Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, although a girl can dream.
Author's Note: The lyrics at the end of this fic belong to a song called Accidental Babies by Damien Rice. It's a very pretty song. Anyways... I can't believe it, but this one's even shorter than the last. I never cease to amaze myself.
The moonlight's hitting his back; all that pale skin is practically glowing, and it's like he's not even there. But he knows that's not true. Because if he just extended an arm the sheets would be warm, and he can see the temporary groove Sasuke's back has left in the bed. But still… he can't shake the feeling that he was never really there.
This situation isn't new to him (to either of them) but he still isn't sure what to do – has never been sure what to do. Because even though he's the number one unpredictable ninja of Konoha, and even though he's known Sasuke for years, things aren't the same as they used to be. The atmosphere is stilted and awkward and guilt is always in the way. It's Sasuke's barrier, his protection, and it's not leaving anytime soon.
"You should leave," Naruto says. And this is his protection. An eye for eye; a heart for a heart. Or rather, desperation equals desperation. It's all true, and he just wants Sasuke to get out. Just leave before he says something he'd rather not – before he lies about a truth. Because he loves Sasuke and it's not a choice he's made for himself, but rather something that's been chipping away at his heart for far too long for this situation to be anything but stifling.
Sasuke turns to look at him then, the first time since he walked through his bedroom door, and his expression is one of curious surprise, like he wasn't expecting the statement. It makes him want to chuckle. So he does. It's the first sign of unguarded humour he's let out in a long while. The sound reverberates through the room, bouncing off the paint covered walls and echoing back. Behind it trails silence, not as awkward but still disconcerting, and in this gap Sasuke finally turns to leave.
It's with equal parts relief and disappointment that he watches Sasuke walk through his bedroom door and out of his life. At least until next time.
--
Well you held me like a lover, sweaty hands
And your foot in the appropriate place
And we use cushions to cover, happy glands
In the mild issue of our disgrace