CHAPTER 46: Towards A New Beginning

"He's finally getting what he deserves."

"Yeah. How could he do that to his own son?"

"Pathetic. I thought he was a respectable man, but he's a monster."

"His son is so strong. If it were me, I wouldn't be able to live through that shit."

"Yeah, I'm getting goosebumps. See!"

The words floated around among the chaos as soon as the court was dismissed. Fugaku was, of course, found guilty of his crime and was now getting dragged away right before the eyes of his family, who remained seated on the benches.

Sasuke watched the scene in silence, his gaze steady, almost cold. He could see everything in that moment: Fugaku's fury that was ready to burst any moment, his shame that settled on his face and the desperation clawing at him inside. Denial burned in his father's eyes, unwilling to accept that he was now prey to the very powerlessness he once wielded against others.

The tables had finally turned for good.

Sasuke soon tore his eyes away from the stare-down, making it clear that he was done giving importance to Fugaku. And, as expected, Fugaku flew into a fit of rage as he watched Sasuke's gaze dismiss him.

"SASUKE! HOW DARE YOU, YOU FAG! LOOK AT ME! I SAID LOOK. AT. ME!"

Fugaku's voice roared above everyone else's, his unruly behavior making him lose what little dignity he had left. The whispers of condemnation targeted at him grew louder as all eyes panned towards him. All except Sasuke's.

Fugaku struggled against the two men who were taking him away, all while hurling insults and threats at Sasuke. When the raven didn't so much as budge at those words, that's when Fugaku knew the extent of his incapacity.

Meanwhile, Sasuke's eyes remained fixed at Naruto, who sat beside him all this while barely holding himself back from going over to the Uchiha patriarch and beating some sense into him. However, his anger couldn't last in the face of the raven's calm expression.

"Sasuke? Are you... OK?"

Naruto figured that the atmosphere could be overwhelming for the young Uchiha. Yet, contrary to his expectations, Sasuke gave a serene nod before threading his fingers with Naruto's.

"Let's go."

The raven said unhurriedly. His voice didn't tremble in the slightest, causing Naruto to smile. He had learned to read Sasuke like an open book, and in this moment, the blonde could see how his lover had metamorphosed. Like a butterfly that had broken out of its cocoon, Sasuke had spread his wings and was ready to fly high, only to never look back.

"Yeah. Let's go, dattebayo."

Sasuke passed a rare, beautiful smile (though it wasn't as rare for Naruto now), and the two stood up, hand in hand. The young raven silently looked at his family sitting just behind him, who all nodded in sync, seemingly satisfied with Sasuke's decision to leave.

"We'll handle it here."

Itachi reassured him, and Sasuke nodded back before he began walking ahead with Naruto just a step behind. Fugaku barked his name with hatred, but the raven gracefully walked past him, leaving a frustrated Fugaku behind with his ego bruised.

"I'LL KILL YOU THE DAY I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"

Fugaku screamed in desperation and rage, causing Naruto to stop in his tracks. Sasuke followed suit. The raven had heard these things all too many times in his past, so it didn't bother him much. However, it wasn't the case for the blonde.

"You can't even lay a finger on a strand of his hair, Fugaku. That's your reality, and it's time you accept it."

Naruto looked Fugaku in the eye as he spoke without an ounce of respect for that piece of trash, leaving the latter too stunned to speak. Naruto tightened his hold on Sasuke's hand, and the two walked out.

Naruto was clearly pissed, but Sasuke was blushing despite himself. Even in the movies, he had always found such moments cringe-worthy. Moments when lovers defended each other. Moments such as this one.

But now that he had one speaking for him, he didn't want to admit how much he was loving it.

'Having a person defend me because they love me... well, it isn't as bad... actually, it's not bad at all.'

Sasuke smiled as his blush deepened. Naruto noticed this and frowned.

"What are you smiling for? That man just threatened to kill you, dattebayo!"

Naruto exclaimed exasperatedly.

"He did, didn't he?"

Sasuke's voice was almost playful, clearly not taking Naruto seriously.

"Teme! I'm serious, y'know?"

"Hn."

Naruto wanted to shake Sasuke out of the playful mood he seemed to be in, but the blonde held himself back. Soon enough, Sasuke spoke again.

"Those threats are not uncommon for me. He has always said things like that. Worse, even. Back then... I had no one to defend me like you did just now. That's why... I'm happy."

Sasuke shrugged slightly as the two reached the parking lot, but his words made the blonde's heart pound like crazy. He knew he had just fallen all over again for this amazing man in front of him.

"What are you waiting for? Let's go. Your mom and dad must be waiting for you."

Naruto snapped out of his thoughts and climbed onto his bike with Sasuke. The engine roared to life, and the two took off for Naruto's parents' place.

It wasn't exactly an unplanned visit on their part, yet it was going to be a surprising one. Naruto had informed his parents beforehand that he would be dropping by, but neither Minato nor Kushina had a clue that Sasuke was going to tag along.

The two rode for almost half an hour before reaching Naruto's actual home. Sasuke couldn't help but admire how beautiful the building was and how delicately it was kept as they walked down the little aisle that ran along the side of a fairly big garden. He could see the care with which the plants had been tended to, as every flower had bloomed to its fullest, and the grass was lush green, with every blade cut evenly.

The house itself was not as big as the Uchiha's mansion, but just enough for a family of three. It was a two-storey building with pastel-colored walls that soothed the eye of anyone who passed by. Plant pots hung down from the ceiling near the porch, serving as natural decorations for the place.

Nothing here was too extravagant or formal, much to Sasuke's delight.

"Now, this is what you call a home. Why do you live in that dingy place when you can live here?"

Sasuke asked as the two stepped onto the porch.

"I told you, I want to be self-dependent."

"Dobe, do you think starting from a stinky old apartment is the only way to become so? What is this, some underdog hero novella?"

Sasuke scoffed. Naruto could only shake his head as he rang the doorbell.

"You're talking a lot today. Nervous to meet my parents?"

Naruto smirked, thinking he finally had the upper hand.

"No. Why would I be nervous? It's not like I'm seeing my fiancé's parents."

Sasuke deliberately emphasized 'fiancé,' leaving Naruto gaping at him with an open mouth. The blonde clearly wasn't expecting such an answer, and he definitely did not like how much he loved hearing that word.

"Well... that backfired."

Naruto muttered more to himself as he cleared his throat and straightened his already crisp clothes.

'This teme, he really knows how to mess with my head good.'

Sasuke smirked smugly. He knew he had won this round.

The two quieted down as they heard soft footsteps approaching. Soon after, the door opened, and Kushina emerged from behind it. Naruto grinned as he gave his mother a tight hug before letting her go. Her eyes then landed on Sasuke, who quickly bowed in greeting, causing Kushina to smile at that.

"Naruto, this is..."

Her voice was gentle and welcoming as she addressed her son.

"I'll tell you everything inside."

Kushina shook her head at the antics of her unpredictable son and humoured his wish as she beckoned the two in. However, as soon as they reached the living room, Kushina froze.

"Ah- wait a second!"

Her demure composure faltered as she quickly moved to collect the pile of dried clothes she had momentarily placed on the couch. She had forgotten about it and was basically dashing with the bundle to another room now. She threw them on the bed in that room before closing the door.

All while Sasuke watched in amusement, he finally understood where Naruto got his goofiness from. Naruto chuckled at this as the two took a seat on the sofa.

Kushina walked back to the duo, getting them water as well. With a sheepish smile, she sat on another couch, facing them.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know Naruto was going to bring a friend over."

"Sorry for the trouble, ma'am."

Sasuke maintained his polite mannerisms as he helped himself to some water after a small 'thank you.' If Fugaku had taught him one thing right, it would be manners.

"Aiyah, don't call me ma'am! You are Naruto's friend, so just Kushina is fine, dattebane."

Kushina waved her hand dismissively.

"Then... Kushina-san."

Sasuke smiled softly as Kushina nodded happily, finally losing some of the embarrassment she had been feeling earlier.

"So, Naruto. Would you finally introduce him now?"

"Oh, right."

Naruto cleared his throat dramatically.

"Okasan, do not be surprised, but... this is Uchiha Sasuke."

Naruto had planned to drop one bomb at a time. He watched as his mother let those words sink in, her expression turning into one of shock as she looked at the youngest son of the Uchiha family sitting right before her.

"You mean... you're the one who -"

Kushina stopped herself before she went too far out of line.

"Sorry."

"No, it's okay."

Sasuke was quick to comfort her. He knew she had no bad intentions, and frankly, he wasn't all that bothered to speak about his past.

"So... you both came here from the court directly? Today was the last hearing of the case, if I'm not wrong..."

Sasuke nodded at that, not at all surprised by her awareness. However, Kushina was at a loss for words. Despite her strong desire to comfort him, she didn't know what to say to someone who had seen so much at such a young age.

"Sasuke, dear, I know it might not be my place to say this, but if you ever need help in the future, we're here for you. Okay?"

"Thank you, Kushina-san."

Kushina shook her head and smiled beautifully.

"Would you like something to eat?"

She asked, trying to change the topic as she went to grab a few snacks for the two, despite Sasuke's denial. Of course, she returned with two bowls of steaming hot ramen in the end and set them before them.

"I don't have much prepared. I'd only made ramen... do you like ramen? I can make something else for you too, dattebane."

"I do like ramen... thank you."

Sasuke passed a grateful smile before he began eating, while Naruto was already halfway through his bowl.

"Ne, okasan, where is outosan?"

Naruto had only questioned with a mouth full of noodles when a gentle, manly voice answered from above the stairs.

"Right here, Naruto."

The three looked up simultaneously. Descending the stairs was none other than the 7th Hokage of Konoha, Namikaze Minato. His cape fluttered behind him, his steps firm. He walked with an air of warmth yet unquestionable authority.

Minato's inviting smile made Sasuke feel at ease. He didn't think he would be able to keep his nerve in front of the Hokage.

Minato walked up to them as they exchanged greetings. Naruto did the introductions once again even though Minato knew who Sasuke was, at least by name.

After all, whatever went on in the city, Minato was always aware of it. This is exactly why he avoided Fugaku's topic to begin with, not wanting the Uchiha among them to feel uncomfortable.

However, this time, Naruto had something to add.

"Now that you both are here, I have something to tell you guys."

Naruto's parents waited patiently as Naruto breathed deeply to stall for time, building the suspense. Sasuke rolled his eyes internally.

"So, the thing is... I'm finally dating. And Sasuke, here is my boyfriend."

There. Naruto had finally dropped the second and final bomb. Minato stared at Naruto in disbelief, while Kushina was left speechless for a moment. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she shook her head.

"W- wait a minute. You're dating?"

'I thought you hadn't moved on from Sai? When did this happen? Have you really left your past behind for good? And how come you began dating Sasuke? How did you meet? What happened for you to move on so suddenly when not even therapy could help you in the past two years?'

Kushina had tons of questions she wanted answers to, but she didn't know how things were between the two boys. She didn't want to mess this up for Naruto by asking something stupid, not when the blonde had finally managed to move on.

But Naruto wasn't oblivious to their emotions. He could see the questions in their eyes and the restraint they were exercising to be careful around Sasuke.

"It's a long story..."

Naruto began, narrating every moment in detail, starting from the day they first met and how they evolved alongside each other. He spoke about how the two broke free from their miseries, and that was why they were now standing here before them.

Sasuke gave his input whenever necessary or when prompted to do so. He had come prepared to feel left out at some point, but that was hardly the case. The two elders kept him engaged in every little conversation while paying similar attention to their son.

"That was quite the roller coaster ride, dattebane."

Kushina looked at Minato, who nodded in agreement.

"You've both had it tough..."

Naruto nodded at his father's words while intertwining his hand with Sasuke under the table. The room descended into a heavy silence, which was broken after a while by Minato.

"Naruto... I'm sorry."

The sudden apology caught the younger couple off guard, but not Kushina. By the looks of it, she knew where this was heading. A silent understanding passed between Naruto's parents before Kushina also spoke.

"I'm sorry, too."

The two looked at their son with gentle smiles and guilt-ridden eyes. Naruto, baffled by their apologies, asked why they were saying so.

"So much happened in your life... you even started dating again... but we had no idea what was up with you until today. That's... irresponsible of us as parents, dattebane."

Kushina explained, and Minato agreed.

"Okasan, Otosan, don't say that. It was me who didn't keep you updated. I was the one who wanted to become self-dependent. I... I'm sorry, too... for keeping you in the dark for so long, dattebayo."

Minato smiled at his son's words. He could notice how Naruto sounded more mature than the last time they talked about something serious. Truly, a lot had happened behind his back.

"I guess... we all were at fault at some point."

"Guess we were."

Naruto seconded that as he stood up and stalked over to his parents. He leaned down to wrap his arms around them.

Sasuke watched the three as they shifted into a better position so they could maintain the hug longer. The world seemed to have folded in on itself, forming a beautiful circle of love and safety right before his eyes.

But it wasn't long before he found himself joining the hug. Minato and Kushina urged the raven to come closer and made sure he was comfortable before including him in their little warm bundle.

'I'm getting a déjà vu...'

Sasuke shook the thought out of his head. He focused on this embrace, this odd feeling taking root in his already melting heart.

"Sasuke-kun... thank you for saving Naruto. He has been through a lot, and... and we thought we would never be able to make him smile like before. I'll never forget what you did for us."

Kushina stroked Sasuke's silky hair lovingly, imparting her motherly love and gratitude through her actions. Minato wore a smirk similar to Naruto's all this while.

"Sasuke-kun, be careful. She might seem polite like this, but you'll have to watch out for her lectures in the future."

Minato was elbowed in the stomach by Kushina, and rightly so. The Hokage dramatically backed away while clutching his stomach.

"Ow! It hurts, Kushina-sama."

"I'll make it hurt some more, dattebane! Come here, you!"

The two launched into a cat-and-mouse chase. Naruto shook his head and looked at his man, who seemed to be amazed at the sight before him. The strongest couple in Konoha was playing a game of tag right before his eyes.

"They're always like this."

Sasuke nodded when he heard that. Just one look at them, and the raven knew that Naruto was their perfect blend: fierce and playful like his mother, yet gentle and patient like his father.

While the elder couple chased each other down the hallway, Naruto slid closer to Sasuke and whispered in the raven's ear.

"Ne, Sasuke. Are you liking it here?"

Sasuke nodded without hesitation.

"It feels like I've found my second home."

-×-×-×-

It had been a long and fulfilling day for the two, and now, Sasuke lay snugly in those strong, bulky arms of Naruto. They were back in that run-down apartment of the blonde. The two were cuddling under the quilt while Kurama lay atop the closet.

Naruto kept Sasuke close to him, giving him occasional kisses on the head. The radiant moonlight had begun seeping through the window, casting a soft glow on them.

The silence was peaceful for the raven, but there was something that was still bugging Naruto. He had missed the opportunity to ask about it earlier, so he did now.

"Sasuke?"

"Hn?"

"Are you actually OK?"

Sasuke blinked and looked up at Naruto, trying to understand the intent behind the question.

"Hn. I'm fine. Why?"

"I mean... you... you're not feeling... uneasy? I mean, Fugaku went to jail just this afternoon... and you seem to have come to terms with it rather quickly, dattebayo."

Sasuke pondered that. Naruto was actually right. One moment, he had been facing Fugaku head-on, and the next, he had been enjoying way too much with Naruto's family.

"I think... I've been longing for this freedom for a long time now. Maybe... I just don't want to waste more time processing it; I want to enjoy it."

Naruto seemed to accept that answer because he had been the same. The moment he fought his way out of his hallucinations of Sai, he did not waste a second processing it. He came running to Sasuke instead.

Naruto hummed in satisfaction and draped his leg over Sasuke almost protectively, and the latter didn't protest one bit. After a while of lying in quiet bliss, Naruto spoke again.

"Sasuke... do you like me? Or love me?"

The young Uchiha was almost used to Naruto's unpredictable questions by now, so he wasn't really startled by them anymore.

"Love."

The reply wasn't surprising either. However, Naruto wasn't done yet.

"But why do you love me?"

"Hmm... Would you believe me if I said I love you for no reason?"

"Eh? How can you not have a reason to like me, teme? I'm handsome, and I have a great body. I have a sharp jawline, and I'm fantastic at sports. I'm also kind and sweet, dattebayo! Also! I..."

Naruto sat up as he spoke, almost offended. He went on to list a dozen more likable qualities about himself. Sasuke let him finish before finally answering.

"By no reason... I meant there is no condition for me to love you. Even if you were missing some of these qualities or had some more, I'd still love you the same. It's called unconditional love, dobe."

Sasuke sat up and faced the blonde, who was again rendered speechless.

"Just where do you find such words? Do you have any idea what they do to me?"

Sasuke blushed at those words. He knew exactly what effect he had on Naruto, but he purposely shook his head no, his eyes shining with mischief. Naruto smirked, clearly able to see past Sasuke's teasing. He gently cupped the Uchiha's face in both his hands.

"You make me want to keep you all to myself, dattebayo."

He sighed shakily and leaned closer to Sasuke, his quivering breath ghosting over the latter's lips.

"Thank you, Sasuke. Thank you... for waiting for me."

Naruto whispered as a stray tear made its way down his cheek. Sasuke brushed that tear away gently and locked eyes with his blonde.

"Thank you... for coming back to me, dobe."

The two closed the distance between them as their lips united in a kiss. They knew they fit each other perfectly, like pieces of music that were composed differently, yet the only place they belonged was by each other's side.

And every kiss they ever shared acted as a reminder of it.

Their lives ahead were shadowed with uncertainty, for where light goes, darkness always follows. But the unbreakable thread of their bond had been woven through a path full of darkness. The two had managed to make it through, hand in hand.

Because their love for each other had persevered through it all, it had evolved into this one truth that burned brighter than day and night in their hearts: whatever the future had in store, they would face it together.

A/N: Now that we're moving towards the end of the story, I'm literally crying right now...Anyone else with me?Anyway, see you all in the next chapter!Author sound out~ ✌🏻