Naruto's POV
Naruto had never been good at confrontations. He was either overly passive or much too agressive. And maybe, that's why things had spiraled away from him so quicklyxx why he couldn't save the people he cared about. He hated himself for everything that had happened. Held a burning desire to be destructive, irresponsible, and sacraficial. He wanted nothing more than to have this misery ended for him, have everything slip away into nothing.
''I dont care what you want. Obviously, you are not in charge here. And you will be taken care of, under my commands.'' A whimper shook from his lips, prying Naruto to look at the towering figure with a sparse sense of recognition; like he was slowly degradinging into an empty vessel, and all his knowledge about those faces or Sasuke or Konoha were going with it. If only for a little while, he prayed. Cus' his heart is breaking, ripping at the seams. And Naruto doesn't know how much he can take. Can't even comprehend why he's still breathing, still bearing this weight.
It's all my fault, Sasuke. I'm so sorry. The hand on his shoulder was firm, and reassuring. It stung him like a tangible death, but relaxed him all the same. It was just one touch; though to Naruto, it had a thousand possibilities. The skin began to burn under Sasuke's hand, and not due to any physical wound. God, no. It was from all the things he'd sought from the other for decades, swelling up at once. Bubbling inside him, latching on to the last real thing he could find in this chaotic end. Naruto grew still, unable to fathom much more in that moment. His lower lip quivered, but nothing was spoken. Slowly, the blond curled deeper inside of himself, even when the stitches anchored a warning of his stupidity.
... Why was Sasuke still here?
''I…am sorry for your pain-'' No your not, he wants to whisper. You'll never be. ''-even if I am the main cause of it, but I am sure you already guessed.'' The fox roars with laughter; a deep, silent tone that shakes the very core of Naruto's sanity. Each word that dark angel speaks only proves his fading belief, that his understanding of Sasuke's persona haven't really changed. Haven't withered away, and left him in the dark. Blue eyes droop to the cell's floor, pondering how much groveling it'd take to have one of the guardsmen kill him. Or, more subtly put, 'discover him'. He thought how easy it'd be to convince someone, even if he had to grovel. Cus' heaven knows he's tired, and how much it hurts to stay awake. ''I came here to tell you that you are under my guardianship. It's okay if you don't think you need a medic nin. I will order them to bring you to my room so I can take care of you, personally...''
What..?
The boy shifted, his shoulders rolling with the choked sob he bottled inside himself. Naruto didn't want to be saved. Didn't want to be watched over. He wanted to be dead. With his village.
How couldn't Sasuke understand that..?
Blue eyes reign in a new tone as they admire the black, a type of desparity that could say more than the Hokage himself ever wanted.
''W-why...'' Is this suppose to be the end, or another meaningless beginning? Naruto tried to understand, but found it incomprehensible. Like he was only seeing half of the picture, and the other portion was fogged. Torn off, or burnt away. He had his doubts about Sasukexx which was surprising, considering Naruto use to trust his life in the other's hands. Hell, he'd offered to give everything to him once. Loyalty had never been a problem before now. Then again, Naruto felt his structure quake under the very memory of his raven, and knew that no matter what... he'd be useless. His faith was gone, leaving little ground for him to lean on.
''Your guardianship,'' he quietly parroted. He repeats it a second time, much more soft. Naruto's testing it, letting the sounds roll over his toungue. It's like he's never heard of such things before, or doesn't want to. Which, judging by the desperate look on his face, the latter is true. I mean, why would Sasuke want to do this? Waste time on a creature so broken he barely called himselfalive? The boy huddled inward, trying to pretend he didn't feel that flood of calm pulsing through his veins where Sasuke's hand rested anymore. No, no. Instead, he tried to act like it pained him, scorched his skin.
He didn't deserve this.
Didn't deserve to have someone apologize, or care about his wounds.
And Sasuke didn't deserve to have to deal with it.
There were people out therexx half dead or otherwise xx who needed this more than him. Who hadn't even commited the most hideous of acts; letting down the people they watched over. Of letting their home burn to the ground. His stomach lurches, and for a moment, Naruto held a fear for something new; throwing up. His chin tucked down into his arm, nuzzling the dirty skin as if it might keep him from losing what little content he had in his stomach. That was another thing about Naruto. He could never stay focused on something for very long. His head could run circles and circles all day, but he knew nothing would get accomplished. Because in the end, he'd only have his thoughts. And all those people were still gonna be dead. The guards still wouldn't want to kill him. And he'd have that an unreputable urge to be dead.
His back is against the wall because of it, he knows he's got no place left to go. Naruto'd been teetering on the edge of everything he'd ever believed in for a while now, and knew his feet were slipping. He counted all the dreams that never came true, all the aspirations he'd had when they were kids. He had nothing to keep him from falling anymore, nothing to keep him safe. God, Naruto's really gonna fall! Gonna crumble to pieces; smash before he hits the ground. Blue eyes are searching again, looking for the reassurance that this is a mistake. That he's not a monster, and has a way out still.
But Sasuke's just looking back at him. Unphased, or unknowing. Naruto could never ask that soundless question, or ponder aloud his significance to the world. Because to be blunt, he's not suppose to be alive.
I didn't mean it, I'm so sorry. Please, Konoha..
Still, as the moments slip away, Naruto finds that he's just staring and staring, almost drowning in those dark eyes. He'd never been able to keep his thoughts very straight when it came to him, so it was no surprise that while he trembled, he neglected to offer an explanation for the staring. Those black eyes were endless to him, and oh-so tormenting.
Naruto despised the things that'd been kept between them, forging a barrier that fitted to their bodies. It pulled at them, making polar opposites even though Naruto would've loved to have it differently. Yet, he knew he'd never done much to fix the problem either. Never would. The ex-hokage had ignored his friend for years. Shoot. He probably betrayed him on more than one account, too.
He's to blame for everything here. But that didn't stop him from worrying, or sweeping his gaze along the hand still connected to his shoulder. The blond knows he could've done so much to find his Uchiha.. to patch up the gaping hole torn in their friendship. But Sasuke seemed like a faraway image to him.. like a dark inkling he could never touch.
Why couldn't I work this out? Naruto knows he'll never reciprocate anything expressed to him now. That even if he wanted to, he had very little left to give. To be honest, the blond had nothing. Just a shriveled little heart that was shrinking by the second. He couldn't show Sasuke how much it meant seeing him alive like this, even though this impass was meant to be a mock gesture. It would be pointless to try. He won't show Sasuke that he still worried about him, or that he was glad to see him strong. It was a dark numbness that had consumed him, crippling the blond with it's silence.
Then again, Naruto has lost Sasuke too often to afford another hit like this, or walk around smiling and acting fulfilled after being discarded again.
Regardless, the ex-Hokage knows he'll never stop waiting on him, holding his breath. He'll always remember the days they were apart and how many times he'd looked around for him in the streets. Before war was declared, Naruto can even account how often he'd thought of the male, debating on how he might've reacted to certain situations if he were home; safe. He didn't care about the traitorous acts the other committed, about the undeniable pain he afflicted to everyone around him.
And that's what made it a genuine problem for Naruto, knowing he couldn't get over this avenger. Anyone who understood a fraction about anything involving the ex-Hokage would also know this. Jeez, he'd tried everything. But he knew nothing would work. Cus' Sasuke was the only person who ever stayed right beside him, and didn't have a real reason.
Naruto's attention shifts, drawing to his own hand as it clung tightly to the scarred arm resting against his knees. ''You know,'' he whispers, ''I wish I were dead.'' the words are spoken like a secret to his limbs. Like a breathy promise, or a calculating fact.
And it was true.
Cus' Naruto wanted to trade his life for theirs. Was searching for any idea that might invoke a swift assembly of all those souls... of all those people. The kyuubi had to be worth more than a couple hundred. Right? It had to be. And Naruto would do this all willingly. He'd die smiling, even.
It was all his fault. He just wanted to fix it.
''You...'' he's struggling suddenly, unsure of how to speak. His eyes are watering, and the boy feels so tired. So, so tired. But he's pushing himself, urging this to be spoken. The words are bitter and taste ashy in his mouth, cursing Naruto to bite down on his lower lip hard enough it stains pink. ''I-i... go away,Sasuke.'' That name. That name! Naruto speaks it with so much more care than anything else, afraid Sasuke'll actually listen, and leave. ''God, please..''
He's breaking down.
The blond is sniffling, whimpering, trembling, sobbing. Everything he'd held in is errupting out in small slips, jerking him forward. Within moments the blond can't find enough sense to tell a person which way is up, or which way is down. Those faces are sliding over his vision, nudging him with their indefinite words and stony afflictions. He's twisting now, gripping at his head wishing it'd all just stop.
''Please, Sasuke...''
He doesn't know what he's asking for, but the blond expects the other to know. Just understand him. He fears Sasuke'll really turn away, or smash him against the window. Do anything, really.
It's why he decides to move from under the hand, and bury his face against the wall. Why he tries to dismiss Sasuke's presence entirely, when all he could ever need was for him to stay.
''J-just...''
Sasuke's POV
Sasuke watched in hidden anticipation as the blonde looked back into his eyes, boring his cerulean ones into the onyx maze.
His face was apathetic as usual, after all those years of him showing no emotion, you'd think that mask of coldness was glued to him and couldn't fall even if his inner world was to be shattering.
He didnt say anything, he just watched, watched and read the many feelings he could absorb in the blonde's eyes, as he was getting lost in them. Memories from the past flooded him, a familiar feeling of the blonde surrounding him, bringing back those days where he had the freedom of looking at his friend, without feeling guilty for every path and trail of pain he had marked on his heart.
He felt his heart trembling as the emotions on Naruto's eyes scared him. The blonde seemed so desperate, so lifeless, but most of all hopeless. The great optimistic Naruto that never gave up, that never forgot his smile and his loud idiotic mannerisms had now lost his hopes. It was so easy to read and someone could even guess it just by the blonde's general body stance.
The regrets in Sasuke got higher, as he unintentionally made a comparison. Naruto had suffered all his life so far because he wasnt seflish. He always cared for others more than for himself and was willing to sacrifice his skin for the big image. Sasuke was exactly the opposite. Always self centered, uncaring, going only after his own goals and using everyone on his way to achieve them.
The only person he couldnt find the power in him to use was Naruto. He never realized why. But when that moment came ,years ago, to kill the blonde to obtain that new power, he couodnt do it. He excused himself with things like this would be what Itachi would want me to do and so on. Bottom line was that he never found the guts to face Naruto just like everyone else. And he never really had devoted the time to understand what he really felt for the blonde. Some time ago, he thought it was care, until they separated again and his world crumbled again on pieces.
He had swore he would revenge Konoha for taking away his blonde and he had done it, with Madara's help. But why wasnt he feeling better? Wasnt he supposed to be satisfied now? Revenge will only bring you pain.That is what he had been told countless times by Kakashi, by his ex teamates, by everyone who was wise enough to warn him. By everyone who wasnt like him…
And right now, by looking into Naruto' eyes, pain was what he was feeling. By seeing the blonde so sad, so broken, nothing of the old cheery Naruto he used to know,…the one he used to secretly want to be in the same place with just to hear his loud voice and stare into his bright cerulean eyes like he was lost in a dream that took him out of his harsh reality for some moments.
But now he couldnt feel the same anymore, looking in those eyes. Cause he was feeling pain, harsher, tougher, more threatening than the pain he felt when he was alone. Right now he was in pain, cause Naruto was. He would have never thought he connected so deeply to the blonde until now. Was it that he thought that the blonde was made out of rock and strong enough to not be broken by anything and anyone in their known world? Now it seemed like this was what he had been thinking. But oh surprise Naruto was human too and Sasuke didnt know if he had the nerve to deal with the blonde's weak side. Cause it was hurting him. Hurting him to see him so broken.
He feels the blonde shivering under his hand. Is it maybe that he is in pain? A hint of worry crashes through his gaze for a while, like a falling star that lights the night sky with a brief route before the sky turns to dark again.
But of course he is in pain. How dumb of him to wonder something like this. The man is wounded and beaten to death. How could he not be in pain?
His mind snaps out of his dark thoughts when he hears Naruto mumbling.
Why?
His eyes take in a surprised note before becoming apathetic again. Why…Did he really know why himself? He could give less of a damn to help Madara for all he knew, yet why is he submitting under his commands? He doesn't really care for the forbidden scrolls himself, he has no one to avenge or revenge anymore, more power is useless to him right now. As is his monotonous, empty life. Is he perhaps trying to find a reason to keep on living? Really, Sasuke,… why?
'I wish I were dead
Sasuke doesn't have time to think more about it. Naruto's next words catch him by surprise. So he really is as broken as he seems. Sasuke's eyes pierce through Naruto's more intensely now, trying to find anything the blonde could hang on from, to find the hope in him, the hope he doesn't want to admit that the blond may have lost…out of the raven.
Knowing Naruto, he probably is more concerned for the other patients and wounded than himself right now. And Sasuke being always the selfish one found himself being agitated by this , since he wanted Naruto to be fine and not sacrifise himself for people Sasuke didnt even care for. Why was he doing this? Did he really hate being close to him that much?
Sasuke sighed, but it was a low sigh, almost barely noticed. His hand on Naruto's shoulder, still, squishing a bit tighter, just a slightly bit, as if he is trying to find comfort on his own desperation. Seeing Naruto so desperate makes him lose hope too. Hope for something he cant specify.
It seems as if when with Naruto, the blonde's feelings are contagious. And he hates this, for some reason.
''Don't talk like that. That's not like you at all.'' He says, trying to mask the hurt that underlines his tired voice. And he succeeds, from his own point of view ,at least.
He wonders how the blonde can still deal with him so calmly when he is the reason Konoha is in shreds right now. Ok, partially. But still. He has betrayed Naruto along with Konoha. And he realizes it now. But he was blind by his hatred and passion for the blonde. Passion? Does this mean he loved him? He frowns , pinching the arc of his nose for some seconds, in frustration out of his own confusing thoughts.
He has Naruto's desperation to deal with now. It s not the best time to analyze his feelings.
''I won't let you die, okay?''he says softly as he leans in closer. It is more of as a statement to himself, than to Naruto. Because he shivered inside him. Something about losing Naruto again agitated him terribly and Naruto's words are scaring him, hurting his selfish heart.
I-i... go away, Sasuke.
Sasuke looks at the blonde in numb pain. He knew that moment would come sooner or later. For all of his doubtful feelings, his insecurities. They flood him in right now, fill his empty vessel of a body and make him uneasy.
He feels so uncertain for Naruto's feelings anymore. It would be only normal for Naruto to hate him after everything he has done yet knowing the blonde he thought this was not as possible. But now that certainty of him, just in those three words, is crumbling and falling down in pieces on the bottoms of his heart and soul. He is afraid. He keeps his gaze stable on Naruto, his facial characteristics relaxing slowly in realization. He is examining the blonde's face.
Anywhere but his eyes because he cant control the hurt in his gaze anymore and he doesnt want the blonde to see. He is looking down now... No, he doesn't want to go. He feels like he belongs by the blonde's side right now. A feeling he cant really explain but he couldnt imagine himself else where. And being away from him for so long, he feels that he doesn't want to lose a thing anymore of his friend's reactions.
Please, Sasuke...
Sasuke's glance unwillingly shifts back to the blonde's face. But instead of a pained expression, he finds a totally broken one. Broken to every bit of him. What can happen in a few seconds...He feels his heart in great discomfort at that. And that discomfort rises when he notices the blonde shifting out of his grip, and placing his hands on his head, turning to the wall.
It is the image of a total break down. He can hear the blonde's sobs and at every sob he feels his heart heavier with regret. The burden feels gigantic.
He doesn't know what he is doing and why, until the words escape his lipsm before he has the time to control his feelings.
''I…I can't leave you.''he admits. He keeps silent for a bit. Theh, hesitant and with a sigh he leans in closer to the crying blonde.
''I am sorry.''he whispers unsure. After a moment of prolonged hesitation, he wraps his arms around the folded figure and closes the blonde in a comforting hug.
He expects the blonde to push him away but he doesn't care because all this sight is too much for the raven to bear and him standing so apathetic in his friend's pain is something he cant do, even if he wishes with all his heart that he could.
He tightens the grip around the blonde only slightly, careful not to hurt the already wounded friend.
He blinks a bit and leans his head slowly and carefully over Naruto's ear, as with affection.
''You didnt deserve all this. I am such a b*****d.''he says and as much as he wants, he couldnt control the regrets that underline his tone.
His heart is racing faster now, both in anticipation and due to the proximity of the two men.
Even under all the blood and wounds, Sasuke can still sniff the blonde's familiar smell. This is one thing that hadnt changed about him and he is able to find a strange comfort in it.
''You…must really hate me anymore? Don't…dont you?'' he whispers in a hesitant ''afraid'' question, even if his heart is semi prepared to receive a confirmation of his fears out of the blonde's mouth.
He closes his eyes tightly and just holds the blonde for some moments in silence, resting his head softly on top of his.
(Time skip)
Sasuke had ordered some soldiers to take the hokage and place him in his private rooms. Madara knew it and appeared to be fine with it, not like he had a word on it. Before the alliance, one of the rules was that the hokage would be left to Sasuke and only, no matter what and no one else would have a right to lay a hand on him for good or bad without his permission.
So they really didnt have any choice than to accept this term and go by it. Sasuke knew Madara might want to do his twisted plans about the moon on Naruto sometime in the future, since the blonde still contained the kyubi in him but Sasuke wouldnt allow anyone to harm the blonde and Madara wasnt as strong as he'd need in order to battle the Uchiha for dominance, at the moment.
So for the time being, Naruto was safe. But he would have to take him somewhere else in the future as this couldnt drag out for long before Madara's patience wore out. Madara wasnt a fool but when his patience dragged short, he could become one. Sasuke knew him far too well by now.
He had left in a rush from Naruto's cell, as he was very emotionally agitated last night that he went to see him. Now he was calmer but he hadnt stepped in his room during this morning, he had devoted most of it in training, partially because he still felt akward to face Naruto after what happened in the cell.
He fastened his pace as he made for his chambers, tired from the exhaustive practice. He had put all his focus and powers in it, so that he could get his mind out of Naruto's broken image that still haunted his memories in a torturing way.
Finally, he was standing out of the room. He had ordered some ninjas to get him stitches, bandages , clean water and medicine. In short, all that he'd need to take care of Naruto's external wounds. As for the internal, he had no idea how to deal with them and this terrorized him.
The healing tools ought to have been there by the early morning, thus the time they brought Naruto in the room.
He put a shaking hand on the door and opened it slowly, peering in.
His glance first fell on the objects he had requested, being the first to encounter in the room as he slowly stepped in. All placed on a small table, they made the room remind him of some hospital. He had to do the same thing before for himself, ever since he had been left without medic nins in his team, so he had learnt some things well when it came to healing wounds and taking care of them.
He came to a halt, when he caught a glimpse of blonde hair with the corner of his eyes.
He unwillingly took a deep breath, as he turned his face to the right, to take the full view of Naruto in.
The blonde was placed at the center of his bedroom. A chain was extending from his right ankle and it resulted in the pole that supported the ceiling.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at this. Did they really think he was in a position to be a threat in all the mess he was in? He looked at Naruto kindly and calm, but insisde him he was struggling to keep up this cold facade.
He shrugged the akwardness off and made a few steps towards the blonde.
''Good morning, Naruto.''he said softly.
Naruto's POV
Everyone knew the Hokage was perfect. And as the last head of Konoha, Naruto conformed to such ideals with little more than a shrug. His life was perfect. His clothes were perfect. Each article had been ironed, matched accordingly, and worn at certain times. His smile was even perfect. And although it was a complete lie, he worked his butt off to keep up the appearance that he had it all. The truth, if it were to come out, would destroy his entire picture-perfect image.
He'd stood in front of his people and pretended he could wipe away their hatred and worries with a wave of the hand. That as long as he was in power, that crooked line of horror on the horizon would eventually fade. His hands would shake, and Naruto would tuck them behind his back; as if a man born of regal grace. God, he could remember the lay of everything in Konoha. From the way the sun set on some of the tallest buildings at exactly six o'clock to the way his people clustered at the speeches. Everything was so simple, so peaceful. Naruto had been drunk with his assessments of the place, admiring the smiling faces and giving them praise. Inside, there was nothing but persistence and worry. He'd told himself that this was what he wanted, that this was what the village needed.
Only now did he realize that being Hokage was nothing more than a title.. a caretaker, who carried out fruitless orders and maintained Konoha's balance. But of course, he'd also been disastrous from the start. First, he sucked at paperwork. Then he had his 'slight occurrence' with Sasuke, shaking his devotion.
And to be honest, he knew that he'd been ruined in the days following it. Because whatever Sasuke had done to him, had left all the faces he use to see as a smudged, broken image. Like he was missing more than just their essence, or maybe a part of his own heart.
Whatever the case, it crippled him, and Naruto hadn't been sure where to turn. Now, he'd led everyone to their deaths. He'd failed his village's children. Every. Single. One. They'd been so innocent and bright. And their blood is on his hands, killing Naruto with the burden.
''I…I can't leave you.'' He grows rigid. The fox inside snides some type of reply, while Naruto himself gets lost in the swirl of faces only he can see. Faintly, he recognizes the words that Sasuke is telling him, but hold's back. Because as far as he knows, this has all been an illusion.
That he's bleeding out on the floor right now, and the hand that's keeping a gentle hold of his shoulder, isn't really there. That Sasuke Uchiha might not really be with him anymore.. and he never will be. Why should he? Naruto is nothing now. Scum. He closes his eyes tight, trying to fight back the lurch in his stomach with a fit of sobs.
''Forget me.'' he whispers. It's the best advice he'll be able to give to Sasuke. Let alone, the best thing he could do for his avenger. Because Naruto's falling apart, with no hope of keeping himself together. It shouldn't be Sasuke's responsibility, let alone hindrance to watch him break down. He just wants Sasuke to be strong, to get everything he wanted in life. Cus' heaven knows that even in his state, he'd follow the Uchiha's every whim.
''I am sorry.''
He isn't sure what Sasuke has to be sorry for, but he accepts it all the same. Doesn't even find the mind to respond, just breathes deep. He's blinking, his chest heaving with the weight of his sobs. He wants to tell Sasuke that he shouldn't be sorry, that whatever he's taking blame for resides on Naruto alone. But the fox keeps him from speaking, grumbling words of torment against deaf ears.
''Pl...please...'' When he feels the warmth of Sasuke's breath brush against his ear, Naruto barely has a grasp on reality.
Slowly, he's folding into the arms that circle him. And all the while, he's unraveling fingers from his hair to cling to said avenger; as if it'll make everything stop spinning, or do anything to make the faces slow down. He's in agony here, wishing more than ever that he could take their place.. that he could revive his home and get a do over. Naruto's clinging to Sasuke's shirt, making sure the other won't let leave.
He's almost frantic to keep hold of Sasuke's presence, to know that whatever he's feeling is real. Naruto buries his face against Sasuke, acknowledging the masculine plains of the other's chest and the cold aura that ripples off of him. The blond is still sobbing, but it's dying down some with Sasuke's unspoken assurance.
''You didn't deserve all this. I am such a b*****d.'' And all at once, words are erupting from those soft lips. Nothing that would make sense, just the things Naruto had been bottling up for so long now. All the things he's seen, destroyed, smelled... it's all being mumbled out to Sasuke, as if it'll magically fix things.
He doesn't even know what he's saying altogether himself, just jabbers on. As time progresses, Naruto's voice is getting softer, more mumbled. ''No.'' it's the first solid idea he can settle on. Startling himself, the ex-Hokage rubs at his eye, trying to keep more tears from falling. His voice is ragged, like gravel beneath a churning tire.
''I-i deserve woxx'' he couldn't say it. He just couldn't.
Because he knows what he should've done all those years ago, but was too chicken to admit such things aloud. He's choking on his sorrow, understanding just how badly he's failed Konoha. And Sasuke. Then again, he's messed up with Sasuke too many times to count. Can he really afford to take this path again? No, he thinks. He can't. He just wants this all to end, so he can be with his people.
''W-why didn't I burn?'' he asks, peering up at the raven. He's wary, still unsure of the image surrounding him. Sasuke's like a drug, he thinks. A narcotic that flows straight into the heart, and leaves him jumpy for days.
''Why...?''
xxxxtimeskip:::;
Throughout the night, something sharp nudges at his back. And his ribs. And his whole body. Each bit of skin is searing with some form of ache, reminding him of his weaknesses. Without warning, light shifts into his cell, blinding him with it's purity. Memories of Sasuke are the only thing to keep him from crying out in pain. He's going to be quiet... pretend he's still sane enough to try, at least. He's not going to let the faces control whether he lives or dies here. He's in charge of his own destiny, not his failures.
... which is totally different to say he doesn't think he wants to.
He has no idea how much time has gone by. A half hour? Four? His body is weakening. He's having trouble breathing. He smells smoke. Naruto wonders vaguely if they're going to push him into a fire? The light is still penetrating his cell, but it doesn't matter because Naruto's sure his eyes are swollen shut from so much crying.
He feels like caving and falling to the ground but he forces himself up, to slouch against the dank wall. He ponders how unrecognizable he must be now, hot blood steaming from gashes in his body and a bruise swelling along his jaw. He can feel his stitches tugging open and it's all falling off in pieces, exposing the scars where history branded him.
He slumps back to the ground, his face scraping against the brick.
At this point, he's not sure he can make it another day with his sanity. Breathe breathe breathe. As long as he repeats the mantra in his head, Naruto prays he can make it just another hour. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
Is the smell of smoke real, or is it the smell of death?
Through the thick haze in his mind Naruto thinks he can hear someone saying, ''Do we have to do this?''
He hears a distant but distinct ''Yes.'' Protests follow. If he could move toward them, he would. Cus' in all the time that he's been here, he's never heard any of the soldiers disagree with an order. Breathe breathe breathe. More protests. Is this even allowed? What's happening? What's next? Questions circle in Naruto's mind. Whatever this is it must be worse than war, because he hears a lot of arguing.
''Hold him facedown,'' a voice rings out. ''Drag him, carry him, or walk him. I don't care what you do, just don't ******** him up anymore than he already is.'' The burning smell get's closer. He has no clue what's about to happen but he thinks he's going to throw up. A set of hands are slowly wrapping around his forearms, lifting him upward in a mock stance.
He thinks he groaned. Or growled. Or screamed. He doesn't really know anymore. Doesn't know anything anymore. He can't think. All he can do is feel. They might as well have thrown him into a fire, because to him, this was a torture worse than anything he could have imagined. The smell of burning skin sears his nostrils as he realizes the flames aren't real at all. The smell is nothing more than a memory, refreshing his head with it's torment.
Stop stop STOP!
Two people are flanking his side, carefully guiding him through the corridors toward another room. Naruto's blue eyes were flickering all over the place, looking dully for a sanctuary that wouldn't lead him back to his fellow captors, and the slow decomposition they've been rendered to.
When the soldiers stop, he rolls his head to the left. They set him unceremoniously onto the ground, for which he releases a short yelp. Both soldiers whirl back to give him a once over, then move on to setting items on a table. Carefully, he recognizes them as medical tools. And for an instant, he's scared. Frightened. Of what these men plan to do to him.
He considers the threat of being held down, and allows the kyuubi to snarl. Long blond locks are brushing against his bruised cheek, but he doesn't pay it mind. Just keeps blue eyes on those tools, and the soldiers. He waits for them to make a move, anticipating the worst.
And when they do?
He cowers away, drawing back a few inches as the first soldier kneels down, studying him intently. The man says something, then clinks metal onto his leg. Naruto doesn't bother listening. He doesn't even look down at the anklet. When they leave, he holds himself up straighter, finally giving in to the curiosity about his surroundings. Hours slip, cascading into an endless stream. All Naruto can infer is that the room is white, and that he's stuck here. Possibly forever.
Breathe breathe breathe.
Jerking his attention to the door as it creeks open, Naruto feels his heart hammer unconditionally at the image before him.
Sasuke.
He bites down on his lower lip, catching the same feeling about Sasuke's new appearance as before. I mean, sure. He seemed older. But there was something else about him too. Something colder. More hardened.
''Good morning, Naruto.'' he said softly.
Naruto loses himself in the sound of that voice, then tilts his head down. Sasuke shouldn't be seeing himself like this, he thinks. Not like he can control it, though. So when he finally manages to look back up, the blond begins to notice how tired Sasuke seems, and immediately glances back to the medical supplies. The question runs wordlessly at first, before the boy finally manages to scan what little of Sasuke's bare skin he can see, inwardly reconciling that he might've been hurt.
Why should that matter? It's not like Sasuke didn't leave him last night. Naruto already hates himself for caving so easily to the grief that awaited him within the confines of his teammate's expression, but knows he can't rely on his strengths to keep himself from ever breaking down again, either. The smell of flame swirls around him once more, an imaginary stench that fills the pit of his stomach, making Naruto woozy.
''Are you...'' he pauses, raking his head for the proper words. ''I-injured?'' Out of habit, Naruto folds his hands into his lap, careful and all too formal. He's watching the Uchiha, not sure what to think of their second meeting. Let alone, of the medical tools.
Next chapter previewww: ''Naruto,…I am sorry but I have to do this.''
Muhahaha, we all hate cliffiees and short previewwws!