A/N: Well, it has been awhile hasn't it? I'd say about a year plus and I have changed to a very different person from who I was when I began this.

I'll be honest with all of you; my original intent was to abandon this fanfiction at chapter 9. Fortunately for you I decided one uneventful summer day that I would see this fanfic to the end. It's been a fun ride, and you readers have been great and made this whole experience worthwhile. I would especially like to thank you readers who even came to LJ and posted pleas for me to continue writing this. You guys are great.

Since I didn't want to change the rating for the entire story for just the last chapter, I cut most of the car scene in order to keep the rating at T. If you would like to see Sasuke and Naruto going all out in the NC-17 version of this chapter then please visit my livejournal (u/n: artificalapple), you can find the link to it in my profile. Consider it a little apology/parting gift from me. Enjoy.

tus gueros you white boys

All reviews redeemable for Gaara-shaped chocolate.

. : M O N S T E R : .

T h e T e n t h C h a p t e r

The Grande Finale -- Cut Version

A u t h o r e d B y : L i n W e s t

When I finally awoke it was night once again and Naruto is behind the wheel plowing across the highway's cement at nearly 80 miles per hour. My head feels like crap and I'm sure my hair looks no better. I groan, "Hey, idiot, slow down a bit."

"Ooo, look who's up. You know, it's a good thing I convinced you to let me drive. As soon as you hit the backseat you were out." It might've been my imagination but Naruto's voice seems to soften. "If you're tired you should just tell me. We can't afford to get into an accident."

"Heh." I sit up and crack my neck, "Did you do some growing up in the last few hours?"

Naruto is silent for moment, but then carefully answers. "I did a lot of thinking while you were asleep." The gentle hum of the car and wind whipping against the speedy vehicle sings in the background. "We can't just run away forever, can we? Eventually they're going to find us. And how are we supposed to make it in a different country? A country where we don't even speak the language fluently and have only one connection that I haven't spoken to in years." Naruto increases the speed and presses 90. "Sasuke... this was a stupid idea."

"Woah! Slow down!" I sit up and grasp Naruto shoulder. I murmur dejectedly, "Even if we wanted to, there's no turning back now."

"Sorry." Naruto coasts until the speedometer hovers above 70. "Sasuke, I'm scared."

"I'm just as scared as you are." I press my nose softly to his neck and inhale. "But," I softly kiss his hairline. "We have to just keeping moving forward, no matter what happens."

Naruto leans to my touches but his eyes remain fixed on the road ahead of him. The passing lights of cars cast a fleeting glow across our faces, Naruto's eyes to sparkle a vibrant blue momentarily. He shakes his head, "This won't end well. I can feel it."

I chuckle, "So you're psychic now too, huh?"

His purses his lips and turns his head to me momentarily. "I'm serious."

"Pull over." I command, frowning.

Looking alarmed, Naruto glances to me. "What?"

"I said pull over."

Although he hesitates, Naruto reluctantly pulls the car onto the highway's arm. Currently our surroundings are nothing but endless darkened farm fields and the highway itself is just as empty. The green light from the car's display is the sole illumination. He stares back at me, waiting for me to speak, however saying nothing I crawl into the front seat.

"Sasuke?"

I take his hand in mine, "I need you to know that no matter what happens I'm happy with the choice I made, and don't regret it for a moment. Whatever happens, happens." I lean forward, pressing my forehead to Naruto's, our noses softly brush. "You make me feel alive, for that alone I am grateful."

I feel his arms encircle my shoulders and his slow exhale of breath against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "But you had so much going for you... you sacrificed your life to be with me." His eyes dodge mine, "You could've chosen anyone. Why all this effort for someone like me?"

My body is now hovering over his, my hand reach forward to entangle in blonde locks. "Is that really what you think?" I press my lips to his temples, his jaw line, trailing until my lips have met his. "That you aren't worth the effort?"

Naruto is silent.

With a sigh, I murmur. "Since you don't seem to believe me, no matter how many times I tell you." My legs straddle his hips, "I'm going to have to show you." Pressing myself against Naruto I can feel the heat of his flesh, the citrus-spice scent that never leaves his hair, and the soft flutter of his breath as he whispers my name,

All those passing years, I just stood there. I never truly knew my own brother. My only living flesh and blood. Itachi returned to the family's home late that night. He turned off his police radio, unplugged the house phone, but kept his cell phone next to him. Hoping that Sasuke might call and explain everything to him, to apologize to him, to say goodbye to him.

Something.

There are only three ways this story could end: Sasuke would either be found, killed, or would disappear off the face of the world. Things would never be as they used to, and no matter how it did end, there is no happy ending for Itachi.

Itachi always knew how Sasuke really felt about his older brother, but Itachi never really acknowledged it. He would always push it to the back of his head and immerse himself in work. In the end, Sasuke truly must've hated him to not even bother to leave so much as a parting phone call, a note, or some object?

Nothing.

He feels hollow and unneeded, a feeling Itachi isn't used to. Itachi finishes his cup of brandy and pours another round into the glass. After all, Itachi's sole confidant has always been the bottom of a glass.

After our nighttime activities Naruto was thoroughly exhausted.

As I continued to drive, I couldn't wipe the smile that glued to my face. I felt so happy, so alive. The radio softly playing, the road flying underneath me, my loins satisfied, and a beautiful, mated boy sleeping in the back seat. As the sun rises, the worry and dread that I had felt earlier disappears.

I have seen the southwest in pictures, movies, and television but actually being here is weird... Its nothing but endless dirt, scattered weeds, cacti, and mountains. It feels almost like I'm in a different country. But then again we never had any fun family vacations, so I never really got to see the nation's geography. Itachi's idea of a vacation is taking me down on the metra to his workplace in Chicago.

But more importantly than the landscape, my wallet is nearly empty. Despite that I emptied my personal bank account, emptied my wallet, and stole a little from Itachi's stash I have nothing left. All the gas, showers, and various stops for food along the way had left me with only a single crumpled up ten. I could only hope that Naruto's friend would be generous until we managed to pick a job. Speaking of the cute little blondie, he seems to waking. "Good morning." I greet.

"Morning. Are we in Arizona yet?"

"Yeah, and about your friend," I turn slightly to him, "Do you think there's anyway you can get in contact with him?"

Naruto appears to think about it, "Well, I don't know his phone number but I know where we can find him. His name is Gaara by the way, didn't I tell you?"

"Nope. This is the first time I've heard his name."

Naruto lies back down. "It must've just slipped my mind, but anyway a couple miles from here is an eatery called Explosion. If we stop by I can ask one of his friends there for his current number since Gaara change his number constantly."

He changes his numbers constantly? Why would he need to do that? "Um, who exactly is your friend, Naruto?"

"Gaara, I told you."

I groan, "I know that. I mean what does he do for a living?"

Naruto innocently replies, "He never really told me what he did for a living."

I tell myself to focus on the road in front of me and not turn around and strangle Naruto. "And exactly how do you know this guy?"

There a slight pause and then Naruto explains in a soft but firm voice, "After the whole...incident I was sent to various mental institutions to see various doctors. I met Gaara when I transferred down here for a while, he was also institutionalized for severe DID. We became very close in the short time; he was one of the few people who I felt normal and happy around. Eventually I was transferred out and I haven't seen him in person since. We've talked a couple times over the phone though."

I not very confident in placing our well being into a boy Naruto had met in a mental hospital, but I suppose its our only option. Either way I would judge him for myself when I saw him, if I sense any danger at all I'll have us leave instantly.

As dusk arrived we reached the restaurant. The interior of Explosion has this wild west/wooden cabin theme going on. Its kinda cool but the giant bull head trophy adorning the ceiling accompanied by lots of other game is rather frightening.

Naruto walks up the host he smiles and starts talking to her. I approach closer only to realize with shock that the host is not a she. My eyes trail across blonde hair - lighter than Naruto's - that is covering one eye and styled into a high ponytail.

Wait, is he wearing eyeliner?

Gesturing to me, Naruto introduces me to the...boy, "And this is Sasuke. So do you have a way for me to reach him?"

The boy puts a black-polished fingernail to his lips, "Probably. I can't guarantee he hasn't changed his number again. He just changed it recently so it should be accurate, yeah."

Naruto smiles, "Great. Uh, do you mind if I use your cell to call him?" The ...boy reaches into his dress pants and produces a bright pink phone. Surprisingly, I'm not surprised. Naruto pays the color no mind and quickly thanks him. "Thank you so much, Deidari!"

"Yeah, it's not a problem."

Naruto grabs my arm and begins to pull me outside, "I'll just step outside then." The ...boy, Deidari, waves and grins. I frown, well he seems nice enough despite his bad taste.

Once we are close to our car Naruto begins dialing the number Deidari told him. Naruto waits as it rings. Excitedly Naruto' exclaims, "Gaara?"

Wow, he actually answered.

"Um, this is Naruto." His voice seemed nervous, how unlike him. His timid behavior quickly disappears into a smile once again. "It's me. I'm calling you because I need a favor, its real important." A pause. "Me and my... friend need a place to stay, we're kinda in a little trouble. Do you think you can hide us for awhile?"

A little trouble? This is hardly a little trouble. Try the zenith of troubles; the most troubling of troubles that ever troubled two teenagers.

"Really? Gaara you're the best! Thank you so much! Where should we meet you up?" Another pause. "We're at Ex right now." A longer pause. "Hold on, let me write this down." Naruto turns to me and covers the phone, "Do you have paper and a pen in your car?"

I retrieve it and Naruto scribbles down information that the mysterious man gives him. I don't like this one bit... but there's little other for us to do in this situation.

After returning the offending pink thing to Deidari and pleasantries are exchanged they say their goodbyes. And all too quickly we are on the road once again, Naruto is behind the wheel again and I'm riding shotgun. We're extremely close to the border now, although it would be very unwise to approach it. The border is very tight and security had increased by tenfold. It would be suicidal for two missing teenagers to attempt to gun it across.

Even if it would be a lot of fun to go cop running, it would also be very irresponsible.

As Naruto turns into a small town. There are off-name grocery stores, trucker stops, run down houses, dust in place of soil, and a McDonalds just down the street. Naruto doesn't seem too concerned about our questionable surroundings. He merely keeps muttering the directions to himself as he drives.

He turns down a street with a long, winding row of houses. Each equally dirty looking and falling apart at the hinges. Naruto turns to me, "Help me look for house 102."

"Naruto, you didn't tell me we'd be meeting at his house!" Is he that naive? We could both end up dead, especially in this neighborhood. This is the kinda area that you watch horror movies about, in this story two beautiful, male, gay, runaways seek refuge of an old friend... only to be tortured, mutilated, and only granted death from blood loss or infection. Which ever came first. "There's no way we're going into this guy's house."

Naruto seemed offended, "I know this area's seedy but you act like I don't even know this guy! He and I are really good friends."

"Anyone can pretend to be your friend. How do you know he isn't a twisted pervert that's just looking to perform fantasies out on teenage boys?"

My words are cut short as Naruto swings at me. "You bastard! Don't talk about Gaara that way! You know nothing about him!" He pulls infront of 102 and leaves the car with me in it. I clutch my cheek as I pull out the keys, hide all valuables visible in the car, and then lock the doors.

That stupid idiot. Why doesn't he ever think logically?

I run after him across the dead yellow grass of a lawn. Naruto refuses to acknowledge me, he merely rings the doorbell.

I don't know what to expect as the door opens. I can only pray that Gaara is a good guy and this won't end here. I want to reach out and wrap my arm around Naruto's waist but I know he'd probably punch me again if I attempt to touch him. The door reveals a man only a little shorter than me with shocking red hair that I conclude can't be his natural color since he appears to be Hispanic. His hair isn't the most interesting aspect of him; he's got some Chinese word tattooed above his right eyebrow and horrible bags under his eyes that are so dark they look black. The only normal thing about him is his clothing.

My mind is yelling run, everything about him screams serial killer. However, I can only stand there and stare in horror as a devastatingly happy smile graces Naruto's lips and he embraces the man. He seems surprised by Naruto's actions but reluctantly places his hand on Naruto's back accepting the hug.

Even as the hug ends Naruto still holds onto his hand. Sheer jealousy clouds my thoughts. "Gaara! It's so good to see you after all these years. Thanks for responding to my call."

Gaara's eyes are darting around, as if looking for someone. He nods to Naruto, "Yes, but please come in quickly." His voice that is monotone and devoid of emotion.

It seems Gaara keeps enough contact with the outside world to know we're wanted men. Or maybe he doesn't want the neighbors to notice his two latest victims...

He leads us inside. The house is dusty and very old looking, faded, dirt-engrained photos decorate the peeling walls. Dust and dirt litter the corners of the wood flooring and the boards creaks and move against our weight. Gaara murmurs, as if embarrassed by the state of the house, "This isn't my house you know. It's one of the houses my company has us use."

Gaara stops at the dining room, which consists of a table with plastic tablecloth on top and four plastic chairs. Hr sits and motions for us to do so as well. I watch in annoyance and Naruto sits in the chair closest to Gaara, ignoring me.

"What are your plans regarding this situation?" Gaara asks.

Of all the nerve! He didn't even both to introduce himself to me! "We," I begin before Naruto can speak, "Plan to start a new life outside of the US. However we lack to means to get across the border or connections to get a job and housing."

A little smirk slides across his face, "Oh?" It quickly disappears making me wonder if it was ever there at all, "You will not make in Mexico, tus gueros will be killed."

Naruto turns to him, "Gaara!"

"If you attempt to do this on your own you are good as dead." He crosses his arms, "Is that your only plan?"

Naruto looks to me, I silently look back at him. Yeah, that's basically it. Naruto turns back to Gaara, "Well, we didn't have much time for planning."

With a sigh Gaara lowly says, "Neither of you seem to understand how dire your situation is. It is a miracle that both of you have not been caught by the cops yet." Gaara stands and pulls a newspaper from the top of the fridge and throws it me. "Read it."

On the front page of the New York Times is a picture of Naruto and myself. "Psycho Killer on the Run" the boldface print reads. The text underneath talks of Naruto's past, his condition, and the people he killed. I notice several people from his school quoted with remarks such as, "Naruto never really fit in. He always was a social outcast, I didn't know he had any friends." Then I see one about myself, "Up until he started hanging out with Naruto he was getting good grades and excelling in sports. Then he started missing classes and stuff like that, but Sasuke always seemed like a smart kid to me. I don't know why he got involved with that messed up guy." The article continues and describes how they escaped and what the police's plans are. They have sent helicopters and cars to patrol the southern states for any suspicious behavior. Citizens are asked to notify them if they've seen licenses plate 542 322.

Gaara turns to me and I pass the newspaper to Naruto, although with hesitation; I know this article will upset him. Gaara watches as Naruto skims the page's contents quickly. He mumbles and looks away as his hands return the offending bundle to the redhead. "I've read enough."

"The whole country is in uproar about," Gaara takes the newspaper and places it on the table, "'The Sexy Runaways,' as they call you. You guys apparently have quite the following of female and male fans alike. Your old high school now has security around the whole building to prevent reporters from approaching students while in class. Tabloids are saying you are gay lovers and are making claims of having pictures of you two blowing each other." He pauses, "You are basically celebrities now."

I knew this was going to be on the news but I can feel my eyes widening and I find my mouth unable to move. Sexy Runaways? Followings? Blowjobs pictures?! This is much worse than I expected this to be. (I hope to god they are fake and not the actual pictures of us.)

I turn to Naruto to see how he's responding to the news. His face is completely flushed and he stands in rage, "You're lying!"

Gaara shakes his head, "Not at all. If anything, I am not describing pop culture's current fascination with you accurately enough. It is a very interesting story after all."

He's biting his lip and I can tell he's about to cry; Naruto probably feels completely humiliated at having his personal life thrown to the general public of the US for their entertainment. I know he feels this because I share those exact feelings. The media is currently slandering me and there's nothing I can do to prevent it.

"Because of this you two will have to leave the US. You will be recognized the moment you walk into anywhere populated. Luckily, most people here are too poor to afford a television and don't care to read the newspaper so they probably won't know your faces so they probably haven't noticed you." Gaara places a hand on Naruto's arm, "The safest option I can offer you two is to come and work for my employer in Mexico. Its home base is in the countryside and you should be safe there until this whirlwind dies down."

I finally managed to find my voice, "And who's your employer?" Once again, we're back to the question of what this man does for a living.

His eyes rise to the ceiling as if in contemplation, "Oh, he dabbles in all sorts of things. However, if you choose to accept this preposition, you two must be trained in the home base before you can begin actual work."

"You still answer my question, what kind of work will we be doing?"

"I guess the closest thing you could compare it to would be a bodyguard, or maybe an assassin." He pauses, "I suppose ninja would be accurate too."

Naruto turns to Gaara, "I will accept no such thing! I refuse to kill! You above all people should know that." His hands clench around the chair's arms. I almost thought for a moment that he would break the chair.

His eyes turn to Naruto and despite his blank expression, I can tell he's attempting to look apologetic and sympathizing. "That is the only position I can recommend you for. Unless you wish to spend the rest of your days locked in cells it would be in your best interests to join us." Gaara touches his tattoo, "Most of your work will not involve killing; most of it is special requests by our clients

I growl, "I still don't know what this job your advertising even is. How can we accept?"

"Cause if you don't you will spend the rest of your life running from paparazzi, a social outcast, and probably jailed for a long period of time." Gaara turns to Naruto, "And he will be in a padded white room until the day he dies. So you better take whatever offer crawls your way, no matter how unappealing."

Before we made our leave to Mexico's countryside with Gaara, we have to get rid the evidence of us ever being here. After empting our car or any possession we sought to save we drove out to the middle of the desert and burned it. We drove away quickly in one of Gaara's cars and I watched the burning heap disappear into the horizon. I continue to watch the large cloud of dark, gray smoke pour into the air even as the car is no longer visible.

We burned the very image of my freedom, my independence. But now I suppose that freedom is gone, Naruto and I will never be truly free as we innocently talked and dreamed about in Naruto's cell. We won't be able to return to The States ever again, and our life will be anything but normal.

I turn to the boy sitting next me, but at least have each other now. We won't be separated by anyone. I entangle my left hand with Naruto's right, he turns to me and I can tell he wants to cry. He has wanted to cry for hours after Gaara told him the news but he had refused to look weak, I can tell.

Naruto is stubborn like that.

I lean towards him and embrace him with our hands still entwined together. He grasps my back and leans his head against my shoulder, his silent tears fall onto my shirt. My free hand pulls him in closer.

Gaara glances to the backseat but continues driving, seemingly uninterested,

He chokes, "I'm sorry, Sasuke."

I hush him, "It's not your fault."

He insists, "It's all my fault."

I counter, "No, it's not."

He pushes away from me, "Everyone's laughing at you because of me."

I pull him back, "I don't care."

Tears stream down his cheeks, "Sasuke..."

And I kiss them all away.

Gaara, who had been watching the whole thing through the rearview mirror, murmurs to himself, "The tabloids were right this time..."