Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I'm not making any profit from posting my innocent stories. I'm just a poor fangirl.

I also don't own the song used in this chapter, Creep by Radiohead. I just thought it was funny *fu fu fu*

Author's note: I'm going to use Itachi as a bad character, so for those who like / love him, please don't flame me. *grins*

This story is rated T for now, but it could become M. Just so you know.

THE PAIN IN YOUR EYES

Chapter 1

~ Naruto POV ~

I always thought Sasuke was beautiful - you know, in that perfect, special way, even though he constantly said I was mocking him. He is used to

be seen that way by everyone around him, and actually quite fed up with all the gasps of awe and predatory stares from both fan girls and fan

boys, but he doesn't really understand why everybody worships his looks. He has this tendency of self-loathing, and a low dose of self-esteem,

because of his past, because of the way his older brother is treating him and because nobody ever told him how extraordinary he really was –

nobody except me. And I don't have this image of him just because I'm his best friend and boyfriend (of six months now), I actually see his

qualities, his weaknesses, his humanity, his everything. He's more than just a porcelain face and an attractive body; he's intelligent, kind, good-

hearted, but all this is hidden under a layer of jerk-ness, hostility, coldness and apathy towards the exterior world. That's how I fell in love with

him: revealing his true self, through persistency, trust, care, patience and more important – love. He needed time to adjust to our new situation

(of being lovers), because every time we got closer, he got insecure and tried to distance himself from me. He's afraid of being hurt, betrayed

and abandoned. Since the tragic death of his parents ten years ago, his older brother Itachi treats him like dirt, insults him, and even beats him

whenever he loses control, so Sasuke has trouble with trusting people. I think he trusts me already, but everything we achieve is made with

small, careful baby-steps. Now that I think of everything we went through, of all the critical situations we found ourselves into, all the breaking

points, all the fears and insecurities regarding each other, I can't believe we actually are together. In fact, today is very important because it

shows how strong our relationship became. Today we draw the line after six (long and eventful) months of being together and it's not all that

bad. We learned how to trust each other, to cherish our moments, our touches, our kisses, we also learned how to be strong for each other and

to protect our love. Sasuke got used to our intimate moments (no, we haven't reached the "having sex" level yet, but still) and I got used to

being more patient with him (which was hard for me), and learned to give him some space whenever he needed it. So yeah, we're doing great,

believe it!

~ Normal POV ~

It's winter in Konoha City and the streets are covered in a thick blanket of snow, the light making everything look pure and untamed and simply

beautiful. Today, a peaceful and chilly Sunday, made a certain blonde nervous and restless, because today was a very important anniversary for

him and his boyfriend, Sasuke. They were celebrating six months of being together or, as the raven liked to say, six months of "putting up with

each other". Everything had to be perfect, every detail checked, the apartment was clean, the "surprise" ready, the gift carefully kept in the back

pocket of his jeans, ready to be given – so all in all, Naruto took care of everything, except his own emotions. He was frantic, he had butterflies

in his stomach, his heart was counting fervently every passing second, and his eyes darted out the window every five seconds, because he

knew Sasuke would come soon.

And, as expected, three short knocks were heard on the door, Naruto hurrying over to greet his lover. The blonde's eyes were shortly glued to

the most beautiful and breathtaking image ever: Sasuke was standing in all his glory, with a red rose in his hand, the other hand in his pocket,

his black eyes glowing with emotion, his cheeks flushed and his nose having a cute reddish color from the cold-biting wind outside. Snow flakes

were now melting in his hair, and he started fidgeting in front of Naruto's surprised-shocked-amused expression.

- Are you going to keep me here all day, dobe? Or would you like to be so kind as to let me get in and unfreeze my ass?

- Yeah, yeah, teme, no need to get so bitchy, I was just appreciating the view. Naruto smirked when he saw Sasuke blush even more, while

trying to cover up his embarrassment.

- Watever, moron, this is for you. Happy…

But before he could finish his sentence, he was grabbed by the collar and kissed fiercely by his blonde idiot. Instead of trying to scold him for his

hastiness, he became more interested in their closeness, his lips becoming warmer thanks to Naruto's hot ones. When air became a necessary

element, they broke the kiss, but remained in each other's arms, coal black eyes boring into sparkly baby blues.

- Happy anniversary, Sasuke!

The raven only hn'ed and started to undress himself of his coat, a faint smile playing on his rosy lips. His idiot was too cute for his own good. But

then again, that's why he loved his childish antics. Without them, Naruto wouldn't be Naruto anymore.

- Take a seat on the bed, Sas, I wanna show you something. It's part of my present for you.

This surprised Sasuke a bit. He figured his lover would prepare something, but he wondered what could it be now. He then saw Naruto coming

with his guitar, grinning like an idiot, and he couldn't stop himself from smirking. The blonde started to sing, his fingers moving confidently on the

chords.

Sasuke started to laugh at the lyrics, and at the face Naruto made at him for doing so. But his lover continued singing anyway.

The blonde made sure to emphasize some words, the message he wanted to send being "you're so fucking special", just to make Sasuke throw

a weird look at him. And then he started to sing from the top of his lungs.

He finished in the famous Naruto sexy pose, waiting for Sasuke's reaction, which, judging by his playful smile, was a good one.

- You're not a creep, but you're still a dobe. And a very kissable one right now, might I add. Naruto just laughed and closed the distance

between them, just to get his present. After a few long, but pleasant minutes, Sasuke took Naruto's face in his palms, making him look into his

eyes.

- You belong here with me, Naruto, and that's not going to change, for nothing and no one in this world.

- Hey, you just got so serious… Are you ok? Is everything right with your… you know… with your brother?

- Yeah, everything's cool. He didn't seem to be convinced, and Naruto noticed that, but before he could question him any further, Sasuke kissed

him again. Naruto knew that his lover had another fight with Itachi and things probably got out of control again; he hated to see the pain in

Sasuke's eyes, and the feeling of uselessness he felt knowing he can't take that pain away. When their lips parted, the hurtful expression faded

away, leaving space for a more serene one, proving that Sasuke was enjoying the moment. Deciding not to disturb that, Naruto proceeded to

give his lover the real present, the one he'd been saving money for, for about three months.

~ Naruto POV ~

I told myself that this was the perfect moment to give him my gift, but the lump in my throat said otherwise. What if Sasuke will think that I want

to rush things? What if he'll feel pressed? What if he doesn't like it? I hate this whole list of "what if's"… Three months ago this seemed the best

anniversary gift ever, but what now?

I see him watching me closely, trying to guess what I'm thinking about and just when I wanted to say something, he asks me, in his worried

tone, masked with his usual mockery – "What's wrong, dobe? Any problems with thoughts processing?"

- No, I'm just debating whether you deserve the second part of my present or not.

- Oh, there's more?

- There's always more for you, teme.

I know he catches my hint, but he just smirks, giving me that annoying "hn" of his.

- Well, let me see it, then.

Naruto, no backing off now, I think for myself. He has to see how serious I am in this relationship. I reach for the small box in my pocket, and then

hand it to him. He looks suspiciously at it, but takes it anyway. When he opens it, I can see his eyes growing in surprise, then looking at me,

searching for an answer, so I just explain him.

- I bought a ring for you, because I wanted to prove that I'm serious with everything between us and that I'm never going to leave you. I know

you don't really feel comfortable with the idea of "engagement", so don't feel obligated to do anything, but just keep it. This ring is just my way

of showing you my devotion and my love for you. I put the chain too, because I thought you wouldn't want to wear it on your finger, because

people would see and questions would pop out of everywhere and I know you don't like that either, so this simplifies things. What I'm trying to

say is that I love you and that you mean the world for me. That's all.

Well, my speech did have an effect. I can see Sasuke's wheels turning in his head, analyzing every word I said; then his face turns into a frown,

and I know he's feeling uneasy, not knowing what to do or say.

- It's fine, Sas, you don't have to tell me anything, just keep it close to you, to remind you of me. That's all I'm asking.

- You moron. I never said I don't like it or that I don't want to wear it. It's just that, well, you surprised me. This kind of came in anticipation to

what I wanted to give you. I…

- What do you mean? What did you wanted to give me?

Did I just got hopeful? Is my mind playing tricks on me, or what?

- Myself . This was his only answer.

- I don't understand, Sasuke, I thought I already had you.

- No, I wanted to give myself, to you. As in, to… let you have me. I know you've waited patiently for me to be ready, and I think I owe you this

one. You can have me now.

I couldn't believe my ears. Or my eyes. Sasuke looked so… fragile. So vulnerable and unguarded. So… unlike him. And he just said he "owed" me.

Now who's the idiot from the duo?

- What? What do you mean you "owe me this one"? I don't want to do this if you don't feel the same way. I never pushed it too far because I

knew it takes time for you to accommodate. I don't want to force you to do anything against your own feelings. If you'll want it, we'll do it, if not,

we just won't. You have no debt to pay me. I'm not selling my love, nor am I making an exchange. I thought you're smarter than that, Sasuke.

Way to go, now we just had to fight. I sensed him tensing beside me, his walls closing around him again.

- Don't you think that if I didn't want to do it, I wouldn't have mentioned it to you?

- Well, "owing" doesn't really rhyme with "willing", don't you think? I don't want you to feel "indebted", Uchiha.

Sasuke just got up from the bed and started to walk towards the door, showing signs of wanting (desperately) to leave.

- Oh, great! And now, you're running away!

- Fuck you, Naruto.

Now there was a pang in my heart for telling him such mean things and I felt my tears flowing freely on my cheeks. I didn't want to let him leave,

so I grabbed the back of his shirt, making him lose his balance. We both fell to the floor, me crying and saying his name, him, trying to release

himself and shouting to let him go. Wonderful turn of events, huh?

- I'm sorry, ok? I'm fucking sorry! I didn't want to hurt you! Just don't leave, please, don't…

I felt him giving up the fight, but he was still all tensed and breathing heavily. We stood there on the floor until he calmed and spoke to me

again.

- Naruto. Let me go.

- No.

- Let go of me, usuratonkachi!

- Please, no. Just stay.

- On the floor?

- Yes.

- Hn, fine.

Pride is good sometimes. I have to figure out a way of bringing some warmth between us again. I feel him fidgeting against me and I think he's

trying to solve this situation as well.

- I was afraid, Naruto, ok?

- Afraid of what?

- Of the fact that you'd grow tired of waiting for me, and you'd eventually leave me.

- What? Just because we didn't make love to each other, that doesn't mean I'm going to dump you, bastard! I don't want to have sex with you, I

want you to be ready to give your love to me, not only your body.

Silence fell upon us and I feared I said something wrong. Then I heard Sasuke cry. For the first time in my life I saw him crying. He didn't even cry

when he lost his parents, not when his brother said nasty things to him or hit him, but now he was sobbing like there was no tomorrow. I didn't

know what exactly to do or say, so I just held him tightly in my arms, until his cries faded and his breath evened.

To be continued… :D

Next chapter's on its way… Just let me know what you think, for now. I don't mind harsh critics, but just keep it clean. 3 And please keep in mind

that English is not my first language, so I just did my best. Anything wrong with grammar or spelling or whatever, just tell me and I'll correct

myself.

Thanks for reading!

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