My one and only (sasunaru)

10

The realization of his feelings towards Sasuke hit Naruto like a truck. He knew he had felt something about Sasuke long before this whole incident occurred, but Naruto being Naruto just made it out to be hatred as that was how it went down in rivalries, or so he thought. However, he knew this wasn't anything close to hatred because he should not be feeling butterflies whenever he thought of Sasuke.

This was wrong, he was taking advantage of Sasuke who has been nothing but protective and on guard at all times in this situation. So ultimately he wanted to put a stop to this whole charade of Itachi's, but before that, he needed to confirm his feelings. Was he sure it was a little crush? Not sure, maybe. Hopefully not.

Maybe he caught those feelings last night? Was it just heat of the moment or is it something beyond that? He tried to rewind through his memory. Was it the kiss they shared in middle school? Or was it the one in high school? Though, both kisses were very 'accidental' the thought still remained.
He definitely did it on purpose!
Nonetheless, both parties liked it, whether they wanted to admit it or not.

"Fuccckkkkk.." Naruto groaned loudly as he rolled in his bed. He flipped and turned, trying to get the cursed (amazing) picture out of his head. How am I going to face Sasuke like this? He'd probably think I'm a freak!

Suddenly Naruto heard a knock on the door. But Sasuke wasn't going to be back for a while, and as far as he knew, neither Kiba or Itachi had access to his dorm so who could it be? The door to his room opening slowly. He couldn't make out the figure standing in front of him because of all the dim lighting.

The figure swayed its hand over the light switch, turning the lights on, almost blinding the sleepy blond. Naruto opened his eyes and to his horror, he saw none other than the Itachi Uchiha himself. "I hope I didn't disturb you."

Do I have my blade in the drawer still?

Naruto instinctively glanced over to his nightstand before sitting up from his bed. With a smile, he greeted the older Uchiha. "No, you didn't." He got up from his bed as he made his way towards Itachi who smiled at him. "Sasuke is not here at the moment, should I relay any messages?"

Itachi chuckled before patting the blond's shoulder. A glint of joy shining in his dark eyes as he gently pulled Naruto out of his dorm. "I'm here to see you, not my brother." Itachi closed the door behind Naruto before pulling him on a walk around in the building.

Naruto raised a brow, shooting the taller male with a puzzled expression. "Well then, what can I do for you?" He almost wanted to resist going with Itachi but thought of ways Itachi could possibly torture him if he refused. He couldn't reach Sasuke either, as he had been pulled out of the dorm room by Itachi.

Itachi stayed silent as he put his hands in his pockets, leading the way to the blond who was cautiously following him from behind. He debated on making a run for it but it was like the Uchiha had a secret pair of eyes planted in the back of his head.

Initially, he didn't think Itachi would be cruel enough to torture him in public, but now he was doubting that. So, swallowing his fate, he took a deep breath before catching up to the older Uchiha. If the universe planned this for him, who was he to interfere with the decision. Plus, Itachi did resemble Sasuke, a little too much to his liking. If he couldn't have Sasuke, he could accept Itachi as a replacement, maybe this was his time to shine?

He walked shoulder to shoulder with the sexy tall senior beside him. He looked closely at Itachi, his hands in his pockets. "You know, your face is kind of nice to look at."

Itachi chuckled, shaking his head as his eyes fixated on the path ahead of him. "That's flattering, thank you."

The two strolled around in a neighborhood, striking up small conversation. The heavy tension lifted from between the two as they warmed up a bit. Naruto, still skeptical of Itachi's intentions, stayed on guard, catching little things throughout the night.

"Why aren't you close with Sasuke? I mean he's your brother after all."

"Ah, I guess it's about time I tell you."

"........."

"Growing up, Sasuke and I were really close to each other, always together and.. I think we were happy. But, of course that all changed when I hit the age of 10. You see, I had always been competent, I was praised and favored by my father my whole life. Sasuke not so much. As he grew older, he started realizing this too. He would always seek attention from father, but father never bonded with him, because he was so busy with his trips. So when he did have the time, he didn't know what to do with Sasuke, what Sasuke liked, disliked. By the time he was available, it was too late, Sasuke had resented father and I guess me, for taking his dad away."

Naruto stared at Itachi in disbelief and shock. He could see Itachi was telling the truth, the sincerity in his eyes gave it away. He didn't know what to say, I mean what could he, as an orphan say to this? That he felt sorry? For Itachi, or Sasuke? So he'd much rather stay silent, letting Itachi continue.

"By the time we reached high school, we fell apart. He acted like he didn't have an older brother, and I acted as if I didn't know Sasuke. I understand now that it was a big mistake on both of our part, maybe we could've made up. Unfortunately, for me, I started hanging out with.. the wrong people, differentiating ourselves even more than before. I had found comfort in.. substances. By the time I realized what an idiot I had been, it was too late. I was too deep in to stop, even today, I'm still struggling to get clean. However, I think I've learned my lesson."

Itachi chuckled nervously before glancing at Naruto's saddened face. He patted the blond's head, snapping him out of his head. "Huh?" Naruto glanced upwards at Itachi, realizing he had zoned out.

"We're here."

Naruto looked around, remembering they were back in the campus, standing in front of his dorm. "Oh!— I'm sorry, I zoned out." He chuckled nervously as Itachi gave a nod.

"You should rest."

Itachi waved Naruto off as the blond entered his dorm, before a smirk plastered his face.

*

Naruto laid down on his bed, unable to fall asleep. The clock ticked past midnight and he was sure he was the only person in the dorm by now, since he hadn't heard any doors opening. His mind returned to what Itachi had said.
Was he really struggling that much? But why didn't he mention Izumi?

Naruto was sure that Itachi knew about the rumors, so why not clear it out of the way? Naruto wasn't stupid, and he sure as hell wasn't gullible but.. it's something about the way Itachi had said it. He couldn't have just made up a lie on the spot, right? But again, what was the purpose of taking him out of the dorm? To gain sympathy?