Thirteen

Itachi jumped from one tree to another, Naruto trailing behind him at a similar speed.

As the harsh wind blew against Narutos face his mind was clouded with questions about what was happening. Why was Itachi suddenly showing him something? What is this something, and why is it so urgent that he sees it the day before the attack on Konoha?

They were traveling for a few more minutes before Itachi stopped and turned around to face Naruto. "Were almost there, but once we reach it, you must promise to keep an open mind."

Narutos eyebrows furrowed in confusion but promised him nonetheless. Deciding it would be more efficient if he just went with it instead of slowing them down by asking questions.

After they continued for a few more miles they stopped at an old shack, a mile or so from the closest village.

"Why are we at a shack in the woods? Is this really that important." Naruto said, doubting if this was truly worth his time.

Itachi looked at him and just said, "knock on the door. I promise this is very important, especially for you."

Naruto sighed and did as he said, knocking against the old wooden door and waiting for a response.

He looked over and saw someone peek out the curtains to look at them and quickly close it. After a few seconds he heard faint footsteps come to the door.

The door slowly opened, and Naruto gasped at what he saw, their standing before him was his thought to be dead friend, Kakashi.

It seemed as if time had slowed after seeing him, his brain couldnt process the fact that this was real and that Kakashi wasnt dead, he was right here in front of him.

Kakashi could see Narutos brain malfunction after opening the door and it made him even more nervous about this whole situation.

After standing their frozen for a couple seconds, Kakashi finally decided to ask what had worried him for so long, "Are you mad at me?"

His words seemed to snap Naruto back into reality as he leaped forward, wrapping Kakashi in a tight hug, trying to express all the relief and love he could through this one gesture.

"Y-you're alive, I thought you were dead!" Naruto squeezed Kakashi tighter, afraid to let go of him. "W-why didnt you t-tell me!" Narutos words came out in studders, being interupted by gasps of air from his crying.

Seeing Narutos tears and knowing that he had caused them made Kakashis own eyes fill with tears.

"Lets go inside Naruto, Ill explain everything."

Naruto unwillingly let go and walked into the shabby home, taking a seat on the couch.

Meanwhile, Kakashi walked after him before pausing and turning to Itachi, as if he forgot he was there.

"Thank you, Itachi, for bringing him to me." Kakashi told him, trying to put all his genuine gratitude into his words since he was unable to put into words at how greatful he truly was to be reunited with Naruto.

Itachi nodded at his words before saying, "Ill head back now, if any of the Akatsuki ask about Naruto Ill tell them that he went out to celebrate alone."

With that, at Kakashis nod of understanding, Itachi disappeared back to the hideout.

Kakashi then joined Naruto on the couch, sitting with a cushion in between them.

Kakashis nerves were on fire, he knew Naruto was going to be visiting him and yet even with months notice he was still was terrified and unprepared.

"Why? Please tell me, why? Do you know how lost I was without you? My heart was broken beyond repair, I cried myself to sleep for weeks after I found out. When you didnt respond to my letters I held out hope you just were on a mission, but then Tsunadae said you were killed and I just, I just- lost it!" Naruto didnt bother keeping the tears in as he rambled and Kakashi felt terrible, he had promised to never let anyone hurt Naruto, and yet, he was the one who caused him the most pain.

Kakashi closed the distance between them and pulled Naruto to his chest, letting him rest their as his tears soaked Kakashis shirt.

"T-tell me.," Naruto choked out, "Please."