[A/N: Wow, so many reviews at the last chapter! O_O Thank you so much! XD Hope in this one, you'll enjoy it too.]

Next Life

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 4: Temptation

Sasuke gradually stirred in his sleep. His brain was still light-headed from the after-effect of being sick, while his arm complained about the weight of something on him. He felt warmer when he went near that troublesome weight that stopped his blood circulation, so he didn't care. His body screamed that it was comfortable, and that it felt right. He released a sigh, he'd never felt this type of peace for a long while.

The alarm in his phone went up, indicating that he now needed to get up. He grumbled, before forcing one of his eyes to open reluctantly, until both onyx eyes slammed open. He could honestly say that his heart nearly jumped as his breathing stopped altogether with his body.

Then all of a sudden, memories of what happened last night came down on him like a bucket filled with ice water, making his whole body freeze. He watched Naruto's beautiful sleeping face in his arms as he, too, slowly rouse himself from slumber.

Sasuke paled and felt fear for the very first time of what was to come when he saw those baby blue eyes flutter open. He held his breath as he watched Naruto's eyes widen, then dilate, his face holding stunning shock, then paling realization, and finally settling into red fuming anger.

"TEME!" Naruto punched Sasuke in the face so hard that he fell to the floor and out of the safety of the soft warm blankets, also completely revealing the proof of their last night's activity. Naruto screamed, covering his eyes. "Pervert! Get dressed! Now!"

Sasuke stumbled to reach his clothes, sporting the bruise on his cheek. God, what a way to wake up. He grabbed his pants and wore it, pulling along his tossed shirt and not bothering to get new clothing. He glanced at Naruto's sitting form, a shiver running down his spine when he took in the blond's disheveled form that adorned his hickies.

"Are you dressed?"

Sasuke took a chair and nodded his head. Remembering that Naruto couldn't see him, he replied, "Hn."

Naruto peered out of a small crack from his fingers, letting out a relieved breath before dangerously narrowing his eyes. His lips set on a hard, thin line and opened scathingly. "Get out."

"Naruto, listen to me…" Sasuke muttered, trying his best to calm the blond. "I want to explain that what happened last night—"

Naruto's sarcastic and bitter laughter shot through the air. "Yeah, last night, I took care of you. Last night, you took advantage of me!"

"I'm a demon!" Sasuke dragged a heavy breath, calming himself before continuing with a restrained tone, "I react to my mate when… I come of age. It was instinctual. Natural."

"Your mate? You practically forced yourself on me, unless you conveniently forgot! I pretty much figured that you're a demon last night anyway, otherwise I'm going insane." Naruto bit out brutally, his cold blue eyes piercing. "Bottom line is I can't be 'your mate', because you forced me! You gave me no choice! You raped me!"

Sasuke felt a pang in his chest that made it hard for him to breathe as he avoided looking into those accusing sapphires. He clenched his jaw, his brows furrowed with shame. He didn't want that to happen, especially after having Naruto return after so many years of searching for him… The blond doesn't even remember him! And yet, he did that… If it was possible, he wanted to turn back time and stop it from ever happening, but that was unattainable. He hid his tortured onyx eyes from sight.

He would never willingly claim his mate like that! He was just driven by his demon instincts, and it was uncontrollable.

He never wanted this to happen.

Sasuke waited for more of Naruto's hurtful words, but when he heard none, he realized that silence was worse than degrading remarks. His mouth opened and closed, not sure if he should speak after all he's done. Can't you just let him go? He clutched his hands at the annoying voice in his head, murmuring solidly, "No…"

Sasuke heard Naruto's incredulous 'what', but at this moment, he wasn't sure himself if he answered his conscience or the blond. He gripped himself tighter, clearing his head of any doubts. It was already too late to look back now. Didn't he just vow to give it his all? There was also the matter of them being mates… He scavenged for the remnants of his strength and resolve, "Demons don't get to choose their mates… I know that it's hard to digest, but believe me when I say that I would never deliberately hurt you. You have every right to doubt me since you barely know me since your amnesia, but please trust me that what I say is true."

Sasuke's eyes squared solely on Naruto's, his eyes filled with deep remorse and bundled feelings. He slowly stretched his hand to touch Naruto's face, holding Naruto's gaze as his eyes softened to whisper, "I love you too much to hurt you… That's why…"

Naruto's eyes widened, his breath hitched at the Uchiha's hand that was inches away from his skin. He abruptly flinched away from Sasuke's touch as if he had burned him.

Sasuke's hand crumpled in response, his eyes flat and dead of life. His chest tightened as his fingers curled into fists. Everything about his posture screamed how tense he had suddenly become. Naruto wasn't much better, his blue eyes intently on his lap and hands.

The ticking of the wall clock was the only thing creating sound, until Sasuke's heavy tired sigh erupted. He stood up and even then Naruto refused to look at him, his back was facing the blond's. "I'm sorry. I won't touch you again, and I swear I'll never bother you any longer."

The soft click of the door indicated Sasuke's departure.

"Oi, Naruto! You listening?" Kiba's voice shot through the bitter memory that bubbled up dangerously and painfully, bringing him to reality with an abrupt jerk.

Naruto blinked and looked down sheepishly, mumbling out excuses that he was no longer concerned about. He forced a smile on his lips as he took another sip from his drink, his eyes looking away distantly and into that time. It's already been two weeks, since that incident.

As promised, Sasuke backed away from him. He stopped talking to him and when he did, it was in public and needed, but never personal. He no longer insisted the tour he'd been so adamant about during their first meeting, and he barely stayed in their dorm room when Naruto was there. He would perpetually spend most of his time on his council duties, until he would only return late and in the next morning, he would have left earlier than Naruto could wake up.

Naruto hadn't really been with the Uchiha for that long period, it was as if Sasuke was avoiding him like the plague.

Well, not really.

There was this morning's strange issue… Naruto slept early the night before because he couldn't stand the silence in the room. Even with the music lilting in the air, he still felt suffocated. He turned in early, but he didn't expect to wake up early in result. If he hadn't slept before his usual time, he wouldn't have experienced that.

Naruto pressed his cheeks to the soft blankets, willing himself to catch some more sleep, until he heard Sasuke's movements in the room. He strained to hear more, but felt his bed shift gently, which made him catch his breath as Sasuke's hand stroked his cheek. He didn't push it away as he would have in wakefulness, not wanting Sasuke to know how much he craved that gentle touch. How much he missed him…

Even though he still didn't trust him.

"Naruto… You're at it again!" Kiba complained when he noticed the blond's distant look. "What's wrong with you? You haven't even eaten your lunch yet. I swear you're getting worse by the minute. Yesterday, you even forgot Hinata's birthday, and the day before you—"

"Yeah, yeah." Naruto shrugged, snorting with irritation. "You don't need to remind me. I already said I was sorry. Also, you're not my guardian, what gives you the right to nag at me, dog breath? This isn't even your damn classroom in the first place! That's called trespassing, you know. By the way, I have every right to kick you out."

Kiba snickered, "In a bitchy mood aren't we? I may not be your guardian, thank heavens for that, but Uchiha might as well be. He's also your classmate, you lucky bastard. I could only wish to copy my tests from Shino."

Naruto stiffened at Sasuke's name. He only hoped that it wasn't noticeable, before muttering a nonchalant retort. "You better hope that won't reach Uchiha's ears, since you just got relieved from your detention and all."

Kiba snorted at this, waving his hand off. "Nah. Apparently, he's too busy to spare anyone time."

Naruto perked at this. He shouldn't be so concerned about this, since this was what he wanted in the first place. Despite this rationalization that he should even be thrilled that the Uchiha want nothing to do with him.

He wasn't.

He didn't understand why he wasn't thrilled.

Why should he care? Everything he's done was because of that damn Uchiha. He was no longer responsible for any of this. It was his fault, not Naruto's.

Although these were the ones that screamed reasonable in his head, his tongue still itched to ask if Sasuke was really like this even before they met again, but he couldn't risk it. He wouldn't dare.

The bell rang incessantly, indicating the end of their lunch and the start of their next class.

Kiba looked inquiringly outside and at the bell's direction, before patting his legs to stand. He gave a wolf's grin at Naruto, before leaving. "Later, Naruto."

Naruto nodded once in acknowledgement, and started to pack his untouched lunch. He never liked being alone these days, because it just reflected how much he was left alone, especially by his seatmate. As if on cue, he saw Sasuke sit beside him. Of course, he wasn't intentionally looking at him, it's just that his eyes would simply follow him subconsciously. He groaned mentally at himself. He should really get a grip on that.

Unbeknownst to Naruto, Iruka called him to stand and review their yesterday's lesson as a recap, but was completely oblivious to his surroundings when he continued to circle his rambled thoughts.

"Dobe."

Naruto snapped from his daze and looked at Sasuke with slight shock. Was he talking to him again? He continued to gaze at Sasuke, while dark eyes focused at the front. Why did he call him? Why did it bother him that he called him? Shouldn't he be more annoyed at the Uchiha for calling him dobe? What changed?

"NARUTO!"

Naruto jumped from his seat when Iruka's bellow finally reached him. His eyes wide with surprise as he directed his attention at the front, seeing his furious teacher. "Yes!"

Iruka exasperatingly sighed at him, shaking his head with disapproval. "Did you even hear my question?"

Naruto cocked his head to the side, clearly showing that he wasn't able to catch his teacher's previous question at all. He gave an apologizing smile, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry bout that, Iruka-sensei."

Iruka frowned at him, reprimanding him before letting the matter drop. He turned to the white board and got the marker. "Okay, class, get your text book and turn it to page fourteen. Today, we'll…"

Naruto droned out the sounds in the room, truly not interested at the moment. He stole a discrete glance at the Uchiha's stoic face, before looking down at his book. Was he imagining that he called him? He frowned at the frustration he'd felt, causing him more annoyance at not knowing why.

Naruto tried to review his actions that night and the following morning, and all he could conjure was that it wasn't his choice. His body seemed to have reacted beyond his control. That was just it. He merely reacted, which brought them to that morning's event. Of course the moment he'd awoken, he freaked out! What else would he feel? Love? Acceptance? That's a load of crap.

He was frightened.

That sentence alone depicted his current agenda. Naruto felt that when they did it, it wasn't because he wanted to, but because his body did. There was a huge difference right there. It was similar to not being able to control his body, and the humiliation after being taken so easily was the worst! And the fear at that was before it, was indescribable…

When Sasuke left the room that morning, he broke down and cried. He was just too frustrated and humiliated to even notice that they grew more distant. It was a given fact that would happen, but now, he didn't know what to do. He was actually expecting him to force their being mates as an excuse, but surprisingly, Sasuke didn't. When the Uchiha also said those things of evading him, he was really not expecting him to uphold it. By far, this was their worst fight, and honestly, the after-taste was more than horrible. He actually felt regret pass through him when he wrapped his mind around what he said that morning.

It was pretty harsh, even for him.

Naruto's eyes hardened. He shouldn't dwell on these thoughts and move on, but in the end, he would review his actions once more, and that would lead to his own questions of his motive. Why was he thinking about this? Did it bother him? If not, was he fine with it? Every time he tried to reaffirm his motives and why he was thinking it over, he would repeatedly answer that it was to hurt Sasuke in any means possible…

Okay, he was overdoing it. He knew that.

Naruto groaned at where his thoughts led him — nowhere.

He confessed that he didn't plan this! He wasn't that cruel. He was simply cornered and because of that, it felt like he would lose something of greater value than before. He didn't want that. He didn't want another hole in his broken heart… He already had enough.

Despite his earlier thoughts of wanting nothing to do with the Uchiha, that didn't stop him from asking after their dismissal time. What was a harmless question anyway? It was just to satiate his curiosity, nothing more.

"Neji! Neji, can I ask you something?" Naruto called out to him as he tried to catch up to him when classes ended. He smiled warmly, but before he could get a word out, Neji beat him to it.

"If you're asking about Hinata-sama, she's doing fine for now. The doctors said to stay in the hospital for another night." Neji said nonchalantly, but paused when he saw Naruto's shocked expression. "You didn't know that…? Then what were you about to ask?"

Naruto's cheeks burned with shame at not knowing her girlfriend's condition, but it wasn't entirely his fault. She went down with the chicken pox and he needed to stay clear for a period, causing their distance. He shook his head, he'll pay a visit to her later in compensation. If that would get the guilt out of his system, then that would be great because he'd been having that too much lately. "Actually… I was going to ask if Uchiha was usually late coming back from his duties. It's nothing big, 'cause I just wanted to check if I could go out. I'll visit Hinata later, later."

Naruto was about to leave when Neji grabbed him by the arm. "Yeah?"

Neji let him go. "You know it is common courtesy to answer someone's question. No, Sasuke's never like this and lately, he's spending more time than necessary, which is good…" He abruptly turned about and walked away, "I'll tell Hinata-sama that you'll come by later."

Naruto quirked his eyebrow at his actions, and shrugged it off. "Thanks, Neji!"

Naruto passed Kiba's class, but found out that he'd already left when he inquired one of his classmates. He cocked his head to the side, 'Huh? He never said anything about leaving early.' He snatched his phone from the bag and texted him, asking where he was. Hopefully he would be free to pay a visit to Hinata.

Naruto headed at the front gate and perked when he saw the recently received message. He opened it and was slightly surprised that Kiba was already on his way to see Hinata. He smiled. Kiba was always one step ahead of him when it came to Hinata's needs and comfort, reassuring him that at least Hinata had company. He replied that he would be dropping by too and included to say hi for him to Hinata once Kiba got there.

Naruto slipped his phone in his bag, setting it to silent. He was about to set foot, until he remembered that he needed to know where the hospital was, but before he could do this, someone tapped him on his shoulders.

Shikamaru yawned, not bothering to cover his mouth and beside him was Chouji eating away his bag of chips. They were his classmates and friends, so he didn't need to pretend the amnesia issue, especially with Shikamaru. He would've figured it out instantly. They weren't the type to meddle anyway so it reassured him that if they did know, they wouldn't tell. Naruto grinned at them. "Yo, Shika! Chouji!"

Shikamaru merely pointed his head lazily at the school's direction, muttering, "Iruka-sensei's looking for you, he told me to relay that message if I see you."

Naruto's grin disappeared and was replaced by despair as he paled. Shit! He totally forgot that he was supposed to help Iruka! He slapped his forehead, and rushed his farewell to his two friends, running back to the school building. He cursed. He forgot that the reason why he was asked to help was because it was his punishment for spacing out on his lectures. He reached the designated classroom, opening the door abruptly and seeing Iruka half-way done with his work.

Iruka looked up and shot his student a reprimanding look, before shooting his eyes at the time. "You're late."

Naruto smiled impishly. "Sorry, I forgot."

Iruka shook his head slowly and sighed, flexing his fingers to rid of any sore. "I'm almost done anyway, so could you run an errand for me?"

"Can't I just check those papers, while you stretch your legs?" Naruto complained, preferring to reserve his energy for his trip to Hinata.

"No, I can't," Iruka said slowly, as if trying not to lose his patience. "This half consists of your class' papers, and the errand is fairly easy. Just find Kakashi and tell him to come by."

"That's all?" Naruto asked reassuringly. "After that I can leave, right?"

Iruka rolled his eyes exasperatingly, after all these years his student just hasn't changed. "Yes, after."

"Yeah!" Naruto grinned widely and left the room before Iruka could ask for more. He headed to the teachers' office, walking and whistling. He placed his hands at the back of his head, thinking of where Kakashi might be if he wasn't in the office. He hoped that he was or else he might return to Iruka saying that he can't find him, and further delaying him from his trip.

Naruto abruptly stopped from his tracks when he heard Kakashi's voice from the other side of a room he was currently passing. He smiled at his good luck and nearly barged in when he heard his voice, his hand freezing on the doorknob.

Sasuke hissed the same answer with anger and annoyance. "I already told you, I won't. Why can't you mind your own business?"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes at his student's sharp reply. "Sasuke, you need him. He's your mate. If you don't take him frequently, especially with your condition—"

"I don't care!" Sasuke bit out harshly, his tone filled with pain, "He doesn't even remember me! What should I do? Rape him? I couldn't—"

"You still need him!" Kakashi's booming voice drowned Sasuke's angered ones. He pressed his fingers to his temples and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to regain his composure and softening his tone, "Look, I already told you about your past life. That should assure you enough that Naruto does love you. You just need to tell him—"

"Naruto loved me. Now, he's forgotten I even existed." Sasuke shook his head, no longer wanting any part of the conversation. "If that's all, I'm leaving."

"Have you touched him?"

Sasuke stopped his motions just as he was at the door, turning back incredulously, "What?"

"Have you touched him? Recently to be exact." Kakashi repeated, his face analytical. "If you continue to deprive yourself of your mate, you're just wasting your new life. At this rate, you'll—"

"I stroked his face this morning," Sasuke muttered stiffly, "Other than that, I refuse to take Naruto like an, like an animal."

"Sasuke, you need more. You've just awakened, you can't continue to deprive yourself anymore or else—"

"I said I'm leaving." Sasuke roughly pulled the door open, and was about to depart when he immediately stopped at the sight before him. His onyx eyes widened when he saw the stunned blond before him. "Naruto…"

"What's Kakashi-sensei saying?"

Sasuke cringed at Naruto's question, he didn't want the blond to know of his condition preferably, and firmly answered, "It's nothing."

Naruto narrowed his eyes at the stoic Uchiha and directed his gaze to their teacher. "What will happen to him?"

Kakashi looked from Naruto to Sasuke and settled for those demanding blue eyes, sighing as he relented. "He'll die if he doesn't mate with you. He needs more physical contact to balance out the effect of the immense instability of demonhood. If this kept up, he'll die within two weeks, but before that he'll grow insane and that will kill him."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Naruto asked softly, revealing the feeling of betrayal in his voice. He nodded curtly, his eyes distant and determined. "I'll do it."

Sasuke groaned, evading Naruto's body and briskly walking away. "You don't need to."

Naruto seemed to snap out of his trance when he heard Sasuke snap at him. His temper rose at this, trailing after the Uchiha furiously. "What the fuck is wrong with you? I already said yes!"

Sasuke glared at Naruto's persistence and harshly bit out with a cold retort. "Unlike you, I don't need your pity. That's the last thing I need. You didn't even need to know that."

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's arm, roughly pulling him to a halt and making him look at him. "What are you saying?"

Sasuke sighed wearily. He didn't have time with this, he was too tired from the lack of sleep and energy. Hell, just Naruto's hand was enough to unsettle him. "You should just forget it, so that you won't sympathize me."

"Teme! I may hate you, but not enough to have you killed!" Naruto's voice held a hysterical note, his eyes brimmed with unshed tears as he angrily looked at the stoic Uchiha. "Don't you want to live?"

Sasuke dropped his act, his face crumpling in pain. He reached for Naruto's hand, the Uchiha's hands were cold and shivering as he whispered, "I don't want to force you for my sake… I'm sorry." He dropped Naruto's hand and walked past him.

Naruto stared at the floor blankly, hearing Sasuke walk away. What should he do? His heart was screaming at him to move — to stop him. His hands curled into fists, his mind yelled at him to let it be and that it wasn't his business. His frame shook with anger and indecision, feeling the frustration nearly eat him alive.

What could he say to make him stay?

Naruto's eyes widened.

Naruto ran to reach the Uchiha's side, his eyes landing on his back when he saw him round a corner beyond the school gate. He rushed to catch up to him. "Sasuke, wait!"

Naruto suddenly collided with a body after rounding the same corner the Uchiha turned to, rubbing his nose and seeing Sasuke's incredulous look directed at him. He turned away from those eyes immediately, muttering under his breath, "I have a deal."

Sasuke quirked an eyebrow at this, looking as if he was about to ask what the bargain was before shaking his head and turning around. "Whatever it is, I don't want it."

Naruto almost panicked when the Uchiha started leaving again. "I-It's about my past." He almost sighed with relief when he saw Sasuke stiffen and cease his movements. His dark-haired head looked a little apprehensive, but still glanced at him with caution.

"What about it?"

Naruto almost jumped at this chance, but waited for the Uchiha to face him squarely. "If you take care of your health, I promise I'll… I'll try to remember my past."

Sasuke looked surprised at this, but he had an ounce of hesitation and upon seeing this, Naruto hastily added, "I'll try to remember you!"

Sasuke's smoldering eyes widened and if anything, it glowed with something that Naruto couldn't name. He opened his mouth to answer, until there was a spray of cold water that hit the back of the Uchiha's head out of nowhere. Naruto's eyes shot open with shock while Sasuke's looked livid, turning to see a laughing kid run past them that carried the lethal water gun. Naruto's attention followed the kid, until it was soon diverted when a girl about their age came running towards their direction. She must be the baby-sitter, the blond speculated.

"I'm sorry, but have you seen a little kid with a spray gun?" She frantically asked in between each gasp of breath at Naruto, not noticing the Uchiha's disheveled state, until Sasuke pointed at the direction the evil imp went. She turned to say thanks at Sasuke, but held her tongue when she saw his evident and spewing anger and slowly inched away as she muttered her apologies and followed the kid.

Naruto looked at Sasuke, hesitantly reaching his hand. "Are you oka—"

"You'll have my answer after I take a bath." Sasuke curtly said, twisting sharply towards their dorm.

Naruto watched at Sasuke's back as he walked behind him, subconsciously asking himself when had Sasuke's shoulders become so broad?

Naruto heard the shower echo from the room, sitting on his bed as he leaned his body against the wall. His eyes landed on the bathroom door. What was wrong with him? He groaned in despair and irritation, placing his hands to his face to shield it away from any expression. He curled his legs to his chest and placed his head on top of his knees, wrapping his arms around his legs. 'What am I doing?'

Naruto retraced his memory of what he said to the Uchiha. He wasn't lying when he told him that he'll do it. In fact, the intensity of him wanting the Uchiha to live was so potent that it unnerved him of how much he cared. He was rattled by how he said what he did, he was shocked by what he'd said to him, and he was frightened by why he vowed to 'remember' him…

Naruto didn't want to lose him.

It was simple as that, but filled with questions and confusion. He grasped himself closer, feeling himself shake and grow with numbing coldness. He could almost hear Kakashi repeat that terrifying sentence that he dreaded to hear since the death of his dad.

"He'll die…"

Naruto shuddered, his eyes hurting as his throat constricted. He didn't want anyone he knew to die, he was still not prepared.

But death waited for no one.

Naruto froze, his breathing hitched. Blue eyes enlarged with dawning realization.

He didn't want Sasuke to die.

Yes, any typical person with conscience would conclude the same, but his was not based from pity. It was solely linked because, even now, he still considered the Uchiha his best friend. Hearing that he was nearing his death, he realized too that no matter how many faults he'd done. It didn't matter for he still wanted him in his life.

He wanted to forgive him… Was that so wrong?

After all that happened, it was illogical that he still thought of forgiving him, but if he did otherwise, he knew it would haunt him. He felt stupid as he recounted his brash and childish behavior, especially now since being with Sasuke was crucial. How could he have been so cruel? He almost killed him with his stubbornness and pride… And seeing it in a new light, it did cause him regret for the time that he could've just let the issue go. His body chilled once more as his thoughts settled.

Naruto almost killed him.

Naruto raised his head from its sanctuary and stood up shakily from the bed, heading for the bathroom. He turned the knob, his thoughts not really connecting to his body's actions. All he knew and understood was that he didn't want to lose him and the need to be next to him overwhelmed Naruto. It was close to suffocation.

Sasuke nearly jumped out of surprise when he felt a pair of arms encircle him from behind, his eyes falling on blond hair. He didn't know what to think of this, so he pointed out the obvious to hide his inner chaos. "Dobe, your clothes are getting wet."

Sasuke tried to look behind his shoulders, but Naruto didn't have any of it when his grip on him tightened and his head forced the Uchiha's shoulders to remain still. His onyx eyes softened, how he longed this person's touch to hold him on his own accord. He'd always wanted him, but not like this… Not out of pity or obligation.

Naruto's eyes opened abruptly when hands unlaced his and gently removed his hold. He looked up with confusion at the Uchiha's solemn and apologetic expression. His mouth was rendered speechless at Sasuke's face, as water continued to pour down lightly.

"I know that this must be awkward since you barely know me now… So, just forget it, it's not your fault and really, I'm fine."

Naruto watched Sasuke let him go with silence, his mind was bleakly blank. The Uchiha's back was turned to him, making him miss from seeing the blond's empty, blue eyes.

"Don't worry about it, I'll be leaving anyway."

That seemed to spark some life into Naruto's eyes, forcing his lips to move. "What do you mean…?" He asked weakly, seeing Sasuke lean his forehead on the tiled walls of the shower as he took a deep breath. His reluctance upon the subject unsettled him when a bitter tremor pumped in his blood. "Sasuke, what…?"

"You're drenched and your clothes are already sticking, dobe, just leave." Sasuke muttered, glancing at his back and seeing Naruto hasn't even budged. He reached his towel and was about to shut the knob of his shower when Naruto's hand stopped his. He clamped his eyes shut. "Naruto, you don't know what you're doing."

Naruto shook his head fervently, the water from his hair tossing away and hitting the Uchiha's equally soaked chest. He grabbed Sasuke's arm desperately, his eyes looking upwards at him. "I do! I need you to regain my memories! And knowing this, will you still not help me?"

Sasuke broke their gaze, trying to clear his mind as he forced himself to drag a shaky breath. His voice strained, "Please don't do this… You don't know what you're doing. You don't have a clue what you're doing to me." The last part was close to a pained whisper. "Don't tempt me in doing something…"

"What? Something I'll regret?" Naruto burst the queries incredulously, clutching at Sasuke's chin with his free hand to look at him. "I need you and you need me."

Sasuke scowled, searching in those sapphires that had forgotten of his existence since they've encountered and retaliating. "No. No, you don't need me." He whispered, crushing Naruto's sweet, torturous words before it seeped any further. He subtly flicked the hand holding him and reached Naruto's hand on his face, pulling it away slowly. "I'll be leaving… I'll stay at my brother's house until—"

"Until you're dead! Yeah, smooth move, Uchiha!" Naruto yelled hysterically, his voice bouncing within the confined room as the only sound that accompanied it was the pattering of the shower. Sasuke flinched when he realized that the reason why Naruto hasn't left the shower was because he was crying and the running water merely hid it. His hands shot towards Sasuke's head and grabbed it harshly, glaring at those dark eyes. "Over my dead body."

Sasuke's senses were immediately shocked. Naruto's touch sent lightning to course through him, and if it was even possible, he was rendered useless when Naruto's lips met his angrily. His body was hooked, but his brain protested against it. He struggled from the kiss, feeling Naruto bring him down for more access and making his head feel light. He shuffled when the blond led them underneath the shower once more, causing him to drop his towel.

Sasuke felt Naruto pant against his mouth hotly, his eyes ceasing the blond's that started to show a red haze of lust. He shouldn't give in to this, he reluctantly reached the back of his head to pry Naruto's hands off, but Naruto clutched harder as he pressed his own wet clothed body unto Sasuke's. He continued to struggle with the kiss and the hold, until Naruto finally let his lips go.

Tears and water cascaded down from half-mast blue eyes to Naruto's flushed face, his breathing ragged and heavy as they both panted for breath. For Sasuke, it was the most beautiful scene he was blessed to see. He groaned at his thoughts, he shouldn't be thinking that. "Don't. Stop this."

"Then I won't stop." Naruto grinned mischievously at the Uchiha's wrecked state, pointing out what he said.

Sasuke's eyes widened at his words. Damn, that turned out wrong. He cursed, "Dobe, that's not what I meant! Don't—"

Naruto pulled the Uchiha closer by the neck, dangerously making their lips only an inch away. He watched the conflict wage within those onyx eyes, whispering, "Then push me away."

Naruto sealed Sasuke's lips before he could utter a word, but was unable to hold him down when Sasuke twisted his head and released their kiss.

"Think about this thoroughly! Do you really want to do this?" Sasuke's frame hands were perpetually at his sides, not risking any chance of touching the blond on his own accord. It's as if he was fighting the whole universe with how heavily he was refusing Naruto's wishes.

Naruto's answer was simple. "Yes."

Sasuke was blown away, his breath was stolen from how the blond said it. He was mesmerized and captured, leaning his forehead with his in agony. "I'm sorry…"

Sasuke confined Naruto in his arms, imprisoning him in his embrace as he kissed him senseless. His guilt was eating him, but the need to be with the blond was enough to let him feed his selfish desire no matter how unreasonable it may be. If given a chance to change his past, he would've chosen to love Naruto then, rather than fight against his feelings. One of his arms let Naruto go, his hand coming up to cup the blond's face tenderly as he ended the kiss sweetly and looked deeply into those gorgeous blue eyes that managed to imprison his heart so easily, whispering, "I love you."

Naruto looked shocked and quickly glanced away from Sasuke's smoldering gaze, muttering softly, "I know."

Sasuke closed his eyes when Naruto leaned forward and pulled him into another kiss, reveling in its distinct flavor. His hands slipped underneath the uniform Naruto still wore and unbuttoned it before throwing it away, ghosting his fingers over Naruto's sides that caused goose bumps to rise from the mere contact.

Naruto opened his mouth to allow Sasuke's tongue to enter, hearing the Uchiha moan as he pressed his mouth hard against Naruto's. He was gently guided by Sasuke to sit on the tiled floor as the Uchiha knelt in front of him. He struggled to pull him closer when he was meaning to break the kiss again, until Naruto gasped.

Sasuke reached in Naruto's drenched pants and began to stroke him, the warm water adding to the hot sensations were causing him to become hard more swiftly. He gripped the blond's arousal and began to pump him slowly and sensually, his tongue sliding on Naruto's slippery smooth skin. His jaw clenched agonizingly when he heard Naruto release a long moan.

Naruto fiercely captured Sasuke's lips back harshly and groaned into his mouth when he stopped his motions, whimpering softly when Sasuke suddenly withdrew his hand and his lips off of him.

Sasuke hated himself. He hated himself for succumbing to his repulsive side, for letting him soil Naruto's body once more. He shouldn't be doing this. He shouldn't allow this, and yet with each sweet stroke Naruto roused from him, reason edged away.

"Slow down." Sasuke coaxed Naruto softly when he tried to pull him down for more and rubbing himself for more of the Uchiha's friction. He hauled Naruto towards him and off the ground as he latched his mouth on Naruto's neck, sucking on the supple, pliant skin with care. He slowly began to pull Naruto's pants down, watching Naruto mewl as a delicious tremor rolled through him.

Naruto's hand were gripping the Uchiha's shoulders when he was again being stroked, pursing the bottom of his lips and squeezing his eyes shut from the pleasure. He begged for Sasuke to make it quick and hard, but the Uchiha retained his leisure pace when he stroked his member a few more times, before being carried off from the Uchiha's lap.

Sasuke completely removed the blond's pants and made him sit on top of his own hard arousal, hissing from the heady sensations. He didn't want to take Naruto without any preparations, but it was killing him. Weeks of abstinence were a hell to pay for. He gripped on Naruto's waist, making him hold still from any movements that may cause him to go over the edge. He didn't want another repeat of their first time. This time, he wanted to make it right. He was slightly afraid that he would hurt Naruto in the process if he didn't prepare him, but his body remembered Naruto's entrance so well that it nearly drove him insane from refraining himself. The only solace he found was that at least the water around them would lubricate the entry.

Sasuke groaned and whispered against the heated skin, "I'm sorry."

Naruto arched his back, his nails biting unto Sasuke's skin when the Uchiha entered him with one blow. He let out a scream at the force of the penetration that was quickly followed by Sasuke tender words that willed him to relax. He encircled Sasuke's head in his embrace, nodding his head when he deemed it right.

Sasuke's whole body shuddered at the feeling of Naruto's tight hot skin around his, biting down on his neck to slow down his thrusts in the blond. Their heat progressing between them, the warm water flowing down their bodies, and the gasps, moans, and groans were intoxicating. He couldn't get enough, and yet, Sasuke knew he wouldn't last longer like this.

Naruto moaned when Sasuke continued to thrust into him as he arched against the wall every time his prostate was hit, his breath coming short with wild pants. He vaguely heard the Uchiha's own breathing becoming short and shallow. "Sasuke, faster! More!"

"Naruto," Sasuke called out, losing himself in the flurry of emotions and sensations that swirled. He could feel his gut clamp excruciatingly and knew that his release was near. He gradually began to thrust himself upwards to meet Naruto's impaling hot walls. His need to come was ready to crash down on him as he continued to hold it off for a moment longer.

Naruto threw his head back and moaned loudly, becoming still as his body spasmed with release of his orgasm and soaking both of their stomachs with his essence until the water washed it away.

Sasuke felt the walls around him tighten, seeing white blur his vision from the high he was receiving and released into Naruto's awaiting entrance. Ramming himself deeply, he bit down on tanned skin to cover Naruto's jumbled name flying from his mouth. He came hard and long, grunting as he continued to push in Naruto and riding out his orgasm.

Sasuke looked at Naruto's flushed face as they both panted for breath, both his hands coming up to his tanned face. Sasuke wore his heart for the blond to clearly see his vulnerability as he whispered. "Please don't leave me…"

Kiba looked out from the hospital window discretely. It was getting late. He scowled and glared at the setting sun to welcome the night. He checked his phone if Naruto had replied to any of his texts while also checking for any call, at the same time leaving another call to the blond's answering machine. He glanced at his watch, creating a larger scowl on his face. This wasn't right. Where was…?

"Kiba-kun?"

Kiba's head snapped towards the soft weak voice, erasing every trace of anger and anxiety. He sat down next to the owner of that voice, patting her frail hands in the process as he smiled to placate her worry. "Don't worry, Hinata, I'm sure that he'll come. He's probably late. You know him, everything's just fine. Now, go get some rest."

Hinata smiled at him, lying down obediently when his hand laid her down to the soft pillows. "Yes. Will you wake me when…"

"Yeah, I'll wake you up as soon as Naruto comes, but sleep for now, okay?" Kiba nodded and grinned at her, his hands holding Hinata's hand comfortingly beside her bed. He watched those beautiful pale eyes close with trust upon his bright promise. As soon as she was asleep, Kiba let down his wall of defense upon the girl he was willing to die for and love for the rest of his life.

No.

He shouldn't think like that. Hinata didn't belong to him…

Kiba gazed down sadly at her serene face and saw a smile flutter to grace her lips. He only wished that he was the one she was dreaming of, but that was impossible. He cursed softly, still holding her hand gently, and muttered, "Dammit, Naruto, make it fast."

'Don't you know she's waiting for you?'

Temptation was a hard thing to resist when you're at the very brink of breaking.

[A/N: Yes, it's the first time I created a lemon scene in a bathroom and actually write that lemon slow. Hehe, your reviews are my inspirations! The more the reviews are, the more I'll be inspired to write! XD Review and Comment! ^_^]