Chapter 12

A sigh escaped Naruto at the thought of having to work the next day after helping Itachi trudge everything he owned to his place. It made him think that the boxes were endless by the time dusk started to settle in around them. Laying his head down on the desk, ignoring everything but the radio that was going on, playing Starships by Nicki Minaj who he hadn't even heard of until this song came out.

"Oi Namikaze-san. Here's more paperwork." Sai's unwelcome voice brought Naruto out of the daze he was settling into.

Looking up from where his head laid, he started at the pile of papers that his coworker was holding. Shaking his head, he sat up straighter and got out of the chair. Glancing at the clock, the blond haired man sighed and looked back at the ebony haired man. "I'm not signing those. You can sign them. I have better things to do today."

"Like what?" Sai's question didn't bother him since it was a rare thing for him to take the day off or go home early.

"Like I said, I have better things to do today." Naruto repeated and walked pass the man after gathering his things and shutting everything off. Looking back at the confused pale man, he smirked but let it fall back into a thin line when Sai turned around to look at him. "You can sign them yourself."

He wasn't in the mood to listen to the guy argue with him. Marching off and passing a few that were busy talking and doing other things, he smiled. It felt good to not put up with Sai's crap. He should do it more often. Nodding at the thought, he entered the elevator and just wanted to get home and hope that Itachi is feeling well.

A yawn escaped his mouth as he strolled around the house with a coffee cup in his hand and his favorite slippers on his feet. Sitting down and ignoring the clutter that was his things, he grabbed his deceased brother's journal and flipped to the next entry from the one he had read.

Dear Journal (that does sound better)

I wish I could get home schooled or do something about this because it feels like I can't keep it up anymore. This secret feels like its weighing down on me and a few noticed something's changed about me. I don't want them to notice it but it looks like they have.

Lee asked if I was ill and I told him no. He didn't listen – like always – and went ranting about making a spicy curry for me so I can get better. That led him into talking about making this drink from these herbs that he uses to stay healthy. I swear he needs to be put in the psych ward with his fitness craze. Then again, he'll be joined by our P.E. teacher.

Then I had Kakashi, whose our English teacher, ask me if everything was all right. I told him yes and he asked if there was something going on at home that I wanted to talk about. I told him no. He kept asking me questions that I hate being asked. He seriously needs to get a life with his prying. I don't care if he's looking out for his students. I just want to be left alone.

So when lunch came around, thankfully, I was able to escape the questions from Lee and his little rants by stealing (borrowing) Kiba's Ipod. It felt better listening to music instead of listening to that health nut yack all day about eating this or that.

Itachi smiled. At least his brother had friends that were willing to put up with him or even annoy him to the point. He couldn't remember the last time he was with the people that were his friends during school. Sighing and letting the smile drop, he stared at the page. It made him realize that it's been a long time since he left school behind him. It hurt. He missed his teachers and everything else that went on during school. The only thing he didn't miss was the drama that seemed to go on constantly there.

Shaking his head at that thought, he looked up at the clock and saw that it was a little pass two. Naruto wouldn't be home for another hour or so. Taking a breath and letting it out as a sigh, he went back to reading.

Home sounded so good to me once final bell rang. I actually ran to my locker and got my things together so I didn't have to put up with Lee and his stuff. Even though I had homework, I practically ran home with it slung on my back. I didn't want to miss my sanctuary because of the fact that it felt so good. Let's face it: being home can't be beat unless it's the middle of winter and you're stuck inside. Then you can beat it.

So when I got home, Shisui was there talking with Oka-san. It was weird because I didn't see Kimi running around. So I asked them where she was. Shisui said that she was with her mother. Then I asked where Nii-san was. He was out with a couple of friends.

So I went to my room, did my homework, studied for a bit and then I was bored. I didn't have anything to do. It sucked. So I got online and started going through random things like catching up on the manga that I was reading but hadn't for a while. Catch up on the anime that I've been missing since it was on after I got to bed and I didn't have a tv in my room.

Afterwards, I went out for a walk. It was a nice day so there was no harm there.

The door opened at that moment, making Itachi look toward the hall, causing him to get out of the comfortable sitting position he was in and walk to see who it was. If it was Kushina or Minato, they would have said something but there was only silence. Poking his head out, he smiled at the blond that had his back turned to him. "You're home early."

Naruto perked up and looked back the best he could at the Uchiha. He turned the smile and continued to slip out of his shoes. "Yeah. I decided to go home early since Sai does it every day. He wasn't fond of it. I have a feeling I'll be hearing about it tomorrow but who cares."

Itachi chuckled and walked out into the hall with the book in hand. His finger stuck in the place where he was reading. When his blond friend turned, he swore the smile got larger.

Pressing his lips quickly to the pale ones, Naruto watched as the sable eyes widened at the touch. Breaking the touch, he looked away, almost embarrassed that he did what he did. "So how was your day?"

Itachi knew that his blond friend and crush was trying to avoid talking about that peck so he didn't say anything. Even if he wanted it to continue to something else, he couldn't do that thanks to his body. Letting out a small cough, Itachi fell in stride with the blond until they wound up in the kitchen. "It was slow. I didn't get up until later then usual."

Naruto nodded as he poured himself something to drink, his gaze stealing glances at the man. Closing the fridge door, he turned his full attention to the Uchiha. At least he was well, that was all that matter. Glancing at the journal that Itachi seemed to worship since it was the last thing that connected the both of them to Sasuke. "Did you start unpacking?"

Itachi shook his head. He figured he would do that with Naruto just so he didn't overexert himself. He didn't feel like hearing another lecture from Tsunade after she finds out he went to the hospital again. Looking out the window, the ebony haired man wanted to go out but he couldn't because of his body. He hated it. "I figured I would wait for you so you can help out. Except for my clothes."

"Naw, your no funny Ita!" Naruto complained, only to hear a chuckle come from his friend. Smiling at the sound that seemed so foreign coming from the Uchiha, he joined in.

As soon as he started laughing, coughs started to replace them. He wanted to have a good laugh though. It's been to long since he had and he missed it all. He missed being able to take a deep breath without having to cough it up afterwards.

Naruto stopped with his heart almost stopping at the sound of the coughs that were coming from the Uchiha. Walking over and holding him, feeling the coughs rack his body, he knew that something was bound to happen soon. There was that feeling in his stomach that made him think that and he prayed that nothing happened.

As the coughs died down, he felt sore all over again. Letting Naruto lead him to the living room to sit down, he smiled weakly. If this was how it was going to be then he would rather get the transplant done now – that is if he was lucky enough to get a pair. It was a rare thing and he knew that. He's done the research behind it.

Closing his eyes, he leaned back and felt something cold touch his hand. Opening them, he stared at the glass of water that was in the tan hands of his friend. Looking up and meeting the azure eyes, he tried to smile. There was that flutter in his heart again. Shaking that feeling off and taking a drink to sooth his sore throat, Itachi looked at the book that was still in his hand after all that. "So this Lee person thought Sasuke was sick?"

Naruto smirked at the topic and glanced at the bound paper. "Yeah. It was funny watching him fuss over him like he did. He was nicknamed mother hen after that by Kiba. I had a feeling that it had to do with him being gay and keeping it a secret. Guess I was right. I wished that he opened up to me about it."

"Sasuke was good about keeping things to himself. You should know that. You two were almost brothers except for the exchange of blood."

Naruto lowered his gaze to his lap where his hands rested. Itachi was right. They were like brothers with how close they were, even with the fights they had. He couldn't forget that because it was another thing that made it feel like Sasuke was still with them. He tried to smile but his lips wouldn't listen to him.

Opening the book and feeling Naruto lean onto him, he went to finish reading the papers or so that was left for the entry.

I wasn't sure but I wanted to go to the park. I saw a few people I recognized there. Sai was trying to work on nature paintings this time and I didn't bother talking to him. He can be a real dick at times. I don't understand that guy.

Well as I was walking, I wasn't really paying attention. It was weird because I usually pay attention. I ran into someone, a guy to be correct. He helped me up because my balance gone to the dogs for some reason. He was nice. He looked to be around my age, if not a year or two younger then me. His hair was red and he honestly looked like he was trying to be goth or something. He had guyliner around his eyes heavily.

He started talking to me after that. I couldn't believe it that he was talking to me even if we were complete strangers. He started to talk about Pride Fest here which was a thing going on over in the United States. It was this big celebration of gays, lesbians, and everyone else that was a part of the LGBT and whoever supported them. It sounded awesome to go to.

Even though we didn't know each other, he asked me out. I wasn't sure what to do. I mean we met just a few moments ago and he was already asking me out to a date. I said yes. It felt like the right thing to do.

It ended there, making Itachi continue to gap at the entry. His brother was dating someone. Looking over at the blond that was nestled beside him, he stared at the azure eyes once more. He wanted answers because he never heard of this. It hurt more knowing now that his brother was secretly dating someone then dying. "Did you know about this?"

"Not really. He said he met a guy and was going out. He didn't give out names or whatever. I wished he did because thinking back now. I knew the guy. He was in another school but I saw him at some of the athletic programs. His brother I think was on the volleyball team while his sister was a . . . runner. I think."

Itachi lowered his gaze to the closed journal again. He wanted to ask his name and he did. When he got his answer, he had to find the guy. He wanted to talk to him about Sasuke so he knew how his brother was when they saw each other. It was the least he could do so he could understand his deceased brother.

"I wish he did tell me. It makes me think that I wasn't a good friend to him," Naruto sighed. "He didn't say anything to you, did he?"

Itachi shook his head at the question. He had to get to know who his brother was even if he wasn't around. If he was lucky, his brother said who his boyfriends were in here and he'll hunt them down and ask them questions. It might bring back memories that might hurt if they heard about his death but he needed the unasked questions answered. Even if his body didn't want to work for him, he was going to get answers.

"I miss him Itachi-kun. I wish he was back here. I want my nii-san back so I can laugh again. So I can pull pranks on him again." Naruto rambled as he hugged the older man tightly, burying his face into his shirt. He didn't want to admit that he was crying because it was a rare thing for him to do. "I want him back. Why did he have to do what he did? I want my fucking questions answered."

Focusing his gaze on the crying blond, Itachi petted his head, trying to calm him down. It worked a little because he was hiccuping and trying to wipe away the snot with his sleeve until he reached for a tissue. He understood why Naruto was so hurt.

His questions weren't answered. He wanted – no demanded why his brother would commit suicide. Because of not being there, he didn't have someone to talk to like when they were kids. He didn't have someone that would support him like Sasuke did.

Leaning down, he pressed his lips gently onto the blond hair. He felt Naruto's hold tighten but it didn't bother him. As long as he knew Naruto was safe then he was happy. As he thought of that, he knew that he was falling in love with the Namikaze even if he didn't want to admit it because of him dying.

Sucking in a breath, Naruto looked up to see the charcoal eyes closed and his own tears falling onto the corrective lenses. Reaching up and pulling the glasses away, he watched as the crying eyes opened to him. Smiling a little, he didn't see it return and knew that the Uchiha was hurt.

After setting the glasses down, he wrapped his arms around the man again. It felt good to have someone comfort him when they knew what he went through because they knew Sasuke. Burying his face in the chest again, feeling the almost ragged breaths that were coming from him, he sighed. It felt better being in his arms then crying alone like he did for so many years. "If you're well enough next year, let's go to Pride Fest in Sasuke's honor."

"It sounds good to me." The Uchiha stated softly, feeling his lips get captured by the Namikaze's. Sighing and wrapping his own arms around the blond, he didn't want to let him go. It felt like a dream that he felt this happy. It felt like when he first met Kisame and their relationship was new.

He broke the kiss first, hearing the small whine come from the azure eyed man. Chuckling a little at the complaint, he leaned back into the couch. He prayed that he was even alive and well to be able to go to Pride Fest so he could understand how it felt to be around others that were like you. "Let's even bring a picture."

Naruto nodded with a smile and hugged the Uchiha more. He didn't want to let go. He never wanted to let go of this Uchiha because his heart told him not to.

So I hope you enjoyed this chapter. A little fluff and hurt/comfort here and there. I've already got the ending already played out. I just gotta get through the rest of this to get to it.