The Chances of a Miracle

Chapter 11 - Bonds

Naruto watched Sasuke sleep for a while before going to entertain himself with something else.

Sasuke woke up on the pillow next to the table, and there was Naruto, and something that smelled like food. The windows outside showed signs of darkness, which meant night has come already. The blonde was watching television, so he did not notice Sasuke rising from his spot to a sitting position and rub his eyes awake. He had another dream. Not a bloody one this time, just some sort of cursed reminder of what Itachi had wanted him to do. He couldn't take it anymore, when would those dreams go away?

"Naruto."

Sasuke started, earning the blonde's attention from his cup of instant ramen.

"Hm?"

"I want you to train me."

Sasuke stated, and Naruto knew exactly why this so suddenly.

"Sasuke…"

Naruto sighed. His lovely Sasuke was being fooling with his obsession again.

"No, I must!"

Sasuke insisted.

"Train me!"

Naruto looked up to meet Sasuke's black eyes and not being able to resist it, brought a hand up to hold Sasuke's chin, earning the boy's full attention.

"I have something to tell you, Sasuke."

Sasuke blinked. He could sense it was important so he held Naruto's hand that was on his chin and sat in front of the blonde, not releasing that hand that was larger than his own.

"What is it?"

He asked, noticing that the blonde was having a hard time with it.

"Well, you see. Itachi is dead."

Naruto said it in one go, watching Sasuke's eyes widen in disbelief. Damn he was too blunt and quick. The blonde man remained quiet, letting his lovely kitten to sink in the news.

"But…"

Sasuke couldn't believe it, really. Just like that?

"It's true, Sasuke. Your brother died in battle."

It was not a lie, nor complete truth. Just a fact.

"But he…"

Naruto's heart could hold no more as he pulled Sasuke to his chest holding him, and secretly basking in his scent and warmth.

"It's ok."

Naruto reassured when he felt Sasuke's body tremble against his own, and brought his hand up to caress his hair. He knew the boy hasn't harnessed his heart enough to block his feelings for his family, so he was vulnerable. But it had to be said, Naruto thought, holding the sad kitten in his arms.

It would be alright, after all Naruto is aiming to be Sasuke's pillar of strength, and he would hold Sasuke until he fell asleep after weeping all the pain away. The blonde liked these moments, where he could held onto Sasuke like there was no tomorrow. He wouldn't dare to just casually hold the boy whenever he felt the urges to, in fear of Sasuke's reaction.

As for Sasuke he wasn't sure of what to do anymore. He remained alive with determination to fulfill his brother's wish, but he had found something else to depend on. He allowed himself in deep slumber into this man who offered him love and protection, this time not bearing with another nightmare.

They did this routine for another couple weeks. Stopping by any place they would spot, obviously forgetting that they were supposed to find someone, and Naruto nearly forgetting he needed to be somewhere else. Naruto would always hold Sasuke when he was plagued by his nightmares, that seemed to become less and less frequent. That is, the nightmares stopped completely after Sasuke discovered that if he stayed next to Naruto in a very close way he would be safe from this ghostly past. And so it became a habit of his to sneak into Naruto's futon the instant lights were out. Not that Naruto minded at all.

They walked, and walked until they came to a very familiar 's first goal, Konoha. He did not wanted it to be like that. He knew the dangers it would bring to Sasuke, but he needed to come to speak with someone that was dear to him. That perverted hermit that had trained him and created a bond with him. Naruto felt kind of lost, and he needed elder advises, because he was considering fervently to abandon his duty as a ninja. But there was a problem. Just like himself, everyone else knew exactly how Sasuke looked in his young age, and really the ears kind of blend themselves with the hair, except for the pink interior. He felt Sasuke lean over for him and hold his hand. He had gotten quite fond of Naruto lately, and mostly when Naruto comforts him during his nightmares.

"It's okay, ne. I'm here."

Naruto reassured, sensing the feline's uncomfortable and distrust for the passerby. He just hoped no one he knew would spot him. And just as if that thought had brought hell along with it, came a familiar, rather disgusting voice.

"Naruto? Is that you?"

To be continued….