Title: Two-Timer

Author: Praecipula

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto neither the song 'My Love is Here'

Summary: NaruSasu. Two-shots. You can't treat love like a hamburger. You can't buy one then take one though Sasuke thinks otherwise despite the risk he's putting on the line.

Author's note: OH GOD, I don't know how I finished this. After I'd took down my account, I thought it was really over. But then, I suddenly got bored again (I love vacation but its so boring!) and my drive to write a story came back full-force. Che. And you wouldn't believe how much I struggled with this..my vocabulary went downhill, Oh god why? So please forgive any mistakes you see, its completely my fault and for those who watched and reviewed this story last time, I really love you and this is the least thing I can do.

PS: I know I need to have some Beta but I don't know how! So if there is anyone willing out there…T-T I need you!


Two-Timer II


Words nothing but words

For me to show
How much my love for you unfolds
Through trouble and fears
This love feels so real
And I need you to know

Even though we're far apart
You're right beside me in my heart


Sasuke rubbed his face tiredly, pushing all the papers away in front of him a little. He rested his head between his hands, trying to will away all the exhaustion. He had been reading research and business plans from the mindless idiots from the holy ground below and for the life of him, he couldn't understand why the CEO wants these useless opinions before proceeding into action.

He might as well list all the gadgets he wants for his office and ba-dum, it will be the exact replica of these bullshits.

Getting ready again to finish his work for the day, he was interrupted when the intercom beside his stack of folders rang. He reached for the phone with a frown, ready to yell at his secretary for interrupting him.

"Sir." Tenten greeted in haste. "The receptionist below says your boyfriend wants-"

"Naruto is here?" Sasuke asked, brow furrowing further. "Why?"

"I don't know sir. Should I let him-"

The Uchiha suddenly stood up when a loud bang resounded on the entire floor. He heard his lover's familiar voice, yelling at his secretary before his footsteps took the route to the raven's office.

Sasuke froze in confusion for a moment, not having the moment to recover when Naruto suddenly entered his office, nearly ripping the door off his hinges. Blazing eyes focus on his pale figure, tanned hands clenched as a set of white teeth grit furiously.

He had never seen Naruto this angry before. Not at least at him.

"Ba-"

"Fucking-don't call me that!" The blonde spat venomously, making the raven took a step back only to have his swivel chair hit the back of his knees. "I'm giving you a moment to explain yourself bastard…and when I'm through with you…y-you..."

Sasuke's eyes remained widened, heart beating against his chest in rapid movement as he stared at his lover's shaking form. "I d-don't know what you're talking about-"

"Answer me!" Naruto screamed, ignoring the person behind him who tried offering calming words. "Who is Haruno Sakura...and Neji Hyuuga? Answer me, dammit!"

Sasuke's felt his heart ripped of its nerves, plunging down deep in his stomach. His mind begun to swirl fast, taking away his ability to think. Dread, hurt, regret and a huge amount of panic were currently churning his entire being until he could no longer stand up on his two feet, reducing him to fall lifelessly on the chair behind him.

The blonde, taking his reaction as a confirmation to the painful knowledge he had just received a while ago marched towards him in furious steps, grabbing both of his shoulders harshly. "YOU FUCKING MOTHERFUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!" Naruto spat in his face, those blue-eyes tinting in red while he gazed down on the person who had become his everything only to watch it destroy him.

"I gave you everything! Everything, you son of a bitch! And this is what you gave me?"

Sasuke didn't even gasp when a hard punch hit him in the face, followed by another. If Naruto wasn't holding him down, he might have been thrown against the wall behind with how much force the impact felt. Panic gripped his heart tightly, allowing his brains to think of anything to alleviate the situation. To not make Naruto leave him.

His secretary's worried yells sounded so distant now, only glazed black eyes stared at the white wall. He wasn't even feeling the punches anymore, or if there's still are. Mind repeating the questions, 'How did he find out?' ,'He can't leave me' and… a countless of 'why's'.

"I-I love you.." Sasuke whispered absently, not seeing how the rage on the blonde's eyes doubled tenfold.

"I can't believe we're in this situation.." Naruto slowly let his shoulders go, making the raven stumbled on his chair again. "I always thought.." The blonde's face twisted into desperation, mouth agape as if he was being played in a dream, refusing to admit that he's angry for a reason he had never associated with his lover.

"I love you." Sasuke repeated with widened eyes, getting to his feet to run to the blonde's front. "I do." Hugging Naruto's immobile form, he ignored the way the body tensed. "I love you."

"You don't."

"I do!" The raven shouted, panic and desperation evident on his tone. "Please Naruto…I didn't mean-"

"Is there someone else...beside them? Tell me.." Naruto's asked quietly, voice devoid of emotion as he remain standing there, not reciprocating his lover's embrace like he always do.

"Please babe…"

"How many?"

"Please…"

"Uchiha. Answer me."

Sasuke didn't realize he was already crying until a pained sob tore out his throat. He took a step back, breathing heavily as he focused his gaze downcast, not wanting to see the blank look Naruto was currently giving him.

"Four…" the words were breathe but the effect it caused Naruto made Sasuke's cried harder, refusing to acknowledge the blazing fact at this moment, he destroyed someone who helped him heal a part of the wound his childhood carved in his soul.

And when the blonde took a step back, expression meld into one like he had just received his death sentence, Sasuke knew his perfect world has ended.


There were only a few times in Uchiha Itachi's life where he had no idea how to deal with things. And one of them is right now, he mused as his car stopped at a parking lot, his head rested on the steering wheel while he tried to compose himself. He knew he won't be able to hold back from saying things that might add to his younger brother's misery.

Finally calming his self-down, he pushed the door open, getting out of his sleek red Dodge Viper GTS with fluid movements. Impassive face stared ahead, ignoring the people that swoon over him as he entered Sasuke's apartment building.

He spared a fleeting glance at the receptionist when he passed by her on the way to the elevator. She'd known him for almost two years now, deeming him knowledgeable enough to be left on his own. Pinching the button of the 5th floor, he waited for the soft 'bing' that indicated his arrival.

Sounds echoed through the hollowed corridor as his footsteps made its destination to one door. He didn't bother ringing the doorbell, fishing out the duplicate key he had, unknown to his brother of course.

"Tsk." He shook his head in disappointment when he was greeted by a sight that he had expected the first time Sasuke's boss informed him of the man's absence for almost three and a half weeks.

The coach was ripped off of its elegant fur, its fluffy dark blue pillows thrown across the wall. Bits of the once glass table reside under its feet and the older man had to walk on the side line to avoid stepping on the sharp objects. The scene reminded him painfully of a night he had tried for all his life to bury.

He should have been there.

He, the older brother, should have been on his brother's side on that night, protecting his innocence like he should.

But no one can really blame him, can they? The events, the pressure and the numbness he always felt every time he laid his eyes on his father. The emptiness he saw there always makes him want to vomit. He couldn't accept the fact that despite the perfectness of their little family, Fugaku still couldn't find satisfaction.

What more could a person ask when he has a loving wife who vowed herself by serving her husband and sons? When you have an older son who was admired and cherished for his superior intelligence? When you have a younger son whose smile could bring even the wicked criminal down? When you have everything in your palm?

His father was stupid.

The denial he felt then twisted into a strong emotion that he couldn't suppress. The monster inside him that wanted to protect his mother and Sasuke even if it required losing a family member.

He didn't want his younger brother to witness that unhappiness in their father's eyes. Afraid that Sasuke will become as bitter as him. That's what held him back from murdering Fugaku the first time he discover his affair with a prostitute woman that later become his official mistress.

He had let Mikoto believe that her husband was a saint, a man who works hard for his family, leading her to not make any action to stop Fugaku from falling helplessly on that goddamned wrench.

The result was spectacular.

Fugaku would finally leave his family and Mikoto and Sasuke wouldn't be able to take a glimpse of the emptiness in his soul anymore. They wouldn't feel any hurt anymore.

But he hadn't counted for his mother to suicide, he had assumed he would pick her and Sasuke from the depression they will be plunge in. They would finally be happy, enjoying each other's perfection.

"…what are you doing here?" came a raspy voice from his left.

Itachi slowly turned his head to look at his younger brother's form, curled on top of the kitchen counter, dark-onx eyes observing him with no interest. But that's not what his body stiffened.

On Sasuke's left hand was a knife, its tip glinting dangerously while the man swung it back and forth.

"Sasuke."

The man tilted his head on the side in mock confusion. "Sasuke? I see you're calling me that now…what a fucking coincidence."

"What are you doing with that knife?" Itachi stepped forward only to back away immediately when a knife was levelled at his chest, poised in a deadly manner.

Sasuke's eyes flickered in emotion. "Nothing. I was just…gonna follow Mom."

That finally snapped the older man's thinning patience. In a flash, he was gripping Sasuke's biceps making the man dropped the sharp object with a pained gasp, eyes widened in momentary shock as Itachi kicked the knife to the other side of the room.

"Look at me Sasuke. If you won't stop this insanity-" Itachi stopped in midsentence as he finally had the time to really gaze at his brother's unusual red puffy eyes. And crying couldn't just be the reason. "…are you on drugs?"

The maniacal laugh Sasuke suddenly released caught Itachi completely off guard, his body frozen in shock as he continued gazing at his now hysterical brother. Suddenly, the years Itachi spent beside his younger brother seemed to vanished right at that moment. He could no longer recognize this young man. This man with pale skin, hazy eyes caught in between dark circles and his figure so thin you're almost afraid to touch for fear of breaking it.

Locking his jaw tight, Itachi decided this man can no longer suffer this madness in the next few minutes. And if Sasuke fight him, then he'll give him what he wants until he breaks those stubborn bones of him.

"You know…" Sasuke's deep voice arouses him from his next plans, making him turn his attention on the now grim man. "You're right. I'm messed up. I messed up. I fucked up because I'm such a little fucking confident whore."

"What are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about?" the raven asked in mocked incredulous before roaming his eyes across the room in exaggerated motions. "What do you think, brother? Can't you see? I'm on fucking drugs and no annoying blond is attached to me because he found out I'm fucking other people beside me and now he hates me! He loathes me!"

Itachi watched the other bow his head in defeat, fist clench tight as he fought the sobs wracking his form. So that is what this is about. The blonde finally found out about his brother's secret. Or should he say secrets. Sighing, he goes beside Sasuke and sat on the other chair, tugging his brother so the crying man could lean on his chest.

As much as he wants to go barging on Naruto's apartment and beat the shit out of him for making Sasuke resort to drugs, he knew he had no right. If anything else, it's Naruto who should be beating him with rage because he had known of his brother's infidelity and yet he preferred safety, which is not to meddle on the couple's business.

"You should have-"

"I know!" Sasuke suddenly screamed with blazing eyes. "I fucking know! But that idiot, that motherfucking son of a bitch left me…and now, what am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do? I have nothing! I shouldn't be in this situation! I shouldn't be hurting…mother lied."

Itachi reached for his brother's trembling hand but the other just whisked it away. Looking at him with desperation, Sasuke whispered, " Nii-san..she lied. She lied to me. How could she lie to me?"

"What are you talking about?" Liar. That's what Itachi is. He knows what his brother means but what's he supposed to say? That he also lied? He remembered back when he caught Sasuke eavesdropping on their parents and later promised him to explain the situation once he's on the right age. But Itachi didn't. Instead, he let Sasuke deal with his own fears.

Nobody can blame him, could they? After all, he's not as invincible as anyone thinks. He still has his own weakness and that was his brother. Every time he looked at Sasuke, he couldn't handle the guilt of having a part in his mother's death.

"….she said I should always be in guard for the pain. And I was…but why, why does is still hurt?"

Silence.

Then a resigned sigh as Itachi started getting up, ready to ransack his brother's room. "Sasuke..." he said, tilting his head to look at his brother, "I have no answer to that…because I'm hurting too." And as the older man was about to step inside his younger brother's room, he heard a soft whisper that sent his fist clenched.

"…I want Naruto back…please."


Over the course of the few last months since Naruto Uzumaki walked out of one Uchiha Sasuke's life, the blonde found the ceiling of his apartment quite interesting. In fact, it was so interesting he closed his restaurant up until now just to have some eye to eye with it. Eye to paint, was what he meant. He'd even take it to himself to never answer his phone in case someone stupid decided or even worse, dragged him out of his new habit.

He couldn't even tell what today was, whether he should get up out of his comfy bed that reminded of things he certainly don't want to remember or remain where he was. One thing was for sure though, he stink. And his bed too, probably the kitchen too… and the bathroom. To put it in general, he hadn't bath for almost weeks now and his whole apartment was a mess…since the break-up.

No.

Naruto's body shot up straight, breaking his staring contest at his beloved ceiling.

We didn't break up. I left him.

And thinking those words again nearly made him wrench his gut. Except that he had nothing to hurl on his carpet because the last time he eat…he couldn't remember.

Some would think he should have gotten over his ex-lover for surely, it has been a while since that time and most people got over this separation quickly, especially when it's not their fault why a beautiful relationship ended. But Naruto was not them.

Since the moment he stormed out of his office, he had been caved into his apartment. It's not like he's not willing to go out, fend for his business, or even date someone, it's just that coming out of his safe cave would mean that it's really over. Stupid. He's so stupid.

His whole heart seemed to suffocate with agony every time his pale skin…those fathomless dark eyes of his that closed a part of himself that Naruto desperately and painfully hope that he would someday have the honour to know…rose-petal lips that curved into a lie-ridden smile whenever the blonde nuzzles his flushed cheeks…the way he would wrapped himself around Naruto to quietly ask for affection, flashed through his mind.

A spasm of agony ran through his still body and he had to force air into his lungs again to stop the panic attack he knew was coming. The first time he had let it took over, his apartment was thrown into a giant bundle of garbage…and still was.

Kiba had yelled him at him to stop moping around, he distantly remembers. It has been a few days, or was it months, since he closed himself off. And remembering that leads to the question, why is he mopping around? Why is he agonizing over a relationship that had been nothing to his partner since the start?

Why did he love him?

The first time he laid his eyes on him, he knew the dark-haired man was broken. He stood with stiffness lacing his posture, eyes swirling with no emotion at all and the way he held himself off from the public speaks of a deep reason.

At that time, he wanted nothing but to approach this new guy and to worm his way unto him. But then the mysterious guy had to subtly pad his way to a red-haired woman and flirt with her. Naruto was so irritated with him he scowled and insulted the man when the first opportunity came. How dare this asshole make Naruto fascinated and made him eager to get to know him and then act so flirty with a person he doesn't know? How could he share his number with her when Naruto had to think so hard how to get it in a way he won't scare the guy away?

So when Naruto spat degrading words at him and got punch in the face that leads to an all-out fight, the blonde knew he couldn't just let the guy go. He wanted to know him; he wanted to be the last one to bruise that perfect face. The dark-haired man instantly awakened his strong protectiveness.

Naruto knew he really took a lot of risk by pursuing a romantic relationship with a guy whose past had screwed him over. To be honest with himself, he should have expected this. His ex-lover had made it clear at the beginning that…he wouldn't be ruined just like his mother had been.

Only Naruto took those words in a different meaning. He thought it had been a warning directed to him, to never ever think of hurting the dark-haired man, to hold the trust the man had given him preciously. How wrong was that? Oh yes, it had been a warning indeed. A warning that says 'I don't give a fuck about you because I love myself enough to never give you the weapon to hurt me'.

Surprisingly, the whole matter wasn't what hurt the most.

The man not loving him? Fine, Naruto love him so much it would be enough for the two of them. Five years of being in a relationship full of deceiving? That's okay, they could start again. The man having several relationships outside the blonde? It's bearable as long as he cut off those affairs and be contented with him. Naruto love him so much he's willing to put all this bullshits behind.

But the thought of the younger man having held any form of affection with those other person made Naruto want to howl in rage. The fleeting image of the dark-haired man being held or holding other person with eyes full of adoration hurt so much. He couldn't accept the possible fact that he may not be the person the man wants to be with but some other fucking third-party. Oh yes, Naruto won't be accepting any form of accusation that he's the 'other man' in their relationship.

The blonde gave a startled jerk when he heard his doorbell ring. When the initial surprise wear off, his glare automatically came out all force. Who the hell is this shit having enough balls to interrupt his daily monologue? Why can't his friends just leave him alone with his grieving? Can't they understand he needs time? Time with no one bothering him?

The person behind the door was clearly annoyed at being ignored judging by the way his doorbell repeatedly ring. He could have just continue with his merry way but the annoying sound of it finally snapped his short patience so he marched towards the door, yanked it open only to shut it close again quickly than a blink.

Itachi Uchiha.

What was the older man doing here? He backed away from the door with wide eyes as he tried to process the fact that his ex-lover's older brother was outside his apartment door, probably scowling at being shut off.

Then came the realization that Itachi probably knows his younger brother's little dirty secret because why else would he treat Naruto like a piece of ant all those years ago he was dating the raven? Why does he always shake his head in disappointment every time the blonde would make-out with his brother in public? Why else would he give Naruto the cold-shoulder if he doesn't know his brother was cheating on his boyfriend? And why the fuck Itachi didn't tell him?

With a furious growl, Naruto yanked the door open again and sent a flying kick that landed on the older man's shocked face.

Itachi raised himself from the wall he had been thrown against, gazing at the bristling blonde impassively as he wiped the blood off from his split lips. "I guess I deserve that."

"Fuck yeah asshole! How dare your balls show their presence to me you insensitive bastard!"

"I just…" The older man trailed off in hesitancy. He's having another doubt whether this is the right thing to do but he have to because…he'd let this dragged on for too long. It's time his brother and this blonde man came to an understanding. "I'm here to inform you about my brother, Sasuke."

Naruto stiffened immediately at hearing the name. Sasuke. Uchiha Sasuke. His Sasuke.

His brain screamed at him to howled at the man that he wants nothing to do with his brother, that he's not desperate enough to clung to the massive hope that everything would be alright and he's not that stupid to let himself be played again but his battered heart says yes, he should listen to what the older man has to say because it could lead to a happy ending with his beautiful raven that will remain faithful to him for the rest of their lives.

And because he had not always been a rational person, he crossed his muscled arms across his chest as he waited for Itachi to start talking.

If the older man was startled at his willingness, he sure had hid it very well. Itachi glanced briefly inside the room through Naruto's side but one look from the blonde told him he would not be invited inside and that just standing at the hallways is privilege enough. Sighing, he looked Naruto in the eyes. "I know what my brother did. I know the root of why he did it but unfortunately, I don't seem to get the very reason of it. Sasuke had told you about his past…"

Naruto nodded absently.

"It's fucked. He's fucked up. But believe me when I say he did love you." Itachi stopped the snort that threatened to come out when the blonde immediately straightened up, hope and eagerness dancing on his eyes but then it died (or was hide) instantly.

"Listen here Uchiha." Naruto hissed through gritted teeth. "I won't be played by the two of you again. No matter how…much…No matter how much I love Sasuke, I refuse to take part in this fucked up game again."

"I know you would doubt me-"

"Why won't I? You'd know the truth all along but you let me dance in whippity whapoo believing that I had the perfect relationship with the most innocent man in the world. So fuck you."

"…I assumed. I assumed that my brother would realize his mistakes and would stop any of this from happening."

"Assumed?" Naruto's eyes glazed in unadulterated anger. "Fuck-you assumed? You damned dumb-"

Itachi's eyes narrowed at the fore coming insult. "Now listen to me Uzumaki. I know my brother loves you. He had been truly happy within the years you were together-"

"Save it Itachi, I don't wanna hear it." But Naruto could have also said he didn't like ramen by the way his body remained rooted at the door.

"You're always been special to him."

The blonde scoffed. "And that should make me feel better?"

Finally, the older man felt his last bit of patience fall down on a cliff and the glare he's been holding off from the moment Naruto kicked him showed up. "Uzumaki, if you were nothing but a fuck toy to my brother, I wouldn't be standing here, trying to make you understand that his claimed of not loving anyone was ruined the moment he started a relationship with you. Hah. If he doesn't love love you, he wouldn't be have been hooked into drugs moaning and screaming your name over and over again. He wouldn't been crying to me, begging to bring you back. He, for the love of god, wouldn't be wearing your jacket inside the rehab as he wept for his stupidity."

Silence.

Naruto felt his heart dropped down to his stomach as he stared at Itachi's suddenly exhausted face. Sasuke…he's in drugs? He..he's wearing Naruto's jacket, probably sniffing it at this time? He…does he really..lo-no! Itachi might just be assuming again. But he really couldn't help it if his legs suddenly gave out when he thought the possibility that Sasuke might have cared for him. That there might be no affection held to Neji…or Sakura or the others…and that he might be the only one Sasuke held with importance.

"Where rehab is he in now?" he managed to whisper wearingly.

Itachi let out a sigh of relief. He'd make his brother happy. And this time, he would do it properly.


Maybe he really gave too much.

Too much of his being to the point where he could no longer give anything other than the ugly part of him.

In those years where Sasuke and him were together, it had always been about staying together. No separation. No breathing. No space. They had clung with the thought of how compatible they were.

To Naruto, Sasuke had always been the 'permanent' thing in his life. The raven didn't have anything but him and his older brother. The blonde always faced the day with the single comfort of the assurance his lover wouldn't leave him.

But how much of that lie could Naruto take? How much would he bear the thought of his precious Sasuke being held by strangers other than himself? By that beautiful Neji? By that charming Sakura? Could he really live with the fact that he 'might' be just one of those relationships? Relationships that were only wanted because of the affections it offers?

But it's Sasuke. And no matter how much the blonde loathe the asshole for what he did, the part that loves him irrevocably will remain.

His footsteps echoed along the hallowed halls making patients cocked their heads in mild curiosity at who the guest could be. The blonde's six foot build moved through the threshold in easiness though if anyone could see the clenched fist tucked in the man's worn out jeans, they would deem him anything but calm.

The white-painted walls only added solidity inside Cuneta Institute of Drug addiction Control. Typical rehab, was what he thought as he finally came face to face with the room his beloved was being held. It held no difference with the other rooms. Same narrow window with thick bars blocking any object from reaching outside. The door was solid metal, glistening against the dimmed fluorescent and was locked with a one foot automatic machine.

Naruto's eyes glazed over in temporary anger at the thought of these bastards confining his Sasuke but that was gone in an instant when he heard shuffling from inside the room, reminding him what's his purpose in coming here.

But does he really have any purpose at all? Did he come here to see how miserable the younger Uchiha was? Or did he come here to catch a glimpse of Sasuke's impeccable perfectness and feel love for the man again?

Or maybe, he's here to hear some acceptable explanation to make the pain go away so the two of them could move on and be together again.

Or he just really wanted to be assured that Sasuke did really loved him. As much as he love the bastard.

"…N-Naru?"

Naruto's heart took a leap at hearing that familiar voice again but he crushed it again to be able to think reasonably in this situation without being blinded with his uncontrollable love.

Taking a long deep breath, he took a step forward to finally peek at the inside. The sight that greeted no longer shocked him like it should because he had been expecting this, even far more worse than seeing Sasuke kneeling on the cold-tiled floor with both of his feet shackled to the wall, dark-eyes widened in attentiveness as those soft lips trembled a little.

God, he looked beautiful as ever and it wasn't fair. The blonde had been in mess all this months and he knew he could pass as a patient in a mental hospital by the way he looks but Sasuke, the man who was supposed to be hooked in drugs and in currently confined in a rehab looked perfectly elegant despite the old-worn out white hospital dress he wore.

"N-Naru..Babe.." Sasuke whimpered, tears pooling in his eyes again when the blonde only continued to stare at him with unreadable expression.

The blonde sighed in defeat before he flicked his hand to call the attention of the worker who accompanied him. The bulky man behind him frown in displeasure at him being able to defy one of the rules of a guest not being allowed to touch any patient but hey, money is money and it's just coincidence Itachi had a lot of them.

The door opened with a loud clanking of metal and Naruto slid his body inside, all the while pinning Sasuke with his hard gaze as he sat beside the man on the floor.

The raven watched all this in silence and when the worker stepped out of sight, he faced Naruto and jump in his arms in a second, ignoring the light sting it caused to his feet when the metal dug into his skin.

"B-babe…I'm sorry..I'm sorry.."

The blonde remained stiff even when he felt the growing wetness on his shirt as the young Uchiha sob brokenly.

"…why?"

"I'm sorry…"

Naruto's body slowly gave out in exhaustion. All those hopes and eagerness to hear Sasuke's explanation and yet, it ended like this. Perhaps he shouldn't be such a puppy anymore. Always relying on the raven for his next step, being control like a puppet. Honestly, he could no longer recognize his self anymore.

Why had this come to this? All he really wanted was to have a perfect relationship and to hang tightly and protect it with all he can? So how come? How come he had let these things—people—get in their way? Was he not careful enough?

"Bastard. You're a bastard." Was all the blonde could mutter, tiredness visible on his tone as he leaned wearily on the wall behind him.

Sasuke, finally noticing that he would probably get the beating of his life once again, move away and curl on himself. The sob that tore out his lips barely got through the tired blonde. What was he supposed to say? When he was still alone, he had probably conducted every bit of rational reasons for the things he had done (although it seems impossible) and he'll admit most of it was lies. Lies that could make Naruto come back to him but being with the man now and seeing how much he ruined him, Sasuke could do nothing but pray he'll have a time machine to go back to their first meeting.

And when he goes back, he'll make sure Naruto won't meet him. Never get hurt by the raven's selfishness again.

"I don't-can't lose you Naruto." Sasuke whispered softly. "Admit it to myself or not, you have been the reason why I still get up. Before you…I thought life was just and endless cycle of pain. And the more you live, the more you take people's heart to make that emptiness bearable. That's why I thought. But then you came, and suddenly, you're enough to make me believe I can get through this life with a smile. And that scares me. That scared the little boy inside of me who witness his mother's destruction because of some crazy little thing called love(1)."

Naruto snorted blankly, running his hands through his hair in mild disbelief. "Is that why? Why you thought not taking me seriously could sway you from being suicidal?"

"Yes..you were just too much!" Sasuke grated, clearly getting frustrated at having describing his feelings in a wrong way. "You were everything I needed and wanted..but I was so scared I'll lose you. That's why…that's why I needed other relationships to make me feel secured. So that once you were gone, they'll replace your part…"

"And it has never occurred to you how I will feel once I learn of your bullshit?"

Sasuke jerked from the blonde's snapping tone. 'Of course it does! And God knows how much I contemplated breaking things with you so the guilt would stop but…I don't know how. I can't go on knowing that you're not mine anymore…"

Naruto raised his head slowly, looking at the ceiling in a tired fashion. "I don't know Sasuke. I don't know."

The raven tilted his head to look at the blonde, lips clamped tightly as he raised one hand to touch the others gently. There was so much to say, so much to explain but Sasuke couldn't get it out right now. Suddenly, he's tired of lies and all he wants was to close the door right now and face another life without any more chains binding him from his own fears. But even that seems so far away.

He's eager to give himself to this man but on the back of his mind, he knows he won't be able to. The fears of yesterday were eating his insides and no matter what he does, it still reared its ugly heads. But he has no choice. He has to let go.

Or he wouldn't have Naruto at all.

"At least…"he started, bowing his head. "Give me another chance."

The blonde turned his head to the pale hand that was laid on his. And then unto the person whose been his entire life since five years ago. "You're hesitant."

The comment jerked Sasuke in surprise, ready to defend himself but Naruto gave him no time. "Sasuke…I can't be with you right now. And neither do you. You're unstable, I'm unstable. And you'll know what happens if we start off again. I won't be able to let you go…for even a second. I'll doubt every move you make, every place you'll go and most importantly…I'll never be able to believe the love you'll give me. I'm gonna suffocate the two of us and it's gonna be ugly."

"But I-"

"I have a…job offer from Italy."

"You didn't told me this." Sasuke muttered absently, heart suddenly beating hard against his chest.

"No I didn't. Because I wasn't planning to go. I couldn't leave you…remember?" Before the whole mess started. "But now, I think I have to take this time. I need to. I won't be able to function near you so I…"

Sasuke felt his heart clenched painfully. He won't be able to see Naruto anymore. And it hurts so much he can't breathe, like all his insides were trembling in fear. He doesn't know what to do, and frankly, his mouth was numb for him to even utter a word. What could he do? Naruto's leaving and…

"Sasuke…"

The raven drew an air, the lump on his throat suddenly making his eyes red and watery." I can't Naruto…I can't."


One month after, Naruto entrusted his restaurant to his bestfriend, Kiba Inuzuka. The brunet was looking for another place to work after he got married and though he has no degree, he still has special talent on kitchen. Not that he'll take full charge of the kitchen like Naruto did but he'll supervise the chef and manage the place for the time being the blonde was gone.

And after that, Naruto booked a flight to Italy.

Even after all of Sasuke's plea, the blonde couldn't sway from his decision. He still visited the raven every day before he left, just staying by his side. Little conversations were made. And after Sasuke got out of rehab, the first thing he did was to put his apartment into place.

He picked up the clothes thrown on the floor, washed the dirty plates, swept the shattered glass on the floor and pretty much tied up everything. Why his older brother never hired people to clean the place, Sasuke will blame it all to Itachi's bastardness. The jerk surely made sure to make his younger brother pay for the headaches he received.

Sasuke also changed his wallpaper from dark blue to white. That stunt almost caused a heart attack on Itachi and Sasuke prided himself for his brilliant mind. Now his apartment looked so bright he bathed in it every day with a foolish smile.

Naruto's departure did hurt but not as painful as he expected it to be. He suddenly got a lot of time in his hands and all he could think of is spending it to make himself a better person. To leave the marks of yesterday little by little until he'll have the will to finally break the chains binding him to his mother's last words. It won't be easy, he knows. But he'll try…at least for Naruto.

After polishing his apartment that took three weeks, (he really love the new sofa he purchased) he bought red wine and a boquet of roses before heading straight to his mother's grave. Contrary to the dark clothes he wore during his annual visit to the cemetery, he chose to dress in white shorts paired with white polo shirt. The necklace Naruto gave him for their first anniversary dangling on his neck.

He sat there for four hours, drinking while he tells Naruto to his mother for the first time. He talked about their first meeting, how he punched his father to face and he laughed, thinking if she were there, she'll probably scold him for acting like an uncivilized person. He also told her every anniversary they celebrated, the place they've gone to and in that moment, Sasuke made a decision.

Clasping his hands and bowing his head to show respect, he turned around to head for his car. He sped to his workplace, barging on his office and literally making his secretary spluttered in surprise, Sasuke opened his computer. Ten minutes later, his resignation letter was being read by his president in utter astonishment. Words were exchange and after a long debate, Sasuke finally exited the room with the president's head bowed in resignation.

He goes to a nearby coffee shop to mull things over and just as he was about to take his fourth sip on his Frappuccino, he heard the bell chime ring, indicating another person came in. Raising his head to glance at the newcomer, he was greeted by Temari.

The woman didn't seem to notice him at first but after roaming her eyes on the café casually, her eyes finally landed on the Uchiha. Her expression changed drastically, from bored to pissed in an instant. She took three visible breath, probably to maintain her cool before marching towards the silent raven.

"Hi Uchiha Sasuke." She gritted with barely concealed anger. "I'm Sabaku no Temari, remember me? Of course not. You haven't called or texted me in the last few months and how dare you-" Sasuke yelled out in pain as the blonde suddenly kicked his leg hard "—sit there as if you did nothing wrong. Fuck you asshole."

The raven was about to mutter he deserve the kick while rubbing the injured part but thought better of it. He sighed in admission before he looked at Temari in the eyes, building up his courage again to get through his mess.

In the end, three chairs were broken five minutes later and Sasuke walked out of the café looking like he had just been ran over by a truck.


Itachi looked at his younger brother attempt on putting bandage on his left cheek in amusement. He sat on the other end of the sofa, suppressing a snicker everytime a curse left Sasuke's mouth. After more attempts, Itachi finally grabbed the tape and the bandage from Sasuke's hands and then proceeded to put it on the swelling part.

"I have no idea you were that desperate to alleviate the pain of losing Naruto. What did you do? Volunteered to be mug by street thugs?"

"No, asshole." Sasuke hissed, tilting his head away but Itachi got hold of his face. "I ran into Temari."

Itachi raised a brow, pulling his hands back after he finished. "Who's that?"

"My ex."

"One of your ex?"

"Goddamnit!" The raven grabbed the pillow beside him and knocked his brother with it. "Will you please just shut your mouth off and offer me some comfort in silence?"

Itachi smirked, taking hold of the pillow and threw it to Sasuke's furious face instead, He got a muffled curse which only added to his amusement. "Come on. You deserve it foolish little brother."

Sasuke gasped, shoving the pillow angrily as he glared at his smug brother. "I know. But still..but still!"

"Still what?" Itachi asked in mock confusion. "You know you can't make any valid arguments and contradictive towards what Temari did to you. In fact, if I was her, you would be lying on a hospital bed right now. Unconscious. And would probably will for the next days."

"….I know." The raven sighed wearily, slumping on his sofa. "I was planning on breaking it to them one by one. To have a..talk. But Temari took me in surprise. I acted on impulse and I admit I was unreasonable there."

He couldn't believe he just straight out told Temari that he was cheating her all this time. His mouth just said it straight and he had no time to repeat himself for the woman was already punching him and throwing chairs at him. He really have to go to her one last time…he won't be his past self anymore. The Sasuke that he's trying to build up right now shouldn't let things turn on the wrong road anymore.

"I heard you resigned from your job today." Itachi inquired, trying to get his brother's head off on his top problem. The guy needed a break even if he doesn't deserve it. Itachi's still his big brother that was always there to take care of his little pompous ass.

Sasuke snorted. Of course his brother would know, he has no privacy after all. "I know what you'll ask and I'll say it for the last time, I don't want to be on that cage anymore. It'll gonna be suffocating when I come back."

"You know, you're lucky you didn't get fired with your little stunt. Not going to work for a whole month and suddenly being admitted to a rehab?" The older Uchiha shook his head in disbelief. "Your boss is stupid."

"He'll be more of a moron if he let me go. Which I just did. Walk out of his ugly building."

"That arrogance of your will come back to bite your ass, I just know."


Sabaku no Temari flipped her hair back in frustration, eyes roaming angrily on the living room to find something to clip her bangs back from her face. They were destructing her and it's so hot! How could she feel hot when it's not even summer?

Sighing, she reached for the remote again to change the channel. Goddammit, there was no sane show this days. It's all about relationship, fuck it. Love. The most bullshit of all bullshit. Why people still believe in it, she has no idea. It always screws you up. The television suddenly came up to a girl, crying her eyes out as she tells-Temari shut the thing off.

Deciding that she'll probably blow up the thing, she stood up to head for her kitchen instead. Perhaps a bucket of ice cream will do her good. She can't believe she's actually depress by some guy. And that guy of all people.

Sasuke don't deserve to even be on her line of thinking but here she is, trying all her might to erase him from her wandering mind and utterly failing. The blonde wanted to blame herself for this mess. She shouldn't have given her number to Sasuke when they first met. There was just something around the guy that always make her take a step back, as if something will come up from the guy and hit her hard.

But Sasuke was handsome, rich and most of all, he's unreachable that makes any person feel accomplishment in just being spared a little of the raven's attention. Temari doesn't really care at first whether Sasuke love her or not and she knows a break-up is inevitable between the two of them but just…just thinking that its far worse that she'd always imagine does hurt. Not little or a bit…because it really hurt and pain her.

The truth of Sasuke screwing with others left a bitter taste in her mouth that refuse to fade. She might not like him to the point of committing herself forever but she does like him enough to fully give her respect. And for him to break it means that that the Sasuke Uchiha that Temari met wasn't real after all.

She was cut off from his musings when her bell goes off. Startled at the sound, she stood still for a few minutes, wondering at who could be visiting her at this hour. When she deemed herself calm enough, she strode to the door to open it and froze when her eyes were greeted by one unwanted raven.

"Why are you here?" she growled, feeling her inside quaking with anger at the nerve of this guy to show himself up again.

Sasuke looked down, his hands gripping the roses he held. "I just..Look Temari, I know I fucked up. I'm not here to beg for forgiveness, just a chance to end this right. You can beat me up if you want but—I settle this. For me. And for you."

"What makes you think I'll listen to your bullshits?"

"None. But Temari, you know we both need this. I can't leave you like this."

The blonde woman stared at him for a long moment, debating whether it's time for this yet or not. And after a stretched silence, she walked inside, leaving the door open for Sasuke to come in. The raven sighed in relief.


Two Years Later. . .

Uchiha Itachi turned to face his secretary, his weary eyes glued to the stack of document in her hands before sighing in defeat. The woman looked quite amused at the display before unmercifully dropping the said papers on his table, despite the tired groan that escaped the usually impeccable raven.

"Sir, these documents have to be ready for tomorrow's general assembly. Board members are expecting you to present these to them." She added evilly before exiting the room to arrange his schedule for the upcoming week.

The older Uchiha grimaced before turning back to the papers he was analysing before his evil secretary came up. It was already near to one o'clock in the morning and yet, the hundreds of neon lights still blinks enthusiastically behind his wall-glass. They looked like tiny spots in his throne on the highest floor of the sixty floor building.

Glancing at the clock and figuring its currently midday at the Philippines, he decided that a little break from his work was completely acceptable. He reached for his Samsung Galaxy SII and skim over his contacts until he reached the letter S.

It had been a year since Sasuke signed up as tourist guide at one of the largest Travel Agencies of the country with a little help from his older brother of course. It had been a really big change from what he's last job but the little Uchiha was hell bent on travelling instead of being confined in a four-cornered place.

After Sasuke picked himself up and receive beating from his former lovers, the young Uchiha was ready to start anew. Of course, none of his past relationships seems to forgive him but at least, Sasuke established a somewhat acceptable connection to them. Last time he heard, the man had accidentally came across Suigetsu again without getting strangled. That was good enough. His brother shouldn't expect more after the things he'd done.

There was only one thing Itachi didn't like at all. It was Sasuke closing himself off from relationships and there could only one valid reason why. One blue-eyed blonde who still managed to unconsciously claimed his brother's heart after not showing up for more than two years. He kept telling Sasuke that the guy won't be coming back any time soon but the his foolish brother just shrugged him.

The line picked up and Itachi could hear a lot of unfamiliar voices with an unfamiliar language speaking on the background. Sasuke said something to someone before answering the phone. "Hello? Itachi? Why'd you call?"

"I just want to check on you. How's your trip?"

"Oh. It's great! We should visit here together Itachi. They have a really good variety of exotic food and right now, I can't seem to stop eating 'adobo'." The younger man said obvious excitement on his voice.

Itachi shook his head with a smile. He didn't Sasuke could pull it off, especially since his cold exterior but so far, the raven had managed to land himself a lot of projects since he started his job. His younger really did change and it was adorable. Seeing the man open up more and venting his issues on the environment than people ease the older man's long-time guilt.

"Sure. I'll find time." Itachi answered coolly, reaching for a pencil for his fingers to play. He twirled it on his hand as he listened to his brother's excited babbling more. Nothing to take his mind off from work than feeling Sasuke's happiness.

The creaking of door of his office forced him to say his goodbye. He could see Sasuke nodding on the other line as they cut the line. Sighing in exhaustion, he looked up to see his secretary peeking through the door with a hesitant expression. He gestured for her tos ay what it was.

"Uhm…there's a man here wanting to talk to you. Should I let him come in?" The woman asked uncertainly.

Itachi's brow raised in curiosity as his eyes strayed to the clock again. "At this time of the morning?"

"I told him he should just come back tomorrow but he's stubborn and demanded to see you this instant."

"Who is it?"

"He didn't tell me his name. Just that he wants to see you as soon as possible."

The older Uchiha frowned in confusion before debating with himself if he should see this person or not. Glancing at the drawer where he always kept his spare gun, he figured his curiosity were spiked up to not let this unknown person see him.

"Sure, let him come in." He nodded nonchalantly and the woman bowed, going to get the man.

Seconds later, Itachi barely concealed his shock when a very familiar figure entered the room, towering upon the young CEO and looking like he was in the brink of shaking the man with answers he has to get no matter what. And his patience is running out.


Sasuke's onyx eyes roamed around the wide surface of one of the oldest university in the Philippines. The ever famous and prestigious school in that country, University of Santo Tomas wherein their national hero, Jose Rizal studied a hundred years ago. There was a wide arc on the front, a myth saying that whoever walked underneath would not graduate on their year.

With a smirk, he strode over and broke the law. He had already gotten his degree so he see no point in believing the story. Looking around once again, he saw his group starting wandering around. He had given them two hours to explore the place on themselves and then meet him up here after.

His eyes landed on the campus ground, its soft grass highly maintained and he decided to sit in one of the benches before he go around himself. A week of leading tourist all over the country was no easy job. They had hiked mountains, sail through the paradise-like Palawan and entered caves. Now that he's in a somewhat civilized place, he figured he should take the chance as much as he can.

Fishing a wrapped donut on his mailbag, Sasuke mused over at the changes in his life over the course of two years. There had been some really scary facing up he ahd to do and there was even one time where he had just finished curling on his coach, Naruto's jacket wrapped around him and when he goes to the bathroom and faced his mirror, he broke down at seeing himself.

He didn't know what to do anymore after he finished going back to his ex's. It seems like there was nothing to do and then out of the blue, the idea that got him to quit his job popped out. It had seemed like a really good idea back then but after analysing his usual interactions with people, he gave up on it.

But it turns out; travelling on different places filled the emptiness inside him as much as it did when he had in his manwhore days if not more. He strived to go around the globe and discover places he had never known existed beyond those pictures.

Smiling softly when his eyes caught sight of bird soaring into the sky, Sasuke sighed in satisfying before beginning to pick his things up. He should probably look around the place now or his group would be here soon.

He was stop though when a hand touch his as he was about to pick up his bag. Frozen on the spot, he slowly raised his head to be greeted by the person who had been his reason to get through this all this time. Breathe coming up faster, Sasuke blinked, making sure that his eyes were not betraying him like it did when he woke up from one of those dreams where love and lust became one.

"Hi!" The blonde grinned at him cheerfully and Sasuke could feel his legs trembling at the familiar sight. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I was hoping to take you out on a coffee after making me come home to Japan and not finding you there and forcing me to have some serious apeshit talk with your brother who seems really adamant on not telling me where you are."

And then before Sasuke could say anything, Naruto was already tugging him inside his arm to kiss him passionately.


Time, nothing but time
To make up your mind
I'll give you all that you need
I want you to know
I'll never let go
'Til you come back to me

Even though you're far away
I'm right beside you day by day

Don't you know my love is here?
Don't you know my love is real?
You should know by now
This much is true
My love is here for you


THE END


I know I know people. The ending was crap but…this had been on my mind for so long! A mix of 'One more Chance' and 'Meteor Garden II' ending was the only plausible idea that I could come up with. And yes, I was bullshitting on the rehab thing. I have no idea what it looks like so I had to describe it as dramatic as I can. xd

(1)Mario Maurer was hot. But Pchy is hotter. You people should watch 'The Love of Siam' the most innocent and fucking adorable BL movie out there! .

Thank you for all those who reviewed! And who added this to their favorites and story alerted. You don't know how much it means to me to have your positive words. I was planning on holding this second part for at least a week but I figure I bitched enough so there...^_^