𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 // An Intuition : Reboot

                                    

                                          
Sunlight painted the backs of his eyelids a vivid red and he sighed in exasperation. Naruto hadn't been able to sleep last night due to the stickiness of his clothes from the damp grass and the frequent shifting of Itachi. He cracked his eyes open, giving up on getting a wink of sleep. Tree branches arched over their huddled forms, forming a spider web of leaves and twigs. Rays of sunshine peeked through the openings, briefly blinding him. He could see patches of cloudless blue sky. He sucked in a deep breath, taking in all of the smells, colours, and sounds. Itachi's arms around his waist tightened slightly and he couldn't help but smile. This feeling in his gut, it felt right.
                          
"Morning..." The Uchiha mumbled groggily. Naruto turned to face him, noticing his barely open eyes, soft smile, and messy hair.
                          
"Good morning." Naruto replied, wrapping his arms around Itachi's neck on a whim and cuddling up to the raven.
                          
"I'm going back to sleep, okay ?" Itachi whispered, shutting his eyes again.
                          
"That's not a surprise." The blonde chuckled under his breath. "I didn't sleep at all last night."
                          
"Why... Not ?" Itachi's voice was already fading as he lost consciousness. How a person could fall asleep so easily was unbeknownst to Naruto. He took the liberty of clutching his barely conscious pillow closer.
                          
"Because I couldn't get out of your death grip !" Naruto cried passionately. He really needed to take out his frustration on the raven. After all, he was one of sleep's biggest fans.
                          
"Much like you're doing to me now ?" Itachi answered. With an irritated huff, he squeezed out of the raven's arms and sat up. The blanket pooled at his waist. His muscles and bones strained at the sudden movement, and he finally realized how stupid he'd been. He doubted he'd be able to walk by himself for a few days. His ribs clearly protested, and he resisted the urge to scream.
                          
"Why am I such an idiot ? Pulling stunts like that ? I'm an IDIOT." He groaned. Itachi's hand snaked around his waist.
                          
"I ask myself that daily. Why are you such an idiot ?" He teased. When Naruto looked over at him, he realized Itachi was more or less awake. His eyes were wide and reminded him of warm, fresh brownies. Of course, if he told Itachi that he'd probably ruin his chances with the man.
                          
"Learned it from you." Naruto stuck out his tongue. "Can we go home ? I feel icky."
                          
"As you wish." Itachi was already on his feet, wincing slightly at the state of his clothing.
                          
"I may need your assistance." Naruto frowned. He gestured towards his legs.
                          
The raven arched a brow. "Did you hurt yourself last night ?"
                          
Naruto rolled his eyes before giving a slow nod. Itachi clucked his tongue. "You really are an idiot, you know ?"
                          
"I know." The blonde sighed in frustration. "I'm sorry."
                          
"Don't be." Itachi wrapped an arm around his waist and easily propped him up. "Makes me like you more."
                          
With a wince, he asked for Itachi's consent before climbing onto his back. He'd have to invite Sakura over and inconspicuously point out his injuries. Itachi made four complete circles before Naruto slapped him over the head. "Pick the blanket up." Itachi said. He crouched down to the floor, balancing perfectly as Naruto struggled to reach for the blanket all the while holding onto the other's shoulders. They remained in that position for four minutes. Eventually Naruto let out a sigh and admitted his incompetency. The raven shook his head in disappointment before releasing one of the blonde's legs and scooping up the blanket.
                          
"Onward !" Naruto cried, pointing over Itachi's shoulder at his apartment building. The raven chuckled softly, standing and walking at a slow pace. The blonde nuzzled Itachi's jacket, smiling despite wanting to maintain a straight face. He just felt so happy. The majority of villagers turned to face them as they slowly trotted by. Naruto supposed they weren't used to seeing the Uchiha Itachi giving a piggy back to someone other than his little brother.