if it all burns down (i’ll still be by your side)

1.

Naruto was only ten when he first heard it. He was at the supermarket, buying more groceries (mostly ramen), when two similarly aged boys accompanied by an adult figure said something peculiar.

“I heard the Uchihas were actually robots,” said one boy.

Naruto’s hand paused over the ramen, as he not so discreetly took in the boys in the same aisle as him. They were a bit taller than him, both black-haired.

“Woah, seriously?” said boy number two. “Where did you hear that?”

“I overheard some adults talking about it at a restaurant. Pretty scary stuff. Apparently their sharingan eyes had a deathray mode, where they could kill you by just looking at you!” the boy ran his finger along his neck, pretending to die.

Naruto shuddered.

“That’s enough,” said the adult with them. “Don’t go spreading rumours. Pick what flavour ramen you want and we can go.”

Naruto shook out of his daze and grabbed the ramen his hand was closest to, dumping it into his basket. Beef flavoured; it would do.

That evening, while he was eating the beef flavoured ramen he had bought, he was reminded of what the young boy in the supermarket had said. Were the Uchihas really that scary and powerful? Were they robots?

Naruto didn’t know much about the Uchiha clan; only bits and pieces that he had picked up when wandering around the neighbourhood. He knew that they were nearly completely wiped out. And he knew that there was a certain black-haired boy, about Naruto’s own age, who resided in an apartment of his own. Naruto had walked past him a few times, watching him sitting on the jetty, observing the calm water. There had been a few times the boy had looked his way, and Naruto had quickly diverted his attention lest he get caught staring.

But he had seen it. A pair of eyes that matched his own. Maybe not in colour, but definitely in emotion. Loneliness. It was a horrible, all-consuming feeling. Naruto had known it his whole life, yet it had never gotten easier. The aching never went away. And by the looks of it, the Uchiha boy shared in that understanding.

The look in the boy’s eyes definitely prompted doubt about that robot rumour. Naruto wondered what would happen if he approached him. Could they be friends?

Maybe one day.

— —

That day came a few months later. Naruto was walking by a park near the Uchiha compound when he saw him. The young Uchiha boy was sitting alone on the park bench, eating a rice ball. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the children were playing on the park playground, and Naruto felt optimistic.

Gathering all his courage, Naruto walked over to the Uchiha boy, and sat on the other side of the bench.

“Hi,” Naruto said. “I’m Naruto.” He offered out his hand.

The boy glared at the hand. “I don’t care,” he said.

Taken aback, but not entirely disheartened, Naruto just shrugged. “That’s okay.” He was used to rejection.

He said nothing more, as the two of them sat there in silence, and the boy finished his rice ball. They watched the other children playing on the playground, as their parents supervised over from the table and benches to the side.

As the afternoon went on, all the children left—with a parental figure every time.

“Where are your parents?” the Uchiha boy asked, when they were eventually by themselves.

Naruto looked at him, then straight ahead at the playground. “I don’t have any.” He said it matter-of-factly, even though admitting it still caused an ache in his heart.

“Oh.”

He could feel the boy’s gaze on him and turned to meet it. “Do you want to play?” he said, nodding at the playground.

The boy’s eyes widened for a moment, before he schooled them into a guarded expression. “No.”

“Okay,” Naruto said. He got up from the park bench and ran over to the now empty playground, climbing up the platform. He made his way over to the flying fox, grasping the handle he flung himself across. In his young life had learned to appreciate that an empty playground meant he was free to do whatever he wanted without judgement. While not ideal, he had tried to join in with other kids’ games many times, but he was always told to go away, that he wasn’t welcome. He had no idea why, but he had come to somewhat accept it, and instead entertained himself. It wasn’t fulfilling, but what alternative did he have?

Naruto climbed up to the twirly blue slide and slid down it. He then proceeded to try climb back up the slide, but it was very slippery and he only made it halfway before he lost grip and slid back down.

“You know you’re meant to go down those. Not up,” said a familiar voice. It was the Uchiha boy. He was standing next to the slide.

“Well it’s fun to go up them too!” Naruto said.

The Uchiha boy snorted. “I doubt it.”

“Maybe you’re just jealous that you can’t climb up them!” Naruto huffed before proceeding to take a second attempt at going up the slide.

The Uchiha boy narrowed his eyes. “You couldn’t even get up it the first time.”

“I will this time though! Just you watch!”

“I’m watching.”

With renewed determination, Naruto grabbed hold of either side of the slide and climbed his way up. There were a few near falls but he was almost at the top. However, on what would’ve been his final step to success, the slide was sandy. His foot lost its grip and he slid all the way down the slide.

“Damn it!” he cursed.

But there was laughter. But it wasn’t the mocking kind he was used to, no, it was just genuine laughter—coming from the Uchiha boy. It was infectious and Naruto found himself, at the bottom of the slide, laughing too.

“Let me have a go,” the Uchiha boy said, once all the laughter had died down.

“Sure.” Naruto grinned and got up from the slide. The Uchiha boy was confident and seemed to pick up the knack of slide climbing straight away, but he got to that same sandy part near the top —as Naruto had— and he too lost his footing and slid down. They both fell into laughter. Because at the heart of it, they were just two lonely ten year old kids, leading lives where laughter was sparse.

Naruto clutched his stomach, it was a new kind of ache but a good one. He’d never known you could laugh so much that your belly hurt. He’d never experienced something like this but it was brilliant.

He and the Uchiha boy took it in turns to climb the slide. The Uchiha boy managed to conquer it before Naruto, but Naruto was not long after. The two then turned their attention to the other parts of the playground. Naruto showed the Uchiha boy how to do a few tricks on the flying fox, which the boy picked up almost immediately—much to Naruto’s delight—and the Uchiha boy challenged Naruto to see who could complete a run through the playground faster. All in all, it was the most fun Naruto had had. Ever.

When the sun started to set, sadness set upon Naruto. It meant their afternoon would be over. Naruto sighed and laid back on the grass. The Uchiha boy joined him.

“I guess I should be getting back soon. It’s getting dark,” Naruto said.

“Yeah,” the Uchiha boy said.

But then an idea struck Naruto. He turned his face to the Uchiha boy’s. “Do you want to come to my place? I have enough food! We can have ramen!”

The Uchiha boy looked away. His jaw was tense, it was as if he was having a battle within his mind. Naruto bit his lip, hopeful. He felt his heart racing with nerves.

“Okay. But you better have more than just ramen,” the Uchiha boy finally said.

“Sure!” Naruto lied, sitting up.

The Uchiha boy sat up too, and extended his hand. “I’m Sasuke.”

Naruto shook Sasuke’s hand. He had never grinned so widely.

— —

After a much needed ramen dinner (that Sasuke had reluctantly given into), Naruto showed Sasuke some of his favourite comics. He was showing Sasuke one of the martial arts ones when he noticed that Sasuke’s attention was focused elsewhere, on a different comic. He followed his eyes and landed upon a series he hadn’t read in a while. It was one about a crime-fighting robot.

“Oh, you’re interested in Pro-Bot?” Naruto said, enthusiastically. He grabbed the comic and opened it up in front of Sasuke. “It has this really cool move where it holds onto the villain and spins them really fast! The move always knocks the villain out but Pro-Bot can handle the spinning because it is designed for it.”

Naruto turned the page. Pro-Bot was in the middle, surrounded by humans and animals, but no other robots. It emphasised the loneliness that Pro-Bot might have felt if it was sentient as it was the only robot in existence in that universe. Naruto gulped, hoping he hadn’t upset Sasuke. His gaze cautiously drifted to said boy.

“Sometimes I wish I was a robot,” Sasuke eventually said. “Even if I was the only one… At least I wouldn’t have to feel.”

He had a point, Naruto thought. “But then you would never feel happiness or love,” Naruto said.

Sasuke scoffed. “What good are those when they’ve been taken from you?”

Naruto, not wanting to upset his newly made friend, hummed and chucked the comic away. “Do you wanna play a game?”

“Depends. What game did you have in mind?”

“What about the floor is lava?”

Sasuke frowned. “I haven’t heard of that one.”

“Oh!” Naruto grinned. “It’s really fun! Basically we pretend the floor is lava and we’re not allowed to touch it!” He got up off the floor and jumped onto the couch, walking along it. He picked up a cushion and threw it on the floor before proceeding to jump on the cushion. “You can do this but you can’t touch the floor directly.”

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. “I bet you can’t make it to the other side of the room.”

Naruto smirked. “You’re on!”

If one thing was made abundantly clear that day, it was that Sasuke Uchiha was definitely not a robot. He was a human being with real feelings. Feelings that Naruto could somewhat empathise with. For that reason alone, Naruto had to dismiss such an obvious myth or rumour about the Uchiha clan.

— —

2.

By the time Naruto hit twelve years old, his friendship with Sasuke Uchiha had grown and he had moved in with him, since he was there all the time anyway. Sasuke’s apartment was larger than his own and while neither would openly admit it, for pride was a baneful thing, it was much better living in company than alone. It wasn’t like the adults cared either, Naruto thought; the less of an imposition they were, the better. It had actually been Sasuke’s idea, which surprised but ultimately delighted Naruto.

Along with pink-haired girl Sakura Haruno and their sensei Kakashi Hatake, Team Seven was formed. It had been a very challenging but exciting time for Naruto. Their first C-ranked mission had turned A-ranked, Naruto was learning more about himself and his abilities, and Sasuke and Sakura were by his side both just as determined to get stronger.

It was unreal how much happier Naruto was in his life. He finally had a kind-of family of his own! Things were still far from perfect, but living with Sasuke and operating in a team that acknowledged him really made something inside his chest warm up. It was a nice feeling. New, but also fulfilling.

Naruto had woken up early for once, before Sasuke—which was practically unheard of given the guy was such a consistently early riser in comparison to Naruto. But in any case, Naruto wasn’t fazed. He had set his alarm for early and after not sleeping through it, was able to get to the training grounds before Sasuke.

Why was this important? Well, simply because he was on a secret mission. What was that mission? Identify Sasuke’s secret allergy! Sakura had told Naruto that every single Uchiha was born with an allergy, that they may or may not be aware of. It was even documented in textbooks, she had said! However, in the eighteen months Naruto had been living with Sasuke, he had yet to reveal any allergies.

But why the need for secrecy? Bragging rights, mostly. Sakura hadn’t outright challenged him, when she had said, “I bet Sasuke won’t tell anyone his allergy.” But Naruto had taken it as one anyway.

So here he was, at the training grounds, sitting high in a tree waiting for Sasuke. After ten minutes, when he could sense Sasuke’s chakra approaching, Naruto tried his best to seal his own off. It appeared to work if Sasuke’s non-changed demeanour was anything to go by.

Naruto pulled out the little list he had written of potential allergies. The first on the list: grass. Naruto thought this one was highly unlikely, given how much contact Sasuke had with grass, being a ninja and all. But the training grounds were the best choice to observe if there was.

Sasuke warmed up with some dynamic stretches before proceeding to target practice with his shurikens and kunai. Naruto watched in awe as the weapons flew from Sasuke’s hands and hit the right target perfectly every time. It was amazing watching the boy in action. He had such incredible speed, power, and accuracy, especially for being just twelve. A fire in Naruto’s belly lit up just watching him, determination spreading from his core to the rest of his body. Sasuke made Naruto want to improve and surpass Sasuke himself.

What Naruto wasn’t expecting, however, was Sakura to appear. “Hey Sasuke,” she greeted.

Sasuke stopped what he was doing. “Sakura?”

“Um,” she started, her shoulders tense and her hands fidgeting with the material of her top. Why was she so nervous? “I know you’re busy training and all that, but I… I like you,” she said, her voice laced with resolve. “I just wanted to let you know. You don’t have to respond.”

“Okay,” Sasuke said, his voice uninterested.

Sakura nodded and then quickly left the training grounds. As soon as she was gone, Naruto had to dodge for his life as a shuriken was sent spinning straight at his head.

“Dumbass,” Sasuke said. “How long are you going to keep spying on me?”

Naruto fell out of the tree, only just managing to land in a position that wouldn’t injure him at the last second. “Asshole! I wasn’t spying on you!”

Sasuke just turned to him, levelling him with his uniquely Sasuke glare.

“Ha ha ha!” Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Would you believe me if I told you it was for a good reason?”

“No, because I’m almost certain it isn’t.”

“Okay, maybe it’s not, but what the hell! Sakura just confessed to you!” Naruto said, as he walked up to Sasuke; a convenient topic to deflect with, he thought.

“So?” Sasuke said.

Naruto gaped. “So! She likes you! Do you like her back?”

Sasuke’s expression turned serious. “Naruto, you know I have no time for… those kinds of feelings. I have my own goals that I need to meet.” His expression turned dark.

Naruto sighed. It was true, he did know that. But still, he had wondered if a confession from a pretty girl would change that. Clearly not.

Naruto knew Sasuke had his own goals that he didn’t want anyone getting in the way of, and while part of Naruto felt sorry for Sakura, part of him was also relieved. An uncomfortable feeling had presided in his stomach during that confession. He had known Sakura liked Sasuke, practically everyone in their year in the academy knew—she hadn’t been shy about it, so why had his stomach felt weird?

He thought he had gotten over his silly crush on Sakura—she’d very blatantly rejected him. But now that he thought about it, he supposed he hadn’t been all that upset when that happened either.

So why was he relieved that Sasuke turned her down?

“Gah!” Naruto threw his hands up in the air and laid back on the grass.

“You idiot,” Sasuke said, joining him on the grass.

“Takes one to know one,” Naruto retorted. He turned his head to watch Sasuke. The boy was watching him too, his eyes were no longer full of hate like they had been when his goals were mentioned.

“So why were you spying on me?” Sasuke asked.

“I wasn’t! I was just, y’know, resting.”

Sasuke quirked an eyebrow. “High up in a tree? What are you, a sloth?”

Naruto grinned. “Maybe!”

Sasuke just shook his head, but the fondness was evident in his eyes.

With a sigh, Naruto plucked a bit of grass beneath his fingertips and threw it at Sasuke. “The truth is… I was looking to see if you were allergic to grass.”

Looking confused, Sasuke did a double take. “What?”

“Sakura said Uchihas are all born with an allergy.”

Sasuke laughed. Naruto found himself smiling—he loved the sound. “And you believed her?” Sasuke said.

“Yeah! She said there’s research to back it up!”

Sasuke just sighed, a small smile on his lips. “You’re such an idiot.”

Naruto sat up. “So just to be clear, you don’t have any allergies?”

“I never said that,” Sasuke said.

Naruto’s head whipped around to look at Sasuke. “What! Tell me!”

“Mmm. No. I don’t think I will.”

Naruto just groaned. Typical Sasuke! But his mission wasn’t ending that easily!

— —

A few days later, Naruto had, as inconspicuously as possible, been ruling out potential allergies Sasuke may have had. The first day he had ruled out grass—Sasuke had had plenty of contact with it and no rashes appeared nor had Sasuke showed discomfort. Since then he had offered different foods and the two of them had even ran into Kiba and Akamaru, the latter had not been planned. Unfortunately for Naruto, Sasuke hadn’t reacted to anything. Naruto was beginning to think he really wasn’t allergic to anything.

They were both sitting on the couch, watching television, when an advertisement for allergy relief medication started playing.

“Sasukeeeeee,” Naruto said. “Why won’t you just tell me your allergy?”

Sasuke sighed. “This again?”

Naruto nodded.

“How about this. If you manage to beat me in our next fight, I will tell you.”

Naruto’s eyes lit up. “Really!? Let’s go now!” he said, pulling Sasuke with him to his feet. Sasuke came willingly.

“Don’t expect me to go easy on you,” Sasuke said, as the two left their apartment and headed to the training grounds.

“Ha! I should be the one saying that,” Naruto said, chest puffed out.

Sasuke snorted. “You haven’t won a single fight yet.”

“That’s gonna change today! Just watch me!” he said, fist in the air. He could already feel the adrenaline starting to kick in.

Sadly, it did not change that day. Sasuke still kicked Naruto’s butt, much to Naruto’s disappointment. It didn’t matter though, he could feel himself improving after every fight with Sasuke.

It wasn’t until after the chuunin exams that Naruto would equalise with Sasuke. It was their first proper fight in months due to all the chaos that had unfolded in the village and they had both improved tremendously, both itching for a fight.

After a gruelling hour of fighting, Sasuke thought Naruto was down and out. But, as typical of Naruto, he got back up even though he was bruised and bloody. Sasuke wasn’t faring much better.

Naruto summoned two shadow clones, grateful for his vast chakra reserves, and launched his final attack as he could feel himself getting light-headed—he probably wouldn’t be conscious for much longer. He formed a rasengan with the aid of one of his clones and he and the two shadow clones sprinted towards Sasuke, while Sasuke formed a chidori and sprinted at them.

The two shadow clones ran around Sasuke, as a distraction, while Naruto attacked from the front. Sasuke didn’t fall for the distraction, though and sent his attack in front too.

The two attacks collided, resulting in a big blast with tremors that could probably have been felt from all the way over at Ichiraku or even the hospital. Naruto and Sasuke were sent flying backwards. The attack had knocked them both out cold.

Sasuke was the first to come to. He went over to Naruto and picked him up, arm wrapped around his shoulder supporting his weight. It didn’t take long for Naruto to wake.

He was a bit disoriented as he came to. “Sasuke?” he said.

“I’m here, loser,” Sasuke said.

Naruto just chuckled.

“I have no allergies,” Sasuke said out of nowhere.

“Huh?” Naruto said, still gathering his bearings. Then it clicked. “Oh. Why are you telling me? Didn’t you win?”

“We were both knocked out. I’d call that a draw.”

Naruto’s eyes widened and he grinned. He scrunched his nose as it hurt to smile. “Ow. I’m in so much pain though.”

“Idiot,” Sasuke said, but it lacked malice. He was still supporting Naruto’s weight. “You’ve gotten strong.”

Heat rose to Naruto’s cheeks, he could feel himself getting flustered. Praise from Sasuke? Naruto could die, feeling accomplished, he thought.

“Thanks, Sasuke.”

— —

3.

When Naruto hit fifteen, so much had changed. Life had taken some surprising twists and turns but still he remained a loyal shinobi of Konoha and an even more loyal best friend to Sasuke Uchiha.

Sasuke… well. His journey had deviated from the rest of their peers and naturally Naruto’s had too. Sasuke sought strength, more power, so he could take down his brother. Naruto had managed, barely just, to bring him back from Orochimaru. He had promised Sasuke that he would get his chance at Itachi and he’d be strong enough when he did.

But Naruto didn’t think that’s what brought him back. No. When, at that pivotal moment, he had looked in Sasuke’s eyes, he saw his own from many years ago reflecting back at him, back from before they became friends. Sorrow. Hurt. Loneliness. While they were still familiar feelings, the past few years of living together had taken some of the pain away. And it was like when Sasuke looked at Naruto, he understood. He couldn’t leave Naruto, for his own sake and Naruto’s. Yes, they had formed other friendships, but they still, in a sense, only had one another who really understood, who shared, felt, and cared the same.

No, as much as rage and vengeance tried to conquer Sasuke’s heart, thanks to Naruto, love and friendship had made it through, too. And they were just as powerful, especially when wielded by someone as persistent as Naruto.

But now Team Kakashi, formerly Team Seven, were camping out in the forest on a mission. It was after midnight and it was Naruto’s turn to be on watch. The mission was one especially significant to Sasuke, they were tracking Itachi Uchiha and fellow Akatsuki member Kisame Hoshigaki.

It had been a tense few days. Sasuke was on edge and Naruto could feel it in his blood that something big was going to go down. He just hoped they were prepared enough, Sasuke especially, for Naruto knew Sasuke would not permit any kind of assistance with dealing with Itachi. Sakura and Naruto promised to keep Kisame busy, however, Kakashi had not been so amenable. Sasuke had merely shared a look with Naruto and Naruto had known: Stop Kakashi if he tries to interrupt. Naruto nodded.

The sound of leaves crunching interrupted Naruto’s thoughts as he observed the forest before him. It was pitch black out. They didn’t even have a fire burning because of the sweltering summer heat.

Reacting quickly, Naruto sent a shadow clone high into the trees to survey the situation. A minute later the shadow clone vanished into thin air and what it had witnessed was sent back to Naruto.

“Yeah, that looks like them in the distance,” came an unknown voice. “Wait… is that the nine-tails jinchuuriki? Let me take him, Itachi.” The last memory the shadow clone had was of a menacing grin as a sword slashed down on it, poofing it.

Naruto’s eyes widened. Fuck! He immediately nudged Sasuke, who was asleep next to him. “Sasuke! Sasuke!”

His voice must have given something away because Sasuke woke up straight away, on-guard, sword at the ready. “How many and where are they coming from?” he whispered.

“Two. Coming from the south. They’ll be here any minute.”

Sasuke nodded. “Get the others up.”

Naruto grabbed hold of Sasuke’s shoulder, prompting Sasuke to meet his eyes. “It’s him.”

Sasuke’s eyes widened for a fraction before he nodded. Naruto moved onto waking Kakashi and Sakura, his heart beating at an exorbitant rate.

It didn’t take long for Kisame and Itachi to run into them, but when they did, Team Kakashi was ready.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” Kisame said, carrying his freaky looking sword, Samehada, over his shoulder.

“Sasuke,” Itachi greeted, as he stepped up next to Kisame. They both wore the black and red Akatsuki cloaks and had the typical purple painted nails. However, something kind of seemed off about Itachi. It could’ve been nothing—Naruto wasn’t an Itachi expert. But still, the sheer presence of both Akatsuki members was intimidating enough.

Sasuke didn’t tear his gaze away from Itachi. He put his arm out, blocking Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi. “Don’t get in the way,” he said.

“I know a better place. Come,” Itachi said.

Kakashi stepped forward. “Sasuke—”

“Don’t,” Sasuke warned. “I’ve got this.”

Kisame chuckled and something about it made Naruto shiver. He moved in front of Kakashi. “Better listen to the boy. Besides… I’ve been itching for a fight with you for some while, Copy Ninja Kakashi. Not just anyone defeats Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist.”

Sasuke shared a quick glance with Naruto before he left, following closely behind Itachi. To say Naruto was worried was an understatement, but he knew this was Sasuke’s fight, and he just had to trust and have faith that he came out on top. In any case, he had bigger fish to fry. Literally, if Kisame and his sword were anything to go by.

“Let’s do this!” Naruto said, turning his attention to the fight in front of him.

— —

Bloody and bruised, but not defeated, Kakashi, Sakura, and Naruto reigned victorious over Kisame Hoshigaki. It hadn’t been a one-on-one match, but Naruto didn’t care. It had taken the strength of all three of them to take him down; the Akatsuki were no joke. It only made Naruto fear more for Sasuke.

The rain started to pour, dawn was approaching, and Kisame laid beaten on the ground. Despite that, he still managed to speak. “You shouldn’t worry about him.”

Naruto frowned, looking down at Kisame. “What?”

“Naruto, don’t. He’s just trying to goad you,” Sakura said.

“Heh. Smart girl,” Kisame said before coughing up blood. “But whatever. You’ll soon see.”

Ignoring Kisame, Kakashi summoned Pakkun. “Can you detect Sasuke’s scent?” he asked.

“Not with this rain. It’s washed any lingering scents away,” Pakkun said.

“Heh.” Kisame spat up more blood. “Go south and you’ll find the Uchiha hideout. That’s where they’ll be,” he said.

“Why should we believe you?” Sakura said, eyes narrowed.

“You do or you don’t. I don’t really care. I’m just following Itachi’s wishes.”

Naruto nodded. “I’m going south.” And without further ado was on his way, leaping through the rain-soaked trees. He could detect Sakura’s chakra catching up to him.

“Kakashi’s staying with Kisame. He sent Pakkun back to the village to request for Anbu backup,” Sakura said.

Naruto nodded, his eyes never straying from the road ahead.

— —

When Naruto and Sakura arrived at the Uchiha hideout, they witnessed the final scenes of Sasuke and Itachi’s battle. It didn’t look pretty—the whole place was in ruins and both Sasuke and Itachi looked worse for wear.

Naruto’s eyes widened and Sakura gasped when they saw Itachi tap Sasuke on the forehead  with two fingers and then collapse at Sasuke’s feet. It looked like he had said something too, if Sasuke’s confused expression was anything to go by.

Sakura jumped down from the tree they’d been watching from, Naruto caught up to her and grabbed her shoulder. “Wait. Not just yet.”

They waited and watched as Sasuke looked down at his brother on the ground. After a couple of minutes he looked to Naruto and Sakura and nodded. He and Sakura made their way over to Sasuke.

“Let me heal you, Sasuke,” Sakura said.

“It’s fine,” Sasuke said. But it wasn’t. Especially not mentally. Naruto could tell that much by Sasuke’s face. But before he could ask, Sasuke spoke up again. “Itachi—he said something strange before we started fighting. He asked if I had heard of some strange urban legend about the Uchiha clan.”

“What was the urban legend?” Naruto said.

“Something stupid about how the ghost of Madara Uchiha will appear before you if you call his name three times at midnight while under a full moon,” Sasuke said.

Naruto scrunched up his face. “That’s really uh… random?”

“And not even remotely true,” came a new voice. “But I suppose he knew I’d be watching.”

Team Kakashi’s heads all whipped around to face the new voice, automatically wielding their weapons. It was another Akatsuki member, this one wearing a swirly orange mask.

“Who the hell are you?” Naruto asked.

The masked man revealed the right side of his face, where his eye lit up red. He had the sharingan.

But then Sasuke gasped and was on one knee clutching his eye. It was bleeding.

“What—” But when Naruto looked at the masked Akatsuki man, a black flame was burning him. Amaterasu. It was a technique that Jiraiya, Sasuke, and he had experienced first hand a couple of years ago. A nasty one that they had only been able to escape thanks to Jiraiya.

“Typical Itachi,” the man said before he vanished. He came back seconds later, with the amaterasu seemingly vanquished.

“Sasuke, are you okay?” Sakura asked, kneeling down next to Sasuke.

Sasuke’s jaw tensed as he got to his feet. “I’m fine. But who the hell is this guy?”

“That’s what I want to know,” Naruto said.

“Madara Uchiha. Nice to meet you, Sasuke. We have a lot to talk about.”

— —

The truth was out and Naruto was thoroughly disgusted by the village he had sworn to one day lead as Hokage. When he looked at Sasuke, he just looked broken, devastated.

“So what will you do, Sasuke?” the man claiming to be Madara Uchiha asked.

That seemed to ignite an angry reaction from Sasuke. He threw a kunai right at Madara’s face. “You’ve done enough. Leave.”

“So be it. The Akatsuki will be back for the jinchuuriki. Be prepared,” Madara said before he warped into thin air just as Sakura threw a shuriken at him. It followed him through.

“I hope that got him,” Sakura commented.

“What are we gonna do, Sasuke?” Naruto asked.

Sasuke turned to Naruto. The look in his eyes was serious. “Are you with me? Even if it means turning on Konoha?”

Naruto didn’t hesitate. “Always.” Because it was true. He was with Sasuke until the end of the line. Especially after what he had heard that morning. Being Hokage meant nothing if he couldn’t enforce changes for the better because of the council or Danzou.

Sakura gulped. “Uh. Guys. Be reasonable here. You still have friends there, and they and all the innocent civilians weren’t complicit in these crimes.”

Naruto knew she had a point. But something red and hot pierced a familiar pain within his chest. “But they were complicit in condemning and abandoning orphaned seven year olds!”

“Naruto…”

Sakura’s concern went unheeded by Sasuke. “Danzou’s got to pay, as well as that damn council,” he said.

Sakura looked between her two teammates. “Please don’t do anything rash. Killing Danzou or the council is not going to create the systemic change we need! It’s just going to cause a war between Konoha and you and paint you both as the bad guys!”

She was right. Naruto didn’t particularly want to spill blood. But even he wasn’t sure how to convince Sasuke that Sakura had a point in his current emotional state. But he knew what he could do: delay. And hope that he delayed long enough that Sasuke could think more rationally.

“Sakura, you go check on Kakashi,” Naruto said, sending Sakura his best I got this look. She sent a sceptical look back but he gestured with his head for her to go, and she did.

He turned to Sasuke. “Sasuke, we need to think things through and recover from our wounds. I know a place we can stay.”

Sasuke just nodded. “Lead the way.”

— —

4.

At sixteen, a year after the run-in with the man claiming to be Madara Uchiha, Naruto and Sasuke had never returned to Konoha. It hadn’t been as hard of a decision as Naruto thought it would be. In fact, he didn’t miss the place all that much. He missed some of the people, like his peers, Kakashi, Iruka, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, but all in all his heart wasn’t with the village. It was with his best friend. Sasuke.

Danzou and the council had been exposed for their crimes; Sakura had cleverly seen to that. Naruto didn’t know what punishments had been dealt, but he had to trust in Sakura that they would at least bring about some change. Sasuke had still wanted to inflict the pain on Danzou that was inflicted on him but Naruto had convinced Sasuke that there were other better methods for achieving that. Such as the idea that they were going to start their own better village. Ambitious, yes, but Naruto was up for the job.

For now though, they were both in the midst of intense training to become stronger, making allies, as well as avoiding capture from the Akatsuki. They were still hunting down all the jinchuuriki, and by the sounds of it, they had managed to catch a few of them already.

Fortunately, Naruto had formed a bond with Kurama, the nine-tails inside of him. No longer were they acting independently but rather they were in tune with one another. Kurama willingly shared his strength, knowledge, and chakra to Naruto, not just when Naruto was on the verge of death. They were a team.

Right now Naruto and Sasuke were based in the Land of Lightning, but further north away from Kumo. It had been Kumo’s Killer Bee, the eight-tails jinchuuriki, who had inspired Naruto to work with Kurama. Killer Bee had an incredibly strong connection with Gyuki and Naruto had witnessed this when the man attacked him and Sasuke. It seemed they were officially listed as missing-nin, to be killed on-sight.

In any case, Naruto had explained they meant no trouble but it was actually Gyuki who had stopped Killer Bee’s attack. Gyuki had sensed a fellow jinchuuriki. After that, Killer Bee and Naruto became fast friends, and he had been a great mentor. Sasuke enjoyed sparring with him too, though he did complain about the rapping.

But now it was just back to the two of them, as Killer Bee had his own duties in Kumo to attend to. Luckily, Killer Bee had taken them to a hideout he knew of, which was acting as their base for the time being.

Training aside, the other reason they were in the Land of Lightning was because they’d heard rumours of there being a town that welcomed missing-nin like themselves. No missing-nin stayed there long, for obvious reasons, but it would be a good opportunity to potentially gather information and make connections.

As they approached the small town, Naruto cast a look at Sasuke. He looked good, strong, a lot better than he had after his fight with Itachi. The two of them had long since shed their Konoha forehead protectors and now wore more discreet clothing—no more orange jumpsuits. But Naruto couldn’t find it in him to care much about that. He smiled as he took in the sight of his best friend. There was no one else he’d rather be doing this with.

“What?” Sasuke said, turning to him.

Naruto’s cheeks heated up at being caught. “Nothing,” he said. “Just thinking that I’m glad it’s you I’m with.”

Sasuke snorted and pushed his hand into Naruto’s face, pushing him away. “You loser.” But Naruto knew that tone well enough to know there was nothing nasty to it, rather it sounded fond. And if Sasuke’s cheeks had also turned slightly red, well, Naruto had enough sense to keep quiet about it.

The town was quiet. Not dead quiet, but quiet enough that everyone nearby turned to Naruto and Sasuke when they entered.

“Jeez. You’d think they’d have some discretion, considering this town regularly welcomes missing-nin,” Naruto muttered.

“It’s fine. We do what we set out to do and then we leave,” Sasuke reminded him. Naruto nodded.

“Hello boys!” said a street merchant as they passed by. “Can I interest you in some ninja tools? They’re of great quality!”

Naruto was about to politely decline when Sasuke sent the man a scathing glare, prompting the man to flee further back into his stall, making himself as small as possible.

“Was that really necessary?” Naruto asked.

“Yes.”

Naruto just shook his head. They walked through the main street. It had a few market stalls on either side, along with some inns and taverns, and was not too busy. Thankfully the initial attention the two of them had attracted had been reasonably quick to move on. Most people kept their heads down, well, those smart enough to anyway, Naruto thought as he saw a person getting kicked out of the tavern.

Sasuke steered them in the direction of said tavern. They entered and Naruto could barely hear himself think, there was that much noise. It was dark, too, and some patrons were smoking. Naruto wished they would do that outside instead of in such a confined space. He followed Sasuke to the bar.

“What will it be, boys?” the bartender asked.

“Surprise us,” Sasuke said. Alcohol of any kind wasn’t recommended for shinobi, especially for those who were not even full adults yet. But Naruto made exceptions. It was a great lure for information; they’d already had success with this strategy in other places. As long as they didn’t knock their drinks back too quickly, or have too many, it wasn’t too unmanageable.

The bartender returned with two pints of beer and Sasuke handed her some cash. He cleared his throat. “Do you know—”

“No. You want information? You go to that man over there in the corner,” the bartender said, as she tilted her head to the far corner. “But it will cost you.”

“Thanks,” Naruto said but Sasuke was already moving to the corner of the room, his drink long forgotten. Naruto rushed to catch up.

The informant’s table was empty and Naruto took the seat next to Sasuke.

“My, my. Look what the cat dragged in! The last Uchiha and the nine-tails jinchuuriki!” the informant said. He wore a toad-like mask so they couldn’t identify him, but there was something recognisable about his voice.

“Shut up,” Sasuke warned. Naruto looked around the establishment to see if anyone had overheard—fortunately it appeared they hadn’t, or were at least not showing they had.

The informant chuckled. “No need to get your knickers in a twist.”

“I have heard your voice before…” Sasuke said.

And so had Naruto. But where? That’s when it clicked. There were only a handful of people Naruto knew that would recognise the two of them immediately and were shameless enough to mention knickers. The toad mask was a dead give away too.

“Pervy Sage!” Naruto whispered, poking an accusing finger at the masked informant.

The informant was quick to push Naruto’s hand away. “Shut it, kid. I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

Naruto just sat back and crossed his arms. “Bullshit,” he said, in a judging manner.

Sasuke knocked his head next to Naruto’s. “Jiraiya the Sannin?” he whispered.

“Yes.”

“Ah.”

Jiraiya cleared his throat. “Not that I don’t appreciate the familiar faces. But what are you doing here? Anyone could turn on you,” he said, quietly.

Sasuke scoffed. “I’d like to see them try.”

“That attitude is gonna get you killed one day, kid.”

“Probably.”

Naruto exhaled. “We want to find the other jinchuurikis. Before the Akatsuki does. Do you have any leads?”

Jiraiya leaned forward and flicked Naruto on the forehead. “Are you mad? You’ll be walking right into the Akatsuki’s hands! I only just made it out of Amegakure alive.”

“We’re serious,” Sasuke said.

“I don’t like this,” Jiraiya said. “Not one bit.”

“You don’t have to like it. We’re missing-nin now,” Naruto reminded him.

“Don’t remind me. I just hope your parents forgive me for this in the afterlife.” Jiraiya pulled out a scroll from inside his cloak and placed it on the table between them. “This scroll has intel on the Akatsuki movements. It’s not much but it’s pretty clear to see how the pattern’s changed since the masked guy took over leadership. And I think there are only four jinchuuriki, excluding you, left that they haven’t captured.”

“The masked guy… You mean Madara Uchiha?” Naruto said.

Jiraiya clicked his tongue. “I don’t think it’s him. Not in that body, anyway. But who knows.”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes and leaned in closer. “Who do you think it is?”

“I have a theory… He only revealed his right eye with sharingan, correct?”

Sasuke nodded.

“Obito Uchiha. He gave his left sharingan to Kakashi. I do believe Madara is involved too, though. Pulling the strings from behind the scenes, so to say.”

Naruto looked at Sasuke who was staring intently at his knuckles on the table. “Thanks, Pervy Sage,” he eventually said when Sasuke remained silent.

“You gotta stop calling me that.”

“Never,” Naruto said. “And for what it’s worth, this meeting will be the least of your concerns when meeting my parents in the afterlife. Trust me.” It was true. The amount of extremely inappropriate and concerning things Jiraiya had exposed Naruto, as well as Sasuke, to when they were younger was astounding.

Jiraiya just laughed, in that familiar deep-bellied way he did.

Their meeting was interrupted when a drunk customer flopped on their table. “Did I hear Uchiha?” he slurred.

“No,” Sasuke said, but the drunk man was undeterred.

“Is it true that the sharingan genjutsu techniques are so strong because the first Uchiha was a genjutsu that had come to life?”

But before anyone could answer him, his head hit the table with a thump. He was out for the count. Alcohol really was an easy substance to abuse.

Sasuke grabbed the scroll and he and Naruto nodded their thanks to Jiraiya and stood to leave. Jiraiya stopped Naruto with a hand on his arm. “Be careful out there. Both of you.”

“We will,” Naruto assured, with his big goofy grin.

On their way back to the hideout that night, Kurama spoke to Naruto. You don’t believe what that drunk man said about the first Uchiha being a genjutsu, right?

No, of course not, Naruto told him. The man was clearly drunk and made little sense.

Good. But if you want to know the truth about the first Uchiha, you’d be best coming to me.

That made Naruto curious, and he told Sasuke as much.

It appeared they still had much to learn.

— —

5.

To say the three years since their run-in with Jiraiya had been hectic was the understatement of the century. But it had all been worth it, to see this day come to pass.

Naruto was finally nineteen and he stood alongside Sasuke as they stood at the entrance to their new village. It was located east of the Land of Fire country and south of the former Land of Whirlpools country. It was technically located in the latter, but it was not near what had once been Uzushio. No, it was out on a peninsula south of there.

“You ready?” Sasuke asked.

“Hell yeah,” Naruto said.

The morning sun shone down on them as Sasuke pressed his palm into the gate, activating the newly crafted unlock seal for the very first time. Naruto’s eyes lit up as he watched the gates slowly open up for them. He couldn’t contain his excitement, even though he knew what lay before him. It had been all that he and Sasuke had worked on once they, accompanied by many allies including the remaining jinchuurikis, had defeated the Akatsuki for good.

Yes, this village bore the fruits of their labour over the last few years. Naruto cast a quick glance Sasuke’s way. While he didn’t grin wide like Naruto, his eyes too were vibrant and full of hope. It was a brilliant sight and not one Naruto had been able to witness a whole lot growing up. To think of everything they’d overcome together, to where they finally were now. It was mind-blowing and more than Naruto could ever have imagined.

As the gates opened, before them stood a whole community of people who intended to reside in the village. Many of them had already moved in and had been helping with all the construction over the last few months. But there were also some new faces too and even faces Naruto hadn’t seen since his Konoha days.

Naruto and Sasuke stepped through the gate.

“Hantōgakure is now open!” Naruto loudly declared. A chorus of cheers rang out as everybody celebrated. There were families young and old, ninjas and civilians, even formerly missing-nin like Naruto and Sasuke themselves looking for a new, permanent place to call home.

Naruto looked down at the forehead protector in his hand. Their emblem was simply an X; it was intended to symbolise the past was in the past. That loss and rejection had happened, but new, better days were ahead. Whether that got through to the people, Naruto couldn’t be sure but either way it looked cool and he was proud. Proud of it all.

“So, what’s your first order of business, Shodai?” Sakura asked. She wasn’t moving to the village. Naruto hadn’t expected her to. She was there professionally as Konoha’s Ambassador, but also personally just as Naruto and Sasuke’s friend.

Naruto and Sasuke shared a look. They had come to an agreement that Naruto would be Shodai, the First Kage of Hanto. Sasuke had made it perfectly clear that the position did not interest him; he was content with Naruto taking the lead and himself being in a sort of advisor position. Not only that, but he had told Naruto that there was no need for him being Shodai when Naruto was the one in the role. He had complete and utter faith in Naruto’s leadership. It felt validating? Fulfilling? To get Sasuke’s approval, even after all these years.

“I suppose the first order of business would be… To get some ramen!” Naruto said with a big goofy grin.

Sakura just put a hand to her temple. “You really think letting him lead is a good idea, Sasuke?”

“I do,” Sasuke said, not a trace of doubt in his tone. “The ramen can wait.”

Naruto sighed. “Can’t you tell when I’m joking? First order of business is to speak with the people, of course.”

And so that’s what Naruto did. Accompanied by Sasuke, they mingled with the community, meeting new faces and reminiscing with familiar ones. Naruto did the majority of the talking, but Sasuke’s presence by his side was an unwavering reassurance.

They actually did it. They had made it. They found home. Not just for themselves, but many others too. There were people from defunct villages that hadn’t been able to find a stable settlement, there were retired shinobi—old, disabled, or just looking for a change in career, and there was even a place for a group of kids close to his heart: an orphanage. Properly run by some of the kindest and diligent adults he trusted. The way he and Sasuke ran things was going to be greatly different to the world they grew up in. Naruto set his hopes high.

The celebrations died down just as the sun was setting. A cold wind was settling in so people went off to their homes for the evening.

“Home?” Naruto asked. Sasuke nodded. While they now had the resources to live independently, it had been a mutual decision to remain sharing. Of course, the house they built themselves was larger than their apartment in Konoha had been, so they had a lot more space and rooms to themselves. But something about living with Sasuke just felt natural—Naruto didn’t know differently, and the thought of doing so slightly unnerved him.

“What do you want for dinner?” Naruto asked, as they walked.

“You want dinner?” Sasuke said. “You didn’t stop eating all day.”

“Fair point,” Naruto said, patting his stomach and letting out a content sigh. “You didn’t eat as much, though. Did you wanna grab something?”

“We have food at home.”

“Okay.”

They walked the rest of the way in companionable silence.

Once home, Naruto put the kettle on and made them both some tea. He made sure to use loose leaf, because Sasuke was fussy that way. He carried the steaming hot mugs over to the coffee table in the living room and joined Sasuke on the couch.

“So. Ready for tomorrow?” Naruto said.

Sasuke hummed, not looking away from the book he was reading.

Naruto drummed his fingers along his knee. Repeatedly. Sasuke must have sensed it because he put his book down. “What about you?” he asked. “Are you ready?”

Naruto gulped, his pulse accelerating. “No. I’m so nervous, Sasuke. What if I fuck up?”

“You probably will,” Sasuke said.

Naruto let out a nervous laugh. “Gee, thanks.”

“Not necessarily tomorrow, but at some point,” Sasuke added.

“Not helping.”

“Just being honest.” Sasuke sighed. “Look, we’re young and new to this. We’re bound to fuck up—running a village is a huge responsibility. But at least we’re not alone, right? I’m here and the community is with us. We also have major allies in Konoha, Suna, and Kumo.”

Naruto nodded, his pulse starting to calm down. “You’re right.”

“I know,” Sasuke said, earning him a punch in the shoulder.

“Asshole,” Naruto said, but it lacked any malice. Sasuke just chuckled lightly. “What were you reading anyway?”

“One of the Uchiha history books that I found in the old Uchiha compound,” Sasuke said. “It’s been making me think.”

Naruto took a sip of his tea but recoiled, having burnt his tongue. “Think what?”

“Maybe the Uchihas weren’t destined to fail, after all,” Sasuke said.

Frowning, Naruto turned to Sasuke, placed hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “Back up. What?”

Sasuke didn’t meet his eyes, instead his gaze was focused on the book in his hands. “With everything that has happened, from the very beginning with the Sage of the Six Paths, I started to believe that maybe it was just destined that the Uchihas would fail and ultimately fall to its demise.”

“What a load of shit, Sasuke!” Naruto said.

“I know. I know. But given the circumstances, can you blame me for thinking that way?”

Naruto hummed as he considered the question. Given everything Sasuke went through, and the history that preceded him, Naruto could see why he might think that way. “I suppose not.”

“Reading these Uchiha records has been eye-opening. There are first-hand accounts of everyday people, everyday Uchihas, who lived and fought for what they believed in. They didn’t like being forced to live in one section of the village, it was building mistrust—as you know by my father planning on leading a coup d’etat—but for many of them conflict wasn’t the answer. They just wanted to live normal lives.”

Naruto nodded.

“And I’m not blaming my father or the people who joined him—Konoha has a lot to answer for—but there’s just something deeply humanising about reading one of my aunties’ daily to-do lists. It’s a good reminder that they were just like us and not some collective of hatred that the government declared had to be destroyed to maintain the status quo.”

“You didn’t believe that yourself, though, did you? The idea that your clan was inherently bad?” Naruto asked, while Sasuke took a sip of his tea.

“No. But being isolated and exposed to village sentiment from such a young age wasn’t great for my understanding of everything. As I got older and learned the truth, it did make me foolishly wonder if destiny or some god-like force was just against us. And that I was an anomaly that wasn’t meant to be.”

Without a word, Naruto pulled Sasuke in close, wrapping his arms tightly around him. After a moment, Sasuke relaxed into the touch. “You were always meant to be, Sasuke. I’m grateful that you’re here.”

“Thanks, Naruto,” Sasuke said, quietly. After a few moments he spoke again. “Now off me, you’re getting my shoulder wet.”

Naruto pulled back, wiping his eyes. “Sorry.”

Sasuke smiled softly and Naruto savoured the sight because soft Sasuke smiles were rare. “It’s fine.”

“Can you see now that you were never destined to fail? You’ve succeeded in a lot of aspects of life but if opening this village isn’t a clear indicator of success then I don’t know what is!” Naruto said.

“Idiot,” Sasuke said, lightly knocking his head into Naruto’s. “I know.”

Naruto grinned. “Good.”

“Now let me finish reading and drinking my tea,” Sasuke said.

Naruto laughed. “Yes, yes. Sorry, your highness.”

Sasuke just rolled his eyes. Naruto watched him as he sipped his own tea. He was glad Sasuke had shared that with him. He was well aware that Sasuke had a habit of internalising things, and it had been something Naruto was slowly trying to break. This was a big step forward.

— —

+1.

It had been one year since they opened the village. Naruto was twenty now and was more content but busier than ever. Things had been running considerably smoothly!

He had invited allied villages over to partake in the one year anniversary festival Hanto was hosting. The other villages had been receptive to coming, but mostly it had been Naruto and Sasuke’s friends and mentors that had come.

Kakashi, Iruka, Gaara, Killer Bee, and a few others had already left. But now Naruto and Sasuke were accompanied by Sakura, Lee, Kiba, Hinata, Chouji, and Ino, as they all sat on the beach jetty, eating their ice-cream as the sun went down. The weather this time of year was so warm that no jackets were necessary unless the seabreeze came on strong.

“So… Guess who’s getting married!” Ino said.

Naruto’s eyes widened. “You?”

Ino just shook her head.

“We are!” Lee said, grabbing hold of Sakura’s hands and showing off her ring finger. The ring had a little pink stone in the middle of it, surrounded by a few smaller stones.

“What!?” Naruto said. “I didn’t even know you were dating!”

Sasuke chuckled. “Of course you didn’t.”

Naruto’s head whipped around to glare at Sasuke. “Asshole, you knew!?”

“I thought everyone did,” Chouji said, as he finished his ice-cream cone.

Kiba clutched his stomach, laughing. “Of course you didn’t notice! Captain Oblivious or what!”

Naruto folded his arms, narrowing his eyes at Kiba. “I’m not that oblivious,” he muttered.

The Konoha shinobi seemed to all share a knowing look with one another and then started laughing. Naruto wasn’t sure what that meant, just that he didn’t like it.

“Hey Naruto. Have you heard the rumour that when Uchihas fall in love, they fall in love hard?” Ino asked, her gaze shifting between Naruto and Sasuke.

Naruto frowned. “No?” He looked at Sasuke. “Is that true Sasuke?”

Sasuke was frowning, though. Looking mildly uncomfortable. “I should go.”

“Oh, shit. You okay?” Naruto said.

“Yeah, just tired. I’ll see you later,” Sasuke said and got up and left. Naruto would check in with him soon. It wasn’t like Sasuke to get tired by this time, but it had been a big day, Naruto reasoned.

The sound of all the Konoha shinobi facepalming and groaning broke Naruto out of his concern. “What?” he said when six pairs of eyes just stared at him.

“Captain Oblivious, I say!” Kiba repeated. But Naruto wasn’t following.

Sakura sighed, exasperated. “Naruto, how do you feel for Sasuke?”

“Why?” Naruto asked, confused by the sudden turn in conversation.

“Just answer it,” Ino said.

“Well… He’s my best friend. I love him, obviously.”

“Like, friend-love or love-love?” Sakura said.

Naruto frowned as he could feel his cheeks heating up. “What’s that got to do with anything?” But everyone was giving him expectant looks. “Fine. Love-love,” he said. He felt somehow vulnerable but it was also freeing to admit that to other people instead of just keeping it locked inside his head. “But obviously we’re just best friends! I wouldn’t let my feelings get in the way and ruin that!”

“Go talk to Sasuke,” Sakura said. “Now.”

“What?”

“Go talk to Sasuke now, Naruto!” Lee said with his usual enthusiasm, punching the air. “Tell him how much you love him!”

“What? Why would I do that?”

“Just do it!” Kiba said. “Trust us on this one.”

Naruto sighed. The sky was beginning to get dark—turning in didn’t sound like such a bad idea. “Fine. But if this ruins our friendship then I’m holding you all accountable.”

“Gladly,” Chouji said.

Naruto rose to his feet and left them. He had no idea why they all insisted that this would be a great idea—maybe they believed this would bring him and Sasuke closer? Naruto didn’t think so, but it was like there was something they weren’t telling him. He was eager to find out.

“I’m home,” he called out, upon closing the front door behind him and taking his shoes off. He found Sasuke sitting on the couch in the living room.

“Can we talk?” Sasuke asked.

“Heh. I was just gonna ask the same thing. What’s up?” Naruto said, making himself comfortable on the other side of the couch.

Sasuke’s jaw was tense and his fists clenched. He looked more unnerved than Naruto had seen in a while.

“The rumour. It’s true,” Sasuke got out, with great difficulty by the look of things.

Naruto frowned, not following what he was talking about. Then he remembered the conversation at the beach. The one about Uchihas falling in love hard.

Naruto’s eyes widened. “Oh.” Then realisation dawned on him. Oh. “Uh. Is there someone you like?”

Sasuke glared at him. “Obviously.”

Naruto’s heart sank. Something inside ached. “Oh. Do I… do I know them?”

Groaning, Sasuke dropped his face into his hands. “Obviously!”

“Well.. are you gonna tell me who it is?” Naruto said. He needed Sasuke to just rip the bandaid off and tell him. Get it over with so he could carry on in life. But wait… It would change everything, wouldn’t it? Sasuke would want to marry and live with this person. They wouldn’t have as much of a presence in each other’s lives anymore. This was big. Naruto felt close to panicking.

Sasuke tilted Naruto’s gaze away from his hands to face him. Seeing Sasuke’s handsome face this close as he was rejected was just truly unfair. But Naruto supposed he should appreciate it one last time, from the sharp angles of his jaw to the dark grey of his eyes. He had always been so handsome. It annoyed Naruto at first until he analysed why that was, many years ago: he was attracted to the guy.

“It’s you, idiot,” Sasuke said, and before Naruto could even process what was said, Sasuke had captured Naruto’s lips in a gentle kiss.

It took Naruto a few moments to realise what was happening. When they parted, his eyes were wide. “Wow,” he said.

“Wow? Really?” Sasuke said, eyebrow quirked. He tried to play it cool but Naruto could see he looked on edge.

“Wait. You like me? Like-like me?” Naruto asked.

“No. Weren’t you listening at all? I love you. Uchihas don’t do that half-heartedly.”

Naruto couldn’t stop himself, he pulled Sasuke in by his collar and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. Sasuke kissed him back—and wow, wasn’t that a thought! Sasuke loved him! And not in a purely platonic way!

“God,” Naruto said, once they separated, “I love you too, you know? Have for as long as I can remember. I never thought you’d like me back. I was just happy to have you as my best friend.”

Sasuke just gave a soft chuckle. “We can gather allies, defeat the Akatsuki, and open up our own village, but we’re still idiots when it comes to talking about how we feel.”

Naruto couldn’t contain his grin. “Time to change that, hey?” he said, as he settled his arms around Sasuke’s shoulders.

“I suppose so,” Sasuke said, before leaning forward to kiss Naruto.

Yeah, there were lots of urban legends, myths, rumours, or whatever people wanted to call them about the Uchihas. But all Naruto cared about was that the Uchihas falling deeply in-love was the one that turned out to be true. (And he maybe owed the Konoha peeps a drink or two for this. But that could wait. Definitely.)