Disclaimer: Do you think that Sasuke and Naruto would still be single if I owned the show? Read this story and I think you will understand what would happen if I OWNED it!

AN: OMFG I have over 250 REVIEWS!!! How friggin awesome is that? coughs ahh yeah don't mind me anyways, here is the next chapter for your reading pleasure, I hope this clears up all the questions left unanswered in the last cliffy :D Well I hope you enjoy! Please R&R as usual, thanks. Oh and if the beginning of this chap sounds bad just keep reading okay, you'll have ta trust me!!

Naruto talking to Kyubbi

Kyubbi Talking

Hugs and Kisses

BlackEyedWicca

Hope Is All I Have

Naruto's POV

Turning away from the still forms of the lightning ninja's I let my eyes land on Sasuke. My heart clenched painfully just looking at the kunai in his chest. I tried to turn off my emotions as I went to take a step forward but I couldn't. My eyes started to water but before they could turn to tears and fall down my face I felt Kyuubi take control of our merged body, leaving me to watch from the back of our mind.

As we moved closer I felt like I was in some sick dream that had been created to strip what was left of my personality away. But I knew that it couldn't be a dream, if it was Kyuubi would have woken me by now. I wanted to turn from him but I couldn't take my eyes from his face, he looked so pale, more so then usual and a faint line of blood was trailing from his mouth. I was reminded of when Haku had put Sasuke into that death like state after he had taken the needles meant for me. I felt a few tears leaking down my cheeks, it was just too much.

Tightly closing my eyes I tried to will everything away but it just wasn't working. Going further into my mind I tried to lock myself away but I couldn't escape, everything was pressing in on me until I was almost suffocating. Tears were freely falling down my cheeks. I fell to the ground racked with sobs, there was nothing I could do to stop them, the last 48hours was finally catching up to me.

Just before I could start pounding my fists into the ground a voice resonated through our mind. Naruto! He's alive! My head snapped up W-What? He's alive…After a brief pause he continued but barely, he needs medical attention, one of the kunai has done some major damage to his insides, the other almost hit his heart. My heart climbed up to my throat but quelling any further emotions I started to take back control of our body. Sasuke was alive, I could do this, I would do this.

Feeling Kyuubi pull back into our mind I focused on the bleeding form of Sasuke. I bit my bottom lip before carefully taking him into my arms. When he was safely positioned I started sprinting home, asking ever god I had ever heard of to save him, asking that he'd be okay. If it had of been anyone else in my arms I would have stumbled when I heard Kyuubi join me in my prayers but with Sasuke being the one injured, nothing would distract me.

Gaara's POV

Jumping down from a tree I joined the others in a small clearing. When I landed they all turned to me awaiting my report. "Neither Naruto nor Sasuke are within my range of perception." Everyone's shoulders sagged. A light growl escaped my lips. I hated this delivering something that only weathered down what little hope they had left. Locking eyes with Neji I said "They're strong they'll be fine."

He sighed before saying "I trust that they have enough skill to survive, what I'm worried about is there mental health. The Uchiha has made many bad decisions when reaching for a goal; I wouldn't be surprised if he makes them again." Shino and Shikamaru closer to us as Neji continued "As for Naruto…well he has a tendency to overreact, combine that with the whispered thoughts I'm almost positive the Kyubbi no Kitsune sends him…." He left the thought open for interpretation.

Shikamaru looked at Neji surprised "You don't think Naruto could be suicidal do you?" Neji kept his face blank, not giving his opinion away. Shikamaru shook his head before saying "Nah Naruto, wouldn't be, he couldn't be." Shino gave a small nod before saying "Shikamaru's right, Naruto isn't like that. He loves life to much; if anyone was suicidal I'd say it'd be the Uchiha."

Shaking his head Neji said "We thought he was happy and was always Mr Positive, it even got to the point that it annoyed us. Yet we had no idea how much pain was inside him, think about it the letter basically said he lived behind a mask, if depression was behind it, suicidal might be." Shino and Shikamaru looked at each other worry creeping up there faces. Getting frustrated I said "He's not suicidal besides you should leave those thoughts alone, you'll only feel worse."

They all looked at me sceptically before Shino said "What makes you so sure?" I felt like rubbing my temples but resisted, instead I just said "Because I know Naruto, he would never do that. He might run, he might hide and he might even join with enemies to get away but he would never harm himself." Sensing there questions I continued "Believe me, I know Naruto, right down to his relationship with Kyuubi."

"He has a relationship with Kyuubi?" Shikamaru asked with a weird look on his face. It took me a few seconds to understand what he meant. I made a disgusted sound before saying "No you idiot, there friends they talk to each other. I guess you could say Kyuubi's the older brother Naruto never had." They all gained understanding looks before Shino said "So you think Kyubbi would stope Naruto?" I nodded before saying "And if Kyuubi was ever going to let anyone find him it would only ever be Sasuke."

"Why not you? You said you two were friends." Neji asked curiosity radiating from him. Turning back towards the tree I said loud enough that they'd have to strain to hear me "Because I didn't fall in love with Naruto and I didn't take his virginity." I heard three gasps following my statement but before they could ask how I knew I had used my sand to teleport me high into a tree.

Looking out at the forest I tried to find Naruto again but to no avail. Just as I was about to go to another branch I felt something flicker briefly before being masked. I waited for it to appear again, when it didn't I merely passed it off as my imagination because if it was real someone must have lost something they couldn't live without, such was the grief that had pierced through my senses.

Kakashi's POV

I was doing something I hadn't done in a very long time, I was pacing. As I paced my eyes flicked to the setting sun, followed by the door and then the sleeping form of Iruka. I was worried, scratch that I was beyond worried I was damn near panicking. Clenching my fists I stopped walking and tried to tell myself that they would all be fine. Somehow it didn't help. Sighing I tried to ease the tension from my body. When most of it was gone I walked over to Iruka and sat next to him on the bed.

Looking down at him I felt my heart clench. His face was still wet from tear trails. Grabbing his hand I linked our fingers, he had scared me today. When we had read the letter Naruto had left Iruka had just frozen and kept saying that it was a joke. It wasn't until we had gotten home that he had broken down, it had taken ever I had not to join him on the floor. He started to mumble before turning over letting go of my hand in the process.

Turning away from him I put my face in my hands. It was surprising how much they held him together those two. Sasuke and Naruto a contrast yet they there was something that surrounded the two of them creating a force that you couldn't escape, they knitted people around them until you were interwoven and sown so tightly that if one thread broke everyone felt it. Lifting my head I looked at the picture of Iruka, Sasuke, Naruto and me.

Grabbing the photo from the table I placed it on the bedside table before climbing in with Iruka. I was going to go after them if they didn't return soon. A small smile crossed my face as I remembered what Iruka had said just after that photo had been taken, Sasuke and Naruto had just started bickering when Iruka had mumbled 'I don't need to have children these two fit the description perfectly. I worry about them, fuss over them, get annoyed by them and couldn't live without them. The only difference is the kids want each other' My smile widened slightly, he was right.

Naruto's POV

When the house came into view I almost cried in relief. Focusing my chakra I blew the door open so I could enter without stopping. I headed straight for my room and gently placed Sasuke on the bed. I didn't want to leave him for an instant but I needed to get medical supplies. I look at him once more before turning to go into the kitchen I was stopped however when Haku, Akane and Toshi entered the room dragging a first aid kit with them.

I nodded at them and grabbed it muttering a quick 'thanks' in fox before turning black to the barely breathing form of Sasuke. Kneeling on the floor I carefully pulled out the two kunai wincing when the finally came out. When they were out of the way I pulled off his shirt before bandaging his wounds. Kit, he's fading. At Kyuubi's nervous voice I realised we weren't merged anymore. Focusing on his life-force I saw it was fading…rapidly.

I started to feel bile rise up my throat but holding it down I quickly placed my hands over Sasuke body, hoping I would remember it right. Just as I was about to start the justsu Kyuubi anxiously said Be careful. I didn't bother answering and started to preform the signs needed, ignoring Kyuubi's voice as chakra started to form around my hands. As it started going into Sasuke I felt myself weaken but I kept the hand signs going. When I started to sweat and my hands started to shake I quickly finished it before collapsing onto the ground.

After a few seconds of panting on the floor I pulled myself up enough to check on Sasuke. He was breathing easier but his life force was still lower then what it should be. I sat watching him as Kyuubi built up my chakra stores once again. When I was close to normal Kyuubi softly said Naruto that was dangerous, you shouldn't have done that. He then sighed before continuing But it has stabilized him….for now, however if he does not awaken within the nest two hours…he may not wake at all.

Tears started to cascade down my face; I wouldn't be able to cope if something happened to him…..he was my everything, my precious person, my rose blooming in the snow. Moving closer to him I went to remove my mask to realise it was already off. Before I could even think the question Kyuubi said You took it off just before you bandaged him. I didn't remember it so I just took his word for it.

Looking back at Sasuke I started to lean down but stopped myself, this was no different then before I had left, it never would nor could be. Not being able to leave him I reached out my hand and ran my fingers through his hair. It was soft and somehow without any tangles. I sat there for a few minutes, comforted by the feel of his hair.

It wasn't until Toshi rubbed against my leg that I pulled my hand back from him. Standing up I grabbed my dropped mask and with one quick look at Sasuke I went to fetch anything he could need within the next two hours, I trusted the foxes to warn me if something went wrong.

Neji's POV

I leaned back into Gaara's chest, relishing the freedom of being free to be his boyfriend, well for the moment at least. Looking over the fire at Shino and Shikamaru I smiled they were in the same position, Shikamaru leaning into Shino. They were an unusual couple, but they really felt for each other. If there affection towards the other wasn't enough, just the fact that Shikamaru didn't kill a spider when it climbed on him plus the fact that he even listened to Shino talk about bugs was enough to settle that fact in my mind.

"Comfortable?" Gaara whispered with a slight hint of teasing in his voice. I smiled before snuggling further into his chest "Yeah, you?" My answer was his arm wrapping possessively around me. I smiled but it soon disappeared as I remembered why we were here. Naruto and Sasuke, what they must be feeling now that they're separated. I looked up at Gaara before linking our fingers, even if I had to move to the sand village, I would never let what I had with Gaara go. With one finally look at him I closed my eyes, the last thought I had before falling asleep was hoping Sasuke and Naruto and would be okay.

Sasuke's POV

Everything was black; I could barely see in front of me, I wasn't worried about the darkness; I was more concerned about the silence. As I kept looking around I felt a familiar presence, turning around I came face to face with a smiling Naruto. I stood stunned for a few seconds before pulling him into a hug. "Naruto." Was all I managed to say before I was pushed away from him.

I wasn't expecting it so I fell onto the ground when I looked up Naruto was standing there with a disgusted look on his face. "Why are you hugging me Sasuke?" My heart clenched painfully at the sound of the hate in my name but before I could answer a hooded figure appeared and draped his arms around Naruto's shoulders. I felt anger rise within me. "So this is the one you slept with and then left? I bet I was better."

The voice sounded familiar but I ignored it focusing on Naruto. "Yeah, and don't worry you were better." I felt my heart full into my stomach. What was going on? "Naruto? What's…don't you l-love me?" He smiled before saying "Oh Sasuke, why would I do that? I left didn't I? Why would I leave if I loved you? My body started to tremble slightly but I held it down and stood up.

"Who's this then?" I asked anger and pain lacing my words. Naruto smirked and the hodded figure pulled down his hood. I gasped, the figure smiled "What's the matter little brother? Upset I stole you boyfriend?" My shaking got worse as Naruto leaned into him before saying "Isn't it ironic? The only person you've ever despised falls for the only person you've ever loved, and he returns the affections."

Itachi laughed before saying "You hid your feelings from him so you could chase me, fearing that relationships would only bring you down and now the one you love is lost to you." He smirked before continuing "You also fear you'll never be strong enough to defeat me. Both your goals, the people who haunt your dreams have been taken, lost by your own fear and now, you'll pay the ultimate price." Each pulling out a kunai they took aim and threw them. I didn't even try to move. Just as they were about to hit me my eyes snapped open and I found myself trembling while looking at a timber roof.

After a few seconds I came to the conclusion that it had been a weird dream it wasn't real, that knowledge, however truthful didn't help the fact that I was still trembling. I went to sit wipe my face but the moment I moved my arm a searing pain ripped throughout my chest causing me to hiss before biting my lip. As the pain continued I slowly remembered the lightning ninjas and the kunai hitting me. I tried to remember being brought somewhere but couldn't, figuring my best bet was to observe my surrounding I went to sit up when a deep voice said "I wouldn't do that if I were you, unless you feel like dying and trust me you were close to it."

Before I could answer someone moved over to me and put a hand to my chest, numbing the pain. When I couldn't feel any more discomfort they helped me sit up against the wall. When they moved back I was able to see them clearly. They had blood read hair, dressed in black and where wearing a mask. As I looked them over my suspicion grew, they were carrying weapons and had a feel of power about them which was suspicious enough but the fact that I felt at ease around them was what was making me tense.

Naruto's POV

Moving back I felt Sasuke's eyes studying my form. I was almost tempted to run out of the room but I stayed, mainly because I couldn't stop looking at him. I had only been gone maybe twenty four hours and that time amount of time apart almost killed me. When our eyes locked the question I had wanted to ask since I had healed him escaped "What were you doing in such dangerous territory, alone?"

Sasuke didn't answer just glared before saying "Who are you?" I felt Kyuubi use our face to smirk before saying "Ahhh but who are you? My Damsel in Distress?" I felt my eyes widen, he didn't just say that to Sasuke of all people. The glare Sasuke sent me was pure venom "I'm not a fucking Damsel in distress!" before I could even think of answering Kyubbi took control again and said "No indeed you are not but help you did need and I provided, the least you could do is tell me your name."

He clenched his teeth before growling out "Uchiha, Sasuke." Kyuubi smiled "Now was that so hard?" The glare was answer enough. Continuing seemingly unaware of the daggers Sasuke was sending Kyubbi said "Now I shall ask again what you were doing in such dangerous territory and alone?" Ignoring the question Sasuke asked his "Who are you?" Moving back towards the tea I had been preparing before Sasuke woke up Kyuubi said "Seems fair to answer that. I am the protect of these forests, you are in the house of all those who have come before me, I am the Visu."

Sasuke's eyes widened and I felt the urge to bash Kyuubi up the side of the head nobody was suppose to see the Visu or if they did they weren't suppose to know who they were, but no he just had to be a blabbermouth. Mentally grumbling I took back control before grabbing the tea pot and turning back to Sasuke. Using the teasing tone Kyuubi used I said "Now I believe you should drink some tea, young Raven." Pouring some I handed it to him making sure we didn't touch hands. When he had murmured a thankyou I said "Now, tell me of why you were playing with lightning"

Sasuke's POV

I tensed slightly at the statement before making myself relax, this was the Visu, and he was not one to harm people. Looking down into my tea I said "I'm looking for someone." I didn't take my eyes away from my tea but I could feel his curiosity "Who are you looking for?" I went to answer but stopped, why should I tell this guy anything? What if he was lying about who he was? So many questions flew through my mind that I didn't know where to start. It wasn't until I heard a slight crashing sound that I looked up, what I saw almost made me smile.

The Visu was trying unsuccessfully to shoo three foxes and two birds away from a plate of food. As he walked he was muttering things that sounded to me like yips and chirps but were probably in depth conversations with the animals. When he managed to sit back down he handed me the plate of food that consisted of fruit, a few vegetables and some eggs. "Sorry, it's kind of a vegetarian house here." I nodded, it made sense.

Looking back up at him I decided that he was a better chance then any and since I was injured it wasn't like I had much of a choice. "Um sir," I paused when he seemed to jump at being called sir. Shaking his head he said "Forget the sir, makes me feel old. Just call me…." His head seemed to tilt to look at one of the foxes before turning back to me and saying "Call me Toshi."

I gave a small nod and was about to speak again when I felt something claw at my leg. Looking down I came face to face with a big eyed fox, I froze as memories of Naruto came pouring back. My heart started beating faster, Naruto was probably even further away now that I was injured and behind schedule. Not wasting anymore time but being careful to not sound too desperate I said "I'm looking for someone, for a mission and I don't have much time left, I could use your assistance now that I'm injured."

Naruto's POV

I felt my heart drop, he was doing missions already….I guess he really didn't care for me. I felt Kyuubi start to take control but I shrugged him off telling him I'd be fine. Concentrating back on Sasuke, I gave a small sigh that was barely audible. I couldn't not help him, looking up I said "Tell me about them, if they have travelled through my forest I will be able to assist you." The look of appreciation that shone form his eyes made my heart warm and body tingle.

"He's my age, a ninja; he disappeared last night after leaving the Konoha gates from what we know he's travelling alone but that might have changed." Looking up he continued but I didn't hear what he said. The only thing I was focused on was that the person he was looking for was me. I couldn't move I was frozen in indecision. There were so many things I could say, so many things I could do…I could even show him it was me. Mentally shaking my head I reprimanded myself, Sasuke was doing a mission for the Hokage, he was not looking for me.

Locking eyes with Sasuke I waited for him to stop when he did I went to open my mouth to answer but Kyuubi got there first by saying "I may know of where the person is you seek but why do you search for them? I will not give answers without hearing good reasons to give them. If your answer is worthy, I will reveal his location, this I promise." Sometimes I really wanted to kill that fox.

AN: HOLY CRAP! That chap was long!!! But that's a good thing ne? Anyways whatcha think? I didn't kill Sasuke, see I'm not that evil!! Still I kinda left a cliffhanger, so I'm maybe a little evil…..still I'll try and update it soon so it won't be too bad. Anyways I hope you liked the chap and please R&R it would make me unbelievable happy!! Thanks for reading!

Luv

BlackEyedWicca