Later On...

A/N: Hey everyone. Here's chapter 24. I hope you enjoy. Now that everyone's relationship or love interest has been exposed I'm going to start forming deeper bonds between the characters. Please Review and let me know what you think, it really helps. _Love- LovelyHearts06

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Naruto characters, or any of the liquid beverages featured in this chapter lol :P

Warning: Nothing really has changed. A little boyXboy kissing.

LATER ON

The popular Ichiraku Ramen Stand was especially busy tonight, but thanks to Naruto the group had two reserved seats just for them near the back of the restaurant. Kiba and Shino pushed two long tables together insuring there would be enough room for everyone to sit. Then everyone settled into their seats.

"You can sit next to me Sasuke.", Naruto cooed offering the empty chair currently residing beside him. "I promise to keep my hands to myself."

Sasuke groaned inwardly. What choice did he really have though? Everyone else was already "paired up" except for Temari. Kiba sat comfortably next to Hinata, Ino to Sai, Sakura to Lee (who had just recently decided to tag along), Suri to Shino, Gaara to Shikamaru, Neji to Itachi.

"Whatever", Sasuke mumbled trudging over to the empty chair. Naruto's face beamed with excitement.

"Man, I'm starving. I haven't been here in at least... 10-12 hours.", Naruto grinned stretching his long arms above his head.

"Naruto your always hungry.", Sakura teased. (Lee, Sakura, Ino, Sai, Hinata, Kiba, Suri, Shino are all on one side of the table. Gaara, Shikamaru, Neji, Itachi, Temari, Sasuke, Naruto are all on the other side.)

"Hey I'm a growing boy.", Naruto defended.

"Would you like to start the night off with some drinks?", the waiter asked walking up to the teens table. She was young, fairly attractive female, with short black hair that reached to about her shoulders. The name tag on her white uniform shirt read "Aumi".

"Umm, what does everyone want to drink?", Naruto asked aloud.

"I'll have a Coke.", Kiba replied. "You want a Sprite babe?"

"Yes.", Hinata replied smiling lightly.

"And Hinata will have a Sprite.", Kiba added.

"I'll have a Pepsi.", Shikamaru stated.

"Make that two.", Gaara said.

"Make that three.", Lee cheered.

"Nope make it four.", Temari grinned.

"Can I have a Mountain Dew?", Neji asked.

Aumi scribbled down the orders with ease.

"Ice tea extra lemon.", Ino said.

"Same, but no lemon.", Sakura ordered.

"I'm fine with water.", Shino said. Sai followed suit.

"Lay one of your famous lemonades down on me!", Suri exclaimed.

"I second that.", Itachi said.

"Orange soda.", Sasuke and Naruto ordered in unison. The two teens look at each other oddly for a second and then the moment passed.

"Ok I'll be back with your drinks in a few and Aj will be your server tonight.", Aumi explained while handing everyone a menu. Then with unrealistic speed she turned on her heels and sped off. The restaurant rustled with chatter but it just made it seem all the more "homey."

"So Naruto you like orange soda?", Suri asked grinning. "You and Sasuke do have something in common."

"What can I say, great taste buds think alike.", Naruto replied. "To bad Sasuke's not on the menu, I've been craving some all day."

"SHUT UP!", Sasuke yelled a vein throbbing in his forehead. A few snickers and giggles could be heard from various spots.

"What's good here, I've only been here once or twice?", Itachi whispered over to Neji.

"Everything's pretty good I think.", Neji answered scooting his chair ever so slightly closer to Itachi taking a look at the older boys menu. "Personally I love their shrimp ramen."

"Ok, thanks." Itachi didn't look up to meet Neji's eyes preferring to keep his eyes trained on the menu in front of him.

"God, he smells good.", Itachi thought to himself. "Wait.. No Itachi, Itachi stop it right now. He you're little brother's high school friend for Christ sake. Plus he wouldn't want to waste his time on someone like me anyway…"

"So its settled then!", Naruto exclaimed causing Itachi to jump a little due to suddenly being brought out of his thoughts. "We do the challenge Halloween night."

"What challenge?", Itachi asked a little confused.

"We have to complete this treasure hunt for that new Halloween carnival in town. A school assignment if you will.", Sakura answered. "That's why we went costume shopping today. You know you're totally come along."

"Umm..", Itachi pondered. Although those who didn't get a chance to get to know him thought of him as intimidating and cold, he turned into mush when it came to scary things. Itachi could be scared very easily if someone was so bold enough to try. So he was definitely uneasy about going somewhere it was someone's job to scare the living daylights out of him constantly.

"We'll see, but no promises.", Itachi finally decided on as an answer.

"Ok, but remember the offer remains opens.", Sakura said flashing the Uchiha a genuine smile.

"Thank you for your kindness."

At that moment another waiter, this time a male walked up to the table. His hands were full of more than a dozen drinks. (How he managed to carry them all.. I have no idea.) He passed each drink to the proper owner all while Temari flirted with him shamelessly. After taking everyone's orders just like the first waiter he turned on his heels and sped off. The table continued to chatter about different topics interest, and after while they were all enjoying their food in content.

"Where does it go?", Sasuke mumbled to his self as he watched Naruto demolish his 6th bowl of ramen.

"I'll be happy to give you a picture, it'll last longer.", Naruto grinned noticing the raven haired boy eyeing him.

"Hn", was all Sasuke mumbled as he calm the blush that was starting to form in his cheeks.

"Keep it up Naruto, I think you're wearing him down.", Kiba laughed.

"I think so too.", Naruto smirked.

"Dobe", Sasuke mumbled.

For about an hour longer the table continued to chatter and enjoy themselves, having several good laughing sessions at Naruto and Sasuke's antics.

"They really would look great together.", Itachi thought to himself. "Find yourself a good one Sasuke, don't be foolish like your big brother." At the last part Itachi saddened.

"Ok everyone, I'm ready to party.", Kiba shouted. "Lets hit the club."

THE CLUB...

The room was dark as bodies swirled around on the dancer floor. The beat of the music pulsing through the ears of the many teens and young adults. The group of teens had now long been separated from each other, deciding to scatter out. Itachi was currently at the bar nursing his small cup of sake. Sad memories flooded his mind as the scene of what was around him reminded him of a certain blonde ex- boyfriend.

"Deidara, you heart breaking bastard. Everything reminds me of you.", Itachi sighed to himself sadly. Small tears began to form in the corners of his eyes.

"A penny for your thoughts?", a voice asked from beside him.

"Just thinking.", Itachi answered drying his face with his sleeve. Suddenly he was looking into the eyes of Neji Hyuuga gasping in surprise. The Hyuuga was lifting his chin up with one finger, staring intently but softly into his eyes. Itachi couldn't help but feel his heart start to beat a little faster.

"Itachi, would you like to go for a walk with me?" Neji whispered.

"S-sure", Itachi replied his voice caught in his throat. Neji was so close to him, their noses only about an inch apart. Neji slowly stood up pulling Itachi along with him and the two exited the club without a second thought. The two boys walked side by side in silence for a while, neither really knowing what to say. It was dark out side and the air was cold but not uncomfortably so. The moon shone beautifully illuminating everything gracefully.

"Itachi I like you.", Neji said suddenly out of the blue. Itachi stopped walking completely to gap at the pale eyed boy.

"What.. You like me?", Itachi stammered out.

"Yes, I do."

"But we just met today."

"I don't think it would have mattered if I met you ten years ago.", Neji said. "There's something about you Itachi, something that sparks this feeling inside me. I don't know exactly what it is but I like it."

Itachi's heart fluttered a little at the speech.

"I-I'm damaged Neji, you don't what you're getting yourself into.", Itachi said sadly.

"Honestly I could care less if you're damaged or think you are. There's a fire in you Itachi and I can see it as clear as day. But the flame is clouded by pain and grief. I don't know who caused it but I'd like to be the one to get rid of it. So what I'm asking is if you will give me that chance?"

Itachi eyes watered, tears threatening to spill over. "Am I really ready to move on..", Itachi thought to himself. Slowly Itachi found himself inching towards Neji. Carefully he wrapped his arms around Neji shoulders.

"It so comfortable here. I feel so.. safe.", Itachi thought. Neji gently wrapped his arms around Itachi's waste holding the older boy close. Itachi laid his head down on Neji shoulder closing his eyes for a moment and absorbing the Hyuuga's heat. After a while, he lifted his head and stared into hopeful eyes. (Neji is taller than Itachi). Slowly Itachi brought his lips up to Neji and the two shared their first kiss. Fire ran through Itachi's veins as the two kissed, it wasn't sloppy and lust filled like the one's Deidara used to give him. It was a simple compassionate kiss, but it outshined all the others Itachi had eve shared with another. Itachi now knew, it wasn't going to be easy but he knew he could move on. That he would have to move on. He wouldn't let Deidara control him all his life. He deserved to be happy, just like everyone else.

"So was that a yes?", Neji chuckled.

"I'm still healing from a broken heart, but if you're willing to be patient with me...", Itachi started quietly.

"I'm going to take care of you Itachi. Don't worry ok. I'll nurse you back to health.", Neji assured placing another gentle kiss on Itachi's lips. That fire returned in Itachi's veins once again.

"Neji", Itachi mumbled laying his head back on Neji's shoulder.

"Yeah, baby.", Neji replied.

Itachi felt butterflies form in his stomach at the nickname. "Baby", he thought to himself. Something about the way Neji said it made him feel special and wanted.

"We should probably head back to the club.", Itachi suggested.

"Ok, but just let me hold you in the moonlight a little while longer.", Neji replied, slightly tightening his grip around the older Uchiha's waist.

"I'd like that.", Itachi whispered relaxing completely into Neji's embrace. The two lovers stood in the night air just like that forgetting about all the troubles of the world.

A/N: Hey everyone I just want to let everyone know in this fanfic Itachi is 23 and Neji is 18. All the other characters are 18 or about to turn 18.