Sasuke woke up and began his morning routine. It was already Thursday. He smiled, knowing that he would meet his Dobe again today. Since a week ago, he already made it clear to his secretary that starting from that week, for every Thursday ahead he wouldn't be available so don't even bother to look for him. He even bought a new cell phone and new number only for Naruto, so he could shut down his number that everyone knew so nobody would bother his time with the blonde man.

It was seven in the morning when he finished everything. He had taken a bath and wore in a comfortable black tee shirt and black sweatpants. At any other day, at a time like this he would find himself still chewing his breakfast, but not today. He nodded feeling proud of himself.

He yawned. Despite the fact that today he would be meeting Naruto that had made him happy, he felt tired. Last night he had trouble sleeping. When he actually fell asleep, it didn't take him long to be up again. Thinking about it made his heart thump painfully. Was he nervous? He had no idea…

He felt something strange. He couldn't say if it was only because he was nervous to meet Naruto later at ten or something. He chose to ignore the feeling but then as time passed, the strange feeling only grew up even more haunting him, despite the constant battle inside his head telling him to calm down.

Something was wrong. Definitely.

In no time his apartment's phone handle was on his right hand as he began to press the first number he wanted to check.

"Hello, mother?"

"Oh hello dear, how-"

"Where are you?"

"-are- Why? Your father and I are still in Osaka-"

"How are you?"

"Mmm… We are good. How are you and Itachi doing? What's the matter?"

Sasuke sighed inaudibly. "Good. Itachi and I are fine. Nothing, really... Just, please take care. I love you." He ended the phone without even waiting for any reply and began to check the next person in mind.

"Itachi."

"Why hello and… good morning to you too, little brother..."

"Where are you?"

"Well… What's the matter?" to make things difficult. Typical Itachi…

"Just answer."

"I'm behind you, why?"

Sasuke closed his eyes and ended the phone when he heard Itachi's presence behind him. He began pressing the next person's phone number, ignoring Itachi.

"Sasuke, what are you doing?"

Sasuke chose to ignore his brother and waited impatiently for the other line to pick up. "Come on…" He bit his lower lip as he grew impatient, pacing back and forth around the kitchen.

"Sasuke."

"Shut up."

Itachi knitted his eyebrows. "What the hell is your problem?"

Sasuke only gave Itachi a stare that clearly said, "say another word and I will kill you.", of which that made Itachi sighed in defeat. Itachi chose to approach Sasuke in a different way. He made himself a cup of black coffee and waited, watching Sasuke from the kitchen stool.

"Shit." Sasuke cursed and started dialing again and again. But when he got no answer, he put down the phone handle back to its place and got his cell phone on the kitchen table. He began typing something.

"What's with you?"

Sasuke only gave Itachi a side look before he continued staring at his screen phone.

"I heard you call mother to check if they are okay. You also called me to check when clearly I was only across your room. And now you are trying to call someone. Are you a prime minister or some sort?"

"Huh?"

"It's like you are trying to make sure that every citizen in this country is okay."

Sasuke gave Itachi a hard look before he massaged his temple. "Something is bothering me. I just want to make sure that everyone is okay."

Itachi raised his eyebrow, finally he got a response from Sasuke. "And who is this person you are trying to reach now?"

"Naruto. He won't pick up my call."

"Did he keep rejecting your phone or?"

Sasuke shook his head. "He isn't picking up."

It was rare, hell, Itachi might can count with his finger that he had seen Sasuke worried his bottom lips two times, including now.

"Have you called Sai?"

"I did… He didn't pick up neither."

"They could still be sleeping for all we know."

Sasuke shook his head again. "That's impossible, given that Naruto was a doctor."

"That's strange… Or it could be coincidence that both of them didn't want to pick up their phone. Maybe Naruto was having a surgery."

"…"

"Go check him if you can't get the strange feeling out of your mind, little brother."

Sasuke nodded and went upstairs, intending to change to a more presentable clothes. He ended up wearing black skinny pants, white shirt, rider leather jacket, and a pair of black converse.

He took his phone and dialed Juugo's number after activating the device. "Juugo, do you think Kakashi is in Japan?"

"No, Sasuke. Why?"

Sasuke nodded when he was aware that Juugo couldn't see him. "Go to Sai's place and check him. Inform me what he was up to." After saying that, he entered his car and drove off to his next destination.

Under the red light, he opened his phone again and dialed another number. "Kiba, can you possibly open a locked door?"

"Huh, uh yeah. What, are we gonna go robbery?"

"Great. Where are you?"

"Hey, what's going on? I'm in my house, anyway. Why?"

"I'm dropping by in a few minutes. I expected you to be ready when I pull up in front of your house."

"Oi, what about work?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth in annoyance. Kiba never shut up. "Anymore question and I will fire your sorry ass." Sasuke ended the line and started speeding up again when the light turned green.

Kiba was not only his friend but also his employee. The mutt could do anything of some sort, and it could be useful for him.

When he arrived at Kiba's place, the brunette was already holding a box of what he considered as tools in front of his house. Without even turning off the engine, he ordered Kiba to hopped inside before he started driving again.

"Where are we going?" Kiba asked as he busied himself putting the box under his foot.

Sasuke glanced at Kiba and smirked. "Why are you wearing suit?"

"Hey! Don't blame me! I was about to go to the office and you decided to call saying if I don't hurry you would fire me!"

Sasuke shrugged as he held a laugh. He was just a little bit of an asshole today. He almost felt proud about himself when the realization downed on him that something was clearly wrong.

"Oi oi… Isn't this Kakashi's…" Kiba commented when Sasuke pulled up in the front yard of the house.

"Come out." Sasuke ordered as he closed the door behind. Kiba had no choice but followed his boss without forgetting bringing his tool box.

"Shit. If I'm going to jail, I will kill you!" But even with the threat, he didn't mean it as he followed Sasuke. He knew for sure that Sasuke would never let him involved in something like this, excepted Naruto. Kiba unconsciously smirked and then it was gone when a realization hit him. "Oh my god don't tell me…"

"Now, show me what you got." Sasuke eyed Kiba when they arrived in front of the door.

"Is this even legal, Sasuke?" Kiba asked out of curiosity. Despite asking that question, he began working on the lock.

Sasuke didn't answer as he watched Kiba did his magic. Not even a minute the door could be opened with a click sound. "Thanks Kiba." Sasuke said absent-mindedly as he entered the house in an instant. Kiba followed behind.

Sasuke went to what he thought as Naruto's room, judging by the color of few ornaments that were orange. "Naruto?" Sasuke almost yelled and he heard Kiba gasped behind followed by a question. "Huh? What the hell?"

Sasuke ignored him when he heard the shower running on the other room. It was the bathroom. Sasuke carefully knocked on the door and called out Naruto's name. When he received no answer, he thought to himself. Should he open the door or not? Naruto could be showering that was why he didn't pick up his phone, and he would find him naked. Naruto might punch him but, it had taken them about half an hour and as far as Sasuke could remember, the Dobe would take like five minutes in the shower. He shook his head and tried to knock again. When he still received no answer, he cursed a "screw it" in a whisper and opened the door to find someone gasped. It was Kiba again. But he was shocked what he saw inside.

"You gotta explain this to me, Sasuke." Because clearly Sasuke had known about this for a while.

"Not until I save him first. Now get me a towel! Dobe, you idiot…" Sasuke hissed the last sentence.

There Naruto was, the love of his life, laying on the tiled floor under the shower head that was still running, unconscious. Sasuke went near the unconscious blonde and hissed when the air splashed on him a little. It was fucking hot!

"What the hell are you thinking!" Sasuke yelled under a whisper as he turned off the shower. He hissed again when he touched Naruto's impossibly red and hot skin. "Kiba!"

"Coming!"

Kiba came into a view and handed Sasuke the towel. Sasuke undid his leather jacket and gave it to Kiba. He went on his knees, put the towel on top of the unconscious man, and scooped him up. His eyes stung when Naruto's hot skin made contact with his own. "What the hell were you thinking?" Sasuke whispered as he struggled with the towel to put it around Naruto's naked body. He was scared that the friction the towel could cause to Naruto's impossibly too red skin might damage or would make the burn even worse, but he had no option other than to cover him. If the two were alone, he would let Naruto uncovered, but he was afraid because there was Kiba. He wouldn't let them see what's his. Sasuke shook his head. He was still possessive over Naruto. Like hell he would let others see. Maybe could, but not when he was around. Then Sai's face crossed his mind. He clenched his palm. No, right now wasn't the right time to get jealous, Sasuke thought.

When he was sure the towel had covered Naruto's body, he spun around and left the house, Kiba followed behind. Did Naruto seriously trying to burn his body?

"What's happening? First we were breaking someone's house. Second, I found my best friend I haven't seen in like forever that I thought his existence had never happened was there, unconscious." Kiba commented, following the couple of century. He had to admit that these two were perfect for each other it was mad.

"My phone and keys are on that jacket. You drive. If Juugo called, put to speaker mode."

Kiba nodded and fished for the keys. He pushed a button on the keys and opened the car. Sasuke brought his two seats Ferrari with him so he couldn't put Naruto anywhere excepted on his lap. It was hard to put two grown up men on one seat but Sasuke managed to enter the car with the help of Kiba.

"Why on earth did you bring this car if you plan on having three people inside?" Kiba commented.

Sasuke just glared at him. Kiba sighed at that before he fastened his seatbelt. "Sometimes I wonder about your sanity, Sasuke." Kiba added in.

Sasuke chose not to answer.

They eventually left the place.

"Where are we going?"

"My place."

Just when Sasuke answered Kiba's question, his phone vibrated. Kiba through some skills he learned from years he got the phone in no time while driving and answered it. He put on speaker mode as ordered.

"Sasuke. I found Sai unconscious. What should I do?"

"Shit." He didn't expect that. "Admit him to the hospital and let me know about it."

"Will do." With that, the line went dead.

Kiba put the phone aside and once in a while stole glances at his side. Kiba worried his bottom lip. It was evident that Sasuke was worried sick by judging with the knitted eyebrows and a couple of tears on pale cheek. Meanwhile Naruto was… He couldn't describe the man. All he noticed was that Naruto had slightly changed from his look back when the last time he saw the man.

"Call Gaara and tell him that I need him to come to my apartment."

Kiba nodded and did as he was told.

"Uchiha."

"No, Gaara. This is Kiba."

"…"

"Look, I really need your help right now. This is serious matter between life and death."

"…"

"Gaara, are you listening?"

"Where should I go to?"

"Good. Go straight to… Sasuke, where?" Kiba asked and he could imagine Gaara was raising his non-existence eyebrow in confusion. He almost laughed despite the situation they were in.

"My parents." Sasuke answered absent-mindedly, eyes straight to the road.

Kiba nodded. "In Chiba, Sasuke's parents' house."

The line went dead. "What a polite man." Kiba murmured sarcastically.

"Call Itachi next. Tell him to turn on the air conditioner in my room."

Kiba nodded and looked for Itachi's number. They could crash at any moment if it wasn't because of his amazing skill on driving.

"Uh… Sasuke. I can't find Itachi's name…?"

"It's… Demon's spawn."

Kiba chocked but called the number nonetheless.

"Sasuke."

"Boss, it's Kiba."

"Inuzuka?"

"Yes, boss. Sasuke asked you a favor to turn on the air conditioner in his room."

"Where are you guys?"

"On our way. We will be arrived in ten minutes."

He could imagine Itachi nodding his head before the line went dead.

"Anything else?"

"Keep driving."

~o0o~

Gaara let go of the stethoscope from his ears and let it hang on around his neck. Seeing the unconscious blonde man only covered with black small towel on his crotch area, laying on the black silk of Sasuke's king-sized bed, which made him imagining a sun in a night sky. Was it even possible?

He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "He is okay. His skin just suffers from light burn, no big deal. You just have to put the ointment on his skin every now and then until his skin tone come back to normal. I will scribe down the ointment you need to buy later."

Sasuke nodded.

"You found him unconscious on the floor?"

Sasuke nodded again.

"He was hyperventilating that was why he passed out." Gaara said. Three other people, Sasuke, Itachi, and Kiba eyed the unconscious blonde man on the bed, everyone had their own different thoughts.

"What else does he need? What I have to do?"

Gaara retreated his vision from the blonde to Sasuke. "You just have to treat him with the ointment and maybe get him more water from the dehydration when he woke up, nothing really serious. You don't have to worry, except for a certain guardian and current boyfriend." Gaara deadpanned.

Sasuke's eyebrow twitched. "Thanks for reminding me that, Sabaku." Sasuke said sarcastically.

Gaara smirked. "You are lucky because that certain guardian is abroad and I don't know about the current boyfriend."

"Juugo found Sai unconscious as well in his house, different places."

"Where did you find Naruto, anyway?"

Sasuke looked from Naruto to Gaara. "In his house."

Gaara nodded. "Given that Sai is unconscious now, he will regain his conscious back in a few hours at top or maybe tomorrow. You should inform Tsunade first about Naruto. Or even if you can't, at least Ino has to know."

"Why?"

Gaara raised his non-existence eyebrow, thinking if Sasuke was being serious or not. "Really, Uchiha? You wouldn't want a news about Naruto goes missing. Also, Tsunade is not only Naruto's grandma but she is also the head of the hospital where Naruto work. If Sai is admitted to where Naruto work, Tsunade would ask Naruto's whereabouts."

"…"

Gaara almost rolled his eyes. "Not only Naruto is Sai's boyfriend, but he is also Sai's private doctor. It's only natural for Sai to be admitted with Naruto around."

Sasuke nodded. "I will go see her today."

Gaara nodded as well. "You should. I suggest you to talk to Ino about it, because she's the safest. She is one of your fan-girls after all. I'm sure she will listen to whatever you say."

Sasuke smirked. "You are surprisingly being cooperating."

"Although I hate to admit it but I definitely am on your side."

"Thanks. That's all I need."

Gaara nodded and looked back at the unconscious man on the bed. "I am sure there is something bothering him."

Sasuke joined his eyebrows.

Gaara continued. "He was hyperventilating and passed out. He was definitely thinking too much. You better not repeat your past mistake or else I will kill you. Neji is with me, you know. So you better make it up. I believe that Kiba would kill you too if you mess up." As Gaara said the last sentence, he tilted his head to see at Kiba, who upon hearing that, nodded his head furiously.

Sasuke almost shuddered. Although he was an Uchiha, he was still felt threatened by the red headed doctor. Gaara had this aura that screamed "psycho". Maybe Gaara's nature of liking blood and shit he distributed it by being a surgeon. Do I have to explain about Neji, too? Sasuke thought bitterly.

Sasuke nodded again. "Thanks Gaara. Really…"

Gaara nodded. "Just don't forget the ointment and inform Ino first."

Sasuke nodded, eyeing the sleeping blonde.

"Then… I will take my leave now." Gaara said as he made his way to the exit with Sasuke behind. Itachi and Kiba were standing there watching the whole conversation. Kiba was speechless, and only Itachi was entertained by it. Though, Itachi admitted that seeing Naruto unconscious on the bed was not a pleasant view.

"Oh, one more..." Gaara said again, stopping in front of the door. "I believe in you, Sasuke."

"Thanks…" Sasuke paused. "…Mom." Sasuke deadpanned. Like really… okay Gaara was on his side and he was grateful because of that. However, when it came to Naruto, this psycho always went mother-hen and shit, which was kind of irritating and amusing at the same time.

Gaara sent Sasuke a murderous look. "You lucky I don't bring any sharp things."

"Hn." was all Sasuke said before he closed the door and Gaara walked away.

~o0o~

Ino's usual shift was morning so at six in the evening she could be found standing in front of the hospital, waiting for his father to pick her up. Even though she was a grown up woman, she was still his daddy's little girl, that's what his father always told her.

That day was different. She had called her father that he didn't need to pick her up today. Her father had asked her why, and she said that he had to meet an old friend.

A black car pulled up in front of her. She watched as the car's glass rolled down to reveal a very gorgeous man inside. Ino had to admit that she was proud of herself that she had been crushing on someone this hot. She sure had good eyes. She giggled when the gorgeous man got out of his car and walked around to open the door for her. Ino had to slap herself to make her realize that this very gorgeous and gentleman was gay. She sighed inaudibly. All the hot guys are gay.

"Thanks, Sasuke."

Sasuke didn't reply as she watched him went back to the driver seat. She could notice people were staring. Who wouldn't bat an eye when someone as gorgeous as Sasuke showed up driving Ferrari?

She watched Sasuke entered the car and the two left the hospital.

"Let's eat something first. I bet you are hungry."

"If I don't know better, I would think that this is a date, Sasuke." She grinned.

Sasuke only shrugged.

She took a deep breath and made herself comfortable on the seat. "Thanks for fulfilling my fantasy of going on a date with you, Sasuke." She snorted at her own statement.

Sasuke rolled his eyes but he smirked at her.

She smiled and stared at the road ahead. Just this morning, Sai was admitted to the hospital. He lost unconscious because of the cancer doing. She was wondering where could Naruto be at the moment given that he was Sai's boyfriend and private doctor. She was almost gone crazy trying to call Naruto but always went straight to the voice mail, not to mention Tsunade and her constant swearing, wondering where the hell could Naruto have gone to when Sai was admitted to the hospital. Not until a bulky man came to her and told her that Sasuke Uchiha needed her to activate her number. She was actually busying herself calling Naruto that caused any incoming call couldn't reach her. So she stopped trying to call Naruto and waited until her phone vibrated. It was Sasuke and he asked her if she was free this evening. She said yes and told him that they could meet after her shift ended. Sasuke offered to pick her up at the hospital. She couldn't be agreed more.

So here she was with Sasuke inside his car.

"Any specific food you want to eat now?" Sasuke's question got her out of her trances of thought.

"Hm? Do you have something in mind? I don't have any idea what to eat." She shrugged. Any guy who tried to ask her out, she never knew what to decide to eat. So she ended up letting the guy to decide instead.

"Hmm… I'm thinking of Japanese food, Saitoin in Roppongi… They served good sushi. What do you think?"

"Oh, that's cool. Japanese foods then!" The fact that Roppongi was by no means the only place to dine great sushi in Tokyo, Roppongi was also well known for being expensive area. "If I didn't know better, you are trying to woo me by going to have dinner in Roppongi, Sasuke." She grinned and wiggled her eyebrows teasingly. She grinned even bigger when Sasuke gave her a roll of his eyes and a smirk.

They eventually arrived at the restaurant and Ino was shocked inside because she found out that Sasuke had made a reservation before. They were led to their what Ino thought as a private table. Ino thought maybe Sasuke had something private he wanted to discuss about? It wasn't a surprise for Ino to know that Sasuke was a private person.

They chose their menu and chatted lightly the whole time. When they finished then Sasuke started the conversation.

"I need you to help me."

"I will help you without second thought. What is it?" Ino provided as she shipped her wine. The dinner was great, especially with Sasuke. She should take some pictures with him and maybe post it on Instagram?

Ino watched Sasuke nodded. "I want you to help me cover Naruto?"

"Huh? What are you saying? I can't even rea- Wait. Don't tell me…"

"Naruto is with me right now."

"Huh? Doesn't he know that Sai is in the hospital? He is his private doctor and-"

"I happened to find him trying to burn his skin by staying under the shower head. He-"

"What?"

Sasuke glared. "Woman, shut down your volume!"

"Sorry!" Ino put her volume down and sipped her wine before continuing. "Sorry. What happened? I was- why would he-"

"Calm down, Ino. Let me finish and you can talk after I finish."

Ino nodded and sipped her wine again to calm her down. Sasuke could be scary at times.

"Good. Okay so long story short, I found him unconscious under the running shower head in his house. I ordered my man to check on Sai, and he was also unconscious that's why he is in your hospital right now."

"And Naruto?"

"Naruto is with me now. Gaara had checked on him earlier today and said that he is okay, we don't need to worry. I just want to take care of him and let him rest. No doubt that you knew that his eye bags are so bad. Also, please help me take care of Sai while Naruto is with me. If Tsunade asked something, I don't know, just please cover me and tell her or whomever is trying to reach him, that Naruto would be back soon. Can you do that?"

"Sasuke, I…"

"Look. You owe me. Big time. All I remember of you was your constant declaration of your love to me. You knew Naruto all these years yet you didn't tell me. I thought you are my loyal fan-girl?" Sasuke said deadpanned.

Ino almost fell from her position. She sipped her wine before she cleared her throat. "I'm so sorry, Sasuke. Really. If it's not because of Kakashi, you would know about Naruto the day I laid my eyes on him. I will help you but Kakashi…"

"Then don't say anything to him. He will be in German for a month or so."

Ino worried her bottom lip. "What if Kakashi decided to call him? You know how Kakashi is. If he can't reach Naruto, he will try Sai. If they both can't be reach, he might fly back to Japan in no time-"

"Then you need this." Ino watched as Sasuke handed her Naruto's phone. "If he called, tell him if he can't talk right now because he is in the middle of surgery, something like that."

She was hesitant at first but eventually she agreed. "If you say so…"

Sasuke nodded. "Good girl."

"Umm… Sasuke?"

"Hm?"

"Just… Please Sasuke… Don't repeat your past mistake. You have my support."

Sasuke nodded. "Thanks Ino. That's what I really need."

About almost six years ago, she remembered that time when she heard about Sasuke went comatose and Naruto went missing, the two had fought quite frequent before that and at that time Ino thought it was just a usual love quarrel. So far as she knew, Sasuke loved to tease Naruto a lot and only Naruto. So she thought that maybe Sasuke had gone too far to tease Naruto that time to the point that Naruto would leave Sasuke. But the idea alone was too suspicious. There was no way just from teasing someone could go missing and the other could go comatose and shit. There must be something greater than that but what? Ino wasn't so sure. They were teenagers at that time after all and how perfect you were, people made mistakes. Human was no angel.

"How long you want me to cover him up? I can't cover you up forever, you know…"

"I know…" Sasuke massaged the bridge of his nose. "I will inform you if I'm ready."

Ino sighed and nodded. "Thanks for the romantic dinner, anyway…" Ino teased.

Sasuke smirked as he crossed his arms.

"At least one of my dreams has come true." Ino smiled dreamily.

Sasuke arched his eyebrow. "Are the other dreams involved me?"

"You guess them, Sasuke… One has something to do with you wearing tuxedo waiting on the altar in the church." Ino wiggled her eyebrows.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and stood up, ready to leave Ino. Ino sighed a little bit disappointed but lit up immediately when she heard Sasuke murmured something about driving her back to her home. Ino grinned and stood up, followed Sasuke behind happily.

She couldn't ask for more.

~o0o~

The sound of ECG echoed through the wall. He moved his head and stared at the machine, beeping, sign that he was still alive. He looked at his right wrist which was connected to the IV. He sighed deeply and realized that he was breathing with the support of the ventilator.

Great.

He sighed again and stared at the white ceiling. Everything was white.

Hospital…

How did he get here he wasn't even sure anymore.

He wanted to lift his hand but couldn't move his body. It was too tiring and he felt like he already lost his ability to do things. It was already hard to move his head before if not forcing.

God, how pathetic…

"Naruto?" He murmured silently. Even speaking seemed too hard. His throat felt sore and too dry for his liking. His head stung. It was no use. Even chemotherapy was not an option.

He wasn't sure anymore how long he could last. Naruto had verdict him for one year. Hell, he even thought that he wouldn't last six months. Naruto actually had said to him that he still had a year left, but if it was with the help of chemo. Now that he had declined to do chemo over a stupid reason of not wanting to go bald, he thought he wouldn't last six months. Hell, maybe three months. It wasn't actually not wanting to go bald for the solely reason, but it was just too scary for him because he knew how a patient's condition when they do chemo, or more likely the after effect of doing so. He had seen how his big brother had suffered a lot doing chemo. After the chemo, his brother would be in pain, vomit, and other painful things he couldn't describe. If chemo could save his life from cancer, then he would do it. But chemo was only prolonging the sufferings. Thus, chemo was useless. Cancer patients would die, anyway…

Sai smiled bitterly. He had no idea what to do anymore. He was too weak for Naruto. He couldn't handle being the protector anymore if he was like this. He might be a burden to Naruto. How he hated himself more than he hated the life for being a weakling of battling cancer.

What if Naruto thought of me as a burden? Sai thought bitterly. God, how pathetic… He felt that he was being selfish. Naruto deserved someone better, someone strong, someone powerful, not a weak person, not someone pathetic, a burden to his life.

He closed his eyes tightly, forcing himself to go back to sleep when the headache had finally kicked in.

TBC

Published: Monday, December 4th 2017 14.26 PM (JST)