Things Change

Chapter 17: The Kiss

Sasuke sat in total silence as Nisuke cut off his story. His brain was fighting a battle to process all he's been told, to say something, anything!

"I…,"his voice began low,"…had no idea. I..."

Nisuke silenced him with a quick wave of his hand. His eyes where still glazed over, imagining things Sasuke couldn't imagine.

He had so many questions.

"What happened to Sakura?" That's as good a place as any to start. Nisuke's face hardly changed its expression. His eyes told a different story though. Maybe it wasn't the right place to start…

"Sakura…" his voice was hoarse, but strong. "She…faded off somewhere." As he said that his gazed returned to Sasuke.

The look in Nisuke's eyes told the brunette there was more to it, but he kept his silence. His body felt worn off, and trying to read Nisuke was like trying to read a book written in shapes. He had a skillful mask, one that even surpassed Sasuke's own.

He closed his dark eyes and leaned further back in his chair. He felt something light touch his face. 'Soft.' He paid no mind to it until he felt something push against his chest. Or rather, someone.

Sasuke's eyes snapped opened and gazed into deep cerulean eyes. "Ni...suke?"

"Yes?"

"What are you doin-"

He got cut off as Nisuke's lips claimed his own. It was gentle, but forceful. His taste was something like Sasuke never imagined, but he wanted more.

'Wait!' Sasuke felt some liquid substance flood into his mouth. He suddenly felt drowsy. The blonde gently pulled away.

"Sorry Sasuke, this is how it has to be if you want Naruto to survive."

Sasuke's eyes lost their focus and he was pulled into a deep sleep. 'Naruto…'

Fade to the cave

Syrinn and Sasuke (younger) were sleeping, huddled by the fire. Naruto on the other hand couldn't sleep. He wrapped his arms around his middle and listened to the steady breathing of the two brunettes.

"Can't sleep?"

Naruto turned his head towards the voice, Syrinn. "Not really." The blonde stared deeply into the brunette's dark eyes. They were so familiar yet so foreign. Without realizing it, he had scooted closed towards him.

The story Syrinn had told them earlier really put his mind into a fix. He didn't know what to make of it. So many questions buzzed in his brain.

"Hey, Syrinn, what's Nisuke like?"

Syrinn wasn't even fazed by the question.

"Nisuke, well, he's a lot like you. A little more…mature maybe…but he's still a dobe no doubt about it. But he is sneaky, so I warn you not to get on his bad side."

Syrinn chuckled a little during his description.

"So, what about me?"

Naruto looked a little startled. "What about you?"

"How am I compared to Sasuke?"

Naruto thought deeply about it.

"Well, your not to different either. You call me that stupid nickname; you smirk with that self-assured jack-ass manner. You carry yourself the same…and…your eyes…"

He cut off, embarrassed.

"What about my eyes?" Now it was Syrinn's turn to draw a bit closer.

"Your eyes, that has the power to bore into my mind and soul." Naruto looked away and chuckled lightly. A strong, soft hand came up and cupped his chin, turning him back to face those black eyes.

"Naruto…" His voice was soft and sincere. He lightly dragged Naruto's face towards him.

Naruto's eyes widened at the kiss. Soft and caressing. The mouth gently held his lips, a wet tongue daring him to open his lips. Which, very slowly, he did. The kiss lasted a few more minutes, but then Naruto felt a sour liquid shoot down his throat. He felt dizzy and collapsed back onto his blanket.

Syrinn softly moved some stray hairs out of his face. "Sleep well." He whispered.

A/N: Okay, short, not much happened. But this chapter is the joiner that leads up to the climax chapters.

Sorry it took so long, but I'm writing a book for school and I suffered terrible writer's block, just ask Haku2009 if you don't believe me, she had to suffer through that with me.

Anyways, I appreciate all the support and if most of you readings have lost hope on this fic, I don't blame you.

I'll be tempted to write another chapter today if I get at least 8 reviews though okay? So please sent me some reviews. They are what keeps me from just ending this story, cause it's a royal pain.

- Spiral