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Naruto's POV
The blond hokage knew that something like this was inevitable. But when it actually happened? He was still shocked. It was one of those things that you didn't want to believe would happen, that you could put off until the last minute when it was rudely shoved into your face and you were forced to face the fact. Not alone, though. Naruto had never thought he'd be caught by himself.
I mean, sure. He'd had his suspicions when it came to the loyalty of his ninja, but he'd never questioned anything. Never thought he'd had the reason. After all, who would be stupid enough to attack the nine-tailed fox? s**t!
Sensing the first attack, Naruto ducked, giving plenty room to dodge a proceeding hit in the same direction. Though he was not on good terms when the second knocked him in the face; forcibly removing his mask. Time seemed to slow as the mask fell, it's cracked exterior colliding with hard rock as Naruto stood, shocked, at how quickly someone had hit him. The amount of force was impeccable, and the speed... it was-
It had to be him.
Without even sensing all that chalkra, or even trying, he just knew. Sasuke's presence hung like a palpable air, tremoring in his bones. Naruto could never forget a thing about it. His attention raked the nearby trees, thinking that he might be hiding in one of them. He wanted to speak, but no words escaped. All he could think, all he could breathe, was the other's name.
Is this a dream? He found it hard to keep from smiling. A crazy, naive grin that had to be his most honest expression in a long time. His body twisted, kicking up rubble as he tried to get the lay of his surroundings. Blue orbs bore into everything with a new intensity, thinking that if he stared hard enough.. Sasuke would appear in front of him. Because he had to see it for his own eyes. He had to know!
Did Sasuke Uchiha really come home?
He'd had all this happiness pent up inside of him, it was impossible to believe that it could all come flowing out at one time. He had always been that way around Sasuke, though. Naruto didn't understand it, nor did he want to. It was simply part of the other's affect. That's all. He knew he probably looked stupid, a bit of blood drooling on his cheek from where the mask was hit, grinning like an idiot when death was imminent. But Naruto didn't care. It seemed nothing could make him care. Because Sasuke was back!
And before he could react to what he knew was coming, a murderously sharp weapon stroked his chest and neck. A hand crept along his side, pulling him closer to the figure behind him. Naruto blinked, doe-shaped eyes widening. In all his excitement, he'd forgot this was a battle. Which meant, he'd just lost. Well, wait! He wasn't winning, but Naruto certainly wasn't going to admit defeat, either! He was quite the fighter and had kept himself in shape, however exhausted he may be. And with every second, Naruto could feel his chest getting tighter, the ache for his missing friend getting bigger. People fought harder when they had something to fight for. That's what Tsunadi had said. But what happens when they didn't want to fight at all?
When the words slipped from those pale lips, Naruto felt a part of his heart stop. Naruto had every intention of finding Sasuke.. and look. Here he was. It was almost justifiable, in a sense. How long had he been trying to find him?
''... Sasuke.''
The word tumbled from his mouth, unable to be kept inside. Sasuke's voice was deeper than all those years ago, firmer. Naruto's head tilted in the opposite direction from his attacker, eyes captured on the sword resting at his chest.
He could feel the dull warmth of the steal, barely cutting into his chest. But Naruto wasn't scared. He'd taken a lot more than a simple cut. His hands clenched into fists, useless in the current position.
''Are you..are you real?'' he whispered. What a stupid thing to ask. Naruto knew better than this! So why was he holding his breath?
Suddenly, his leg swept backward, attempting to wrap around the Uchiha's. He leant forward, into the sword, and raised his bandaged hand to tug it out of his way. When he'd rolled out of the hold, bleeding and gasping for air, Naruto planted a knee to the ground and looked up.
He wants to kill me! Blue captured pure obsidian, startled by the others' porcelain features. It took everything Naruto had not to run right back into those arms, knowing at his current rate, he would no doubt lose.
Sasuke's POV
Sasuke was startled when such a question came out of the blonde's lips. What a thing to ask after such a long time they hadn't seen each other. But it's not that which bothered him. But the emotion with which Naruto let it slip out of his fine lips.
He'd expect Naruto to be vicious and unforgiving to him when he'd seen him again after such a long time, bitter for his betrayal, with a flaming hatred and aim to revenge him. But what Sasuke always refused to believe was that the boy loved him truly and genuinely and was the only and one reason behind his every actions.
But before he had time to respond, he felt the blonde's leg attempting to wrap around his own and he moved his leg back in a flash, causing the blonde to trip and fall forwards, Sasuke's katana cutting superficial wounds across his chest.
He didn't plan on hurting him ever so soon, but it seemed as if the dobe hadn't changed so much after all and was still the same emotional clumsy idiot he had known ever since the ninja academy.
Sasuke watched down his tan shaky figure, as the blonde's eyes bored into his cold black ones.
If Naruto wasn't to fight back, it only made it harder for him to resist to his ever protesting conscience.
He stayed still, refusing to break eye contact. It was over his powers. Now that he had the chance again to look into his ex teammate's eyes, he couldn't stop taking pleasure from the familiar optimism and energy they were giving out. Even if he was loud and annoying at times, somehow, Naruto was the one who had givencolor to Sasuke's ''grey'' life, back then.
His eyes slowly sliding from Naruto's cerulean ones to his wounded chest, he regained his composure and answered coldly:
''Judging from the scratch on your chest,… yeah…, I'd say I am real.'' he said, his eyes returning to Naruto's ones, not wanting to miss the emotion in them.
Without leaving him any more time to react, he said
''I am here to kill you, Naruto.'' he said emotionlessly and if words could kill, then his were like shurikens aiming coldly for his prey's heart.
He didn't fear Naruto for the time being. If he did decide he would like to finally get up and fight him, he was able to dodge him just as easily and fast.
A small wave of air blew around the hills, and Sasuke's hair swayed lightly around his face for some brief seconds, giving to him an even darker look.
He leaned his face slightly downwards, thinking he'd let Naruto at least stand up before he attacked him again.
After his initial ''hello'' attack, it was time to get serious about it and do what he went there for.
''Of course, you can always quit your leader position and I'll be relieved to spare your life.'' Sasuke said, wanting to test Naruto's persistence.
He knew Naruto wasn't a coward and therefore he'd refuse it, but it was fun teasing him.
He broke their eye contact again to scan the area around for any anbu. He could feel no other chakras besides his and Naruto's.
He looked back at the blonde Hokage, observing his tanned handsome face as it was surrounded by his blonde frizzy locks, care freely shading it.
If nothing, he was an image of false innocence and foolish bravery.
Somehow, he admired Naruto for having insane guts. Now if only he could combine them with brains, he wouldn't be there now, risking his life with his enemy.
He closed the distance slowly between them and looked down on Naruto with something as of a hostile expression coloring his pale characteristics.
He closed his eyes for a moment as if he was trying to find some peace inside him and then he reopened them, extending his hand to the boy on the ground as of an act of help and of a deal in the same time.
''Fight me.''
Naruto's POV
In an instant, he saw Sasuke. To be specific, not this Sasuke, but all of his incarnations. The small child with a crooked smile and a pinky promise. As a pre-teen, with a frozen touch and prodigetic talent. In teenage-dom, perfect yet traitorous. And now.. a total stranger. Someone who reflected a face Naruto cared for; a person he'd failed.
Slowly, the hokage was beginning to recognize that he wasn't here on a permenant stay. But it didn't keep him from wishing. Never would. Because as much as someone might expect Sasuke to be a ruthless, heartless b*****d.. Naruto always saw what he use to be, and what they'd been as kids.
''S..Shuddup.''
The point Sasuke made was a good one. The hokage had asked such a stupid question, it was sketchy that he even be rewarded with a response at all. It also made him realize that they were far from any source of help; though he could have very well run back in the opposite direction, in viewing limit of Konoha. In fact, it would have been logical. But he didn't. Why? Because he was foolish. And too enamored by this encounter to risk losing the Uchiha.
''I won't let you hurt anyone.''
All face, all show. With those words, the blond tried to done his hardest mask, despite how easily it fell apart under Sasuke's withering stare. Naruto had always wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt. Even if those people had nearly killed him in the past. But Sasuke had also been a traitor, so like it or not.. he had to pretend that he believed-
''I am here to kill you, Naruto.''
And all at once, his world fell apart.
Naruto raked his head for alternatives to what was said, but found none. In fact, the blond was so shaken by the words, he fell backward onto his rear. Then froze. His clumsiness had always cost him many things, that much he knew. A good grade, an unscarred body, chances in general. But suddenly, he felt as if he couldn't handle it. If anything, he felt like he'd been slapt in the face.
Keep it together, you idiot! He would have preferred if this didn't happen, if he didn't have to face this monster. Yet he prepared himself anyway, eyes burning with a hidden passion and unmistakable fury that kindled from fear. Still, he didn't run. Because unfortunately, losing Sasuke frightened him much more than dying in the heat of battle.
''Give up?''
Naruto's voice was clipped. He was putting up any emotional barrier he could manage, while he scrambled for a way to get out of this. To be frank, he was much too tired, too worn down, too everything to get far. And consequently growled in frustration.
''Relief?''
Why did he have to make this so hard? Naruto studied Sasuke, not believing a word of what was said. It had to be a jest. Mockery. Sasuke didn't care about his welfare. Somehow, the fox-container used this as a fuel to his hurt. His heart beat wildly, pumping adrenaline into his veins and prying that warm light from his gaze.
He's here to kill me.
It was stated like a fact. Naruto repeated the words like a mantra, even as a wind crippled past. Not once did his eyes ever stray from the Uchiha, not even when the man took on a more sadistic and deviant expression.
Because he still hoped.
''Is that all you came for?'' Nevertheless, the hokage paid little attention to the value of his life. Attended such frail regard, one might think he didn't care at all. The fact that his chest ached from the shallow wound whenever he breathed in too quickly, added to this.
So instead, he paid attention to the task at hand—no matter how much it pained him (literally and metaphorically). Naruto figured that, whether or not he might die soon, he should do something to help his village. His reign had been fairly short lived and totally eventless (which was the way he preferred it). Taking out Sasuke, or even slowing him down like this, would be the greatest act he ever gave.
''Then take your best shot.''
Sasuke's POV
Sasuke looked at Naruto emotionless as the blonde repeated his words or the meaning close to what he had said.
Yeah, give up pretty much summed it up.
What about the relief part didn't fit in though? But of course, thinking of it Sasuke realized that Naruto couldn't find it easy to believe that the monster the Uchiha had become could ever bring himself to care for him.
Sasuke didn't care, or that's what he told himself. Actually the most ridiculous excuse he used to repeat inside him whenever he felt guilty for being sentimental towards Naruto was that it wasn't Naruto who should really pay for Konoha. But then again who was? He represented them, killing the fith all mighty hokage would be a revenge towards the whole ninja village.
And in addition to that, no matter of how soulless the raven haired villain was, he wasn't in it for it to terminate a whole village, not yet ,at least.
''Trust me, I won't take pleasure in your death. It is just my path of an avenger and you are standing like an obstacle in it. Simple as that. ''Sasuke said coldly, pretending it really didn't mean a lot to him, but inside him his heart was a bit aching.
Even if he had convinced himself that the blonde had no place in his heart, he knew things wouldn't be the same once they wouldn't breath the same air, once Naruto was gone...
The next question came as off shock to him. What did Naruto mean if that was all. What else did he expect? To run and kneel in front of him, asking for his forgiveness.
Sasuke smirked sadistically at that, nothing showing his real emotions. If for different occasions, he wouldn't mind spending some time out of fight with the dobe, but now he was his aim and he was the avenger.
He still couldn't understand why Naruto clang on to his hopes so much. He really had only proved so far that he was a traitorous evil and selfish b*****d to the blond. So why, or even better, what did Naruto base his hopes on till now? Well, if for failing before to cut him off, today was the day he would, and even maybe literally.
He took a step forwards to take Naruto's soft hand in his, helping him to stand up.
It was less an act of help and more one of agreement and confirmation of the deal Naruto had accepted when he said the last words.
Sasuke's onyx eyes bore into Naruto's, the two bodies only inches away.
He examined his face carefully, fearless, as if nothing he could find in those eyes could affect him.
He slowly let Naruto's hand go and trickled his pale fingers from Naruto's wound on his chest up to his tanned face.
The wound didn't seem deep. But look what clumsiness did.
Even if he knew he was the one really more in risk, he was willing to risk it all in this day. Especially if that meant getting an advantage in this dangerous battle.
His long fingers brushed softly upwards against Naruto's soft cheeks. His youthful skin felt so nice on his touch, so familiar and distant in the same time.
Letting his hand fall lazily onto Naruto's right shoulder , his cheek almost brushed slowly against Naruto's, as he leaned his head in closer to whisper huskily in his left ear, his lips haunting over his earlobe.
-In the meantine, his free hand had been busy untying the laces of his black robe and the Akatsuki one under it.-
''As you wish...''. Not before the sound of his voice had even faded completely in Naruto's ears, he jumped on a tree some meters away in a flash, leaving the clothes fall in the ground in front of Naruto,as if a reminder of whom had been standing there a few seconds ago.
He had done this to confuse and startle Naruto right from the start of the battle as so to gain an advantage.
Knowing Naruto being so emotional when it came to Sasuke himself, he knew the blonde would probably be startled when Sasuke demonstrated that sudden physical familiarity with him. This would gain him time to do other things with his hands while Naruto's mind was busy thinking other things.
And this wasn't the only thing he had put his hand onto.
He stood on a branch, silent and perfectly still, his breath almost inexistent, as he watched Naruto, waiting patiently but not without a little stress for a sudden or any attempt of the blond to attack him.
Naruto's POV
..What happened to us?
Naruto looked up into Sasuke's face one last time, trying to find any reaction to what'd been decided. One seconds, two seconds. That's how long he waited. Unfortunatly, it seemed that the last shred of emotion had left the young assasin long ago, and even though Naruto never doubted him, he would not be spared a glimpse of remorse. Because now, Naruto had become an obstacle. Nothing more than an object to be conquered.
The boy opened his mouth to say something about it, but found no words could form. And hence, he showed the understanding in a different way; by letting his hand be grasped by the dark man's for the briefest of moments, while relishing in the electricity that stung him afterward. It seemed no matter how many times they met, each one was always just as bitter as the previous, maybe even angrier.
Of course, this meeting was rather unique and underlined with finality, but it was melancholy all the same.
When Naruto pulled back, a weak smile instantly graced the Hokage's face. Because even in the face of death.. he had no regrets.
''Don't lie to me. You're a terrible liar.'' he murmured softly. Wrapping an arm around his small yet muscled waist, it appeared he might be trying to hold himself together.
''You won't miss me at all.'' He was always looking for Sasuke. Always trying to catch his attention. So it was a symbolic ending, he guessed. Dying under the one he'd lived for. And considering the look that he had gotten, he was right.
Naruto's jaw tightened as Sasuke looked at him; a strong, impossible mask that Naruto wished he could remove just as easily as the Anbu one. So, in a last ditch effort to patch things up, he tried to express emotions for what the other wouldn't, a twinge of guilt and misery lacing over him like a broken promise.
''.. wait.. I-''
He didn't understand why Sasuke inspected his wound, but remained frozen all the same. I mean, what else could he do? His hand itched to touch the dark tresses that fell into his face, but knew better than to try. He'd almost expected a stab in the back, for even thinking such things. Anything in fact. Some sort of ripping pain that would end his life. Pale lids fluttered closed, reveling in the silence.
I don't want to die. He wanted to scream the words out loud. This just wasn't fair! It's not right! Can't we hold on a second here? Naruto's cheek tilted into the fingers without knowing, almost seeming to embrace the touch. When it ended, he fell stagment again, a statue against everything Sasuke represented.
Those sweet words circled in his ear, brushing away any idea Naruto might have conjured on the spot. This wasn't what I wanted! Trembling, Naruto glared at the clothes that had fallen to the floor. He knew the game had begun- cat vs. mouse. So, in correspondence, the boy knelt down aside the cloaks, eyes watering.
''Don't hold back, Teme.'' Naruto ran his fingers along the back of the dark patterns, trying to ignore the rush of memories that came with their owner. When he felt he had a better composure, the boy stood again, cloaks in hand, and thrust them into the air. And just like Sasuke, he vanished under their passing.
The blond leapt high into the air, attention lingering on his feet. His hands joined to make a wild variety of symbols; most of the defensive variety. A number of clones disappeared into the surroundings, ready to pop out or provide a distraction when necessary.
Naruto didn't plan to do much, but was glad that he had disguised himself as an anbu. A shuriken weighed heavily in his palm, acting as a ready shot as he came back down, landing on a slope of rock. Blue eyes ran flippantly to the nearby trees, but made no move for cover. Made no move to do anything, actually.
He just.. stood there.
Come on, Teme. This is what you wanted.
R&R?
Sasuke: I thought you said you didn't like typicallities?
Me:…Depends on the mood, really.
Sasuke: Make up your mind. You sound stupid, you know that?
Me: Remind me why I still haven't kicked you out of my story?
Sasuke: Pfftt…cause you're a fan girl.
Me: Whhaaat?!!! Listen jerk, if you want to know I am a lez!
Sasuke: Yeah, right.
Me: Exactly!
Sasuke: You can always prove that, you know.
Me: Hey, I don't need to prove anything to you! Uh…wait,what do you mean?
Sasuke: Me and you, alone, in your room…you can tell the rest.
Me: Wtf, you pervert, are you trying to seduce me now?
Sasuke: You do are a lesbian, afterall.
Me: -.- I'd punch you right now if you were real, you know that?
Naruto: Don't worry, Ria-chan, I shall kick his ass pretty nice next chapter!
Me: Yeah, sure thing. *rolls eyes*
Naruto: Wait, what was that supposed to mean?
Sasuke: *chuckle*
Naruto: Hey, teme! Do you know something I don't?! I will do kick your ass next chapter, won't I?
Sasuke: * Stares at me* *cough cough*
Me: …
Naruto: Hey!!
Me: Until next time!