sasuke has said it.

"I'm afraid you have will have to use Sae's room. We only have two rooms in this house and Sae will sleep with me tonight," Sasuke had said earlier when he asked Sae to tidy up his room.

When Sasuke came back, he had with him a change of dark shirt and track pants, a white towel and a toothbrush on top of it. "Here," Sasuke gave it to him. "Sae, please take Naruto to your room." Sasuke instructed his son. Soon, Sae showed him where the bathroom was too.

A couple of things puzzled Naruto as he showered and changed. Sasuke seemed like the old Sasuke he had known, only taller, sharper and more define features on his face; just like as he had been, Naruto reasoned. But… the calmness that Sasuke exerted was not him at all. Sure he was stoic and a bit cold back then, but he also had big temper. Naruto had seen none of that today. The calmness in Sasuke now was more like, I'm-content-with-what-I-have-now-calmness and it made Naruto anxious.

Because that was not the Uchiha Sasuke that he knew. The Sasuke whom he remembered back then was full of competitive spirit and always strived to achieve higher. Even with sight disability, he wouldn't let anyone get in the way of his goals.

It was as though it was still the same Sasuke, but at the same time it was not.

And then, there was a question of the lady of the house. 'Maybe she was the one who brought up this sense of calmness in Sasuke?' Naruto wondered. Unconsciously his hand rubbed the upper side of his left chest… where his heart was located. It hurts; Naruto wanted to be the one who brought Sasuke his happiness and calmness!

But where was she? Maybe she's the one who has to take the role of the breadwinner in the family now?

Maybe she'd be coming back this evening, to join them for dinner?

Back into the arms of her loving husband?

Naruto paled and dreaded for that moment.

'Get a grip, Naruto! You're an actor for nothing if you can't act this time! Sure it's not for a film or drama… Sure it's a real life… but it's for the one who you l-' he cut himself off and shook his head vigorously.

'I'll deal with it when the time comes' Putting on his bright and sunny smile, Naruto got out to help the duo in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

After all, Naruto could care less if the grin was fake or not. The only one who could detect if it's genuine or not couldn't see it anymore.

Naruto would be safe- for now.

000

When Naruto got into the kitchen-slash-dining area, he saw that dinner was already cooked, and Sae was setting up the table. Naruto silently helped the young boy, who flashed him a wide thank you smile.

Only after the table was set did Naruto realize that the table was set only for three people. "Uh… Why are there only 3 plates?" he asked, uncertain.

Sae looked up at him once he had put the salad on the table. The unshed tears in the boy's obsidian eyes shocked Naruto. "O-Okaasan…" he said before chocked and cough. Pink lips trembled, pouting a bit. "Okaasan…" Sae started again but failed when words stuck in his throat.

"Shisui died after giving birth to Sae… It was a… complicated and long labour," Sasuke answered in stead of his son when he came and put the warmed roasted chicken. Sae mumbled 'excuse me' and ran into his room.

Naruto looked at Sasuke in guilt, forgetting that Sasuke could not see.

"I'm sorry… Please have a seat and start first while I go and talk to Sae. I won't be a minute," Sasuke bowed slightly and walked calmly and expertly to where Sae had gone.

Naruto took a seat, biting his lower lip. 'What have I done?'

A moment later, Sasuke came and took the seat in the middle, the place where usually the head of family sat.

"Sae… he has always thought that it was his fault that Shisui died giving birth to him," Sasuke started. "No matter how many times I assure him, he still couldn't convince himself that he's not at fault…" Sasuke sighed.

"I… I didn't know that… I'm sorry," This time, Naruto really didn't know what to say. And he felt stupid too, for having a great jealousy against someone who was not even with Sasuke anymore.

"What are you saying sorry for? You couldn't have known," Sasuke's sudden clip voice startled Naruto.

"That's what I'm sorry for. For everything. For everything that has happened and for not being here," Naruto defended. Why Sasuke was suddenly changed?

"Hn," Naruto's eyes widen again. Now this was the Sasuke whom he had known from back then.

"Fine…" Naruto grumbled in annoyance. 'If he wants it to be that way, let him be', Naruto decided.

A moment later, Sae came, eyes still a bit red but he was now smiling. "I'm sorry…" he said sheepishly and proceed to put some salad on his father's plate and his plate. Seeing this, Naruto cut the chicken and helped the little boy to serve dinner too.

There was initial silence during dinner, which made Naruto squirmed uncomfortably, being not use to silence. Thankfully Sae broke the silence.

"A-Ano…" Sae looked at Naruto.

"Hmm?"

"Can I call you Naruto-san? Since… since you know Otousan… you're like a friend of his, I supposed…"

Naruto smiled. "Of course you can. I mean, technically I came from here after all!" He grinned.

Sae's eyes widen, excitement showed in his eyes. "So… are you on holiday or something?" Sae asked excitedly. "Naruto-san is that guy in t.v., Tousan!" he explained to his father. Sasuke only nodded, understanding.

"Actually, we're shooting some scenes here. These are the last few shots. Most of them have been done back in the city and Sydney. I have a couple of days rest before we start," Naruto explained.

"Sugoi…!! Can I come and watch?!"

"Sae..." Sasuke voiced, disapproved.

Naruto shot Sasuke an irritated glance. But when he looked at Sae, sunny grin was in place. "Of course you can! You can bring your friends too, if you want. I'll talk to the director and the crews to prepare some refreshments and a space for you to watch us filming!" he said excitedly too.

"Where are you filming, Naruto?" Sasuke asked, temperature dropped a few degrees.

"Huh? Oh! At Bridgetown, It's only 20 to 30 minutes drive from here anyway."

"Otousan…. Can I go? Please?" Sae asked quickly.

Sasuke sighed. "And how do you suppose you're going there, young man?"

"Oh, don't worry about it! I'll ask one of the crew to come and pick them up in a van, so Sae can bring more friends. You're in the Primary School now, aren't you, Sae?" Sae nodded. "Good, we can come and pick you up there after school!"

"Yay!! And impromptu after-school trip!" Sae cheered, flinging his hands upwards.

"Wow, that's a very big word for a young boy like you here!" Naruto grinned at the little boy. Sae laughed, flushing adorably at the compliment. "Thank you, Naruto-san…" he said shyly.

"You better bring them back here before sunset, D-Naruto. I don't want other parents to get worried and blame me for their children's disappearance." Sasuke said after a moment of silence.

"Sure, sure!" Naruto said carelessly. Some things would never change, huh? "Oh… Maybe I could talk to Iruka-sensei and he can escort you guys. That way, other parents won't worry so much, huh?" Naruto pondered, chewing his chicken slowly.

"You know Iruka-sensei?" Sae asked.

"Of course! He was our Primary School teacher, wasn't he, Sasuke?"

"Yeah…" Sasuke agreed slowly. "I'm surprised you even have an ounce of responsibility in that bone of yours, Naruto," he added after a moment.

"Hey! I resent that!" Naruto yelled, pouting. Sasuke chuckled softly. Sae looked in awe at his father. He's never seen him interact to anyone this close in such friendly way. Naruto-san must be a very good friend of his father back then. His respect for the blond increased.

"Iruka-sensei is still teaching at the school I take it then?"

"Yeah. He's Sae's grade teacher."

"Good. Then maybe I can go and talk to him tomorrow then."

Dinner was good. Naruto was explaining about the filming near his hometown, who would be there and what not; and Sae's occasional excited yell and Sasuke's nodding and soft responses. They laughed (except for Sasuke who just gave an occasional smirk or small smile) and it felt as though nothing bad was going to happen.

He then helped Sae to clean up the table and put away the remaining dinner into the fridge while Sasuke boiled some water.

"Would you like tea or coffee, Naruto?" he asked.

"Tea would be fine, I guess. I see you still like that jasmine tea, huh?"

"Hn."

While they drank their tea, Sae took his book bag and started on his homework. After a while, Naruto shifted uncomfortably. Sitting still was never his greatest forte.

"Sasuke…" he started whining.

"If you're bored, go and look at some pictures. It's on that bookshelf next to the entrance door." Sasuke said simply.

"Okay!" Naruto made his way towards the bookshelf and looked at them carefully. He saw the album and swiped his gaze onto the rest of the books. There was one shelf filled with Braille books.

"These Braille books are yours, Sasuke?" he asked carefully.

"Yes."

"You bought them?" Naruto know some books are expensive.

"I translated some books I borrowed from the library so that I could read some in my spare time. It was a practice back then too."

"You what?"

"I knew I was going blind, so I practiced as much as I could with reading and writing Braille. There's a Braille typewriter at that corner if you didn't notice."

"So you translated all of these?"

"Not all. There are a few, which I did after going completely sightless. Sae helped to read them and I typed."

With some of the books, there were titles written in English below the Braille system. Naruto noted some John Grisham and self-motivation books.

"You asked your 7 years old son to read adults' material?!" Naruto shrieked.

Sasuke looked like he rolled his eyes. "Actually… he was 5 and 6 when he helped me. Sae… is special that way. He's a very smart young man," Naruto noted that Sasuke never referred Sae as a 'boy' but young man instead.

"Yeah, but he should read kid's stuff…" Naruto complained.

"That's how he has wide range of vocabulary, Naruto," Sasuke defended himself. "Unlike some people I know…" he added softly, which made Sae stopped doing his homework, looked at his father in shock and suddenly burst out laughing.

"What did you say, Teme?! Sae's laughing at me now!" Naruto didn't realize how easy it was to get into his past routine of bickering and insulting his former best friend.

Sae stop short of laughing at this. What did Naruto-san called his father just now?!

Sasuke sighed. Naruto could be so troublesome sometimes. Couldn't he refrain himself from calling him that in front of Sae??

"I uh… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…"

Sasuke shook his head and stood up; the mug of tea was still in his hand. "I can see we're disturbing you doing your homework, Sae. I'll take this conversation outside, ne?" he said to Sae gently. Sae nodded and continued his works, mind still wondering how close exactly Naruto-san with his father back then. And how exactly their friendship worked? Or why his father never mentioned about Naruto-san at all if he was his best friend?

For the first time, Sae was distracted from his homework. Curiosity ate him more and more.

"Come on, Uzumaki. Maybe we can have a talk outside," Sasuke led the way onto the wooden patio in front of the house with a couple of wooden chairs next to each other, facing the road and entrance towards the property.

"But I wanted to have a look at the pictures!" Naruto whined childishly.

"You can have a look at it tomorrow. You'll still be here, are you not?"

"Well…. Yeah… Okay I guess… I can have a look at them tomorrow. Of course I'll be here tomorrow. And tomorrow night too!" Naruto gave him a big grin, forgetting that Sasuke couldn't see it.

"Hn."

They sat outside in silence for a couple of minutes, watching the dark blue blanket on the sky with sparkling stars across it. Naruto sipped his tea, eyes gazing from the 4WD he rented, to the green farm next to Sasuke's property, which at that moment was only black, and then to the man next to him.

'I've missed him so much… But I guess we both have changed… Though I'm not sure whether it's good or not.'

"So tell me, Naruto," Sasuke's deep voice, different from the younger version of himself started.

"How have you been? And where have you gone all this while?" he asked softly, again, different from the younger Sasuke.

Naruto contemplated his answer. "I don't really know where to begin…" he said.

Sasuke smirked suddenly. "You can start at why you've never send me any news since that phone call." Sasuke said. Only then did Naruto realized that this man next to him was hurt and he had kept it all repressed within himself. For a moment, Naruto was in awe. The boy who he adored back then has perfected his emotionless mask after all.

But when he was aware of the question that Sasuke asked him, his forehead scrunched up in a frown. "What are you talking about? I did send you a letter two weeks after that. I explained to you that I met someone named Jiraiya-sensei and explained that I wouldn't be able to keep in touch for a while because he was taking me overseas to continue my studies."

"No, you didn't!" Sasuke said accusingly.

"Of course I did!" Naruto felt hurt that Sasuke accused him wrongly. "I didn't know at that time if I could make any contact with you at all. It was a lot harder than I thought about finding a job in the city and after I met Jiraiya, he had spent so much on me that I'm not sure if I could use his money for my personal uses. So I explained to you that as soon as I have my own money, I'll contact you as soon as possible.

But when I received no reply, I assumed that you were still mad at me and that you'll come to your senses one day and realized that I am sorry for hurting you."

Sasuke had a look of disbelief on his face. "I didn't receive anything else from you for the past 10 years, Naruto," he said in icy voice.

"What do you mean nothing? I sent you a second letter with some money, teme! And apparently you received that because the check was bank into your bank account. But I never get any reply from you! I never thought you were like that."

"What money?" Sasuke asked in confusion. "And I was like what?"

"That money that I sent you! It was half of my pay too! I sent it 5 times, but when I never received any reply at all, I realized that you have used me only to get money, so I stopped sending you more. I never thought that you were like that- taking my money but never even say thanks!"

Sasuke's eyebrows were drawn together in confusion, but when he spoke, there was anger in it. "I told you, idiot, I have never received anything at all- apart that phone call, let alone money from you! You were gone and kept silence for 10 years and now you came back here to accuse me of gold-digging from you!"

"It was the truth!"

"It's never the truth! I didn't receive anything by mail or-" Sasuke suddenly stopped. His laboured breathing from anger started to calm down as his eyes squinted.

"Itachi!" he whispered in malice. "That son of a bitch!" he cursed.

Now it's Naruto's turn to be confused. "What?"

Sasuke shook his head, shaking the anger along with it. "Nothing…" he mumbled. "But I can assure you, Naruto. I never did get anything from you; that you have to believe me even if your head said otherwise. I would never take your money without any reason." Sasuke said, almost pleadingly.

"If you want me to pay you back whatever money you said you've sent me, I'll pay it back, but I ask you not to think of me as a gold-digger," his jaw was slightly clenched at this. Naruto knew Sasuke was a proud man, even when they were younger, Sasuke had that pride and ego and he knew that growing up, that character only grew more rooted in Sasuke.

Naruto was quiet, thinking. Half of him wanted desperately to believe Sasuke, but his logic kept nagging it didn't make any sense. Finally he surrendered to his instinct to trust Sasuke for the time being- unless situation changed in the future- seeing at how it took a lot from Sasuke to almost-plead at his innocence.

"Fine… I trust you… For now," Naruto added the last phrase after a moment of thinking.

Sasuke nodded. It would do for now. However, he was hurt that Naruto couldn't believe him.

"So," Sasuke started again, voice a lot calmer this time. "Tell me what has happened past 10 years…?"

Naruto looked at the stars and smiled weakly. "Like I said, going to the city to find a job wasn't as easy as I thought. I thought I could just walk into that ramen chain restaurant, Ichiraku- hey, is it still in Bridgetown?" Naruto turned to Sasuke.

"Aa."

"Good, I can go and have a bite there sometime," Naruto spoke excited, as though he lived there. "Anyway, I parked at the backpackers because it was cheap, I told you that," Naruto's tone lost its energy. "And what I thought would be an easy job-hunting turned out to be hard. Ichiraku didn't need extra worker and other places didn't seem to need new workers too, let alone a 15 year old kid with no educational background. I almost gave up and came back here, Sasuke."

Sasuke wanted to snicker at him and gave a nasty comment but held himself back. Instead, he listened to the blond carefully.

"And then one day I was at the park, arguing with myself to go home or not when this guy named Ebisu approached me. He said he's a talent scout and that his boss had seen me a couple of days before and was intrigue by my look and spirit. He asked me to come with him and I did."

The paler man wanted to interrupt saying 'Are you idiot! That's very dangerous!' but Naruto cut him before he could say it, "That's when I met him- Jiraiya-sensei. He suddenly produced a camera, which till now I have no idea where it came from!" Naruto rolled his eyes, but his voice held an excitement quality to it.

"And he took some of my photos and called a few people to get me cleaned up, changed and touched up my face and he took some more photographs. And when he showed me my pictures, he looked and sounded so excited, I have no idea why!

"Then he asked me if I want to become a model and actor. I have no idea why he asked me that, it was not like I can pose in a picture or act anyway, so I said I just want a job and get lots of money. You know that, Sasuke, because that was what we've agreed on before I left."

Sasuke nodded.

"Jiraiya-sensei suddenly laughed and he said I could get a job with him, but I must agree to go overseas with him. I was reluctant at first but when I asked if going with him means I could eat lots and lots of ramen, I'd agree." Sasuke sweat-dropped at this.

"He laughed again, but he agreed. So I followed him to France, and then to the States. He enrolled me into school and university so I could learn how to act and model. I wrote the first letter to you before I left, hoping you could reply. But Jiraiya had booked ticket and all and I couldn't wait so long or come back here to say goodbye," Naruto looked into the mug of tea in his laps, voice dropping a bit.

"And my career sort if started from there. I was in school, but I also did some modelling, only small roles here and there, but I saved the money for emergencies." Naruto chuckled. "But most of them ended up in ramen anyway. Overseas ramen is so expensive, you couldn't believe it!" Sasuke sweat-dropped again here.

"Jiraiya paid for my school and everything else, so if I need something for my personal uses I couldn't use his money, ne?" In a way, Sasuke understood Naruto's logic, so he could understand why it was hard for Naruto to contact him personally.

He didn't like to burden other people like that.

"But the biggest pay I got, was when I left high school and got an offer to be in one of the group singers' music video back there. That was the first half of my pay check that I sent to you too."

Sasuke nodded, but fist balled in anger. Naruto saw this, but he didn't really know what Sasuke was thinking, so he could only wait if the dark-haired man offered any explanation.

He didn't, so Naruto continued.

"Jiraiya-sensei let me took a year off and learned about modelling around France. I imagined he pulled a lot of strings to get me used to the modelling scenes. It was fun, I guess, but it was very busy too. I seldom get a lot of sleep because of that. And I didn't get many chances to think about home… about you especially. So I can understand if you hate me for the absence of contact. I was totally of fault at that…" Sasuke could hear guilt and anguish in them.

"I never hate you, Naruto…" Sasuke said softly after a moment. "Even till now, I can never hate you," he added.

The sunny blond felt like a burden was lift from his shoulder. He let go of breath that he didn't know he was holding.

"Anyway, all in all, we stayed in France for almost 4 years before sensei took me to the States for me to attend university to learn acting. Don't ask me why, he just said so and I agreed because he bribed me with ramen…"

Really… Sasuke didn't know how many times he had sweat-drop at Naruto's mention of ramen tonight.

"I acted a bit here and there, in some theatres- mainly in the university, and did some modelling. When I got out, I don't know from where the offers came from but it came non-stopped. I guess I did make some name and reputation there. I travelled around a bit too- but mainly because of work.

"When I came back here about 3 years ago, it was also because of the job. And then I said to sensei that I want to focus on working here rather than in anywhere else at the moment. Maybe he saw I was a bit tired, or maybe he saw that I've been working my ass off for the past 7, 8 years that he agreed. He wanted to concentrate on writing anyway, so I based in here, in Australia; mainly Sydney though.

"But offers still came. Small roles at first, and then it got bigger. I really shouldn't use this as an excuse, Sasuke, but I was really busy."

"Aaa.." Sasuke believed him this time.

"When I received the script for this movie, I realized that we'll shoot a scene near this place. That was when I decided: this will be my last movie for now at least, and then I'm taking a month's break.

"I'll be on the move after the movie's done, Sasuke, but I'll be coming back here. I need a vacation and I want to spend it here, in this place. I want to meet everybody again." He smiled in the end, because he had dreamt of it so many times before.

There was a moment of silence. The air was filled with longing, past memories and distant happiness. Both young men had grown so much and seen so much that they both wanted the same thing now- to be like the old time, with no worries.

Just happiness. Just the two of them.

A sound of foot- running slowly approaching them made both turned to the entrance door.

"Otousan…" Sae called.

"Yes, Sae?"

"I've finished my homework."

"Okay…"

Sae walked slowly towards his father and stopped in front of him. Naruto watched as Sasuke put the empty mug on the floor and opened his arms. Sae smiled, a true content and genuine smile that made Naruto's heart lurched at the sight as the little boy hugged his father and kissed both of the paler man's cheek.

Sasuke too kissed the little boy's forehead and then on top of his head while whispering, "Good night" in between.

"Good night Otousan. Good night, Naruto-san." And with that, Sae walked inside.

Naruto never thought that Sasuke could be that gentle. His tongue was still tied when Sasuke got up. "We should call it a night too, Naruto."

"Uh.. yeah.."

The Uchiha head closed and locked the door and then proceed to switched off the lights around the house as Naruto followed him closely from behind.

"Good night, Sasuke," Naruto bid him softly.

Sasuke nodded as he went into his room, Sae already asleep at one side of the bed.

"Naruto," Sasuke called as he heard the other man closing the door. Naruto paused as he heard Sasuke's voice.

"Thank you," he smiled.

"Yeah..." Naruto looked down, floor seemed unknowingly more interesting. "I owed that to you anyway."

"Aa," Sasuke nodded again and closed his door.

000

Sasuke's eyes were wide open. He was sure it was almost an hour since he got into the room to sleep. The only sound that he could hear was Sae's calm breathing. That really soothed him up.

Why had Naruto come home? Now, after 10 years?

Didn't he know that he brought up a lot of buried emotions? The mixed emotions that he tried so hard to conceal and put aside a long time ago, especially after Sae was born.

Sasuke recalled the conversation he had with Naruto tonight. In a way, he was relieved that his former best friend didn't forget him in the past, or now for that matter too. At least some of the questions he asked so many times in the past were answered.

At least he knew now that Itachi was the reason he was angry at the blond for misplaced reasons and that in a way, Naruto was not at blame. There were questions he wanted Itachi to answer, but he couldn't until he meet the man himself and frankly Sasuke was at loss on how he could find Itachi.

Personally, he didn't know how he pulled up tonight's event so well. Heck, he didn't know if he could pull it off again tomorrow, especially since Naruto knew him so well and he was at disadvantage since he couldn't see the blonde's reaction now.

But then, he had perfected his mask over the years now hadn't he?

Only, the question now was… what were they now? Former best-friends? Still best-friends? Who was Sasuke now in Naruto's heart?

More importantly, he asked himself, what was Naruto to him now?

He asked himself the question over and over again as his hand unconsciously caressed Sae's soft hair.

Sometime, a parent had to put aside his needs and preferences for the sake of a child. And Sasuke's not about to put his happiness first when Sae's happiness was more important to him.

Sasuke closed his eyes; he had a lot of thinking to be done.

TBC
Next: Naruto met Iruka... Some things about Sasuke was revealed.

Oh, before I forget, there's a vacation present fic (Two Hearts) I brought back for those who haven't read it yet XD