SideNotes: OMG I'm so sorry! I forgot yesterday was Saturday!! Forgive me for not updating sooner! -bows profusely- Here's the newest chapter! I hope you guys are enjoying it so far!
Chosen
Chapter Eight
The trees sighed, moaned, quivered and shook as though experiencing some sort of arboreal orgasm as the wind whistled through their leaves. It was undoubtedly autumn, even without the wildly painted branches in gay display, it was felt. The air had a kind of settling feel, as though the world knew another year was passing, another summer had ended, another time was passed, never to be relieved.
His eyes glided along the horizon, squinting to block the clashing gold, blue, pink and purple haze from blinding him. The sky was bleeding, he realized dimly, the streaks of red slashing into the still-cerulean skyline. He shivered as a gust of wind rattled his spine, chattered his teeth, and he stared at the sun, focusing his gaze on the eternal miracle of nightfall. The sun was tromping across the sky in a dignified procession, the blues and reds and gold and purple cascading behind him like some fine cape.
He wondered if tomorrow the same sunset would seem so brilliant, so divine. He wondered, dimly, if tomorrow he would look at the sky with the same nearly-carefree feeling in his heart. Even as he moved, the serenity in his mind faded away, leaving only the hesitant, nervous psyche of an adolescent, unsure if his noble attempts would truly be the right decision. He shook his head, trying to keep himself from suffering from confusion as the walls of the building began to rise before his eyes.
The building was white, sterile, modern, clean and eclectic, providing only the minimum requirements for function. He stepped inside the sliding hospital doors, scanning the paintings and plants decorating the waiting room. He supposed they had been placed in the linoleum floored facility to ease the concern, trying for a more cozy feeling. But hospitals are supposed to make one nervous and uncomfortable, he decided. The less you wanted to be there, the less time it would take a patient to heal in hopes of leaving sooner.
Hello, sir, he heard a feminine voice whisper meekly from beside him, and he cocked his head towards her, nodding in acknowledgment. I assume youre here to see Uzumaki Naruto, ne?
So, word was getting around that he and Naruto were becoming friends, and he supposed that could only be expected. After their glorious display of dancing skills, it was only natural at their Halloween party, it was only natural for talk to circulate. But for word to reach the hospital was nearly unheard of, even for the Konoha gossip track. He nodded stiffly, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable, as though he was in the spotlight in front of hundreds of people. Naked.
Room 102, the woman said. Sasuke looked her over before moving to the elevator, spying her intently, inspecting her. She was a young woman, barely older than twenty, and must have been working as a nurse as well as receptionist. Her dirty blonde hair was pushed behind her ears in wisps, glasses resting on the bridge of her nose. Her brown eyes were already fixated on papers scattered across her desk, having done her duty as secretary, indicating which room the inquired male resided in.
She was pretty, Sasuke decided after several long minutes of staring at her. He was certain she must have felt his hard gaze upon her, but she did not flinch as he surveyed her. He knew she did not look up just as he did not go to Narutos roomthey were afraid of what would happen once they did.
But then her auburn eyes moved upwards and locked on Sasukes eyes, staring at him with an almost hopeful uncertainty. Something else I can help you with? she asked quietly.
Ie, ie, he muttered softly, turning away from her and walking towards the staircase, heading to Narutos room. He rubbed his temples absently, wondering why the sick, gut wrenching feeling in his abdomen would not subside but only intensified as he lumbered closer to room 102.
Before he was certain he had left the lobby, he was before the door, eyes burning into the green door, hand resting on the knob. The normal infirmary noises rang behind him, shouts for doctors, calls for medicine, jokes trying to lighten the moodall registered in his mind from far away. Nothing existed any longer. Nothing but him. And the towering door before him. Inhaling deeply, as though jumping into freezing water, or leaping off a cliff, he turned the handle and stepped into the room.
It was much dimmer in the room, he realized as his pupils enlarged, trying to adjust to the change in light. From the searing, almost painful glow of fluorescent lights to this tiny space in the hospital lit only by the natural sunlight streaming through the window. He noticed the sun had still not set entirely, hovering on the horizon as though floating in the water, a buoy of pure gold and crimson shine.
At first he thought he was alonehe must be, he did not sense anothers presence as the world halted and tilted, seeming to slide him off the plane of existence. And then Naruto sighed and everything slammed into him, jolting him back to reality. Hey, he whispered quietly, taking a seat beside the boys bed, waiting for the quiet click of the lock to sound before he spoke freely.
Blue eyes swiveled to his face, drowning him entirely, seeing into and through Sasukes heart. In that instant he felt his body freeze, heart halt, lungs forget to breathe, mind empty and all that was, all that had been were those blue blue eyes. A pink tongue darted out to moisten dry lips quickly, and Naruto exhaled, speaking quietly. Hey
As the body moved upwards, trying to prop himself on wobbling shoulders, Sasukes breath hitched in his suddenly tight throat. That beautiful, muscular body he had seen grow hard with trials and training was wrapped in a myriad of bandages. Some were spotted with red where blood had begun to soak through the strips of gauze, making Sasuke woozy with concern.
Got yourself pretty beat up, he managed to force through his mouth, the words sliding through his larynx like rough sandpaper. He fought the concern that sought to overwhelm him as he imagined the undoubtedly severe mass of pain the boy was feeling. Baka, being so clumsy like that. It was his way of easing the hurt and worry in his heart, teasing Naruto, as if everything was the same as it always had been.
Sasuke, Naruto said quietly, hands fisting at the sheets slowly, as though his hands were restrained, the vigor and enthusiasm sucked from his body. He stared at the blonde head intently, hoping blue eyes would look up, focus on him, smile and tell him he wasnt an idiot in his defensive way. But they remained down, clouded, shrouded in pain and mystery, causing his heart to burn and break as though being rent in half. Sasuke, that empty, hollow voice repeated, he wanted to kill me, you know. He would have killed me if not for you and Inuyasha
Sasuke wanted to shout, I FOUGHT FOR YOU BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! but the words would no sound. He merely turned away, shrugging his shoulders, snorting slightly in an offhanded way. Was nothing, he muttered.
But you could have died! Naruto replied, eyes finally darting upon Sasukes face. Cheeks burned crimson where that gaze fell, body flushing from his head to his toes. Narutos voice was hoarsethough from near-death or the intensity of his feelings, Sasuke did not know. You risked your life for me!
He bit down on his lip, chewing thoughtfully, hot rust pouring into his mouth as he broke skin. Why was Naruto saying these things? Why now, why of all times did it have to be right now? Again, his shoulders rose and fell in an emotionless shrug of nonchalance. It wasnt a big deal, Naruto. I just happened to be there, thats all. And I wanted to save you, not let you leave me!
Oh The blonde sounded as though he had been struck in the chest, stabbed in the back, punched in the jaw. Sasuke inhaled deeply, stilling the roaring emotions screaming in his head to jump up and take the boy in his arms, make everything alright. I see I thought after what happened you know
Here it was, Sasuke realized, body breaking out in a cold sweat. This was the moment he was dreading, anticipating, hating, needing, fearing, hoping. His fingers clenched at his shorts, digging into the soft fabric as he closed his eyes, not wanting to see, not wanting to breathe. About that he began softly, amazed his tongue could still function, considering the difficulty he was having inhaling. I think...its a bad idea.
He had said it, whispered it, shouted it, cried it, laughed ithowever he had delivered it, the words had been delivered. He couldnt really remember how he had spoken, what tone, what inflections he had used. The last 5 seconds were gone from his mind, and he wished he could follow in their stead, trekking silently into the abyss of nonexistence. His ears could nearly hear the shattering inside the boys chest, could almost feel the world falling away from him. Naruto said nothing, just breathed, ragged and harsh.
So, he continued. I dont want to do anything until Ive defeated Itachimy brother is my biggest concern right now. And with that, he rose, heading for the door.
BUT I LOVE YOU!
The words lanced across his mind, pausing his foot midair. Idly, he wondered if he resembled a large, pink flamingo, poised on one leg, arms outstretched. Had he been a bird, he would have flown away, then, escaped, fled, found freedom. But he was Uchiha Sasuke. And Sasuke was no bird.
I cant deal with distractions, he choked out, hoping Naruto was unable to hear the tears gagging him. A minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime passed by before he remembered to breathe. Naruto never did, not while he was still in the room. He shut the door behind him, leaning against the lime-colored door for support, feet suddenly wanting to collapse beneath his too-heavy body.
He heard footsteps approaching him, and knew who they belonged to before his eyes caught the brilliant crimson, the shining silver in his gaze. He had known those large, dog-like ears had heard every word of their conversation, acute hearing detecting things from great distances. He didnt want to look up, not into those honey eyes, look up and see disappointment etched on a canine face. But to fade into the distance, to hide and not respond, attack, strike for revenge would be to go against his nature.
He stiffened, resolve flooding his body, sadness and hurt and fear converting to venomous anger and strength. What? he snapped, staring at Inuyasha, glare plastered on his face.
The hanyou took a step backnot out of fear or uncertainty, but out of concern, and Sasuke hated him for it. No one could care about him, worry about him, when he had hurt the one he loved. Even he, Uchiha Sasuke, despite his horrendously large amount of pride, was not worthy of a friend after what he had done, and he knew it.
Dont snap at me, pup, Inuyasha snarled, flinging the anger back in the boys face. Sasuke shrugged yet again, turning curtly away from the dog-demon, wanting to get away from anyone and everyone. Especially himself.
A hand planted itself firmly against the wall, slamming with enough ferocity to make him flinch. Had he been afraid, he surely would have, even slightly. Now, he regretted, that hand missing his face, missing the killing strike to his skull. Get out of my way, he hissed, tired of being in the presence of anyone.
What did you do to him? Why did you hurt him? Inuyasha demanded, grabbing Sasukes peaked collar violently. He shook the boy viciously, evoking startled cries of concern from the nurses nearby. A piercing glare from those amber eyes silenced them, sent them fleeing, leaving only the two of them in sight.
I didnt hurt him. That was the biggest lie that had ever been told, Sasuke realized as a fell shiver crawled down his spine.
The hell you didnt! He told you he LOVED you, and you threw it back in his face! Inuyasha was livid, and Sasuke suddenly felt slight twinges of fear, knowing he would have to fight if the youkai was not calmed. What frightened him more, however, was not the possibility of a call to arms. But that he would not fight, would accept punishment.
Sasuke tilted his head back, laughter pealing out of his open mouth. He finally understood in words what his mind, body, tongue, lips had just done! Turning his head to face the demon, Sasuke lips curled upward in a wide grin, smile crinkling his pale cheeks.
Stop smiling, Inuyasha growled, hand fist balling menacingly as he pulled back. Or Ill wipe it off your face.
Dont you understand, Inuyasha? Sasuke beamed, wondering absently if he appeared maddened by the intense pain daggering through his heart. He sighed softly, smile fading from his lips as though a puppeteer had changed the expression on his puppet. Inuyasha, he repeated, I finally understand. The only true way to love, he whispered, looking up to the demons face sullenly. Is to leave.
Sasuke turned, then, haste ushering him on as his heels clacked against the linoleum tiles, echoes bouncing off the ceiling and walls. He disappeared down the stairs and out of sight, leaving Inuyasha looking after him.
Baka, Inuyasha murmured quietly as his long-nailed fingers gripped the door handle. He stopped, however, sniffing the air, eyes widening in surprise. He smelled salt, smelled tears, and the smell had followed after Sasuke. The boy was crying. Shaking his head slowly, Inuyasha lowered his head, whispering under his breath as he turned the doorknob.
Sasuke, you are so young. The only way to LIVE is to love.
----
Kagome affectionately ruffled Shippou's hair as they sat on the futon inside Naruto's apartment. It had been one week since the encounter with Naraku, in which Naruto and Miroku had been badly injured. Miroku, as of now, was still in the hospital with Sango by his side. Kagome had asked her when they had visited if she wanted her to stay as well. Sango refused the offer and said it wouldn't be fair, that someone had to protect Naruto from Naraku. Kagome had agreed and promised to visit often. She was sure Sango just wanted some alone time with her beloved houshi.
The door opened, alerting Kagome and Shippou of their arrival. The black haired girl smiled and greeted them happily, while keeping Shippou from attacking the poor boy to the ground.
"Naruto-kun! I'm so glad you're okay!" She exclaimed, giving him a light hug. Shippou nodded furiously, holding out his arms and waving his hands. Naruto laughed and grabbed the kit from her arms. Shippou squealed with delight and crawled up on to his shoulder.
"Ne, I'm not hurting you am I?" He asked quietly. Naruto laughed and shook his head, "Nah, I'm all healed up now. Tsunade-baa-chan made sure of it."
Inuyasha followed in after him, looking none to pleased, for a reason Kagome wasn't sure of. She looked at him questioningly but he shrugged it off and sat down on the futon, cross-legged. "We stopped by to check on Miroku and Sango."
"Oh? How are they doing."
"All right I suppose. Miroku still out, but Sango seems to be holding up well."
Naruto frowned and looked away, knowing it was his fault that all this had happened. It was his fault that Miroku was hurt and Sango was upset. It was his fault that their friends were worried about them. And for some reason, he felt it was his fault that Sasuke couldn't love him. If he had never gone to Sasuke's house that night, he wouldn't have stayed and he wouldn't have confessed how he felt. And maybe he wouldn't be feeling so damn horrible right now.
Unbeknownst to him, the other three occupants were staring openly at him. He looked up then and gave them all curious looks. "W-What is it?" His voice was soft and shaky, though he didn't seem to notice.
Shippou nudged his face affectionately before jumping down and taking residence next to Inuyasha on the futon. Kagome frowned and walked up to him. "Naruto-kun ... why are you crying?" She asked softly, wiping the tears from his whiskered cheek.
A surprised look crossed his face as he touched his cheek with the tips of his fingers then pulling away. "I am?" She smiled sadly and nodded, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting hug. "It's okay." She whispered. His eyes watered at her words and he so wanted to believe them. "I'm so sorry." He muttered quietly.
The barrier he had put up around himself was crumbling down and the damn that held his tears had burst. Arms wrapped themselves around her petite form as he cried into her shoulder, let all of the sadness and frustration of the last few weeks come pouring out of him. "I'm so sorry Kagome-chan .. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
"Naruto-kun .. it's not you're fault. We go through this every day, remember? There's always a risk to the life we're living." She said, stroking his hair, "You know this. He's alive and that's the important thing, ne?"
The blonde nodded weakly, though still not really believing that it wasn't his fault. "I promise, I won't let anyone get hurt again." Kagome looked over at him in wonder, but just nodded. "I believe you Naruto-kun." She hugged him tightly before gently pulling away and helping him dry his tears. She smiled warmly at him, "Let's go out!" She announced suddenly.
"Nani!?" Naruto and Inuyasha both shouted and looked at her in shock. Kagome just laughed and waved her hands, "No no! I mean all of us! Lets go out and sight-see. Naruto-kun has been stuck inside for almost an entire week, he needs to get some air."
"What are we going to do? You mean "all of us" all of us, right?" Kagome nodded, "Yes of course! I don't think Shippou could follow us though, he's a little young," She said, smiling to the kit apologetically, "But he could stay with Sango and Miroku while we're out."
Kagome bent down in front of Shippou and ruffled his hair, "You'll protect them, won't you Shippou-chan?" The fox-child nodded quickly. "You bet I can! Ne, ne! When can we go??"
The young girl looked over at the hanyou and raised her brow, "Well, what do you think Inuyasha?" The half-demon 'keh'd' and shrugged his shoulders, which caused the girl to squeal with delight and launch herself at him.
"Whoa, hey! Woman! Get the hell off me!"
Naruto laughed as Kagome practically glomped Inuyasha, and he who was now trying to push her away defensively. Kagome laughed as she fell to the ground unceremoniously. Inuyasha just glared as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Picking herself up off the ground, she pouted at the hanyou before turning her attention to Naruto.
"Well, guess we should be going!" Scooping up Shippou she started for the door, "Oh, do you think Sasuke-kun would like to join us?"
Naruto paled at the mention of the boy's name and stuttered for something to say. "Leave him out of it," Inuyasha interrupted, "He doesn't need to tag along with us."
"Inuyasha! That's rude!"
"So is he!"
"Ohh don't start that again!"
"What!? It's true and you know it! He's nothing but a rude little bast-"
"Osuwari!"
THUMP
"Dammit bitch!"
"Guys, guys!" Naruto laughed embarrassingly, "We'll ask him if we run into him okay? Is that good?"
Pulling himself up off the ground, Inuyasha growled and then nodded. "Yeah that's fine. He doesn't -have- to come, just so you know." Naruto nodded, knowing he said it more to him than to the rest of them.
"All right then, now that it's all settled, lets go see Sango and Miroku! I'm sure they'll be happy to see some familiar faces." The boy's nodded and followed after her as she left Naruto's apartment.
