Really sorry for the delay. Don't know what took me so long. Hope you enjoy this :D


8. Secrets

It was warm. His mind was all fuzzy and his head was hurting like hell.

He couldn't remember his bed being so soft or his sheets smelling of flowers. And something else, something familiar that his sub consciousness has been longing for a long time, something that made him so at ease and so relaxed.

He shot up suddenly standing, his vision blackening as the blood gradually caught up with his sudden movements. He looked around at the stark white room with the single bed he has been sleeping in and the black furniture. The coldness of this place gave him the chills and the fact that he was wearing only his jeans didn't help.

Crap. Only his jeans. He looked down at his bare arms and torso - the skin was cut and healed too many times to count, leaving him with tons of white scars that were clearly visible on his tanned skin. He hated these scars and if possible avoided looking at them at all. They told the truth in the simplest way and were undeniable proof of the reality of his past, the consequence of his choices as a child and the revenge he had to carry. There was no escape. It was no dream. Just like his past he could never erase the marks on his body, but only hide them, while living with the thought that people would never accept him and he could never return to being normal. The choices he made will always follow him. This was his secret. Except that now, there was one more person sharing the secret besides him.

He closed his eyes recalling the memories of a dream he had the previous night. For the first time in years he hasn't had one of his nightmares, but instead dreamt of someone who was still alive. People pointed at him and hated him for his crimes. But the worst was when he saw Sasuke amongst them, a disgusted expression on his face. He had seen him walk away, as if he never existed. And then he saw the world fall apart. Was this what he was most afraid of? Has Sasuke started to mean so much to him? He remembered calling his name and the pain he felt watching the other turn around coldly. He also had a faint recollection of something more tangible. Charcoal black eyes have wept near him, promising him to not leave him and cold white hands have calmed him, kissed him and hugged him assuring him that they will not disappear. He felt his face grow hotter if possible, despite his fever and like a child; he shook his head, assuring himself that it was all a dream.

But...Could this be his house?

He felt his stomach jolt and the horror of the brunette opening the door. How did this happen? His heartbeat increased, realising whom the familiar smell belonged to.

Damn it all to hell.

Why was this happening to him? Well, if this was his place, then he would own his bastard friend a huge favour and somehow that didn't sit well with him. God knew what the other would ask. For a moment there he let his mind fantasize over the possibilities, his face growing darker and darker as things like whipped cream, oil paints and handcuffs were taken in consideration. If the brunette has seen his scars he would have the perfect blackmail material to make him do anything. He could either act ignorant while his life in college would be over or become a puppet in very dangerous hands. Strangely enough, both possibilities seemed attractive.

He looked around, finding his shirt and blouse and despite the pounding headache; he forced himself out of the room to meet his host.

The living room was large, with elegant dark furniture and the same white bare walls. A large black leather sofa was standing in the middle of the room, facing a huge TV and a small coffee table. The room had several doors, all closed except one which he went to right now. He could hear the soft noises of a paper being straightened and the clinging of a cup being put down, meaning his host was having breakfast.

As he walked in, he was confronted with a large newspaper covering the person sitting on the chair in a crouched position while a mug of coffee sat steaming on the table waiting. Naruto hesitated for a moment then decided that the best thing was to wait, have a polite conversation before leaving. Normally he would have just slipped out at the first opportunity but curiosity held him in place.

Just then the person in front of him let down the newspaper and Naruto was confronted with a very cute image of Sasuke wearing glasses and a loose shirt that was hanging down just covering his boxers. The oversized piece of material made numerous creases at his wrists, highlighting his thin shoulders and once in a while showing a bit of the creamy skin. Naruto caught himself staring, his mind going back to earlier images, only adding a cherry on top. He shook his head, hoping to shake out the thought as well and forced himself to focus, despite the fever.

What was with this guy? He thought. Does he always have to be so provocative?

Sasuke watched the blond curiously with an amused smirk on his face and a vague idea of that the other has just thought.

"Good morning. Feeling better?"

Naruto glared at him catching on the little acting game and sat himself at the table locking eyes with the brunette before answering. If this was a mind game, he would not be fooled.

"Yes much better, thanks."

Sasuke offered him a honey sweet smile and Naruto copied him, the gesture looking awkward on his face.

"Would you like anything to eat or drink?"

If this guy was acting, he was doing one hell of a good job because Naruto was starting to slowly lose his patience.

"No thanks, I'm fine," he answered, stressing the word "fine" a bit too much.

Sasuke kept his eyes on the blond, watching and waiting for disaster to strike. Naruto was still not doing anything but the air around them was heavy with tension already.

"Why is it always you?" The blond asked suddenly.

Sasuke was a bit taken aback by the lack of physical reaction and chose his words carefully keeping his tone level and his trying to remain strong in front of the growing storm.

"Because I love you."

Blue eyes narrowed and the brunette kept his face neutral as if saying the most natural thing ever. Naruto sighted an exaggerated sight, then rested his head on his hands and watched Sasuke carefully, deciding it's about time to get things serious.

"Who sent you?"

No reaction and Sasuke produced the most convincing and the most innocent expression of confusion that the blond has ever seen.

"Who... what? "

"Who sent u? What is your purpose?"

Sasuke kept the same innocent expression when he answered, but a flicker of understanding flashed in his eyes. So the blond has really been part of a gang. And he thought that that fact that he was taken in was because of another reason.

"I'm just your classmate. I did it cause I love you.

The table stirred as a very loud hit resonated into the kitchen. Dust fell as the blond removed his hand from the place he hit the wall a small crack remaining. That was solid concrete just now!, Sasuke thought.

When he turned his eyes from the wall, he was confronted with cold blue eyes, hard as steel and a determined expression that told of years of experience and of how serious this thing was. The person he saw now was no longer the cold yet calm Naruto, the person with a fragile heart and a shy personality. This guy was a killing machine and he, Sasuke, has just flipped the switch to on.

"Who sent you?" He repeated, on the same cold, flat tone.

He turned his gaze to mirror the same coldness, determined to protect his house from the blond and to prove his point once and for all. You really like smashing things don't you?

"For the last time, no one sent me and I would appreciate if you wouldn't ruin my house."

His skin was prickly as the air in the room seemed to have dropped a few degrees. Sasuke soon realised his mistake, his answer probably only made things worse. Seconds ticked by, their bodies tense, not even daring to breathe but none backing down.

Naruto then stood, his gaze still locked on the depths of Sasuke's black eyes and he turned, going out of the kitchen and grabbing his shoes from his corridor. Sasuke quickly followed, stopping the blond as he was about to open the door. He wrapped his arms on his torso in tight embrace, refusing to let go.

"Wait, don't go, and listen to me..."he ordered, stressing the word listen.

Naruto struggled, trying to break free but the brunette ground himself and wouldn't let go of the other despite all the force he was trying to tear his hands apart and off him. Finally he gave up, suddenly growing quiet and calm and Sasuke took the opportunity to bury his face in the warm back, enjoying the warmth and the proximity, his heart beating at incredible speed, but despite the euphoria of being so close to his lover, he felt incredible calm.

"I can imagine you've had a terrible life until now... and I understand why u don't trust people... but I love you... very, very much... and I wouldn't hurt you...believe in me"

This was so cheesy that he expected the other to turn around in any moment and slap him, but this was the best he could do at the time. He braced himself by what was coming expecting the punch to actually connect with his face this time. The other was very protective towards his private life.

Instead he felt the other suddenly lean into his hands, and sasuke took action quicky, leaning the blond on his back and half dragging him to his room, guessing what happened. The airhead had a 40 degrees fever and he was moving about, hitting walls and getting angry. Sasuke dropped him in bed, pulling out the shoes again, but not touching the rest of his clothes. Naruto's eyes, though still open, were slowly loosing focus and his breathing was coming out wheezing.

Sasuke brought him water then took his injures hand and pulled it to clean it and bandage it. He felt the blond flinch every now and then but he never made a single sound. If that fist would have connected with his face, he would probably be in hospital, Sasuke thought. When he finished, his hands rested a bit more on the cuts at the wrist, then seeing Naruto watching him, he quickly let go and pulled back.

"Disgusting, aren't they?" he demanded, his voice barely louder than a whisper.

Naruto had his head turned to the other direction and although Sasuke couldn't see his expression, all of a sudden he felt ashamed, realizing what the other meant. He then saw Naruto smile, a thin sad smile from the corner of his mouth his head slightly turned. His chest hurt and he suddenly felt so empty, like the whole world disappeared before his eyes, except for the sick teen in front of him.

He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. The shadows hiding behind that sad smile, the eyes like mirrors of his hurting soul and so, so much pain, that Sasuke suddenly didn't want to know about Naruto's past anymore, or the story of the pain and torture the other went through, but only to wipe away that pained expression of the blonde's face, to tell him that he is beautiful regardless of anything and that all was behind him now and he should not let his past hunt him down.

Blue eyes closed and before Sasuke could answer, Naruto fell into oblivion.

"Damn it", the brunette whispered, quickly running into the kitchen and coming back with some porridge. Naruto has not eaten anything since the day before and with this fever he needed some energy. Sasuke pulled the unconscious guy up in a relatively sitting position and forced the liquid down his throat earning some coughs and several intelligible murmurs.

Naruto needed some serious help. The fever has now lowered to 40, but 2 more days like this and he might not make it.


Hours later he opened the door. A tall man dressed all in black carrying a large leather bag with him came in, breathing hard, his face tired. He was wearing a long black coat, his face was covered till above his nose with a black scarf and one of his eyes had an eye patch, making it very hard to guess what was he thinking most of time because of the limited display of expression. The most striking aspect was his silver Mohawk hair, only that his was sticking up like that naturally.

Sasuke greeted him warmly, shaking hands.

"So glad you could come Dr Kakashi. I am sorry for the short notice."

"No problem. When I heard the conditions I had no choice. Where is he?"

"He's in the room. There is a slight problem. Would you like to come in the kitchen with me?"

Kakashi took down his coat and followed curiously. Sasuke rarely called him unless it was an absolute emergency, and never before has he actually called requiring his services for another person. Just who was this guy that the brunette was so interested in.

Sasuke poured some coffee for them both and sat down indicating the doctor to do the same. He took a sip then turned his gaze on the man sitting in front of him, his eyes growing serious and cold, while keeping the most innocent smile. Kakashi gulped slightly but tried to calm down and listen carefully. Whatever the other was about to say could not be good.

"You have never seen him. If any word leaks out of that room, I would know whose head I should be looking for. He's mine now and I would like to keep him... and lastly, he might be violent with strangers."

He smiled, his expression so much more cheerful compared to the previous moment when he threatened the silver haired man, that you would think the two persons were not the same. At that last remark he pointed towards the small crater in the wall and Kakashi widened his eyes when he realised what that meant, visibly alarmed.

The doctor gulped and nodded. The boy in front of him was no threat really. But the one protecting him was someone to fear. If he valued his life, he would do well to always remain on the Uchiha's good side.

Sasuke smiled wickedly, pleased with the result then continued on a calmer tone.

"He had 42 degrees yesterday and 40 now. His temperature is not dropping and I don't know what to do. He woke in the morning then fell asleep shortly after. Since then he hasn't moved at all. I fed him some porridge but it might not be enough. He's very weak."

Kakashi watched the teen in front of him stare into space, his expression so soft and worried that any person would feel jealous for all that care and pain he was suffering for this mysterious person. He sighted, slightly amused. Teenagers and their love stories. He could understand. Sasuke wanted this boy and was hiding him from any hard that could befall him. Thinking about the brunette's past, his actions were normal.

Kakashi picked his bag with tools and followed Sasuke in the dimly lit room that the boy indicated. As he came close, the brunette pulled the cover revealing the sleeping figure of a blond teenager, with slightly tanned skin and three cuts on each cheek, making them seem like whiskers.

Kakashi paused, his heart rate increasing. This couldn't be true. He turned the teen and faced him, while he skilfully pulled the T-shirt he was wearing off him to be able to check his lungs and pulse. His heart stopped in his chest as he saw all the marks on the body and the bullet marks near where the heart should be. His eyes once again rushed to the scars on the cheeks. He recognised those marks. Images of the fox demon rising out of the fire came back to him with flames roaring behind him like tails of destruction coming to burn all the evil clean. His hands began to tremble.

"No..." he whimpered"...n- no... he... he should have been dead..."

Kakashi took a few steps back, his eyes dilated as he watched the still sleeping figure in the bed.

He was the one that burned the whole place down that night, the one who killed all the people. But he was dead; he was shot in the heart before the whole roof collapsed on him. In a confusion of smoke, fire and blood, he could still remember the face of the demon who singlehandedly destroyed one of the strongest organisation in the country in one night.

Sasuke watched him questioningly and then made the connection.

"You know him."

"Minato Kazekage...also known as Mr Fox or the fox demon..." Kakashi responded automatically, without even taking his eyes off the blond, afraid that the boy might jump on him in any second.

Sasuke kept his eyes on the doctor but this time didn't sketch any reaction. Of course Naruto would have changed his name. But the more he heard, the more he realised the gravity of his classmate's situation. If kakashi would say a word or this boss would find out that Naruto was alive, he would be the one responsble for his capture and apparently for his death as well. Kakashi would not be this afraid if Naruto wasn't some really dangerous person. Meaning Naruto was like him?

Sasuke coughed slightly, his eyes cold once again, staring at the man. Kakashi slowly came back to his senses but his hands were still shaking when the checked the breathing and the pulse of the sleeping teen. Once he was over he came in the kitchen and he wrote a prescription of lungs medicine, fever, headaches and vitamins.

"He should be all right if he takes these pills and stays in bed for a week or so. If he were in hospital they would put the IV on him and keep him in intense care for a few months. He's anorexic and deadly thin. At this rate he won't last long. I'm amazed he's alive with that fever and even has the power to smash walls... But then again, I shouldn't be surprised... it's him after all."

"What do you know about him, Kakashi?"

The man froze then turned to see the boy staring at him with the same arrogant and commanding eyes, hid expression so similar to his brother. He had no choice but to answer. Yet he couldn't believe the teen was housing one of the most dangerous men in the country and didn't know about him. If his brother knew...

"Minato Namikaze, second boss of the Red Flares group, worked directly under boss Blaze. He was said to be his successor. This boy had a hand of steel with his subordinates and the cunning of a fox. He was also called the Grim Reaper for the satisfaction he took in his killings and the luckiest man in the group to always miss death by millimetres. From what I've heard he was picked off the streets and raised by the gang when he was about 5. He was also the one to wipe out the entire organisation in one night. Not just the people, but the properties were given to the gouvernment, the guns and drugs were burned, all the money turned in, all women given to police and put into rehab centres for which everything was paid, every place with the respective name of the patient. Maybe 5 or 6 people of the gang survived of which 2 are still in intensive care. Of those only me and the boss knows who was behind it all. This boy was supposed to be dead."

He swallowed heavily, as memory took over his mind once more and he shivered.

"He shot him in the heart. I saw it myself. This guy is a demon;nobody could have survived that."

Sasuke nodded, choosing to keep his opinion for himself.

"Thank you very much, Kakashi. I hope I can count on you in the future as well."

Kakashi smiled slightly, his eye showing the gesture more than his mouth. He picked the small suitcase, after which he quickly made his way out, afraid to look back.

Sasuke was left behind with a new mountain of information to sort through. Who would have guessed Kakashi was involved with Blaze. But then again, Kakashi was a doctor, he was involved with everyone. And Naruto was a second in command of one of the strongest mafia groups in the country. Of all the possibilities he hadn't thought that the situation for him was this bad.

"Minato Namikaze..." he murmured. He knew that name from somewhere. It was someone famous a long time ago. He remembered people talking about him, it was all over the news. But when and what was it about. It was such a long time ago that he couldn't remember anymore.

He picked his jacket and keys and slid out to get the medicine prescribed for the blond. Random thought were going around his head. All those scars and the guarded personality, it all made sense now. But if he was really a mass murderer, could he love such a person?

He remembered the other cry his name in his sleep the other night. Then he remembered that despite his cruelty and his actions, he still loved his brother. Then what if Naruto was to disappear tomorrow, would he be able to live on? Sasuke has thought about this countless times. The memory of the blond sleeping, keeping away from him then the soft passionate kiss they shared. He felt himself blushing. Despite everything, he loved the blond. He promised he will no longer run away and now when his friend needed it the most, he would become his support.


As the door closed and was then locked, a tear fell off the closed eyes of the blond teen lying peacefully in bed. He tried to move but he was feeling dizzy and his body was like trying to animate a bag of bricks. He collapsed helplessly. His muscles were hurting and his mouth felt dry.

Now that he was conscious, until he fell into oblivion again, he couldn't help but reflect on the things he just heard. How could Sasuke do this, how could he betray him so? And to a person who knew so much about him. One false move and his whole life could fall to pieces not to mention the bastard could be caught in this and die as well. He has come to in the moment the stranger started telling his story. He then fought so hard to keep his emotions locked in as a cold hand brushed his hair carefully, cold lips planted a kiss on his forehead and Sasuke covered him, arranging the sheets so carefully, so lovingly. Such a naive bastard, trusting a complete stranger with his life.

Naruto now needed to move to a new school now, a new town and disappear as Keeper suggested in the first place. He let his guard down for one moment and this happened. It was his fault entirely, he should have never trusted Sasuke. People are all the same no matter how much they blabber about love and trust. They are all the same.

His body still refused to move but he had to get out. He hadn't survived so far to die like this and he would not let any more people get involved with him anymore or die for his sake.


Cold hands lace around him and pull him closer.

He fights to escape but there is nothing he can do. He is trapped and his captor bends down and bites his ear, then laughs mockingly at him.

This can't be happening. Not him. He said he loved him and he trusted him. How could he do this?

Cold hands touch his neck, his face, making him shiver and the other smiles at his reactions.

He then feels the other grab his chin and tilting his head, forcing him to stare in those black eyes he loves so much.

"I love you" he whispers and brings his face down their lips locking in a forceful kiss.

His mouth is invaded and the only thing he can do is accept it all and block his mind, hoping to protect himself.

But it's far from over. He feels a hand move on his thigh and touching his crotch. He shivers once again, unable to suppress a moan. Another chuckle and this time, that hand begins to massage his sensitive parts delicately, while he struggles to keep it all in, still unable to escape. His wrists hurt from struggling, his pride the only this left unconquered as he tries to lock everything inside him.

Pressure builds to the point he can't take it no more and then he feels a cool mouth taking him in and giving him that extra bit that makes his jolt with pleasure no longer able to suppress his reactions. He then falls back, breathing hard and unable to move.

His pants removed, the other takes off his own trousers and then bends, sticking two fingers roughly inside of him, making ready to get it all back.

He cries. He can't do anything except cry. And then he is left there broken, his face buried in pillows, unable to stop from trembling because of his pain and misery.

He feels cold hands then pick him up and embrace him and he now cries in the arms of the one that caused him this pain, as the other sooths him, gently rubbing his back and patting his head.

"shhhhh, little brother... shhhhh, calm down, go to sleep... it's all a dream... shhhhh, you'll wake up soon and you'll see it's just a dream..."

But it as a lie. He couldn't understand why. His own brother, the one he loved, the one he looked up to the most... how could he...

"Why... "he whispers weakly as his sobs calm slightly, but now he's afraid that knowing will be worse than anything.

His brother laughs then kisses his head lightly with so much care and affection that it hurts.

"Because I love you"

Sasuke jumped out of bed, sweating and confused at the diffuse light in his room. It was getting closer to sunrise and the sky was a pale shade of blue with a few clouds here and there. He rubbed his eyes and stared at the ceiling as he laid back in his place. He then turned and looked at his alarm clock.

5.30. Too early.

He was not going to be able to sleep now. Not after such a dream.

He stood up slowly and got out of bed, swaying and he dragged his feet to the bathroom. Naruto has been sleeping since noon the other day, and although it has been a hassle, he has managed to get some of them damn pills and his fever has gone down a bit. Last time he checked, it was 38.7, but a huge improvement from 40.3. Maybe today, he would feel better.

As he passed by the room he noticed something amiss. He got closer realising the blond hair was missing being repaced with pillows, carefully arranged to look like a person sleeping.

Sasuke cursed, turning to the entrance and finding no shoes either. A peak outside showed the streets were clear, with no indication of any person outside at this hour. Busses will start running soon and the blond will probably get home.

Who will care for him? His fever has just gotten a bit lower.

"Darn him, that idiot!" he shouted, also angry that he hasn't been more attentive and locked the door better.

He has missed his chance.


Somewhere else, Naruto was cursing his luck much more. Why did Sasuke live so damn far away? He had left his wallet with his bag at university probably in the attic and he had no money and no keys. He begged the bus driver to let him on, telling about his fever and he finally accepted. The lock was a tough try, in his dazed state of mind and with the headache and pins, listening for potential clicks, took him ten times longer than normal.

By the time he got it and collapsed in his bed it was already 9. He was cold and his head was worse than ever. So many hours in the cold would have a devastating effect on him especially in the current condition. But he couldn't just stay there like that. Unlike Sasuke he was fully equipped. Codeine will do the trick with his fever and anything else, he'll see afterwards. After stuffing himself with them he dragged himself in the bathroom taking a quick warm shower then back in bed, sleep a welcome state of mind. The good thing was that the bastard didn't know where he lived, making it a bit more difficult for the doctor to trace him. But he will be found eventually. The only advantage he had was that he knew that someone from the underworld has found out and that gave him some time to get ready.