Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto but I'm still waiting for Masashi Kishimoto to give it to me! (A lie)

Story Title: True Love

Chapter 13: Sick In Winter

.: Start :.

"Yuukie-chan… Wake up." Sakura said nudging the younger teen. "Yuukie-chan? Are you all right? Yuukie-chan?" She began shaking her. "Naruto, she's not waking up!" Sakura panicked.

"Don't ask me! You're the medic-nin!" The blond said waving his arms frantically.

Sakura placed a hand on her forehead and withdrew it as quickly as possible as though it burned. "She's just stroked a fever!" (1)

"Don't tell me that's bad!"

"Then I won't tell you."

"What are we going to do? There's nobody at her house and she needs to be taken care off! We can't just bring her to the hospital just because of a fever."

"I'd like to take her with me but I'll have to take the night shift tonight." Sakura said caressing Yuukie's hair as though she was her younger sister.

"Then I'll take her!" Naruto offered.

"You idiot! She won't last five seconds in that dump of an apartment of yours! I'm not surprised if she gets a disease just entering your room. And you taking care of her? You can't even take care of yourself! Your apartment's not built to nurse a sick person. So, in that case I'll take her."

"What! No way! I'm not letting her even get near you! You're not even nice so why do you care?"

"I'm still a human being." Sasuke said rolling his eyes. "Dunce." He added.

"Right…" Naruto said rolling his eyes. "Why do you have to take care of her anyway? I can do it so there!" Naruto stuck his tongue out.

"Firstly, I'm a responsible person, unlike someone that I know of. Secondly, my place is big enough to fit the Russian circus and not to mention clean and lastly, I can guarantee you that she'll be well by tomorrow if not today. I've got enough reasons to take care of her."

"But still I'm not letting you even touch her! Who knows what evil you'll do to her!" Naruto pointed accusingly at the dark haired teen.

"Oh please, she'll be in more danger with you."

"I don't care! She's not going with you and that's final!" Naruto said stamping his foot onto the ground stubbornly, pouting like a five year old not getting what he wants.

"Naruto, Sasuke-kun's right. He is more responsible and he's place does have more space. Then it's decided. Yuukie-chan goes with Sasuke-kun for tonight."

"Wha! Ha- how is that even possible! That's not fair! I can take care of her, really!"

"Naruto maybe next time for a sleepover but now she's ill and needs someone responsible to take care of her!"

"Fine!" He said pouting. He turned around to face Sasuke with a glare. "If even one hair is out of place, it'll be your head bastard!" He said in a serious tone.

"Yeah, yeah I'll make sure that your girlfriend is safe and well."

"She is not my girlfriend! She's that Daisuke of a bastard's fiancé. Really! He's even worse that you Ice Prince!"

"I'll just take that as a compliment."

"You wish! I won't praise you even if hell freezes over!"

"Take good care of her Sasuke-kun." Sakura said worriedly, handing the teen in her arms gently to the young Uchiha.

"You cause too much trouble." Sasuke said to the unconscious younger teen in his arms before jumping onto one of Konoha's residential rooftops, heading towards his own.

.: The Uchiha Household :.

Sasuke set the teen on his own bed. He began massaging his arms. "You aren't exactly light." He said glaring at her. "I'd like to give you the guest bedroom but I wouldn't want to open one of the rooms. I don't think this was such a good idea. Why did I ever volunteer to help you anyway? You have a fiancé, why doesn't he take care of you?" He asked, only to get nothing as an answer. "I think I should have just set you on the couch." Sasuke said shaking his head. "Never mind, you've gotten enough suffering for one day."

Sasuke went out of the room and came back later with a bowl full of water, some cloth and a few bottles of oils. He drenched the cloth into the water and squeezed the excess. He folded the cloth in half and placed the now cool and damp cloth on Yuukie's forehead. He uncapped one of the bottles and rubbed the ointment on her neck. He felt something cold touch his fingers and pulled out a chain.

"Together with my Yuukie, Daisuke." He read the inscription. "Oh, how touching." He said mockingly. "If he really liked you, he wouldn't be so selfish on filling his own needs and let you go and you shouldn't be fooling your feelings. It's not him that you like."

Sasuke went to the bathroom to take a shower and he brought his clothes with him so he wouldn't have to change in his room. He came back out a while later with his hair dripping wet. He dried his hair with a towel and glanced on the bed. Yuukie was still sleeping peacefully.

Sasuke grumbled in annoyance. When was she going to wake up? Something told Sasuke that Yuukie didn't eat this morning or at lunch either. Taking care of a sick girl was harder than he thought. He went downstairs to the kitchen to cook up something for him and the sleeping teen on his bed.

He came back later with some porridge for Yuukie but she was still sleeping. Sasuke placed the bowl on the bedside table and took out a small bottle of oil and pulled the cork out. He placed the bottle under her nose. As the heat and smell coming from the bottle filled Yuukie's nostrils, her eyelids slowly fluttered open. (2) She held her head and looked around.

"Wh-where am I?" She said trying to remember what had happened. "Sasuke-san?"

"Just lie down. You're ill and I took you in."

"I'm sorry for troubling you. I really should leave. Thank you." She said getting up to her feet but ended up loosing her balance but Sasuke was there to grab her. " I don't feel so good. My head hurts." She said clutching her head.

"I did told you to lie down but you didn't want to listen." He said helping Yuukie get back on the bed. "You didn't eat anything this morning did you?" Sasuke asked and Yuukie slowly nodded. "Then eat. I made some porridge for you."

"Eh? No thanks, the only reason that I didn't eat was because I wasn't hungry."

"Even if you're not, you still have to eat for energy. You have to take care of yourself. Isn't that what your mother wants? Now eat and don't try to test my patience."

"Thank you." She said taking the bowl from Sasuke's hand. She took a bite and chewed slowly. "This tastes just like how my father used to make me when I was sick or is it just my taste buds?" She said giving out a small laugh.

"Don't fool yourself Sanada." Sasuke stated.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Don't try to hide your suffering and sadness with smiles and happiness. You should be honest with your mother and tell her the truth that you don't want to marry that good for nothing Daisuke."

"How dare you say that to Daisuke, he is my fiancé! I do want to marry him! It's my business not yours so keep out of it. You don't know anything!" Yuukie snapped.

"More importantly, you should be honest with yourself so think about it." Sasuke said leaving.

Yuukie stared at the retreating back of the young Uchiha. He was right. She had been fooling herself all these years. The feeling inside her of Daisuke was not love; she was being pitied and was giving her life away to repay her debt.

She shouldn't have yelled at Sasuke's face like that and she could feel the guilt seeping in. She sighed and stood up to her feet. Holding onto the walls for support, she went out of the room and meet Sasuke at the hallway holding two mugs of hot chocolate.

"Sasuke-san, I-I…" Yuukie fell to the floor after her unfinished sentence.

Yuukie was once again resting on the young Uchiha's bed. She was back sleeping until that particular smell invaded her nostrils once again. She shot up from bed and faced the dark haired youth.

"Sasuke-san… I…" Yuukie began but was interrupted by Sasuke.

"You idiot! I told you to lie down and eat the porridge! You are sick! Argh! Will you ever listen to me?"

"I thought you went out because you were angry that I yelled at your face."

"I was only making some hot chocolate for you and me. Now listen to me and eat your porridge and drink your hot chocolate."

"Well I uh… Umm… Thanks Sasuke-san and sorry…"

"You're impossible to take care of."

"Sasuke-san? I wish that Daisuke was more like you. I have to admit, you're a little nicer than him."

"Whoever said that I was nice?" Sasuke asked, taking a sip from his mug of hot chocolate.

"You're always helping me and watching over me, making sure that I'm well. Thanks and you can't say that it's your duties anymore because it's not." (3)

"Hn. I will still have my own reasons."

"Admit it Sasuke-san, you have a warm heart."

"I'm only helping you because I felt sorry for you. I didn't do it from the bottom of my so called warm heart."

"I don't believe you. Whatever you say I still think you have just a little bit of niceness in that deep, deep, very deep pit of your heart." Yuukie said almost finishing the bowl.

"Believe whatever you want to believe. I don't care."

"I'm done, thank you." She said, placing the now empty bowl on the bedside table. "It's all warm and good too. So is this hot chocolate." She said after taking a sip.

"Is it too bland? I'm not really into sweets. If it is I could just make you another one."

"No it's perfect. Just right. Not too sweet and not too bland. Thanks for everything. I really should repay you."

"I don't need anything. You cannot give me what I want most."

"What is it that you want most?" Her eyes shone with interest. "Why is it that I cannot repay you when you're doing this all for me? I must know so I can repay you…"

"I told you that it's nothing. It's not like you can give it to me anyway."

"Well I hope that you'll get what you've always wanted, whatever it is."

"The chain." Sasuke said. "You going to keep it?" He asked.

"Ah, you've seen it already?" She said pulling the chain. "I don't know. I think I'll have to, since I'm going to be living with him soon. Two weeks seems so soon, doesn't it? Won't mum be surprised that she'll soon have a son in law."

"You don't have to do it." Sasuke interrupted. "You don't have to marry him. You don't like him, right?"

"It doesn't matter if I like him or not. I have no choice. I have to marry him, he's my fiancé and it's already a curse in my mother's side of the family. I can't just back out. Since my father's family died their traditions and customs went down with them and I'm stuck with the family curse of the Suichi Curse."

"Every curse can be lifted. You have to tell your mother the truth but before that you must be truthful to yourself first." Sasuke said before leaving with the empty bowl and mugs.

"And I will do just that." Yuukie said under her breath, smiling at the retreating back of the older youth, thanking him silently.

Late at night Yuukie was still wide awake, thinking about how she's going to tell her mother. The door of the room creaked open and she shut her eyes immediately, pretending to be asleep so the dark haired teen wouldn't be upset about the fact that she's still awake.

The said teen approached the bed and tucked in the younger youth. He placed a palm on her forehead and drenched the cloth back into the bowl of water and once again placed it onto Yuukie's forehead after he had squeezed out the excess.

"Feel better in the morning so I don't have to look after you again." Sasuke said turning around, heading for the door. "Oh and go to sleep, if you don't it'll be difficult for you to tell you mother with sleepy eyes."

Yuukie open her eyes in shock after she had heard what Sasuke had just said. He knew she was awake the whole time. She could just she him with that smug smirk on his face. Oh how she wanted to wipe that smug smirk off his face. She pulled the covers to her neck and went to sleep.

The next morning Sasuke dropped Yuukie off at her house since she was feeling well again. After a refreshing shower and a change of clothes, she went out to visit her mother and tell her, not exactly knowing how, that she doesn't want to marry Daisuke and why. But before all of that she was attacked by an orange blur and was caught in a big bear hug.

"Yuukie-chan! How are you? I was so worried! Did the arrogant bastard do anything to you?"

"Hey Naruto-kun. I'll be just fine, if you let me go that is." Yuukie said and Naruto let go with worry in his eyes. "No, he didn't do anything. He just took very good care of me. I'm feeling well and much better thanks to Sasuke-san, so stop worrying over me. Oh, hello Sakura-san." Yuukie greeted.

"Feeling well Yuukie-chan? You scared us to death yesterday by falling ill!" She said pulling her into an embrace.

"I'm so sorry! Yes, I'm feeling much better." Yuukie said as she pulled away. "Please excuse me, I have to visit my mother."

"Oh yeah! We were just there and your mum said to take you somewhere to get some ice-cream and enjoy ourselves while she's having her treatment."

"Oh. I was trying to tell her that I want the wedding to be off. I can't lie to her and to myself. I can't stand it anymore. Sasuke-san had opened my eyes and taught me to be true to myself."

"That arrogant Sasuke did what? I don't believe you. Anyway want to get some ice-cream?"

"On a cold day like this?" Yuukie asked looking at the sky.

"Right." Naruto said laughing nervously.

"How about we get some hot chocolate instead?" Sakura offered a suggestion.

"That's a great idea Sakura-chan! So, how about it Yuukie-chan?" Naruto asked with pleading eyes that you cannot say no to.

"Well… Okay but after that I want to go to the hospital." Yuukie said giving in into Naruto's pleading eyes.

"Yeah!" Naruto yelled punching the air. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

As the three friends went their way to one of the shops, a pair of hazelnut brown eyes watched from a distance, his eyes fell onto the teen with jet-black hair. His lips formed into a smirk before disappearing into the dark shadows.

"I want with the marshmallows on my hot chocolate!" A loud voice rang in the shop.

"Quiet down, Naruto! You're attracting attention!" A female voice said.

"Can we just order now?" Another said feeling agitated.

As the three sat down at their table, each holding a mug of hot chocolate, two of them were arguing about something the other one did in the morning. The other was sitting a bit distant from the other two, silently sipping the hot beverage in her hands.

"Yuukie-chan?" Naruto asked, snapping Yuukie out of her thoughts.

"Y-yes?"

"Are you okay? You look a little distant. Are you sure that you're feeling well?" he asked a little concerned about his friend.

"Yes I'm fine. I'm still thinking about how I'm going to tell my mother."

"It'll be okay. If it makes you feel any better we'll be there to support you." Sakura said, placing a gentle hand on Yuukie's shoulder.

"Thanks."

They enjoyed the rest of the evening playing with the piles of leaves at the Enchanted Forest. They jumped into the big piles like little children, scattering leaves everywhere, laughing and screaming.

Now they're heading their way back to Konoha General Hospital so Yuukie could finally confess what she was keeping from her mother for many years. Yuukie's legs felt like jelly as the walked into the Hospital doors and when they had finally reached Hana's room Yuukie couldn't move. She took a deep breath and opened the door, only to find something more surprising.

There he was, Daisuke in the flesh, talking and laughing with her mother. They turned their heads and smiled at her. Daisuke was in fact smirking. That smug on his face made him look like the devil.

"Look Yuukie, Daisuke's back." Her mother greeted.

Yuukie couldn't take it anymore! "Mother! Please! Don't make me go through this!" She said running to her mother's side, bursting into tears.

"Go through with what dear?" Hana asked surprised.

"The family curse! I can't marry Daisuke! I just can't!" She pleaded.

"But your marriage has been arranged. We can't change anything. Not to mention that Daisuke's family had already paid the sum. 1,500,000 gold pieces is a hefty sum Yuukie. You must and you will marry Daisuke."

"So that's it! I'm just some toy you can do whatever you please to do with? Am I nothing to you? Is this how you all look down on me? And I can't believe that these words came out of your mouth mother!"

"My, my Yuukie-chan, you must be more nervous about the wedding after all." Daisuke said, wrapping his arms around her.

"Don't you dare touch me! Keep your filthy hands to yourself! I will not marry you!" She yelled pushing Daisuke away.

"Someone's getting a little bit agitated. Tell me Yuukie-chan, is it your time of the month?" Yuukie gave him a glare. "I guess not. Don't worry so much Yuukie-chan, everything has already been arranged. The wedding will take place right after we've return to Snow Country."

"I'm not going with you to that place! That is not my home! This is! Konoha is my home, where I have my friends."

"You might say that but what will your family say?" He asked, throwing the family card onto the table. "What about the golden rule? What happened to that? You must follow the rules. I'll be waiting, Yuukie-chan." Daisuke said leaving the room.

"I can't believe that you could just give me away! Your only daughter and child! Is that what I'm for? The money? I hate you!" Yuukie yelled running out of the room.

"Yuukie!" Hana called out but Yuukie was already out the door, running in tears.

Naruto and Sakura was stunned by Yuukie's actions. They had never seen her like this before. She used to be quiet and loving. They were shocked by the way she yelled and said 'I hate you' to her own mother. It was just not like her. It's as though an Inner Yuukie was unleashed.

Yuukie ran down the stairs, wiping her tears and sniffling. She opened the doors and her arm was pulled back by Daisuke. She turned to glare at him. How dare he touch her? He had no right! She was just a prize to be won in his eyes.

"What do you want?" She chocked out. "Haven't you won? Isn't all of this enough? What more do you want from me?"

"Chill out. I just want to talk. There are some things that needs sorting out. Let's go for a walk." He said smoothly, he walked arm in arm with her but Yuukie refused to go along. "Remember the golden rule." He added.

"Yes koibito…" Yuukie obeyed reluctantly, following Daisuke to the direction of the park.

"That's much better. Cheer up! Your life will be much better. Surrounded by noble people and servants waiting on your hand and foot. A bright future lies ahead for us. Look!" He said pointing up. "Snow, the indication of purity and beauty. Just like you…"

Winter does not only mean pure and beauty. It also stands for the harsh cold waiting for you. The season of disasters… If we're getting married in this season, surely a curse will be upon us.

Can't you see, that we are not meant for each other? We will only live in the darkness the winter has brought upon the world. The cold snow prevents a cheerful and warm feeling to enter you.

That's it! You're the snow. The harsh and cold wintry snow! Not allowing my happiness to shine with the spring…

.: End :.

Don't you just hate it when you get suddenly sick! (1)

Ah, I have this ointment that smells and heats your nose forcing you to wake up (2)

Haha, Yuukie got Sasuke there! (3)

A/n: Whew! That was long! Well longer than the last chapter anyway. Do you like it? I think it just sucks! Daisuke's sweet and all but if he doesn't get what he wants he'll do anything to make it go his way.

I apologise for any spelling or grammar mistakes that I wasn't aware of and if the characters were OOC please find the heart to forgive me! I admit it! Sasuke was OOC okay!

Uwah! I updated faster this time ne? I've got some spare time and some of the ideas were waiting to be released at the back of my mind. I thought I should use my time to make my fan fiction whenever I get the chance. My Mid-term exams are getting nearer.

.: Replies to reviewers :.

Amasaki Reyoko: I updated and yeah Sasuke will kick his noble ass!

JapanAnimeGirl: Thanks!

Kausi: Yup! You're right about that!

NaruHina113: Sorry that I can't finish this chapter with some NaruHina because their relationship doesn't start until a few chapters more. Sorry! But thank you for reviewing! I feel so guilty right now so please forgive me!

Jazzy Uchiha: Updated!

Cryxtylz: Don't cry my bestest cousin! Here a tissue for you! And maybe next time I'll do some Yaoi.

Koichiro: Woah! That is like harsh! Hope you don't get to be forced to marry someone that you don't like!

Fictionsoul: That's okay. Sasuke's going to kick his sorry ass!

PS: Reviews make me type faster!

Ja ne… Neogem