Н‘¾Ð‘¯Ð‘¬Ð‘Μ Ð‘»Ð‘¯Ð‘¬ Н‘¾Ð‘°Ð‘Μ𝑫 Н‘©Ð‘³Ð‘¶Ð‘¾Ð‘º €¢Ð’Ƒ𝒙Н’Ƒ• Lost & Found

Being back in Konoha… was strange, to say the least.

Being back in a village from which you fled… was more than strange.

_

“Sasuke?” The name was mumbled out and the said boy shifted so he was on his side.

“Mm?” He hummed, leaning into the warmth in front of him. Akashi’s skin felt scalding on his own, since it was the middle of summer, but he found no will within himself to move away.

The other boy shifted, but Sasuke couldn’t see his expression in the darkness which surrounded them, “Nothing… Just checking if you were there.” That… wasn’t the response Sasuke was expecting.

Blinking, he brushed his hand over Akashi’s middle and wrapped it around his waist a moment later, “Where else would I be?” He asked.

“I had a dream… One I hadn’t had in a long time.” He felt Akashi reach forward and the boy’s arms wrapped around him, a little bit harshly, but Sasuke paid it no mind.

“Was it…” he trailed off, moving so he was on his back and Akashi was almost fully atop him, “A dream of the past?” There was a moment in which nothing happened and then he felt Akashi’s light nod against his shoulder. Sasuke moved his hand and gently threaded his fingers through Akashi’s hair, “You can talk to me about it if you wish.”

Sasuke had experience with… dreams of the past. A rather large amount of experience. He, himself, knew that not all dreams of the past were good ones. Some caused him to feel happiness.

Ones… caused pain and fear.

Which was what Akashi was currently feeling, judging by how tense his body was.

“It was the night you left Konoha.” Was what Akashi said.

Sasuke felt himself freeze under the other boy, heart already starting to drum against his ribs. Of all the dreams, he had to have that one? That night… was one of Sasuke’s biggest regrets.

Just the memory of seeing Akashi’s usually cheerful, usually brave face, melting into an expression of sorrow and pain… Just the mere thought of that hurt.

And he was the reason for that.

That hurt even more.

“Is that why you said my name?” The answer was obvious.

He said his name because at the end of the night… Sasuke inevitably leaves.

Akashi’s weight atop him shifted and it was then, that Sasuke noticed that the room had brightened up a little. It was just enough for him to be able to see the other boy.

Seems like dawn was upon them.

He watched as the silk covers slid down Akashi’s bare shoulders, pooling at his hips. The boy’s cool hands pressed onto Sasuke’s chest, a somewhat unknown look in his eyes, “It was stupid of me to call out your name.”

To say that Sasuke was surprised would be an understatement, “Stupid…? What…?” He mumbled, not quite understanding where Akashi was going with that.

Just as the sun rose over the high walls which surround the house, just as its rays peeked through the slid open door, just as the warm light washed over the boy atop him, staining him in its orange shimmer, Sasuke heard him speak, “Where else would you be other than by my side?”

Those violet eyes of his glinted and Sasuke was rendered speechless.

_

Akashi stretched his arms over his head as a yawn left his lips. He bent side to side as small cracks resounded through the room. Satisfied, he glanced besides himself and was met with an asleep Sasuke.

He was cute when he slept like that.

Impossibly soft, dark hair was spread atop the pillow… His handsome, pale face was relaxed, not a worry in mind… His lips were lightly parted as soft breaths left them…

Not being able to resist, Akashi reached his hand towards him and gently brushed his fingers down his cheek. Seemingly unconsciously, Sasuke leaned into the touch, a soft exhale leaving him as he settled in.

Damn… He really was perfect, wasn’t he?

“Ah… You’re really cute.” He whispered, adoringly staring at him.

As if on cue, Sasuke’s eyes fluttered open and he looked around for a moment, before he settled on Akashi, “Morning.” He mumbled out, further leaning into Akashi’s touch.

Akashi felt his heart constrict at the sight. Without a word, he jumped at Sasuke, “You’re so cute!” He exclaimed, pressing light kisses onto Sasuke’s face, not leaving an inch untouched.

The raven-haired boy didn’t struggle much, somewhat already used to it, “You’re awfully chirpy in the mornings.” Was what he said as Akashi brushed his lips over his jaw.

Akashi pulled away slightly, a grin on his face, “How could I not be? You’re the first thing I see when I wake up.”

He said it with such… fondness, that Sasuke immediately closed the distance between them.

_

Really, little one? First thing in the morning? Kurama asked, exasperation practically dripping from his words.

Akashi laughed, removing the sheet off his body. How are you not yet used to it?

The day I get used to it is the day I die. Was the reply he got.

Another laugh bubbled out of his lips. Gosh, I adore you!

Save your adoration for your lover over there… Not like you didn’t express it a few moments ago.

“What are you laughing about? Is it the fox again?” Akashi turned around and was met with a sight he quite enjoyed. Sasuke had his cheek on one of the pillows, looking at Akashi with half-lidded eyes, as the sheet barely covered his hips and below them.

“Continue looking at me like that and I’ll see it as an invitation.” He threatened in a light tone.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and slowly sat up, sheet barely clinging onto his skin, “Shameless.”

“As if you mind.”

Is that some sort of catchphrase between you two? Kurama asked.

What? Jealous?

Not in a million years.

It was obvious he was jealous.

_

“Akashi!” Naruto’s voice resounded through the big house, “I think I’m lost!” His voice turned a bit desperate towards the end and Akashi forced down a snort.

“I’m coming!” He yelled, easily navigating through the long hallways.

The moment he went into one of the unused rooms, he was met with a clearly distressed Naruto, “Ah! Akashi! Why is this house so big?!” He whined, reaching towards Akashi with his arms spread wide.

Akashi made no move to evade him, instead he let him glomp him as if he was a child who lost their mother in a store, “It just… is?” Was the answer he gave the blond.

“That’s a stupid reason.” Naruto mumbled, placing his chin onto Akashi’s shoulder.

“You’re stupid.” He said with as much fondness as possible.

“If I’m stupid, then so are you. We’re twins!” Naruto stepped back and pointed at him as if he discovered something amazing.

Akashi raised his brows, “Sadly, it doesn’t work that way, otouto.”

Their little spat was interrupted once one of the doors slid open, revealing Sasuke, “Naruto, why are you in my house?” He asked, not really surprised at the blond’s presence.

“I came to ask Akashi if he wanted to go eat with me!” Naruto said, expectantly looking at Akashi, cerulean eyes shinning.

Akashi was a bit taken aback at the invitation and he turned to Sasuke, “You wanna come with us?”

Sasuke blinked and glanced behind Akashi, presumably at Naruto, before he shook his head, “You should… have some time to catch up after everything. I’ll be here when you come back.”

His response was expected and unexpected at the same time.

“Oh, okay. I won’t be long.” Akashi said, furrowing his brows.

Sasuke saw them to the door and Akashi put on his shoes, before he turned to the raven-haired boy, “I’ll see you later.” He reached his hand towards him and gently brushed his cheek as he moved his bangs to the side.

“Okay.” Sasuke leaned into his touch once again and Akashi reluctantly pulled his hand away.

_

“So? Where are we going?” Akashi asked as he walked next to Naruto. The blond said nothing as they left the compound.

With a grin, Naruto shrugged his shoulders, “You’ll see when we get there.”

Hmm… Akashi was kind of worried.

_

There was absolutely no need for worry.

The moment Akashi caught sight of the familiar store sign, a smile spread on his face, “No way!” He exclaimed, voice heavy with disbelief, “You’re kidding me?!” He walked past Naruto and straight into the store.

“Old man!” He said as soon as he stepped past the entrance.

A moment later, from the back room emerged the man Akashi had long since not seen, “Who…?” The man started, but once he caught sight of Akashi, his expression brightened immensely, “Ah! Akashi!” He walked up to the boy and wrapped his arms around him, “I was wondering where you were! You disappeared without a trace!”

Akashi laughed and patted Teuchi’s back, “I’m back now, but I don’t know for how long exactly.”

They pulled away and the man raised a finger in the air, “One spicy ramen, I suppose?” He asked, a grin on his face.

Before Akashi could answer, he was interrupted, “And one miso ramen also!” Naruto had entered the store.

“Oh, Naruto! Right away!” Teuchi disappeared into the back room.

Akashi and Naruto took a seat at one of the tables, “It’s been so long since I’ve last been here… I thought it was destroyed during Pain’s attack?” Akashi wondered out loud.

“It was rebuilt not so long ago, thankfully… I don’t know what I’d do without it,” Naruto sighed, leaning back in his chair, “Since when do you like ramen? You’ve never told me that.”

“It’s a long story.” Akashi averted his eyes.

“We have time.”

_

“I see… This is where mom was first mentioned to you.” Naruto quietly said as he placed his chopsticks down. It took them a while to finish their meals since they were talking.

“Yeah… Mom also had a problem with her taste buds. Teuchi told me she liked spicy ramen the most.” Akashi explained, tapping the table with the pads of his fingers.

“Hmm. You’re more similar to mom than I am.” Naruto said, a pout evident on his face.

Akashi shook his head, “Your personality is a carbon copy of hers, you know that. Also, you got dad’s handsome looks.”

At the mention of handsome looks, Naruto looked down, slightly embarrassed, “You got mom’s pretty looks!” He changed the subject, a flush rising to his cheeks.

“Is that embarrassment I hear in your voice?” Akashi’s smile widened, “Damn straight! I’m a pretty boy!” He pointed at Naruto, causing the blond to burst out laughing.

“You and Sasuke suit each other.” Naruto said.

That caught Akashi’s attention, “Oho? Did I just hear you call Sasuke pretty?” He asked, inching forward, mischief shinning in his eyes.

Naruto seemed to have realised his mistake, but it was too late, “You heard nothing!”

“I heard it! Sasuke is gonna love that!” Akashi hastily stood up, almost knocking the table back, and stepped away from Naruto, “Aw! You’re young, you still have time to figure out if you like boys, girl or even both!” He spread his arms wide, causing Naruto to lower his head.

“You’re unbelievable…” the blond sighed out, “Whose personality did you even get?”

Akashi shrugged, “I’m a mix!” He struck a pose and Naruto snorted at his antics.

“Of course you are.” Naruto stood up and reached into his pocket, pulling out an old-looking, small, frog wallet.

He carried that one since childhood. Akashi, not being able to resist the urge, reached towards him and pinched his cheek, “How cute! You still carry that?”

Naruto pushed his hand away, “Of course I do, you got it for me.”

Ah. He did.

Akashi watched as Naruto went to the counter and paid for the food. He noticed how much broader his back got. How much taller he got. How much deeper his voice was.

He really missed a lot, didn’t he?

“Are you ready to go…?” Naruto’s voice went quieter towards the end, “Are you all right?”

Akashi saw him approach, “Yeah, I’m fine.” He averted his eyes, feeling the unwelcomed sting in them.

“Are you?” A rough finger brushed over his cheekbone, “Then why do you look like you’re on the verge of crying?” The question made him look back at Naruto.

Did he? Look like he was about to cry?

He reached a hand of his own and gripped Naruto’s shirt, “What can I do? My little brother isn’t so little anymore… He had grown up, and I had missed the most important times of his life.”

A small huff made him blink, and in a moments time, he found himself in Naruto’s embrace, “But, you’re here now, aren’t you?” Naruto’s hold tightened, “You’re here.”

Barely holding back the tears, Akashi found the little strength within himself to reply, “Yeah, I’m here.”