Into the Fray

/bleh/ Naruto talking to Kyuubi mentally.

Sasuke was sure they would be met by a legion of Shinobi, but instead when they departed the prison cell they were greeted by a lax-looking Kakashi.

"Well, don't you two have impeccable timing? I was just about to come and fetch you, there's a shift change about to commence, so you guys have approximately twenty minutes to slip out unnoticed." Theoretically, it sounded easy enough, but they knew it would be a challenge. Sasuke was in no shape to be walking let alone stealth he was using a wall to balance himself, and at the same time, large drops of sweat started cascading down the side of his face. His breath had also started to bate.

"Why don't we just go talk to that overbearing Hokage of yours." He rasped, whilst tilting his head up towards the ceiling and shutting his eyes in sheer agony.

"I think it would be unwise to talk to her while she's still fuming, besides it won't help that you are assisting Naruto in escaping his punishment either. Let's just stick to my plan and we will get out of here unnoticed. Naruto, I need you to create a clone of yourself. I also got you an ANBU uniform that you can wear and a fox mask to hide that recognizable face of yours."

"Already on it," lifting both hands in front of his face he curled his thumb, middle, and pinky digit around both his index and pointer finger, using his Kage Bushin no Jutsu to summon an identical copy of himself. The clone cast a grin at Naruto before directing an uneasy glance in Sasuke's general direction.

"You two take good care of him." That had gained the raven's attention he slowly cracked his eyes open meeting the concerned blue gaze of the clones, who in return gave him a timid closed mouth smile. He managed to give the duplicate Naruto an unguarded smirk.

"Promise me you're going to make it out of here okay? I need to hear you say it." The clone expressed.

Attentively Sasuke fixed the clone with his hooded murky orbs, making the Naruto twin blush. "I promise." During which the whole exchange was taking place Kakashi had cocked a silver brow so high that it disappeared underneath his spiky bangs, whereas the real Naruto had taken to staring at the ceiling intently he scratched at his right cheek innocently the bridge of his nose tinted a soft rosy hue. So even his clones were attracted to Sasuke. The replica seemed pleased with Sasuke's pledge. He nodded and willingly walked inside the cell turning only to give the raven a final glimpse before the cell door was shut and locked by Kakashi.

"First off, I need you to change your attire before we leave can't have a prison breakout, if the prisoner isn't inconspicuous."

Swiftly, Naruto began to put on his uniform they had no more time to waste. "Gawds 'Kashi where did you get this mask it smells terrible. Did somebody use it to store their socks?" He retched.

"Shhh…" They all fell silent as a shinobi passed them on the staircase he nodded at the men who were masquerading as his superiors and excluded Kakashi, who really was his superior. They continued up the staircase to the next floor until they were out of earshot. It wasn't the constant stopping and going that was aggravating Sasuke's injury it was climbing up those damn stairs with each step it felt like his inside was being shredded into pieces he was sure that he might be hemorrhaging from all the wearing activity. The pain Sasuke felt was just about breaching his threshold.

"Please hang in there for a little while longer we are almost out."

They had passed the twenty-minute mark but on the plus side, they were closer to the exit. No one seemed to take notice of the trio not when they were with 'Kashi. The other Shinobi respected and somewhat feared the laidback Jonin.

"You guys ready?" Kakashi inquired as he led them to the main floor and deep within the apex of the prison. They watched the hustle of shinobi as they rushed off to their next assigned shift no one seemed to acknowledge or even notice the three of them for that matter.

Unintentionally, Naruto felt his gaze drifting over at his mate. Sasuke seemed to be holding up well enough though he could not know for certain since Sasuke was covered up by an ivory wolf mask.

"Hey, Kakashi, wait up," that boisterous tone was of none other than Rock Lee with an equally hyper Gai Lee in tow. Kakashi waved gaining the energetic pair's undivided attention that was Naruto and Sasuke's cue to keep moving.

All seemed well that was until they reached the main exit of the lobby that's when Sasuke's legs had decided to give out from underneath him and he collapsed on his stomach in a clammy heap on the lobby floor. Steadily the room went still to the point where they could hear a feather drop it also felt like all heads had turned towards them.

Even Kakashi, Gai, and Rock Lee stopped their exchange.

Naruto could feel his mouth go dry as panic started to set in.

/What do I do now? /

/Make something up. /

"Oh, man! Looks like someone had a little too much to drink heh heh heh! What did I tell you about drinking on the job again?" His voice appeared to have echoed off the dividers.

/This is what you came up with Kit. / Snorted Kyuubi.

/Shut up! I'd like to see you do better! /

Kakashi had joined in with the charade making his way to the front of the cluster.

"Here I'll help you get him home. Once he sobers up we will have him report his insubordination to his superiors." Both Kakashi and Naruto had helped Sasuke to his feet letting him drape one arm over their shoulder. Once the three of them stepped outside the door and into the sunshine they paused letting the rays from the sun bathe them it felt nice to basket in the warmth even just for a little while. The moment of solidarity was interrupted when Sasuke choked up blood.

"C'mon I know a vacancy in my apartment complex. We can patch him up there."

"I'm starting to feel like the cosmos are working against us. Maybe it would've been for the best if we never met." Sadly, he had a seat at the edge of the futon where Sasuke lay. He embraced his legs feeling his energy drain away. At first, the dimly lit room was quiet leaving Naruto to his thoughts.

"No one said it was going to be easy." Startled the blonde jumped to his feet.

"You're awake?"

"Of course, I am it's hard to sleep when someone keeps watching you. You should get some rest yourself."

"What's the point? Eventually, Tsunade going to realize you aren't in the infirmary and that I'm not in my prison cell, what then?"

"Then you fight! You have every right to disagree with her this is not a dictatorship, disagreement is bound to happen."

"I'm finished fighting." He sighed.

Sasuke had opened his eyes to look at the blonde. "So that's it? You're giving up?" He could see the guilt was eating Naruto up his eyes kept drifting back to Sasuke's bandages.

"No, we can leave this place just you and me."

"You mean run away."

"No, I mean to see the world! Konoha doesn't need me, this place is heavily guarded as we both well know. Konoha can protect itself without me, besides there is no apparent danger the war is over now! Am I to just stay here and waste away like the vessels before me? I wanna share every new experience with you. I want to grow old with you. I want to see where you come from and know more about YOU... Eh-It's because I love you I want to leave!" He shouted as his eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

/At least make him wait before you go confessing your undying love to him. /

/I didn't mean to tell him that. Why didn't you stop me? /

/What would you have me do, interrupt you? /

/Yes, why didn't you? / He cried.

/ I warned you that your action has consciences, kit. / He knew the demon fox had rolled his eyes before ending their link.

Gradually, the raven's lips pursed into a line. Why did he have to have this honest moment with the blonde right now? And yet he got the sense that he could tell the blonde anything even his flaws without any judgment. His dedication and loyalty were something to admire. Sasuke knew for this to work he needed to tell Naruto the truth like his goal to steal those forbidden scrolls or fake the feelings he owed him.

"I haven't been completely honest with you." Why was his heart beating so fast, he felt a sudden shortness of air.

"Hmm?"

He could only hear the loud thumps of his heart rushing through his ears. For the first time, Sasuke felt ashamed.

"I was using you to get to the forbidden scrolls. I was planning on stealing them and leaving this place without you." He had sat all the way up. The look on Naruto's face said enough.

"So, you never really cared about me? Why even go through all the trouble? I should have listened to Tsunade. She was right about you." He sniffled.

"You deserved the truth and much more…" His voice was detached as he felt himself clam up.

He watched as the blonde lowered his head tears streaming down his whiskered cheeks.

"You should have left me in that cell." The tone of Naruto's voice felt like a jagged kunai was plunged into his chest, quietly he left Sasuke alone in the barren apartment.

Sasuke released a breath closing his eyes. This is for the best.

Sasuke did not know how long he had been staring at the ceiling. He tried clearing his mind several times to no avail, he could map out every single detail of those unique sun-kissed features from the way those blue orbs lit up with laughter, to the way a small crease formed between his blonde brows when he was in thought.

Would Naruto ever forgive him? Grunting he climbed to his feet. He would certainly need to clarify how Naruto helped him see his error in the ways. He was raised to never show emotions or even be forthcoming, but he would be. He wanted to better himself for Naruto. Somehow that loud mouth brat had weaseled his way into Sasuke's life.

Abruptly the door to the apartment was barged through by an anxious Kakashi.

"Where's Naru-" He had no time to finish his words as the sirens to Konoha went off.

"What happened?" Sasuke was ready to go if need be his pain and injury were forgotten.

"Konoha's vault has been broken into and our sacred Scrolls are missing. And Naruto's clone has vanished from the cell."

"That damn dupe." He hoped Naruto did not leave with the scrolls. Why would he… his eyes widen in realization was it because of his confession? What was Naruto planning on doing with them? Love only causes heartache and more problems and yet Sasuke knew he would do anything for that pigheaded blonde, even go through the seven realms of hell.

Many apologies for the super late update. It won't happen again! I love how devoted and caring you all are your support and love helped bring me back. Love you all to the moon and back!