Snow was falling just outside the window on that chilly morning, and the memory of the Angel still lived fresh in Naruto's mind, despite it had been a few days. He wouldn't have been able to tell if it was a few days ago, or mere seconds ago. Some moments he swore the twitch of after pleasure still rang through his body, but that couldn't be possible...though a small part of him said it was because of the infatuation. It was causing quite the interesting dreams, just like the one he had woken up from.

What a way to start off the morning; a heavy heart, and a stain in the front of one's pants.

With a small groan, he sat up, rubbing the sleep away from his face with a brush of his hand and trying not to focus on the cooling wetness on the front of his crotch. Despite the minor embarrassment, he knew that there was hardly time to worry about wet dreams that morning...for today was a special day. He would have to be quiet and sneak out for his yearly errand, the tan boy decided, pulling himself from the warm clutches of the bed. He was eager to change and get out of there quickly before being spotted by a certain "bodyguard".

Speaking of said bodyguard...

When Naruto opened the door as quietly as humanely possible, there was a moment where he half expected to be interrogated and scolded for sneaking out. Thank goodness that there was no such thing. The sounds of peaceful slumber rang in his ears, causing a relieved smile to stretch on to his face. Dear Sai had posted himself outside the bedroom, determined not to leave the blond defenseless in the clutches of a madman. Or, so the raven had declared before bed last night.

Although judging from the way he slumped over in his chair, snoring quietly, he wasn't doing a very good job of protecting anything. With a smile and a brush against the sleeping man's cheek, Naruto swept past him, noiselessly down the stairs to head out for a few hours.

As he made his way down the stairs, there was no one in the hallways or entryways that morning. Usually there was at least one or two people during the slow hours, and this emptiness inside such a busy building felt very queer. That was to be expected; not many people would be awake yet at such an hour. He pulled his heavy coat closer around him as he spotted the front door, ready to shield off the wind as the doors gave in with a groan beneath his hand.

It was a very chilly morning, Naruto realized, glad that his decision to bring his heavier garments paid off and left him only with a cold nose. Puffing out a breath of air that drifted into the crisp outside, the young man made his way down the steps, towards the center of the square. A stranger was perched next to his wagon; the unfortunate soul had to stand there in case someone needed to get somewhere during this time.

"Where to, sir?" The figure asked once in earshot, voice muffled by a scarf that wrapped around his face like a boa constrictor. Could he even breathe...?

Realizing he was wasting the man's time, he cleared the random thoughts swarming around. "To the graveyard, please." Was given, and he moved forward, muttering a 'thank you' when cold hand helped him up into the carriage, where the cold seemed even staler. A sigh was heaved, the figure huddled in the corner of the seat, blue eyes staring out the window when they began to move.

To the graveyard now, for today was indeed a very special day. The anniversary of his parent's death. His mother and father, God rest their souls, were Polish, buried back in their native homeland somewhere. But a headstone was dedicated to them in the local burial site. At least, that way, he could feel close to them.

Sometimes, Naruto would wake up in the night, to the smell of vanilla all around him. Other times, the scent of smoke sparked an image in his mind; a blond man would be sitting in a comfy chair, pipe held between his teeth and newspaper in hand. Sometimes, the past liked to creep up on him in strange ways, and it made the boy feel warm and depressed at the same time. These things made him feel close to them as well, for it almost felt as if they had never left.

Although most memories of family were gone completely, the earliest memory he had involved all three of them, celebrating a Christmas that was probably wonderful. After that, there was really nothing except the coldness of being alone in the orphanage, trying to survive from heartache and loneliness. No one had wanted to bring the blond home; whether they disapproved of the scars on his face or not. It just seemed that despite his beautiful personality, his luck...was absent.

Eyes traced the outline of bare trees blanketed in the snowy backdrop, the snow still falling and dancing in his line of vision. Yes...it had been a lonely existence, at least until he ran away from the horrid little orphanage and found himself in the arms of the traveling performers that took him in like their own. It had been amazing really, to find such acceptance from a small group of actors and singers that had been performing out on the streets of Warsaw. They had been his family for the next section of life, a comfort from the harsh reality of having no one. That is how he first awakened and honed his talents for the fine arts, really.

"Sir, we've arrived." The carriage driver suddenly spoke, throwing the door open and startling the blond out of his thoughts. Had he really been daydreaming for so long? crossed Naruto's mind as feet lifted the body up in to the snow once more, now standing right outside a vast, barren graveyard. There was no color in this place, only whites and grays. Sadness seemed to pour forth just from the sight, and the young man had to actually take a deep breath to still his shaky nerves. 'Just a quick visit,' his mind murmured, a tan hand moving absentmindedly to place a few coins in to a gloved palm.

"Thank you sir. Will you be needing a ride home as well?"

"No." It was truthful, even though there was no one coming to pick him up. The plan was to walk back the five miles and get plenty of time to be alone and think. Other people might find the notion bizarre, but traveling with a nomadic opera honed his endurance; it would be a pleasant walk in the country. He smiled and waved at the man, who shrugged and turned away, going to prep real quick and ride back in to town.

With that settled, attention focused immediately on the wrought iron gates before him. They were shut, though not locked, mere feet away; seeming to say 'enter if you dare.' Even the shape of the gates seemed foreboding, the sharp curved and designs of the Victorian Age such a dark twist of art. Everything about this place...screamed loneliness and death.

Well, it made sense, in an unsettling manner.

The gate creaked open under the light push of palm against metal, the horrible sound of it making it clearly evident that it had not been oiled and properly taken care of in a quick question of how old this place really was flashed in his mind as he passed through, squeaky entrance none too comforting. The loud sound made him realize how quiet the place was when everything settled back down, and not a comforting silence either. It left behind a heavy feeling, one that made him feel like he wasn't entirely alone. Blamingthe sudden shiver that ran up his spine on the weather, shaky fingers moved to pull the heavy coat closer, boot covered feet tromping on the snowy landscape through the maze of graves and vaults. The one he was searching out was placed farther in, almost at the back of the property.

It so quiet here, an occasional soft cry from the birds the only echo in the loud silence. Even the animals seemed to understand that this was a place of serenity and resting. If one listened close enough, you could even hear the soft sounds of the snow falling, even though it seemed quite impossible. Yet that's how it was here...even the sounds that did not exist were audible.

Although there was suddenly a crunch of snow that seemed as loud as the decibel count of a siren. The sudden audio came from his left, causing his gaze to abandon staring down at his walking feet and wander over to the source; a lone man who was shuffling back and forth in the cold and staring down at some head marker of his own to visit and mourn over. They were bundled against the cold, but shivers were still seen...although Naruto seriously doubted they were tremors against the temperature. It made the blond...sad to watch such a scene, almost a picture right out of a tragic play.

Although the mind knew that he himself would look exactly the same as the stranger when he got to his parents grave....ice cold and forlorn.

Soon the figure was out of his vision, and so he returned to gazing along the pathway, still having that irritable feeling...as if being watched. Despite the unsettledness, he pushed his way through the thick snow and ignored the howls of the wind beating at his eardrums. Why was it so windy here...?

His feet stopped on their own accord, and from his surroundings, he knew that he was now standing at the site. The headstone was still new, at least when compared to the worn and tattered ones that had been here for many years longer. There were a few chips, he'd give that. But no cracks, no worn down edges, and the names still stood out legibly among the stone.

-

Minato and Kushina Uzumaki

Died Young, Lived Prosper

-

Died young....lived prosper...reading those words always made the actor feel...strange in the pit of his stomach, as if something were eating away at the tissue. Why this happened....there was no way to tell. You could have asked the young man, but even he had no answers. The writing just seemed to have a great impact on his mind and body, taking away any light and leaving him...cold inside. Perhaps this was because the phrase was a firm confirmation that they really were dead...which was hard proof against the nagging in his brain that they were still with him somehow...

Still, the wetness shed was cold on his cheeks, and dried quickly by the icy gusts brushing against his face. Tears were always shed here, even though there was no reason to cry, really. He had such a wonderful life now....with friends and family; and his memories of the past were almost non existent. The memories weren't the reason for heartache, though.

It was the yearning...the desire to have a real family, however, would be forever present in the back of his mind. The hopes of one day leaving the Konoha Opera and settling down in a real house where one could live the rest of their days in peace and tranquility...with parents...children...and a lover...

If only Sasuke had been true to his word, and not killed that night. Then perhaps, the phantom would not seem so cold blooded, and could have been part of the new family Naruto wanted to create. Hell, with the way things were, the raven would have been his only family, but that would have been just fine. Even now, the piece of his heart was missing, where love was supposed to go. It had been missing the moment the title of orphan fell upon his shoulders, at the tender age of six, and that gap widened even more because of the relationship Sai had left in shambles long in the past. And now, all of this....like a raw wound, the hole hurt everyday, refusing to heal now.

If only Sasuke hadn't killed...

Well...so what if he had killed? A selfish part of his mind suddenly spoke up. Yes...so what. What was murder, anyways? Just because someone killed, did not mean they had the wrong intentions. After all, people kill for many reasons. To protect. To honor. To ...

What the hell was he thinking? If anyone else had heard such thoughts, he would be undone, he chided miserably, shame rising every moment. His heart was so useless and in love that it wanted to rationalize the Uchiha's murderous intent. What was wrong with him..?

"Please," the young blond suddenly rasped out, eyes watering now at his own confused and shameful thoughts. "Someone...tell me what to do." Watery blue eyes closed tightly. "What should I..."

"Talking to yourself, Naruto?" An amused voice suddenly whispered so quietly, one could swear that it was the gentle gusts of wind talking to the young man.

Naruto knew, better, though. That voice was easily recognizable, even if it was a faint brush of sound to his eardrums. The only voice that could immediately make his head to snap up at the sound. The voice of his dark angel...Sasuke.

Dear lord, is this some sort of mirage trying to haunt me? He wondered bitterly, eyes moving to rest on the masked figure, sitting atop a grave not too far away. He truly wondered if it was really him...despite the smell or feeling that it was real.

Well, hallucination or not, the blond was not ready to deal with anything that regarded the phantom at the moment. It was too soon...much to soon, and so he decided to pardon the other.

"I'm trying to be alone here," was murmured, eyes narrowed with slight emotions..mostly annoyance.

The raven haired man merely laughed at this, a long leg bent and planted firmly into the earth, keeping him upright as he sat at the edge of the stone memorial. With a coy smile, the figure tilted his head, eyes once again burning secret holes into the blond's soul.

It irritated Naruto beyond comprehension. Muttering something about people's sense of cruel humor, the blond turned away, shoving his hands in to the pockets of his jacket and looking as if he were ready to get the hell out of there.

"Ah, wait, Naru...I'm sorry," the smooth voice interrupted his bitter mood with an apologetic tone. "I'm not laughing at you, I promise."

"Well, to me it seems your promises are no better than your lies," was retorted, no hesitation found in the harsh words. They even were received with raised eyebrows, and a silent frown. Apparently the rage was still fresh in the younger male...

Sasuke cleared his throat, gently. "You know I speak of the truth this time. Do you know why?" There was a brief pause to consider the question. "It is because you...you yourself told me, a long time ago...that you hated being alone. That is why I'm laughing, because it's you who's lying now. Isn't that the truth?"

Damn. The Uchiha was too observant; too sharp. Yes, even though sometimes he yelled at people to get out, or to let him be...the fact of the matter was, any kind of loneliness tore him up on the inside, even when he wanted to be alone. A professional might have suggested that Naruto Uzumaki suffered from Monophobia, if not for the fact that the worst that happened was that it made him feel out of ease.

But, he would not admit this to the other. "What do you want from me, phantom?"

The air became thick with the sudden tone coming from the two males, and the question was left unanswered. "Do not call me that." At the surprised look he got, the pale man lowered his face slightly, voice wavering in the slightest. "Please...do not dehumanize me." The tone was quiet, pleading...even, gentle. Apparently, using that name for him really hurt his feelings...though that was understandable.

Still...Naruto did not trust himself to say the man's real name...in fear that if he did, he would be lost forever. "I call you that because that is all I can call you now..." There was a soft sigh, and the little actor trudged in the snow slightly, trying to move his body enough to keep warm. It was so very cold...although part of it was happening because of their encounter. "I do not think you realize what you've done to my heart," was finally managed, unable to explain further.

Sasuke's frown deepened at this, and the figure's face tilted lower. The wind gathered up the ends of his black coat and ruffled it around, adding to the ethereal feel. The billowing almost gave form to his reputation as an opera ghost...floating, shadowy, mysterious; the effect which came to an end as the disfigured man stepped down from his perch, now standing normally as anyone would.

"Naru, please..." There was nothing after this for a long time. Perhaps the man was trying to gather up all the thoughts and feelings currently buzzing through his head...or maybe he just wanted to make sure that the blond was curious and willing enough to listen.

He tried again. "Listen, Naruto, and listen well...for I am only going to explain myself so clearly one time." Another pause, and when those beautiful blue eyes turned to watch, he smiled bitterly and continued. "I am...not a normal man. I've been scarred so many times throughout my life-"

"Scarred..?"

There was a serious, solemn look at the inquiry. "Abused, beaten, raped, humiliated. I once belonged to a carnival, you know," he continued on before the young actor could react to the horrid news. "I was part of the act, because of...my eyes. So many people came everyday to look at me; the freak."

Naruto couldn't even come up with something to interrupt with.

"Even though it's been so long, sometimes I have nightmares of it that are so very vivid and accurate, it scares me. Customers cussing and damming my existence...throwing things and spitting on me..and I had to sit there and let them do that.

"As for the rape...at night, the ringleader would come in sometimes and make me..." Behind the mask those eyes closed, tightly. A whimper could be heard, but it came from Naruto's throat.

"So, I'm sorry if I seem so cynical and monstrous, but..before you and Kakashi, I've never been given compassion before....so I do not give any back to those who do not deserve it."

So, that was it, Naruto realized through tears that had started to shed down his cheeks at his angel's words. That'd why the man before him wore a mask of porcelain, that's why he lived underground and stayed away from mankind as much as possible.

It was why Sasuke was such a broken person. It made so much...sense.

What cruel fate had fallen upon this creature? Perhaps that's why he also became the Phantom of the Opera. Though it was true that the Phantom was feared and hated, everyone couldn't help but be awed by him as well. Why be a tortured young man living beneath the opera house when you could be someone?

It makes too much sense now, and Naruto even realized how...human Sasuke really was. Yes, it was true that he killed....once. Once he killed, despite the fact that, long ago, he faced people who berated and insulted him....but, there was no plan to take vengeance upon everyone else; no desire to torture people as they did to him.

Sasuke Uchiha did not want revenge, Naruto realized.

Sasuke Uchiha.....wanted to exist.

"Loathsome creature!" A voice suddenly bellowed out, causing them both to immediately snap their heads up at the sound coming from the newcomer. Red eyes narrowed while the blue ones widened at the visitor.

"S-Sai!" Naruto managed to get out, confused as the man mounted off a horse he must have borrowed from town. The accountant was frowning bitterly, although the look of displeasure was directed at the other pale man before him. Suddenly, a sword was drawn, and he was rushing at the man in the mask.

"Sai! What do you think you are doing?!" The blond cried out, knowing that he very well couldn't stand in between the two in defense...but then again, this was not supposed to happen.

Sasuke, on the other hand, seemed clearly amused...as if knowing that this was going to happen. Perhaps he did, considering that he drew a sword from his own belt, blocking the attack with a smirk adorning his face. "I guess my predictions do come true, even though I really have no wish to hurt you," the Uchiha mused, pressing the blade against the others. "It never hurts to be prepared, in any case."

Sai didn't seem to care that he was now potentially in danger. "Quiet yourself, demon! You've been haunting the opera house and dear Naruto for far too long...go back in to the shadows forever and give up this plan." The blade pushed roughly, forcing the taller man back by surprise. Sasuke did not try to retaliate, though. He wouldn't, because he knew that Naruto would never forgive him if he hurt someone again.

Surprisingly it was not Sai nor Sasuke who stopped the scuffle.

"Stop it!" The blond ran up, grasping the furious man's shoulder in a tight squeeze. When that dark look turned unto him, he shook his head, pressing his grip harder. "Don't. He's not worth it."

"Now worth it..?" Sasuke suddenly muttered, frowning at what those words could mean. Surely...

His thoughts were torn away, along with his heart, when Sai nodded firmly and wrapped an arm around the blond, pulling him close to try and leave. Naruto...didn't even try to fight, merely walking away with the man towards the entrance, leaving the confused man behind in the snow.

That only enraged Sasuke further, so much that his fists clenched until his nails dug into the skin and caused small, bleeding cuts. Even if the actor had just saved his life, in which he was thankful for, how dare he...walk away. Just like that, and especially with that man...how could he choose the side that had nearly killed his ex-lover? Was he ashamed or something to come over and stand by him? Or was it really the fact that Naruto had lost all love in him?

That seemed completely logical, even though it hurt so badly inside..

With a snarl, the Uchiha pushed himself back on to his feet, glad that he was alone so no one could see his brief weakness. The pale hands were shaky, trembling slightly with rage as he sheathed his weapon. The snow was starting to pick up again, flurrying around him. He could hardly notice the cold...not when he was so emotional.

"Do you really wish to rage war upon you?" He muttered darkly, kicking a rock away and turning, long black cloak flowing with the moment. He headed towards one of the vaults, where a secret tunnel would ensure him a safe trip home. It hurt knowing that he had no one to walk with, and no one that would be waiting at the end for him.

No matter. If it was war they wanted, it was war they'd get.

---à suivre---

-----

Next Chapter: Don Juan

The accountant flicked his hand in a gesture, glancing over at Tsunade with bright eyes. "We go along with his little games, and preform this opera he was written for us" a small smile was put on his lips, and he followed it with a lone finger. "...but, it is us with the Ace in our hand, for if Naruto is the star, the phantom will surely attend."

A wide grin broke out upon the blonde's face, immediately catching on to what was being said. "Ah, I see. We make certain that all the doors are sealed shut..."

"...and that the authorities are part of the audience," Jiraiya followed, catching up and looking more relieved than ever before. It seemed like they had finally came to a solid conclusion to their problem. With police armed and ready, there was no escape for anyone.

When the curtain fell that night...the phantom's reign will come to an end.

R/R!