.::WARNING::. – BOY X BOY – SasuNaru Pairing!

DISCLAIMER - I don't own the characters introduced all rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto.

SEXUAL THEMES – BAD LANGUAGE – EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Future EXPLICIT. 18+ YAOI. Not appropriate for younger audiences.

Defying Gravity

Chapter Thirteen – Truth

A thousand questions were penetrating Naruto's mind, but nothing seemed to escape from his trembling lips. His face was raw with anger, confusion and unwanted excitement. He didn't want to portray his joy for seeing Sasuke because of how mad he was at the man. After all this time, after everything he had done for him why did it suddenly all turn to grey? He guessed having false hope was better than zero, which is exactly what he had with Gaara. Naruto did although believe they were at least friends, even if nothing romantic could ever happen between them. The blonde was sure of his feelings for Sasuke but wasn't ready for such heavy commitments so soon. His whole life had changed, his job, his ambition, his way of thinking and this unsettling trait of untrustworthy. He became fickle and flaky and that was down to doubting people's kind intentions towards him. Everything Gaara had put him through changed him as a person. Though deep down that 16-year-old energetic, dramatic blonde with the love for Broadway was still lurking beneath the surface; although that's what he hoped. For now, it was important for him to put himself back together without relying on other people to fix him instead.

Sasuke studied Naruto's expressions, looking for a hint on how to begin to explain. But he couldn't work out if he was happy to see him or the complete opposite. It was now or never, and if he said the wrong thing this could be his last shot.

"You've been staring at me for at least 10 minutes now" Naruto broke the uncomfortable silence, causing Sasuke to blink frantically waving his hands in front of his face apologetically.

"You don't have to tread on eggshells around me" Naruto continued, "That's the last thing I want between us".

"I'm sorry… I just don't know what the right thing is to say" Sasuke replied, uncharacteristically nervous.

"How about starting with the truth?"

Sasuke studied his expressions again. He was serious, and he could tell the hurt and disappointment he caused just by the look in his eyes. But something was different this time. Naruto's eyes no longer looked hollow and empty and full of sadness. Now they looked full of positive emotion, worry and… what he hoped was trust.

Naruto waited a few seconds for a response from Sasuke, but no words were leaving his mouth. The raven's pale complexion turned an uneven grey. He was still feeling the ill effects of sickness and it was distracting and getting in the way of this train of thought. Focus, he repeated to himself in his head. His stomach was getting unsettled and he couldn't tell if it was the sickness or if it was just nerves and anxiety, something in which he has little experience. He could tell Naruto was getting impatient and uncomfortable but for some reason, his body wouldn't let him speak the words he needed to. Sasuke stood up abruptly causing Naruto to jump slightly.

"Sasuke?" Naruto said leaning forward in his chair.

"I'll be right back, I'm sorry," Sasuke said quickly whilst heading towards the restroom. Naruto watched with worry as he walked slowly in his direction. As he opened the door he could see one of the cubicles locked shut.

"Sasuke, what's wrong?" Naruto called out gently. There was no response except the sound of throwing up and coughing, echoing through the entire room. Naruto placed his hand on the locked door and leaned his forehead against it. "Let me in", he spoke softly.

"I don't want you to see me like this" Sasuke replied wearingly.

"You've seen me in worse states. Come on, let me help".

An announcement echoed through the airport reporting that Naruto's flight was boarding for the rescheduled time. Naruto sighed not knowing what to do. He couldn't leave Sasuke in this state no matter how mad he was at him, it just wasn't in his nature.

"You're gonna miss your flight"

"I don't care… let me in Sasuke"

"No. Just go" Sasuke hunched over the toilet trying not to throw up again. It had been a week already and the sickness hadn't even faded and he knew something was wrong. He didn't want this to be the reason for Naruto staying; he himself had his pride also.

"Is… that what you want?" The blonde replied, now with his back against the door.

It was the exact opposite of what Sasuke wanted. He thought that perhaps this was the best thing for him, to maybe let him go. For years he waited so long to meet someone as kind, funny and caring as Naruto. Sasuke always thought of himself as lucky surrounded by great friends, a good job and a promising future. Anything else was to be short of a bonus, which was until he met Naruto. Ever since that day in the coffee shop, he didn't think a guy could occupy his mind as much as he does. His smile, his fragility and even that hidden confidence he knows that is currently dormant inside of him. Sasuke wanted to get to know Naruto, who he was and who he is now. What was he like in high school? What type of personality will eventually shine back through? There was so much he wanted to know but, now he had ruined everything. This illness, was it karma? Sasuke believed he went through life doing the right thing, helping others and being kind without differing from his own personality and qualities. Sometimes he acts like a stubborn asshole when things don't go his way but, he thought the people who cared and knew him could see past that. Sasuke didn't believe in karma until today. He was sure that's all it was and that Naruto's business with Gaara is something he should have left well enough alone until the blonde actually requested his assistance with the matter. That being said, even when Naruto did ask for his help, he even messed that up too.

Sasuke lifted his head up realising his silence had lasted quite a while after Naruto's question.

"Naruto? Are you still there?" he asked as he stood up with legs like water. Judging by the muffled silence he had his answer.

Sasuke sat in the terminal watching as Naruto's plane took off. He never knew he could feel this much pain in his heart, the numbness in his body felt real as if he had just walked through a wave of static. His breathing started to get heavy and faster and the vision of the plane started to double and blur. Am I… crying? Sasuke thought as he slumped to the ground. Before he knew it his heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest. He clutched onto it hard before crying out in pain through his left arm as he felt as if his chest was stretching out bigger and bigger. The sickness in his stomach grew stronger and he felt as if he was in the Sahara desert, dehydrated and scolding.

This is definitely not an ordinary heartbreak, is it? He thought.

To be continued.