Secrets Chapter 1, a naruto fanfic

I got an idea and a feeling. Everyone, every author, gets that inspiration moment and suddenly, they're writing nonstop. That's what I got and I was listening to a darkish song (Secrets - Nightcore) while I got the feeling so now the song is on loop and I'm writing. So while you're reading, listen to Secrets - Nightcore on YouTube.

I was also reading a depressing/angst fanfic on Attack on Titans so yeah…

Enjoy! Review! All that Good stuff!

Also, one more thing, I work with a line of other fanfiction . net authors so this isn't actually my first fic. The one who wrote Percy's Just Percy isn't 'me' either. So if there are different styles with my stories, don't blame 'me', blame the one that wrote the particular story and all.

*~0~0~0~*

Naruto

No one keeps a secret.

That's what Naruto thought. He's always been hiding in the shadows, quietly listening to the villagers of Konoha gossip about him and hating him and scorning his name. So Naruto also knows that no one keeps a secret. Ladies always talking about each other behind their backs. Guys backstabbing guys to be in the cooler group Everyone lying. Everyone has secrets. Everyone lies about their secrets.

But Naruto knew how to keep a secret. He knew to plaster a smile on his face, even when he was down. That's how you kept suspicious people, or nosy people, away. From him that is. That's also how he kept his secrets.

But there are also some secrets that Naruto can't keep because someone else knows or were apart of it. Someone else that could open his or her mouth and just go on and on. Naruto knew how to deal with those secrets too. He didn't like it. But it was the only way he could keep his way of life from crumbling and crushing him under the pain and debris.

Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

Naruto didn't abide directly by that rule. But just knowing it, being aware of this, was effective as well.

*~0~0~0~*

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead

*~0~0~0~*

Naruto

"Naruto!" Sakura called and Naruto's heart jumped. Sakura-chan was the one calling out to him this time! He spun around happily and gave his brightest smile, this one real.

"Yes Sakura-chan?" he called back. He saw her running to him, almost out of breath.

"Hey, Naruto," Sakura greeted when she was closer. "I was just coming to get you because Team 7 are going to Ichiraku's to celebrate Sasuke's birthday! Want to come?" she asked.

Naruto's heart deflated a little at hearing that it wasn't about him but Sasuke again. Then he tilted his head in confusion. "Eh? Wait. It's Sasuke's birthday?! He even has one?!"

Sakura rolled her eyes furiously. "Of course, baka!" she yelled and Naruto sweat dropped, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Anyway, yes, he has a birthday. Do you want to come and celebrate it or not?" Sakura crossed her arms and Naruto could tell she was a tad bit angrier than when she had approached him in the first place.

Naruto thought for a moment. It would be cool to celebrate Sasuke's birthday. Besides, Naruto's never been invited to a birthday party before. He wondered what they were like. He suddenly grinned. It would be a perfect opportunity to find out. Besides, he didn't want to go back to his sorry excuse for a home yet. Anything but that and he was fine.

"Yeah, sure!" Naruto exclaimed. It would be fun!

Sakura smiled too and Naruto liked it that way. Smiling. "Okay! Come on. Kakashi is getting ready to tell Sasuke! Let's go together!" And Naruto felt like he was on cloud nine. If only that could last forever. Double lives sucked.

Naruto followed Sakura happily, already enjoying the day.

When Sakura and Naruto found Kakashi, he was reading nearby Ichiraku's Ramen shop, where they agreed to meet before finding Sasuke. Pointless since they would find him and just walk all the way back, but they didn't care. Or more like, Kakashi didn't.

"Alright! Let's get Sasuke now!" Naruto jumped up, hyped for what was to come. Maybe he was nervous. But still, it would be awesome and he wanted to enjoy every bit of it.

"Okay, okay," Kakashi sighed as he slowly, almost sadly closed his book (Naruto crinkled his nose at it). "Let's get Sasuke now. He'll probably be at the training grounds since he likes to spend most his time there. If not, then we'll have to search."

Naruto pouted at the thought of having to search for the Uchiha. That sounded hard. But then he was grinning again. "You got it!" he said to Kakashi. "We'll find him! But I guess I don't want to take forever. I want to get the the birthday party part!"

Naruto saw Kakashi give him a funny look but Naruto brushed it off. He knew Kakashi knew he hadn't been to a birthday party yet but he was Kakashi-sensei so there wasn't a point in keeping something like that from him. Besides, Naruto would get to go to one now!

When they made it to the training grounds, sure enough, Sasuke was there. He was practicing with his ninja throwing knives. Naruto took a second just watching him. He was awesome at it. And Naruto's watched another Uchiha, a long, long, long time ago, throwing knives too when he was in the forest near Naruto's hiding place. Except he was pretty sure the other was better. Even though he couldn't really remember his face.

Naruto was pulled out of his daze when Sakura was running up to Sasuke and telling him about their plans. From afar, Naruto saw Sasuke frown and he almost panicked on the inside. He didn't want to celebrating to get canceled because Sasuke was being his introverted, cool self. He thought for a moment then jumped forward as well.

"Hey, Sasuke!" he yelled and the raven turned to look at him. Naruto grinned at the other.

"You coming or what? Ichiraku's Ramen won't stay warm forever!" he said.

"I'm busy right now," Sasuke said stiffly, but he seemed to waver at the statement and Naruto took his chance.

"Heh, Uchiha Sasuke. Don't be worming your way out of a party!" he yelled accusingly. "It's sadder than a toad that can't smile! Besides! If all you do during your birthday is train, then what do all those other days off mean? Aren't training days saved for with the team? And isn't your birthday important?!"

Naruto faltered and he scratched his head, confused. Did he get something wrong? "Wait, birthday's are important, right? Or…" Naruto actually couldn't say. He knew birthdays were kind of symbolic. It made sense. But then, maybe they aren't really important like New Years or something like that? He suddenly felt stupid.

Naruto looked at the others and he knew he made a mistake. He slipped. The others were giving him mixed expressions of surprise and pity and sadness. Naruto mentally berated himself for being an idiot. He couldn't help it sometimes!

Sakura suddenly brushed her surprise away and came over o him. Before Naruto could do anything, she whacked him upside the head. "Wha-Ouch! Sakura-chan!" Naruto complained, holding the back of his head.

"Of course birthdays are important, baka-Naruto! We're going to celebrate Sasuke's birthday and you're going to see!" She promptly dragged Naruto over to the other two males who sweatdropped. Naruto felt the tension in the air diffuse and he grinned.

"Hehe. Alright!"

Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi went to Ichiraku's Ramen after that. When they arrived, Sakura was chatting animatedly to Sasuke about something that Naruto couldn't find it in himself to listen to. He loved Sakura, really, but sometimes, she didn't make sense. He laughed quietly when he saw Sasuke looked irritated and in agony just standing near her.

Sasuke must have heard him snicker because he glanced at Naruto, scowling. Naruto stuck his tongue out at him before running up to follow Kakashi, leaving Sasuke to suffer alone.

"Yo, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called before pulling up beside him. Kakashi looked at him, his book in his hands and Naruto rolled his eyes when he saw it. Kakashi just smiled under his mask.

"Did you need something Naruto?" Kakashi asked. Naruto just shook his head. He felt oddly happy. Like the pure happy he sometimes got with Team 7, not the pseudo-happy he got when pranking or laughing at someone.

"Nope! Just walking." was all Naruto said. Yup, he felt happy.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow and Naruto smiled at him. A sign that everything was alright. Kakashi smiled again, this time in a strange, happier way. Kind of like how Naruto felt and they walked in peace, just like that. With Sakura talking Sasuke's ear off behind them.

When they got to Ichiraku's, the atmosphere was joyful and exuberant. It was amazing in Naruto point of view. They all talked and chatted with each other and with Teuchi and Ayame too. Naruto didn't know what he was expecting from a birthday party. Maybe loud people and crazy, happy-go-lucky mayhem? But this was even better. Naruto felt happy like nothing else in the world mattered.

They talked freely, without worry. Some other people came by and joined them and before they knew it, Ino, Choji, Shikamaru, Neji, Hinata, and Lee were all with them, talking and playing around. Teuchi and Ayame were kept busy, but they enjoyed it as well. Right then, Naruto knew it wasn't the amount of people that joined. It was who joined. He was so overjoyed by his new revelation, he opened his big mouth to Kakashi about it.

"Kakashi-sensei!" he exclaimed as he sat next to the other. "Is this how birthdays are? This is fun! I don't know why though." Naruto couldn't stop himself from continuing. "I mean, we see everyone here almost everyday. But this is like a family gathering, kinda, right? This, I like this. I wish we could do this more often."

It took Naruto several seconds to realize his mistake. He turned back to Kakashi hastily, only to find Sasuke standing behind them, apparently catching everything Naruto just said. Naruto's eyes widened and he looked quickly between his sensei and the birthday boy, laughing nervously.

"Hehe, no, no, I just mean, uh, well, it's really fun! I just want to do it again some time!" Naruto scratched the back of his neck and turned away from them. But he knew they were going to say something. Everyone always did. So Naruto tried to get up and walk away, maybe join Lee and Choji with whatever they were doing, but he felt a hand tugging him back into his seat.

Naruto looked back to find Kakashi holding onto one sleeve of his orange jumper and giving him that look again. He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes and forcibly escape. He didn't want to hurt anyone like that.

"Naruto, are you okay?" Sasuke asked out of the blue. Naruto turned to him, surprised he actually asked.. "Have you been to a birthday party before. Or any party for that matter?" Sasuke looked almost angry and Naruto found himself shrinking back a little, defensive barriers going up.

"What does it matter to you?" Naruto snapped almost on reflex. Kakashi and Sasuke both looked at him in alarm and even Neji with his all-seeing, stupid Byakugan, came over to see what was going on. Naruto cursed his horrible luck. That Neji was always watching! And Sasuke should have been quiet. Naruto didn't want them to know he was a sucker who'd never been to a part before!

"What happened?" Neji asked because Naruto knew he could perfectly read each and every one of their faces.

"Nothing!" Naruto shouted, laughing loudly and attracting attention. He knew he could fool Neji, since he didn't hear what they were talking about. Also, as long as he didn't look him in the eye. Which wasn't hard. But Sasuke and Kakashi… another matter altogether.

"Kakashi and Sasuke were actually being mean and saying that I should work on my taijutsu. It's Sasuke's birthday though! And they're still badgering me!"

"I agree with them," Neji deadpanned and Naruto through his hands back.

"See!" he pointed at Neji. Everyone else seemed to calm down after realizing that nothing was actually wrong.

"But I also agree with Naruto," Neji pointed out to Kakashi and Sasuke. "It's Sasuke's birthday. Better give him attention more than berating Naruto. Which I see as pointless, since he won't change his ways. You can only encourage something like Naruto. Not put him down. I have found it is impossible to put him down. He's as stubborn as-"

"Okay, okay, okay!" Naruto waved his arms, pouting. But then he grinned, turning to the other two. "But yeah, you guys need to be all over Sasuke! Not me!"

Kakashi and Sasuke still looked… what? Worried? Angry? Disappointed? Naruto almost died on the inside when he saw the disappointment. They couldn't be disappointed in him? RIght? But it still hurt.

At the very least, Sasuke played along. "Tch, whatever, Usuratonkachi."

Naruto glared balefully at him in return "Whatever back, Teme!" And, the party returned to what it was before that little incident. More or less at least.

Before long, it was over and Naruto was left wishing it could have lasted a little longer. Or forever. But he didn't tell anyone that. Everyone dispersed and Sasuke actually received a bunch of small gifts from people, even though it was on the spot. He got a super large bag of limited time flavored chips from Choji (Choji wasn't the happiest person about that, but he still gave them away). He also got a box of chocolates from Sakura who came prepared and flowers from Ino who owned a flower shop and just had flowers on her. They were incredibly pretty though, with white and blue small bunches of flowers around one large pink rose.

Shikamaru gave Sasuke a few dozen dollars that he just had in his wallet (Sasuke tried to protest but Shikamaru said it wasn't his, it was his dad's and that he wouldn't bother about it). Lee didn't have anything but he showed Sasuke a few taijutsu moves that Sasuke watched with raptured interest, like there was nothing else in the world that he would rather do. Then Lee started ranting about youth and Sasuke lost interest.

Neji didn't bother, he just watched the exchange with cool, all-seeing-eyes which made Naruto nervous.

Naruto didn't have anything either. But unlike Shikamaru, he didn't have money. He spent it all on Ichiraku Ramen days ago and for his stock of cup ramen at home. But he didn't want to be left out in the exchange. Instead, he gave Sasuke a scroll that Ero Sennin gave him one time he came back from his "information gathering" one time. It was a training regimen. Unlike that one scroll that had nothing, this one had a back-breaking, strict course of exercises that Naruto did everyday. He didn't need it anymore, since the process was engraved in his mind, and he knew Sasuke definitely didn't need it. But it was all he had on him, so he gave it up.

Surprise wasn't something Naruto thought he would see on Sasuke's face when the other was looking through the regimen. His eyes actually immediately widened once he saw it. Naruto knew Sasuke didn't need this kind of thing (actually, he was positive) so he didn't know what to make of the reaction. Before he could stutter out an apology for not having anything better, Sasuke spoke.

"Thanks, Naruto." Naruto looked at the other boy in surprise. "Eh, you like it?" Naruto said before he could stop himself.

Sasuke just rolled his eyes, but smiled. Naruto found himself smiling too. "Of course I do, Usuratonkachi," Sasuke said. "I'm just surprised you gave it to me."

Naruto laughed. "Well, I don't need it anymore and I don't have anything else to give so I thought that would be fine." Naruto said, his smile still bright. Sasuke rolled his eyes.

All of the sudden, Naruto felt an arm slung around his shoulders. He looked to see Sakura half hugging him and smiling. Naruto was reminded that he was an half an inch or so shorter than her. "Naruto, it was fun, right?" Sakura said happily and Naruto smiled back at her. Again, before he could say something, another arm was slung around his other shoulder. He looked to see Sasuke on the other side of him, looking somewhere between happy and uncertain. But happy nonetheless.

"I hope it was fun," Sasuke muttered lowly so that only the three of them could hear. "It would be a waste of my time if it wasn't." Naruto found himself laughing and Sakura was smiling sighing but giggling as well.

As they walked, Sasuke and Sakura were stuck on either side of Naruto, not hugging anymore, but still really close. Naruto didn't mind. But it still bothered him. It made him feel like the "little brother" of the group.

But he also liked it. It made him feel safe. And he knew that wasn't always the case. But this, he liked this. It made him feel warm and loved. He found it was the best feeling in all the world. Even better than Ichiraku's Ramen and not a lot of stuff was better than Ichiraku's Ramen with Teuchi and Ayame.

"Seeya tomorrow, Naruto, Sasuke!" Sakura called to him as she made her way down her own street. Naruto waved back. "Seeya, Sakura-chan!" he called back. Sasuke gave a simple wave. Even from how far he was, and even in the semi-darkness, Naruto could see her grin and run off. Now, all that were left was Neji, Hinata, Sasuke and Naruto. Pretty soon though, it was just Naruto and Sasuke.

"I-I'll see you tomorrow, Naruto-kun," Hinata blushed and mumbled. Naruto tilted his head in confusion but smiled anyways. Was she getting a fever. She always seemed to have a fever. Naruto wondered if that was okay. But Neji didn't look like there was a problem so he brushed it off.

"I'll see you again, Hinata," Naruto said and gave her a half-hug and grinned at Neji. "Seeya, Neji,"

"Of course," was all Neji said. Then he was off and Hinata mumbled one more goodbye before scurrying off to follow the other Hyuuga.

Naruto continued walking with Sasuke. There really wasn't anything to talk about, so they were left in comfortable silence. That is, until Sasuke decided to break it. Apparently there was something to talk about.

"Naruto," Sasuke said, making Naruto blink.

"Eh? Or, er, what is it?" Naruto stumbled, pulled out of his peaceful daydreaming of perfect nothingness.

"Have you really never been to a birthday party before?"

All feeling about peace and perfect nothingness left Naruto. It was replaced with tense energy and sadness. "It doesn't matter," Naruto said stiffly, trying with all his might not to sound offended. "I got to go to a birthday now, so I don't think there's a problem. Right?"

"Naruto," Sasuke pressed and Naruto turned to him. His face, it looked angry again. Naruto found himself looking away. "Yeah, I never went to one before!" he said, a bit louder than he expected. He took a deep breath. "But I don't care. One's fine with me."

For another long moment, neither of them said a word and Naruto took that chance to make his escape. "Well! I gotta go now. Seeya later, Sasuke!" Naruto yelled, running off before he could get a reply. Sometimes, he didn't like it when the rest worried. Naruto was careful that way. The less they worried, the less they would want to look into things that weren't their business.

*~0~0~0~*

Sasuke

Sasuke watched as Naruto ran off before he could say anything. To say he was angry was an understatement. Sasuke was pissed. He didn't know anything about Naruto! Now, after all this time he's spent with the other, now he realizes he was such a stuck up that he didn't know a single thing about Uzumaki Naruto besides his name and where he lived. He didn't even know how old Naruto was. He could be two years younger than him for all he knew.

Then he thought. All he knew was where Naruto lived. Then again, everyone seemed to know that. Everyone, including the people that didn't matter or have never even met Naruto before. He always thought that was suspicious. Who would go out of their way just to talk about a former delinquent? Maybe once or twice, he heard his own parents speak of "the Uzumaki kid" and they never talked about things that didn't matter.

That's how Sasuke found himself following Naruto. He didn't know anything about the other. He never knew the other's never been to a party before. He never knew no one celebrated Naruto's birthday.

Sasuke clenched his fist. He didn't even know Naruto's birthday and he went two years without celebrating it and not knowing that he wasn't celebrating it! Guilt rolled in Sasuke's stomach as he jumped along the rooftops of houses and buildings, discreetly following Naruto.

As he ran, he could feel a strange sense of foreboding, like something was telling him to stop and go back, that what he was going to see wasn't worth it. Or would make him feel worse. A feeling that said danger was coming.

He came to a stop as Naruto slowed down before turning off the road onto another one, leading to his small apartment. Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief that Naruto at least got to his home without anything happening. He didn't know why, but he felt jittery.

Neji sneaking up on him didn't help much at all.

"What are you doing?"

"Fu-" Sasuke jumped back, a kunai already in his hand and aimed at where he though he heard the voice. Then his eyes focused on the older boy with long hair and the Konoha head protector and he relaxed. "Hyuuga Neji. I didn't need you sneaking up on me like that, thanks," Sasuke clipped briskly, miffed that someone was able to sneak up on him.

"You should refine your skills," Neji said cooly. "I could have killed you without trying."

Sasuke and Neji stared at each other for a long moment and Sasuke couldn't find anything to say back. Finding he didn't care much in the first place, he turned his back on the other. "What are you doing here?" he asked instead and Neji came up to stand beside him, facing Naruto's small home. One light had turned on, but it didn't look like anything was happening.

"I was going to ask you that," Neji replied. "I saw someone's chakra speeding along the rooftops and thought to investigate. It turns out only to be you." Sasuke scowled at that as well. He had forgotten to conceal his chakra. Sloppy of him.

"I'm here because I'm worried," Sasuke said, answering Neji's unspoken question. "I just had a feeling about something so I followed Naruto. It looks like I was wrong though."

"Why would you say that?" Neji asked and Sasuke looked at him quizzically. Only to find him glaring hard at Naruto's house, his eyes strained with the Byakugan. For some reason, something just dropped in Sasuke.

"Because…" Sasuke let himself trail off, looking back at Naruto's house. He cursed that he didn't have the all-seeing-eye of the Hyuuga clan, but his Sharingan would still help some. Maybe not see through every wall, but past the outside layer was enough. He didn't think Naruto's home was very big either.

Sasuke activated his Sharingan. He was thankful. He could see past the outer wall and not much more but still enough. Naruto's form was easy enough to make out as it walked around, pacing it seemed. Then, all of a sudden, Sasuke felt Neji tense beside him.

"What is it?" he asked, trying to look throughout the home to find anything. But he still couldn't see enough, not far enough, or deep enough.

"Someone entered the home through a back door," Neji said. "A large man. Focus on Naruto. He's not pacing anymore." Sasuke looked. What Neji said was true. Naruto was no longer pacing. He was backing away from something that Sasuke couldn't see. He bit his lip in frustration.

Then, Naruto was running, or quickly walking to the front door. A door behind him burst open and Sasuke could see the man. He was big. Maybe with a stronger, larger build than Asuma. Sasuke sucked in a breath when he saw the man snatch Naruto up by the collar and haul him back. Even from where Sasuke was standing, he could hear the shouting. No one else would since naruto was stuck in an isolated area, like under a bridge.

"Oi, you fucking brat!" the man practically screamed. His voice was farther away and a bit dulled since Sasuke was across the street, but the words were clear and the voice was deep and baritone. "I told you not to run from me! Who do you think you are, you fox brat?!"

Sasuke was already getting ready to jump from his perch when Neji put a hand on his arm.

"Wait, we have to learn more," Neji said, but he was tense as well.

"What?" Sasuke snapped. "Naruto's being manhandled in his own home. I'm not gonna let anything more than that happen."

"We need evidence," Neji snapped back and Sasuke stilled. "I don't want to admit it, but we can't just stop the man because he's being ruff in Naruto's home. There may be more to this. We have to find out. Now listen!" Neji pulled out a recorder. Old, but it was a recorder nonetheless. Sasuke saw him push a button, and little gadgets on the inside started moving, a red light blinking.

Neji let Sasuke go and the latter followed the older male's lead. He listened.

"Wait, K-Kitanai, please!" Naruto stuttered and Sasuke had to keep in his low growl. He's seen Naruto shake in fear at the Land of the Waves mission, but this, this was different. Naruto sounded desperate, scared. Not for his life though. What was this?

"No excuses, brat!" the man practically roared. Sasuke actually expected someone to hear this, but no one came. He clenched his fists at his sides. "I want you to come with me. Now."

Sasuke watched as the man half dragged Naruto to and out the front door, slamming it shut behind him. Naruto pulled back for a second, but the man just yanked him forward and grabbed him by the neck. It looked painful. Judging from Naruto's yelp and whimper-like sound, it was.

"We have to stop them now. Before the man takes Naruto somewhere we can't follow." Sasuke said, not turning away from Naruto and the man.

"No, not yet. We need something better than this to get that man in jail for a good amount of time," Neji said. Sasuke looked at him, a flash of surprise. But it passed quickly and he nodded. "We follow them and learn more. Let's go." Neji took off with Sasuke right behind him, the recorder still going.

*~0~0~0~*

Naruto

Naruto didn't want to go. He didn't want to. Not again. It hurt every time. He couldn't walk properly and always had to wear his jumper and pants just so no one would notice the bite marks and bruises. Even on hot days. He had to.

He thought he was able to erase the man's mind properly. No one could keep secrets. This man, Naruto could have sworn he had performed the jutsu properly so that the man could never remember that time when he was able to get ahold of Naruto. So he wouldn't do it again. But no, it was the same man. From last time, not another one.

Something happened. Naruto was panicking on the inside. What if the jutsu wore off? What if that'll happen with all the other men that grabbed Naruto?

Why wasn't he able to keep this buried? Why couldn't he keep this a secret? Why wouldn't it just leave forever?

But the only way two could keep a secret is if one of them was dead. Naruto would definitely be caught if he killed the man. But he had to do something. He had to enforce his rule for once, not just threaten a man with it. He had to kill him.

The man's grip on his neck tightened for a moment when Naruto stumbled. Pain throbbed in his neck and Naruto couldn't help but cry softly. The man threw him a disgusted looked before dragging him at a quicker pace.

Kami-sama, please, Naruto begged. Please, I don't want to kill him. Please forgive me. I don't want to do it!

*~0~0~0~*

Sasuke

Sasuke and Neji stopped atop a roof. It was the last one in the line of roofs to run along but the man and Naruto continued, entering a house that was ever so slightly separated from the rest. Sasuke clenched his fists. It was obvious the house was large with thick walls so he wouldn't be able to use his Sharingan. He looked to Neji instead and saw he was already on it, using his Byakugan to look into the house and follow Naruto and the man's movements.

"What's happening?" Sasuke asked impatiently. Neji held up a hand and hesitated.

"He's… the man is taking Naruto to a room. It's not… I think it's the bedroom in the far back of the house." Sasuke's mind, racing with all the possibilities of what could happen, suddenly came to a stop at one he hadn't even considered. He felt bile rise in his throat.

"We have to get in there, now. No more waiting." Sasuke growled. Neji hesitated.

"We'll get closer. I don't we'll hear anything from here. Come on," Neji said. Sasuke cursed loudly but followed.

Even when they were rounding around the other side of the house, Sasuke still couldn't hear a thing. All he could do was wait for Neji to update what was going on. Then, Neji stiffened again that night, trembling with rage and Sasuke actually took a step back from him.

"Naruto's been tied to the bed. Hurry, find a way in!" was all Neji said and Sasuke was already jumping into action. A sick feeling, intertwined with unparalleled rage and disgust, was curling itself inside him and he activated Sharingan to scan for an easy opening. Then he glowered when he realized the place had numerous barriers. The man must've been a ninja.

Neji seemed to already have noticed. He was running straight at one of the walls, which could have been over a foot thick, before giving a spinning kick. The windows and the front door was sealed. But the walls weren't, so long as you could punch your way through.

Neji kicked straight through the wall, debris flying everywhere. Sasuke shot through and raced through the house, his eyes searching but unable to see like the Byakugan. "Neji, where to?" he yelled.

Neji took the lead. "Follow me!" he shouted, running through the halls. Sasuke barely cared to look around but it was obvious the man was a lazy rat, despite the house being a bit bigger than the average.

Neji was running and Sasuke was having a hard time keeping up since he didn't know when the other was going to turn so abruptly. Now that Sasuke was in the house, though, and as he traveled farther in with Neji, he could hear Naruto.

"Stop! No, stop, please!" Naruto was sobbing and he sounded desperate and scared and out of breath. It made Sasuke's hands tremble as he tried to keep from burning the whole house down.

"Ha! You'll take it, you fucking fox brat!" Sasuke could hear the man as well, yelling at Naruto.

Then, Naruto screamed and Neji cursed. He stopped in front of a door and Sasuke immediately tried prying it open, only to realized it was sealed as well. "Dammit!" he screamed and tried pounding on the door. "Naruto!" he screamed.

"Sasuke?" the voice was small, broken even. Then it became urgent. "Sasuke! Sasuke! Sasuke, help me! Save me, please!" There was a loud slap and a cried out sob. Followed by a choking sound and crying.

"Who the hell's out there?!" The man shouted. "How did you get in?!"

"Open this fucking door!" Sasuke screamed back. "Give Naruto back to us!" He turned to see Neji making hand signs and mumbling something. Good, the door would be open soon.

"Who the fuck's there?! I ain't doing nothin'! Get outta my house!" There was loud crying in the background but another slap and the crying was silenced. Sasuke was outraged.

"Naruto!" he screamed. There was a responding, albeit muffled, scream and another slap. At least he wasn't knocked out, or…

"Sasuke, step back," Neji said briskly and Sasuke did as instructed. Neji stepped forward and placed his hands on the door. "I can't guarantee this jutsu will take down the barrier entirely since I don't know what seal or jutsu I'm using it against," Neji said. "So I need you to stand by to break it down once it's been weakened."

"Okay," Sasuke said. "I'm ready."

Neji nodded, his eyes hard. "Good." He took a deep breath. "Disrupt: Broken Seal Technique!" Neji shouted. The door glowed and Neji leapt back. "Now, Sasuke!"

"Fire Release: Blaze of Glory!" Sasuke shouted. He blew the roaring fire from his cupped lips and it engulfed the door still glowing a faint blue color. Sasuke kept the jutsu going. As soon as the fire touched, the blue brightened before shattering, leaving nothing but the door. A bit scorched as well.

Neji kicked down the door and they both rushed inside, only for Sasuke to skid to a halt, the color draining from his face.

The man had his cock buried deep inside Naruto while the younger was naked and tied down to the bed, his arms and legs stretched so that he couldn't squirm. There was a blindfold over Naruto's eyes and a gag in his mouth. He was bleeding as well. The man was either so huge, or he hadn't lubed his fucking cock, because Naruto was bleeding so much. His blood stained the white sheets below him. He also had a cut over his eyebrow that looked dangerously fatal.

The blindfold over Naruto's eyes was damp from his tears and his head was limp, thrown back as he sobbed without energy or life.

There were also other, older signs of abuse. Bite marks, cuts, bruises. There was a strange design all over his stomach as well.

All Sasuke saw was Naruto as he rushed forward, dragging the man out and away from the blond. He pulled out a kunai and sliced through his bonds as the small body flinched back and cried out in fear. It was like he was trying to curl in on himself. A scared and frightened animal, betrayed and abandoned.

"Naruto," Sasuke called softly, pulling at the blond's blindfold and gag, talking them both off effortlessly. "Naruto, it's me. It's Sasuke. Naruto, please stop moving. You're hurt." Naruto's eyes blinked open as he cried, tears falling down his cheeks without stopping. In the back of Sasuke's head, he process a loud thump and knew he didn't have to worry about the man anymore.

"Naruto, come on, we have to get you out of here," Sasuke said, still in a soft and calming way as to not frighten Naruto. But the latter just cried and shivered, trembling from both fear and cold, trying to make himself smaller. Sasuke wrapped his arms around the other.

That seemed to trigger something in Naruto, because Sasuke found himself supporting the smaller as he cried into his shoulder. The blonde was shivering uncontrollably and Sasuke held him close.

Neji came over and helped cover Naruto up with his orange jumper. His face was pale as well, but his eyes. Cold and merciless. Sasuke could understand.

Sasuke pulled Naruto off the bed, pulling his orange jumper jacket all the way around him and covering his small body from view. He was smaller than Sasuke realized, a bit skinny you could just make out his ribs. Maybe not quite, but his jacket and pants had always covered him up.

"Sasuke."

Said person blinked and he looked down at Naruto, who was still pressed against him like he was too ashamed to look up. "Yeah?" Worried filled him when Naruto didn't answer immediately.

"Can you call Neji over here?" Naruto said quietly. Sasuke didn't question him as he did so. Neji frowned as he walked over from where he was, studying the man. The rapist.

Neji stood right next to Sasuke, tilting his head slightly to try and see Naruto's face. Only, it was still buried in Sasuke's chest. "Here's right here, Naruto," Sasuke said, hoping Naruto would look up now, so Sasuke could study him, to see if he's okay.

"Naruto, we need to get you to the hospital, immediately," Neji said, looking just as worried despite his cold voice.

Naruto didn't look up for a long moment though.

"I'm sorry. To both of you. I'm sorry for doing this to you."

*~0~0~0~*

Naruto

Naruto held onto Sasuke. He felt safe, for once. He felt like no one could get him when he had someone to protect him. Neji wasn't far away. He was actually right there, somewhere beside him. He was incredibly strong. Naruto had two incredibly strong people that had come to rescue him. He felt safe, for once.

The fact that they were here meant that they had followed Naruto and Kitanai. Sasuke probably followed them from his home. He didn't know how Neji got wrapped up in any of this. But he was there as well. He didn't want them to leave him. He wanted them to stay and keep him safe. Just to hold him, and stay like that, for as long as possible. To not leave him alone.

But…

Naruto's stomach flipped.

But…

He didn't want to. He didn't want to. But he had to. He knew the consequences if someone found out what a tight situation he was in. Sasuke and Neji wouldn't be doing him a favor if they went to the authorities, or even the Tsunade-obaa-chan. No, especially not her. Naruto wasn't allowed pity no matter what. He's already seen the rules limiting the jinchuriki's movements and freedoms.

So if people found out that Naruto was raped continuously, he would be labeled as something other than a victim. A slut, a brat. Naruto's stomach clenched. Just as Kitanai said.

Even Neji and Sasuke wouldn't be able to keep this to themselves. It would spread if they rat out the rapist. It would spread if it had anything to do with Naruto, everyone always seemed to find out. No one kept secrets.

"I'm sorry," Naruto said. He held onto Sasuke a fraction of the bit tighter, guilty of what he was about to do. "To both of you. I'm sorry for doing this to you."

Naruto pulled away and looked first Sasuke, the Neji in the eyes. Sasuke looked confused, but as Naruto took a deep breath, Neji's eyes narrowed. Damn his all-seeing-eyes.

But either way, both were taken by surprise, and both didn't react fast enough as Naruto pressed his forefingers to each of their foreheads. "Memory Alter: Erase Technique!" Naruto half whispered, half shouted. Sasuke and Neji's eyes both widened as surprise and shack flashed across their faces. Blue glowed from Naruto's fingers and then, Sasuke and Neji were falling to their knees, slumping against each other.

"I'm sorry," Naruto whispered. His fingers still glowed and he brought them to his head, letting the memories sink inside him. He'll give them back one day. Maybe.

Naruto zipped up his jacket. Without his pants to tuck in the bottom, the bulky thing fell low enough to cover him up, revealing little. He looked at his pants and bit his lip. There were teared off him when Kitanai threw him onto the bed to tie him up. They were useless now.

Naruto walked over to Kitanai Himitsu, the man who's raped him before. This was the first time, though, that the same man tried to rape him again. Naruto always took care of those that wronged him. How did this man retrieve his memories?

"It doesn't matter," Naruto mumbled to himself quietly. He trembled as he performed the bird and tiger signs again. "Memory Alter: Erase Technique." His forefingers glowed blue as he reached out and pressed them to Kitanai's forehead, extracting his memories. He was already knocked out. Naruto noticed the puddle of blood around his head, but he was breathing. He was just unconscious.

Naruto brought his fingers up to his own forehead again and took the memories, storing them inside his mind.

"People can't keep secrets," he mumbled almost instinctively.

*~0~0~0~*

Neji

Neji woke up in his bed and he frowned. There was a small throbbing sensation in the back of his mind, like his head was physically trying to remember something. He grabbed the Konoha head protector by his bed and put it on, deciding to ignore the feeling for now.

But it persisted as he got out of bed. That reminded him. He didn't remember much of last night. He remembered walking Hinata back home, but then he felt a strange chakra and he had went to investigate. He also remembered finding Sasuke on the roof, and that the chakra belonged to him, but other than that, there was nothing. Neji rubbed his head, trying to recall but nothing came up.

He didn't like it, that he didn't remember. The throbbing was a reminder that something was missing from his memories. He had to find Sasuke and demand an explanation. Did the Uchiha do something to him? What had he been doing on the rooftops in the first place?

Neji grumbled unhappily as he went about cleaning up so he could pay the Uchiha a visit.

*~0~0~0~*

Sasuke

Sasuke blinked and he looked up at his ceiling. His ceiling.

He did nothing but stare for a full minute, tracing a single line of a crack back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

And it hit him.

Or something hit him.

"Naruto!" he shouted as he bolted up into a sitting position. Confusion, pain and anger suddenly swirled all around in Sasuke's but why? And why did he scream Naruto's name? What happened to him?

Or last night. Sasuke tried recalling the events of last night. He was walking with Sakura and Naruto. Then Sakura left. He tried to talk to Naruto. About what? Right, he remembered. He was a dunce himself. It was about Naruto never going to a party before. Sasuke bit his lip just at the thought.

Naruto had responded defensively, if Sasuke's memory served him well. He didn't blame Naruto though, because he understood how it hurt to be alone. He wouldn't want to talk about it either. He still doesn't actually.

After that, Naruto had ran off down his street to go home. Sasuke faintly remembered following him because he had… What? A bad feeling? Yeah, he had a bad feeling Naruto was going to get hurt. Then he somehow ran into Neji. But after that, it was blank. Not even fuzzy. It was blank, like there was no memory after that. Sasuke didn't even remember how he got home after last night. Did something happen? What of Naruto?

Sasuke chewed his lip. He would ask the other today, when he saw him during training.

Sasuke inhaled and exhaled deeply. His head throbbed a bit, and he knew something was missing.

*~0~0~0~*

Sasuke

When Sasuke bumped into Neji on his way to training, he didn't think too much of it until he saw the other's face. It was hard as always, but his eyes were searching Sasuke and seeing deep into him. Not with the Byakugan, but just studying him so closely, it was unnerving.

"Sasuke," Neji greeted. Or more like stated. There wasn't much warmth in his greetings. "We need to talk."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the older boy, stopping in his tracks. "About?" he prompted. Really, all he wanted was to get to Naruto and find out why there was a gap in his memories.

"About last night," Neji said, straight to the point. Sasuke's interest was peaked. What about last night? Right, Neji was somewhere there before the gap in Sasuke's memories. He fully turned to the other and Neji continued. "I found you on the rooftops after following your chakra. But after that, I don't remember anything. The last person I saw before the memory loss was you. I came to find what happened last night. Or what you did to my mind."

Alarm slammed into Sasuke and his eyes narrowed. That Naruto, what was going on?

"I didn't do it," Sasuke said immediately. "I was just going to find Naruto about the same thing. I remember following him last night, on the rooftops, and then I remember you joining me, but then, it's gone. A gap. I know naruto has something to do with it."

Neji's eyes narrowed as well before he gave one, curt nod. Sasuke understood and he jerked his chin back in the direction he was originally walking and they were both off now, heading to Team 7's training grounds.

When they got there, Naruto and Sakura were already there, talking in bored tones. Kakashi-sensei was, of course, nowhere to be seen. Probably late as usual.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura immediately rejoiced, jumping up from her slumped position against the bridge railing and running to Sasuke. He didn't speak as she started babbling to him. Instead, he continued to make his way to Naruto, with neji following.

Naruto was smiling big as well, his bored faced wiped away when he saw Sasuke. Sasuke watched it falter as Naruto looked between him and Neji. Sasuke couldn't help but feel victorious. It was actually a common feeling he got when he cornered Naruto in something.

But something else, something that didn't make sense. He felt scared. Scared of what? He didn't know.

"Naruto, what happened last night?" Neji asked before he could. Sasuke clicked his tongue but didn't protest. He looked to Naruto as well and from the corner of his eyes, he saw Sakura stop babbling nonsense to him to look at Naruto in confusion as well.

"Eh? Naruto? What about Naruto? Did something happen last night?" She asked.

"That's what we came to Naruto for," Sasuke said this time. "To find some answers. So, Naruto, spit it out."

Naruto started backing away, breaking into a nervous sweat. Sasuke stepped forward with Neji, both towering over him. They were both around an inch and a half taller, which helped. Naruto gulped and shrank back, shifting awkwardly. "Umm,"

"Naruto," Sasuke snapped. "Speak. Explain what happened last night."

Naruto glanced at him, licking his lips nervously. "Well, you guys might not want to know."

Neji frowned. Well, his frowned deepened even more. "What do you mean, Naruto? It would be best for you to just explain."

"Er, well, I'm serious," Naruto mumbled. "You guys really won't like it. I mean it. You won't like it at all. It was… um, horrible? Just trust me. You don't want me to say it."

"Naruto," Sakura groaned this time. She stomped forward and hit him upside the head. Naruto yelped and jumped back. "Sakura-chan!" he complained loudly.

"Just tell them already!" Sakura yelled, furious. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at her abrupt change from fangirl to almost yandere. But he didn't question her because it got what he needed: Naruto talking.

"I can't!" Naruto burst out. Neji, Sasuke and Sakura all started. Naruto bit his lip and wringed his hands. "Sa-Sakura-chan. I'll tell them. I promise. B-but, um, I need you to go over there. W-where you can't here. It's between me and them." All the while, Naruto stumbled through his words and Sasuke, for some reason, felt his heart get heavier. He didn't think he ever remembered Naruto telling Sakura off. Ever.

Sakura seemed just as surprised. "What?!" she exclaimed. "I'm not going anywhere-"

"Haruno Sakura," Neji said. She whirled on him and Sasuke watched as Neji told her off. "We need Naruto to speak and if he cannot speak with you present, then we will have to make do. Please, leave so Naruto can speak." So straightforward.

Sakura gaped, her mouth flapping open and closed like she didn't know what to say. "Sakura, we're serious," Sasuke added, just for a little push. It did the trick. Sakura looked upset, but she stomped off, mumbling something like "Probably just horny-boy problems. Tch!" Sasuke grimaced just at the thought.

"Now speak," Neji said. And Naruto spoke.

"You guys did it." the blonde said quickly and Sasuke blinked. Did? Did what? He voiced his question, and this time, Naruto turned red. It looked like he was almost… embarrassed? Disappointed? "I don't know. Sasuke was following me when I walked home. I don't know why. But when I got home, I was practicing a new jutsu I wanted to learn and then I went outside to practice it and then I see you both, Sasuke, Neji, and the jutsu hits you and, uhh…"

"Jutsu?" Neji questioned. "Was it some sort of mind jutsu then? We both are unable to recount the events of last night when we were on the roof."

Naruto shook his head though. "No, it was, ah… Well, you know my infamous Sexy Jutsu?" Naruto asked instead. Sasuke scowled.

"What does that have to do with this?" he quipped.

"Yes, we know it," Neji answered and Sasuke just clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Well," Naruto looked down. "I was working on another jutsu… kinda like that. It's another seduction jutsu, you know? But, well, instead of turning me into a girl, it makes a person fall in love with the first person they see. That kind of jutsu. And, uh, Sasuke and you were just, there. So… it kinda hit you?"

…

"Are you saying," Sasuke began slowly, embarrassment and dread filling him to the brim, he almost felt sick. "That we fell in love with the first person we saw?"

…

"Yes?"

"With who?!" Neji demanded loudly. He looked disgruntled and disturbed, some of the most emotion Sasuke's ever seen from him.

"With each other," Naruto answered quietly. He wasn't red now, but he looked squeamish. Sasuke felt like throwing up.

"We… with each other?"! Sasuke choked out.

"Is that why we can't remember anything?" Neji demanded.

"No," Naruto said. "You guys… you guys did stuff before I could break the jutsu. I thought it would be a good idea if you didn't wake up and know what you did… But Sasuke was bottom." Naruto added the last part hastily and Sasuke's face heated up.

"What the hell's that supposed to mean, dobe?!" Sasuke screamed at Naruto. Neji was leaning on the railing of the bridge like he was going to throw up. Naruto backed up again.

"D-don't worry!" Naruto exclaimed. "I took care of everything! I got rid of all the evidence! No one would ever know. I even made sure you guys wouldn't feel any of the after effects, like, eh, soreness and, other things? But really, since you guys did it at my place-"

"We what?!" Neji and Sasuke screamed together. Sasuke cringed with Neji and they backed away from each other.

"My place was the closest and you would've banged each other on the roof if I hadn't let you in," Naruto said quickly. "I did leave though. And no one lives anywhere near me so they couldn't hear anything. Which is good. Really, really, really good."

"I will settle this on the field, Uzumaki Naruto. I will not forgive you," Neji said, almost speeding through his words before he walked away, slightly holding his stomach.

Sasuke stared after his retreating back. What? No. He didn't, did he? He couldn't have done it with Neji, right? Sasuke turned to Naruto slowly. They stared at each other for a long minute before Naruto spoke.

"Sorry?"

"I will kill you, usuratonkachi."

*~0~0~0~*

Look into my eyes

Now you're getting sleepy

Are you hypnotized

By secrets that you're keeping?

I know what you're keeping

*~0~0~0~*

Naruto

Naruto shrugged, grinning uneasily. But he felt sick. Probably as sick as Sasuke and Neji felt. He lied to them. And horribly too. They believed him, which he took as a good sign, but this lie was so huge. This lie covered up something even large. How in the world was he going to make sure it stayed buried forever?

"Oi, Naruto, do me a favor," Sasuke said and Naruto looked at him, confused. Sasuke looked a little pale. He definitely wasn't happy either. "Never give me back those memories. I'd like them to stay away forever."

Naruto almost sighed in relief. Instead, he kept up his act and laughed unsteadily. "Yeah! Sure, but, you know. When you want them, just come to me and take them, because I don't like them, at all." Which was true in a way. The memories he actually pulled from Neji's and Sasuke's minds were disturbing. The had really followed him from his home, and they saw him, vulnerable, naked, bleeding, broken. But Naruto didn't care if Sasuke threatened to kill him, he wouldn't let anyone have the memories he had taken. Despite what he just said.

Sasuke gave him a funny look for a second. But then scowled and slumped against the railing of the bridge. Naruto felt sick. Naruto leaned over the railing.

Why? He wanted to tell Sasuke what actually happened. He wanted protective arms around him again. He wanted someone to know his suffering. He wanted someone to know his secrets.

But no one kept secrets. All Naruto could do was keep his own. And keep them locked away, forever in his mental vault forever. And throw in more secrets, every time another one came up.

*~0~0~0~*

Look into my eyes

Now you're getting sleepy

Are you hypnotized

By secrets that you're keeping?

I know what you're keeping

*~0~0~0~*

Sasuke

Sasuke could've sworn he saw a tear slip down Naruto's face as he leaned over the railing. His head throbbed slightly, a little stronger than before.

Naruto, what secrets are you keeping?