"Foolish Hearts"
'Chapter Nineteen'
Sasuke felt himself starting to wake up, the fuzz in his brain ebbing to consciousness but he didn't want to open his eyes.
This was it…
This was the final morning he'd be waking up next to his lover.
The previous day had gone by so fast; they had planted the cypress tree, had touched up their circle of flowers and spent the entire day making love in bed.
Now all of that was over.
Sasuke would become a memory.
The Uchiha opened his sleepy eyes; orbs the color of coal looking at the kitsune's sleepy face and he dared not move. Sanity was gracing in his sleepy state of mind, his calculating self still needing to rouse; but the lethargic feeling still needed to be purged from his system. They were naked, lying in each other's arms; Sasuke could see the details in the blonde's face -- noticing the strands of blonde as they clung at odd angles to his sticky face. Sasuke lifted a hand, his digits tracing the faint purple marks on the kitsune's neck; knowing in the next half hour they would fade. Sasuke tilted his head on the pillow, just gazing at his lover; his black eyes tinted red as he slowly started to become more aware.
...he didn't want to go.
Naruto let out a soft moan and carefully arched his neck into the light touch, the faintest of smiles on his lips.
He knew that touch…
He'd never forget it either.
He slowly let his eyes opened up, he caught sight of the dark orbs, it was the blackest he had seen them since Sasuke had been placed in his home. He breathed slowly as he stared at them, wanting, needing to commit all of it to memory, taking in every detail of Sasuke's face, the way his voice sounded, how he breathed, the way his eyebrow would quirk ever so slightly when he founds something odd or amusing...
All of it, he had to memorize it.
He had to…
Slowly reaching up, he ran the back of his knuckles along Sasuke's cheek and smiled gently, "Morning."
He had to stay strong.
He couldn't cry.
He'd promised…
Their final morning…
Sasuke was having trouble keeping composure, having trouble looking at the pleasant sleepy face and feeling those strong knuckles press against his cheek. He leaned into Naruto's hand then; closing his eyes just as they pulsed just a little darker red. He inhaled Naruto's scent, trying to calm himself, gently he traced Naruto's arm with his fingers -- moving to take Naruto's hand in his. He laced their fingers together, tilting his head into Naruto's palm and placing a tender kiss against the warm skin. He opened his murky scarlet eyes, half-hidden by lashes as he gazed at his blue-eyed lover.
I love you.
Sasuke didn't trust himself to speak, his intense gaze getting the point across, letting this moment linger as long as it should.
This was the end.
This was the end of Sasuke and Naruto.
Naruto felt himself start to tear up at the silent message, but closed his eyes, and moved to wrap his other arm around Sasuke's lithe body, drawing it to his own once more.
They would never have these moments again.
He refused to let the tears fall and he pressed himself into the hard body.
Sasuke allowed himself to be taken into the blonde's arms, letting his body become limp in the kitsune's strong hold. Sasuke closed his eyes, almost clenching them shut as he felt his own heart start to break, his breathing becoming harder to keep a hold of.
...he didn't want to leave.
He was finally happy.
Sasuke's hands gripped at Naruto's back, trying to keep himself stable as he buried his head in the crook of the blonde's neck.
Don't let me go…
Please…
Naruto gripped Sasuke tighter, he never wanted to let go. He wanted, desperately, to find a way to run, or show them that Sasuke wasn't crazy.
But he couldn't…no one would listen.
He couldn't cry…
His nails dug into Sasuke's back slightly at the force of trying to keep the man close to him.
They were one entity now.
Half of him would die today…
"I love you..." Naruto whispered, his voice almost broken.
Sasuke kept his eyes closed, letting himself be crushed into the kitsune, feeling the desperate nails digging into his back but the pain didn't register. He heard the broken whisper and the Uchiha forced himself to take a shaky breath, "..I love you too...Naruto." He said with a brutal sincerity, kissing the blonde's neck in a tender gesture.
Naruto was so close to finally breaking…
He could feel it, the small cracks in his heart starting to spread, the pain starting to blossom in his chest. He didn't know if he would be able to hold it all together.
The execution would be quick.
Painless.
Just a lethal injection, which would slow Sasuke's heart until it wouldn't beat…
He'd be there, every step of the way.
Holding the shaking hand, and gazing into the slowly fading eyes, smiling gently, whispering, I love you just before the last beat.
Sasuke just continued to hold Naruto, placing little kisses on his neck as he kept him close -- reassurance for the blonde and himself.
Strong…
Sasuke was trying to be strong.
But his heart just hurt so god damn much and he didn't ever want to leave the safety of Naruto's arms.
His life was going to end today.
There was no way out of it.
He heard footsteps; it tore him out of his mind, rage in his crimson eyes as he glared over Naruto's shoulders -- forcing down the anguish, the pain, the fear…
Hate.
Sasuke's eyes read of pure hate as he glared at the man that dared interrupt his final moments with his lover. Sasuke all but growled, hiding the fear in his eyes, his hands firm on Naruto's back.
Shikamaru was standing in the doorway, his chocolate eyes taking in the scene of the two men on the bed. He had his hands in his pockets, his expression blank, though there was a bit of remorse in his eyes. He had caught Sasuke's heated look and had half a mind to step back into the hall as if the Uchiha would leap from the bed and punch his face in.
It wouldn't surprise him really.
Shikamaru didn't see the sanity Naruto did; and sadly, no one else did either -- a reason why this was happening. Shikamaru by no means thought it was right taking Sasuke away from Naruto but it was out of his hands. He had came under council's orders. The lazy ninja cleared his throat, gaining their attention and averting his eyes.
It was hard to see the pure emotion on their faces…
"I need to take Sasuke back to the tower with me now." Shikamaru said in a firm tone, curbing his lazy drawl, "It's time Naruto."
The fox tensed at the words, "So soon…" He murmured as he slowly pushed himself up, his hands still on Sasuke's skin. He gazed at the blood eyes, his own taking on a glazed look, but hiding the painful loss that was about to happen.
He knew Sasuke was scared; he could sense the fear.
He nodded slowly, his eyes closing, "We'll be there is a second…" He started, turning back to gaze at Shikamaru. "We just need clothes..." He slowly started to pull back, so he could lean over and grab his pants that were at the foot of the bed.
"Naruto." Shikamaru's voice halted the movement, his eyes still not meeting them. "…they don't want you to come. Just...Sasuke."
Sasuke's brow quivered just slightly, enough to show the confusion and the blatant panic as he turned his glare from Shikamaru to Naruto as if the blonde could do something about it.
...he knew he couldn't.
But…damn it…
Sasuke just wanted him to do something; anything! He...didn't...want to die alone.
Naruto's pained eyes shot up, confusion and betrayal in them. "W-what..?" He asked, his voice a broken whisper.
How could they do this?
He could feel himself losing his composure, he felt the panicked breathes leave him, and his eyes water up, before he glanced over at Sasuke, true fear in his eyes.
He slowly shook his head; he didn't know what he could say…
He couldn't do anything.
Sasuke..!
Sasuke's heartbeat started to turn erratic, his breathing uneven as he tried to calculate the situation -- trying to figure out what he could do.
...this hadn't been the plan.
He needed Naruto!
He wanted to be with him…
Sasuke got to a sitting position, half crouched as he stayed near the fox the blankets pooled over his waist. "I'm not going without Naruto." Sasuke said, his tone a dangerous snarl birthed from his inner fear.
"Sasuke..." Shikamaru attempted but the Uchiha silenced him with a feral glare; as if daring him to step into the room and force him.
Sasuke glanced to Naruto for support, as if his stubborn behavior would really get them anywhere.
The fox closed his eyes and tried to find himself.
Sasuke needed him…
Opening his eyes he looked back at his lover and set a hand on Sasuke's and forced a small smile out. "I'll go with you as far as I can." He promised. His chest constricted, it was so painful…
This was it...
He couldn't be with Sasuke, when the man needed him the most.
He wanted to tell him, it would be fine, but none of it was…
Sasuke's death was not fine with him.
He nodded slowly and reached for Sasuke's clothes, "C'mon." He murmured, handing his own clothes to Sasuke was hard. But he knew the steps towards the Tower, would be the hardest.
Sasuke had calmed himself with Naruto's smile -- still not completely satisfied, but if he had the blonde there at least a little bit, he would try his best to make it further. He slowly slipped on his pants and tugged the shirt over his head. The clothes smelled of Naruto…everything did. The Uchiha grabbed Naruto's hand boldly once the blonde had dressed, both on their feet and ready to walk down the hall.
Sasuke wouldn't let go of Naruto's hand -- he didn't give a rat's ass who saw them; it didn't matter much now anyway.
...he'd be dead soon.
Shikamaru was waiting for them in the entry way, his expression somber, "Ready..?"
Sasuke merely frowned, his glare harsh, trying his best to hide his weaker emotions under the angry mask -- though his quivering fingers were a sign against Naruto's own that Sasuke wasn't feeling as brave as he attempted to look.
Naruto felt Sasuke's palms start to heat up, before the sweat started, and the his fingers started trembling against his own. The fox gave them a reassuring squeeze before he tugged Sasuke closer to him. He wrapped his free arm around the Uchiha's shoulders, before he pressed a lingering kiss to his temple. His heart beat heavily in his chest, the gnawing pit in his stomach growing with each step. His chest ached and eyes burned with unleashed tears of pain.
They had made it to the tower, up the steps and finally to the door of the council.
...this was the end.
No more steps to take, no more path to follow.
Those looming brown doors in front of them spoke of Sasuke's fate and the Uchiha couldn't let go of Naruto's hand. His hair was swept in front of his haunted red eyes; he was unsure what to say, what should be said...
...shouldn't he have some last words? Something?
Shikamaru walked up to the doors, turning to look at the Hokage-sama and the murderer. "...c'mon." He murmured, knowing no matter how long they waited, or how short they waited the pain would just be as harsh.
"In a minute…" Naruto murmured to Shikamaru, but he couldn't take his eyes off of Sasuke. He was keeping his promise, he wouldn't cry. Instead he gave the man as strong of a smile as he could manage. "So you'll save me a seat on the other side right?" he started, his eyes starting to tear up once more.
Stay strong, stay strong...stay strong...
"'Cause I'll be kinda ticked if you don't save me a seat, ya know?" He tried to joke. But no amount of joking could fix this; no amount of joking could mend their hearts. The smile slowly faded, and just let Sasuke see the fear, pain and love in him. He couldn't let go of the hand in his own, he couldn't let those shaking fingers go. Slowly he reached up with his free hand and caressed Sasuke's cheek, before he leaned in and caught his lips -- all his pain and love going into it.
Sasuke parted from the kiss, his forehead against the blonde's as he just tried to catch his breath, trying to tame his wildly beating heart. "Stupid." He said in a strained tone, "You won't be going where I'm going." Sasuke turned his demon red eyes to the blonde, drinking in his beautiful face for the last time, dropping Naruto's hand as he gently brushed those marred cheeks with his long calloused fingers.
Mine…
Always...
Goodbye? Was goodbye enough?
Sasuke turned from the blonde then, walking towards the door as Shikamaru slowly started to push them open. "Don't cry." Sasuke said, not turning. "Be happy...for me."
Naruto couldn't help the small choked laugh and smile to escape him.
His true and real smile.
"Keep telling yourself I won't be there." He let his hands drop down to his pockets, his fingers resting half in them. "But I will see you there, bastard." He replied, using the old nickname, their pet name.
He would always be happy for Sasuke.
The blond could safely say he gave Sasuke the best moments of his life, and like wise could be said about Sasuke towards Naruto's life. "I am happy for you...Sasuke."
...please, don't go...
Sasuke had turned at the doors, looking to Naruto and enjoying his bright smile. Sasuke's eyes were soft then; a tender smirk gracing his lips.
He'd remember that smile.
He'd think of it in his final moments; Naruto's beautiful face smiling at him.
"See you then dobe." Sasuke said in a mocking tone, not believing the kitsune would be in the hell made for him…but…he enjoyed the thought of seeing his lover again.
I love you…
Sasuke turned into the brightly lit room, Shikamaru's gaze flicked to the blonde -- catching Naruto's expression as his smile broke just before he shut the doors.
The door closed, the sound seemed to echo down the halls and around him.
The fox felt his knees grow weak.
He took a step forward a hand slowly rising to rest against the door before he legs gave out from under him.
He couldn't hear through the door.
His Sasuke was in there, being led to a medical chair, surrounded by the council, a medic nin, and Anbu....
Naruto's forehead came to rest on the door, his other hand against the wood, palm flat against it, while his other hand curled to a fist.
He would be asked if he wanted a blind fold, or last rites....but Sasuke would refuse, his cocky smirk in place, but his fingers still shaking…
Naruto felt his shoulders start to shake and his breathing start to become erratic.
Sasuke would be eased into the chair, his wrists and ankles bound in leather straps, to keep him from escaping or lashing out at anyone.
The fox's watered eyes pinched together, and a soft sob escaped him.
The head council man would announce Sasuke's crimes once more, as a medic nin walked forward, syringe in hand, the clear, deadly liquid ready to go. Sasuke would just glare, he'd go out fighting, but his hands would still be shaking, his heart pounding, and his mind racing, screaming for Naruto.
Sasuke!
Naruto gritted his teeth together too try and keep the tears at bay.
The Head Council man would finish, and give the medic a small nod, before the syringe would be inserted into the crease of Sasuke's elbow, his lover glaring the entire time, until the needle was pulled out and then he would smirk at them and maybe give a cocky laugh and try and make himself look every inch of the killer they thought he was...
The fox weakly hit the door with his fist, another sob ripping itself from his chest, his legs curled under him, and he slowly started to collapse to the floor.
Sasuke would feel nothing at first, but then, he'd start to feel cold...moving from his fingers tips and toes, slowly creeping up his limbs…his body would start to relax, and he would feel his heart start to slow and his lungs start to gasp for breath.
"Noo..." The fox moaned out, he was finally breaking, he couldn't keep his promise.
His lover would lean his head back, and gaze up at the blackened ceiling, wanting to see Naruto's eyes once more, just one last time as breathing got harder, and harder....and his heart started to slow even more...weakly struggling to beat...
"...No, No, No!"
A tear would escape the glazing eyes, the blood gone from the irises, replaced by a soft, almost fearful black. He would feel death close then, just seconds away, waiting to take him in its cold arms, the smirk would change then, to a soft smile, and a broken name would be mumbled from white, ice cold lips.. "...Naruto."
"SASUKE!!!" Tears rolled freely down the scared cheeks; Naruto had finally broke.
--
A/N:
Sad. I'm sorry you guys, it made us cry too. But, notice how I didn't put "the end" at the end of this chapter? It's not over yet, so if you want to know what happens please leave another review and the next chapter will be up soon. Please keep supporting us!
Also, if you didn't get it the italics of Sasuke's "death scene" was an interpretation of what Naruto is assuming is happening in the other room. Not to give anything away, or trying not to, but just in case you guys know that the scene was merely playing in Naruto's head -- it's not the actual fact of how Sasuke died in the other room. Okie, bye now!