Things are growing more intense with each chapter and I seem to be making things get more interesting with each page that unfolds. Oh how creativity is the time killer for some but hot rods ride for others. In this case it's a bit of both come to think of it. I keep going either because it's too fun to just drop or I'm too bored and jobless that I have to do something with my hands and my head. Lets all hope that this chapter has some NarutoXSasuke lemon and lime goodness. But you'll just have to find out for yourself now won't' you? On with the story! I don't own Naruto or any of its characters and I thank the Goo Goo Dolls for providing the lyrics of their hit song "All Eyes On Me."

"iii" speech

iii thought/telepathy

iii spirit speech

Chapter 13: Unspoken Words

Early morning light peaked through the windows, shining on an unmasked face, icy blue eyes opening to greet any new changes. The cat was on the floor on a rug as the girl sat up and rose from the futon, stretching and loosening tight muscles as the cat followed suit, yawning its feline yawn. Walking to the opposite wall the girl looked through her bureau in search of a good shirt and pair of pants for the day, her jacket and scarf hanging from a hook on the door. Finding none that suited her taste, she went to a corner where a trash bag had been lazily dumped out of fatigue from the day before. Looking through it she found the item she'd taken a great liking to: a navy blue tank top with a beautiful picture of a white wolf on the front. (I actually saw one at a festival but I was broke and they wanted like $50 for it. Very cool looking and I'm hoping to get it as soon as I have the means to). Wordlessly the girl opened the door and padded her way through the dark hall and into the bathroom. The two boys still had yet to wake up, giving her the needed freedom to shower and eat without incident.

Close to thirty minutes later she was out and dry, bare feet still padding on the wooden surfaces that were ice cold but to her, just right. Passing the two forms, dead to the world, in the living room she walked calmly into the kitchen, followed closely by a cream craving cat. To prove its point the creature took the time to claw its way some distance on her leg before her mind's voice soothed it back down. The clock ticked away in the silence, a noise she was used to by now, disrupted by the soft snores coming from the next room. Smirking to herself the girl raided the fridge, pulling out the cream and some more eggs. Hopefully the two dunderheads wouldn't burn them again. Getting out a bowl and the skillet she poured cream for the cat and cracked eggs until the smell became heavenly. The two still hadn't moved as the eggs sizzled and fried in the pan, the aroma filling the air.

Putting the finished eggs on plates, setting the table for three and ignoring the cat, the girl ate her share in silence. Ten minutes passed as she finished and cleaned up after herself, wrapping the other plates in plastic wrap, leaving them on the warm stove so they could maintain temperature. Padding back to her room she sat on the futon to put on clean socks and tie her shoes, rising to retrieve her mask, scarf and jacket before leaving the room, closing the door behind her. She passed the two sleeping males one last time, the cat sleeping on the table, as she headed for the door. Without another thought to hold her back, she walked through the door as though it wasn't even there.

The faint smell of eggs and a dim light reaching his eyes wasn't enough to bring Sasuke completely to consciousness. Shifting under the blanket he burrowed deeper into the warmth and comfort of the couch but soon became aware that he was holding something in his left hand. Sleepy and confused he lifted his head to peer out of his nest of blanket to see with sleep filled eyes that he was indeed holding something: a human arm, warm and filled with life, the wrist soft and connected to a rough hand. The signs of a determined person. Curious and utterly confused, he moved to look over the edge of the couch to find a field of cloth covering a lightly snoring blonde teenager lying peacefully. He's probably drooling again too. Sasuke thought as he stared down at his teammate, wondering when he'd get in on all the events that occurred during his times of oblivion and unwittingly comas. He was about to let the limb drop and fall back asleep with a pink hue coloring his face, but this plan was interrupted once again as Naruto moved, pulling the surprised Uchiha with him.

Daylight burns your sleepy eyes

It's hard to see you dreaming

You hide inside yourself

I wonder what you're thinkin'

And everything you're chasin'

It seems to leave you empty

Had the other had been awake, he would have seen the deep red that overtook the Uchiha's pale face as he lay on top of his teammate, trying to figure out a way out of the awkward situation that he was now faced with. Fully awake and clear headed, Sasuke tried to think of a means to get off his rival without a) causing a ruckus that would have Naruto mad at him for something he didn't actually do, b) Naruto getting the wrong idea and not talk to him for possibly the remainder of his life or c) be Kakashi for a few minutes and somehow lie his way out of it. The last one did seem like a good option but only to those initially desperate to escape punishment since b might lead to c, a might actually got straight to c then b, or just going in the order they came in, sending any chance of salvation Sasuke ever had crashing to the ground like a downed plane. Thankful that Naruto's calm breathing and light snoring continued as he prepared to take quick and careful action from creating a scene. Gently bracing his hands and toes against the floor, he slowly but surely lifted himself off of his friend. With a great push from his left arm, he flipped back onto the couch, his back facing the room.

He breathed a sigh of relief, confident that Naruto hadn't noticed a single thing that'd just occurred. Carefully rolling over on the couch to face the room again Sasuke sat up and carefully scooted to one end that wasn't blocked by a sleeping blonde. Standing up and around the sleeping teenager Sasuke headed to the kitchen, following the faint smell of freshly cooked eggs. Naruto, on the other hand, finally opened his eye to watch the brunette leave, a sad look in his innocent blue eyes. He'd kept quiet and still during their little moment, pretending to sleep while he kept one of his eyes slightly open to see what would happen. Naruto almost jumped in shock at the nasty blush that flooded the brunette's face, a look of shock and horror appearing on the normally emotionless features, confusion and alarm swirling in those deep black eyes. All he could do was watch and listen as the boy moved with caution and care to remove himself off of Naruto, a deep shade of pink still staining the paper white face of the Uchiha as he moved from the couch and into the kitchen, confusion and uncertainty still clouding the eyes Naruto had come to love. Seeing no point in staying on the floor but didn't want to move too soon unless blowing his own cover, he remained there as he heard Sasuke move around the kitchen.

Sasuke couldn't rid his mind of what'd happened not five minutes before, mechanically forking his share of the eggs into his mouth, trying to figure out what it was that made him freeze like he had when it first began. He felt like banging his head into a wall, but he was sure his limbs were still a little anemic from being in that weird bag thing so he had to make do with the table top. Loud thumps filled the air as his forehead met wood, the cat sitting up to stare at his spiky head as it rested on the surface. The sting from it and the pain that resounded in his head told him he was awake and fully aware that he'd had a strange second episode with his sleeping teammate only this time they'd somehow switched rolls.

And it won't take long to burn

All eyes on me

Through the nothing that you've learned

All eyes on me

And the things you choose to be

All eyes on me

But your eyes look away

It's so hard to be someone

Strung out from today

And all that you knew slips away

Naruto winced at each dull thud that sounded off from the kitchen, knowing that Sasuke was beating himself up for some odd reason. Probably embarrassed that I 'unconsciously' pulled him on top of me. Maybe playing the 'stupid, oblivious one' is in order. Sitting up he began his routine, stretching and yawning, slapping a sleepy look on his face he lifted himself off the floor and headed to the kitchen. Coming into the room, he noticed that Sasuke still had yet to figure out that the blonde was actually up, his head still resting on the table like he'd been shot. But the fact he was breathing and not limp and bloody proved he wasn't in any form deceased, just really, really confused.

Unexpectedly Sasuke lifted his head and banged it against the table a few more times for good measure, making Naruto panic but that would be breaking the act too soon. Speaking in a sleepy voice, Naruto finally gave his teammate the direct approach. "Sasuke? What the hell you doin'?" the reaction he got wasn't exactly what he expected from the boy. Stunned and surprised the boy jumped and turned to face him, eyes wide like a deer in the headlights of a speeding car. He quickly relaxed but was still tense, nervous on what to say to the other boy. Concerned he rid his face of the sleepy look, letting it drain away to be replaced by confusion and worry for his teammate. Such things were expected of any ninja, especially if the person was as troubling and detached as Sasuke usually was. The person he saw before him wasn't the one he knew and somehow, he'd accidentally exposed a side of the Uchiha that wasn't for his eyes to see just yet. Ashamed Naruto made his move to fix things. Or at least he hoped so. "You okay? Why were you doing that?"

You drown in deeper oceans

Inventing new religions

They smile and stab my back

I lie and have to smile

"Sasuke? What the hell you doin'?" these words immediately caught the boy's attention, making him jump and nearly fall to the floor from surprise. Standing in the doorway was none other than Naruto, clothes disheveled and face sleepy as his brain 'tried' to wake up. Sasuke tried to salvage what was left of his cold exterior but it just wouldn't come together. His gaze was just too; too intent on perceiving what was in front of him. The next question brought things collected again. "You okay? Why were you doing that?" pulling his face to that of blank confusion all he could say was, "Huh?"

Naruto blinked, fake but convincing curiosity became honest annoyance. "What d'ya mean 'huh' you teme? Why the hell were you bangin' your head on the table for?"

"None of your business dobe. Why would you care anyway?" he snarled in reply, his cold exterior placing itself in confusion's stead to face off against the blonde.

"'Cause its my job and I'm gonna do it! Of course I care you dumb ass teme!! You're my friend and my teammate for gods' sake! Now what's wrong with you?" this conversation wasn't going as he expected at all. They were fighting again but something was off, something awkward that was sending the normally angry rival balance between them askew. Tension was bound to snap into violence. The boy just shook his head and attempted to leave the room only to be pinned against the wall by an angry blonde, whose eyes were dangerously purple and threatening to change to red, whiskers darkening as teeth grew to sharp edges. "Why won't you talk to me?" Naruto demanded, glaring at the brunette in anger.

Sasuke felt his breath leave his lungs as he hit the wall, making him gasp from the impact. What his saw when he opened his eyes again shocked him. Naruto's eyes were almost demonic and bloodthirsty, sticking to purple with signs of red already appearing, whisker scar marks taking up his face as sharp, feral teeth gleaned back at him. The glare he got greatly surpassed his own. "Why won't you talk to me?" the blonde's voice demanded as that horrifying face stared back at him like a living nightmare. Snapping himself out of his stupor he began to struggle against the clawed hands that held him down to find no success. His strength was slowly failing as the grip continued to fail in yielding its hold on him, making it hard for him to breath. He was on edge of screaming and the fact he was loosing air each second wasn't helping.

Realizing what he was doing, Naruto could only stare in horror at the wall as Sasuke dropped back to the floor, coughing and gasping for air. With a whispered "sorry", Naruto turned and ran down the hall, Sasuke vaguely aware of a door slamming shut and quickly locked as he struggled to regain lost air and clear thought. He stared at the floor panting, sitting on the floor trying to clear out what'd just happened. I was gonna leave but he still wanted to talk, so he got pissed and pinned me against the wall, realized what he was doing and ran. Oh yeah smooth as sand paper. Sighing Sasuke braced the floor as he struggled to stand, finding his legs weren't going to be too cooperative today. Growling in aggravation he used the wall for balance, moving haphazardly through the living room and down the hall to turn into his room. Shutting the door with a small click (not that he cared), he collapsed on the bed like a limp noodle, not really caring that he was lying on his stomach that and it was almost noon. He didn't even want to get up that morning anyway. Shutting his eyes his breathing calmed and he was asleep again in a matter of minutes.

And it won't take long to burn

All eyes on me

Through the nothing that you've learned

All eyes on me

And the things you choose to be

All eyes on me

But your eyes look away

It's so hard to be someone

Strung out from today

And all that you knew slips away

Naruto felt miserable. Everything had gone downhill the second he tried to confront Sasuke and his strange reaction. Not only had Sasuke gotten angry but he'd gone overboard with his own emotions and let Kyuubi's anger seep into his, making it intensify and the event almost had a nasty ending. And the look on Sasuke's face said it all. He'd been scared by the fact that Kyuubi's anger had surfaced and had manifested itself onto Naruto's face. His face. Now he wanted to bang his head against something hard. How could I be so stupid? How could I let that happen? He probably doesn't want to see my face again. I'm such an idiot. Naruto felt tears come to his eyes as he cradled his head in his hands, leaning against the wall as he cried away his shame and sadness in a river of tears.

Coming back up the stairs she could already feel the despair that radiated off of her apartment floor. Oh what now? She thought as she entered the apartment. Everything was normal so far. Two blankets lay discarded in the living room, proving the two had returned to the land of the living but by the feel of the air, they hadn't gotten on the right foot. Coming along to the kitchen was where she felt it the most. Tension, confusion, agitation and anger all rolled into one nasty package. That and one of the walls was cracked where obviously someone got pummeled. Nearing the spot the mood seemed to change almost dramatically like a wave of cold attacking hot. Sadness, regret and fear lingered, kind of giving the atmosphere a salty taste to it. Something had gone wrong and it hadn't ended well at all. Looks like its time to intervene. She thought, heading down the hall to the guest rooms. Both doors were closed, Sasuke's giving signs of fatigue and confusion mixed with the usual misery that he always had. Naruto's was the most pitiful. His room reeked of sorrow and regret, the most she'd ever sensed in a long time. Almost made her feel the same way it was so strong. Walking through the locked door, she almost feared the worst to find inside.

And you hide in your room

And the light burns away

And you move from the truth

It's all so far from you

Naruto sat staring at the floor, trails of tears staining his face as he leaned against the wall in his despair, not really caring what occurred around him. He thought he felt another presence in the room but it didn't really register in his sorrow filled mind. A whisper echoed in his ear but he ignored it, shrugging it off while his mind wandered in the vast plain that was his sadness. Naruto? What happened? A familiar voice inquired, snapping the blonde back to reality, looking up and around for the source. The girl was there, half in, half out of the room through the locked door, staring at him curiously. Her tone had been cautious and reluctant, like she was dealing with something that was about to break. He only looked away to stare at the floor again. "I don't want to talk about it."

I can come in at least right?

Sighing he just shrugged. "I guess. It's your place."

That much is true but you lie when not wanting to speak of this matter. The feel of the past lingers heavy and thick. Did something occur?

"Yeah but not what I was hoping for. One minute he's all staring confused at me, the next he's pissed and before we both know it I've got him pinned against the wall and he looks like he's about to piss himself. Then I came in here. I really don't care where he is. He's okay right?"

I could check. Do you want me too?

Thinking this over, Naruto put this question to the test. He really wanted to know he hadn't hurt Sasuke, and if he did he really didn't want to know to what extent. Finally he nodded, turning his sad gaze back to the floor. Instead of heading to the door like he expected her to, she simply headed straight for the opposite wall and leaned in, careful to keep her footing steady as she did. Naruto's jaw was on the floor as she did this. When she leaned back and turned to face him. I use doors out of habit. Walls are different. Now close your mouth before you catch flies.

Snapping it shut, he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry."

Natural shock and amazement. Used to get it all the time before I came here. Now what happened? He seems just as miserable as you, even in his sleep.

"He's asleep? What the hell? How can he sleep at a time like this?"

Some people sleep to rid themselves of anxiety or depression. And by the looks of him I'd say he's used to sleeping a lot when things get too hectic for him to handle. But something like sleep only delays the problem from being confronted, let alone solved. My guess is that your words did not fit the moment. Is that so?

"They did at first but it went downhill from there. I don't know how I let Kyuubi's anger mix with mine like that."

Kyuubi? The Fire Fox got involved? Did you release him?

"Uh yeah before I got to that lamppost thingy."

Hmm, this is getting complicated. You have to understand that upon his release you unlock ancient things, great power and possibly even greater emotions that have a tendency to get out of hand. Fire spirits have been known for great upset or passion and if angered to a certain level, very destructive. But usually it depends upon the insult that's been sent in their direction. Kyuubi is no different and that's what makes this more complicated than it was yesterday and maybe the day before.

"What makes you say that? You mean like controlling his emotions and mine? How do we do that?"

You are correct in thinking this. But it seems that your friend is also in need of assistance. While you need to gain control, he needs to lose control.

"Sasuke? Lose control? Now that's weird. And unlikely. The guy's an iceberg."

What you say is true but also unhealthy. He is capable of showing emotion as you've experienced this morning but he keeps it locked away where it gets pent up, growing more and more unstable with each day he keeps it from obtaining the needed release to gain more stability in health, body and mind. To do this, it seems quality time is required.

"Quality time? What are we? Three? Besides I doubt he'll go along with it."

I could always kick you two out you know. Sit and talk. Be calm with him but you must find a means to get him to release these emotions that do more harm than good.

"Easier said than done." He said, sounding skeptical. Getting Sasuke to show his true self was easy if you did something to him he found really embarrassing, but through one-on-one conversation? Now that was going to be a real challenge. "How do you know it's gonna work anyway?"

The way birds know how to fly and fish to swim, I simply do.

"Great. I feel so reassured."

As does the farmer when he knows his plants will grow.

Naruto could only stare as she turned to leave, heading for the door. When she was about to walk through, he said one last thing. "I thought you said you could go through walls too."

I can. I just use doors mainly to appear civilized. That and it's a habit I can't seem to break. Hunger? Thirst?

"Maybe later but thanks."

Welcome. Then she was gone. Sitting against the wall Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that the girl just might be right. Maybe just trying to speak with the Uchiha would turn things around for them both. Not wanting to think about it further, he got up and unlocked his door and opened it to let himself out. Maybe a walk outside would help clear things up for him. Passing through the living room and heading to the front door, he nearly jumped out of his skin when something heavy grabbed onto his leg. Looking down he saw that it was just the cat, which had proceeded to climb up to his shoulder. "Okay but don't try and be a hat again. You nearly scalped me." The just purred as it rubbed against his cheek, making him chuckle as he closed the front door behind him.

--With Sasuke—

After being asleep for some three hours, Sasuke managed to turn over and slowly sit up, oblivious to how spiky his hair had become from his constant movement. He stared at the opposite wall, wondering what Naruto was doing just then. Much to his surprise and annoyance, a silvery blotch came to be on the door as the girl came through, seeming to act as though it wasn't even there. "Must you really do that every time you walk into a room?" he growled, his emotionless features marred by a sneer. She blinked at him, tilting her head to the right. That's close to what Naruto said, and his door was locked. Of course that was after I went through a wall.

"You go through walls?" his amazement was clear, his eyes widening as he stared at her. She shifted nervously. I don't see how this is surprising. I just use doors out of habit. That and it makes me feel… civilized. But that's beside the point. Naruto was quite upset when I talked with him. Was it something you said or was it something he did?

Sighing Sasuke fell back, covering his eyes with his hands. "I don't know anymore. I don't think I want to remember either."

Why not talk it over with him? If you explain why you acted the way you did, he might understand and forgive you for your actions and in the process seek forgiveness for his. It's easy really. Especially when you know what to say.

"Say what? 'I'm sorry that I acted like I usually did and you totally overreacted to the way I acted which is how I am everyday'? No. Not buyin' it. He probably wants nothing to do with me anyway."

Isn't that how you are with everyone?

This question stopped him from answering as he blinked and stared dumbly at her. True he could be a little annoyed at so many people not getting it through their skulls that he wanted to be left alone, but Naruto was different. No matter what he said to the blockhead of a blonde, he kept coming back, even if he was frowning or had that goofy grin of his on his face. It was almost as though he was immune to Sasuke's cruel words but he reacted semi-violently anyway. "But I--."

But nothing. He's your friend and he wants to help up but he can't talk to you the way you are and it makes it difficult for him to figure out what's wrong. I've seen this before and last time it went down in flames.

"What happened? Who were you trying to help?" now this was strange. He was talking to a telepathic girl who could walk through solid objects and he was having reflection with her. That's just odd. I think it was a man and a woman who were together yet not. I tried to assist but it didn't go as planned. They split out of anger and misunderstanding. The man was a happy person, optimistic but the woman had seen it all before and was not as trusting. They tried to connect but… all did not go well. That's what's happening between you two only on a different scale… I think.

"You mean he might actually…. Like me? No impossible. It won't work—"

That's because you are reluctant! You hide like a child under a blanket, wanting past monsters to go back into the closet when the one thing you can do with your despicable self is wish them away and move on! You think you can survive anything that comes your way if you act like it doesn't affect you but it does Sasuke. It does and you're too scared to show it! You will talk to him and you will sort this out or heavens above help me I'll give you a real reason to hide for your miserable life! She roared at him, her voice pounding at his brain as she stormed his mind in her anger. Calming herself down as he stared at her with an unusually pale face, having sat up and backed away as quickly as possible, not caring that he'd fallen onto the floor in the process. It seems I too am in need of being left alone. I will go now. I expect you both to actually show up for dinner or you can both go hungry. Got it?

He only nodded as she turned to leave, going the one way she knew how. Once she was gone Sasuke let out a sigh of relief. He'd never seen her that angry before and didn't really want to experience it again. Maybe I should talk to the dobe. I just hope he can explain what's been going on lately, and what she meant in what she said. I need another nap. He thought to himself, already feeling a little woozy from all the movement he'd made not minutes before. Getting up on legs partly made of jelly he sluggishly walked back to the bed where he collapsed for the second time that day. He shut his eyes and let sleep take over once again.

--With Naruto—

He'd been walking for nearly four hours and his mind still couldn't tear away from the scene he'd created that morning. The snow fell softy, being blown into swirls of white dots whenever the wind passed through, making him shiver from the cold. And having a cat nestled in one's jacket did have its advantages. I've been circling the same block for hours and it's still not helping. I know I overreacted and all but the thought of shouldn't be doing this to me! He probably hates me now anyway. He sighed and gazed down at the cold ground in sadness. As if this day could get any worse.

Jinx. Unbeknownst to him a shadow was coming up behind him and fast, and it was gaining speed. Its cloak fluttered behind the advancing figure, making a snapping sound as it moved over the snow and through the air like the wind itself. Naruto started to turn around, having faintly caught the noise only to react a little too late. He never had the chance to scream as the being struck, sending him flying. Naruto hit a building wall with a yell and a cough of blood, falling into a snow bank and a cluster of trash cans. Struggling to his feet he was hit again, hitting the wall as the cat escaped his jacket to scratch the living daylights out of the attackers' face. This attempt at assisting the blonde proved to be useless as the poor creature was tossed like a living baseball some fifty feet down the street. Landing precariously on some soft snow the cat quickly got to its feet and dashed back to the apartment building with one thing on its mind other than cream: get help.

Naruto attempted to rise again, only to be assisted by a powerful hand grabbing his jacket and lifting him into the air. He fought against the hand but the grip was solid and fierce. Opening his eyes, what he saw made them open wider at who it was: Itachi, staring emotionlessly back at him with the Sharingan at full spin. "You will give me the Kyuubi." He said, his voice monotone but all the while demanding. But there was something about it that didn't seem right. Was it actually Itachi talking or someone or something else entirely? Not wanting to take the time to think it through, Naruto started to struggle all the harder. "Not on your life and you know it. Are you actually Itachi or some scum ball having yourself a joy ride?"

"So you actually saw past my host's handsome little face did you?" an alien voice said with a smirk, showing sharp monstrous teeth growing in Itachi's mouth as the face twisted to mockingly grin at him. Purple veins appeared on the pale skin, rising from somewhere below the neck, making him look scarier than he already did. The veins also showed up in his eyes, even if the Sharingan was in full activation. "And to think you were as big an idiot as everyone else thinks you are, now hand over the Fire Fox and I might not have to kill you."

"How long have you been in control of him? Why him and why Kyuubi? Answer me!" Naruto roared, making 'Itachi' loose his grin and frown angrily. "You never learn to shut up do you?" he started to grin again. "I know how to fix that."

'Itachi' then proceeded to toss Naruto like a rag doll across the street and into another building, making the cement crack and crumble, falling with the blonde as he met the ground again to cough up more blood as he struggled to breath. 'Itachi' had now pulled out a handful of kunai and was now throwing them straight at the fox boy, hitting the teenager in various areas as he retreated as quickly as possible. He couldn't attack let alone defend himself against Itachi. He was way out of his league and from what he knew now; the guy wasn't even in control. Who knows how long that thing's been playing puppet; let alone what it has planned. And if Sasuke found out about this, would he be able to forgive his brother for stuff he didn't even do? Well, duh! He needs to know first bonehead! I need to get away and fast. But how? Looks like a little confusion is in order. "Shadow clone no jutsu!" he whispered to himself, bringing forth the many duplicates he needed.

With ten clones in all, the Narutos moved out, running in all directions all the while angering the one posing as Itachi. "Its going to take more than your little ninja tricks to fool me you little mutt!" he roared, taking down clone after clone, angered further when each one became a poof of smoke that exploded mockingly in his face. It wasn't until it came down to the last three clones, running top speed through the snow, heading straight for the apartment building having a head start thanks to the seven other clones that stayed behind to distract the man well enough. Cut, bleeding bruised and losing strength with each passing moment, the Narutos tried to run faster as Itachi started to gain ground again, looking angrier than any person he'd ever seen. "You're dead now you little pest!" he practically screamed as he caught up enough to lay one last blow on the boy before he hit an invisible wall that retaliated in sending him crashing into a car, breaking the glass and smashing the doors. Rising and pissed as hell he tried again only to be sent this time sliding down the street to hit a mailbox. Too angry and frustrated to try again he disappeared as quickly as he'd come.

Naruto never noticed any of this since he was too busy limping away, his back and front aching as he felt himself losing consciousness. His mind had gone blank, the clones long since dissipated as he fell to his knees, the only one he could depend on now was either the cat or the girl to come find him. Sasuke he hoped would forgive him, for what… he didn't know anymore. He barely felt his face hit the ground, snow falling to cover him slowly but surely, his eyes closed and he knew nothing else.

--With Sasuke—

Having slept for a good thirty minutes and in seeing no point in staying in bed all day, Sasuke had moved back to the living room to pick up the discarded blankets and set them aside as he sat down to try and read the book again. Not that he was actually reading the damn thing, he was just bored and he wasn't exactly well enough yet to go train. He was interrupted by something scratching earnestly at the front door. Curious he got up and opened the door to see the cat zoom past and bolt, tail up down the hall to scratch at the girl's door. Masked face poking through the wood to stare at the creature, she suddenly shot through the door and came sliding into the living room in a rush to get to the window. Before she did she turned to Sasuke, her eyes wide. We must go now! Naruto's in trouble!

"What? How's that possible?" he yelled, running forward to stand in front of her, looking angry and confused. No time. We have to go now! Wasting no time she grabbed his arm and leaped through the window and into the air, almost making Sasuke glad he had his shoes on. But instead of falling to the ground like he thought they would, they maintained altitude, rising and falling in an odd rhythm. Looking up he saw why. Large proud white wings with grey specks here and there beat evenly and surely from the girls' jacket and back, creating an up-down sensation as they went. Wind howled past as they flew over the streets, narrowly hitting a pole or two as she lowered them to the ground, slowing to a relatively safe speed. "Why are we stopping?" Sasuke had to yell over the wind as it began to blow mercilessly, sending snow and ice everywhere. I can probably fly us back one at a time but maybe not in this weather. According to Cream, this spot is where he managed to see Naruto escape his attacker. I felt the barrier I made fend off something but I didn't think it'd be after Naruto. Had I known he'd go walking outside the barrier I'd have warned him of where he can and can't go. I'm so stupid!!

"Let's just find him already. You can kick your own ass later." Sasuke growled up at her as they came nearer to the ground to where she could drop him onto the snowy street. Landing herself some feet away the wings disappeared, leaving no evidence of their existence. Sasuke was already searching the snow for his missing teammate, on edge of going frantic as he searched the white street for the annoying orange clothed person he was so used to seeing everyday. The girl was looking herself, staring at the ground as the wind and snow picked up, signaling a storm was coming in. Sasuke was about to just fall over and cry in despair when he nearly tripped on something that groaned over the din around them. "Naruto?" he whispered, almost to himself but was surprised as another groan came to answer him. "NARUTO!!" his scream brought the girl over to help him dig and beat away the snow from the fallen boy. What they saw wasn't pretty. Blood was everywhere, his jacket and shirt were torn to shreds and he was shaking like a leaf, his lips almost blue from the cold.

Sasuke was barely aware of the girl sticking a spell note to the back of his shirt since he was too busy trying to get Naruto to wake up. Scooping the wounded boy off the ground the girl said something that was too soft for Sasuke to hear let alone decipher but before he knew it he was in the air following the girl back to whence they came. Looking over his shoulders he saw he now had a set of wings of his own, flapping harshly against the wind in earnest to get their cargo to their destination. They slowed after some time, nearly hitting the wall of the building the wind was blowing so hard. Clinging to the side of the building Sasuke felt the wings disappear and reached to find anything that indicated how they got there. His hand came across a spell note, now crumpled and useless, the ink running to make the writing unreadable. Something grabbed his shirt, pulling him toward solid wall and out of snowy winds. Next thing he knew he was laying on the living room floor, gasping and coughing his lungs free any snow and ice that may have entered as he stared amazed at the solid wall in front of him.

Looking around he found the girl staring down at him with a sad look in her eye before he turned his head toward the couch where Naruto lay motionless, still shivering despite the blankets that now covered him, his wounds bandaged but neither one was proving to be enough. Rushing over he stared down at the normally smiling face as blood ceased to drip from the boys' mouth, the shivering matching the ragged breaths he took. He was in too much shock to do anything but sit there next to the couch and stare at the one person who'd done so much to save his. "There anything we can do?" he whispered, his voice hoarse in the silence broken by the ticking clock, melting snow and Naruto trying as hard as he could to breath. We can only wait now. Had we come later…

"We would've been too late." He finished for her, his teary gaze never leaving the once angelic face, covered in frost and blood. I've done all I can. I will leave you now. Do you need anything at this time?

"No. You can go if you want." He whispered. He was too tired to care what she did anymore. Too tired of seeing all that he cared for get torn to bits by some dark force. He never heard her leave. He never noticed the cat followed her as she shut her door, looking ashamed at not doing something sooner. He was too busy staring at Naruto's white almost lifeless face, tears falling like rain as his head fell to rest on the side of the couch as he cried like he hadn't in years.

Naruto felt almost like he was floating, starting to become aware of the sound of someone crying. Wait… is that Sasuke? Sasuke's crying? Why is he crying? His vision was black at first but as things came into focus, he found he was staring weakly at the living room ceiling. Weakly he turned his head to the right to find the top of a familiar head, jet black and spiky shaking and shivering as the sound of choked sobs and restrained cries of sorrow racked the frail form sitting oblivious to Naruto's wakefulness. Not knowing what to do other than stare, Naruto watched almost helplessly as his friend cried. This scene was just too awkward. Uchihas don't cry. But obviously this one did and to great extent. Before he could say anything, the Uchiha spoke first instead. "Don't you dare die on me… don't you dare…. Don't want to lose anyone else… please just wake up already… stupid dobe…"

Not at the least surprised at the last part, Naruto just lifted a hand free of the blanket and let it fall with a plop onto the top of the Uchiha's head. Sasuke froze, slowly lifting his head with red and tearstained eyes to stare in disbelief at the blonde. "Stupid teme…" he began, a true smile spreading across his aching face. "I'm not gonna go that easy you know." Sasuke could only stare at him as those cerulean eyes so full of innocence and freedom stared back into his own onyx optics. Unable to hold back, he nearly leaped onto the couch to hug the stupid blonde, surprising even himself as he did it. "Don't ever do that again. Never again, you got me? Never."

Trying not to cough from the lost oxygen Naruto could only nod as he gasped for air once Sasuke let go, but not completely. Resting his head on Naruto's right ribs, his eyes hidden from view with tear trails still staining his face, his breathing calmed until sure enough, he was fast asleep. Not knowing how to deal with this new development he decided to go with it and get some shuteye himself.

She came back an hour later, finding Sasuke still leaning against the couch only to find something different. Sasuke was kinda sorta on top of Naruto, and Naruto was goin' with it. Well this is new. Who knew they'd actually do something embarrassing and not be awkward about it, and I don't have a camera. Hmm. Oh well. She shrugged the thought aside as she covered Sasuke with a blanket, noticing that one of Naruto's eyes slid open to look at her and blush from how Sasuke was positioned. "I…"

Some words are best left unspoken, for if spoken, they may lose their meaning. It's sometimes best that they're not spoken at all. Hell, some of the best things are said without being said at all. She chuckled at his expression. All of this was just too priceless, but Sasuke was too peaceful and Naruto was getting too nervous and to ruin it now would've been a crime. And yes I said that too. Good night Uzumaki.

Without another word she turned and left, never making a sound on the wooden floor, leaving Naruto to think about what she said. Not wanting to think about it further, he closed his eyes and let the oblivion of sleep take over.

Well, well!! It looks like things are gonna get intimate between these two bad boys! Oops! Looks like we almost got some lemony goodness on this one folks but there seems to be some lime to make up for it. But the one thing that seems to be standing in the way is actual confrontation and the truth about Naruto's attacker. As well as actual emotions on how they feel each other. Another occurrence seems to be unfolding with the slow but sure unveiling of the Ice Bear's past. Will I go further into one, both or neither? Now the question is: should I? But I'll leave that for you to find out next chapter.

Next time on 'Aurora Borealis':

Chapter 14: Face-to-Face, & Heart to Heart?

Looks like things are either goin' to be awkward or understanding tomorrow morning for these two lunkheads. And if we know these two well enough, it's probably not gonna be pretty, for all we know things might be okay in the end. Or will they? And what about the rest of the gang back at Ms. Loni's Inn and bar? How is the group taking to Shukaku's appearance and sudden 'separation' from Gaara? You'll just have to wait and see now won't you? Can't wait to hear from you guys as I write on in:

Chapter 14: Face-to-Face, & Heart to Heart?