Author's Notes

Sorry for the delay in updating, I was quite busy with a lot of stuff lol. Thanks to my amazing beta, NikkiCross, for her amazing work! Hopefully the next update would be some time in the couple two weeks lol. Enjoy!

Azure eyes looked around, frightened by the new location. As Naruto felt the side of his head throb, he blinked again to try and clear the blur from his vision. He struggled slightly to do so without the use of his hands, but – a chill run down his spine when he realized that they were tied behind his back. In fact, his mobility was completely stolen as his legs were in the same unfortunate state as his hands. Groaning, he tried to say speak, but nothing came out. His lips were sealed by what appeared to be duct tape. Naruto wriggled from the abrasive position he was forced into, but it was to no avail.

Taking a deep breath, he calmed his raging heart and tried to clear his vision. He was able to formulate the place he was in. It was a little tricky to do so due to the darkness, but he made out bars; bars of iron, presumably to hold him captive from the outside. The blond helped himself into a sitting position – which took an infinite amount of effort to make happen before trying to force off the tape. He wriggled his tongue to the outside, but it proved futile. It didn't look like he was getting out of this situation any time soon. About to lose hope in anything, Naruto stared as the sound of a door creaking open illuminated his dark hell.

Naruto recoiled when suddenly a switch was flipped on. The entire room was lit up as he painfully forced open his eyes. Blue orbs widened upon seeing his captor. None other than Uchiha Sasuke stood looking down at him and a part of Naruto told him he should have seen that coming. Sasuke, clad in black, brought a chair and sat opposite the blond. He looked him in the eyes before speaking.

"I apologize for the treatment, but you left us no other way."

The blond glared at Sasuke, he wanted to protest but only muffled noises were heard.

"You kept fighting. Had you come obediently, nothing like this would have happened."

With Sasuke's words, his memory was made clear. He recalled coming back with Sasuke to his house, Sasuke had made a very strange proposition. He asked him to live with him, to leave his family and friends and stay with Sasuke. The blond was astonished to say the least, and he'd demanded that Sasuke clarified, but the black haired male refused. His senses spoke of danger; an alarm triggered that he needed to escape. When he tried to leave, the thugs that Sasuke called bodyguards tried to stop him. Thanks to his athletic body, he was able to dodge their movements, but not for long. The buzz in the back of his head was evident to the hit that rendered him unconscious.

Life was so unfair.

Sasuke unlocked the door to the small cell Naruto was in and walked the distance separating them. He crouched beside the blond and spoke.

"I don't like doing this to you." A pale right hand cupped Naruto's whiskered cheek. "But I can't have you roaming around like this."

Naruto's brows furrowed just as Sasuke roughly ripped the tape off his mouth. The tiny hairs that were plucked caused minor pain to register in the abused area. Naruto yelped a protest before he barked at his abuser.

"Let me go!" He demanded.

"No."

Flinching slightly, Naruto snarled, "I'm not asking you, I'm telling you! What right do you have to keep me here!?"

Naruto felt his anger take the better of him and he let it. He was confused. Tired. His head hurt and for God's sake, why did Sasuke continue to do this shit to him!?

"No." Coolly, Sasuke repeated his answer. "I'm not letting you leave."

"Why!?"

"Because I don't want to."

With that the raven stood up and walked out of the cell. Naruto growled something but the only answer that he got was that his breakfast would be given in two hours time. Needless to say, his anger only increased.

Sakura looked at Neji, Gaara, Ino, TenTen, Shino and Kiba as all of them shook their heads at her. None of them could answer the question that piqued her interest for four days now; had any of them seen Naruto?

"It was when he had lunch with us," Kiba spoke, breaking the silence, "that's the last time I saw him. A week ago, I think. Right, Shino?"

The big guy in glasses, who had secured the perfect position of being Kiba's shadow, nodded. "Right."

"I remember him falling asleep in Kurenai-sensei's class… oh wait, that was me." Shikamaru commented, proving his helplessness in their current situation.

"I left him behind at school, four days ago, Sakura." Gaara answered in a relaxed tone. "He said he had something to tend to."

The girl sipped her juice as her face turned a troubled look. Everyone gave off similar answers, and all of them dating back to four days ago. Actually, some – TenTen mainly – hadn't seen the blond for a week or so. Neji and Ino said they'd seen him with Uchiha Sasuke as they were both leaving the class together. Sakura did too, she remembered, seeing her best-bud run with the mysterious Uchiha outside school. That, however, really didn't give any leads.

"Did anyone try asking Sasuke-kun?" Ino said after much silence.

Sakura shook her head. "I did. He said he doesn't know anything. He and Naruto spoke about some homework he'd asked for help with and that was all. He claims that Naruto went back home afterwards."

"Then just check with his dad," Kiba reasoned, not paying attention to Sakura's skeptical tone. "If he isn't worried, I don't think we should."

"His dad isn't worried because we lied; we said he's staying with Gaara." Sakura countered.

Shino raised a brow at her words, his sunglasses and the black hoodie did a good job in hiding his reaction from the bunch. "Why did you do that? If Naruto is indeed missing, shouldn't his father be the first to know?"

"Yes, but in the case that he's not, we didn't want him to worry." Gaara spoke this time. "Naruto wouldn't want that."

"But how did that happen? How did you two know that Naruto's missing before his dad?" TenTen asked.

Sakura was the first to answer. "Remember how Naruto didn't show for school last Tuesday? Well, his father called Gaara and asked if the blond had stayed over. Gaara told him he did. However Naruto didn't show for two more days and just when we wanted to go tell Minato-san –"

"This came," Gaara flashed his phone, a text from Naruto read 'I'll be away for awhile, don't tell dad, cover for me, thanks.' "So we continued covering."

"Yeah," Sakura sighed. "Minato-san thinks that Naruto is spending time with Gaara working on some project. So if any of you happened to see him, please continue with that tale."

Neji finally decided to speak, his brows furrowed together. "So if you think this was from Naruto-kun and he's alright, why are we gathered here today?"

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Ino seconded his inquiry.

"Well, it's because I don't," The pink-haired female answered them. "I have a hunch that Naruto's in danger. I don't know how to explain this, but there's something that tells me that he didn't write this text and that he needs us to help him."

The gang looked at her with questioning orbs. Sakura silently pleaded. She couldn't tell them the truth about Naruto – she didn't think they'd believe her to be honest – and didn't want to stay doing nothing when he went missing. Her hunch was strongly telling her that her friend needed her. She just didn't know what to do about all this. Sakura thought of confiding in Gaara, but then again, what if Naruto didn't want people to know?

"I'm all for your gut feeling and stuff, but Sakura-chan, I still think it's too early to raise alarm." Kiba said from the sidelines.

Their conversation was put on hold when a waitress that Shino found cute presented TenTen and Kiba with their smoothies. The café the gang was sitting at had a homey atmosphere, and it was their primary hang out space. It centered Konoha city, and within walking distance to everyone's houses.

TenTen took a sip from her favorite ice-coffee-slash-mango smoothie and her eyes turned into hearts as everyone in the table cringed. Her choices in beverages always amazed her friends. Really, how her tongue could put two opposite flavors together was beyond them. Neji recalled one time when he'd accompanied the beautiful girl alone and she had requested pineapple-watermelon-yogurt juice. Not only did he and the waitress raise a brow at her odd request, but the man making their juices did as well. Astonished at the challenge, most likely. TenTen simply grinned at her weird taste.

"I know that, Kiba-kun, I just… I'm asking a lot of you, but please, help me out searching for him."

The dog-lover blushed at her pleas and commented, "It's not that I don't want to help you, Sakura-chan, I just think we should wait a little bit more. How about this, if Naruto-kun doesn't show up next Tuesday, we'll search for him? Does that sound alright?"

"I second that." Ino raised a hand, causing her beautiful blond locks to sway. "Naru-baka could be ditching or whatever, so no need to worry much about him."

"I agree." Shino raised a vote with the two.

She didn't like waiting, her furrowed brows showed that at least, but Kiba's words did make sense. Maybe her hunch was flying out of control. Sighing, she nodded.

"Alright, we'll wait. Next Monday tops, and if he doesn't show up we're searching for him."

The gang nodded at her words. After her important topic was discussed, they all went back to the nonchalant stuff they had going on. Half an hour later, Shino and Kiba excused themselves, saying that they had something they needed to buy – TenTen rolled her eyes at them, knowing they went to get the new addition to the stupid ninja manga they followed. Ino and Gaara were second to leave, TenTen was about to leave with Neji when the long haired brunet told her to go without him.

The girl nodded at him and left. Sakura blinked when he seated himself beside her. With eyes filled with nothing but seriousness, he asked her.

"Sakura-chan, I don't mean to pry here and you have all the right not to tell me, but Naruto-kun, he's in danger isn't he?"

Her face took on a worried expression and she nodded. "Yes, I think so."

"Does this have to do with his recent change in personality?"

Her eyes widened ever so slightly, she really didn't want to share her information with the brunet, but those kind, lilac eyes left her little room to lie.

"…How did you know?"

"I have good eyes," He assured with a smile. "Don't worry; I think I'm the only one who noticed. Naruto-kun was very careful. I don't think anyone saw any change."

"Oh, I see."

"So, can you tell me exactly what happened to him? I might be able to help."

Sakura looked at the sunglasses in her hands and sighed. What would Naruto want her to do? Should she speak? Will he believe her? Does she have the authority to tell the blond's secret to another person? It was probably very hard for Naruto to include her, let alone someone else. So… as much as she wanted his help, she felt reluctant to speak. It wasn't her place. Without permission, she shouldn't tell anyone.

A kind hand found its way to her clenched ones. Her beautiful jade eyes met Neji's once more and with a gentle tone, he reassured.

"You don't have to tell me if it's too hard."

"…It's not that, I want to tell you, Neji-kun, I really do. But it's just –"

"It's not your place. You want to keep Naruto-kun's secret. I understand."

He said the words she struggled with easily. Really, she couldn't ask for a better friend. Nodding to him, the pink haired girl apologized.

"I'm sorry."

Neji thoughtfully brushed her off. "No worries, I think you're making the right decision. Anyhow, I'll help you search for him. I know you didn't intend to honor Kiba-kun's suggestion from the beginning."

A smile found its way to her lips. Sometimes the brunet scared her with his strong intuition and observational skills, but right now, she thanked God for them. If she was going to flip hell to find Naruto, she needed a strong ally by her side. Besides, who's better than the smart, handsome, and resourceful Hyuuga Neji?

"Thank you, Neji-kun."

"There's no thanks between friends, Sakura-chan, but," He added with a grin. "You're welcome."

"How long do you intend on keeping me here?" Naruto asked between gritted teeth.

The raven-haired male to his right spared him a look and answered. "As long as my time permits."

Naruto scoffed. "How long is that again?"

This time Sasuke paid him no mind and returned to reading his book. Naruto grunted at the treatment. He recalled the events that took place the previous night. Naruto was transported out of the cell to a decent looking room; the chains that were holding him were given some length. The blond was now able to move a good distance of six meters. Enough to reach the bathroom and waltz around the room, but not enough to have him leave the room and escape – or even jump through that tempting looking window. At this point, he really didn't know what to do.

Naruto tried escaping. Yes, he did. One time, Sasuke was careless as to get close without a guard present, Naruto took hold of his neck and pinned him to the ground. He threatened to harm him if the raven didn't let him go that instant. However his threats fell on deaf ears as Sasuke did nothing to abide. He simply lied there, under him –to Naruto's displeasure – enjoying the whole act. The blond wasn't able to go through with his threats, after all. He wasn't that type of person, and even if he was, hurting Sasuke was out of the question. He liked the raven too much to do that.

"I just don't understand. Why am I here? Your actions don't make sense." Naruto asked after much contemplation on his part. His days were spent doing nothing; he'd wake up to a fancy meal, sit around all day, Sasuke would grace the room with his attendance, spend most of the time reading, have lunch together, then Sasuke would leave. Before dinner, he'd come back again, read another book, have dinner with Naruto and leave with a promise of a tomorrow. A future in which they would repeat this whole vicious cycle yet again.

Sasuke turned a page on the book he was reading and remained silent. Naruto continued asking.

"Are you lonely? Is that why I'm here?"

"Yes, I am."

The answer came so fast, Naruto had to ask again to make sure he wasn't being played. "Come again?"

"I said," Sasuke repeated, "I'm lonely, that's one of the reasons you're here." The raven put a bookmark in and closed the book

It happened without his consent; a blush showing up on tan, whiskered cheeks. The blond was taken aback to say the least. Emotions were very hard to extract from Sasuke, and he'd tried days to get a single reaction out, but still, nothing. To be hit with something like this all of a sudden and out of the blue? Did his attempts finally bear fruit?

"Uumm… well, you didn't have to abduct me to spend time with me. I would gladly do that with a request."

"I did, you refused." Sasuke reasoned.

"No, you didn't. You said to leave my life and live here, and that doesn't make sense. I can't just ditch the world and stay with you."

"That's why you're in chains."

The blue-eyed male rolled his eyes and tried again. "Well you said one of the reasons, what are the others?"

"…"

Sasuke took back his hold on his book, ignoring Naruto's question. The blond frowned and left the comfy bed he was in, walking towards Sasuke. Forcibly, he removed the book from the other's sight and replaced it with his face.

"Sasuke-kun," Naruto started eyes glittering with mischief. "I've decided that I'm done being in the dark. You're going to tell me now, who the hell you are, why did you take me and why – for God's sake – do you know so much about me? No more lies. I'll know."

Black orbs looked at him and Naruto felt a shiver run down his spine. The book in his hands was snatched in a mere second. He didn't even see Sasuke's hands move, impressed, the blond let down his guard. Sasuke took that chance and threw him back on the bed that was prepared for him.

"You shouldn't ask things you're not ready for."

"I am ready to hear! I want to know –"

"Last time I heard that, you fainted from the shock."

Naruto couldn't recall any of the things the other was spurting. "I don't remember something like that happening."

Sasuke rolled his eyes as he walked towards the door. "Sure, you don't."

The blond wanted to object, but the door was slammed on his face. Pouting, he threw one of the feathery pillows at the door, mumbling a faint protest.

"Stupid Sasuke. I'll get you next time, just you wait!"

"Hey, I know I'm not supposed to leave here, but," Naruto's eyes glittered as he requested. "Can't you at least let me stay in that beautiful garden for a bit?"

The black haired male stopped eating as his sight followed Naruto's outside the big windows. The blond could see the hint of something flicker inside of Sasuke, but the minute he noticed it, it was gone.

"Why?"

Pouting, Naruto replied. "Because it's nice outside, because I've been cooped in here for god knows how long and because I'm about to kill myself of boredom. You do realize that in some countries, they use isolation as means of torture, right? Isolation, Sasuke, isolation as in just like what you're doing here! Do you want me to die? Is that it? You want to kill me –"

His rant was interrupted by a pale hand stuck to his face, the raven haired male said. "Shut up. You're annoying."

"Well annoying or not, I'm bored!" Naruto protested with his hands wrapped in front of him. "I want to smell some fresh air and I dunno… I feel like this garden is somewhat, special."

Sasuke stopped sipping the soup for the second time, his eyes looked the blond directly as he questioned with a raised brow. "Special how?"

"Well if I knew that I wouldn't be wondering, now would I?"

The sarcastic tone had Sasuke return back to his food and whisper softly.

"…Fine. After lunch we'll go."

Naruto's mouth twitched into a grin. He felt like he was able to attain a reward from a very hard video game. With delight, he returned to his meal. The dishes that were served to him were always so delicious. He didn't know who made them, but wanted to salute the chef. True to his promise, after they finished their food, Sasuke had two males escort Naruto to the spacious garden. The blond had rolled his eyes at the treatment, his cuffs and chains were removed but the guards hovered over him like a precious gem. He actually hadn't thought about running… yet. The blond didn't know why but after spending a week being pampered like a princess, his body actually didn't dislike the treatment.

He did miss his father and friends, but he hadn't spent enough time away from them to long for them. Yet, he considered his stay in the estate to be a holiday – a much needed timeout from the mysteries he over-thought. Naruto just hoped the situation on the other side wouldn't be worse. His father was a worrywart, and though he was a gentle soul if Minato suspected that Naruto was in any form of danger, he'd do everything in his power to rescue him. In fact, the person whom he feared most was Sakura. The girl knew everything and with her super hunch she would know he needed her help.

But did he really?

As the blond made his way to the stunning landscape, his worries and thoughts evaporated. It was breathtaking. He didn't know what to call this, and hardly thought his simple vocabulary did it any justice, but it was magical. Flowers of different kinds illuminated the garden; they were orchestrated in a way that gave their vibrant colors a chance to mix well without being overbearing. A gazebo that was placed in the center, painted a mix of blue and yellow which gave the garden a touch of misty morning. A nearby fountain played a beautiful tune, with a theme that read dolphins. He was only able to identify a single flower even with the many kinds that were spread around. A blend of white and pink roses was merged with the Persian Ivy on the walls.

Three dancing statues of beautiful girls twirled in a counterclockwise motion mimicking the fountain's melody. Naruto took a seat on a bench under a shady tree. He felt serene inside. The fresh air was welcomed inside his lungs in lazy but deep breaths. He was relaxed, probably too relaxed as he hadn't sensed when a shadow covered the afternoon sun beaming on his figure.

"You like it here."

His eyes flickered open and he gave a gentle smile to his intruder, affirming. "I like it here."

Sasuke took a seat beside him. A gust of wind sent his soft black locks to intrude on his face, and with a pale hand he tucked it behind his ear displaying a slight ring hole to the other. Naruto allowed his hand to roam free to the abused lobe. Delicately, he touched the tender flesh and questioned.

"When did this happen?"

As if the earlobe that was being caressed wasn't his, Sasuke answered flatly. "Yesterday."

"Why did you do it?" Naruto inquired, clear concern in his voice.

"It needed to be done."

As always, he wasn't given clear answers. Naruto really never knew where he stood with this Sasuke. Just when he would think he had him figured out, something would happen and he'd be back to square one. Sighing, he returned his hand to his side and again questioned him, although this time showing the annoyance he felt within.

"You really don't like telling me anything, do you? Is keeping me in the dark so fun?"

Sasuke turned to him, and that glint the blond saw at lunch was clear. A smooth tone was used as the raven retorted with a different question.

"Don't you remember?"

"Remember, what?"

"…This garden, does it not remind you of anything?"

The blond cast the beautiful scenery a look from the corner of his eyes, it shined. A wistful feeling washed over him but that was it. His head didn't release any memories of this place. It felt like he had been here, like déjà vu but that was it. Hesitantly, he tried to answer Sasuke's question.

"I can't say yes, and I can't say no. It has a nostalgic feeling but that's all. I've never been here before. The first time is when I followed you here, but before that I don't think I've ever seen it."

"Hn."

Sasuke kept his quiet at this; Naruto decided that he wouldn't have it. There was a reason why he was asked that question and he was adamant on finding out.

"So what? Have I been here before?"

When Sasuke was about to stand and leave like all those other times, the blond took hold of his shoulder and forced him – gently – to sit back down. His eyes showed fire as he stated with gritted teeth.

"Not this time, Uchiha, you're going to spill everything. Why does this place feel familiar? What are you hiding?"

The raven looked at him for a while. As always, Naruto tried to read that poker face but he had nothing. Sasuke was perfect in hiding what he didn't want people to know. So if the other didn't want to tell him, he wouldn't know. Finally, Sasuke decided to open his mouth. Giving Naruto's hopes a raise.

"Fine. I didn't want to say anything because chances that you wouldn't believe are high, but if you want to know so bad, I will tell you."

"I'm waiting." The blond urged when a good time passed and Sasuke didn't say anything.

"You've been here before."

The raven was about to stand up again and leave but the blond stopped him again.

"You really like escaping. Besides, no shit, Sherlock! Your words two minutes ago were leading to that."

A look of dissatisfaction graced Sasuke's face. "Then why are you holding me, let me leave."

"You don't just drop a bomb like this and leave!" Naruto sweat-dropped at the unbelievable actions of the other. He really felt like he was talking with a machine! There was no consideration to his emotions whatsoever, not even his state of mind. For God's sake would a proper explanation to enlighten him really be so bad? Sasuke just dropped the info and wanted to split. Well not this goddamn time! "Explain! What do you mean? How could I have been here without having any memory of it?"

"…That's something I don't want to talk about."

"Uchiha Sasuke, that won't fly anymore! You need to tell me I'm done with mysteries! Who are you? Why am I here? What do you mean I have been here before? You..." Naruto hated repeating himself like a broken record, but Sasuke just got on his nerves. He took a deep breath and tried not to pop. "Are you the Sasuke from my timeline?"

The raven-haired male heaved a sigh – Naruto's first official time witnessing the act with such emotions – then spoke in a tone that told Naruto he didn't want to do any.

"Unfortunately, all these questions hold answers that I can't discuss with you right now. But," His eyes lingered on a faraway plant and he stated, "I can answer you one. After that, you won't bother me anymore."

"No, that won't do. I need all the answers."

"One."

Naruto stubbornly looked at those charcoal eyes and frowned. The hardheaded man before him probably had his reasons for not being able to answer Naruto's questions – or so he supposed as he liked to give people the benefit of the doubt. Choosing only one though, was hard. Those questions, they were the jist of numerous mysteries shrouding him currently. So to just pick one…

"Then I'd paragon with three," Three tan fingers were raised in front of Sasuke's face. "There questions and I'll let you go."

Sasuke seemed to contemplate this for a while, before he sternly commented. "Two and that's final."

The blond cheered inside. A part of him protested that he should have gone with a higher number, so when Sasuke brought it down, he'd have more questions to be answered. But another part – the optimistic and larger one – highlighted that two questions would be enough for now. Two questions. Now he needed to filter the most important questions he needed answered. What was the thing he wanted to know the most? Again, the front fort of his head filled with numerous questions, he shook his head and –

"If you don't have anything…" Sasuke interrupted his thoughts, trailing off with intent on leaving.

The blond grabbed his pale hand tightly and firmly asked. "No! I have a question. Sasuke… are you- are you the Sasuke from my timeline?"

Naruto felt his heart beat faster than necessary. The question was very important. It was the thing that he wanted to know from day one. Its answer would also give him a clear path and a plan to work on. He needed to get the confusion out. He needed to know if this person could be trusted or not. He needed the reassurance. His heart was about to leap from his chest when Sasuke parted his lips to speak, but before that could happen, Naruto clapped his hands on Sasuke's lips. Startled black pearls faced his action.

"Sorry, but before you say anything," The blond looked at his shivering arms and tried to calm his heart down. "Promise me you won't lie, manipulate the truth or do anything that would mislead me. I need a clear and truthful answer… to this question precisely."

Sasuke brought his hands and gently removed Naruto's from his hold.

"Don't worry, I will speak the truth."

"O-Okay, then I'm ready, please give me your answer."

Sasuke's eyes looked at their clasped hands, he gazed for a good couple of minutes and just when Naruto thought he'd let him go, the raven didn't. It made the blond feel some sense of comfort – just like the huge garden, it was peaceful. Sasuke gave the pale hand a squeeze before directing his gaze to Naruto and answering his question.

"Yes, I am."

That single answer shook the blond to the core. The events that had led him to his current location all burned inside his skull. He felt himself get drifted and his throat got thirsty. His voice seemed so far away right now. This was his Sasuke. How? What –

"Why?" Naruto felt his lips work without his consent. "Why did you lie to me?"

Sasuke's gaze was straight as he questioned. "Are you choosing this as your second question?"

Naruto didn't feel like analyzing so he hurriedly answered. "Yes –"

"Are you sure? Isn't there something more important you want to know?" Sasuke insisted, trying to level with his prey.

"D-Don't speak. Just answer me. Why the fuck did you lie to me?"

His nerves were jittery but he was clam. Naruto was amazed at how collected he was. His tips were as cold as snow and his heart was skipping a couple of beats by now, but he was clam. Yes, the calm before the storm.

The raven nodded. "Alright, I'll take it as your second question. I didn't lie. You were under the assumption that I and the Sasuke you've met in your timeline are two different entities. I simply didn't correct you. I felt like leaving you like that would be better."

"Better for whom?"

"For both of us."

Naruto gritted his teeth, not wanting anger to cloud his feelings. "Why did you send me here?"

"Two questions, Naruto."

The blond felt his heart squeeze, the way his name was being pronounced was unfair. It brought memories of the sweet time he'd spent with Sasuke back in the original timeline. He just couldn't forgive what the other chose to do. He knew from the beginning everything that was happening yet he allowed Naruto to misunderstand, to be confused and to question who he was or if he belonged here or not.

"I can't answer any more questions but I'll tell you something. Your presence is very important to me. You don't know a lot, that day when you saved me from the trash… you might have done it on a whim, but to me, it was a ray of sunshine. You were what I was searching for." A pale hand came and cupped one whiskered cheek, Sasuke continued talking. "The time we spend in your apartment. I honored every minute –"

Suddenly the person in his vision fell. Sasuke got a hold of the blond before his body hit the ground. His face showed a grim expression. He looked the unconscious male's form in the eyes and whispered sad words.

"…You broke, again."

"So what did she want?"

A smile was given to him as an answer. Gaara rolled his eyes and continued walking. It's been about a week now since he noticed Neji and Sakura plotting something. They'd always meet in private, hushing their voices so no one would hear. At the beginning, he thought nothing of it, but it started to get to him when his dates with the brunet were canceled because he needed to meet Sakura. Currently, they were finished with classes. He was about to leave with Neji when the pink-haired cheerleader stopped them, borrowing Neji for the umpteenth time.

Now, Gaara wasn't the jealous or possessive type, but he didn't like being kept out of the loop either. He gave the male walking beside him a glance. Neji was engrossed in thinking something that his forehead was wrinkling. The redhead hated how he had no idea about what was happening. He extended a hand and halted Neji just before he was to fall in a hole in the ground – too busy brooding to notice, he supposed.

"Seriously man, watch where you're going."

Laughing nervously, Neji thanked him. They started walking again but Gaara frowned. The brunet was being very absentminded, and he didn't like doing what he was about to, but it needed to be made clear.

"So I went on this date yesterday." He lied through his teeth, from the corner of his eyes, he was checking for a reaction, but nothing came, Gaara continued. "She was really cute."

"Hm, I see."

"Smart, too."

"Good, good."

A vein in him was about to pop. "We have a lot in common; she has my taste in music."

Neji took a right turn, inattentively nodding to Gaara to continue. The redhead stopped and nonchalantly and rather loudly stated.

"We had sex."

Lilac eyes turned ever so slowly to face him; the brunet was taken aback by what his ears had picked up. Blinking, he asked. "…What?"

"I went out with a girl yesterday and we had sex." Gaara spoke in a clear tone, feeling satisfied with the horror inside Neji's orbs. He was being a little devil, but the other totally deserved it for ignoring him.

"…O-oh… I see. Of course you would… why wouldn't you? You're a healthy high schooler, after all. There's nothing to stop you from doing that if you want… Yeah, nothing…"

Neji was entering his own world as his eyes darkened. The redhead knew how his friend's brain worked. The confident, strong Neji was charming as they can get, but he had a slight insecure side. Strangely enough, he didn't show that side to anyone but him, making Gaara feel special at that. So by experience, he was sure the other was over-thinking, overanalyzing and beating himself up. Gaara allowed Neji's self-judgment to go own for a good couple of minutes before he stepped in.

"I lied." In a resonating voice, he commented.

Gaara watched Neji's eyes vibrate back to life. The process was very entertaining for him.

"Say what?"

Making sure steps to the other, the redhead repeated his words. "I didn't have sex with anyone; I didn't go out even last night."

Neji scowled at him and with a confused tone, he questioned. "Then why did you say that?"

"Because I'm jealous. You've been ignoring me all this time, going out with Sakura. I'm fed up with it."

The brunet's confused face broke into a smile. He got closer to Gaara and said.

"Firstly, it's super cute that you're jealous, but you should know there's nothing between me and Sakura-chan for you to be –"

"I'm not talking about romance –"

"I know. I just wanted to make it clear. And about what she and I have been discussing, you already know it."

Gaara's brows furrowed together, he tried to think for a little and something came to mind.

"Naruto?"

"Naruto."

"But he's fine," Gaara pressed, confused. "I mean sure he hadn't come for two weeks now, but didn't he call and say he was alright?"

"That he did."

"Then why are you discussing it still?"

Neji heaved a sigh and answered. "Sakura-chan is still worried. She thinks he's in danger and is forced to tell us those things."

"Sakura is overthinking stuff. I mean sure it's strange that he's away for so long, but he already said he's fine. Besides, don't forget that Naruto used to play hooky in junior high. There was this time when we ran away to some mountain. We stayed for three weeks until his father and Kankuro found us."

The redhead cringed at the memory. They were both in their insane ages, wanting to explore the world. Actually they had a passion for hiking and camping at that time and since neither Kankuro nor Naruto's father allowed them to do it; they ran away and did what they pleased. Needless to say, they were both grounded for a long time. However, when they ditched, it was in the summer break. No school. He saw how Sakura would be concerned about the blond choosing to leave in the middle of the school term, but Naruto wasn't the type of person to roll with the wrong crowd, nor did he do drugs for them to fear.

To him, there was no need for searching. When Naruto was up for it, he'd come back to them. No need forcing people to do anything. He was the type to hate being forced into situations; that's why he enforced that policy with his friends. If Naruto said he was fine, he'd take him up on those words. Sighing once more, Gaara waited for his brunet friend to answer.

"Yeah, I remember. Kankuro-san was very pissed at you. He even came to my house thinking you hid there."

"Well that's in the past. Do you get my point? Naruto isn't in any danger. Instead of helping Sakura in her delusions, you should knock some sense into her."

"Hmm… I don't know, I think girls have good intuition. If she's convinced there's something wrong with him, I'll help her. Besides Sakura-chan needs all the help she can get."

Gaara knew there was no changing the other's thoughts anymore and he didn't try it. Nodding, he complied. "Okay, I'll stop. If you need my help, I'm here."

A pale hand came and grasped his. Warmth spread into Gaara's cold extremity, he smiled at the other and squeezed the hand back.

"I know."

With that they continued walking their way.

It was three at night, and Naruto felt like he was back into his delinquent days when he was still finding out how thrilling it was to breaks the rules. Hiding behind a wall, he waited until the three maids made their way to the other side of the corridor, before slipping away. Walking with quiet steps, he passed the third door heading to the outside. It had been about three weeks now being confined in the vast mansion. At the beginning he didn't hate the atmosphere, but after finding out about Sasuke's true nature, he just couldn't stay here anymore. He was suffocated. Not to mention, since their little encounter at the garden, the raven had disappeared from his sight. They didn't meet for a whole week and Naruto decided that enough was enough.

He'll be the only one making the rules from now on.

Sliding to the ground, Naruto crawled avoiding one of the guards. On his way to the outside, he spotted a door unattended and weaseled his way there. Actually it was strange; the chains that had been holding him in place in that beautifully decorated room weren't as strong as he'd thought. He hadn't tried to break them before because they looked unbreakable, but when he did – a night where he was so frustrated with Sasuke's behavior – they broke like glass. He was startled, and quickly his mind conjured a plan to escape.

It was hard to hide his free hands from the maid who came presenting him dinner, but Naruto was able to pull it off. Naruto looked to his right when the sound of chatter caught his eyes, he cursed under his breath at the staff of the house – it was so late yet they were all up and about, as if the sun was high in the sky. He was forced to shelter inside a closet until they passed, sighing in relief when that happened. He'd actually gotten lost a couple of times. The house was too big – had too many similar doors and pathways. The blond remembered the way to the garden, but God, why was it so hard to get there?

His azure orbs glittered in delight when he saw a window, the night lights placed in the garden shone highlighting its beauty. Naruto beamed. He was getting closer to freedom. The hem of the pajama shirt he was wearing caught on the handle of the door when he was moving out of the closet. It scraped his skin but he paid the pain little attention. He looked the hall up and down, left and right and decided that his best bet would be to jump out the window. If his calculations were right, and he believed they were, he was in the ground floor, so jumping wouldn't be a problem. Squirming to the window, he removed the bright curtains shielding it, and slowly creaked it open.

A gush of clean midnight air filled his lungs, the hall was dark, but the moon illuminated a fine outline of objects. Naruto hopped on the armchair placed beside the window, softly offering an apology for dirtying the expensive furniture. Placing a hand on a rim, he put his right foot and lifted his weight alongside the left one. To his reckoning, the floor wasn't that far. In a second, he jumped. The feel of the cold tile under him brought chills to his spine.

Naruto started running, fast and swift. Looking over his shoulders every two seconds to check that he wasn't caught, but everything was fine. He was good. His mind was set on getting the hell out of the magical prison, the thought plunged his conscious. He ran to the far right, passing before a field of beautifully aligned flowers. The gardener responsible really had a wonderful taste. The blond wished to just stay in the cozy garden, unable to shake the familiarity he felt within.

His eyes cast on the gate; he was so close to getting out when a tender voice called out to him. Naruto knew that voice all too well and his bones froze.

"You're leaving… Naruto."

Fisting his hands on his sides, the blond took a deep breath and turned around. Standing in the middle of the path he'd just came running down on was none other than his captor, Uchiha Sasuke. A look of disdain was showing on those cold features. A part of the blond was glad that he was able to extract such emotions from the other, but another part hated that look. He made sure his voice was steady when he spoke.

"Yes. I'm done playing with you. I need to get back to reality."

"…What is that?" Sasuke asked with a mocking tone. "You think the life you have here is your reality?"

"Well the one I'm having here sure isn't." He gestured to the huge estate around them.

Sasuke stayed silent at this. The blond closed his eyes and turned around.

"Just let me go; right now I don't want to see your face. I need to think."

"You're blaming me for you being here."

"No," Naruto denied. "I'm blaming you for keeping me ignorant. I don't know if you're the reason why I'm here or not, but I know that you knew everything and you lied to me… no, you're still lying to me."

The raven scowled at him, not appreciating the words. "I have my reasons. It's not that I like not telling you but I can't. I don't know the result if you found out."

Naruto furrowed his brows. "See? Just like this, you say shit I don't understand. Result of what? You talk as if the world would end if I knew what's going on."

"…My world would." Sasuke whispered softly, inaudible to Naruto.

"What?"

"…"

Upon the silence, the blond spoke firmly. "Anyway, just let me think… I need time alone."

Sasuke stayed quiet, Naruto took that as a sign that he could leave. He walked softly to the gate, but before he was fully able to exit, a pale hand stopped him in his tracks, grasping his tan wrist. His eyes looked at the teen stopping him, Sasuke's lips were bleeding from him biting on them so hard. His face was filled with agony. Naruto felt his heart throb in pain.

"Don't go…"

The whisper broke his heart into piece. Sasuke's voice was so tender that it blended with the wind. Naruto really wanted to comply, to return with the raven back to that room, but he couldn't. His own emotions were all over the place and he just couldn't. He needed to regroup his thoughts and think everything in an environment away from Sasuke.

Yes, Sasuke was to be avoided.

"I… I can't… sorry… I have to go…"

Sasuke's grip on him hardened and even when Naruto tried to move away, he didn't allow him. The blond sighed and tried one last time.

"Okay, Sasuke, if you tell me everything… the whole truth about why I'm here and the mysteries I have no answer to, if you tell all that, I'll stay."

Sasuke looked to the ground, the blood on his lip dripping harder. "You know I can't do that."

"Then I can't stay here." Naruto removed the pale hand from his own. "You made your choice, now it's my turn to make mine."

"…You're sure about this? You want to leave me?"

The blond couldn't shake the feeling that he'd heard those words before, not the same but the same. He couldn't explain it. The feeling was similar. Before Naruto could make sure of what's what, Sasuke had opened the gate for him and stood aside.

The choice was clear to him. However when Naruto's feet were out of the estate, he looked back once more and a look of total abandonment and despair was witnessed inside Sasuke's eyes. A gush of uneasy feelings and darkness clouded his eyes as Sasuke clearly blurted out, voice shaky to the ears.

"You broke your promise again, Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto knew he made the wrong decision.

Thank you all for reading. Sorry for the delay. I'm waiting for your reviews.