A/N: OMFG, GET READY GUYS 'CAUSE THIS IS THE LONGEST CHAPTER SO FAR! Take a deep breath before reading!
This chapter was meant to serve as an emotional closure for many characters. I have to say this has to be my favorite chapter so far, I'm really glad I closed a few doors and opened new ones. You'll see what I mean ;)
Thank you so much for the reviews and keep them coming, they sure inspire me to write more and to improve myself! I love you all so much you have no idea!
As always, a biiiiiiig and very special thank you to my lovely and ever so encouraging beta, Midnight Essence! You know you roooock, right? :D
And now…
On with show!
Chapter Twelve: Hurt & Comfort
After having just said her good nights to her parents and her little sister, Hinata was on her way to her room when one of her maids appeared to formally inform her that her cousin, Neji, had shown up and requested to see her.
As Hinata changed her course and headed for the small living room where the maid had said Neji was, she could not shake the feeling that something bad was connected to his unexpected visit. On the other hand, she was curious and a little happy that he had come to see her, even if it was unusual for him to visit any member of the family at such a late hour unless it was an emergency related to the clan.
When the girl got there, she noticed Neji had already made himself as comfortable as his formal demeanor allowed him, sitting himself on his ankles over one of the cushions on the floor before the main black low table. An oil lamp had been lit nearby, providing enough light – since he had been raised without electricity, Hyuuga Hiashi did not find the need to use it for everything.
Neji raised his head as she entered the room and carefully slid the door shut. Blank eyes followed her movements until she reached the low table and knelt with feminine grace over the fluffy cushion across from him.
"Neji-nii-san," She greeted softly, bowing formally with a smile and receiving a nod from her cousin. "I have already ordered for some tea to be delivered here. I'm sorry I couldn't prepare anything better in advance, but your visit was unexpected."
"It's quite alright, Hinata-sama," Neji said as he raised a dismissive hand, letting out a tired sigh and rubbing his nasal bone. "I just needed some company, and for some reason, my body brought me here. I'm actually glad it did."
The girl raised her bluish eyebrows and could not help a blush of happiness from coloring her cheeks even though she could sense Neji's obvious distress.
"I'm glad you came," She muttered. "Has something happened?"
"As a matter of fact, it has," The older brunet said without expression, letting his hand fall to his lap and his eyes drop to the table. "He left."
Something inside Hinata's chest squeezed with an uncertain emotion.
"He?" She asked cautiously.
"Sasuke," Neji said, and the way he pronounced it made it sound like he was breathing in a painful gasp of air. "He left me."
Hinata knew what those words meant and it made her heart ache with new emotions now, and this time she could identify them perfectly. If Sasuke had broken up with Neji that could only mean one thing – he was going to get together with Naruto. The thought made her a little happy because now she knew Naruto had had a good reason to break up with her and would be happy with the person he loved. More than that, now she was sure Sasuke loved him back, one way or another, and they would both finally be where they belonged.
However, even if she had been expecting this outcome – since Naruto's persistence always paid off – she had never imagined she would see such a reaction from her cousin. She knew he would be hurt, his pride would be hurt, but clearly it was not only his pride that was hurt.
Neji's face was as flawless and unexpressive as ever, but the way he sat, the way his arms and his hands were stiff – probably clenched under the table – let the young heiress realize he was far from alright.
That realization stuck her as a surprise. Even though she was aware of how natural and comfortable Neji's relationship with Sasuke had been, she had never thought that they might have shared a deeper bond than what was visible. They seemed so at ease, so calmly living whatever it was that they had, that it seemed like that relationship had been simple to the point of being casual and unimportant. Maybe Sasuke had not noticed it. Maybe he had not even allowed himself to let his feelings to go deeper with that whole issue with Naruto, but Neji did. While thinking about it, Hinata recalled seeing them together and noticing Neji holding back his bad temper, acting a little differently than usual, being kinder, allowing himself to feel everything he did with Sasuke.
Hinata bit her lip, feeling uncontained tears fill up her eyes. Her Nii-san had immersed himself into that relationship. More than that, he had hoped and believed that it would turn out just fine.
He had given his all without holding back his feelings.
Thankfully, her tears never fell because a soft knock on the wood of the sliding door woke her up from her dramatic trance.
"Y-yes?" She asked, shakily. The door slid open and her maid came in, carrying a small tray with a beautiful green and pink tea set. Neji did not move when the girl walked over to them and set the tray on the table.
"I will take care of serving the tea to Neji-sama," Hinata said softly but in a commanding tone, grateful that she had managed to hold back the tears. "Please let the others know we do not wish to be disturbed."
The girl – only a few years older than Hinata herself – bowed down and quickly made her way out, soundlessly closing the door.
Neji inhaled deeply and closed his eyes; head leaned forward to his chest. Hinata breathed in slowly and forced herself to relax. When she reached out to the teapot her hands were still shaking slightly with troubled emotion, but she grabbed it all the same. First, she poured some of the liquid into the cup closest to her cousin, and then filled the one closer to her. Setting the pot on the tray again, she resumed her straight stance.
"I'm listening." She said, in a low tone.
Neji politely picked up the cup and drank a little before setting it back on the tray. He looked straight into Hinata's eyes and narrowed his own.
"You knew it all along, didn't you?" He whispered, coolly but not aggressively, causing the younger one to swallow hard.
"Knew about what?" She asked, shyly.
"That this was going to happen," Neji sighed once again. "I know that Naruto broke up with you, because you'd never break up with him, no matter what. I know that. He was jealous of me from the very beginning. I felt that he was getting closer to Sasuke and still I was such a fool…"
Hinata's eyes grew wide. Neji had felt it, he had known that something was not right and knew partially why.
"Nii-san, I…" She said, feeling her lower lip tremble violently. "Some things…are meant to happen. Sometimes we think we have everything under control, but then our hearts…they blind us. We all give our best at everything, but life takes such unexpected turns most of the times! No one is to blame!"
Neji actually raised an eyebrow at that and made a small, bitter smile.
"I know that, Hinata-sama," He whispered, nodding. "But you are too gentle-hearted. You conceal your own sadness by becoming happy for other people's joy. I wish I could be that brave, but the truth is..." Neji bit his lip and looked away to a huge Chinese jar in a far corner of the room. "All my life I've been concealing my pain with indifference and sourness. I accepted my fate in this clan, and yet, I felt frustrated by it. Naruto was the one that made me believe that we can change ourselves and do whatever we like with our lives. It was because of that that I allowed myself to change. When I started feeling attracted to Sasuke I…It didn't bother me at all, and for the first time I let myself go with the flow. Sasuke changed me, my routine, my life, the way I thought about the future…he made me look forward to tomorrow. With him I actually thought about working hard for myself for once instead of focusing only on my duties towards the Hyuuga."
Hinata shook her head, understanding Neji's feelings as an overwhelming feeling of horror stuck her. Neji was definitely not one to make conversation, let alone talk about himself or his personal feelings. Still, it was clear to the girl that he needed to talk, and if listening was all she could do to help, then she would.
"I knew this would happen…" The handsome man proceeded with cool eyes still fixed on the piece of decoration. "I'm only Sasuke's captain after all. I mean, we barely spoke to each other before then, while Naruto was always there for him, protecting him, understanding him, offering his everything…While Sasuke was the light in my darkness, Naruto was his. I just hoped…no…wished I could be…"
The words got stuck in his throat. His eyes closed once again. Hinata pursed her lips.
"I could see it in his eyes when he came to me not even an hour ago…" Neji murmured softly, a new, saddened smile emerging on his thin lips. "I could see that he was sorry, that breaking up with me was upsetting. We were good together, I'm sure he knows it. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, but I couldn't. I felt like a fool, and for a moment I thought that he wasn't serious because he looked honestly pained. But then I realized it was no use since there was that other thing in his eyes that was not directed to me. No matter how I feel about him, I don't think I could handle being with someone who is thinking of someone else."
"Nii-san, I'm sure Sasuke-san likes you very much," Hinata said shakily. "I…I know he put you above Naruto-kun at the time. He didn't want to hurt you, and I have a feeling that you were the one he wanted to be with, in the end. It's just…I guess it wasn't meant to be."
Hinata did not want her Nii-san to know the whole story behind the Naruto/Sasuke affair, but if he had had enough perception to know a little of what was going on, she was not going to lie since things would be pretty much revealed sooner or later.
"I know he cared about me," Neji said, turning his head to her and looking at her with a tired expression. "That's why it hurts."
Hinata swallowed hard, her hands at the level of her chest clutching each other strongly. She never expected to hear such a confession from him, and it was awkwardly sad.
"It'll get better!" She promised, with more motivation than she felt despite the new found tears in her eyes. After all, she knew how it felt to love someone, give them your all and then having your hopes and dreams shattered. "Sasuke-san won't want to lose you as a friend and comrade after everything! He'll still be in your life, and besides, you never know what tomorrow brings…You have so much to give, you'll see…someday you'll find someone deserving of all those beautiful, new found feelings inside you!"
Neji's eyebrows rose with surprise at that, the sadness in his face disappearing completely as he watched thick tears finally rolling down the young girl's features. He sighed, for the last time and made an annoyed face.
"Tsk…don't cry, you silly girl." He said, exasperated. "I didn't really come here to cause such a drama, right after I left my ex-boyfriend alone in the Dojo without a single word after he broke up with me. Please, I really don't have the heart to comfort you…"
"I'm sorry!" She apologized, delicately whipping her tears away with the sleeve of her red Kimono. "I don't need any comfort, I just…I know how much it hurts, and I really didn't want you to know these kinds of feelings! Knowing you are hurt is just…but you'll be fine, I know you will! Just please, Neji-nii-san, don't hold any grudge against them! If I could forgive them, after having loved Naruto for so many years, you have to…you just have to…"
Neji just tilted his head to the side and bit his lip, staring at his little cousin as if such a girlish attitude made him sick. Nevertheless, he allowed himself to smile ever so slightly at her concern.
She really did care for him, he noticed, a small pang of endearment overflowing all his previous sullen feelings. Relaxing his shoulders, he took out a small handkerchief from his sleeve and extended it to her, who took it with a grateful nod.
They understood each other. They were sharing something new.
"It's no use crying, you know," He said, watching her as she blew her nose as politely as she could. "As you said, no one is to blame. Besides, I understand you now. Even if it hurts being left for someone else, when you really like that person I guess it doesn't really matter because, in the end, you only think of their happiness. It's weird though, feeling anger but not hatred. All that's left are these feelings of…loss and disappointment."
"You will feel better, eventually," Hinata repeated hiccupping and lowering the handkerchief from her nose while returning Neji's gaze with shiny eyes. "I mean…I know I lost something important to me but…we're still friends and I know I was an important part of his life, like you are in Sasuke-san's life. They will never forget us, you know? And still, even though it's weird I…I kind of feel like I'm fulfilled now that I know Naruto will have things his own way."
"But…how can you be happy, Hinata-sama?" Neji asked. "They never really did get along. They are complete opposites, even as friends. Sasuke has all sorts of complexities and habits that are hard to handle. How can I believe they will work out as lovers when they kept hurting each other as friends?"
"Because they love each other." Hinata replied a faint blush coloring her ivory skin at Neji's suddenly annoyed look. "That's why they made it so far. I don't really understand it myself but I…I'm sure they have their reasons. If they could manage such a dysfunctional friendship, I'm sure they will work as hard to manage this as well. I…I even believe that what they have could actually keep them together forever…one way or another. I pray that they can achieve it so that all this chaos can be worth it."
Neji frowned and Hinata had a very clear image of what her cousin would look like when he got older.
"I suppose you're right," He muttered, defeated. "I'm just so tired, Hinata-sama…I never thought emotions could be so damn exhausting."
"They can be invigorating as well." Hinata said, managing a small smile.
"Indeed." Neji agreed, forcing himself to smile back.
A few moments of comfortable silence followed the emotional chat.
Hinata licked her salty lips, not needing to be reminded that the conversation was over and that Neji probably wanted to be left to his own thoughts now that he had unburdened his heart.
"I'm sure you won't want to go home in your current condition," She breathed, carefully. "It would do you good to stay away from your house for a while. Should I order for a room to be prepared for you to spend the night?"
When Neji's mouth formed a tiny, honest smile, Hinata felt the familiar burn of happiness clutch at her very soul.
"Thank you, I would appreciate that."
000
It was precisely six in the morning when a soft knock on his front door awoke Sasuke from a rather disturbed sleep where dreams of Neji manifested his fear of losing the one that had been so important to him in so many parts of his pre-adult life.
It was still dark outside, he noticed, sitting up straight in his bed and cursing whoever had the brilliant idea of visiting him at that time. He was almost willing to just lie down again and ignore the stupid jerk when another soft knock, more persistent this time, echoed through the small apartment.
With sleepy eyes and heavy feet, he groaned as he kicked the bed sheets aside, got up and dragged himself outside of his room towards the door.
As he opened it, he also opened his mouth to insult the person on the other side. However, he was quickly unmotivated as his attention focused on the last person he expected to be at his doorstep – Haru, dressed in a simple white dress with a dark cloak over her small shoulders.
"Wha…" Sasuke started to say, confused, but was immediately cut off as both of the girl's hands reached out and were forcefully pressed against his stomach.
The raven had no time to register what was going on; his instincts told him to fight and protect himself, but for some reason he found himself unable to do so. Haru was doing something weird, pushing his stomach so hard it was as if she wanted to cut through him.
Sasuke gasped in pain and surprise and stumbled backwards and she followed him, eyes fixed on hers that looked kind and oddly comforting. His body was consumed by the kind of weakness one has when feeling extremely worn out and yet, he managed to remain standing and not collapse.
Everything hurt and felt hot. It was like his insides were on fire, twisting and twirling like they were moving and shifting out of place. Sasuke looked down to where Haru's hands were still pressing and noticed that they were shining with a very pale blue glow.
Chakra? He thought, moaning as a particular painful twist inside him almost made him go blind.
He felt like he was going to be sick at any moment. Worse, it was as if he was going to disassemble himself.
When Haru pushed him back once again, his knees buckled and he was sure they would give away, which caused him to reach out and grab her shoulders for support. He did not know how he was able to walk backwards once again. Eventually, his back hit the nearest wall and he let out a small, afflicted sigh when Haru's round breasts came into contact with his chest.
"Shhhh…" She whispered in his ear, with her usual docile voice, almost like a child's. "It'll be over soon. Just trust me."
Despite how much unfamiliar pain he was in, Sasuke swallowed hard to keep the remnants of his dinner from coming out and closed his eyes.
Haru muttered a few words that Sasuke could not understand but knew were of some ritualistic ancient language. Then, as soon as it had begun, it was over.
Delicate hands moved carefully away from his abdomen and Sasuke fell to the ground heavily, his limbs suddenly lifeless now that Haru was no longer touching him.
With his eyes still closed, he panted, only then noticing how drained he felt and how sweaty he had become in only a few seconds. Nothing was hurting anymore, though.
"Are you alright?" Haru's gentle voice whispered, as though she was afraid anyone might hear them.
Sasuke opened his eyes, his vision blurry, to see that she was kneeling on the floor in front of him. She was actually smiling.
"Wha…what the…fuck…Haru…" He gasped furiously, his heart still beating abnormally fast. "What did…that fucking hurt!"
"It was supposed to," She explained sweetly, using the back of her hand to wipe beads of sweat off Sasuke's brow. "It was just a seal. I'm sorry if I scared you, but you would never agree to this if I had asked you politely."
"A seal?" Sasuke asked, even more angry and confused than before. If he did not feel as tired as he did, he would have probably slapped the girl and kicked her violently out of the house. He usually liked her, but her current action did not get into his good side at all, especially since she had clearly done something serious without his consent. "What seal? What for?"
"Don't worry; it's nothing serious, just a gift." Haru said, looking thoroughly pleased with herself, seemingly oblivious to Sasuke's death glare. "You'll thank me for it one day. It's a very rare and powerful seal, you know? I'm glad you could endure it this well."
Sasuke huffed and groaned once more, clutching his stomach. He was annoyed beyond himself. He tried to shove her away from his face to try and get up, but realized he really could not do it alone.
"Let me help you. I'll put you right back in bed."
"I don't want your fucking help, I want you out of my house," He hissed, as she got up and promptly grabbed his hands to help him. Sasuke slapped her hands away but she grabbed them forcefully anyway and pulled him up with surprising strength. Sasuke was standing once more, but found the need to support his weight on the wall with the aid of his back.
"How did you know where I live?" The Uchiha asked, not bothering with how rude his voice sounded.
"I have my own ways." She replied softly.
"Oh yeah, I bet you do."
Sasuke did not know what to think. Something he could not place his finger on told him that he had nothing to fear from her, but on the other hand, he felt alarmed, alert and fearful that she had done something so unknown and weird to him and did not seem too keen on telling him what it was. For the first time, he really acknowledged that she was, in fact, more powerful and fearful than many thought.
"I really just want to help you," Haru said, looking at him firmly. "I wanted to give you this unique gift. You'll see what it is soon enough. You destiny is finally taking shape, Sasuke, and you can't run away from it."
She reached for her cleavage and took out a perfectly folded piece of paper.
"This…" She explained, looking and sounding dangerously serious. "…is a map. I drew it myself. It'll take you directly to my village through the quickest path. If you ever need a place to go or someone to help you, please do come to me. I have been expecting you, and will continue to do so."
"Why would I need to go to you?" Sasuke asked, a weird conflicting emotion invading him.
"Because, Sasuke, I am the only one who can help you when the time comes, and you'll know it. I'm sure that you do know it already. I know you can feel it…the way our fates are intertwined." She said, backing away and placing the piece of paper over the low center table on their left.
And, for some strange reason, he did know, although he could not associate it with anything in particular.
"You might throw up a little and feel a little tired in the next couple of days, but everything will go back to normal, so don't be scared." Haru said, smiling once again with gentleness. "I will be showing myself out. It was nice meeting you, Sasuke, I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again."
And with that, she headed to the still opened door, got out and closed it behind her.
Sasuke stood there, in awe, anger and confusion, staring at the door for the gods knew how long before he regained his strength and dully moved his molested body back to bed, thinking that maybe he had been wrong after all – that maybe his previous impression of Haru had been wrong and that she was not nice at all. Interesting, yes, but too complicated to be safe.
Sasuke settled then and there that he would not want anything to do with her, not now, nor ever.
And just to be safe, he might as well head over to Sakura's office to see if Haru's 'seal' had made any major damage.
000
Ino had invited Sakura for breakfast because she missed her best friend like hell and they rarely had the time to hang out as much as they used to when they only had their jobs as Shinobi. Now, they were both Shinobi, doctors, and Ino even had her part-time job at her family's flower shop. Time was scarce.
"So I told him straight to his face that I don't think Temari is good for him!" The long haired blonde was saying loudly, gesticulating ferociously. "And don't look at me like that, I'm not jealous, but please, that lazy ass with that busty stuck-up bitch? And she's from Suna! Suna!"
"Come on, it can't be that bad!" Sakura laughed well humored as she took a bite off her vegetarian sandwich. "I mean, if they got attracted to each other it means something must work between them, right?"
Since it was a lovely sunny morning, both girls had chosen to bring food from home and eat at the local park. They had sat comfortably on one of the many benches and partook of their meals.
"It does work, alright." Ino said, shuddering. "It's called hormones, that's what it is. Shikamaru just had to find what those are at the age of nineteen. It took him long enough."
Sakura smiled at her and Ino smiled back, setting her green apple over her lap.
"You are just scared that he might decide to go away." Sakura noted gently.
"Yeah, maybe. He is my best male friend after all." Ino sighed, three times in row. "I know I'm always fighting and insulting him, but our families are allies; I've known him my whole life and…well, I guess it's just weird that he found someone before I did."
"You'll find someone for you, you'll see."
"Yeah, we both will!" Ino exclaimed, excessively cheerful before turning to her friend with a conspirator, mischievous grin. "By the way, I heard from a reliable source that Naruto went on a date with the Kazekage. Is that true? I even heard someone saw them eating other's faces off. I had no idea Naruto was like that!"
Sakura blinked at her, befuddled.
"Well, I knew they went on a date, but the making out part is just…well, Naruto wouldn't do that!" The shorter one laughed, nervously.
"What, the fact that he might be gay or the making out part?" Ino joked, purposefully teasing her friend.
"How should I know such a thing?"
"You should! Still, it's pretty amazing that Gaara-kun would take an interest in Naruto and…probably other things. He looks frightening frigid, even if Naruto is rather cute."
Sakura laughed more sincerely now and elbowed Ino's ribs playfully.
"Shut up, you pervert!"
They picked on each other for a while, and laughed comfortably while slowly eating. They did not see their comrade from another team approaching them.
"Yo, ladies."
They looked away from each other, still grinning stupidly to tilt their heads upwards at the same time and see Kiba, and the very large and white Akamaru in front of them.
"Oh, hi Kiba!" The blonde one said, waving at him with energy. "And Akamaru, of course. Nice to see you!"
"Care to join us?" Sakura asked politely, pointing to the good looking food that was still perfectly settled on the bench beside her.
"No, thanks, I've got a lot to do today," Kiba said, even as he eyed the food appreciatively. "I was just passing by and…well, I heard something strange today, so I thought you might know something about it, Sakura."
Sakura's attention perked up at that.
"What is it?" She asked, curiously.
Kiba bit his lip and came closer, his voice becoming low and secretive. Ino loved a good gossip, so she leaned closer as well, eager to know what seemed to be so interesting.
"You didn't hear it from me, okay?" He murmured, with his hand at the side of his mouth. "But Hinata just told me Sasuke broke up with Neji yesterday."
Ino did not miss the brusque shiver that shook Sakura's body at that, or the way her expression changed and became unreadable.
"No way!" Ino said, whispering as well but making sure her surprise was evident. "But they seemed to work out just fine!"
"I know," Kiba nodded vigorously, looking dumbfounded as well. "And from what Hinata said, Neji was really into Uchiha. I don't get that at all, but I have a feeling Sasuke might have the hots for someone else, I just can't figure out who! I mean, the only person he ever demonstrated any interest in was Naruto, but that's just ridiculous right? What do you think, Sakura?"
Sakura, Ino noticed, was deadly pale.
"I…I don't know…" She stuttered, agitated. "I had no idea…I mean, I…Sasuke-kun doesn't usually talk about those things with me…he keeps to himself and…I really don't know…"
"Maybe he just got tired of being in a relationship!" Ino added, noticing how the subject had made her friend unnaturally uneasy. "There's no need for unnecessary speculation, right, Kiba?"
"Yeah, you're right." Kiba nodded, straightening up and frowning. "I just thought it was weird. But if Sakura doesn't know, then I guess it might be nothing."
"Right!" Ino said brightly. "Just don't spread funny rumors around, ne?"
"Who do you think I am?" Kiba growled. "I was just worried. I'll be off then. See ya around!"
"See ya!"
Kiba ran off with Akamaru trailing close behind him. Once he was far from sight, Ino turned to Sakura to become horrified by finding her sobbing silently, thick tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Sakura! What's wrong?" She asked, immediately surrounding her shoulders with one arm, her free hand resting on her knee in a way she hoped would be reassuring. "Sasuke-kun is single now, shouldn't you be happy? Tell me what's wrong!"
"I…Ino, I can't take it anymore!" Sakura wept, her hands shaking in front of her face. "This is it! I'll be all alone; I'll be left behind for good!"
"What are you talking about?" Ino questioned, not understanding anything. "I'm here, you're not alone…"
"No! All this time I…I've loved them both so much! Differently but…I love them so much! And they're drifting away…they'll be together and I'll be…They don't even know, Ino, how much I want to be a part of their life, they don't know how scared I am that they'll forget about me, that they'll neglect me! They always had their own world and I always wanted to be a part of it…I want them to be happy but I…I'm scared, Ino!"
The other girl was shocked at Sakura's outburst. It was clear she was hurting, clear that she had kept so many things inside her chest that she had been dying to let out, but to Ino, everything she said was confusing. She wanted to help her, to say something to make her feel better but did not know what.
"Sakura…what are you talking about?" She asked quietly. Sakura hiccupped a few times and said nothing, her hands whipping her constant tears, so Ino felt the need to pressure her. "Please, tell me. I promise I won't tell a soul, you know I have a big mouth, but I can keep your secrets!"
Sakura eyed her desperately in an obvious attempt to tell the florist girl that she needed to talk but did not want to reveal anything, but Ino's pleading gaze and her firm grip on her knee made her fall apart and she howled in a new fit of desperate sobs.
"Oh, Ino! It's Naruto and Sasuke!" She gasped.
"What about them?"
"They're in love with each other!" Ino breathed in and held her breath at that. The way Sakura said it made Ino understand that it was the truest of truths, something that hurt her but that she had accepted, somehow. "They have been for I don't know how long, maybe forever! They're going to get together! Naruto was only waiting for Sasuke to stop being stubborn and break up with Neji…They only have eyes for each other; they were even together like that for a while! If you could have seen what I saw…and I…before, I could meddle in, but now? It's not a joke, I can't stop it! They will leave me behind for good…What should I do, Ino, what am I supposed to do?"
In just a few seconds so many things had been revealed to her that Ino thought her lungs had been ripped out from the shock.
Naruto and Sasuke? In love with each other? How…?
She had no time to dramatize it herself; Sakura needed her and she had to be lucid, keep her mind clear and her nerves steady.
This was, indeed, no joke. It was happening, and even though to Ino it sounded kind of like something out of a book written by fate, she didn't feel like it was such a big deal. But it was a big deal to Sakura, and to some extent, she understood why.
Inhaling deeply, she summoned all her patience, all her strength and pulled one of Sakura's hands away from her face.
"You are going to tell me all about it," She said, firmly, yet gently. "And we'll get through this together, okay? It'll be alright, Sakura."
Sakura sniffed, nodded and let herself be freed from the burden she had carried for what seemed like forever.
000
"Superficially there's nothing wrong with you." Sakura said seriously, leaning back on her doctor's chair and watching as Sasuke put on his blue short-sleeved shirt on by the marquis. "We still have to wait for some of the test results, but you are pretty healthy. It is kind of odd how the seal reacts to chakra, though. It doesn't look like any seal I have ever seen either."
Sasuke buttoned up his shirt, looking unsure.
"I did throw up this morning, like she said," He mumbled, thoughtful. "But I don't feel tired and I'm perfectly fine now. I don't know, but she has to have done something, I swear I felt my internal organs shifting, it was like they were moving out of place."
"She applied some pressure with chakra, it's normal that you would have the impression of having your organs moved," Sakura explained calmly despite how worried she felt. "She probably just made something to amplify your chakra level or something. I read about it once, it's a rare and powerful type of Jutsu and not many man can handle it. I mean, a normal man that works only with his own energy cannot possibly increase his own amount of chakra. I think it's possible for someone like you, but still I don't know how it works."
Sasuke did not seem convinced and Sakura knew she was just giving him a useless excuse to pacify him. After all, what reason did the priestess have to give him more power? Or better yet, what reason did she have to put a seal on him at all?
"I will drop by tomorrow for the blood samples." The man ended up saying, straightening up and running a hand through his hair. "If you find out something, please let me know."
"Sure." She nodded, managing a gentle smile. "Let me just write you a quick prescription before you go. Your blood pressure is a little low; you should take something for that."
"Fine."
Sakura fumbled in her drawer for the prescription papers and quickly prescribed what she thought Sasuke needed. All the while, the last Uchiha heir remained where he was; arms folded over his chest as he boringly gazed around the room. Sakura peeked at him when he wasn't looking and sighed.
He would be fine, she was sure of it. Maybe the priestess had really done nothing wrong, but it was still weird that he had an unknown seal in him for no apparent reason – a seal that only appeared when in the presence of chakra. Even stranger than that – and something she had not told Sasuke about – was the fact that the seal had pulled her chakra out when she had placed her hand upon it.
She would have to discuss it with Tsunade-sama later, Sakura mentally noted.
She signed the paper and extended it to Sasuke, who took a few steps towards the desk and took it.
"Thanks, Sakura." He said, his lips forming a vague smile.
"No problem."
She watched him intently once more, waiting for him to fold the paper and shove it inside one of his trousers' pockets.
The memory of what Kiba had said that same morning was still nagging the back of her mind.
She felt hurt. Was Sasuke not going to tell her about breaking up with Neji? Why would he keep it from her if he knew she knew about his affair with Naruto?
"Well, then, I'm off…"
"When are you getting together with Naruto?" She interrupted, the subtle harshness of her words preventing Sasuke from turning around and leaving.
She might have broken down earlier, but after letting it all out she had calmed down and talked to Ino about it, her heart had become lighter and she saw that whole situation in a whole new perspective. She accepted that she had no place between her two best friends, and also acknowledged that she now had a something new to fight for, something to look forward to – from now on, she had to fight for her place in their lives and she would only accomplish that by showing her support and love. She would help them and be there for them, and she would let them know how much she loved them and how she wished for the happiness they so deserved.
But slowly. She would have to be very careful from now on or Sasuke might find her annoying and drive Naruto away.
Sasuke's eyebrows tilted up at her but besides that, nothing gave his emotions away.
"Why do you ask?" He said, simply.
"No reason," She muttered, crossing her fingers in front of her face. "I'm just wondering because this situation has lasted long enough, don't you think? I can't stand seeing how stupid the both of you act all the time. It breaks my heart, and this time, it's even more painful."
Sasuke pursed his lips at that as a flick of emotion Sakura had never seen emerged in him.
"Whatever happens, happens," He stated firmly, but in a softer tone. "And you'll know if, or when it does."
"Hum…I just don't want anyone getting hurt anymore," She said, solemnly. "I know I was childish about many things in the past, and even now I'm suffering for it. Even though I still love you, I also love Naruto very much. Right now I refuse to lie to myself. To me, you guys' happiness is more important than whatever feelings I may have. Don't lie to yourself either, Sasuke-kun, and just do what you want before regret starts to consume you. That's all I wanted to say."
Sasuke breathed in and turned his head from side to side.
"You don't have to tell me," He replied coolly. "We always managed things by ourselves and we'll keep doing just that. Thanks for your concern though, it's much appreciated."
Without another word, Sasuke nodded and promptly abandoned the silent office.
000
In all his honesty, Naruto was not ready nor in the mood to go on another mission with Neji; first because he was still slightly affected by what had been said to him on their previous mission, and second, because somehow Sasuke's words of uncertainty and his visible eagerness the previous day had made him hopeful that the raven was warming up to him and the idea of them being together, thus making him also feel guilty by having to hang around the Hyuuga.
Naruto liked Neji despite him being a stuck up, way too serious pompous and smart-assed bastard. Neji was loyal, hardworking and could be kind when he wanted, so even if the blond wanted badly to take Sasuke away from him, it was also something that grind inside him because, in a way, he was betraying a comrade and he did not want to be on bad terms with Neji.
Despite his conflicting feelings, Naruto and Neji met at the Hokage's empty office early in the morning and he tried his best to sound and look as natural as ever but to no avail – Neji barely looked at him and did not even address him at all. This surprised the blue-eyed Jounin and concerned him a little as he tried to make casual conversation, but the brunet simply crossed his arms and stared out the window while they waited for Tsunade and the others to arrive, effectively cutting him off.
So, maybe Neji was having a bad day and woke up on the wrong side of the bed, Naruto thought, pouting. Whatever, it was his problem, not Naruto's.
This, however, could not be further from the truth, as Naruto would find out later on.
A few minutes later Tsunade came in, closely followed by the Mizukage, her bodyguards and the small priestess. Both Kages discussed something; Tsunade gave Neji a few, simple instructions and said something to Naruto that he really did not pay attention to.
As last words of farewell were exchanged between the elder women, the blond boy felt himself being watched. Searching for the source of such heavy starring, he found a pair of large dark eyes fixed in him, belonging to the priestess. The girl smiled at him warmly with that over familiar look in her face, but instead of feeling calm and assured, Naruto felt a chill run down his spine. That creature sure was weird.
Escorting the Mizukage and the others had been pure hell. If Neji had taken the full lead in their previous mission, now he was doing so as well, but with the not so slight difference that he acted as if Naruto did not exist. He did not look at him, did not address him, and did not touch him. Actually, his actions made it clear that he was not in the mood to talk or be nice to anyone, the Mizukage included. As a result, six people traveled in silence for a whole day, running when Neji ran, walking when Neji walked, stopping when Neji stopped, eating when Neji ate, and doing everything when Neji thought it was fit to do. The Mizukage was apparently in too much of a good mood to take any offense.
Naruto, however was damn annoyed by his attitude but felt strangely intimidated. He wanted to ask Neji what was wrong but was scared to know, so he kept silent, controlling his nerves and his anxiety. He would not throw assumptions at the older boy either; otherwise he might let something slip out that was not meant to.
Returning to the village by themselves was even worse and, for the first time, Naruto understood the meaning of that old expression called 'deafening silence'. Luckily enough, the Hyuuga seemed as willing to go back home as quickly as possible as Naruto himself did, so they ran most of the way and traveled over the trees when the path was too uneven below.
The mission lasted precisely a day and a half. It was the middle of the afternoon of the day after they had left Konoha when they got back. Naruto was tired, sweaty and sleepy, but by the time they reached the imposing gates of their beloved village, he was feeling rather thankful that it was over.
He watched as Neji signed them in at the ordinance. Once finished, the brunet went to him and, for the first time, actually looked at him, finally acknowledging his presence and causing Naruto to blush from nervousness.
There was nothing particularly hostile in Neji's gaze, just some sort of contemplative expression and a slight pucker in his lips. They stared at each other for a while before Neji turned around and started walking off towards the center of the village.
Confused, but a little more at ease, Naruto ran after him until he reached him. Feeling it was safe, he walked by Neji's side.
Neji, who was his friend, but also his rival in the matters of the heart.
In awkward silence they reached the crowded commercial area, both heading towards the same direction – the Hokage Residence. Then, something rather fateful happened, or so Naruto thought; a few feet away from them, Sasuke emerged from a small grocery shop, dressed casually – with a white t-shirt and a pair of worn out jeans – and carrying a bag full of what seemed like fruits and vegetables.
Neji stopped in his tracks abruptly, and Naruto copied him automatically as he looked at him with a questioning gaze. Neji's blank eyes narrowed and he bit his lip.
Naruto turned his head back to Sasuke and noticed that the midnight haired man had seen them and was currently standing still in the middle of street, dark eyes trailing from Naruto to Neji, yet, there was no emotion there to betray his thoughts. People passed by them and walked around them, oblivious to the weird scene occurring.
Neji swallowed hard and Naruto could feel the intense tension there. It was a strange, strange territory the three of them were in, and he could think of a hundred reasons for that, but still, the real reason as to why he felt to uncomfortable did not manifest itself.
After a few knife cutting seconds, Neji's voice finally made itself be heard.
"I didn't even notice he had gotten himself a piercing." He muttered, to himself. Then…
"You owe me." He said to Naruto, in barely a whisper that was heard nonetheless.
"I do?" The blond asked, making a face. "For what?"
"For not fighting," Was Neji's answer, eyes fixed on Sasuke's, who were now fixing him back. "For not trying harder. You have to make it up to me. Don't screw this up, Naruto, or I'll rip your head off."
"Eh?! Screw what up?" Naruto exclaimed horrified, as Neji started walking off again. Naruto was going to follow him and yet was stopped when he saw Neji passing by Sasuke without a second glance. He did not stop to kiss or touch him, did not say a thing, and did not even nod. And neither did Sasuke do anything to catch his attention.
What the hell is going on? Naruto thought, his heart racing.
Sasuke sighed softly before eyeing a petrified Naruto now. Neji had already drowned himself in the crowd and was out of sight when the raven walked towards his younger friend calmly.
"Welcome back." He said casually, once he was in front of Naruto.
"I…yeah, thanks." Naruto replied back, a familiar form of heat creeping up his stomach at the sight of Sasuke's handsome features. "What's the deal between you and Neji?"
Sasuke shrugged and, to the kitsune's surprise, he smiled bitterly.
"Nothing, really," He said simply. "I guess I might've hurt him a little more than I thought was possible. He'll come around eventually, I suppose."
Hurt? What could that possibly mean, coming from someone like Sasuke?
A gush of fear invaded Naruto.
"Did he…did he found out anything about…you know…" He stammered, scared that he might have ruined their relationship. That would explain Neji's attitude.
"I don't think he did. But I think he might suspect something, though. After all, I did break up with him."
Those words struck Naruto's hard in the chest.
Was that for real? Could it be…
"I mean, we were really good together, you know? I reckon Neji knew I'd never break up with him unless there was someone else." Sasuke finished, shrugging again. He looked calm; too calm.
"But…why?" Naruto asked, his voice rasped from shock. "Why would you do that…after all this time…"
"Because you wanted me to," Sasuke answered, with cruel honesty. "It was your condition. Break up with Neji and I could get back together with you, for real this time."
"But…you liked him!" Naruto almost yelled, startling a few people around them. "You made me go through hell because you didn't want to leave him and now…"
Sasuke blushed adorably while making an annoyed expression. He scratched his head and looked away for a moment.
"I did like him," He admitted lowly. "I still do. A lot, actually. But I…I guess that when I finally got the balls to weigh the both of you, I realized that…In my life, you have always been more important. It's funny, really, but I guess that, despite how terrible we are towards each other, I… I still like you more."
Naruto was speechless for what felt like forever. He could do nothing but stare at his most precious person with mouth agape, his mind slowly but restlessly processing what had been said, the meaning and its consequences.
Could it be true? Did Sasuke just…was Sasuke really going to…did he really want…
"Don't joke about something so serious, Sasuke…" Naruto muttered, heart clenching with waves of undying hope. "If you're messing with me, it's not funny at all…you know how I feel about you, you shouldn't…"
Sasuke's eyes opened up, a sudden visible rush of anger lightning up those steely orbs.
"Do I look like I'm fucking joking?" He snapped, and Naruto flinched at how offended his voice sounded but felt internally glad that Sasuke was finally cracking. "You damn moron! I'm telling you I broke up with Neji to be with you the way you want and you tell me it's a fucking joke? I don't even know why I bother with you!"
More and more people were beginning to look over their shoulders to see what was going on between the two most famous rivals and friends of the village. Some of them were whispering between them, but neither of the boys seemed to notice.
"I'm sorry!" Naruto apologized hurriedly, not wanting to upset Sasuke further if, indeed, what Sasuke was saying was the truth. "I just…really? You really want to do this with me?"
Sasuke huffed and blushed even more, if it was possible. Naruto thought he saw something very pretty sparkling around him, making him more beautiful, or maybe it was just Naruto's feelings that made him look like that. Either way, the blue eyed boy was enchanted, fascinated and hysterical. Despite that, he did not dare to move to express his feelings because that moment was too delicate, too precious to ruin.
"Yes…"Sasuke murmured, biting his lip. "I do…those nights and days and whatever it is that you want…whatever, let's do it."
Naruto let out his breath. His muscles relaxed but his spirits were raised violently, forming an enormous amount of happiness that he was not sure how his heart could handle.
However, even if he just wanted to run to Sasuke and do all kinds of things to assure himself that Sasuke really wanted that, he remained where he was and kept his hands to himself, fearing the raven might not want to rush things so soon.
"Kami-sama…" The words came out of his lips without him noticing, but he didn't care. A piece of heaven was being given to him and he stopped feeling his body completely. He did not even feel the weight of his backpack. "So…does that mean you'll be mine?"
Sasuke looked genuinely surprised at such a statement before making a clacking noise with his tongue and grinning with something akin to shyness.
"It's not supposed to be a one sided thing, Naruto."
"That was never a problem in my book." The younger one retorted, smiling back.
They stared at each other for the longest of times, both wanting to do something, say something more, but it was all so unexpectedly new neither really knew where to start.
Where to go from here?
"I, erm…told you I had a dare for you," Sasuke said, after clearing his throat, trying to look calmer and more composed. "I know you had rules, but I was expecting…more like hoping you would forget about them now that I'm…single, I guess…for now at least..."
It was rather endearing, Naruto mused, watching Sasuke be all shy and a little nervous. It was a side of him he had never knew but was happy to be able to see.
"Tell me what you want and I'll think about it," Naruto said, softly, with a chuckle. "It can't be something too extravagant, though, I still have to report my side of the mission to Baa-chan."
"Kiss me."
The Kyuubi vessel had been asked the exact same thing a few days ago, but at the time he had stood his ground and refused it, wanting to push Sasuke's buttons and not give in to his whims. What he felt listening to it was exactly the same – the loud beating of his own heart in his ears, his blood rushing with need, his muscles trembling with anticipation. Only now it was different. Now he could do it, there was nothing stopping him, nothing keeping him away from Sasuke.
Nothing except the fact that they were in the middle of the most crowded street in Konoha, surrounded by dozens of people that would most likely spread all sorts of rumors as fast as the speed of light.
"Now?" Naruto asked, uncertainly, looking around and finding the eyes of two old ladies staring at them and commenting while pointing at them.
"Yes, you idiot; now." Came Sasuke's firm defiance. "What, are you scared?"
"I'm not! I just…there's so many people…you just broke up with Neji, are you sure it's alright?"
The Uchiha rolled his eyes.
"I'm tired of hiding, and tired of this stupid denial game, Naruto," He sighed. "I don't care what people say anymore… the sooner everyone finds out, the better. I don't mind if you don't mind either."
If Naruto could be happier and surprised he was sure his chest would blow up.
Sasuke wanted people to know about them…he wanted to make things clear once and for all, wanted people to understand they had finally chosen each other. It might not be easy at first but it didn't matter…they would be together; surely everything would be more than alright. Everything would be perfect.
His hands, his whole body finally gave in and started shaking with excitement and urgency to touch and feel and hold close. He was sure he could not hold back much longer.
"I…I smell…I haven't showered…" The young man said hesitantly, trailing his eyes to Sasuke's simple but perfectly clean appearance.
"Fuck, Naruto…" By his tone and the way he clutched his shopping bag, the other understood the brunet was beginning to feel agitated and impatient as well. "I don't fucking care about that! It's been ages since…if you want it, just do it already. Fuck whatever it is that's plaguing your head because if you don't do it, I damn well will."
Of course 'ages' was too exaggerated since it had only been little over a week since they had last engaged in any physical contact, but Naruto understood him. To him, it had felt like such a long time it had been tortuous.
Not needing to be told twice, Naruto only had the time to register Sasuke's hand letting go of the plastic bag he was holding. It fell to the ground with a dry noise and most of its contents rolled from its interior, yet neither cared nor paid any attention to it, but the surrounding people sure did since the food was blocking the path their feet stepped on. Consequentially, many sets of eyes looked up at what had caused such a chaos of food and found quite a surprising scene that promptly ignored whatever stares, murmurs or pointed fingers it was attracting.
Naruto could not care less about whatever it was that was going on around him. All he cared for was the urgent way Sasuke's arms reached for him, wrapping around his neck – since there was really no other available place to hug – holding him impossibly close, and the synchronized movement they both did to kiss each other as their mouths clashed with unkempt desperation. Naruto encircled Sasuke's firm waist, kissed him with all he had, exultant that his new lover seemed just as eager, just as wanton as tongues mingled, teeth nibbled and clanked painfully, perfectly.
And even though it made his blood boil, his body ache with desire and his heart constrict with emotion, that kiss was just like many they had shared before, but so much different it made it hard to breathe.
Neither knew what had changed between them, what had diminished or what had grown during the time they were apart, but it was not the same as before, and even if it was terrifying how different everything felt, both felt the same pang of reassurance that whatever it was that was keeping them this linked to each other was mutual. If it was this strong it had to be good right?
And Naruto promised to himself that he would work as hard as he could to keep them together, to make Sasuke happy and to make sure they would be there for each other for as long as time itself allowed it.
When they broke away, gasping for much needed air, Naruto smiled broadly at Sasuke's reddened and slightly intoxicated face – clearly a little annoyed at himself for having lost control so shamelessly – thinking how lucky and happy he was. He could cry but was too overwhelmed for that.
"Nee, Sasuke…" Naruto whispered, bringing their foreheads together and breathing slowly, relishing in the feeling of his friend's wild heartbeat against his chest and his breath against his own. "Let's do it right, this time, okay?"
"Hum…yeah." Sasuke whispered back, understanding the meaning behind it while licking his lips."I think we both deserve it after going through so much trouble…"
"Yeah, we really do…"
The journey of fear and hesitancy was over, Naruto comprehended, changing the angle of his head so that their lips met again, this time in a gentle, careful movement that Sasuke was equally fine with. A new, exciting and happy life was about to begin.
Everything would be just fine.