No reviews last time... D: I'm a little disheartened. And not alot of favs or story alerts v.v. Is my story lacking interest already? :P.

WELL LET'S KICK THINGS UP A NOTCH!

Warning: I am the master of fluffy goodness! A cute little SasuNaru seen 8D. Nothing major guys, sorry! AND DRAMA KICKS IN! Mwahaha. And there could be a few spelling mistakes I overlooked, I am my own beta for now v.v.

Read and enjoy :D.

Chapter Eight: Bonds

"I've noticed how important bonds are. They're hard to build. But so easy to break." – Sasuke Uchiha, age 14.

A pink tongue flicked out to lick the dry edges around his lips. Yellow eyes glimmered with a sinister spark as it scanned the crowd filled with his many loyal followers. They were all in an uproar, chanting his name over and over again like a ritual. The chanting sent unexplainable power surging through his body. He felt powerful; feared. He had an army under his wing that would willingly die for him. They'd fight for him. They'd follow his every order to the T. They were completely his and his alone.

They were his puppets, and he was simply the puppet master tugging the strings.

The plan was brilliant, really. The fools blindly followed his orders for three years now, never distinguishing his real identity until recently. There was a good reason for that. But a good plan can not be revealed so quickly. It needed to manifest itself to its climax before the curtain can be dropped.

His right hand man, loyal follower, and occasional bed partner, strode out to stand by his side with a satisfied grin on his face. The man pushed his slipping ocular glasses up the bridge of his nose and adjusted them until they fit perfectly against his face.

"My lord, the crowd seems restless."

"They're itching to spill blood." The man smirked devilishly.

"Will we unleash them into the city tonight?"

"No. Tonight would not be a wise choice to let loose my army. I still need a valuable playing piece in the palm of my hands before I can make my move." Those sickening yellow eyes glistened once more before the owner of that pair turned on his heels to return to his quarters. "Until then, I am not fully against some orchestrated chaos in the empire. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be returning to my bed." He threw a glance over his shoulder. "And I hope you'll be accompanying me, Kabuto."

Kabuto bowed respectfully. "As you wish, my lord."

+Eclipse+

"You're going with him."

It wasn't a question but rather a statement. One that made Sasuke stop in the middle of his packing to look up at his brother who was leaning against the doorframe patiently. He swallowed past the thick wall of hesitation and squared his shoulders. Sasuke wasn't going to let Itachi intimidate him so easily. The choice was his to make, and it wasn't like he would be gone for that long. Three years would fly by quicker than they could blink. Then he'd be back in the Luna Empire, stronger, faster, and more powerful. Naruto would probably be so amazed and fall head over heels in love with the raven prince…

Sasuke had to scoff at that train of thought. 'As if Naruto would fall in love with me.' It didn't hurt to dream about it, though.

"I am." Sasuke stated and went back to packing. The briefer he kept the conversation, the easier it would be to not back out of his decision. He was doing this for Naruto. He had decided on that long ago, ever since he came back from his visit to Soleil. When he held Naruto's shaking body in his arms and kissed his forehead so tenderly…

It occurred to him that he was breaking the promise he was making to Naruto. However, he was determined to use Orochimaru's training to become stronger so he could protect Naruto from all his fears, all his insecurities, and all his doubts. He would make sure he never saw Naruto cry like that ever again.

"Have you told Naruto yet?" Itachi asked quietly.

Sasuke shook his head. He would tell Naruto… He was just waiting for the right moment, as all.

"You're an idiot." Itachi shook his head sadly, ignoring the death glare his little brother was shooting over his shoulder. "How do you expect to get anywhere with him if you leave for three years?" Sasuke paid no attention to him. He focused on his packing, which was light, but it was only taking so long because he kept unpacking and then repacking things in his backpack.

It was a wonderful distraction.

"I know you're listening to what I'm saying, Sasuke." Moving from his spot on the doorframe to stand next to his little brother, Itachi glanced down at how little his brother his packing. "Naruto's going to be hurt. You know that. Furthermore it's not safe for you to leave the Luna Empire. Not when there's a fully going rebellion happening underneath our noses. You could get hurt."

"Stop worrying, Itachi. I'm going to be fine." Sasuke finished the last of his packing and slung his backpack over his shoulder. Onyx eyes flashed with determination and passion for a few brief seconds before they simmered down. "As for Naruto… his family is visiting today. I was going to tell him when we're alone."

'I'm doing this all for him.' The last part never escaped his lips, but Itachi read it perfectly in the boy's eyes. Shaking his head, Itachi gripped his brother into a bone crushing hug for a few moments until he regained his composure once more.

"This better be worth the three years of waiting I'm about to do, Otouto. I'm going to be horribly bored without someone to tease as much as I please." Pushing his brother back at arm's length, Itachi flashed prince-like smirk. "I suppose I can find my entertainment in Naruto once you're gone. He will be on the market, after all…"

Sasuke grabbed his brother by the shirt collar, his eyes flashing dangerously red. "Don't you dare lay one, bony, little finger on him. Do you understand?"

Itachi chuckled. His brother was so adorable when he got fired up about him touching what was 'his'. It was absolutely comical because Sasuke's eyes switched from stony onyx to fiery red in a flash. His cheeks would puff out slightly and his lips would set themselves in a scowl befitting a bratty prince.

"Prince Sasuke, Prince Itachi," one of their many servants, a foreigner from the New World, knocked on the door, signaling the boys' attention. She was petite, but held a horrible temper if you didn't do as you was instructed the first time. Her normally long, brown hair was tied in a ponytail that cascaded down her back. She was also the lucky servant personally in charge of the princes if the king was away.

Think of it like a nanny, only without the British accent.

"Yes, Louise-san?" Itachi raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow.

"Prince Naruto and King Minato have arrived. They are waiting for you both in the foyer."

"Thank you, Louise-san." Sasuke smiled graciously and bounced out of the room before anyone could really say anything.

Louise watched the younger raven zoom down the hallway and out of sight with a smile on her face. "I'm going to miss that boy once he leaves."

"Hn," Itachi solemnly agreed. No more words were spoken after that. Neither one wanted to voice their own concerns and suspicions. Not now, not when they had to put up their best façade. Itachi nodded respectfully and exited the room after that, deciding it would be best if he joined everyone in the foyer.

+Eclipse: Everything's Better When You Smile+

Sasuke's heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest and start running a marathon around the castle. A rush of emotions was swirling through out Sasuke's body. Nervousness and excitement were too major ones. Naruto looked amazing in his casual clothing. Hell, to Sasuke Naruto looked amazing in anything. The blonde was currently wear light washed jeans, an orange top, and a black and orange beanie. Sasuke always wondered what exactly went on in Naruto's mind when choosing his outfits, but he learned from experience that when you ask Naruto stupid questions… you get very stupid answers.

"Sasuke!" Naruto screamed, vaulting himself into Sasuke's arms. They were always separated for years, only to reunite stronger than ever. But really, that's what true friendship is right? You can be a part from a person for years, but once you come back together everything just clicks into place like you were never gone in the first place.

Sasuke, a complete stranger when it came to display of affections (although a certain blonde prince could very well change that), awkwardly hugged Naruto back. He was still as happy as Naruto was with their reunion. Despite how short it would be… and how it would probably be their last time together until he left. The raven mentally slapped himself for thinking depressing thoughts. He couldn't linger on the fact that he'd be leaving Naruto for three years...

Not when Naruto was smiling that dazzling smile that could dull the sun and put the stars to shame.

"Dobe, you're hugging too tightly."

"Suck it up for a little bit, Teme!" Naruto smiled. "A little hug ain't gonna kill yah."

"Excuse my son's behavior, Sasuke-kun." Minato smirked, "He's still in that growing up phase. Sadly he still hasn't hit puberty yet…"

"Shut up, Dad!" Naruto pouted, shooting his father the death glare; which his dad bounced off perfectly. "I'm getting there, alright!"

"Rather slowly, though." Of course Sasuke had to add in to the conversation teasing Naruto – he couldn't help himself.

"No one asked for your opinion, Teme." Naruto scowled, and dislodged himself from Sasuke's grasp so he could fold his arms across his chest. With a pout, Naruto turned to his father. "So how long are we staying this time, Dad?"

"The conference lasts all day. That's plenty of time for you and Sasuke-kun to hang out."

Naruto's lit up at the idea of having Sasuke all to himself for the entire day. There was so much he wanted to do, so much he needed to say and vent. And, they were finally spending time in Sasuke's country! Naruto had brought extra money just so they could find a shop that sold Stardust. The magical item was so freaking addicting he wanted to buy one of every color.

Sasuke smiled as well, but it was more forced than anything else. A whole day – his last day – to spend with Naruto and he was going to make every second count. He would make today something the blonde prince could never forget. So hopefully… once Sasuke was gone, Naruto could hold onto those memories until he returned. A sigh escaped his city.

Laughter was everywhere. However, underneath the happiness, Sasuke could sense the lingering shadows of evil lurking around every corner. His eyes flashed crimson red for a brief second, scanning the area. Naruto was gabbing, as usual, but Sasuke was more focused on whoever, or whatever, was staring at them from the alleyway.

"And then I… - Teme, it would be nice if you actually listened to what I have to say!" Naruto stopped in his tracks and pouted.

Sasuke's eyes never left the shadow trying to hide in the alleyway until he saw it skittered back into the darkness. When he finally looked back at Naruto, he blinked back his Sharingan and flashed Naruto a wry smile.

"Well if you had something interesting to say, then I would listen."

"You're such an asshole." Naruto crossed his arms over his chest and shot Sasuke a glare. The glare was shot down with ease by Sasuke's chuckling. 'Damn him!' Naruto stomped off ahead of the raven. He could never stand when Sasuke laughed at him. It fueled his childish anger to no limits.

Sasuke easily caught up to Naruto in stride, hands jammed in his pockets and a small smirk dancing on his lips. These were the moments he'd recall on his journey. Naruto's pouts, his random bursts of anger, his vulgar vocabulary, and the way his eyes sparkled when he was talking about something passionate… Or the way the clouded over like a rainstorm was about to appear whenever the blonde was mulling over something sad. These were the moments he'd store safely away in his heart. Precious moments that no one could replace.

A pang of guilt attacked his heart, causing Sasuke to stop in stride. He thought back to the first time the two had met in the forest. It was such a momentous meeting, something that both could ever forget, and probably why they were so close till this day. Sasuke looked down at the scar permanently embedded in his skin – a mark of friendship and a reminder of how they got to where they were today. The best of friends. Sasuke always wondered what would have happened if the council had given the assignment to someone else. Would he no longer be tied to the blonde prince? Or would Fate have weaved their webs in a totally different way? Their relationship all started with a single intent – to find out every single detail about the Jinchuuriki prince.

'Now look at us.' Sasuke thought as he watched Naruto stop in front of a store window, eyes as wide as saucers as he gazed through the window. 'We're best friends. I'd do anything to keep him safe when my true purpose was to one day destroy him…' he was standing next to Naruto now, his hand reaching out to grab onto Naruto's hand. The blonde looked up at him perplexed. Sasuke didn't say anything, just tightened his hold on the hand. 'I want to protect him. I want to take away all his fears, all his sadness.' His eyes fell onto the scar that traveled along Naruto's right arm, and then fell on his own scar. When he looked up, he was greeted with the most dazzling blue eyes he had ever seen, and a smile that could dull out the sun.

"Your head's in the clouds today, Teme." There was a noticeable blush covering Naruto's cheeks. Sasuke looked away in embarrassment. Was it too much to hold on to Naruto's hand so casually? He was simply acting on impulse. But it would be too awkward to let go now.

"Perhaps," Sasuke rolled his eye up to the clouds, looking as if he was deep in thought. Naruto scoffed, but couldn't hide his smile, giving Sasuke a good punch on the arm. "Because that hurt," Sasuke ignored the glare Naruto was giving him and dragged him into the local market place. "You wanted to buy Stardust right? I know a great place you can get it for cheap."

"Seriously!" There it was again – that beautiful sparkle that lit up in Naruto's eyes. "What the hell are we waiting for? Let's buy some freaking Stardust!"

For now, Sasuke would ignore the dangerous premonition that bubbled in his stomach. He would ignore the shadows that lurked and roamed around him. Naruto was his sun – his entire focus. He wasn't about to let anything ruin his last day with Naruto.

Absolutely no one would destroy their last moments together.

+Eclipse+

The sun was starting to set in the west, and Sasuke could see the faint trace of the moon starting to rise from its sleep. He always loved to stay out in the evenings and watch the change from day to night. The sky looked like a painter's palette, mixed with colors that blended together to make one, big color. A hint of orange blended in with golden yellows and misty purples. It was a true work of art in Sasuke's mind.

Sasuke passed a glance towards Naruto, watching in ease as the blonde played with his newly bought Stardust. Despite Sasuke's constant warnings and protest, Naruto had bought around four bags of Stardust. What the hell he was going to do with all that, Sasuke didn't know, but he did ask.

"I'm going to find people to give them to." Naruto had answered. "I already have a few in mind."

Sasuke hadn't questioned who these few were, because he'd learn about it eventually. Instead he laid there on top of the hill, the grass tickling against his skin, the trees whistling in the breeze, and the country side down below slowly falling asleep. He wanted this moment to last forever. Just the two of them lying on this hill away from the world, away from all their problems that they were faced with. He wouldn't have to leave Naruto, the two could stay there and live their lives happily without any royal titles dragging them down. But Sasuke knew it would be selfish to do that. He had already made his choices, and he couldn't back out now. He was going, for Naruto's sake. He was leaving to become stronger, for Naruto's sake. Sasuke was spending time with Naruto all for his sake.

No matter how many times he told himself this, over and over again, he still felt a stab of Guilt strike his heart.

"Ne, Sasuke," Naruto whispered in awe, a devilish grin was trying to worm his way on his lips. "Look what I drew."

"Hm?" Sasuke rolled onto his side for a better view. Naruto motioned up to the sky that had already changed to a hazy purple bleeding into black. A few stars had come out to play and the moon was slowly starting to make its appearance. In the sky, Sasuke could point out the evident pieces of Stardust glittering in the sky. One figure was obviously of him, only in stick figure form. The other figure had to be Naruto, also in stick figure form. The two were holding hands and smiling, just like they were earlier. But this time it had a whole different feel to it.

The stars were twinkling around the image, as if they were giving approval the union. The moon was shining brightly, casting the image in its celestial glow. Sasuke felt his breath was stolen away and captured in a jar. The drawing was so simple, yet to Sasuke it spoke volumes.

His scar throbbed dully…

"Naruto…" Sasuke whispered, trying to find the right words to say.

"I know. Makes you speechless, huh?" Naruto grinned rather cockily, "I'm an artist in the making."

Sasuke scoffed. "You made my head bigger than my body, Dobe."

Naruto's grin grew even wider. "I thought I nailed it pretty perfectly."

"And what's with my left arm being shorter than my right." Sasuke pointed out, the stardust moving around his fingers as he figuratively poked a hole through it.

"Does everything that comes out of your mouth an insult?"

Sasuke shrugged. "Yes?" he replied with a smirk.

"God, you're so annoying…" Naruto said with a roll of his eyes. But Sasuke knew Naruto didn't mean it.

"I like it." Sasuke sat upright, bringing his knees to his chest so he could rest his arms on them.

"Seriously?" Naruto's eyes sparkled with joy.

Sasuke nodded. "Seriously."

Naruto smiled softly and turned his gaze back up to the sky. The boys stayed like that. In a peaceful silence before Naruto turned his gaze back onto the raven prince.

"You know, I sometimes can't believe that this happened. Our friendship, I mean." Naruto rubbed the back of his head nervously. He hadn't expected to randomly burst out with such a confession. Yet, when he was with Sasuke, he found that the words easily tumbled out of his mouth. "We met in that forest three years ago, and honestly I thought you were going to kill me. Then you did the exact opposite and saved my life. I always look at the scar on my arm… it's special to me, you know? It sets what we have a part from the rest."

Sasuke nodded along with understanding, because he felt the same way. Only the thought that he truly had been in the forest with the intent to kill the prince made his heart lurch. But he thanked the heavens that it was because of that incident, the Guardian attacking them and brandishing them with scars, that he was able to have such a strong bond with Naruto today.

"I don't feel this way with anyone else." Naruto continued. "Not with Deidara, or my father." On impulse Naruto went for Sasuke's hand and gripped it tightly. "Our bond is something I cherish the most, Sasuke."

Sasuke couldn't help himself. Not when Naruto had said something so… endearing. So… damn cute! His lips gently brushed against Naruto's – a shy kiss that barely lasted a second. It didn't even register in Sasuke's mind that he had done it until Naruto let out a yelp of surprise and stumbled back. A blush was overtaking his face and Sasuke felt like the biggest idiot in the world. Here he was, trying to preserve his last moments left with Naruto, and he had falling into the urge to kiss him!

'God, I'm such an idiot! What if this pushes him away?' Sasuke couldn't meet Naruto's eyes and turned his attention to a nearby tree. "Sorry…" he mumbled, unsure of what to do next.

"I-It's fine." Naruto stuttered, his voice barely a whisper. Sasuke whipped his head around, eyes widened. Was it seriously fine? His kiss hadn't pushed Naruto away? He felt a heavy weight lifted off his shoulder as Naruto took his rightful place beside him, although their fingers brushed awkwardly and the two were very aware of the other's presence.

"That was my first kiss…" Naruto dropped his head in the palm of his hands, groaning not out of dislike, but rather by embarrassment for how he was acting. His heartbeat was pounding obnoxiously in his ears and he could vividly remember the touch of Sasuke's lips on his own. 'Damn it! I'm acting like such a girl! Play it cool, Uzumaki.'

Sasuke couldn't help but smirk. Naruto's expression was begging to be teased! "Really?"

"Shut up, Teme!"

"That's cute."

"I'm warning you!"

"Would you like another?"

"Fuck you!"

Sasuke fell over in bouts of laughter, clutching onto the sides of his stomach. Naruto sat there, arms crossed and a scowl marring his face. How dare that bastard laugh at him? It wasn't even that funny! At least take some damn responsibility.

Naruto kicked Sasuke in the shin, growling at him to stop. Sasuke slowly sat up, wiping away the tears from his eyes. God, he hadn't laughed like that in ages.

"You know, one day I'm going to kick your ass so hard you'll regret laughing at me."

Sasuke rose a perfectly, arched eyebrow. "That day will never happen, Dobe."

"Screw you!" Naruto jabbed a finger at Sasuke's chest. "I'll have you know that my dad's going to start personally training me once I turn sixteen." He didn't go into specific details, like how it was going to help him utilize Kyuubi's powers for his own gain, but Sasuke didn't need to know about that. Not yet anyways.

Naruto looked so cocky, so proud, that it sent another wave of guilt crashing through Sasuke. But at the same time, he felt rather… proud – competitive even. The two were now taking totally different paths, each in their own attempts to grow stronger. The Uchiha's competitive blood started to kick into overdrive. He still held on to that will to protect Naruto, but he also wanted to be the dominate one, the more powerful one, and win.

"You could be trained by the best masters in the world, but that still won't be enough to beat me." Sasuke expertly dodged the blades of grass Naruto tried to throw at him. He laughed even more when Naruto tackled him, declaring to brawl right there and then to deem a winner.

The kiss was forgotten – for now. Both boys were too involved in their scuffle to notice the obvious attractions they both shared. Their faces were close to one another, Sasuke finishing out on top with Naruto on bottom, flushed from their earlier fight and from mild embarrassment. They were so close…

Sasuke's head jerked up as he noticed an aura flame up from behind them. His eyes melted from onyx to ruby in a matter of seconds as he scanned the area. The trees were rustling and the wind was howling in to the night. A primal growl escaped Sasuke's lips as his nails dug into the earth. The person was purposefully coating their aura so he couldn't pinpoint who or where they were. This infuriated Sasuke to no end.

"Ah, don't you look menacing, Sasuke-kun." The voice dripped like honey, sweet yet horribly mocking at the same time. Sasuke recognized that voice and visibly cringed. He hated this person.

"Kabuto-san," he spat up, rolling off of Naruto so he could stand and address Kabuto properly.

The man chuckled and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. There was a knowing gaze in those eyes, and it made Sasuke wonder just how long this man was watching them.

"Is there something you wanted?" Sasuke didn't want to talk to this man anymore than he had to. He was cutting into his quality time with Naruto before he had to leave tomorrow. And damn it, Kabuto's aura just reeked of bad news.

"You're not very polite, are you?" Kabuto cocked his head to the side, looking straight passed Sasuke and stared at Naruto. The blonde shifted nervously. He couldn't place what it was, but something was tipping him off that this man spelt bad news.

"What do you want, Kabuto-san?" Sasuke asked again.

"I came to get you. Orochimaru-sama has made a change of plans." Sasuke raised an eyebrow, nervousness pumping through his system. He shot a sideways glance towards Naruto, trying to gauze a reaction. Blue eyes met him, questioning and narrowed. That wasn't a good sign at all. "We're leaving tonight instead of tomorrow."

"You're leaving…?" Naruto's whisper hit Sasuke's ears like someone had just walked up and punched him.

Why? Why in the world was Fate cursing him like that? This wasn't how tonight was supposed to turn out. Sasuke was supposed to attack the subject gingerly, and comfort Naruto if needed with his promises of returning. Naruto wasn't supposed to learn like this, from a stranger's mouth.

"Sasuke—"

"Yeah," Sasuke head his head low, waiting for Naruto's violent outburst. Or with hope, a laugh and a pat on the back, wishing him luck.

Instead, he was greeted with five seconds of painfully, agonizing, silence.

"How long…?"

"Three years." Sasuke whispered.

"You bastard!" Sasuke felt his skin burn from the punch. Naruto was heaving, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. The raven's hand automatically went to cup his abused cheek. He couldn't open his mouth to form the words – he was too ashamed. "You said you wouldn't leave me! You promised!"

"Naruto," he finally said, reaching out for his best friend only to have his hands slapped away. "Listen to me."

"No!" Naruto clamped his hands over his ears, refusing to listen.

"Stop being so childish!" Sasuke snapped. "It won't be that long! I'm leaving for training. Aren't you doing the same thing?"

"Yeah, but I'm not leaving for three fucking years!" Naruto snapped back.

"It's not like I won't come back!"

"You lied to me, Sasuke…" tears were tumbling down in waterfalls. Naruto's bottom lip quivered and a weak hiccup escaped his lips. This was the second time Sasuke had seen Naruto look so… broken.

'And it's my fault.'

Kabuto stood on the sidelines, a viral grin plastered on his lips. 'Tragic… but it's all going according to plan.'

"Naruto..." Sasuke tried to reach out again, but Naruto was already dashing down the hill, back into town. He wanted to run after him; his feet wouldn't move. They were glued down to the floor. And no matter how much Sasuke willed his feet to move they wouldn't budge.

"Fuck!" he screamed, dropping down onto his knees as he punched the ground repeatedly. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" everything was ruined. He could feel the bond they had start to rust – the break – like weathered chains. No! What they had couldn't be destroyed so easily! It was weakening… and Sasuke had no idea how to fix it.

"Now, now," Kabuto smiled in a friendly fashion, bending down to rub a comforting hand on the boy's back. His smile intensified when Sasuke growled at him and tried lunging for his hand. "Crying won't fix a thing. Naruto will forgive and forget. Now we can't keep Orochimaru-sama waiting any longer."

"No…" Sasuke whispered hoarsely, attempting to stand up and find Naruto.

Kabuto shook his head and gripped Sasuke by the hairs, pulling him up so they were staring face to face. His expression was carefree, nonchalant, but his words were venom. "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun. But no is no longer an option for you."

Before Sasuke could say a retort, Kabuto had knocked him out – a careful hit to a pressure point. Sasuke could feel himself falling into the blackness. Hazy images of Naruto floated by, and his hands feebly reached out to grab onto them – only to have the wispy, cloud-like, images to fall passed his fingers. Blackness overtook him, and he found his consciousness fading.

His scar throbbed painfully, but it didn't register to Sasuke as he was carried back to the castle. The scar was responding to their bond…

So easily broken.

Nooooo D: Naruto don't cry! Sasuke you asshole! Alright, I really have no right to call him an asshole... but anyways! What do you guys think ;D. I'd love to hear your opinions and I take constructive criticism well. Don't forget to leave your reviews on your way out! Reviews mean freshly baked cookies 8D.

Till next Friday my love bugs~!