'A plea from a friend' really inspired me to write this. I give this one to…yes, you know it, silverdrip!
'Best Friends…'
Sasuke had shocked Naruto senseless with this, his admission of brotherhood. He knew that they were both unique in their aloneness. It was this combined solitude, never mentioned, that fortified them.
Each found a kind of perverse solace in the other's pain. The simple knowledge that, singularly, they were not the only one of their kind reassured the boys. Their species: outcast, loser, freak…all twisted together to form an unstoppable ache in the heart, which itself could be plainly named loneliness, or loss.
Naruto's memories served as a tangible medium between the cruel world he currently resided in- unflinching crimson gaze, an easily determinable wish to kill, spiraling, sinister symbols- and a past reality that held a different character entirely- petulant expression, dark eyes that held a certain, unforgettable horror, and an unmistakable, childish fear and personal innocence.
It was all the doing of him, the serpentine lord who haunted Naruto's sleep still. This figure, completely embodying aberration, strived to ensnare Sasuke- the Sasuke that had once existed, Naruto's friend- and had quite clearly almost finished the task.
The beginnings of a beast stole across the Uchiha boy's porcelain face, but Naruto refused to lose hope.
Somewhere, perhaps deep inside Sasuke's slowly disintegrating heart, burned a precious ember. This spark contained Sasuke's true self within it. It would, if given the chance, provide the path to liberating Sasuke from his crushing chains. With its essential aid, Naruto could release him.
Naruto inhaled, the motion stretching his chest, and prepared to battle the terrific creature before him. He firmly believed that the ember would continue to smolder, for they were both alone…without the other.
And if he strained his sight, the Sasuke he loved was visible over the beast- onyx hair blowing in a somber breeze, those familiar eyes closed, a melancholy smile curving his lips…
"I'll save you," Naruto whispered.
"You'll never be alone again…"
sniff
