Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Warnings: Shounen-ai, AU, Mpreg, unbetaed -please forgive the mistakes.
A/N: Welcome to the new chapter! Thank you so much for your reviews, I love each of them!
Kyuubi Uzumaki: Aww, you are so sweet. I'm glad that you're enjoying the story.
sasunaruuchiha: Come on, don't hate Ino. She didn't do anything wrong. And don't cry!
Alright, I know what you are all expecting, so let's see how will things develop. Please enjoy!
"But listen to me. For one moment, quit being sad. Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you."
Life wasn't easy. You could do your best and only hope to achieve your dreams. But even then, when you gave your all to it, the chance of getting what you wanted was slim to none.
Naruto had accepted it.
Sasuke never loved him. Sasuke was getting married. It hurt too much to think about it, but Naruto had finally come to accept the reality. And he hoped that one day, maybe he could be Sasuke's friend once again. When looking at him didn't wound his heart anymore, maybe Naruto could have the blessing of seeing his beautiful face.
Sighing deeply, Naruto changed his clothes slowly. He didn't feel good at all, but he needed to make an appearance at work and talk to Tsunade. After that, he needed to start looking for a new place. He didn't want Gaara living on the couch anymore. Even if Gaara denied it, Naruto knew that it was getting uncomfortable for him.
Naruto grabbed his phone as it gave a message signal. His lips curved upwards when he read the message. It was from Neji, saying good morning. For the past couple of days, after Naruto's first call, Neji and Naruto had started talking regularly. They didn't talk about bothersome things. Neji told Naruto about his day and job and Naruto told Neji about his passion of photography and his little dreams.
This newly forming friendship made Naruto happy. It took his mind off of Sasuke for a while and helped him to breathe.
After sending a quick reply, Naruto left his temporary room. He found Gaara in the living room in front of the TV with his laptop on his lap. Gaara had a blog and he shared his cooking experiments on there. He had a lot of followers and he liked talking to them.
"Good morning," Naruto greeted his friend just before sneezing loudly.
"Bless you," Gaara put his laptop away as he faced Naruto. "And good morning. Where are you going? You should be in bed."
Naruto whined pitifully. "I'm tired of lying all day long Gaara! Besides, I need to go to work today and talk to my boss to take a longer leave."
"Okay," Gaara nodded, approving of Naruto's longer rest. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, no," Naruto shook his head with a smile. "I'll be fine."
"Let me prepare something for you," Gaara moved but Naruto was quick to stop him.
"I really can't eat anything. I'm nauseous," Naruto said as he rubbed his abdomen.
Gaara's eyes furrowed in worry. "Should we go to a hospital?"
"No," Naruto smiled. "I'm sure it's nothing."
Gaara sighed. He knew Naruto like he knew his own palm and Naruto hated making big fuss out of the things even when he felt like dying. "I'll let you go if you promise to meet me for lunch."
Naruto chuckled. "Sure! What you wanna eat?"
"Burgers dude, extra big ones," Gaara said, widening his eyes. Burgers were serious business.
Naruto started laughing and then bent down as coughs starting shaking his body. Gaara walked to his friend's side and rubbed his back till Naruto took his breathing under control.
"I'm fine," Naruto whispered as he straightened. He gave Gaara a reassuring smile as he moved to the door. "I'll call you when I'm done, okay?"
"Okay," Gaara nodded as he held the door open for Naruto. "Be careful."
"I always am," Naruto smiled at Gaara's snort and waving at his friend, he left quickly. He walked to the street where he got a taxi.
When he reached the magazine, he greeted his colleagues and answered all of them about his absence. He accepted their good wishes and walked to Tsunade's office. He straightened his outfit before knocking on the door.
"Come!"
Naruto entered the room slowly, closing the door behind him without a noise. Tsunade mostly drank sake at work hours, so usually she had a headache and she hated loud noises being made in her room.
"Hey, brat," She swallowed the last droplet of her sake before addressing Naruto. "How are you?"
"I'm f-" Naruto sneezed loudly before he could finish his sentence. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his nose quickly.
"You don't seem fine," Tsunade commented as he watched Naruto. "I'll let you rest more."
"Thank you," Naruto smiled in gratitude. "I was going to ask for a two weeks leave. I need to get better, and find a new place to move. So, if you want I can take an unpaid vacation?"
"Pfft," Tsunade waved a hand. "I'm giving you a sickness leave. Take as much as time you need."
"Thank you so much," Naruto bowed down deeply.
"Yeah, yeah," Tsunade nodded as she looked around for a new bottle. "Just talk to your colleagues and find someone to work on some of your shoots."
"Yes, ma'am," Naruto bowed again. "Thank you so much. I'll keep in contact."
Tsunade nodded again and Naruto left as silent as he had come. Now, whom could he find to work for him?
"Naruto!"
Naruto's heart started beating in that familiar painful way as he faced the owner of the voice. He could only stood there like a doll as Ino run into him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Naruto where have you been?" Ino exclaimed as she leaned back. "I missed you!"
Naruto forced a smile. "I… I've fallen ill, so Tsunade-san has excused me."
"Ohh," Ino cupped Naruto's cheeks and Naruto caught the shiny object with the corners of his eyes. "You should be careful!"
"I-I…" Naruto gulped hardly. "Congratulations again."
"Oh," Ino smiled as she gazed at the ring with the diamonds that decorated her finger. "Thanks! We have decided the date!"
"That's," Naruto looked down for a moment to collect himself. "That's wonderful. I hope you will be so happy."
"Thank you," Ino smiled. "But where are you staying? Sasuke said you will be moving out."
"Yes," Naruto whispered as he nodded.
"Did you guys get into a fight?" Ino asked softly. "Sasuke's not himself nowadays."
Naruto's eyes widened slightly and he asked worriedly, "Why? What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know," Ino shrugged. "He doesn't do anything except going to work. He doesn't eat, he doesn't talk. He's sleeping in your room. I'm telling him to at least change the sheets but he gets really angry and yells at me for no reason at all."
Naruto's breath stopped for a moment. Was Sasuke really taking his absence that bad? But he hadn't tried to call even once… But then again, he must have had enough of Naruto forcing his feelings onto him.
"He must be stressed over work," Naruto said softly. "Sasuke's not always easy to deal with. He gets angry really easily and fusses over even the smallest things. If he's mean to you, you shouldn't take it personally, it's how he is," Naruto shrugged and kept on. Like always, he couldn't stop talking about Sasuke. "Sasuke can't cook, he even can't boil water. You should cook for him and invite him to eat with you, he doesn't like eating alone."
Ino was listening closely. When Naruto started talking about her fiancé, she once again realized how little she knew of him. It was bothering her, but the best she could do was to learn more about Sasuke from Naruto.
"Sometimes, Sasuke falls into an abyss," Naruto kept informing Ino with his soft voice. "Don't disturb him, he will talk to you when he wants. Sasuke is not a sunshine, so try to learn him, not change him. If not, he wouldn't hesitate to push you away."
Ino's gaze hardened as she nodded. "I'll look after him."
An empty smile found its way to Naruto's face. "You shouldn't look after him. You should be one with him."
Ino blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing, it doesn't matter anymore," Naruto shrugged. "Anyway, I should go."
"Okay," Ino nodded. "Take care."
"You too," Naruto said and turned around, walking to his office.
He closed the door and leaned against it. He was breathing shallowly and the ghosts he fought so hard to chase away were trying to overcome him again. No, no… He wasn't going to cry, not now, not anymore. Not when nobody gave a damn about him.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto straightened. He took his camera and laptop and left his office. He looked around for a while, thinking of whom he could ask for help. Then a name came to him clearly, Tenten! She was a great photographer and such a nice girl, too.
Naruto headed to the studios and it didn't take too long for him to find his fellow photographer. He explained his situation to her and Tenten didn't disappoint him, saying she would help him to the best of her abilities.
Naruto gave Gaara a call before leaving the magazine and they started arguing where they should have their lunch. In the end, Gaara was too lazy to leave home, so Naruto ended up getting take-out for both of them.
"Gaara, do I have to come?" Naruto asked as he watched Gaara picking out clothing for him.
"Yes, you have to," Gaara replied without facing him. They were going out to have a few drinks and Gaara was dead set on taking Naruto with them. "Besides, isn't your pretty doctor coming too?"
Naruto blushed deeply. "He's not my doctor!"
It had been nearly two weeks since Naruto's hospital adventure, and his friendship with Neji was developing quickly. They were always in contact through phones, and they had met a few times outside. He was giving Naruto what he needed; peace and trust.
"But yeah," Naruto wiped his eyes. "Sakura invited him, so he's coming."
Gaara turned around with a smirk. "Well what are you waiting for? Get ready!"
Naruto puffed out his cheeks as he stood up. Snatching the clothes Gaara was holding out, he started changing as his friend threw himself on the bed.
"It's good, you know," Gaara spoke after a while as he watched the ceiling. "Doctor is kinda cool, he's good for you."
"You never liked Sasuke," Naruto commented softly.
"Because I knew that he was no good," Gaara stood up as he looked at his friend with soft eyes. "I know it's hard for you Naruto, but I want you to move on."
Taking a shaky breath, Naruto nodded. "I'm ready."
"Let's get going then," Gaara took Naruto's hand and dragged him out of the room.
Kankuro, Temari and Shikamaru were already waiting them. With a struggle, they managed to fit in Kankuro's car. Kankuro was driving and Temari refused to be uncomfortable, so she took the front seat while Gaara, Naruto and Shikamaru ended up at the backseat squished together.
Fortunately, the place Kankuro picked for them wasn't far away, so they took the much needed air quickly. As soon as he was out of the car, Naruto bent down with a loud sneeze.
"Are you alright?" Gaara asked as he rubbed his friend's back.
"Yeah," Naruto nodded as he wiped his nose, then his eyes. "I forgot to take my medicine."
Gaara sighed. "Again?"
Naruto nodded with a pout. If he had taken half of them, he had forgotten the other half. But it wasn't his fault! Sasuke always… Naruto sighed softly. Sasuke used to remind him of his medicine, his stuff, his work… Now without him, Naruto felt like a lost child.
"Naruto?" Gaara waved a hand before Naruto's eyes. "You are spacing out."
"Oh," Naruto blinked a few times. "I'm sorry. Let's get inside."
Gaara nodded and together, they walked inside. It was more like a café than a club. A singer was performing a relaxing song while people sat around the tables, talking, laughing, and having a good time. They headed to the table where everybody was seated and with a small push from Gaara, Naruto found himself sitting next to Neji.
"Hello," Neji smiled.
"Hi," Naruto smiled back as he wiped his eyes.
"How are you?" Neji asked as he leaned into Naruto.
Naruto retreated back slightly with a deep blush. "I'm f-fine. How about you?"
"Better when I get to see you," Neji smiled again.
Naruto nodded with an embarrassed smile. Neji was so forward…
When a waiter approached their table everybody got distracted, trying to decide what they wanted. Naruto didn't drink alcohol, so he left his friends to their discussion about which liquid was the best. He gazed around and started watching the entrance, calculating the photogenic aspect of the incoming customers.
Sometimes, he had stupid dreams. Like maybe, he could become a very well-known artist and he could hunt down new faces, and people would die to be photographed by him. He would get nominations then he would get international and he would have his name written between the legendary photographers.
Naruto gasped softly as he saw Sasuke and Ino entering the café. She was hanging onto his arm while Sasuke looked around, searching for a free table. His dark eyes caught Naruto's wide ones and he stared into them for a long while, not batting an eyelash.
Sasuke came to his senses as Ino shook his arm and pointed a table. Sasuke walked to the small table and sat down, seeing Naruto clearly who was watching through his bangs.
"It's really nice here," Ino commented happily.
Sasuke only nodded and waved a hand, getting the attention of a waiter.
"Let's drink warm wine!" Ino offered with a smile.
"Excellent choice for a romantic night," The waiter commented with a smile.
"I want scotch," Sasuke said shortly.
"But Sasuke," Ino whined.
"What Ino?" Sasuke hissed. "I came here as you wanted. Let me drink in peace."
Ino let out a sigh. Don't disturb him. He will talk to you when wants. He wouldn't hesitate to push you away. "Whatever," Ino leaned back against her seat as she folded her arms over her chest.
Sasuke didn't speak at all for the remainder of the night. He filled his glass again and again as he watched Naruto closely.
It had been two weeks and three days since the last time Sasuke had seen him, not that he counted. He looked better. Occasionally, he was wiping his nose and eyes and sometimes, he was having coughing crises, making Sasuke cringe. Was he taking his medicine? Naruto couldn't remember them most of the time thus prolonging his healing time.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed dangerously as the long haired man draped an arm over Naruto's shoulder. Sasuke remembered this man from somewhere… oh, doctor. What he was doing here? What he thought he was doing so close to Naruto like that? Couldn't he see that he was making Naruto uncomfortable?
Naruto was stiff and his cheeks were red. Neji had trapped him against his side and he had put his arm around his shoulders, trying to hold Naruto even closer. Naruto didn't like being this close, but he couldn't reject Neji's advances, thinking that he would break his heart.
Sasuke had his eyes on him and he wasn't even blinking as he watched him, causing Naruto to blush deeply.
"Are you alright?" Neji asked, seeing Naruto's flushed face.
"Yes," Naruto forced a smile, then stood up with a sudden decision. "I'll go to the restroom."
Neji nodded and moved to stand up, intending to accompany Naruto.
"No, no," Naruto smiled. "You don't need to come. I won't take long."
"Alright," Neji nodded and let Naruto get past him.
Naruto looked around and spotted the men's room, walking quickly. Once inside, Naruto leaned over the sink and washed his face with cold water. He looked up in the mirror and was pleased to see the flush was gone. He walked to the wall where a box of tissues was placed. He took of a few and started drying his face and hands as he heard the door opening and closing. He took one more tissue to wipe his nose and eyes and turned around, only to crash into a black clad chest.
"I'm sor-" Naruto gasped softly as he looked up, meeting with Sasuke's frowning face. "S-Sasuke," Naruto gulped softly. "Hello."
"Hn," Sasuke folded his arms over his chest. "Hello? You avoid me for weeks and then you say hello?"
Naruto cringed.
"What?" Sasuke kept on, wanting to hurt Naruto as Naruto was hurting him. "Don't you want me to see you with your boyfriend?"
Naruto's eyes widened. "H-He's not my boyfriend!"
"No?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You looked so happy in his arms."
Naruto gritted his teeth as his face flushed. "What's with you? What do you want from me?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he glared at Naruto's wide eyes.
Naruto sighed as he wiped away his eyes. He knew that Sasuke wasn't going to answer any of his questions.
"Why you are crying?" Sasuke asked gently, a scary opposite of his behavior just a moment ago. He lifted a finger and wiped away a stray tear.
Naruto's heart skipped a beat, barely holding himself back from leaning into Sasuke's arms.
"I'm not crying," Naruto said softly. "My eyes are."
"Pinkeye?" Sasuke asked, hands cupping Naruto's soft cheeks.
Naruto nodded but avoided eye contact.
"Naruto…"
Naruto looked up with the longing voice and immediately, his lips were captured by Sasuke's cold ones. Naruto's eyes widened and he tried to push Sasuke away, but Sasuke held him tighter, refusing to let go. After a moment, Naruto's eyes slid close, and he let Sasuke knead his kips to his liking. He needed to stop this madness, but couldn't. When Sasuke hold him like this, Naruto felt like he was the center of Sasuke's universe. He felt like he was loved back as much as he loved. He felt like he was the only one for him.
Naruto looked up to Sasuke with hazy eyes as his friend broke the kiss.
"Sasuke," Naruto breathed. "Why did you kiss me?"
Maybe, just maybe…
"Because I wanted to," Sasuke replied simply.
Actual tears filled Naruto's eyes as Sasuke looked at him with his hard eyes. Naruto wanted to scream. Naruto wanted to cry. Naruto wanted to hate. But he couldn't… He was too tired to do anything anymore. There was no meaning in anything anymore.
"I-I was hoping that he could still be friends," Naruto spoke without meeting Sasuke's eyes. "But you never hesitate to break me. This is the end of us Sasuke, we can no longer be friends," Naruto whispered. "I'm sure it won't be hard for you to replace me."
With a short nod, Naruto left the restroom and walked to the table of his friends.
"I'm going home," He said quickly.
"Why? What's wrong?" Gaara asked worriedly. "Do you feel sick?"
"No, I'm fine," Naruto smiled tightly. "But I need to rest."
"We should come too," Gaara looked at their friends for conformation.
"No, Gaara," Naruto smiled at his friend. Leaning over, he hugged him tightly. "Just give me the keys."
Gaara was puzzled but he didn't hesitate to hug back. He searched his pockets for a while and found the keys, handing them to Naruto.
"I'll take you back," Kankuro said but before he could move, Neji was already on his feet.
"I'll accompany him," Neji walked to Naruto's side. "You have a nice night."
Naruto didn't linger and left the café quickly. Once outside, he took a few deep breaths as the cold evening air hit his face.
"Naruto."
"Yeah," Naruto turned around to face Neji. "You don't need to take me home. I'll get a taxi."
"No, it's fine," Neji smiled softly. "My car's over there."
They walked along the pavement and stood by Neji's car.
"Naruto, I need to talk to you about something," Neji said seriously as they faced each other.
Naruto felt a headache coming. "Sure Neji, I'm listening."
Despite saying he was listening, Naruto couldn't focus on Neji's words as he looked past his shoulder. Sasuke and Ino were leaving the café. They stopped at the entrance and an employee run off to bring Sasuke's car. As they were waiting, Ino wrapped her arms around Sasuke's neck and started kissing him. Sasuke didn't miss a moment to kiss her back aggressively.
Naruto closed his eyes tightly and run a shaking hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Neji. I couldn't catch what you were saying. Could you please repeat it?"
"Naruto I want to get to know you closer. I…" Neji locked his eyes on Naruto's surprised face. "I'm falling for you Naruto. Would you want to date me?"
"Y-You…" Naruto's eyes widened. "You mean you love me?"
Neji was silent for a moment, then he gave a short nod.
Naruto's mouth opened with a silent gasp. Somebody had said he loved him. He loved Naruto! He paid attention to Naruto. He tried to be there for him. He minded Naruto's wishes. What could Naruto ask for more than this when he was ready to beg for a little drop of love? When the love of his life made fun of him and didn't hesitate to break him again and again? Naruto needed to move on.
"Yes," Naruto nodded. "I want us to try."
"I'm glad," Neji smiled. "Let's get you home. You're still recovering, I don't want you to get cold."
Naruto blushed deeply as he nodded. He… He finally had someone to give him, not taking from him.
Finally, Naruto wasn't alone anymore.
Naruto found himself in his old apartment after a few days. He actually didn't want to be there, the memories were threatening to overwhelm him but he needed to take this stuff. He had spent too much time with sharing Gaara's clothes.
He looked around when he stepped into the apartment. Everything was in their usual order, nothing seemed to change. He put the boxes he had brought with him beside the door and walked upstairs. He had a quick look at Sasuke's room and then walked to his own.
The bed was unmade and Sasuke's sweatpants and sleeping t-shirt was left on the bed. So, Sasuke was really sleeping here. But why?
Naruto shook his head and went to his closet, taking his clothes. Next were his photography supplies, then his books and journals. He carried them all downstairs and placed them in the boxes. He walked to the TV unit and sat down beside it, choosing his games and movies.
He looked up in fear as the door opened once again, Sasuke coming back from work. Naruto swore his slowness, he didn't want to face Sasuke after everything.
"Naruto?" Sasuke looked surprised to see him there.
"I'm sorry," Naruto said quickly, avoiding his gaze. "I shouldn't have come without calling first. But I'll be quick, I'm just picking out a few things."
"It's okay," Sasuke said slowly. "I'll go to change."
"Sure," Naruto nodded and returned to his sorting.
It wasn't long before Sasuke was back again. He sat down on stairs and started watching Naruto move around.
"Naruto," He spoke hesitantly after a while.
"Yes?" Naruto didn't face him. His eyes were forbidden to Sasuke now, he didn't deserve Naruto's attention anymore.
"I…" There was a lump in Sasuke's throat, making it difficult to speak. "You don't-"
Naruto's sharply ringing phone cut him off, and Naruto took it off to answer immediately. If it was in the past, Naruto would ignore anything just to hear what Sasuke would say.
"Yes?" Naruto answered quickly. It was Neji. "You are coming? I could handle them… Okay, okay, it's third floor. I'll open the door for you."
Naruto put the phone in his pocket as he nodded at Sasuke. "Sorry for that. What were you saying?"
"I-" Before Sasuke could say more, the doorbell rang.
"Ah," Naruto ran to the door and opened it after opening the automated entrance door. He waited at the door till Neji appeared with a gentle smile. Naruto smiled softly. "Welcome!"
"Hey," Leaning down, Neji kissed Naruto's forehead, causing him to blush brightly. Neji smirked at the pinkness and caressed Naruto's cheeks.
Sasuke coughed loudly to get their attention and glared at Neji with a burning hatred. What he was doing here? Touching Naruto so casually like that?
"Oh," Naruto scratched his cheek. "Neji, this is my former home-mate Sasuke."
Sasuke frowned at that. They both knew that he was much more than that.
"Sasuke, this is Neji," Naruto said, looking up to Neji with a shy smile. "My boyfriend."
Neji held out a hand for Sasuke to shake but Sasuke refused to touch the man who had stolen Sasuke's Naruto.
"You betrayed me," Sasuke hissed at Naruto and then left quickly, running up the stairs.
Naruto was left behind speechless. Once again, Sasuke hadn't hesitated to break his heart.
"What's his problem?" Neji asked with a frown.
"He's a natural born bastard," Naruto said softly, deciding not to linger on Sasuke's behavior. "Here are my boxes."
Neji nodded. "Let's get them down."
Naruto nodded and grabbed a box. He didn't forget to leave his keys when he left for once and all.
Naruto heaved over the toilet as he clutched his stomach. He stood still to see if he had more to get out as he gasped. Taking a few deep breaths, he stood up to wash his face. He looked himself in the mirror, but didn't like what he saw.
It was nearly two months now that Naruto was staying with the Sabaku siblings. Last week, Naruto had found the perfect flat for him to move. It was small and neat, near to his work. Everything was ready, and he was about to start taking his belongings to the apartment when he got sick again.
It wasn't actually like an illness, but for the last weeks, Naruto was drained of his energy, he felt like sleeping all the time and the lightheadedness and sickness didn't help at all. To top it all, when he fainted out of nowhere, Gaara forbid him from leaving, saying he was going to take care of him. But he wasn't getting any better.
"Naruto," Gaara knocked on the door. "Come on, we're going to the hospital."
Naruto emerged from the bathroom and leaned against a wall. "I'm fine Gaara. It's just a cold."
"No, it's not," Gaara said as he studied Naruto's sweaty face. "I talked to Neji, he's waiting for us."
Neji… It had been a month since they had started dating and things were a little… difficult. Naruto tried to get to know Neji and forget about Sasuke but it wasn't working. And the thing was, Neji wasn't making things easier. He was a little pushy, he wanted everything at once, like… like sex. But Naruto couldn't even kiss him, how could he expect him to be with him on such an intimate level? Naruto had also noted the angry glances he gave to Gaara, his jealousy was unnecessary but Neji seemed to not understand that. So, it all made Naruto think that maybe they could be better off as just friends.
"Okay," Naruto nodded. "Let's go."
There was no need for Naruto to lead Neji on. His problems were his own, it was wrong of him to expect Neji to heal his wounds. Maybe it was the main issue here. Naruto had expected Neji to be Sasuke in his life, it was totally unfair to the young doctor. Naruto was doomed to loneness, he didn't need to bring other people down with him.
They left the apartment quickly, and it wasn't long before Naruto was sitting in front of Neji as the man took blood samples from him in his room.
"Don't worry," Neji said as he caressed Naruto's hair. "I'll make sure you get better soon."
Naruto nodded and watched as Neji called his secretary in and gave her strict orders to bring the result as soon as possible. He didn't forget to add that he wanted the blood to be tested for anything.
"Neji," Naruto started nervously as Neji sat down in front of him. "I need to talk to you."
"I'm listening," Neji nodded as he focused on Naruto's face.
Naruto took a deep breath. "I'm really glad you are interested in me and that you want to be with me. But, I don't think we are compatible. I don't want you to have false hopes about us."
Neji frowned, his face clearly showing how unhappy he was at the moment. "I thought we had agreed on dating?"
"Yes, but-"
Neji silenced Naruto by raising a hand. "You said we are not compatible. Why? What's disturbing you about me? I'll try to change."
"No, Neji," Naruto shook his head quickly. "You cannot change who you are. I'm really sorry, but I can't do this."
Neji stood up and started spacing about. "Why?"
"But, I told you why," Naruto said softly.
"Not that crap!" Neji shouted unexpectedly.
Naruto jumped in his place, scared of Neji's attitude. "What do you want me to say?"
"Why you don't want me?" Neji leaned into Naruto's personal space as he hissed. "Why do you keep spacing out? Why you are looking at me but not seeing me? Naruto, why?"
Naruto gulped, looking down in shame. He hadn't realized how he was hurting Neji in such a short span of time. "I…" Naruto whispered softly, not looking up to meet Neji's gaze. "I'm in love with someone else."
The spacing stopped and Neji faced Naruto with wide eyes. "What? Who?"
"It doesn't matter," Naruto said softly.
"Is it Gaara?" Neji asked through gritted teeth.
"What?!" Naruto jumped to his feet. "Of course not! Gaara and I are like brothers!"
"Then who?" Neji barked.
Naruto was taken aback by Neji's behavior. Then again, he didn't know him at all. "It doesn't matter," Naruto repeated once again.
Neji opened his mouth to argue, but a knock on the door stopped him and his secretary walked inside with papers. Neji snatched them from her, and she left quickly, seeing the sour mood Neji was in.
Neji looked through the papers quickly and gasped loudly as he studied the latest one. His hands started shaking and with a growl, he ripped the paper to shreds.
"N-Neji, what's wrong?" Naruto asked worriedly.
"You-" Neji hissed. "You are pregnant."
Naruto gasped as his eyes widened. He put a shaky hand over his abdomen as he looked down at it. He was pregnant… All these time, through the storm he had to walk, there was a baby inside of him all along. His and Sasuke's baby. Naruto's heart skipped a beat. This small life growing inside of him was the ultimate sign of his love for Sasuke.
Naruto looked up his a smile and tears in his eyes. For the first time in years, he felt truly happy. But his smile disappeared quickly as he saw the state Neji was in. Naruto called out gently. "Neji?"
Neji was shaking with surpassed fury. Naruto had cheated on him. He- he…
Naruto saw Neji's raising hand but he couldn't understand what was about to happen soon enough.
And the blow that was going change his life came so easily like that.
And the end of the chapter. I think we only left two chaps and there will be a minor time-skip in the next chapter. Anyway, thank you so much for reading!