A little more SasuNaru angst coming your way. A pretty short chapter too. Then again, the last one was a slightly lengthy, so I guess it evens out.

Chapter 12: Painful Memories

Sasuke headed back to his flat feeling rather empty. He had hoped that he would be able to convince Neji to follow him back. The sand-nin being there didn't help matters, and Sasuke was sure that he could've persuaded the Hyuuga if it had not been for him. Entering his home, Sasuke realized that it was probably for the best Neji had turned him down.

"What are you doing here?" he asked a Naruto he found sitting on his couch. Sasuke slid his shoes off and walked over.

The blonde regarded his ex. "I guess you had fun."

Sasuke nodded. "What are you doing here?" he repeated, also taking a seat on the couch.

Naruto gave a soft sigh and looked down at the floor. "I miss you," he said in a barely audible voice. "It hurts sitting alone and not having anyone to talk to. I couldn't stand it anymore."

"We're finished," Sasuke stated firmly, and he saw Naruto cringe. Regardless of how the bluntness made Naruto feel, Sasuke had to get the message across. It would've looked really bad if he had brought Neji home, only for the two of them to discover Naruto waiting on the couch. Neji would jump to the conclusion that he was still being used, and that Sasuke had lied to him about the breakup.

"But I don't want us to be finished!" protested Naruto, tears stinging the corners of his eyes. "You're the only one I have."

Sasuke kept his exterior cold and distant. "Perhaps you should find yourself someone else."

"But I don't want anyone else!" shouted Naruto, grabbing Sasuke and clinging to him while trying to hold back his tears. "I want you. I love you." The blonde buried his face in Sasuke's chest.

The dark-haired nin felt a part of him soften a little, but he still did not return Naruto's desperate hug. The fox-child had to learn, and encouraging him otherwise would not be helpful in the process.

"Sasu-chan…please…" Naruto looked up at him with watery blue eyes.

Sasuke mentally winced to hear his pet-name again, and looked away from Naruto. He was surprised to have his face forced forward, and Naruto's lips latched onto his own. Sasuke relaxed into the familiar kiss without thinking, before coming to his senses and pulling away. "No Naruto. It's over."

"Sasu! What do I have to do to get you to love me again? What did I do wrong? How can I fix it, because I swear I'll do anything to be with you again!" Naruto clutched onto Sasuke's hand, nuzzling his face into the back of it as Sasuke stood up.

"Leave Naruto."

"Sasu-chan, please don't kick me out."

Sasuke shut his eyes tightly, feeling the wetness of tears on the back of his hand and Naruto buried his face in it. He found himself forcing the words out of his mouth. "Please Naruto…just go."

"You don't mean that."

"I DO!" Sasuke suddenly yelled, whirling around. Naruto let go of his hand and looked up at his ex in shock. Sasuke took a few deep breaths and turned away. "Just get out."

Naruto silently stood up and wrapped his arms around Sasuke from behind. "I wont give up."

Sasuke stood stiffly. "I don't want to see you here again. If I do, then I'm not responsible for my actions. Now go."

Naruto slowly released his hold on Sasuke, who didn't even bother turning around as he heard the blonde slowly walk out and open and shut the door. Sasuke ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled, shutting his eyes. He didn't like to admit even to himself how difficult throwing Naruto out was. The aftertaste of his former boyfriend still played around his lips and Sasuke had to wrench that paired emotion out and shove it in the very depths of himself where it could not torment him any longer.

Naruto would be fine without him. He'd find someone new. He'd be happy in no time. Sasuke convinced himself of this as he walked to his bed and collapsed onto the soft comfortable sheets. He'd have to get new ones. The old ones held far too many painful memories that he'd just have to deal with for tonight. Sasuke shut his eyes and forced himself into a restless sleep. It was going to be a long and lonely night.

Aww…part of me wants them back together, but the other part is revelling in the thought of a single Sasuke. Well, Neji's sleeping well, and Sasuke and Naruto are not. I'm not even sure if Gaara is sleeping, but I suppose that's irrelevant. I'm still debating over to write in Gaara's point of view. To be honest, it would be weird for me, and I'm not sure I want to somehow take away the 'mysteriousness' that seems to hang around him.