AN: This story was hard for me to write. My boyfriend and I got into a fight over a comment he made. I know its not my best story, but it is my truest. Please review.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. (No wit this time guys. Sorry, but want to keep the seriousness of self harm intact)

Burns

Sasuke hissed as he touched the hot metal to his skin. He sighed into the darkness that was his dorm as the pain finally turned to pleasure. He was perfectly aware of the eyes watching him worriedly from across the room, but he didn't care. He heard his phone vibrate, his concerned lover was trying to contact him, but again, he didn't care. All that mattered to him now was the sizzle of skin and the shudder of pleasure it sent though his body.

Naruto watched from the couch as the darkness lit up and illuminated Sasuke's eerily calm face, over and over again. The blond flinched as he heard the lighter click and a few seconds later, his friend would hiss in pain. He was thankful for the darkness. The dark hid the bright red burns on his friend's body. He didn't know what he should do, so he sat silently and watched as his best friend lit the flame and heated the metal repeatedly.

Sasuke flicked his lighter for what seemed like the millionth time that night. He let it burn longer, running his fingers playfully through the flame. When he finally pressed the searing metal to the sensitive flesh of his arm, he whimpered. It hurt so damn much, but it also felt so damn good.

The pleasure only lasted momentarily though. The pain would fade quickly, the pleasure following it. More. He needed more. Why had he ever stopped this? It was so thrilling and shocking and… good. Why did he ever give up that feeling? Red hair and green eyes flashed through his mind. Gaara.

Gaara was his boyfriend, and the reason he stopped. The reason he left his life of self-harm behind. When he hurt himself, it hurt Gaara. That's right. As if on cue, his phone vibrated angrily at him. Gaara. His comment. That started all this. Sasuke picked up his phone and read the pleading messages. Gaara said he was sorry. Begged for forgiveness. Begged for Sasuke to answer him. Begged for Sasuke not to hurt himself.

Sasuke sent back a simple generic reply. Onyx eyes softened and the lighter found its resting place in a bag shoved under his bed. Sasuke looked to his best friend. A silent understanding passed between them. Sasuke would get help for his problem, and Naruto wouldn't tell Gaara what the brunet had done.

The next day, Sasuke walked to class with a black butterfly drawn on his arm, over his burns. The Butterfly Project. He had seen website for it and talked to Gaara about it. They agreed that he should try it. The rules were simple. Draw a butterfly and name it after someone important to yourself. Let it fade away naturally, no scrubbing it off. If you cut or harm yourself, the butterfly dies. You've killed it. Quickly, he sent a picture of his butterfly to Gaara. Under the drawing two words were written, "Hope" and the butterfly's name, "Gaara."

When Sasuke reached class and opened his phone, a simple message adorned the screen.

-I hope that butter fly never dies. Love you. –Gaara

AN: For those of you who do self harm, try the butterfly project. My butterfly is still alive and well. You can find more information about the butterfly project at

Remember, there is always someone out there who loves you and thinks you're beautiful scars and all. I want to say thank you to my roommate and my boyfriend, Jordan, for being there for me. Peace guys.