A/N: I'm sorry for not updating sooner i know 2 months is a long time.

I do hope the length makes up for it at least a little.

I have some things to apologize for my honorifics i know haven't been exactly right, I'm trying to get better.

Please enjoy the chapter, any help would be appreciated. XD

...

Kikyo was not happy (seriously when is she ever happy) sure having time alone with Sasuke may have seemed like a sound idea but the reality of it was much different. He ignored her every statement, every question was meet with vague answers or he simply said "hn". He was so impossibly infuriating; Kikyo had to rectify this situation and soon. She still wasn't sure how she would go about getting rid of Sasuke, though any information she could obtain may be useful.

She put on her most captivating smile and used her sweetest voice "Sasuke-san where did you meet Naruto-san?" she wasn't sure if this was the direction that she should head in, but it was a start. He remained quiet for so long that Kikyo was begging to think he was not going to answer.

"We meet in the academy," he said with almost, possibly longing in his voice. This definitely got her attention finally she had gotten somewhere.

"Oh I bet you were friends straight away?" those words overflowed in sweetness.

A smile ghosted his lips, "no in fact we did not like each other very much you could even say we were rivals." Mixed emotion clouded Sasuke's obsidian eyes guilt, regret, sadness with a combination of happiness and longing. He was lost in his thoughts until kikyo tugged on Sasuke's arm.

"Sasuke-san you're friends now right? Everything is all better?"

A slight nod of his head "yes," the simple word should have ended any continued thoughts, but there was something in the tone that left so much more then it began with. The emphasized confusion Kikyo had portrayed was replaced with a seemingly sincere smile. Naruto was definitely the right direction to continue in, it was the most responsive sasuke had been. Kikyo continued to ask him small and insignificant questions about him and Naruto. The more they talked the more she began to weave her charms onto him. It wasn't as near as effective as with Naruto, though she did have some limited effect on the usually emotionless man.

For some reason Sasuke was getting more passionate as each word left his mouth, something was driving him to talk. Somewhere in his mind a voice was telling him to stop, even its wounded calling could not calm the urge that was building. Kikyo stood back to listen to Sasuke, here and there she would add little hints of motivation when something caught her interest. It seemed strange to hear the actual emotions that Sasuke felt; never would he have been so open before. Naruto was a particular mystery in all this; to Sasuke each event involving him seemed to be an array of emotions.

Although this was all interesting in some sense she couldn't find anything that she needed and was about to give up and try again another time. When a few little words sliced through all others "and I wanted to kill him," She smiled oh yes now this was definitely more to her liking.

"What was that Sasuke-san?" she asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Hmm," he turned to her.

"You said something Sasuke-san," she smiled at him. "Something interesting," Kikyo whispered. A smile he gave back but his eyes were devoid of any feeling. She had to hurry this control wouldn't last long, but once she was done he wouldn't remember a thing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto was feeling slightly lonely without Kikyo (ok, he was totally depressed) the old feeling of jealousy of sasuke had found its way. Even ramen wasn't doing anything to improve his mood. So he sat at the counter staring into his order. "Naruto?" he looked up at the new voice. "Naruto what are you doing here?"

"Oh, high Sakura-Chan," he said dejectedly before turning back to his bowl. She sighed before taking a seat next to him.

"Listen Naruto I can't understand why you're getting depressed over someone you've only known a few weeks?" he didn't answer. "Eventually she will be gone you do understand that right?" still he didn't say anything. "You can't follow her forever, you need to let go." She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder he turned to face her, his face full with sadness as he comprehended her words. "Look, please just think about what I said," for awhile they sat there in silence neither felt the need to break it.

"Sakura-Chan...," Naruto started out, she directed her gaze to him "I'm sorry but I may not be able to do what you ask."

"Naruto...," she started but he interrupted her.

"Sakura-Chan, I'm sorry but I can't help it, I feel like she needs me that I'm the only one who can save her." She shook her head.

"Naruto I don't know what you mean, save her from what?"

He grinned uncertainly, "I'm not really sure myself but I'll know when the time comes."

"Naruto please I don't think you know what you're doing..."

"Sakura-Chan," that tone in which had used her name made her freeze. "Please even if you don't understand, you'll just have to trust me," she stared into his eyes looking for any falsehoods.

"Ok I think I can trust you but please be careful," she said with a sigh.

He grinned at her "thank you Sakura-Chan," she smiled back at him response.

He laughed and she gave him an odd stare "what is it?" he continued to grin even his eyes had gained back a sense of happiness "I seem to have gotten my appetite back but..." she rolled her eyes knowing exactly where he was headed.

"Oh all right then," his smile became even bigger if that was possible.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kikyo was happy; no that was an understatement, she was absolutely beaming. Oh yes the day was here, finally she had everything she needed. Three weeks it had taken but the nuisance had payed off well. Just one more step and her dominance over Naruto would be complete. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the large figure looming in front of her. The collision brought her back to reality. "Ouch," gasped two voices. Kikyo took this chance to glance up and saw Sakura who was also recovering from the momentary shock.

Sakura shook her head to clear away the confusion, "oh Kikyo-Chan I didn't see you are you alright?" she blurted out. Kikyo didn't say anything instead she was contemplating if there was a way this situation could work out to her advantage.

Two strong hands had been grasped around her petite arms, "Kikyo-Chan are you alright?" Sakura asked more seriously. She gazed up into those emerald green eyes and inwardly smirked. Her blank expression soon became one of anguish. She scrunched up her nose and her eyes were on the verge of tears.

"Sakura-san please help me," Kikyo sobbed.

"Shh- Shh," Sakura said trying to hush her. This didn't have any effect as Kikyo's wails became even louder. Without having any other ideas Sakura picked up the tiny girl and cradled her. Kikyo paused for a second in surprise before continuing.

"Shh Kikyo-Chan Shh please tell me what's wrong," Sakura was rocking her back and forth in an effort to calm her.

"it'swasihewasmeanidon'tknowhelp," she said amidst the sobs.

"I'm sorry I don't know what you said, please just calm down and then tell me what happened," Sakura tried to reason.

Another large wail came "I want Naruto-san," Sakura sighed she would just have to get Naruto to handle the problem.

Sakura was walking around the village in a vain attempt to try and find Naruto. Along the way she had to deal with a tantrum throwing little girl. It was quite clear she was starting to get fed up but her training had taught her to deal with hardships so she endured.

For almost an hour she was meet without a single shred of luck (who knew someone could go on crying for that long) she'd been every where she could possibly think of. "The ramen shop, his home, the academy, the training grounds and every other gap and crevice the village contained. She was seriously just considering handing her over to Kakashi and letting him deal with this problem, but did that mean they would fail the mission? If something wasn't done soon she would snap.

Sitting down on a nearby bench Sakura decided she deserved a break (even if Kikyo was still clinging to her) Sakura raised a tired hand to her forehead. She desperately needed a good nights sleep, footsteps alerted her to the fact that someone was nearby. She glanced up at the approaching figure. Hope had been ignited within her upon seeing who it was. "Sasuke-kun," she called over to him while waving her arms wildly. He looked over to the direction his name had been shouted. Sakura's hope dimmed somewhat, once glimpsing his face. He looked disoriented and very much out-of-it.

Sakura stood from her seat once disengaging herself from Kikyo, who had been quiet ever since sasuke had entered the picture. Sasuke made his way shakily towards the pair. Worry was etched into Sakura's features, and she swiftly moved to over to him. Sasuke stumbled and almost came face to face with the ground, but Sakura had been there to catch him. Their eyes met; one held worry and concern, and the other confusion and disarray. "Sasuke-kun what's wrong, what happened to you? He stared at her and the same confusion stayed strong. After a while an expression of recognition overcame him "oh Sakura is that you?" he still wasn't sure whether he was correctly identifying the person before him.

"Yes Sasuke-kun it's me," she spoke softly as though afraid.

He nodded "well that's good then," clearly Sasuke had no notion of what was going on around him.

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura started out hesitantly, Sasuke returned his wondering gaze. "Sasuke-kun please can you tell me what's happened to you?" her voice was on the verge of tears.

"What's that? No I don't know where Itachi is, why is always about him? You just wait I'm going to be even better than he ever could be." Sakura couldn't help the tears flow as she flung her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Ow Naruto-dobe let go of me," Sasuke said with annoyance as he tried to push Sakura away.

She just clung tighter "Don't worry Sasuke-kun everything's going to be alright, just hang on, we're going to fix whatever has happened to you." And with those words she hit a specific spot on his neck and his eyes closed instantly. His dead-weight collapsed fully on top of her, she didn't utter a word before picking him up and placing him over her shoulder. "Kikyo-Chan lets go," Sakura said quietly but forcefully. Kikyo recovered from the earlier surprise and walked silently over to Sakura. Instantly she used her free hand to grasp under Kikyo's legs and lift her from the ground.

In a momentary reflex Kikyo clutched Sakura's arm to stop from falling. Without even waiting to consider if she was alright Sakura took off at an amazing speed. Before there was even a chance to blink, they were outside the Hokage's building.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

During the whole ordeal Kikyo had been slightly worried, she was afraid Sasuke might reveal something that could implicate her. Of course there were ways in which she could dismiss those claims, as ramblings of the effects of some jutsu. (Though it would be far more convenient, and far less Hassle to avoid it.) It was often the after effects of the control, a few days out of reality. Though the downside was they couldn't control what they said and there- in lie the danger.

Sakura was storming through the doors ignoring the calls from those around her. "Kakashi-sama," Sakura called after busting through the final door. A group of shinobi glanced up to the infuriated pink-haired Kunoichi.

"Sakura what do you think you're doing you can't just barge in here," Iruka called out she ignored him and stormed over to Kakashi.

She had already dropped Kikyo down, though she continued to hold strongly onto Sasuke "Kakashi-sama something has happen to Sasuke-kun," he stood up and gestured to two Anbu. They nodded and appeared either side of Sakura she handed Sasuke over to them and in a flash they were gone.

"Sakura what happened?" Kakashi asked calmly she took a deep breath and then recounted what had happened.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto had heard what had happened to Sasuke from Iruka and rushed over to see Kakashi. He, much like sakura had burst into the hokage's office. "Kakashi sensei," Naruto bellowed out. Once again he looked up at the intrusion.

"Naruto you do know there is such a thing as knocking right?"

Naruto ignored him "what happened to Sasuke?"

Kakashi sighed, "I thought Iruka already told you what happened?"

"I don't care, I want to know what happened from you, and tell me where he is" he retorted.

Kakashi stared at him, and said almost with bemusement, "so which one do you want first?"

Naruto responded with a confused expression "huh what do you mean? Look just answer me," he yelled as his anger started to resurface.

Kakashi shook his head with exasperation, "listen Naruto, we're not exactly sure what has happened, but I promise I will let you know what has happened as soon as we know."

Naruto banged his fist on the desk that separated them, "that's not good enough you need to find out what's happening now." Naruto got a little shock as he felt a weight on top of his head. As he looked up he saw Kakashi had placed a hand upon it.

"Naruto you need to calm down, I know you're upset right now but getting all worked up isn't going to change anything."

The blond boy stared back at his previous teacher, "I know; but I can't help it after we finally brought him back, I thought everything was going to be ok but..." Naruto trailed off, Kakashi nodded understandingly.

"Naruto this isn't your fault," at these words the young man turned away swiftly.

"How can this not be my fault? I promised that nothing else would happen, but no... Look if I had just been there he would be alright."

"No Naruto," Kakashi said softly, Naruto turned his gaze back. "He would not have been alright, in fact far from it. That boy was on the path to death itself," Naruto contemplated his words and a strange shock pulsed through his body.

"What do you mean? He wasn't sick or that badly injured when I found him," Kakashi chuckled slightly at those words but it was hollowed laughter.

"No I don't mean he would literally be dead, not in so much of the sense that his life would be extinguished, but more in the way of his soul would have been sacrificed." Silence filled the room after Kakashi had finished, for some reason Naruto could understand what he meant. If someone had asked for a definition of what had just been said, then he could not give one. It wasn't the words he had understood but the underlying message it had produced.

"In any case the past does not matter, what is important is now you brought him back and that's what counts. For now what he needs from you is to stay by him, to encourage him that he is not alone in this world." Naruto did not respond as Kakashi continued, "Now Naruto I can let you see Sasuke tomorrow he should be alright for visitors but he most likely won't be awake the medical ninjutsu that Sakura used is highly effective." Naruto nodded absentmindedly as his mind was occupied with a new determination. He would stay by sasuke and never let anything like this happen again, it was the least he could do. "Naruto," Kakashi shook him a little.

"Huh-oh-what," Naruto sputtered out, while being awoken into reality.

Kakashi rubbed his head and sighed "look why don't you gone home and rest then first thing tomorrow you can visit Sasuke," Naruto stayed mid-emotion before placing a smile on his face.

"Ok Kakashi-sensei," he agreed. Naruto made his exit but before leaving, just barely "thank you," was said, even though Naruto couldn't see behind him Kakashi was smiling.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto was walking away, but before he had even made it two feet a wailing sound pierced his ears. "Naruto san," Naruto turned instantly to have his eyes meet with a flash of white as it tackled him. He in turn hugged her back, his arms fit easily around her slender frame. His shirt was starting to become damp from her overflowing tears. "Naruto san why did you leave, I missed you so much," Naruto smiled as he continued to comfort her it was exactly what he needed after today. At least there was someone here he could never let down.

"Shh-Kikyo-Chan-Shh it's alright I'm here now," the girl continued to sob wholeheartedly.

"Please promise me you won't go away again," he sighed.

"Yes Kikyo-Chan I promise,"Naruto set the girl down; she stood there wiping the glistening tears away. "Are you ok now kikyo-Chan?" He asked at the girl's eye level.

"Yes Naruto-san now that you're here," he smiled at that. "But please..." she started, he looked at her concern was starting to fill him.

"What is it Kikyo-Chan?" he asked her seriously.

She shook her head "no it's OK, don't worry, it'll be alright."

"Kikyo," he said the use of just her name startled her a little. The next surprise came just after, as he pulled her in for another hug, all his feelings were expressed in that one gesture. Kikyo couldn't help but melt into that safe haven.

"Please if something is wrong then just tell me," his voice was trembling. "Don't make it so I can't help you please... just tell what I can do," those were the words of a broken man.

An old feeling started to resurface in Kikyo and it pained her, all she wanted was tell Naruto everything. Though, another much stronger force within her was fighting to push that feeling back into the darkness. A raging battle went on soul against soul; the effects must have shown because Naruto was screaming out to her asking her what was wrong. She looked up at him two visions tried to push each other for dominance. One worry and concern was etched onto that face a genuine and pure love surrounded him. The other was nothing more than a means to an end.

She tried to reach out "Naruto please help me I have to tell..." but that was the only words she managed to slip out before the darkness had swallowed her whole once more. Kikyo was breathing heavily it hadn't been that strong in a very long time. Naruto was clinging to her tightly and tears were sliding down his terrified expression.

"Kikyo answer me please don't go... I couldn't handle it if someone else were to leave me," he choked out. She regained her breath and placed a comforting hand on Naruto's head, He shivered with her touch.

"Naruto-san I need to tell you something," he looked into her dulled blue eyes. Naruto nodded obediently, Kikyo was going all out now this needed to end, and it needed to end now. The tears flooded down her pallid face ever so easily.

She filled his thoughts with her and only her but just like every other time another presence was shadowing over her own. "Naruto-san please don't leave me with Sasuke-san again," the shadow flickered uncertainly.

"Why what happened Kikyo-Chan?" he asked hesitantly he knew whatever the answer was it wasn't going to be good. Some overwhelming feeling was demanding he hear it though.

"He..." she bit her lip uncomfortably.

"Its ok Kikyo-Chan you can tell me," he said reassuringly.

Kikyo nodded slightly "Sasuke he...he threatened me," Naruto stiffened at that words.

"What-what do you mean?"

"I'm sorry Naruto-san but I guess he didn't want anyone to know," she starting shaking.

Naruto pulled her in closer "Kikyo-Chan please tell me everything."

"I was with Sasuke-san, and he was ignoring me, it was the same all day. Though for some reason he suddenly got a serious look on his face," she stopped.

"It's alright keep going," he told her with soft encouragement.

"All of a sudden he told me to go hide and not to say a word, so I ran away and hid behind a tree I was so scared." She stopped to let out a few more sobs, Naruto wiped away the tears.

"I watched to see what was happening to sasuke-san, for a moment he was all alone but two men in black cloaks with red clouds on them appeared out of nowhere," Kikyo felt Naruto's reaction. "Naruto-san are you ok?" she shook him for attention, he didn't respond so she shook him harder.

"Oh Kikyo-Chan it's ok, tell me what happened next," she nodded.

"Sasuke-san and the two men talked for a little while then they disappeared, I don't know what they said but I did see sasuke-san put something away. Then he came over to me and said that if I ever told anyone what I saw he would kill me."

As soon as she had finished she buried herself into naruto's shoulder. He started to shush her; Naruto did nothing to stop the girl's tears except wrap his arms around her and stroke the top of her head. Amongst the tears, a genuine smile played on the girls lips.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Darkness filled his vision as his eyes flickered open, a pounding pain flooded through his body. He sat up dizziness moved swiftly with the movement. He raised a blurred hand to his sweating forehead. He let out a groan the sound seemed to bounce of every surface. Trying to take in his surroundings he couldn't gain any sense of where he was. His memory was a blank; he tried to push himself off the hardened bed. He stagged on his shaky legs before falling back down, he gasped aloud. A blinding light was cast into the room and he shielded his gaze away from the pain. Footsteps reached his ears and he looked up at who had entered, once the light was once again covered by darkness. "Sasuke-kun you're awake," said a happy feminie voice, as it came and grasped him strongly.

"Sakura can you let go of me," she slowly backed away.

"Sorry I'm just happy that you're alright we weren't sure what had happened, what can you remember?" he shook his head.

"Not much I remember Kikyo was there, than nothing," she nodded.

"Yes we think it's the after effects of a jutsu, though what type and why it was used we can't be sure," Sasuke didn't reply instead he stared at the ground contemplating the information that he had been given.

"Sasuke are you feeling ok?" she asked him

"Yeah just a little dizzy," She made him lay back and began checking him over.

"Yes that's normal your body is trying to readjust itself."

He laid still and allowed himself to be checked over. "Ok just say Ahhh and were done," he glared at her. "Alright then, just stick out your tongue," He continued to glare but complied. "Ok it seems you're almost completely back to normal, a few days rest and you'll be fine," he nodded and she beamed at him. "Oh yeah that reminds me Naruto will be in soon and I'm sure he'll be glad you're alright," Sasuke laid in silence as an unexplainable sense of peace filled him.

Sakura slid the door shut behind her, sasuke had fallen asleep. She had been worried but it seemed he would be fine. With that thought she breathed a sigh of relief, for now she had other patients to attend to. Later on she would meet Kakashi and get some answers. Sakura was in a fairly content mood until someone barged into her. "Hey" she screamed before grabbing the offender, "what do you think you're doing, you should-"she paused mid-sentence upon recognising who it was. "Naruto," she said in surprise.

"Sakura-Chan where's Sasuke?" he asked her harshly.

"Well he's just down the hall, room 203 you'll be happy to know that he's fine n-" but Naruto had already taken off before she could finish. She shrugged, must just be anxious to see Sasuke she concluded and Sakura continued with her day.

Naruto was storming down the hallway; he reached the room and flung open the door. The sight of Sasuke sleeping so peacefully put him off his rage slightly. He slowed down and walked calmly over to sasuke he placed a hand on him and gently shook him awake. Sasuke groaned after a few shakes but awoke shortly after. He opened his eyes and waited for everything to adjust "Sasuke," a voice called to him. Sasuke turned to meet those blue eyes he knew so well.

"Naruto, why did you wake me?" Sasuke asked tiredly.

"Sasuke we need to talk."

"Can it wait till later?" Sasuke asked whilst turning back over a hand stopped him.

"No Sasuke, we need to talk now!"

Sasuke lifted himself into a sitting position with Naruto's help, "so what do you want to talk about?"

Naruto stared down at him anxiously, "please tell me it's not true, that this is just a huge misunderstanding," Sasuke met his gaze with confusion.

"Dobe what are you talking about?"

Naruto clenched his fists in anger, "don't give me this, you know exactly what I'm talking about."

Sasuke stared for a few seconds before taking a breath and calmly said, "Naruto you're going to have to explain exactly what you're talking about, because I really have no idea."

Miraculously Naruto calmed himself, "alright Sasuke, if that's the way you want to play it then fine." Sasuke couldn't help but stare at Naruto, something must have seriously happened for Naruto to act like this. "Now listen here Sasuke I want to know why the Akatsuki were here," Sasuke blinked.

"Naruto what are you talking about? I haven't seen them for three years, and haven't they all been wiped out?" The anger returned quickly as he slammed Sasuke against the wall.

"Don't fucking lie to me I can't believe I thought you could change, what is it you want revenge? These people haven't done anything to you. I'm sorry that the higher ups screwed you and your family but the ordinary villagers didn't do a thing, they had no idea what had happened. Sasuke if you wanted revenge you could have taken my life I would have gladly spared it for those of everyone else." He was breathing heavily after screaming his lungs out; sasuke hadn't even tried to break free, instead just allowed himself to be held.

"Naruto I don't know where you got this nonsense from but I swear I have had no interaction with them for three years, so will you let me the fuck down?"

Naruto grudgingly released him and backed off. "Sasuke I just don't know anymore..." he turned his back and positioned himself to walk out the door.

"Naruto wait," sasuke called out, he paused and refaced sasuke.

"What is it sasuke?" Naruto exasperated.

Sasuke stared eye to eye with him, "look you shouldn't believe everything you hear."

Naruto folded his arms against his chest and glared at the man within his gaze. "Just what is that supposed to mean?" A hand brushed through the top of his raven black hair and his equally black eyes turned away from those pained blue ones.

"It's not important don't worry," his slow reactions did not have time to brush off the forwarding fist. The sudden connection sent a wave of pain pounding through the right side of his face. A gasp of pain accompanied the powerful connection.

Waves of infuriation seeped from the blond core of rage, "I just don't get you first you come up with some bullshit and now you tell me not to worry, what the fuck is wrong with you?" there was no reply. The only semblance that the other had even taken into account the words being screamed at him was a raised hand. That hand was laid gently across the quickly bruising area. "Bastard are you listening to me?" Naruto waited for an acknowledgment, or any sign that he was paying the slightest attention. His expression was unreadable as the dark shadows protruding from his hair covered any visibility.

Two tanned hands grabbed either side of his collar, and a jerking movement was applied. As he was shaken back and forth the masked face was brought to light. The expression was not one expected a deep pitiful smile was plastered over those lips. The blond gasped in pain as a pair of pale hands were gripped harshly on to his own. The movement ceased almost instantly, "well Naruto I never thought I would see the day when you finally woke up to reality." Shock had frozen the blond shinobi in place, "you actually believed that I had changed what a fool, honestly did you think someone as weak as you could ever have the ability to save me? Well you were always the one full of dreams now weren't you?" The two were stood facing each other, eye to eye. Naruto still in shock hadn't even noticed the transaction. "I should have killed you when I had the chance; no I was still too weak then, too weak to even take the life of one so deserving to die." A swift movement had sent Naruto tumbling down to his knees "why I ever bothered with one as weak and pathetic as you I'll never know." Sasuke slowly moved down and stopped just beside Naruto left ear, "this is where you belong right before my feet the place of someone undeserving of my attention let alone acknowledgment."

"Sas-Sasuke..."

The voice had recaptured the raven's attention, "hmm did you say something?" a burst of pain shot through naruto's body as a foot was smashed down forcefully upon his chest. A continuous pounding was struck down, the pain was overwhelming. A warm red liquid trickled down from his mouth headed quickly towards the floor. "I should have killed you and that loudmouthed girl!" those words sent a spark of electricity through his blackening mind; as another foot was positioned to be forced down. A mere inch away from contact his own hand reached up and took a hold of the threatening limb. "No!" Naruto screamed as sasuke was sent crashing down.

Naruto jumped up quickly positioning himself over a surprised sasuke. "I should have known!" the words left his mouth as his fist came in contact with the hardened torso. His fist rained down one blow after another finding every inch of the other man as he could reach. The infuriated pounding lasted minutes. Again he raised, but in a slight instant his vision caught sight of the blooded mess before him. The anger rapidly vanished; he lowered the offending object and stared down at the broken body he had created. A bubbling feeling of guilt and sadness washed over him as he stood back. He fell to the floor and panted heavily, sasuke did not make a sound or any attempt to move. Naruto watched him, while regaining his breath and feeling the pain washing through him once more. Naruto grudgingly worked through the pain to crawl over to sasuke, he didn't even flinch as naruto's blooded hand was softly placed against his neck. A sigh of relief was given as he felt the strong and steady heartbeat. A few seconds he stayed like that until their eyes connected and Naruto swiftly removed his hand.

They never broke contact; each trying to express some words or feelings that simply could not be voiced. Each could feel the darkness overtaking them, Naruto desperately wanted to shut his eyes and leave the world around him. He felt reality slipping from his grasp he sensed the same from the man next to him, but each did not want to break the connection they shared. Each knew that this would be the last time, the final goodbye. It was too much, that calling was too strong the lights and sounds became a blur. The one thing that remained in his vision, those obsidian eyes that mirrored his own, the final goodbye that was left unspoken.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Mistress you should have stayed behind the effort has made you exhausted, if you don't be careful all your work may come undone," a man's voice said with clear concern.

"Don't you think I'm aware of that? But my all hard work has finally come to pass and I won't let anything jeopardize it now," a young girl's voice fired back.

"Of course mistress it was wrong of me to intrude," the man stammered back.

"It doesn't matter just hurry and place him on the bed, we have to make sure he won't die" the man hurried towards the bed and gently laid the limp body down, the bed creaked in response. "Good now wait there until I check him over," the man shifted away and allowed his mistress to do her work.

"Hmm he seems to be ok, just needs to recover and knowing him it won't take that long."

There was a nodding of heads, "very well, but mistress I do think you need to rest; the continuous use has exhausted you," she gave a slight chuckle.

"Thank you for your concern but now that I finally have him I will have all the time in the world to rest. Right now something of far greater importance commands my attention." The man bowed, though she was no longer paying attention. "Naruto you need to wake up now," she sweetly called whist placing a tiny hand on his face. "Naruto please wake up," it had been demanded this time. Two impossibly blue eyes flickered open. "There we are, now do you know what you have to do?" he smiled vaguely.

"Anything for you," She meet his smile with one of her own; oh this would work out just fine.

...

I'll try and get the next chapter out sooner.