Just for You ✓ (⛔)

Naruto loved Itachi. He'd known the man his whole life, the man was one of his guardian ANBU. They'd grown close, against the rules and regulations of the ANBU code. 

He learned of the man's identity, and because of their relationship, they shared everything. He told Itachi about the villagers and he was told of the being sealed with him. He was secretly trained and taught to help him learn what the school refused to teach. He had trouble learning and retaining information, but Itachi helped him with so much patience. 

They shared everything, which included what missions Itachi had and what he was annoyed with. Naruto was told of the man's family, of his superiors, of his brother's obsessions with him, his father's strict rules, of his mother's ignorant kindness. He knew everything. 

Itachi was always there for him. He was there when Naruto broke down and cried because of how he was treated by everyone else, when he laughed and played with the rain and puddles, when he trained with unbroken concentration, when he couldn't focus on anything and sat there in silence. 

He loved the man, and it came in many forms. Comforting hugs, soft smiles, chaste cheek kisses, nighttime snuggles. He loved the man with every fiber of his being. It wasn't romantic, no, but it was a love he couldn't explain. It was familial, that's what he concluded. He didn't know of it, but if he were to have to explain it, he'd have to say Itachi gave it.

When he received the news that the man had to leave the village forever and fake going rogue, he pleaded that he was taken too. He sobbed and cried until he was exhausted and defeated. He was told that when the boy became a ninja, he could come see him on missions out of the village. 

But he knew.

Naruto could always tell when the man was lying. He could always tell when the man was grieving and hurting. So he didn't push further, he didn't cause further pain. Even though he'd wanted to scream and hold the man down. 

But he endured it. He contained himself until the man left in the morning. Only then did he break his hold and cry. His beloved was leaving and Naruto couldn't follow.  

It was torture, his heart was always hurting. He could only imagine how Itachi felt. He heard about the man massacring his whole clan with the exception of his younger brother. Itachi must've been hurting so much. 

He found a small wooden crow on his counter with a note the morning after. It was glossed over with a clear preservative and when he examined it, he could a small heart shaped seal. He released the seal's hold when he got back from school. 

A note and a small box came out. 

—————

Naruto, 

I know you're upset about me leaving you and I'm sorry. 

My brother will no doubt seek revenge and hold hatred towards me, but I expect no less. No not tell him of my reasoning please, I love Konoha an I don't wish him to turn on the village. 

I love you, and no matter what, you'll always be my brave fox. 

The organization I told you of will go after you for the Kyuubi so be strong and train your ass off for me, okay?

In the box is my gift to you, do what you want with it. 

– Itachi

—————

He didn't break and cry for hours like he thought he would as he read the note. A few stray tears slipped but he continued and opened the box. The man's ANBU mask stared back at him. He pulled it out and held it close.