Summary: Alright, so his life really sucks, and ok, he does really like him, but is Sasuke really going to go this far? Yes, yes he will. NaruSasu, AU, cross-dressing, OOC

So this is one of the ideas that have been swarming my head for some time now. Now, I will warn you guys now that this story isn't for... the critical type. I mean, as you can probably already tell from the summery, this might go in some strange areas involving a guy dressing as a girl for a majority of the story. If you don't like that for any reason, don't read. A lot of things might seem a bit illogical as well, very illogical, like you'll think: why doesn't he just do this, or why not do that, or blah blah. Trust me when i say I know and that I'm trying my hardest to make this sort of story sound convincing okay?^^

Otherwise, if you spot some flaws, hey, no one's perfect. Alright, I just had to get that out of the way.

Please let me know what you think because if I don't get any response I won't think you want me to continue! :D

~Walking a Fine Line~

The Call for Liberation

He was having the same dream again.

Naruto was leading him through his house, holding his hand, grinning back at him. He followed wholeheartedly behind the beaming boy, his chest getting that strange swelling feeling when around him. They came swiftly out the back door of Naruto's house to greet the brightness of midday.

It was summer again. At first it was such a contrast to the indoors that it seemed almost white outside, but after a moment he was able to take in the lush backyard.

Naruto was still just smiling at him. His lips moved but nothing was really heard. There was a faint murmur of birds, a dream-like hum in his ears, but otherwise his other senses were much too overwhelmed.

It was perhaps the beautiful sight seen that was the most captivating though. Naruto was glowing in the shining summer sun, an uncanny resemblance.

His hand was still in his, and upon noticing this he gripped it harder. He didn't want to let go. Not ever.

Suddenly Naruto's face hardened, falling from its joyous appearance to a thoughtful look. Nothing else seemed to really exist besides them standing right here and now. As Naruto's face drew closer he could almost smell his spicy scent. He watched those blue eyes darken, feeling as if he was drowning in the powerful, vivid colors.

A breath danced over his lips. He wanted to move closer, to take the temptation that was trying to lure him, but his feet were frozen in place. Their faces were so close. As Naruto's initial hesitation evaporated from his features, he could swear he could see his face in those crystalline eyes.

A shuddery exhale left him as Naruto leaned forward to close the distance-

BRAYNK, BRAYNK, BRAYNK!

Sasuke heard the ungodly annoying sound that could only be his alarm clock.

God did he hate that thing. Of all the damn dreams to be woken from it had to be a good one! He kept his eyes closed for a moment anyhow, trying his hardest to stay in the realm of sleep in hopes that the piece of shit machine would stop. But of course not!

His hand flew out from the blankets and slammed down on the clock, efficiently silencing the insistent noise it made. Rolling over he groaned. Thank the heavens he'd never have to hear that thing again. Well, at least after today, but then again that wasn't really a good thing.

He dragged himself out of bed and scuttled over to his chair where he'd placed a clean uniform last night. Alas, this will be the last time he'd need to wear this as well. What a pity.

Changing into said uniform casually, he groggily yawned as he strolled out into the other room. Picking up his satchel along the way he stopped by the fridge to grab a single rice ball leftover from last night. Indifferent, he popped the thing in his mouth as he simply walked out the front door and thusly locked it.

The fresh, cool morning air greeted him as he walked. Fishing into his bag he pulled out two earplugs and stuck them into his ears. Switching his music on, a pleasant look came across his features. There we go.

Today Sasuke was very torn.

It was the last day at school. Well, his last day. Like a lot of seniors often do, he was graduating earlier than most of his peers because he already accumulated enough credits. It wasn't quite that he was an extremely intellectual person necessarily- he just always pushed himself when it came to completing schoolwork. Having a pretty damn good memory helped too, but that was beside the point.

On the other hand he didn't really want it to end. As hard as it was to say, he didn't mind going to school that much, you do what you have to, but there were some very particular reasons he didn't want it to end.

One would probably be the fact that he'd be home, alone, a lot. His older brother Itachi is never home. He works long, long hours doing what-he-forgot and hardly even comes home. Itachi normally goes to a friend's since it's closer to work on those really late nights, but Sasuke guessed that there must be a lot of late-nighters lately because he hardly even sees his brother nowadays. Then again, Sasuke always thought Aniki and his so-called friend was perhaps a little more than just friends.

Second and most importantly, would be because of a certain someone. There were few people Sasuke held close in his life and that one of them he had a dream about just last night. Well, again…

Uzumaki Naruto. Yes that name never got old in his head. That boy was just- incredible. There wasn't any other way to describe it. Anyone would think it. Sure, he was a tad on the obnoxious side, but that grew on everyone eventually. Naruto just had this way of pulling everybody in- he was just so… likeable. How the guy was ever an outcast like him was beyond Sasuke. Of course that's only what he'd overheard though.

He'd definitely go to school just to see him.

If only Naruto talked to him more. Or… maybe if Sasuke'd talk to him more-

"Hellooo~? Earth to Sasuke!"

Blinking, he stopped in his tracks and turned his head. Slightly bemused by the sudden, and rather loud, intrusion of his space he frowned. Seeing that it was none other than a tall blond looking at him incredulously he then gave a flat glare.

"What?" He finally replied a bit harsher than he'd want.

"Well good morning to you too, teme." The tanner boy stuck out his bottom lip. "I come to greet you and you're in Sasuke-land with your music. So I decide to snap you out of it before you get run over and this is the way you treat me?"

"Whatever, Naruto," Sasuke said lightly as he rolled his eyes. Really, how can he always be so lively in the morning? Then again, when wasn't he lively?

Naruto only grinned. How could he do that? Even with the moody way Sasuke treated him half the time he'd always just smile, and amazingly that just seemed to make everything alright. He could never be actually mad at him. At least he didn't think so.

Why did Sasuke act so moody with him anyhow? Naruto was one of the few friends he had, his best one he could even say, yet he sometimes he treated him the worst. In a way he's always pushing him away. This made a sense of confusion rise up in Sasuke's head.

They started strolling slowly down the sidewalk, subconsciously so for the fact they both had to make it to school soon.

"Right- Oh! I came to give you your notes back." Naruto said after only a few seconds. He reached into his satchel and took out a blue-covered notebook. "You really saved me with these. I stayed up pretty late coping and studying them."

"It's nothing," Sasuke shrugged as he took his notes and shoved them in his bag without even averting his vision from the ground in front of him. There was an urge to say that he already had most of them memorized but he didn't allow it to pass his lips. Some part of him always stopped himself from making conversation, especially with Uzumaki over here…

"Well, you know, thanks," Naruto laughed, but for a moment it almost sounded… awkward.

Damn, he was ruining this!

"Good luck on your exams then Sasuke-chan!" He suddenly rubbed his hair affectionately and gave a short wave as he ran off toward other students walking across the street. "Hey, Kiba! Wait up man!"

Patting his hair down Sasuke heaved an exasperated sigh. There and gone, he never got the blond to stay as long as he wished. He calmed himself from the simple fact that he'd touched him and that he used that little girly honorific with his name. Not that the pet-name didn't bother him. He often got referred to as a girl, though it was mostly Naruto who teased him about it. It was because he acted feminine or looked girlish or something of the likes of that, he tried not to pay much attention to it. Not that he really cared anyway.

Nonetheless, now he was beyond annoyed with himself. Not only did he mess up and miss a chance to chat with him this morning but Naruto didn't know today was his last day of school! He'd been telling himself since he knew about graduating early that he'd get closer to him before then so that they had better ground to talk afterwards. Sure he'd have his brother and maybe talk to a couple people he knew once in awhile but those people weren't Naruto.

He wanted to be closer to Naruto, feel the attention and light that he gave to everyone. He wanted to feel accepted by him, someone who's been already recognized and adored by everyone. Sasuke really did not want to be as lonely as he knew he was going to be. Furthermore, he sure as hell didn't want to be lonely and disappointed that in his last year of high school he'd failed at being acknowledged by the only person he'd ever felt attracted to.

Instead of doing anything about that though, he'd gone and chickened out! Was he really lacking that much on social skills?

A car honked as it zoomed by just a foot from where he was starting to cross the street. Sasuke stopped to stare at the disappearing vehicle with minor surprise.

Naruto was right. He should really be paying more attention to his surroundings. Dammit.

School. Konoha High School. Konoha is known to be an upper-middle class town. It's fairly small, many buildings having been built long ago, but when you reach center where the city lays it feels much larger, full of life. Between a few tall buildings, hidden by a tall fence and a couple groves of trees the school stands tall and bright.

The bell resounded as all the students made their way to their designated classes.

Exams. Easy. Boring.

Sasuke rested his head in his folded arms as he watched a student turn in their exam. He'd been one of the first done so he'd been sitting here for a bit now. Unfortunately, the other half of the class still had to finish theirs, and oh look- there's still lots of time to go! Great…

At least this was his last exam. After this he'd be home free.

Tick, tick, tick… tick…

Why did that still seem so far away yet? All he had to do was sit here with his thoughts. And what great things thinking brought on…

Inevitably he started thinking about Naruto. Was this going to be the last time he saw him? They were never really close, like attached-at-the-hip close, but there was still something there. Since that first day Naruto talked to Sasuke he felt a strange connection with him.

He caught the small smile that tried to crawl onto his lips. Not here in class, he couldn't let his mind wander that far because he knew once he did he would end up staring into oblivion even when the rest of the class was gone. Once he reflected back on something, especially how incredibly wonderful of a person that blond was, he'd sink into it. He found such great pleasure in his little fantasies. They'd fill him with such glowing warmth he'd feel as though he wasn't so alone in the world. However, like most good things go, his temporary haven from his surroundings left him clumsy and awkward, having become so completely unaware of everything that he wouldn't even notice if someone called his name. That would be embarrassing, but it really did happen, he was an odd person at times.

Instead, in order to distract himself, he ran a hand through his messy black hair. It was actually a bit longer than normal. As out of place hair tickled his nose he scratched that thought, a bit was an understatement. The long locks that hung on either side of his face nearly touched his shoulders. He could really use a haircut, and did he even brush it this morning? Nope, his typically focused attention has seemed to be everywhere but where it should be lately.

Graduating early was really getting to him. In his mind it was huge, but not because of all the right reasons either. Being a college bound student was in a way scaring him. Yes, he was happy that he was academically successful, great. What else did he get out of high school though? There wasn't very much really. Best thing was probably ever meeting Naruto. Well, at least that's what it seemed.

Up till now, he probably had hundreds of chances to branch out and become as they say "popular". All the girls at school sure liked him enough. Ever since he could remember they'd always coo and whisper how cute he was. Some bold ones even approached him, vowing how much they liked him and how they could treat him like royalty, but eventually they stopped only to gawk from a distance. Sasuke supposed they probably realized how strange he was or something of the sorts seeing as all he gave them were short replies and brief looks. Never being any good with them either, he never really liked girls. They're always just… eh.

He never cared about girls or popularity though. For him it was just school, learn, then homework. Still, none of the other students seemed to think the same. Most didn't seem to pay much attention in class, and some rebellious types didn't even attempt homework. Other students were always conversing and grouping together in chattering huddles, talking of upcoming projects, work, gossip, etc. His peers were always a blur of laughing, talking bodies moving past him. Sasuke didn't partake in any of what others did. He was always the one watching, and one day he realized that because of this he was alone, the odd one out.

He'd unintentionally isolated himself.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, Sasuke was rather shy. Often doing things on his own, and preferring it nonetheless, he had always been reserved. His favorite things to do, reading, listening to music, walking, involved only himself. In so, seeing school as not only an academic thing but a social one as well where one could make friends and acquaintances that can last a lifetime didn't occur to him. That is, until Naruto.

The boy had simply jumped into his life. He must have seen something in him to keep associating with him for Sasuke had no idea why he always came back. Whether he voluntarily contributed to Naruto's rambling conversations, the boy stuck around. He'd come out of nowhere and ask him questions: what he was doing, where he was going, what class he had, if he liked one thing or another, he'd just talk and Sasuke couldn't help but to find it incredibly interesting, though being rather annoying at times as well…

Sasuke would listen intently to the outgoing blond chatter about whatever came up. He liked that that was all he had to do, just listen. It brightened his day to have the boy come to him every now and then. Everything about him just made him feel alive. When alone again he would think of Naruto, how much he liked his company, his never-give-up personality. The boy wouldn't leave his mind. He would admire his bright blond hair and amazing blue eyes when near. Sasuke liked how he didn't seem to judge him or stay away from him for any reason as someone else might or even just talk to him because of his looks. Just everything about him he liked, annoying parts and all, even down to the languid way he walked. There was something about him. Naruto was just so real, so there.

Yet this made it twice as hard to open up to him. All the over-thought thoughts he had about him would jumble up in his head in the other's presence. His stomach would flop to those brilliant smiles he got, to the rubs on his head and pats on the shoulder. Naruto was everything he wasn't and he'd still accepted him just so. Doubts would constrict his throat from allowing words and just like that the boy would be off again.

Now he probably won't ever see him again. Naruto will be busy with school the rest of the year as he sits around at home, and come summer Sasuke will be too consumed in the all important task of preparing for college. By then he'd be forgotten, then what? He wouldn't have his ray of sun in his solitary life.

What he felt for the boy was beyond what friendship could carry. Naruto had already accepted and acknowledged him as a friend, yes, but Sasuke could feel deep down that he wanted more than that. He wanted him. His affection, his touch, his smiles, all of his attention, he longed for all of it.

No, he wasn't going to hide in a corner anymore! He wasn't going to just wait for the other to come to him. All that was over now, if he wants even the slightest bit of what he does he'll have to do something about it.

Sasuke came to as the bell sounded, rising with the rest of the class drearily. The halls were noisier than usual for the end of exams and the upcoming weekend, talk of making plans and going out all throughout the crowds. All this was duly noted as he made his way through the chaotic halls, walking with careful, measured strides. Once out of the building, with satchel in tow, the afternoon sun washed over him and gave light to the fact that he might not ever step foot in the building or even see Naruto regularly again.

On the sidewalk, as others dispersed toward their destinations, a familiar shock of golden hair caught Sasuke's eye. He watched as Naruto strolled blissfully down the street away from him, hands in pockets, almost joyous with a small smile set in place on his sunlit, handsome face. So beautiful.

For a long time now he's been thinking about it, just not today. As long as he'd known Naruto he tried to dissect everything that he felt, everything that had to do with him. When not focused on homework or studies he'd retrace and memorize every detail that had to do with his effervescent friend. He wondered again and again what exactly he was feeling, why he was feeling it. Sasuke felt so different around him, like something invisible was drawing him in. And he liked it. Sasuke never felt anything like it. The defiant blond made him smile, made tomorrow worth waking up for.

He really did like Naruto, just simply adored him.

Yes, he was going to do something. What were the chances of ever finding anyone else like this in his life? Not another opportunity was going to pass him, either it be because he's shy or out-casted. He was going to get closer to Naruto in some way, shape, or form. It didn't matter. Even if it's brief, even if it's something as small as a single day together or a hug, he was resolute to have him to himself.

How was he going to do it though? Surely it'd be not only incredibly awkward to simply walk up to him and act like a totally different person but hard and rather uncomfortable as well. Suddenly approaching him would be beyond out-of-character. That wouldn't work out well.

Now that he thought of it, what about what Naruto feels? Did he even lean that way? Would he? The chance will most definitely be great, but unlikely. Sasuke felt sudden disappointment that whatever he ends up doing won't lead to any permanent relationship. This will have to be brief. Perhaps if Naruto thought he was someone else he could get something out of that. No matter how small the reward of that it'd be worth it... Yes, maybe that would work. A disguise then?

Wait, he was thinking irrationally here. His mind was in such a rush he was coming up with ridiculous ideas.

He'll need help with this…

One person came to mind and Sasuke immediately started walking off down the sidewalk.

This was going to work out if it's the last thing he does. He was going to take a chance and just go with it for once in his life. No matter what the outcome, if it means being with Naruto even for a moment he'll be happy with his decision. For once he was going to do something different, crazy even.

For once, he was going to step out of the cocoon he's shut himself in and step out into the real world. The world where Naruto lived.

"Alright, so what 'cha need Sasu-chan?"

Sasuke reclined in the large sectional sofa he was seated in. Crossing his arms, he gave a large sigh, closing his eyes a moment to gather himself because he knew this was going to be a lot more painful before anything got better. "Don't call me that."

"Aw, what's wrong? Being a genius got you down?" A sly grin was tossed his way from the other boy.

"No, but that is sort of the problem…"

"Surree, you just like to pick on me you bastard. Naruto calls you that doesn't he?"

"Suigetsu," Sasuke warned with a glare. "I'm serious."

The light-haired teen beside leaned back as he gave hearty laugh, it was such fun to get Sasuke annoyed. Especially when it came to the Uzumaki kid he always seems to be so obsessed with. He took a deep breath before trying to compose himself for this "serious" discussion, if he can even do such a thing that is. "Alright, alright… I take it what's got you all in a fit has to do with today being your last day at school?"

"Somewhat," the brunet glanced away.

Suigetsu rolled his eyes. Already he could tell he was in for some Sasuke inferior-complex time, if the half-assed answer he just got was any indication.

Suigetsu knows Sasuke well. They'd first met participating in groups like Smart-team and Honors Society, where above average students get together to do all sorts of things both academic and recreational. Though being an honor student himself, he'd joined for the fun of it whereas Sasuke joined for the fact that it'd look good on a college application. Nonetheless, they'd partnered up for several projects and got to know each other, well, he got to know Sasuke some. As reluctant as Sasuke seemed to be, even after they didn't have the time nor need to be in any clubs, they'd still linger around another to chat or find time to work together on things. All they did was work a majority of the time though.

Being a quick learner and a very observant person, Suigetsu realized that if he started talking about things that had to with school first and then eased into other subjects their conversations lasted much longer. He'd learned rather quickly that Sasuke was a very business-type person. If you give him a ton of work to do, he'll do it no time, but if you just start rambling on about how your friend's cat attacked you when you slept over it'll go in one ear and out the other. He had to work from the ground up with the guy to keep his attention. Sasuke was very introverted.

It wasn't that he didn't like the boy, he was fairly interesting, real down to earth, but spending time with him was sometimes difficult. Sasuke always seemed to be somewhere else, distant. It was like he was in a dream when he wasn't concentrated on something important like schoolwork. He'd also come to find that his calm and somewhat arrogant demeanor wasn't something that was forced as he'd originally thought. After learning that Sasuke practically lived alone and noticing how the boy never spoke of his parents, it was easy to put the puzzle together. The guy actually had it pretty tough. He admired that not a bit of his pain showed through.

However, he'd also found that underneath the brunet's mask of bashfulness he was like anyone else. Much to his amazement, he could be quite outgoing and even wild if riled up enough. The day he got Sasuke to give a true smile had brought him such joy that he wanted to hug the boy. It was such a lovely smile, and since that day, he'd longed to make it appear again and again.

No one made Sasuke smile more than Naruto though. Suigetsu knew all too well that's who Sasuke had his sights on. He saw the way he looked at him, stared, the way his voice changed when he talked about him. Sasuke didn't need to say anything for Suigetsu to assume there might be a special place in his heart just for Uzumaki. He's graduated a semester before Sasuke after all, he was far from clueless.

"You know what it's like for me at home. I won't have anything to do till summer, and I just… can't sit around and waste away the last of my youth."

"So, what, you're intending on doing something?" Suigetsu raised a brow. "'Gonna jump off a cliff or something?"

"No, nothing like that you idiot," Sasuke snickered as he shifted in his spot. He suddenly felt a little nervous about getting help from Suigetsu, but he was a good guy, and he was much too determined to figure out what he was going to do. Now or never, as they say. "I… want to do something I've always wanted to do, but if I wait too long I might not have the chance to redeem it. I have to do it now, but under certain circumstances."

"…And that would be?" The lighter haired male pressed impatiently.

After several long moments Sasuke spoke quietly.

"I want to be with Naruto."

Silence.

Suigetsu threw himself back on the couch, hysterical with laughter. Sasuke stared at him a moment with a vacant expression before he crinkled his nose in disgust. "Stop laughing you jackass."

"I would have never guessed that one Sasuke! Not in my entire life!" The other boy chided between huffs and giggles.

"Well, alright. You noticed I get it… Are you going to help me or not?"

"I really don't think Naruto's gay," Suigetsu sat up and got comfortable again, trying his hardest to stifle his lingering laughter.

"I know that, that's why I need some help," Sasuke eyes softened just as his words did. It was disheartening to see the pleading look that washed over his face. "Even if it's something small, anything will do- just…something."

Suigetsu stared at the boy's lowered head. He frowned. "You really want this… don't you?"

"I want to do something for myself for once, even if it sounds selfish and crazy." Sasuke raised his head but his sight was set directly at the wall. "He's a popular, outgoing, single man, if I don't do something before summer he'll either forget I ever existed or be taken before that…"

Looking at the other he furrowed his brows. "You… know what I mean, don't you?"

Suigetsu nodded. "Yeah," he looked in the boy's dark eyes for a moment. "I get what you mean."

Forcing away the sudden heaviness on his shoulders the brunet slumped back against the couch, glaring at the ceiling. "What the hell am I going to do then?"

"Uh, have you ever thought of just approaching him?" His light-haired companion teased with brows raised.

Sasuke turned his glare onto the other. "Are you insane? I could never do that. Not only will he think I'm some… freak for acting differently, but if he gets the wrong impression he might reject me or worse stop talking to me altogether."

"Hm, I suppose your right," Suigetsu tilted his head with a thoughtful look. "You wouldn't even be able to try to do that either because I know you'd be too nervous. It'd look like you were trying too hard too."

"Makes me wish I was someone else," Sasuke sighed.

"If only you were a girl or something, that'd make it a lot easier to get his attention…" Suigetsu looked at the boy's lengthy black hair and how he had his legs unintentionally crossed. He abruptly slammed his hand down on the back of the couch as an idea breached his mind. "THAT'S IT!"

Nearly jumping from his seat, Sasuke gaped at him incredulously. "What?"

An all-too-happy of a laugh escaped him before he spoke quickly, "You should dress as a girl!"

"Are you joking?" Sasuke barked. He was starting to feel almost irritated, it seemed like this wasn't leading anywhere. The other boy was still laughing. "You really are insane aren't you? Tell me, is it because you weren't born in this country?"

"Hey, it just might work. You sure act like one sometimes, and he even calls you Sasu-chan, come on!"

Suddenly Sasuke's brow cleared. A strange look came across his face, one that was almost contemplative. "That would be a good way to get around things but…"

"Oh my god," Suigetsu leaned forward with astonishment in his voice. "You're actually considering it? And you call me crazy? I should be the one concerned about you if you're thinking that now…"

"No, I have more pride than that," Sasuke shook his head. What was he thinking?

"Well, you want to be with Naruto and get to know him for awhile right?"

Was that what he wanted or did he want more than that? If he wanted to be close friends beyond high school that might not happen if he pretended to be someone else. Then again, just being himself hadn't gotten him much in the first place…

"It could be just temporary," Suigetsu added with mirth layered in his words. He could just imagine it now. How hilarious! He needed to see if it'd work, whether Sasuke went through with it or not. "We can see how you look, then- with some magic done by yours truly- stick ya in school with a fake name and bam! You can stalk him all day!"

"I'm not stalking him," Sasuke snapped out of his trance and glared again. "And how can you be so sure that'd even work?"

"Trust me, we'll make it work. You said you'd do anything didn't you?

"Well, yeah, but I wasn't planning on dressing up as a fucking girl!"

"Oh come on, you know you can't wait to put your first skirt on!"

"You just want to kill all of my dignity don't you?"

"Hey, it's all I got to do these days," Suigetsu shrugged then started listing off what they'd need to do. "We can go to the lost and found at school Monday and find a girl's uniform that fits. Then maybe pick up some make-up and-"

"Wait a minute!" Sasuke held up his hands. How much fun Suigetsu was getting out of this was almost scary. "Who said I had to disguise myself as a girl anyhow?"

"Well, how else could you do it? What would you do to still be a guy? Dye your hair, shave your head, or wear some ridiculous wig or something?"

"No!"

"Alright then, being a girl's your best bet."

"I'm really regretting coming to you now."

"Who else would you go to?"

Sasuke frowned.

"Okay, okay, sorry, but we'll decide for sure Monday when we get a uniform."

"Fine," Sasuke heaved a giant sigh. "Don't count on it working out though."

"Great, we got a plan then." Suigetsu gave a toothy grin. "Are you going to stay for dinner?"

"No, I'm good. I should be going…" Sasuke rose from his seat at last, picking up his bag from the floor. This went different than he would've expected. He couldn't remember a time where they'd talked so long about something that wasn't related to school either.

Casually, he walked through the large living room and into the foyer with the lighter haired teen a few steps behind. Grabbing the large wooden front door's black handle he turned to him with a condescending look. "We'll see about your so-called plan."

Putting a hand on his side his friend gave his typical smirk. "Yeah, you're welcome Sasu-chan."

The sun was bright and orange in the evening sky. That had token a lot longer than expected, and he most definitely didn't think he'd come out with any intentions to become a girl. Damn it.

As a cool breeze picked up Sasuke shoved his hands in his jacket pockets, his hands always getting so cold. He stopped in his steps to dig into his satchel and pull out his earplugs. While he carefully placed them in his ears he glanced back at Suigetsu's retreating house.

It was fairly large, in one of the better neighborhoods near school. Suigetsu's mother had met his father somewhere in England and had moved back here together when he was born. At least that's what Sasuke recalled Suigetsu telling him. In any case, they were pretty well-to-do. It was hard to be in his house. There was far too much he was reminded of when he was in there.

Music filling his ears he returned his sight to the long pathway in front of him. Sasuke make a small content noise at the sound of one of his favorite songs.

Since he came here after school, now it was going to take him nearly twice as long to get home. The sun slowly set on his long walk, and his over-worked brain was at last at rest since he had his music flowing constantly in his ears. Thank goodness, because if he had to think another minute about what the hell he was doing he might end up setting something on fire.

His sizeable apartment building gradually came into view, the air feeling suddenly damp due to the growing night. It wasn't any small shack of a home, no, but it definitely wasn't any house like Suigetsu's or at all like the one he lived in when he was younger. There were two medium bedrooms, a full bathroom, a kitchen, and a large living room. All they needed, as Itachi had said. More like all they could really afford… Nonetheless it was decent, but it was a shame because he knew it could've been better.

He took steady strides up the small set of cement stairs, opened the door to the lobby, and went up the two flights of stairs to his door. He stalked inside soundlessly.

Empty. As always.

Tossing his light coat onto a chair with his bag he went into the kitchen where he made himself a small dinner. In silence he ate, put the plate in the sink, and went down the long hallway to the bathroom. After he showered he went to his bedroom where he changed his clothes and crawled onto his bed.

He sat there for a moment, doing nothing, just glancing about his room, hearing the muted sounds of the city. Lights twinkled in the night through the window, a sliver of the moon peeking from passing clouds.

Sasuke sighed as he laid flat on his back.

Regret won't spoil what he was going to do.

Maybe one day he won't have the void of loneliness in his heart.

One day.