A/N: Okay, I decided to repost this chapter to inform you all of a very important piece of information. First, I think that a lot of people are misunderstanding some of the aspects in my story. The most important one is the relationship between Sasuke and Neji. He does this, because of what he went through as a child. He never knew any other type of love before, and so it's natural for him to repeat the process that was caused by his fucked up (Excuse me!) childhood. It's his normal. But also, it's more complicated than that. He might take pleasure in the times he and Neji "Spend" together, but he also feels obligated to do these things. Sasuke feels as though he has to use his body in this manner because, again, the way he was brought up. Also, just because he has spent so much time with Neji doesn't mean he is attracted to Sakura any less. He likes her for her personality, something Neji must work on. :) Lastly, people have been questioning me, "Why does Sakura continue to see Sasuke if she knows that he is sleeping with Neji? I don't understand this." Briinnng, Briinnng, Charlie-sama Calling. SAKURA DOESN'T KNOW THAT THIS AFFAIR BETWEEN SASUKE AND NEJI HAS TAKEN PLACE! I am truly sorry if I haven't made this clear. Sakura knew that they slept together once, (For her safety of course) and nothing more than that. That point is one I must get across strongly. Sakura is not some ignorant female in my story. Naive, yes. Hurt, certainly. But not stupid enough to say, "Oh, you're sleeping with the guy that nearly raped me. Want to go out again?" I sincerely hope that this little message clears some of the foggy parts up for you. And please, if you have any questions, feel free to PM from my profile page. I get tons of little e-mails from you guys all of the time anyhow, so ByAllMeans, ASK, my wonderful readers, ASK! :)
Love To You All,
Charlie-San
000
Lay beside me, under wicked sky
Black of day, dark of night, we share this pair of lives
The door cracks open, but there's no sun shining through
Black heart scarring darker still, but there's no sun shining through
No, there's no sun shining through
What I've felt, what I've known
Turn the pages, turn to stone
Behind the door, should I open it for you?
Yeah
What I've felt, what I've known
Sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there, 'cause I'm the one who waits for you
Or are you unforgiven too?
Never free
Never me
Because you're unforgiven too…
"The Unforgiven Two, by Metallica"
000
"The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken"-Samuel Johnson
000
Chapter 10
~The Jester~
000
Everything passed by in a listless blur.
The world was steadily growing harder to stand on, and Sasuke found that the more he watched the ceaseless flow of blood, the feebler the strength in his legs became.
His brain went into lock down, blocking all of the sounds of shouting around him. He could see the mouths of everyone moving in unison, their fingers pointing to the sight that beheld them, but no noise left their lips. No sound was made as his family rushed to aid the fallen member, no hum of terror as they realized his father was no longer breathing.
He watched dumbstruck as his mother pushed through the crowd to get to her husband, Itachi close behind her, and wondered, why it was that he had no idea how to feel?
Why did he have no desire to sprint forward and remain at his father's side?
Had he grown that bitter?
Frigid.
Just like him.
As his father lay dying, the only thing he could make sense of was a persistent tug on his shirt sleeve. Looking down, he saw Sakura, her mouth moving without the sound of her voice to go along with it. She was mouthing his name over and over again, desperately trying to get his attention. Her eyes were wide with stomach-turning dread; the water developing around her jade eyes drowning in alarm.
The world was starting to return to normal.
"Sasuke?"
He blinked. Everyone was screaming. But most of all, the earsplitting cries of his mother surrounded him, as that was the one agonized filled voice that stood out above all the rest.
"Do you know what this is, Sasuke?"
"No father."
"It's the Uchiha crest. I had it made into these little necklaces for you and Itachi-san."
"What's it for?"
His father placed the chain around his neck.
"It's so you always know where you belong. It's so you always know that I love you. This crest means we are family."
"SASUKE!"
His eyes finally began to focus. Sakura was sobbing.
"What in God's name is going on?" She cried clutching his arm as three security guards whipped past him in frenzied stampede.
"We are blood."
"We are family forever."
Before he could reply,a scream ruptured the atmosphere.
"IT WAS A HYUUGA WHO DID THIS!" A scream ruptured the atmosphere.
The room filled with gasps of indignation, and Sasuke could see out of the corner of his eyes a volcano about to explode.
"They're all trash!"
"Just who do you think you are, calling us that?"
"They planned this!"
"MONSTERS!"
Sasuke grabbed Sakura's shoulders, slowly easing her towards the door. "Get out of here." He ordered.
Her eyes shot to his. "Why? Sasuke, I'm scared. I want to stay here with y-"
The first punch was thrown, and all hell broke loose between the opposite sides.
People from each family rushed to help their loved ones, while everyone else tried miserably to break up the riots that were now starting all through the room.
Clutching onto Sakura's hand, Sasuke pushed through the mobs and found his way to his mother and brother who seemed to be at the center of the conflict. They were surrounding his father's still bleeding body, Itachi attempting to end a brawl that was taking place in front of him.
His brother turned for only a moment and the antagonist pulled his fist back, the punch snapping across Itachi's cheek with a massive force.
Sasuke growled, releasing Sakura's hand and swaggering up to the man who thought he could lay a hand on his family. He was about to kill the guy when Itachi yanked him backwards.
"You will not be helping the situation." His brother hissed.
A sharp shriek made him turn his attention back to Sakura. She had been thrown to the ground by the idiocy of a group of fighters. One of the men carelessly hit her in the back of the head with his foot while trying to attack another of the enraged guests.
Sasuke was irate as he found her side, struggling not to start another quarrel in the middle of the chaos that was already amidst.
"Are you okay?" He questioned as he helped her from the ground. He noticed that she had no problem standing but the look on her face told him that she was anything but 'okay'.
"Yes, I'm fine." She whispered.
Not believing her in the least, Sasuke inspected her and realized that she was shaking tremendously.
"Come here," He ordered, taking her into his arms and leading her away from the bedlam. She seemed happy enough to comply with his demand.
They were nearly into the next room when three sharp gun shots filled the area. The room was once again overflowing with screams and shouts. Upon hearing the sound, Sasuke pushed Sakura to the ground, instinctively covering her body with his own. If someone was about to get shot, it was not going to be her.
"What's going on?" She cried, her body trembling beneath his.
He looked around seeing the whole room on the ground, their hands covering their heads and their faces filled with terror and shock.
Only one man was left standing.
Itachi.
His hand was pointed into the air, his pistol clutched tightly between his fingers.
"Everything is going to be fine," Sasuke whispered into Sakura's ear, stroking her hair softly. "It's okay. It's my brother."
Sakura looked up to him with tear filled eyes. His heart wrenched for her, and he knew that after this day was over, he would most likely never see her again. Who would want to return after an experience like this?
He pressed his face into her neck. "I'm so sorry..."
"Look at yourselves!" Itachi yelled into the crowd. "I should put cuffs on each and every one of you!"
"You're all foolish!" He continued. "How dare you act like this in my home, better yet, how dare you act this way at all! You are all grown adults."
"You have disrespected yourselves, and my family."
"All of you," He growled. "Get the fuck out."
Sasuke smirked as Itachi grabbed the man who had punched him minutes before from the floor.
"And you," Itachi reached behind his shirt, pulled out a pair of shiny metal cuffs and restrained the man that had left a large, dark bruise on his face. Itachi smiled. "You, my friend, are coming with me."
000
"Will he be alright?"
Sasuke stood outside his father's room door, Sakura by his side.
"The doctor's with him now," Mikoto replied, wiping her eyes. "He says that he should come to any time now."
"That's wonderful!" Sakura exclaimed, squeezing Sasuke's hand enthusiastically.
Mikoto smiled. "Yes, only a minor flesh wound. I feel so relieved."
Sasuke nodded, reaching out to embrace his mother. "I'm glad you're feeling better, mom."
"I don't know what I would've done if-" She began, her eyes staring off into the distance. Sasuke shushed her, reassuring her that Fugaku was going to be fine and reminding her that she shouldn't worry as much as she did.
"It's time to get you home." Sasuke murmured to Sakura, leading her outside to an awaiting limo.
She stopped in front of it, released his hand, and looked up to him. "Thank you for protecting me."
He cleared his throat. "It was nothing."
She stood there awkwardly for another minute, before turning back to the limo and opening the door. He swallowed away his fears and before thinking twice, reached out and grabbed her wrist.
"Sakura, wait."
She spun around with a smile upon her lips as if she knew he was going to stop her. "Yes?" She questioned sweetly.
"I just wanted to apologize for today," He placed his face in his hands. "It was a disaster."
She glanced at her dress. "Well, besides the blood and the foot to my head," She grinned. "I had a fun time learning how to dance."
His hands slid down and he peeked out at her. "You did?"
She nodded. "And thanks to you, next time I will know most of the steps."
He drew a blank. "Next time?"
"Well," She placed her hands upon her hips. "I sure hope you plan on inviting me out again. We only had one dance, and it didn't count because I stomped all over your feet." She giggled. "You owe me another one."
He gawked at her.
She wanted to be invited out again.
She didn't hate him.
"Yeah, of course!" He answered happily, his facial expression probably making him look like a total dork.
She winked. "I'll hold you to it!"
She turned to leave but he snatched her wrist once more.
"Sakura, would you like to go out?" He asked playfully.
She laughed. "What? When?"
"Now?"
She burst into a fit of giggles. "I have to go home Sasuke, remember?" She ushered to the large stains on her dress. "I don't think I can go on a date like this."
He sighed. "Yeah..." He shrugged. "Well, leave then."
She frowned. "That's mean…"
Chuckling, he took her chin between his fingers. "I'm kidding." He said softly.
"Oh." She whispered.
His hand stayed there and he stared into her eyes, wanting to let them consume him with their beauty. He realized that he could stand here all night gazing into them if she would let him do so. He could feel his heart pulsating with a fierce intensity beneath his skin. His eyes slipped lower, to her mouth, and he watched it part with each intake of breath, loving how full and pink her lips were.
He wanted to kiss her.
Apparently she felt the same, because just as he was imagining their mouths coming together, she closed her eyes and leaned in slightly.
"You can dance with her, fuck her; I don't care."
He was about to kiss her, but found that he could not.
He was dirty.
Tainted.
At the last minute, he moved his mouth to her cheek, giving her a small peck before pulling away. The moment was gone along with the picture of Neji in his mind.
"Goodnight, Sakura." He said, straightening his posture.
She blushed, still looking quite stunned. He felt bad for leaving her hanging. He had wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him. He sighed.
"I'll see you at school." He muttered sadly. The thought of school alone nearly brought tears to his eyes.
She nodded, turning slowly away. "Goodnight, Sasuke-kun."
As the limo pulled away, he thought of how the cute she had sounded while saying his name. "Sasuke-kun." Itsounded right coming from her lips.
He looked back to the mansion looming over him.
It's time to go back.
His mother and brother would be waiting for him inside.
000
The limo had already taken off before Sakura spotted the two men in black suits on her front porch.
She instinctively bristled, wondering what the intruders were doing looking so sharp and clean. Should she call the cops?
It was pitch black out by the time she arrived home, so she didn't think that they had seen her yet. She darted to the side, contemplating the idea of running to a neighbor for assistance. Who were these men?
"Ms. Haruno?"
She shot to attention. Had they just said her name?
They both jogged up to her, their eyes lined with worry. She took a step back. "Are you alright, Miss?" They questioned.
"I'm fine." She snapped, realizing they were looking at the dried blood on her dress. "Who are you people, and why are you standing on my porch?"
"There's been an accident." One replied.
"What are you talking about?" This feeling wasn't a good one.
They glanced at each other. "You are Ms. Haruno, correct?"
"Yes," She answered. "Would you mind telling me what's going on?"
000
Sakura wasn't at school the next day.
Sasuke had waited at her locker until the tardy bell rang, but there was no sign of her anywhere. He was determined to ask her out for a night on the town, and was extremely disappointed when she didn't show. He frowned as he walked to class. She was always at school.
Whipping out his cell phone he sent her a quick message, hoping for a reply.
Where u at?
R u sick?
-Sasuke
Before he could place the phone back into his pocket it vibrated and he pulled it back to look at it. He stopped walking, leaning against the wall while his phone finished receiving the message.
To his surprise, the text wasn't from Sakura at all.
Meet me later 4 drinks?
U know the place.
-Neji
He sighed in frustration.
No. He replied before continuing on to his class. He was already five minutes late.
His phone buzzed again.
Live a little, babe.
I'll be waiting 4 u.
-Neji
Sasuke growled, hating the fact Neji thought he could call him by whatever pet name he desired. He was going to put an end to that shit quickly.
1st off, stop calling me that.
Who do you think you are?
And I'm not coming so you might as well do something more constructive with ur time instead of waiting around 4 me.
-Sasuke
He sent it, wondering inattentively why he hadn't received a reply from Sakura yet.
His phone hummed against his palm and he didn't even bother gathering up his hopes; he knew who it was.
You'll come.
-Neji
"Fuck you." Sasuke said aloud, placing his phone back in his pocket where it belonged, not bothering to answer the Hyuuga any longer. This aggravation wasn't worth the hassle.
Just as he was about to turn the corner to enter the hallway that lead to his homeroom, an administrator spotted him, and stopped him with a wave of his hand.
"Skipping class, sir?" He asked with a frown.
"Uh, no sir," Sasuke replied with a weak smile. "Just sending a quick text to my mother."
The administrator studied him carefully before giving him a swift nod. "Well then, get to class now. We wouldn't want you to be cited for truancy."
Sasuke indicated his agreement with a nod of his head. "Yes sir. Thank you."
The superintendent briskly strolled away and Sasuke took the liberty to get his ass to class as fast as possible.
But what was up with Sakura not answering his messages?
He shook it off as he stepped into homeroom, figuring he would just call her when he got out of class.
000
Sasuke punched the numbers into his cell with a frown. This was the fifth time he called her since his class was released. For some reason after the numbers were dialed it went straight to her voice mail, as if her phone was off. It wasn't any different this time.
He found himself growing increasingly frustrated. Was she ignoring him? Was the other night just her way of being polite and brushing him off for good?
He sighed, watching the scenery outside the limo's tinted window flash by. He was nearly home.
"Stop." He ordered to the driver.
The man behind the wheel glanced at him through the mirror. "Mr. Uchiha, we are nearly home. Why-?"
Sasuke glared at him. "Do as I say."
The limo glided to a smooth halt, and Sasuke swiftly stepped out.
"M-Mr. Uchiha?" The driver stammered. Sasuke shut the door behind him, waving the driver to leave.
He backtracked to the bar, seeing nothing out of the ordinary; no grand white limos, no Hyuuga waiting for him. He wondered for a moment: Did Neji know why Sakura seemed…gone?
He entered the complex, finding his usual seat at a barstool near the front of the room. He glanced around.
No one he knew was here.
The familiar red head sighed at his presence. "You again?" She shook her head. "You're practically here every single day. Why do you drink so much?"
"It brings you business, doesn't it?" He snapped, perhaps a little too rudely.
She didn't look fazed by the sting in his tone. She simply shrugged and continued to wipe down the counter with a damp cloth. "I suppose."
He flipped through his phone once more before groaning in frustration.
No new calls.
No new messages.
"Waiting for someone?" The red head questioned, bringing him his normal shot of tequila.
He shook his head as she made herself comfortable in a stool on the other side of the bar counter. "Not particularly."
He downed the shot and she propped her elbows on top of the counter, placing her face on her hands. "So is there anything interesting going on in the Uchiha life?" She asked cutely.
He chuckled lightly. "There isn't really anything exciting in my life."
"I can't imagine why not."
He glanced up into the red head's eyes. She winked.
She was flirting with him.
Out of all of the times he came to this bar, the girl never once paid him more attention than necessary. Now, suddenly, he noticed that her eyes were lit up like a trillion Christmas lights.
He nodded before removing a one hundred dollar bill from his pocket. "Two more shots."
She took the money with a frown. "This is too much money for two more shots of tequila."
"It's you're tip." He replied with a smile.
She grinned and brought back the three shots. "One for me," She smirked, holding the miniature glass up. "Cheers?"
He clinked his tiny glass of liquor to hers, drinking the delicious intoxicant with one quick toss of his head. He licked his lips, reaching for the last shot, when the red head's hand stopped his own.
"Are you depressed about something?"
If you only knew.
He raised an eyebrow. "Certainly not, dear." His hand stroked hers gently as though he didn't care that it was preventing him from consuming more of his beloved alcohol. "I just have an extraordinary view on the world."
She studied him. "And that is?"
He brushed her hand away. "All I know is that it is better perceived while under the influence of alcoholic beverages."
He downed it. Blinked.
So good.
"You're a strange one." She murmured.
"That too." He agreed.
"I'll take what he's having," A voice resonated from the right of him and he felt goose bumps form along his arms.
The bartender stared daggers at the new customer, but didn't speak at all as she rose to go collect the drinks.
Sasuke fingered the empty glasses in front of him wishing that they were once again full with something that could cloud his mind. He didn't need this.
"I knew you'd come." Neji whispered, leaning closer. "What kept you so long?"
Sasuke shook his head. "Why won't you just leave me alone for once? Maybe I'm here because I need to drink my problems away."
"That much is evident," Neji said with a gesticulation of his shoulders. "But what problems?"
"Those are none of your concern."
Neji smirked. "Really now?"
The red head returned with the drink, setting it in front of Neji with a sharp clank on the table. Sasuke could see the fire behind Neji's eyes incensing.
"Now where were we?" The red head directed to Sasuke pleasantly.
Before any words could be spoken, the newly brought drink splashed across the counter with a flick of the Hyuuga's finger. Both Sasuke and the bartender were startled by the sudden outburst, although Sasuke knew that it was coming.
"What the fuck man?" The red head yelled, standing before the liquid could spill over and into her lap.
"Oh," Neji looked at her with pity in his eyes. "I'm incredibly sorry about that." Removing two hundred dollars from his wallet he gave her a smile. "Maybe if you were doing your job instead of sitting on your ass and flirting with a man who is obviously uninterested in you, this accident wouldn't have taken place."
The girl was stunned into silence.
The Hyuuga pushed the bills forward with a charming glance. "I'll take two more, if you wouldn't mind."
The bartender swallowed nervously, before glancing at the clock. She left for only a few moments to retrieve the drinks and grab her jacket. "Keep your damn money." She hissed to Neji as she headed for the door. "My shift is over."
"It was nice meeting you…" Neji called out sweetly as she strolled out. The door slammed and he finished his sentence with a clench of his jaw. "…you fucking cunt."
"Was that really necessary?" Sasuke asked with a sigh. "Spilling the drink and calling her names? She was only doing her job."
Neji snorted. "Oh so you're defending her now are you? What, did she give you a good fuck or something?"
Sasuke let his eyes pierce into the Hyuuga's. "Not yet she hasn't, but if not for you showing up, I could have had her by the end of the evening."
Neji raised an eyebrow, sipping his drink. "Cocky. But trust me," The Hyuuga winked seductively. "I saved you the trouble. Why fuck a red headed slut, when I'm right here?"
Sasuke stared at him.
There were those eyes again.
There was the bait.
That…
…temptation.
"Sakura hasn't been answering my calls." Sasuke spoke out bluntly, watching Neji's reactions, hoping he could glean any information by the changes in his countenance.
Neji's face held stern. "Why do I care?"
Sasuke was silent.
"Wait," Neji cracked a smile and Sasuke's heart thumped. "You think I'm involved with her lack of interest in you? Ridiculous."
"Well, you are the one that hates me for bringing her around." Sasuke said quietly. "I just thought you might have some idea why she suddenly has no need to answer her cell or come to school."
Neji shook his head somberly. "That's too bad, really. I knew she would give up on you."
"Who said she has done that?" Sasuke growled.
The Hyuuga chuckled and Sasuke scowled at his actions. He hated the way Neji laughed when there was nothing that seemed funny at all. He always seemed to be one step ahead; always on the next page and always knowing what his next move was going to be. Sasuke despised the way it made him feel.
He knew something that Sasuke did not.
"Sakura hasn't given up on me," Sasuke stated. "She's not that kind of person."
"So what? Are you two dating or something?" Neji asked with a perplexed grin.
Sasuke glowered at him. "And if we were?"
A hasty hand slithered into his lap, concealed by the shady lighting in the room. Neji's face came closer still, daring him to say a word.
"A relationship like that wouldn't last." He whispered devilishly.
He eyed the Hyuuga's ever confident hand, shaking his head. "What makes you say-"
Neji sprung forward, touching lips with him suddenly. Sasuke grunted and pushed him off swiftly, although the Hyuuga still persisted with an enhanced determinacy.
"Get off of me!" He hissed, trying his hardest not to create a scene. It was a public place. Heads had already begun to turn.
"Hmm? Why? Are you embarrassed at our connection?" Neji murmured with a smirk.
"You are so full of yourself," Sasuke snarled. "I can't stand your ego."
Neji expressed his amusement with an insidious smile. "You sure seem to take pleasure in my ego when you're all tied up." The hand crept forward.
Sasuke knocked Neji's creeping touch away. "You were the one all too willing to get down on your knees."
It was a low blow. Sasuke could feel it by the shift in the air. Neji's eyes narrowed, and although his orbs radiated bitterness, his lips still held a firm, artificial smile. The Hyuuga's mouth brushed past Sasuke's ear.
"And you, so eager to be on your back." He whispered menacingly. His voice held a strong amount of warning in its undertone.
"Fuck you." Sasuke snarled.
Neji pulled away, cackling. All anger had been wiped clear from his expression and now he was staring at Sasuke, looking very much intrigued. "Oh, I like this game," He murmured playfully. "Where would you fuck me?"
Sasuke scowled, signaling another bartender over to order more drinks. "In your dreams." He muttered in response to Neji's question.
A tall glass of beer was delivered and Sasuke gulped it down. The scenery around him began to slowly blur and he realized then that he had drank his limit.
"We do fuck in my dreams," Neji purred. "Every single one of them."
It was time to leave.
"I'm going home." Sasuke mumbled, tired. He was exhausted from the day. He was disappointed; where was Sakura? His phone hadn't made a single sound since he had gotten to the bar.
And what was there to go home to?
A worried mother?
An irritated brother?
Fugaku?
A huge, empty home.
No matter how many people were at the mansion, he was constantly on his own. Itachi never took a second out of his day unless it was to give orders or ridicule, his mother hardly left the first floor, and if he was lucky, Fugaku was by no means around.
But he was never that fortunate.
"One last drink," Neji requested, edging one of the two shots he purchased forward.
Sasuke's eyes went from the drink to Neji. Should he? He knew that the answer was, "No," but he couldn't bring himself to say anything at all.
Neji cocked his head in a sickeningly attractive manner. "Please?"
Sasuke eyed the offering with a substantially growing craving. Without hesitating any longer, he grabbed it, drank it, and stood, ready to leave before anything else was proposed to him.
"Goodbye." Sasuke ushered to the Hyuuga once before he took the backdoor out of the bar.
Neji only grinned.
Sasuke hardly felt any better once he was in the midnight air. The clouds hung low in the sky, creating an almost foggy like appearance on the ground beneath his feet. The air that draped over him was thick and sticky, sultry and extremely unpleasant; it was as if he was being gradually smothered. He commenced the walk back home, ignoring the eerie silence that only seemed to increase with each of his steps. The alley brought back far too many memories for him; he continued his pace down the dark path way quickly.
Abruptly, Sasuke's knees went almost completely stiff, and he plunged to the unsympathetic ground. He threw his hands out in front of him to break the fall, but still felt the hard gravel dig into his flesh upon contact.
His lips twitched upwards in pain. "What the fuck?"
He winced, trying desperately to figure out what had gone wrong. It was as if the signal to move hadn't completely reached his brain. He knew that he had a lot to drink, but he was sure that he didn't consume so much as to where his ability to walk would be affected.
He was wobbly as he brought himself to his feet, struggling against the wall of the alley for support. His legs shook uncontrollably and he could sense the fear begin to effervesce from within him. The control he had over his emotions was slipping away along with the feeling in his legs, and his calm was being devoured by the darkness with each passing second.
He reached into his pocket for his cell, knowing that he had to call Maro or someone to come and get him before he passed out.
He felt around in his pockets.
What the fuck?
He patted his jeans down with one hand, hoping that he had mistakenly placed his cell in a different pocket than normal, and that he hadn't left it in the bar.
He glanced to the door of the bar.
It seemed so far away now; more like miles than feet, and he doubted he could even make it back there without reeling.
He staggered forward, pressing himself fully against the sturdy brick. The rise and fall of his chest was rapid and eccentric.
It was hard to breathe.
He could feel sweat forming on the back of his neck.
The heat was overpowering.
My god…
…what is wrong with me?
"Are you okay?"
His half lidded eyes turned, barely making out Neji's features in the overpowering darkness.
"Ne-ji," He slurred. "My legs…"
Strong hands took hold of his shoulders. He melted.
"Not to worry, Sasuke." Neji spoke softly.
It was getting more difficult to understand the words that flowed from the Hyuuga's mouth. The sound didn't match with the movement of his mouth and it was throwing Sasuke totally off.
Only two words broke through the veil of emptiness.
"…only temporary…"
Temporary?
"What?" He murmured, feeling his body begin to slump forward. He was so tired.
"You'll like this Sasuke," Neji repeated with a smirk. "It's only temporary."
His instinct was bringing life back to him.
"You did this?" He questioned.
"One last drink."
Neji shook his head. "It's just a simple drug, nothing more."
He did this.
"You're crazy…"
Sasuke drew up enough energy to push the Hyuuga backwards. "G' away from me!" He yelled.
As Neji stepped back from the shove, Sasuke's support disappeared and his body finally lost all feeling.
Down he went.
Game over.
"You're insane…" He whispered, his eyelids concluding their futile attempt to stay open.
The world was engulfed by black.
"I know."
The sweat.
The intolerable heat.
It was everywhere.
But Neji was right.
"Ah…"
It was amazing.
"Fuck you."
As the game had begun, he meant what he had said.
But soon…
Where were they?
Sasuke looked around.
A bed.
Soft colored sheets.
The Hyuuga Mansion.
He moaned. "Fuck you, Neji."
Weaker this time.
He was breaking.
But it wasn't hard to break someone who had already been damaged.
Cracked.
"You feel so-"
Neji knew how easy it was.
"You know you-"
He knew of the fractures.
"Enjoyable…"
Neji's words were mismatched and unable to be decoded.
"I don't want you to treat me like I'm breakable."
Sasuke could feel his climax approaching rapidly.
"Oh…god…"
Already?
"Neji…"
So good…
No movement now.
What was this?
The world was once again still.
But then…
It began again.
"Fuck…you…"
And again.
Each time was better than the last.
A sigh. "Fuck…"
The words lost all meaning.
000
Sasuke awoke sometime during the early morning. Probably around four o'clock.
It was the kind of awakening that aggravated him; he had been in the most comfortable position, surrounded by silky smooth blankets that wrapped snuggly around his exposed body. The feeling was refreshing and blissful. He loathed his mind for hauling him away from the unknown dreams and incredible luxury.
He turned over, his face meeting a peacefully sleeping Hyuuga's. The feeling that rose from deep inside was not one of anger for the night's events, but one of confusion.
He knew what had taken place.
But why?
"Are you angry?" Neji mumbled suddenly, as if reading Sasuke's thoughts. Sasuke watched him. His eyes remained closed, and for a minute he wondered if the Hyuuga was still sleeping.
Those eyes fluttered open, revealing an ocean of colorless secrecy.
Sasuke pushed the covers back, exposing his body to the chilly atmosphere. "Yes. You are forever unforgiven."
Neji smirked. "How sad."
Sasuke exhaled a deep breath. How could he possibly be angry with someone who did almost exactly as he asked? He told Neji not to treat him like a fragile object. Neji did not. If anything, last night was all and all a fulfilling experience, even if it was callous.
But so what?
He had stopped caring long ago.
Besides, they were simply each other's pleasure tools and nothing more.
Sasuke slid his jeans up around his waist as he stood, reaching to the floor for his belt. Neji lay bare and outstretched on the bed, looking exceedingly pleased even though drowsiness lay heavily on his porcelain face. He lifted his head as Sasuke crossed the room to reach his shirt.
"Leaving?" He asked with a hint of disapproval in his voice.
Sasuke nodded, slipping the thin cloth over his shoulders. "Itachi will probably string me up over our mansion if I don't return soon."
"You're always answering to him," Neji said with a scowl as he reached for a half used blunt and lighter that sat potently on his bedside table. Sasuke hadn't noticed their existence.
"Just tell him you'll do what you want. Oh, and to fuck off." He added the last bit with a nod.
Sasuke grunted his approval, eyeing the weed with a familiar hunger. Neji noticed the direction of his gaze and immediately offered him the scantily wrapped treasure. "Want a smoke?"
Sasuke blinked and shook his head quickly, making his way to put on his shoes. "No, I- uh, I quit."
There was a rumbling laughter from the bed, followed by a sharp squeak as Neji rose from it. "Oh, please. You?" He intercepted Sasuke halfway to his destination, drug in hand. Sasuke watched as the Hyuuga flicked his lighter up and lit the strong smelling blunt. Sasuke held his breath.
He took a long drag from it before placing it at Sasuke's lips. "Have some." He beckoned.
Sasuke bit his tongue. "I shouldn't."
Neji's chest shook with chuckles. "What is this? Ruin Little Brother's Life: Step Two? What is your brother thinking?" He raised an eyebrow, as if challenging him. "Live a little. It won't hurt."
It won't hurt.
He took hold of Neji's hand, leading the weed directly to his lips and inhaled deeply. He coughed once, the intensity of the drug flowing into his lungs made him feel sick. Neji watched him with an amused tint to his eyes, smirking as he took in more of the old friend.
The room spun, catching Sasuke off of his balance. He took a step forward, catching himself on Neji's arm. The Hyuuga continued to laugh.
"You really haven't been smoking." He muttered.
Sasuke sighed as he flew up to that perfect, peaceful place. It hadn't seemed like long before the joint was just a burnt out bud between his fingertips. He wobbled forward, collapsing into the softness of Neji's bed.
Neji was next to him.
"Do you know what makes you so hot?" Neji murmured huskily into his ear. He could feel their lips fighting, but the sensation was numbing.
"What?" He asked while trying to make sense of the hazy room.
"You can't say no to me."
Sasuke stared into the other's eyes. "Can't I?"
Neji smiled and rose. "No. You can't."
Sasuke watched the Hyuuga travel into his bathroom, the sound of a shower starting. He stared upwards, at the ceiling, wondering why he never stopped to notice the strange choice of color that painted the room. The ceiling was black, a haunting selection for something to wake up to. And yet the walls were pure white, like the Hyuuga's eyes.
Such an innocent color.
Such a sinful man.
The door to the bathroom opened slightly, exposing Neji's half soaked form. His dampened hair almost fell past his waist, clinging to every piece of skin it touched. He looked almost bronze, standing in the illuminated doorframe, nude, smiling.
He looked astonishing.
"You are more than welcome to join me, Sasuke-kun." He offered with an incline of his brow.
Sasuke pushed himself up onto his elbows. "Give me a minute?"
Neji lips curled into a crooked grin. "I'll be waiting."
The door to the bathroom shut.
Rising from the bed, Sasuke continued his analyzing of the room as he slipped his shirt back off and made his way to the bathroom. He noticed how cluttered it was; papers and important looking envelopes coating the floor in layers. He had never really walked through Neji's room before. Though the thought was pretty shameful, the only piece of furniture he ever touched was the bed.
He let his hand trail along a computer desk, lightly brushing some dusty photos with his fingers. Most of them were of Neji and his cousin, Hinata. One of a man Sasuke had never seen before.
He assumed it was Neji's father.
He never knew the story of Neji's father's death. All he understood was that Neji had been raised by his uncle for the longest time, and nothing more.
Then something caught his eye.
It looked as though it was nothing of importance; it was white, plain, just like the rest of the room.
But that shape.
That familiarity.
Sasuke reached past the mess of the desk, grabbing the object between his thumb and forefinger, pulling it up and out, into view.
A mask.
A white mask.
"Sasuke?"
No.
Wait.
Backup.
"You coming?"
Sasuke turned, his eyebrows furrowing. "What is this?"
Neji stepped out of the bathroom, chuckling. "You were going through my things?"
Sasuke inhaled a shaky breath. It was all just a misunderstanding.
"Why do you have this white mask?"
Neji stopped in his tracks.
Sasuke received silence.
"Neji, answer me." Sasuke demanded.
After taking a moment to recover, the Hyuuga simply smiled at Sasuke's paranoia. "I wore that to your masquerade. What are you so worried about?"
Sasuke could feel his head begin to spin. His heart was pounding.
"No," He shook his head. "You were wearing a black mask. I think I'd remember something like that."
Neji stuck his hand out. "Just give me the silly thing."
"No." Sasuke took a step back. "Why do you have this? Who gave this to you?"
His mouth felt dry.
"Is this yours, Neji?" He asked quietly.
Neji took a step forward. "No- I mean, yeah it's mine. Why does it matter?" He reached. "Give it."
Sasuke sprung backwards and Neji swiped thin air. "Sasuke," He growled. "Give it to me."
"Why do you want it so badly?"
"Hand it over."
They played the game of cat and mouse, Sasuke dodging Neji's attempts to take away the mysterious mask. "No, answer me." Sasuke ordered.
"Sasuke, NOW!" Neji yelled.
He had backed himself into a wall. Neji hovered over him, his face lined with anger. He looked impossible to pacify; a rabid dog. He went for the mask once more and Sasuke moved his arm behind his back. Neji hissed.
"Sasuke-"
"Answer me first!" Sasuke demanded.
The Hyuuga slammed his body into Sasuke's, his water that clung to his wet, naked form slowly oozing into Sasuke's clothing. He winced, feeling Neji grab his chin, forcing him to look him dead in the eyes.
"You don't trust me?"
His breath was oppressive on Sasuke's face while his insipid eyes focused fiercely on their target. Sasuke could not find any words to fill the empty silence surrounding them.
Neji leered at him, the vice grip of his thumb and forefinger digging into the skin of Sasuke's jaw.
"Good, you shouldn't."
Sasuke sucked in a breath, his brain spinning back to the thought of Fugaku on the ground, the blood pooling underneath his still body. Could it be possible? Was this unasked question a thought of stupidity or a brilliant new suspicion in this unsolved case?
Sasuke had no idea.
He inhaled.
Exhaled.
How would he react if the answer was, "Yes."?
He shuddered.
"Did you stab my father?"
Nothing.
Neji's face was a blank easel, revealing nothing.
His mouth was a lean, firm line, saying nothing.
Slowly, the Hyuuga's mouth twisted into a snarl. "No, I did not stab your father," He whispered through clenched teeth.
Sasuke felt a blast of relief move over him.
"I stabbed a monster." Neji hissed.
Cold.
A sharp chill ran up Sasuke's spine.
It was like ice.
"You…what?"
The mask was snatched out of Sasuke's hands and heaved across the room. Sasuke recoiled as it collided with the wall, clattering to the floor with a loud crash.
The Hyuuga's fingers still lingered on Sasuke's chin, now tenderly stroking him. "You know I only did for you." He murmured.
"I can take care of myself."
"Get off of me," Sasuke gasped out, pushing Neji away. "Stay away from me!"
I can't believe…
Neji did it.
Neji stabbed Fugaku.
Neji's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Sasuke-"
Neji tried to kill my father.
Sasuke slinked passed him, to the door. "Leave me alone."
What in the hell was going on?
"It was because of what he did to you!" Neji exclaimed, trying desperately to take hold of Sasuke's arms. "I could never forgive him for that, could I? What did you expect me to do? Let him continue to hurt you?"
What am I doing here?
What am I doing?
Sasuke shoved him away, his hands trembling. His old cravings for drugs were returning; the former desire delicately crawling up his back like a spider. "What are you doing to me, Neji?"
Everything was going so fast.
Neji's face was a mix of pure trepidation and blooming rage. His eyes were wide, searching to meet contact with Sasuke's, the urgency behind those snow covered orbs gradually sending Sasuke over the brink and into the pit of madness.
"It's not your place, its not-" Sasuke couldn't breathe. "I cannot believe you-"
"Don't you hate the man?" Neji asked, exasperated. "What do you care if he's gone for good?"
Don't I?
Fugaku, gone?
Wouldn't it be such a relief?
It seemed like a dream.
"I can take care of myself, Neji!" Sasuke screamed, ripping away from his grasp once more. "I am not a child!"
I've lived with it this long.
"Do you know what could've happened to my family if he died?"
My mother.
"My mother would have been devastated!"
"I don't know what I would've done, if…"
"I don't need you fucking up my family anymore than it already is!"
"What the hell does that mean?" Neji snarled.
Sasuke threw his arms in the air. "You, the drugs, the sex, it's not making me any better than I used to be!"
"So what?" Neji barked. "I didn't know I was running a rehabilitation center!"
"You're a fucking asshole." Sasuke muttered, searching the room for his shoes. Why was everything so damn hard to find in here?
"Where do you think you're going?" Neji questioned harshly.
"Home! You got a problem with that?"
"You need to calm down, Sasuke…" Neji whispered, for the first time, his voice sounding unsure of itself, his tone weak and cracking.
Sasuke turned on him, eyes flaring. "Calm down? Fuck you!"
He had never felt so angry.
"He's still my father, god dammit!"
Neji captured his shoulders, shaking him. "Please, Sasuke, please-"
He knocked the Hyuuga's arms away. "I'm leaving. I'm done."
Neji's fire returned suddenly. "The fuck do you mean, "You're done"?"
"You know exactly what I mean," Sasuke growled. "Us. This whole fiasco is over."
He licked his parched lips. His throat was sandpaper. "It should have never started."
Sasuke went for the door and Neji grabbed his wrist. "No, you're not leaving."
"Oh yeah?"
Neji's lips curled. "That's what I fucking said."
Sasuke wrenched his arm out of Neji's grasp, laughing. "You think I need you? I don't fucking need you in my life!"
A buzz came from the right of them. Sasuke's eyes shot to it. It was his cell.
"What did you just say to me?"
He reached over the table, aiming to seize his cell phone, when Neji apprehended his hand in a death grip.
"Fucking look at me." He ordered.
Sasuke's eyes shot to his on impulse.
Neji leaned in until their noses were touching. "Say that again."
Sasuke could feel his resentment seeping upwards, like vomit. His mouth opened, the poison once again relinquishing through his parted lips.
"I don't fucking need-"
The Hyuuga propelled Sasuke into the wall, attacking his mouth with his own. Sasuke grunted as Neji violently forced his tongue passed his lips, aiming to dominant him once again. He pushed against him, striving to resist the prowling muscle and the Hyuuga's immoral hands that clasped around Sasuke's waist, locking him ever closer.
Fed up, Sasuke roughly bit down on Neji's lip, causing him to lurch back. He could taste blood.
"This is what you want, Sasuke?" Neji murmured darkly, sucking away the red liquid from his bottom lip. "I see. You want it rough. You want dominance."
Sasuke ran his tongue over the blood that coated his teeth. "Fuck off."
The Hyuuga slammed his body closer to him. They were cheek to cheek. "Only with you, baby."
Sasuke struggled in his grasp, wincing. "Get the fuck off of me!"
Neji pulled back swiftly, grinning. "Or what?"
His fist shot out; an audacious and robust greeting to the Hyuuga's face. It was so fast. He instantly regretted the moment it happened.
But he didn't say a word.
And he wouldn't apologize.
Neji was dumbfounded. His hands touched his nose, pulling back to reveal the blood that ran in heavy streams down his face.
Sasuke's hands shook as he grabbed his phone from the small table. He snatched his shirt from the floor, forgetting about his shoes. He just wanted to leave.
Before his fingers graced the doorknob, Neji's voice echoed around him.
"Don't you dare." He warned.
Sasuke was motionless for a split second. His emotions were covering over him, smothering him. He had half a mind to turn back around, fuck the Hyuuga and forget all about the confrontation.
But something else inside of him had changed.
He was irate.
And was not going through this anymore.
Fuck this.
He swung open the door.
I'm outta here.
"Sasuke!" Neji snarled.
He jolted into the hall, slamming the door in the Hyuuga's face. He took the stairs in twos, wanting nothing more than to be home in his own bed.
His body shivered at the sounds of crashing coming from the room he had just occupied. To say that Neji was angry would be a complete understatement.
There was a loud crack as the door once again flung open, hitting the wall behind it. Sasuke continued down the stairs, without looking back.
"SASUKE!"
"Leave me alone!" He called out, the front door in his sights.
"Get your ass back here, now!" Neji footsteps pounded down after him.
Sasuke had had enough. He spun on his heels, facing the Hyuuga that was five steps above him. Neji halted.
"YOU DON'T FUCKING OWN ME, NEJI!" He screamed, everything leaving him at once.
Silence.
He turned back to the front door, ready to leave when something to the left of him caught his attention.
A bewildered Hiashi Hyuuga stood no more than three feet away from where he was located.
Fuck.
He looked down, out of respect, and then dashed out the front door.
000
Fifteen new messages.
Five new voicemails.
Shit.
He began to read them one by one.
Sasuke, where are you? Mother is worried. Come home soon.
-Itachi
He groaned, skipping through the rest; they were all from Itachi.
You are in so much shit when you get home.
-Itachi
Shit, again.
He knew it. It's why he hadn't taken the cab home. He had walked, trying to enjoy his last hours as a free man before he was maimed and locked in the mansion for all eternity.
His feet hurt.
He probably should've found his shoes before leaving the Hyuuga Estate.
Speaking of Hyuuga's, Neji's uncle had seen him before he left. He wondered: Had they already called Itachi to inform him that his half naked brother was getting into conflicts with the young Hyuuga heir?
He snorted. This was going to be an interesting quarrel.
His phone hummed and he grabbed it, clicking the message open.
Don't tell them.
-Neji
Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed. He didn't need Neji there to clarify what he meant by that.
'Don't tell your family it was me who tried to assassinate your father.'
What was he supposed to do?
He punched the buttons in quickly.
Stop texting me.
He had reached the gates of the mansion, hearing his phone buzz again but ignored it.
A flash of color had caught his gaze.
Curled up on his porch, sat a pink headed girl.
He grinned. "Sakura."
He sprinted to greet her, wondering what she was doing at his home. He could see her beautiful features growing closer the faster he ran towards the house. He had missed her.
"Sakura!" He called out, waving.
Her head lifted.
"Sakur-"
He stopped short.
She was crying.
"Sakura?" He rushed to her side. "Are you alright?"
She rose and he stared at her quivering form.
"Something terrible has happened." She whispered through her tears.
He searched her eyes for an answer to this misery that clouded her face. He found himself holding his breath, thinking that if he made no sound, whatever she was about to tell him wouldn't be half as bad as he thought it would.
Instead of saying anything, a broken sob left her and she reached out, clinging to him.
He stood there with her arms wrapped around him, not knowing what to say or do. Slowly, his arms found their way around her back, pulling her snuggly against his chest. She pressed her face into his shoulder, her tears cold against his bare skin.
"Sakura…" He rested his chin atop her rosy hair, wishing that he could cease all of her sadness. "What happened?"
She shook her head, crying louder.
He clutched her closer. "Sakura-chan, what's wrong?"
"My parents…" She blubbered.
"Yeah?" He asked softly, stroking her hair.
"They're dead."
000
A/N: Yeah…so…HARSH, I know. But trust in me dear readers, it is all going according to plan! Muahaha! :) Thank you my loves, for all of the support you have given me! I love you all!
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