Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Holiday Revenge	By : PhoenixInnocence Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Naruto/Sasuke Views: 2762 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or it's characters. I make no profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
Thank you rosestotts23, mistic-willow, Tellnoone_Noonetells, FallingStar, AlienX, and ZarahJade for taking the time to review, it was most appreciated
To Athrun434: I really do love to through in story twists. I’m glad you still love it and I hope you love the ending.
To Talltree-san: I won’t stop you from giving Sasuke another black eye.
To clover: I think Itachi can handle the burden. He’s a champion. Yes, I keep having Naruto screw up, but that’s just the person he is. I was on Sasuke’s side this time too.
To Katrellepps: Thank you! I’m glad you like my story. I love it when I can have those four alive in one of my stories, too. I really love writing them!
This story is Beta’d and partially written by the amazing MisatosPenPen. Thank you!

The month of March flew by in a whirlwind of rain and thunderstorms, saturating the ground with water and forcing everybody inside. But excitement continued to buzz through the city as spring break kicked-off with the Easter holiday, ending with a two day carnival of epic proportion.
It was the most anticipated carnival of the year simply because it was the grandest of the year and would draw revelers from all over the country. Families would arrive over a week in advance, the setup just as anticipated as the actual carnival. It never ceased to draw a crowd.

~*~
Naruto walked quickly through the rain slicked street, navigating puddles and persons alike. The streets were already crowded by excited people, ignorant of the rain beating downward in a steady sheet as they watched the carnival stalls being built around the small amusement park. The infectious spirit, in abundance, for once lost on him.
Naruto picked up his pace and made it to Gaara’s just as his phone went off. Ignoring it, he rapped at the door, waiting. Gaara smiled as he answered and swept Naruto inside. With a heavy sigh, Naruto plopped himself on the couch and reached for the remote, commandeering the TV as usual.
“They were invited over again?” Gaara said, though he really didn’t have too; Naruto wouldn’t be in his living room if they weren’t.
“Mom’s putting up a tireless campaign. This is the third time she tried to spring a dinner on me, but I overheard her on the phone this morning. I wish she’d stop.”
Ever since their break up, Naruto had been avoiding dinner with the Uchihas. Sasuke had made it quite clear that he wanted nothing to do with him and to make dinner easy on everyone involved, Naruto kept his distance. He also felt it only proper that he’d absent himself, considering he was the problem.
“How long will this continue,” Gaara said.
Naruto shrugged his shoulders sadly. “I don’t know. As long as it has too, I guess.”
Gaara nodded and plopped down on the couch too, his eyes trained on the TV and Naruto’s chosen show; one about demonic cats disrupting human lives. He leaned forward slightly, giving the show his full attention.
Naruto snorted. “Obsessed much?”
“I like cats.”
Naruto burst out in laughter, unfazed by the wicked look Gaara threw him. “Sorry, sorry. But you don’t come off as being a cat person.”
“I like cats, but I don’t want to own one.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Prove it. Let’s go to the Humane Society!” Naruto jumped up and reached for the door without giving Gaara a chance to object.
Sighing, Gaara followed. If it made Naruto happy—a rare occurrence these days—he was more than willing to go along with it.

~*~
The kennel was noisy when they entered, the sound of barking penetrating into the room the cats were housed in. And it was no surprise when Naruto was immediately drawn to a large white cat. And by large, Gaara meant huge. The thing was as tall as a basset hound!
“How about this one?” Naruto asked, holding the cat out to Gaara.
Gaara tilted his head to the side, the cat eyeing him closely. It jumped from Naruto’s hands and landed gracefully on the floor, slinking around Gaara’s leg and bumping its head against his knee.
“It likes you Gaara. Adopt it!” Naruto begged.
“I don’t want a cat.”
“Then why did you come along?”
“It got you out of the house and away from the TV.” Gaara shrugged his shoulders, his eyes drifting down to the cat still bumping at his knee. Sighing he bent down and picked it up, listening to it purr.
“It likes you,” Naruto repeated, reaching out and scratching it behind the ears.
Gaara nodded, watching the cats eyes squint closed as he rubbed his finger under its chin. An hour later he found himself the proud owner of a Maine Coon, as the volunteer informed him, and facing his imminent death. Temari was going to kill him.
Naruto was oblivious though as he dragged Gaara through the dog kennel; grinning stupidly. Dogs barked and wagged their tails as they walked by, eager to be seen and chosen. “I always wanted a puppy,” Naruto said in a wistful note.
“Why don’t you?”
“I never really asked. I figured after mom and dad said no to a guinea pig that they’d say no to a puppy.”
“I think you should pick one, then, and if your mom and dad say you can’t keep it, I’ll take care of it until you move out.”
Naruto laughed softly. “I think they’d kill me if I did.”
“Temari’s going to kill me, so we can share the same boat.”
“Sorry,” Naruto said, biting his lip.
“It’s fine. The damned thing is growing on me.”
Naruto laughed again.
They continued to walk the rows, dogs barking consistently, until they reached the end of the line. Naruto stopped and studied the small dog. It was the only one not up at the gate, barking and wagging its tail. It looked sad, its head resting on its front paws.
“Hey, little fella,” Naruto cooed, trying to coax it forward. Its ears perked up, but remained where it was.
“I won’t hurt you.” Naruto clucked his tongue and held out his hand, but it remained impassive. “It looks so sad,” he whispered.
“Maybe it’s just tired,” Gaara mused.
Naruto shook his head. “No, I think it’s depressed.”
“Dogs can’t be depressed.”
“Not true.” Naruto sat down in front of the gate, patting the cement. That had the pup’s tail wagging, but it still remained where it lay. He smiled. “Come on boy, come on.”
Gaara shoved his hands in his pockets and backed away slowly. He caught one of the shelter volunteer’s eyeing them suspiciously and intercepted her, giving Naruto some privacy. Naruto was ignorant to his sudden retreat, focusing solely on the pup in front of him.
“Come on, can I pet you?” He sighed when it wouldn’t budge. “It must be very lonely for you here, huh. Well, I know how you feel. You just want to be alone even though being alone is making you sad. Then you have all these people walking by and looking at you…if they even make it to the end to see you. Well, I see you and I don’t want you to be lonely anymore.”
Naruto exhaled and hunched in on himself, drawing imaginary circles on the cement. He felt hot breath ghost over his hand and looked up, the pup’s nose thrusting through a link in the gate, its small pink tongue flicking out. With a smile, Naruto reached his fingers through the link and scratched its head, its eyes closing blissfully. Naruto fell in love immediately.
“I think he likes you,” Gaara said, walking up behind him.
“It’s a she,” the volunteer said. “Are you looking into adopting her today?”
Naruto turned back to the pup and asked, “Ready to go home, girl?”

~*~
It was dark when Naruto finally made it home. He knew the Uchiha’s were gone by now, having waited down the street in Gaara’s car, for them to leave. He opened the door slowly, cuddling the small dog to his chest, and closed it behind him quietly. But his mom had supersonic hearing and advanced on him before he’d taken two steps into the living room.
“Where have you been mister?!” she demanded, as if she didn’t know where he’d been and why.
“I was at Gaara’s,” he mumbled, absentmindedly petting the dog in his arms.
“And what is that?” Kushina said, her tone softer, but with an edge of suspicion.
“Uh, um…can we keep her?” Naruto whispered nervously, the dog whining in his arms.
“Where did you get it?”
“It’s not an it, it’s a her. And I got her at the Humane Society.”
“What were you doing there?” Minato asked, exiting his office and standing behind Kushina, eyeing the puppy closely. “A Yorkshire Terrier?”
“Uh huh,” Naruto nodded enthusiastically.
Minato reached out and scratched her head, a smile tugging at his lips. Kushina smacked him in the chest, a deep frown marring her face. “Why did you go there?” she demanded.
“It was something to do,” Naruto said defensively. “Gaara needed a cat!”
Minato smiled. “I can just imagine Gaara having a cat.”
“He adopted one today…it’s a Montana Coot.”
Minato laughed and shook his head. “You mean it’s a Maine Coon.”
“Yeah, that’s it!” Naruto exclaimed, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. His smile fell as he turned to his mom. “Please, can we keep her?”
“Naruto,” she started.
“Please?” He held the Yorkie out for his mom, its tail wagging enthusiastically. Reluctantly, Kushina grabbed the pup, holding her close to her chest. The pup reached up and licked her chin.
Kushina huffed, trying to hide a smile, “Well, she can stay. But she is your responsibility, Naruto. You feed her, you walk her, and you let her out to use the bathroom because I want no accidents in this house or you’ll be scrubbing the carpets with a hand brush.”
Naruto nodded along, trying to hide his smile and failing miserably.
“Good. Now isn’t she a darling,” Kushina cooed. “Did you think of a name for her?”
“Not yet. The lady at the Humane Society said her name was Rocky, but she never responded to it.”
“Well, that’s not a very feminine name. Let’s see, what do you look like?” She held the Yorkie out, taking in its small frame, her eyes squinting in thought. “How about Buttercup?”
“She doesn’t look like a Buttercup,” Minato chuckled. He stopped at the glare Kushina shot him.
“Fine, you think of one, mister.” And she handed Minato the pup.
“What about…”
“No, it won’t fit!” Kushina interrupted.
“I didn’t even get to say what I was thinking, Kushina!”
“I know you and there is no way I will let you name a puppy that!”
“What’s wrong with—?”
“Don’t say it!” Kushina exclaimed, slapping her hands over his mouth.
Naruto stood off to the side, slightly bemused. He was caught between wanting to chuckle or run away. After all these years, it was still strange when his parents acted that way.
“I still think it would work,” Minato grumbled.
“No,” Kushina said flatly and turned to Naruto. “What do you have in mind, dear?”
Naruto scrunched up his nose and said, “Well, she’s dark brown which reminds me of chocolate…so, how about Milk Dud?”
Kushina’s face fell as Minato burst out in laughter.
“You will not name a dog Milk Dud, Naruto,” Kushina stated. But it was too late; Milk Dud was wagging her tail enthusiastically. “Oh, bother, how did I end up with you two?”
“You’re just jealous that my name was seconded,” Minato said.
“Milk Dud is not a proper name!”
“But she loves it,” Minato laughed, holding Milk Dud up to Kushina’s face, her tail still wagging, small yips following suit.
Sighing in defeat, Kushina once again held her close, scratching her head. “Ok, Milk Dud it is.”

~*~
Sasuke kicked off his shoes the moment he entered his house, determined to hibernate in his room the rest of the night. After the awkward night he had, he felt he more than deserved the quiet. Too bad his family didn’t agree.
“That was a disappointing dinner tonight,” Fugaku said, directing his comment towards Sasuke’s back.
Sasuke took a deep breath, gripping the handrail tightly. “Don’t you mean me?” he muttered.
“You were exceedingly rude tonight,” Fugaku glowered. “Not just to Minato and Kushina, but to Kakashi as well.”
Sasuke chuckled darkly and turned to face his father, glare already in place. He was growing tired of these after dinner conversations and tired of feeling like Naruto’s absence was his fault. Naruto was a grown boy and if he refused to join them for dinner, it was his prerogative.
“I don’t see how so,” Sasuke said. “I barely talked unless I was asked a question and when I was asked a question, I was polite. It was no different from any other dinner. It is hardly my fault that it was an awkward affair. I did ask to be excused from attending over a month ago. You declined.”
“When is this going to stop?” Mikoto sighed. “I know you’re hurt, but everything can be fixed if you-”
“If I what?” Sasuke interrupted. “If I just apologize? Why should I be the one to do so? He was every bit to blame in this and yet, you insist on blaming me entirely. As far as I’m concerned, I’m done.”
Sasuke turned on his heel and climbed the stairs, closing his door quietly behind him. His heart was fluttering in his chest and he was shaking uncontrollably; but it wasn’t from anger. He leaned against his door and covered his eyes, obscuring the gathering of salty tears blotting the corners of his eyes.
Even after a month apart his heart still ached and throbbed and he longed to touch Naruto’s pliant body. He missed his laugh and the way his nose wrinkled when Sasuke tried to get him to eat more than just ramen. But worst of all, he missed the gentle warmth when Naruto laid in bed beside him, how he’d curl into his side, his breath tickling his torso as his breathing slowed in indication of sleep.
Knocking his head against the door, Sasuke pushed away and readied for bed. He just pulled back the sheet on his bed when a soft knocking interrupted him. Without waiting for a response, the door opened slowly to reveal Itachi, dressed down in sweatpants and one of his boyfriends t-shirts.
“Can we talk?” Itachi asked, taking a seat at the end of Sasuke’s bed.
Sasuke huffed and slid under the covers, making a point of ignoring his older brother. He was tired of talking; they should know that by now.
“Then just listen,” Itachi said, fully expecting noncompliance from his little brother. “I know you’re hurt, but I agree with mom. This needs to stop. You can’t even be in the same room as Naruto, how is that fair to either of you?”
“I’m not the one skipping out on dinner. Remember, I asked to be excused.”
“You did that for your benefit, not Naruto’s.”
“Does it really matter for whose benefit it was? It works out the same,” Sasuke sneered.
Itachi sighed and, uncharacteristically, hunched in on himself, his chin resting in his palm. “How did it go wrong?” he mused.
“How did what go wrong?” Sasuke snapped, though he had a feeling he knew. Sometimes, he couldn’t help wondering the same thing.
“You and Naruto. Everything was on track, you even bought a ring, and then it came crashing down around your ankles. How did it happen?”
“You know how: Sakura.” Sasuke hissed out her name as if it was poisonous.
“Hmm, so it would seem,” Itachi said, strumming his fingers over his jaw.
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Sasuke said.
“Oh, well, Sakura made a play for your man; but for all intents and purposes, has been proven unsuccessful.”
“What are you getting at?!”
“I’ve seen Naruto around town when I’ve been out with Kakashi. He’s been walking twice as much as of late, but not once have I ever seen him with Sakura. Actually, just last week, the two crossed paths outside one of those Apple Nation stores in the mall. They didn’t talk to each other; in fact, they went out of their way to avoid one another.”
“Again, what are you getting at?!” Sasuke demanded.
“Don’t be stupid little brother. They’re not dating and, if you would open your eyes, you would see that. The only one keeping the two of you apart is the two of you!”
Sasuke remained silent, glaring at a block of patterned blue on his sheet. He knew the lengths his brother could go to get his way, lying included. For that reason, he couldn’t let himself believe Itachi’s words.
Itachi resisted the urge to roll his eyes and ploughed on, “Do you still love him?”
Sasuke snapped his head up to glare at his brother, hissing, “What does that have to do with anything?!”
“Answer the question, Sasuke.”
“Get out!”
“Really, I would like an-”
“Get out! Now!”
Unaffected, Itachi stood gracefully and made his way to Sasuke’s door. Before departing he threw over his shoulder. “Don’t wait too long to reclaim him, little brother. He’s been spending most of his time with Gaara these days.”
Sasuke’s fists curled around his bed sheet and, try as he might, he couldn’t resist the urge to throw his pillow at his brother, watching it land on the floor with a soft thud as it bounced off the door.
His heart was racing in his chest, but purely for another reason. He felt the jealousy rise like a beast, roaring with indignation. Naruto was his, not Sakura’s and certainly not Gaara’s! Only, Naruto wasn’t his, not anymore.
And really, he had no one to blame but himself. He could end this; he could take Naruto aside and just forgive him. It would be so easy. But nothing would change then. Naruto would still be too trusting and easy prey to that percentage of the population who don’t know how to back off a taken man. It would always be a problem and one he wasn’t sure he could live the rest of his life with.
Sasuke used to think Naruto’s weakness, his childish fears that still lingered, were endearing. He loved being the shining knight that slayed his dragons and banished the monsters from his closet. But everyone had to grow up sometime. He needed Naruto to be a knight in his own right, slaying those dragons by Sasuke’s side and not cowering in a corner waiting to be rescued…Who was he kidding; Naruto would always need rescuing for something or other. And Sasuke would be damned if he didn’t admit to still loving that idea. He just couldn’t stop loving Naruto.

~*~
Itachi blinked at the bright sunlight filtering through his window as a new day dawned. His hand reached over his lover’s body, straining for his phone. He’d been lying in bed for the last hour, working out how he could get Naruto and Sasuke alone together when it finally hit him.
+Going to the carnival?
Itachi rubbed at his tired eyes and settled in to wait for a reply. The response was shockingly fast this early in the morning.
+Everyone is going. Duh
+Need you to get Naruto to go along with you instead of his parents. Should be easy.
+Explain
+Just invite him. I can guarantee that he’ll join you, even if he says no.
+You have a plan?
+ >:)
+Don’t do that. It makes you a creeper
+ >:)
+Goodbye, Itachi
Satisfied that his plan was set in motion, he tiptoed out of bed and past Sasuke’s door, pausing long enough to hear the deep breathing of sound sleep from his brother. Taking the steps two at time, a feat that would earn him a reprimand from Kakashi; he padded into the kitchen, shocking his parents who were embraced in a moment of passionate kissing.
Itachi was mortified, but hid his shock well, pouring himself a cup of black coffee. Clearing his throat he turned and was happy to find his mom and dad a foot away from one another. “I have an idea about the Sasuke and Naruto problem and for it to work, I’m going to need you to push back your departure until tonight and make plans to go to the carnival with the in-laws.”
Mikoto smirked and picked up the phone, dancing away.
Fugaku exhaled. “What do you have planned now?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Itachi smirked around his cup of coffee. He took a seat at the table and began to read the business section religiously, pausing long enough to give Kakashi a quick peck on the lips as he joined him at the breakfast table.
Mikoto clapped her hands, delighted. “Kushina is thrilled that we changed our minds and I was able to get us booked on a later flight. It leaves at 11pm, which will give us a few hours to enjoy at the carnival.”
“We’re going to the carnival now?” Sasuke mumbled, stumbling into the kitchen and falling unceremoniously into a chair. He covered his mouth as he succumbed to a yawn.
“Yes, isn’t it lovely? Just like old times.”
Sasuke nodded dumbly and poured himself a bowl of cereal, forgoing a warm breakfast in favor of the warm food he’d enjoying at the carnival.

~*~
Naruto jumped from a sound sleep, startled by the ringing of his phone. He groped for the offending technology and blinked against the harsh glare of the screen, barely making out the text from Shikamaru in his sleepy haze.
+Want to go to the carnival?
+Going with parents
+If you change your mind find us there
Naruto yawned and replied, +ok
He forced himself out of bed and dressed, Milk Dud following in his wake as he descended the stairs. The smell of pancakes sat heavy in the air and a strange buzz of excitement crackled around his mom and dad.
“Hey,” he said, and opened the back door to allow Milk Dud free reign of the backyard. “You seem very happy today.”
“It’s because of the carnival, dear,” Kushina said, tipping pancakes onto a plate for Minato.
“Right, the carnival,” Naruto said. “Can I stay home instead this year?”
“I’m afraid not,” Minato replied. “We go every year as a family.”
“I know, but I don’t feel up to it this time. I’d rather just stay here with Milk Dud.”
“Sorry, dear, but no, you have to go,” Kushina said. “Milk Dud will be fine on her own for a while. Besides, we won’t be alone.”
“Oh, who’s going with us?” Naruto asked, thinking of his uncle Nagato and aunt Konan and their son Yahiko. The thought brightened his mood considerably.
Minato chewed his food slowly, swallowing dramatically. Kushina was oddly quiet, flipping pancakes in earnest. Naruto’s brightened mood shriveled considerably until he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wasn’t going to like where this was going.
“Mikoto and Fugaku had a change in flight schedule and decided to spend the extra time with us,” Minato finally answered, taking a sip of his orange juice.
Naruto felt his stomach drop and closed his eyes. No way was he going to the carnival with Sasuke, never again. It was bad enough that he couldn’t think of one carnival he’d been too without the image of Sasuke by his side.
“I’m not going,” Naruto responded flatly.
“You will go,” Kushina threatened, turning around and brandishing her spatula. “You’ve been completely wretched where the Uchihas are concerned what with skipping out on dinner all the time.”
“Isn’t it better for everyone if I keep my distance?”
“Better for everyone? You mean better for you,” Kushina said. “It’s time to get over it.”
Naruto pushed his empty plate away and stormed from the kitchen, slamming the front door behind him. Milk Dud scratched at the back door impatiently, whining. Kushina sighed and let her in, bending over to pick her up. Tears glistened in her eyes. “He’s not going with us, is he?”
“I don’t think so,” Minato answered, kissing her on the forehead.

~*~
+Count me in
Naruto hit send and waited for Shikamaru’s answer. He found himself walking a familiar path to Gaara’s and steered himself off course, ending up at the same church Sasuke had molested him in on more than one Sunday morning. He took a deep breath and leaned against the wall, content that he couldn’t be seen at the moment. He was perfectly alone except for the steady stream of voices drifting from the street, making their way towards the carnival.
To be honest with himself, he did want to see Sasuke. But his heart couldn’t take being nearer to him than he already was. School was already torture, passing Sasuke in the hallways, seeing him in class, and sharing lunch with him. Being near him now, so close that he could touch him, would be agony. He wouldn’t put anyone through that, not even his worst enemy.
+Meet up in an hour
+See you then
Naruto pushed away from the wall and made his way to the carnival, deciding to be early. He had nothing better to do anyway. Forty-five minutes later, Shikamaru and his group of friends arrived. He offered them a nervous smile, his eyes flickering to Sakura who was determined not to look at him. He had a sinking feeling in his chest, but he felt his situation was far better than spending the day with Sasuke; even if that was what he wanted the most.

~*~
Sasuke walked quietly down the street, taking in the crowded stalls on either side of him, excited children running from side to side in an attempt to win as many prizes as their little hands could carry. He could hear music in the background, stirrings from one of the live bands that would play over the next two days. He could picture the hillside overlooking the harbor already crowded with families, setting up lawn chairs and blankets in anticipation of a great concert.
“It looks like we’re early,” Fugaku said, eyeing his watch.
“Early for what?” Sasuke asked, snapping to attention.
“Oh, didn’t we mention it earlier?” Mikoto said. “We’re meeting up with Kushina and Minato.”
Sasuke stalled. “What?”
“They should be arriving any minute now,” Fugaku said, consulting his watch again.
“This will be just like old times!” Mikoto exclaimed, laughing. “Oh, it’s been years since we’ve been to the carnival together! I can’t wait! Do you remember the last time we double dated here? Minato tripped getting off the Carousel and sprained his ankle.”
Fugaku smiled, recalling that day clearly. “I remember Kushina wouldn’t stop laughing at him.”
Sasuke’s shock slowly morphed to anger. Why couldn’t they respect his wishes! He did not want to see Naruto! “Count me out.”
Fugaku exhaled, smile disappearing. “Don’t start, Sasuke.”
“I’m not joining you. I’ve put up with enough awkward dinners, I want to enjoy this day instead of dreading it.”
“This needs to stop, Sasuke. They’re our friends, regardless of your relationship with Naruto.”
“There is no relationship,” Sasuke said, exasperated. Why couldn’t they understand that it was over? He’d said it plenty of times already. He and Naruto were never getting back together! He held back a startled gasp as his stomach flip-flopped, not anticipating such a reaction from his own body.
“There would be if you’d just…” Fugaku started, but Sasuke shook his head and retreated quickly. “Where’re you going?!” he called, watching Sasuke walk away. Fugaku sighed and eyed Itachi critically. “What now?”
“Everything’s going according to plan. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a little brother to find.”
Mikoto watched Itachi disappear and shook her head. “Do you ever wonder about him sometimes?”
“Which one?” Fugaku asked.
“I wonder about Itachi all the time,” Kakashi said, felling slightly put-off as Itachi trailed his little brother.
Mikoto shot him a sympathetic look and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry; he still loves you, dear.”

~*~
Sasuke was determined to get away as fast as he could. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts and the strange feeling in his gut. It was an odd feeling and it came out of the blue and he didn’t understand it. He needed to get away from this crowd! He needed time to think!
From the corner of his eye, Sasuke caught sight of Itachi trailing close behind him. Angry, he turned down a side street and wound his way through the thick crowd, the tantalizing smell of baked goods trying to tempt him from either side. Too bad he hated sweets.
Darting through the throng of people and taking another side road, he thought for sure that he’d lost Itachi, until Itachi showed up right behind him. Sasuke took off again.
“You can stop following me,” Sasuke yelled.
“Stop trying to run away and I’ll stop following you.”
He growled and turned to face Itachi, throwing all his anger at his older brother. “What?!” he said.
“I just thought you would like some company, that’s all.” Itachi shrugged.
“No thanks,” Sasuke ground out.
“Come on; look, I see Shikamaru over by the dunk tank. How about we join him instead?”
Itachi didn’t wait for a reply and grabbed Sasuke’s hand, pulling him towards his friends. Sasuke jerked his hand out of Itachi’s, but continued to follow, feeling slightly better that he wasn’t being forced to rejoin his parents. At least, he wouldn’t have to worry about seeing Naruto.
“Care if we join you?” Itachi asked.
“Absolutely,” Shikamaru said.
“Are you sure?” Ino questioned cautiously.
Ino’s tone rubbed Sasuke the wrong way and he looked up, ready to snap. He fell quiet, his stomach contracting painfully. It felt like he was punched in the gut because standing right in front of him was Naruto, the very person he was trying to avoid.
Sasuke and Naruto just stood there letting the tension grow in the air around them. Sasuke couldn’t stop his eyes flicking from Naruto to Sakura and back again. Sakura shot him a glare every time his gaze landed on her.
Naruto was avoiding all contact and rocking on the balls of his feet. He couldn’t make himself run though, even though that was the only thought on his mind. He needed to get away from Sasuke quickly.
“Isn’t this a pleasant surprise,” Itachi said. “It’s nice to see you, Naruto. It’s been awhile.”
Naruto nodded. “It’s nice to see you too,” he whispered.
“How have you been?”
“I’ve been good,” Naruto said, scratching the back of his neck nervously and staring pointedly at Itachi’s shoes. “Getting plenty of exercise recently.”
“It shows,” Itachi mused, hiding a snicker when Sasuke shot him a glare.
Naruto blushed and shuffled his feet, kicking the grass with the tip of his right shoe. It was more awkward than he thought it would be, confirming that he’d been right to stay away during dinner, and the sooner he left the better for everyone. It wasn’t too late to find his mom and dad and apologize. He’d even get to see Mikoto and Fugaku before they left.
Naruto opened his mouth just as Sasuke did the same. “I’m going to go,” they said in unison.
There was a moment of gauche silence before Tenten broke it. “Oh, please don’t,” she begged. “This is a carnival, you should enjoy yourselves!”
“Tenten’s right, Sasuke,” Itachi said.
“Please stay, both of you?” Hinata asked, her voice quivering with nervousness. Neji nodded fervently behind Hinata.
Sasuke flicked his eyes toward Naruto again and shook his head. He couldn’t do it; he couldn’t bring himself to be so close to Naruto. It was unbearable to be so near him and not be able to touch him.
Naruto continued to look at the ground, his body aching to reach out to Sasuke. He almost wanted to cry; it was agony. And to feel the disappointed and angry stare of his ex-boyfriend wasn’t helping his agony. He shook his head too.
“I have an idea,” Shikamaru said. “Why don’t we split up, that way you both get the benefit of being with friends without being in the same company? Does that work for both of you?”
“Whatever,” Sasuke growled. He crossed his arms for show, but he was secretly relieved.
“That’s fine,” Naruto whispered. He could live with that.
It was decided that Naruto would join Tenten, Kiba, Shikamaru and Ino. Sasuke broke off with Itachi, Hinata, Neji and Sakura. It was a small consolation for Sasuke that Sakura wouldn’t be alone with Naruto.
“Hey, Naruto!”
Everyone turned to see Gaara walking ahead of Temari and sporting a black eye. Naruto cringed.
“Should I ask what happened?” he mumbled.
Gaara sighed, but smiled. “At least I’m alive.”
Temari pulled up behind Gaara and gave Naruto a piercing look. “You’re the one who gave Gaara permission to adopt a cat?”
Naruto laughed nervously, attempting a meek smile. “S-sorry?” he tried.
Temari frowned. “I didn’t need another mouth to feed, you know!”
“Knock it off, Temari,” Gaara said. “You love the damn thing and pretending to be angry about it is pointless.”
“Do you want another black eye to match the one you already have?” she threatened.
Gaara rolled his eyes, but took a step closer to Naruto. Temari wouldn’t dare to touch Naruto; not after she hit Naruto over the head during his twelfth birthday party and was chased down by Kushina for touching her baby.
Sasuke’s jealousy flared and he could feel the growl rumbling in his throat. Itachi eyed him from the corner of his eye and Sasuke quickly stifled his growl. He crossed his arms and dug his nails into his skin. Naruto’s mood had lightened almost the instant Gaara arrived.
“So, what are you guys up to?” Temari said, still piercing Naruto with a pointed look.
“We were just getting ready to split up and ride some rides. Do you want to join us?” Shikamaru drawled.
“Split up, why would you do that?” she asked. Eyes pointedly shifted from Naruto to Sasuke. “I see.”
“As it stands, we have an odd number of persons,” Itachi said. “Would you like to join our group Temari?”
“Sure, why not.” She shrugged her shoulders and glared at Gaara. “I do NOT want to see you come home with a gold fish, mister! And you,” she rounded on Naruto, “will not encourage him!”
“Got it,” Naruto said, nodding his head emphatically.
“Let’s go!” Tenten exclaimed. She grabbed the nearest hand—Naruto’s—and dragged him along, leaving the others to follow in her wake.
“Where do you want to go first?” she asked, leading them through the crowded streets and towards the fairground where all the rides were located. “Personally, I want to ride the Ferris wheel first.”
“I have no objections to that,” Ino said.
“Yay,” Tenten exclaimed. “Looks like you’re my ride partner, Naruto!”
Gaara and Kiba shot each other weird looks. Kiba’s look clearly said that he would rock the cart and Gaara’s promised swift death if Kiba so much as looked over the handle bar.
Naruto nodded dumbly and got in line behind Tenten, eyeing the tall Ferris wheel with a smile. It was one of his favorite rides and offered him a view of most of the fairgrounds and the packed streets. He especially loved sitting at the top.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Tenten said once they were at the very top, admiring the view.
“It is,” Naruto agreed, smiling. “It never ceases to amaze me.”
“I love the carnival.”
“Me too,” Naruto admitted. A wave of sadness hit him as the cart jerked forward on its circular track and the view dipped out of sight temporarily. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply through his nose, trying to rid himself of the memory of Sasuke and that traveling hand of his.
Tenten jabbed him in the ribs and pointed towards the harbor, catching the start of the R/C boat race. Naruto silently thanked her for the distraction, his mind occupied on watching as much of the race as he could and not on Sasuke.
Standing on firm ground again, Ino demanded to pick the next ride. She favored the vintage Octopus ride and dragged Shikamaru along behind, overriding any objections. Not that anyone was objecting.
Shikamaru’s pick was the least favored as he calmly walked his way towards the small train that would circuit much of the fairground.
“Come on, Shika,” Ino whined. “This is kid’s stuff!”
“I like it,” he said.
“You like sleeping!”
Begrudgingly, they seated themselves at the caboose of the train and made the circuit. Naruto wasn’t complaining, he actually agreed with Shikamaru and enjoyed riding the train, or more specifically, watching the crowds of people scurrying about.
Gaara’s pick was the Round Up, which Kiba looked at with trepidation. It wasn’t one of his favorite rides, but Naruto enjoyed it. Naruto liked to hold his leg out against gravity as it spun them almost vertically.
Kiba exited the ride, looking paler than normal, and stumbled his way towards the ‘Umbrella’ ride, as Kiba called it. He was seated next to Gaara again when Tenten partnered up with Naruto.
“Ok, now it’s Naruto’s turn to pick a ride!” Tenten exclaimed when the ride was over.
“How about the Swings?”
“Sweet!”
Naruto laughed as they got in line, happier than he had been in a while. He welcomed the distraction; his mind, for once, unoccupied by constant thoughts of Sasuke.
Leaning towards Kiba, Shikamaru suggested they hit the Hall of Mirrors next. Kiba nodded eagerly, barley containing his enthusiasm. Stumbling from the ride, Kiba took command of the group and marched them towards the Hall of Mirrors, dragging a reluctant Naruto behind him.
Naruto stumbled right inside the door and ran after Tenten, sticking to her heels as his heart rate increased ten-fold.

~*~
Sasuke shoved his hands in his pockets, not entirely in the mood to enjoy a carnival; especially with his brother in tow. There was hostility in the air and poor Hinata was beside herself, trying to get everyone to play nice. Sadly, she was losing the battle.
“What do you want to ride first?” Itachi asked.
“Whatever we come to first,” Sasuke said.
So they got in line for the Scrambler, one of Itachi’s favorite rides, and divided themselves into two pairs. Hinata volunteered to pair with Sakura, Sasuke paired with Neji, leaving Temari and Itachi to share a cart.
“What’s going on?” Temari asked, as the ride lurched backwards.
“This is my final attempt to get Naruto and Sasuke back together.”
“I really thought they would’ve worked out their differences by now. It’s obvious how miserable both of them are.”
“Sasuke’s stubborn and Naruto…Naruto’s afraid of making Sasuke any angrier. He thinks the distance will help and is waiting for Sasuke to make the first move.”
“How can Sasuke make the first move if they’re avoiding one another?” Temari said.
“Good question,” Itachi said, smirking. “I’ve been trying to force them together for the last month, but Naruto keeps skipping out. That boy has some fantastic luck sometimes.”
“What a mess. Those two need to be locked in a room together until they sort out their differences.”
“Don’t think I haven’t tried. Naruto’s luck prevented that from happening.”
Temari was shocked. “You really tried to lock them in a room together?”
“I did, but Naruto skipped out at the last minute and I had to scrap the plan. Those two are their own worst enemies.”
The ride slowed to a crawl, the clink of chains hitting the side of the cart as riders released themselves. The Tilt-A-Whirl was next and the two grew quiet, reserving their conversation until they had more privacy. Sasuke plastered himself between Temari and Itachi, grumbling the entire ride.
It didn’t escape Itachi’s nor Temari’s attention that Sasuke kept scanning the crowd, almost as if he was searching for someone. Temari hid a giggle behind her hand and shot Itachi a glare, daring him to say anything about it. He chuckled into his hand, delighted when they got in line for the Flying Bobs.
“He keeps looking for him, doesn’t he?” Temari whispered conspiratorially.
Itachi’s smirk widened. “He’s jealous of a certain red-headed brother of yours.”
Temari’s jaw dropped as she looked at Itachi. She snapped her jaw closed, clacking her teeth in the process, and chuckled. “You’re evil. And I take it Sasuke has no idea Gaara isn’t interested in Naruto.”
“No idea. And in this case, I don’t feel obliged to divulge that information.”
“You’re working hard to fix your brother’s relationship, but what are you going to do about—” Temari jerked her head forward, indicating Sakura a few cars ahead.
“I have that worked out already; I just have to have a little talk with her.”
“What are you going to do?”
Itachi turned to her and grinned. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”
“Don’t do that, you look like a creeper.”

~*~
Sasuke crossed his arms as he exited the Flying Bobs, instinctively searching the crowds around him for a mop of blonde hair…or the deep red that Gaara sported. He knew he shouldn’t be jealous, Gaara never shown any interest in Naruto when they were together; but now, Naruto was a free agent. Free to choose anyone he wanted…if it was true that he wasn’t with Sakura. Would Gaara swoop in and sweep Naruto off his feet in Sasuke’s absence? Sasuke wasn’t sure anymore. He even began to doubt Gaara’s motivation behind helping him at Ino’s Christmas party…he did disappear and leave Naruto alone to be cornered by Sakura.
“Looks like the Caterpillar’s next,” Hinata said.
Sasuke filed in behind everyone else, leaning against the metal railing, his mood souring as time passed.
“If you’re so worried, why don’t you go looking for him?” Neji whispered.
“Hn,” Sasuke grumbled.
“Right, you’re not talking to him.” Neji rolled his eyes.
“He’s not talking to me.”
“I think it’s safe to assume, neither of you are talking to the other.”
Sasuke shot a glare at his friend.
“Don’t give me that look, Uchiha. You’re acting like a stubborn toddler who didn’t get his way.”
Sasuke scoffed.
“Answer me this,” Neji said, challenging Sasuke’s glare with one of his own. “If it’s truly over between you two, why haven’t you let go?”
Sasuke wished he could answer; he even attempted twice to say something, anything. But the words stuck fast in his throat, nearly choking him.
“I didn’t think you had an answer to that. End this. You know Naruto isn’t one to make the first move.”
“Why shouldn’t he?” Sasuke said. “Maybe it’s time he stepped up, did a little chasing of his own.”
Neji laughed. “Don’t be stupid. Do you want him back or do you want to lose him? Because the way you’re going you’ll lose him definitely.”
With a growl, Sasuke ducked under the metal bar and forced his way from the line. He was done; he’d had enough of the carnival and everyone there. He felt the hand on his shoulder a second too late and was forced to turn around and look at Itachi’s fury.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?”
“Home,” Sasuke snapped. “I’ve had enough of this stupid carnival!”
“Stop acting like a child!”
Sasuke released a bitter, mocking laugh. “Isn’t that why people come here in the first place? So they can act like children again?”
“They come here to have fun, not act like a brat!”
Sasuke pushed Itachi away and stormed through the crowd. Again, Itachi gripped him by the shoulder.
“Let me go!” he said.
“Itachi!” Tenten shouted frantically, catching sight of their group.
“What’s wrong?” Itachi questioned, eyeing the worried look on their faces and noting Shikamaru’s and Naruto’s absence. “Where are Naruto and Shikamaru?”
“We lost Naruto,” Ino said, ringing her hands. “Shikamaru’s looking for him now.”
“Where…Did you call Naruto’s phone?”
“It keeps going straight to voicemail.”
“Where was the last place you saw him?” Itachi demanded.
Sasuke’s mind raced, his heart thumping in his chest painfully. His Naruto was missing. He couldn’t stop himself from conjuring the image of a furious Kushina and their imminent bodily harm at her hands for losing her precious son. Then he thought of Minato and decided that they should all start picking out headstones now, because there was no way anyone was going to survive his wrath.
“He was right behind me in the Hall of Mirrors, I swear he was. But when we came out, he wasn’t following me anymore,” Tenten said.
Itachi jerked his head towards the entrance, a look on his face of lead sinking in the pit of his stomach. “Why—”
“Are you fucking nuts?!” Sasuke shouted. “Why would you take him in there?” He charged past them and entered the building, taking the first winding path he came too. He tried to ignore his mounting anger and the way his heart beat against his ribcage ferociously; painfully. Of all the stupid things his dobe could do, it had to be getting lost in the Hall of Mirrors; again!
“Dobe,” he shouted, rounding a corner into a dead end. He snarled and turned around, taking the left instead of the right and hitting a dead end again. He could see why Naruto had gotten lost; the maze was wicked even for him. Sasuke spun around, seeing himself mirrored back at him, but no sign of Naruto. “Dobe, answer me!”
Silence surrounded him. Sasuke closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his anger giving way to worry. Naruto wouldn’t answer him because he was probably curled in a ball in some dead end corner. He wouldn’t be surprised if the dobe was rocking back and forth too, like a little child.
Sasuke opened his eyes and turned right, rounded another corner, and spotted the exit. He wasn’t happy to see the exit so soon. He about-faced and smacked into a person behind him, nearly sending them crashing to the ground. Only he managed to stay on his feet.
He made a hasty apology only to have the words falter on his tongue. Naruto was on the ground before him, rubbing his elbow vigorously. Without thinking, Sasuke grabbed Naruto’s arm and hauled him to his feet, pulling him into a tight embrace.
“You stupid idiot!” Sasuke admonished, kissing Naruto’s hair repeatedly. “You stupid, stupid idiot!”
Naruto stood stock still as his heart beat a tango against his ribcage. Sasuke’s embrace was so warm and inviting and so very tempting. He wanted to wrap his arms around Sasuke and fully sink into the feel of him…
Sasuke pushed Naruto back, looking him over quickly. “What were you thinking?” he demanded, cupping Naruto’s face in his hands.
“I-I was fine,” Naruto whispered. Indeed, he looked fine. He was paler than Sasuke would’ve liked, but otherwise fine. “I just took a wrong turn and got lost, no big deal.”
“No big deal?” The anger was back in full force, overriding any other emotion at that moment. “Everyone was worried about you! Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
Naruto’s brow scrunched in confusion and he pulled his phone from his pocket, noting the dead battery. “It died,” he said.
Sasuke threw his hands up in exasperation. “Only you would get lost in a Hall of Mirrors and have your phone die on you!”
“I didn’t plan it,” Naruto snapped.
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching tightly at his sides. “What were you thinking coming in here in the first place?”
Naruto scowled. “It didn’t think I needed your permission. Sorry, next time I’ll remember to do that.”
Sasuke growled deep in his throat, glare firmly in place again, displaying his displeasure. Naruto knew how to push his buttons, sending him careening to his breaking point. He both hated and loved that about Naruto. Today, he hated it.
“Never mind,” Naruto sighed. He made to pass Sasuke, who put his arm out and swung Naruto back to him, capturing his lips with ferocious passion. Naruto reacted instinctively, leaning into it, losing himself to the feel of it. He’d missed it.
Sasuke pulled away, gasping for breath. “Let’s get out of here and find somewhere we can talk and hear ourselves think.”
Naruto nodded dumbly, letting Sasuke pull him along by the hand.

~*~
Itachi hid a smirk behind his hand as Sasuke charged past him. Sakura made to follow, but Itachi gripped her around her upper arm, stalling her.
“Let me go,” she demanded.
The others were about to follow after Sasuke as well, but Sakura’s voice halted them in their tracks, capturing their attention.
“I think it’s about time we had a talk, don’t you think; Miss Haruno?”
“About what?”
“Naruto and Sasuke and your little vendetta against my brother,” Itachi said.
Sakura’s demeanor turned icy. “That’s none of your business.”
“Wrong,” Itachi whispered. “Sasuke is my business and by extension of their relationship, Naruto too. You’ve caused quite a problem. Are you proud of yourself?”
“Sasuke got what was coming to him.”
“Because he turned you down, repeatedly? He was already in a relationship, why would he spare a glance at you when he already had what he wanted?”
“Sasuke doesn’t deserve Naruto.”
“And neither do you!” Itachi hissed. “You maliciously put yourself between them and hurt Naruto in your bid to take Sasuke down. Was that your intention or a nasty side effect?” Itachi waited for an answer, but Sakura remained quiet. “Answer me!” he snapped.
“I didn’t want to hurt Naruto! I just wanted him to see that I was a better candidate than Sasuke ever would be.”
“But you failed and Naruto was hurt. He didn’t feel the same way about you.”
“I love him, but he wouldn’t give us a chance. I know I could make him happy if he would just let me.”
“You have no intention of backing off, do you?”
“Absolutely not,” Sakura said.
“Then you leave me no choice. I hoped not to have to do this to you.” He leaned in close to Sakura’s ear, whispering. “This is your last warning: you will leave them alone or else.”
Sakura shook her head emphatically. “I won’t,” she said, her voice strong and full of conviction.
“I wonder: how much do you truly value becoming a doctor?” Sakura jerked backwards, but Itachi held her firmly in place. “I see I finally have your attention, Miss Haruno. You have two choices here; one, you continue on this self-destructive path and lose your chance to become a doctor—ever. Or, two, you give up on Naruto and get that doctorate you covet so much. The choice is yours, so choose wisely.”
“Do you honestly want me to believe that you can stop me from becoming a doctor? You’re ridiculous.” Sakura released a mocking laugh.
“Oh, I can and I will. You see, Sasuke means everything to me and if he’s unhappy, I’m not happy. Naruto makes him happy. If you persist in chasing Naruto, you will find that come college application time, no school will accept you. I’ll see to that. You obviously have no idea how many institutions my family donates to. Hospitals too. But, give up on Naruto now and you can be the doctor you always wanted to be.” Itachi reached into his pocket and held out a letter to Sakura. “This just arrived, take a look.”
Sakura held out her hand and took the envelope, opening it slowly. Her eyes shot up, looking intently at Itachi, before falling back to the paper. It had to be a cruel joke, she thought to herself.
Sensing her thoughts, Itachi laughed. “It’s not a joke; it’s real. I took the liberty of contacting a friend of mine who just happens to be the dean of admissions at your college of choice. They’ve agreed to accept you in to their summer program, usually reserved for those students with a year of college under their belt. And all you have to do is leave Sasuke and Naruto be, whatever the outcome of their relationship will be.”
“Why would you do this?” she asked, still weary.
“Like I said, Sasuke’s happiness is my happiness. And right now, I believe that happiness is dependent on having you as far away from him and Naruto as possible. Do we have a deal?”
Sakura looked at the paper again. “This isn’t a joke?”
Itachi shook his head. Sakura bit her lip and turned to look at the Hall of Mirrors, where Naruto was. She looked back at Itachi sadly. He almost felt sad for her, before she nodded hesitantly. “Deal,” she whispered.
“I wish you all the luck in medical school,” Itachi said, smiling. He meant it too. He also hoped she could turn her zeal for vengeance into a zeal for helping people.
“Thanks,” Sakura said robotically, devoid of any emotion. She retreated a minute later in search of her parents, clutching the letter tightly as if her life depended on it.
Itachi sagged with relief, turning to address the multiple stares directed at him. “What?” he questioned.
“You threaten her with an education?” Ino said. “What the hell kind of people are you Uchiha?”
“The kind who gets what we want by any means. That doesn’t mean we have to be cold-hearted bastards about it.”
“Sasuke dragged Naruto off, just like you predicted he would,” Shikamaru drawled as he rejoined the group.
“Good.” Itachi smirked, delighted that one of his plans finally worked. “Now we just wait and see if they can salvage their relationship.” Itachi turned to see Kakashi and his parents walking towards them, Kushina and Minato by their sides. Itachi’s face lit up. “Where have you been all night?” He embraced a confused Kakashi, kissing him soundly.
Mikoto and Kushina giggled. “You see, Kakashi, I told you not to worry: Itachi still loves you,” and Mikoto dissolved into giggles again.

~*~
The house was quiet as he closed the door behind him, just like Sasuke expected it to be. Naruto stood by the foot of the steps, looking nervous. They hadn’t spoken a word as they walked the deserted streets back to Sasuke’s house. Sasuke led the way to his bedroom, Naruto dropping onto the bed mutely. He decided to lean against his door and cross his arms, waiting for Naruto to make the first move.
Silence circled around them, assaulting Naruto’s ears. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it a moment later, unsure of where to start. He sighed and fidgeted with his hands in his lap. The silence mounted to an unbearable level and still neither spoke.
Sasuke was determined to wait as long as he needed to, even if that meant an eternity. Naruto had to be the one to make the first move, it was essential, otherwise nothing would change.
“I don’t know where to start,” Naruto finally whispered.
Sasuke nearly cried when Naruto spoke. He swallowed his tears and answered; his voice a bit on the scratchy side. “An apology is a good place to start.”
Naruto nodded dumbly. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
Sasuke uncrossed his arms and pushed away from his door, sitting next to Naruto. “I’m sorry, too.”
“I didn’t know…” he faltered. With a deep sigh, Naruto turned to look at Sasuke. “I misunderstood what you were trying to warn me about. I didn’t think she had feelings for me and it caught me off guard. I didn’t know how to handle that.”
“I didn’t realize the lengths that she would go,” Sasuke said. “I didn’t like walking in on the two of you kissing. I especially didn’t like walking in on her molesting you.”
“I’m sorry,” Naruto repeated. “I pushed her away.”
“It made me angry, Naruto, and I may have said a few things I didn’t mean. But I don’t understand you. Why did you agree so easily when I asked for space?”
“You were so serious when you said it, that I thought…I dunno. I didn’t want to make you angrier. I thought that’s what you wanted.”
“I didn’t mean it. I said it out of frustration and anger and I’m sorry.”
Naruto nodded. “Where do we go from here?”
“I don’t know. I can’t trust you as easily as I once did.”
“I understand. I have to earn your trust back.” Naruto bit his lip and studied Sasuke’s bed intently, drawing circles over the fabric. “How do I do that?” he whispered.
Sasuke exhaled. “I don’t know,” he said. “It’s really hard for me to trust you when I’ve heard you’ve been spending all your time with Gaara.”
Naruto stared at him in bemusement. “You’re jealous of Gaara?”
Sasuke scowled. “I didn’t say I was jealous-”
“But, you are,” Naruto said. “Teme, I’m not seeing Gaara, we’re just friends.”
“Like you were friends with her?”
Naruto shook his head. “No, not like I was friends with her; whatever that means.”
“Dobe,” Sasuke warned.
“Teme,” Naruto laughed. “Gaara has a boyfriend.”
“He does?” Sasuke asked in wonderment.
“Yes, he does. Don’t act so surprised.”
“But, he’s always so unapproachable.”
“You just don’t understand him.”
“And you do?” Sasuke said.
“I do.”
Sasuke felt a shiver travel the length of his spine and a warm, tingling sensation spread through his stomach at those words. Clearing his throat, Sasuke asked, “Who’s the boyfriend?”
Naruto chuckled. “You really don’t know?”
“Of course not,” Sasuke said, taking the defensive. He wouldn’t be asking if he did.
Naruto burst into a fit of laughter.
“Dobe,” Sasuke warned again, shifting slightly.
“Ok, ok,” Naruto said putting out his hands to stall any move Sasuke made towards him. “It’s Neji, he’s dating Neji.”
“Eh,” Sasuke asked, completely confused. “When did that happen?”
“Ino’s Christmas party. That’s where he disappeared to.”
“You mean, when he was supposed to be helping me keep an eye on you?”
“Hmm, Gaara explained to me that he wasn’t aware you’d left the room. Neji cornered him and pulled Gaara away to give him his present.”
Sasuke shuddered with repulsion, imagining those two off together, alone, and in a compromising position. He did not need to hear that.
“You’re so perverted, Sasuke! That wasn’t Gaara’s present.”
“And how do you know that? Gaara could’ve lied to you.”
Naruto shook his head. “Gaara wouldn’t lie to me about that, he would’ve come right out and said they had. He never censored himself around me before.”
Sasuke wasn’t happy to hear that Naruto was privy to Gaara’s sexual encounters and he let it show. Naruto rolled his eyes.
“Naruto, it’s inappropriate for you to know the details of Gaara’s sex life.” Sasuke shuddered again, trying to shake the mental images his mind was persistent on conjuring.
“Gaara doesn’t filter what he says to me. Really, what we get up to sometimes, I don’t think it’s such a big deal.” Naruto shrugged his shoulders.
“Dobe,” Sasuke said, sighing and taking a deep breath. “Please, when Gaara starts to talk about his sex life, tell him you don’t want to hear about it; ok?”
Naruto opened his mouth to object, but closed it immediately. With a short nod, Naruto agreed. “Ok.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Naruto whispered.
Sasuke opened his eyes and took a long look at Naruto. “I know you want my trust back, but you know you don’t have to comply with everything I ask, right?”
“I know, but you don’t want me talking about that sort of thing with Gaara, so I won’t. It’s a reasonable request and besides, I have to start somewhere.”
Sasuke smiled softly. “It is a start.”
Naruto nodded. It was a start, he thought to himself. But that thought didn’t put him at ease thinking about the long road ahead of them.
Sasuke noticed the shift in Naruto’s demeanor immediately, reacting to it instinctively. “What’s wrong?”
“Is it enough though? I-I don’t want to disappoint you again.”
“You won’t,” Sasuke assured. For the first times in months, he was confident that they could get past this hurdle in their life. They could make it work if they both worked at it, if they both wanted it bad enough. And he did want it…he never stopped wanting it, even when he said he did.
“But if I do?”
“Then we’ll deal with it if it ever happens. I have faith in us, you need to also.”
Naruto nodded slowly and bit his lip. “How do I continue to grow your trust back?”
“Day by day.”
Naruto nodded again. “Can we…can we…try, something different?”
“Like what?” Sasuke asked, wondering what Naruto was getting at.
Naruto rubbed his finger in lazy circles along Sasuke’s thigh, unable to look him in the eye as he let his fingers do the asking. He already knew the answer, but he couldn’t stop himself. Discouraged, Naruto pulled his hand away as if Sasuke had told him to stop.
Sasuke got the question, loud and clear. He knew Naruto wanted to top someday…but it was Naruto’s automatic assumption that angered him; a frown pulling at his lips. He’d already answered his own question in his mind without hearing the words from Sasuke’s mouth.
Naruto slid from the bed as the silence continued, but Sasuke reached out and grabbed his wrist with a glare, pulling him back to the bed and to him. Blue eyes widened comically, but Sasuke’s was a mask of determination.
Naruto swallowed thickly and leaned in, brushing his lips against Sasuke’s tenderly. It was soft and tender, slower than either would have liked, and all the more sweeter because of it. Naruto pulled away, running his fingers from Sasuke’s lips, down his neck, and resting on the collar of his shirt. A hint of hesitation crossed his face, before he hooked his finger under Sasuke’s shirt and lifted, revealing a milky white chest.
He leaned down, attaching himself to the dusty nipple, swirling his tongue around the nub before catching it in his teeth and tugging gently. Sasuke released a gasp, his head tipping back in pleasure. Encouraged, Naruto attacked the other nipple with his mouth, his fingers pinching and pulling on the already abused nub. He’d missed the warmth of his lover’s body; the feel of him, the taste of his skin.
Hissing, Sasuke ran his hands down Naruto’s back and tugged at the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head swiftly. He leaned forward and attached himself to Naruto’s neck, running his tongue along the smooth column, grazing his teeth over his Adam’s apple.
Naruto purred in appreciation and grinned, his hands snaking down to rub at Sasuke’s bulge, eliciting another hiss.
“Take them off,” Sasuke demanded. He didn’t bother to wait for Naruto to agree. He tugged at the button and tore at the zipper. Naruto helped by grabbing the bottom of the jeans and ripping them away, revealing milky white legs.
Naruto chuckled and stood, slowly following suit with his own jeans, taking his time and making a show of unbuttoning them and teasing the zipper ever so slowly. Sasuke gulped, mesmerized by the show, his cock twitching in anticipation. A mingling of fear and excitement teased his stomach, waiting for Naruto to reveal the cock that would take his virginity.
Naruto let the jeans fall away and stepped out of them. Leaning over the end of the bed, he gripped Sasuke around the ankles and pulled him towards him. He ran his fingers along Sasuke’s milky thighs, teasing the smooth flesh with feather light touches and delighting in the forming goosebumps.
Humming appreciatively, Naruto gripped the swollen member of his lover. Pumping twice from base to tip, he lowered his tongue and teased Sasuke’s slit before engulfing the head in his mouth and sucking, forcing the cock slowly towards the back of his throat. Sasuke was shocked with Naruto’s sudden boldness, usually he had to beg Naruto to deep throat him.
Sasuke growled and gripped Naruto’s hair tightly when he felt Naruto gag a bit, torn between encouraging him and pushing him back. “Damn, that feels good,” he moaned.
Naruto hummed around the shaft in his mouth, pulling back to suck at the tip, before taking it as far back as he could go until his gag reflex kicked in again. He coughed and pulled back momentarily, trying once more a moment later. The tip barely touched the back of his throat before he was gagging for a third time.
“That’s enough,” Sasuke whispered, pushing him back gently and capturing his lips. He snaked his hands down Naruto’s chest, admiring the slender body of his lover, before tugging at Naruto’s turgid cock. Naruto moaned, closing his eyes and leaning into the kiss.
“Get the lube,” Sasuke said, smirking.
Naruto blinked and reached for the bedside table, pulling out the almost full bottle. He stared at the bottle in his hands, nervousness catching up to him. His first time topping, he didn’t want to hurt Sasuke.
Sasuke grabbed the bottle and opened the cap, forcing Naruto’s hand up and squirting a liberal amount into his palm. He tossed the bottle over his shoulder and leaned back on the bed, spreading his legs.
Naruto paused to admire the view, proud that he could claim that body as belonging to his boyfriend. He silently wondered if Sasuke felt the same exact thing when he was lying exposed beneath the Uchiha. With a shaky breath, he moved over Sasuke, bending his milky white leg up and back and giving him access to his puckered hole.
“Are you sure?” Naruto whispered, gulping. He still remembered his very first time and how it stung like a bitch no matter how patient Sasuke had been. He didn’t want to see Sasuke in pain.
“I’m sure.”
With a nod, Naruto coated his fingers and rubbed circles over Sasuke’s hole, pushing slowly past the tight ring. Sasuke’s breath hitched at the intrusion and his body squirmed at the foreign sensation, its first instinct to resist the intrusion. Naruto bit his lip and added a second finger, stretching his lover slowly.
Sasuke bit the back of his hand and groaned in pain when Naruto added a third finger, plunging the digit up to the knuckle and scissoring. It was a new experience for Sasuke, knowing what he put Naruto through every time they made love.
Pulling back, Naruto coated his cock and positioned himself at Sasuke’s entrance. “Ready?” he y,"Sasuke’s entrance,said. With a short nod from Sasuke, Naruto pushed in slowly.
Sasuke groaned again, scrunching his eyes against the pain. Damn, that stung like a son of a bitch, he thought to himself. Naruto paused, but Sasuke hissed, “Don’t stop!”
Naruto resumed pushing in, going slow. And when he was finally seated inside he stalled, waiting for Sasuke to nod his agreement.
Sasuke took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his pounding heart. He knew there would be pain, but he never imagined it would feel like this. With a shaky nod, he thrust against Naruto, giving him the go ahead. Naruto pulled out and pushed back in, pacing himself in a steady rhythm. Sasuke grunted, the pain slowly ebbing to pleasure.
Sasuke pushed back, meeting Naruto thrust for thrust, his body burning with new and pleasurable sensations. He could feel an odd tingling sensation, if he could even call it that, that grew as Naruto pushed into his body.
“Damn, that feels so good,” he groaned. “Faster!” Now he knew why Naruto always whined to be filled, always begged him to go faster. It was amazing!
“Fuck, Sasuke,” Naruto gasped. He sped up, shifting his angle, and felt Sasuke’s body jerk beneath him followed by a heady moan. He smirked, knowing that feeling personally.
“Oh, fuck!” Sasuke gasped. “What the hell are you doing to me?!”
Naruto managed a laugh. “Making you feel good.” He shifted the angle again, smiling when Sasuke’s body jerked in response.
“No wonder you never want me to stop,” Sasuke mused, unaware he’d spoken his thoughts out loud.
Naruto chuckled and thrust harder, feeling his gut tightening with his release. He wouldn’t hold out much longer and was determined to make Sasuke cum first.
“Stroke yourself,” Naruto ordered.
Sasuke’s eyes flickered with lust at the order, his body tingling. He reached down and gripped his cock, stroking from base to tip. He squeezed and twisted around the head, his thumb flicking over the slit before sliding his hand down his shaft again to repeat the motion. That familiar coil in his gut tightened. He was close to his climax and judging by how erratic Naruto’s thrusts were, he knew Naruto was close too.
Sasuke tugged harder at his cock and gasped with his release, hot cum splattering Naruto’s chest. With one last thrust, Naruto released inside Sasuke, groaning as Sasuke’s body tightened around his cock and milked his orgasm.
Panting heavily, Naruto collapsed next to Sasuke, his body shaking uncontrollably. He managed to curl into Sasuke’s side. Cupping the side of Sasuke’s face, Naruto turned his head towards him, brushing his lips in a soft kiss.
“How are you feeling?” Naruto said. He ignored the slight ache he was beginning to feel in his own thighs.
“I’m fine,” Sasuke panted, kissing him lightly.
“I didn’t hurt you?” Naruto ran his hand over Sasuke’s side, rubbing at his hip before reaching his butt and massaging. He loved it when Sasuke massaged his ass afterwards.
“Not at all.” Sasuke smiled and kissed him again. “You did great,” he whispered.
Naruto burst into sudden tears, burying his head in Sasuke’s neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Sasuke sighed, hugging him close. “Every day was agony being away from you.”
“I’m so sorry. Everything’s my fault. You have no reason to trust me.”
Sasuke stared at his ceiling, blinking back tears of his own. “I was angry and hotheaded and I didn’t give you a chance to explain. I was hurt when I saw her kissing you again…You really pushed her away?”
Naruto heard the pleading tone in Sasuke’s voice. “Too late for you to see, but yeah, I did,” he sniffled.
Sasuke closed his eyes, sighing heavily. He believed Naruto where he didn’t believe Itachi. They’d both been stupid and it didn’t help that they’d tiptoed around each other for the last month and a half.
“I don’t love her,” Naruto whispered. “I love you. It was always you.”
Sasuke finally broke down, his tears falling unchecked. “I love you, too,” he managed to choke out. “Oh, how I love you.”
Naruto hummed sadly and curled himself tighter against Sasuke’s side, hugging him fiercely. He was afraid to let him go, afraid that if he did he might wake up and find this all a dream.
Sasuke grunted in pain, wincing when Naruto’s grip restricted his breathing to an intolerable level. “Dobe, ease up. I can’t breathe.”
Naruto chuckled nervously and slackened his grip. “Sorry,” he mumbled.
With a sigh, Sasuke stared at the mop of sweaty blonde hair obscuring his view of its owner’s face. He couldn’t stop loving him, no matter how much he tried. It just wasn’t possible. Pulling away from Naruto reluctantly, he stumbled out of bed and reached his dresser, yanking the top drawer open.
Gripping a small box in his hand, he turned around. Naruto sat up on the bed, his right hand stroking his left elbow nervously. In two strides, Sasuke was back on the bed, holding Naruto tight.
“I love you,” he said, kissing Naruto’s temple.
Naruto managed a small smile. “And I love you.”
“Good.” Sasuke smiled, running his thumb over the black velvet box in his hand. He slowly eased Naruto away from him, gaining his attention. “I meant to ask you this on Valentine’s, but I think now is the perfect time.”
He placed the box in front of Naruto and made a show of opening it, smirking when Naruto’s jaw dropped. “So, what do you say? Will you marry me?”
Naruto snapped his jaw shut and nodded, “Yes!”
Sasuke lit up like a Christmas tree, revealing one of his rare and truest smiles. He pulled the ring from the box and delighted in placing it on Naruto’s finger, where it was always meant to be.
“Hn, now you’re stuck with me.”
“I think I can handle that.” Naruto beamed, kissing Sasuke passionately.
Naruto pulled back humming with pleasure and imagining his future together, just the two of them. Then he remembered. “Oh, by the way, I got a dog.”
“You what?!”

~*~
“You’re sure it’s over?” Minato asked, slightly hopeful that his son’s unhappiness was now in the past.
Itachi was rather unforthcoming on the details, but he assured his and Naruto’s parents that the lover’s spat was over and they could all relax. That is, until they had to pay for a wedding. That set Mikoto’s and Kushina’s eyes gleaming again.
Itachi said goodbye to his parents and promised to look after his little brother while they were gone. Once they were out of sight, he pulled Kakashi away to get in a few last rides with his own boyfriend and eat every sweet confection they came across.
They were forced to sit far from the stage during the concert, but once it was over, half the people left and they wormed their way through the remaining stragglers in search of a spot to cuddle up closer to the harbor.
Kakashi wrapped his arms around Itachi’s waist as the Uchiha sat down with his back against Kakashi’s chest. Itachi was quite comfortable, until he realized just how quiet Kakashi was this evening.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Just you’ve been so focused on your brother’s relationship and not so focused on ours.”
“Yeah, sorry about ditching you tonight, but I had to help my brother. He’s been in love with Naruto on some level since they were toddlers. I didn’t want him to lose that.”
“Do you think it’s over then?”
Itachi smirked, nodding his head. “They should be engaged by now, if they’ve finished with the makeup sex.”
Kakashi hummed with amusement.
“My attention is now completely focused on you,” Itachi added, turning to give Kakashi a brief kiss. With that, the fireworks display started, stealing their attention.

~*~
Near the entrance to the festival, Fugaku and Mikoto paused on their way to their car to watch the fireworks light up the sky. It was a pleasant send off to their trip and an added bonus to Sasuke’s and Naruto’s continued relationship.
Put at ease by Itachi’s unusually jovial, though hasty, explanation of their son’s current whereabouts (making up with Sasuke), Minato and Kushina stopped as well. Minato hugged Kushina from behind, her giggling reaching his ears between booms.
Gaara grew worried about his new cat and the noise, which was closer to his apartment than the Humane Society, and hurried off to check on him. Neji followed Gaara, determined to get some quality time with his boyfriend and his new feline companion.
The others stood in line for funnel cake, before finding a good spot to see all the fireworks. Ino snuggled into Shikamaru’s side and Hinata settled in Kiba’s lap. Temari wrapped her arms around her legs and rest her chin on her knees, enjoying the show.
Naruto pulled Sasuke to the window seat to watch, Sasuke grabbing a blanket to wrap them both in. Naruto leaned back into Sasuke’s embrace, shivering when a soft kiss was planted on his neck. He smiled, holding back a giggle when Sasuke’s hand worked its way to his hole, teasing it with gentle circles.

~*~
When it was over, everyone who was camped out around Kakashi and Itachi started to gather their things and leave. Kakashi made no indication he wanted to move, so Itachi just leaned back into him and watched the smoke spread and thin. It had thankfully been a clear evening after all that rain and the nearly full moon shone clearly, though it was rising behind the couple.
“Well, if your brother’s about to get married, I guess it would suck for your parents to lose both sons at the same time then, wouldn’t it?”
“Huh?” Itachi asked, honestly confused.
Kakashi took a small navy blue box from his pocket and opened it in front of Itachi. “That is, of course, if you wanted to marry a substitute teacher who’s still working on his masters.”
It was a good thing that the hillside was pretty much empty. Kakashi was hard pressed to hang onto the small box and its expensive resident as Itachi turned and bowled him over, forcing him on his back. He snapped the box shut and clinched his fist around it as Itachi gave him the most passionate kiss in his life.
“Promise me one thing,” Itachi said, pulling back just enough to give him room to breathe and talk.
“Anything,” Kakashi said.
“Our wedding has to outshine Sasuke’s.”
Kakashi groaned, but it wasn’t due to Itachi’s declaration and more to do with Itachi’s wandering hand molesting him. It didn’t take them long to be lost to the world.

~*~ FIN ~*~
- 6
- 7
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Holiday Revenge