Naruto sighed as he opened up the Facebook app on his phone, only to close it again almost immediately: he'd seen the most recent updates five minutes ago, the last time he'd checked. And it wasn't what he'd wanted to do then either.
He looked over at Sasuke, leaning forward over the coffee table from his seat on the couch, putting together… something. It looked similar to a network router, a squat black box with several small antennae Sasuke was busy affixing to its back. But instead of plastic branded with a company logo, this seemed to be made of some sort of metal, pure black all over.
"Are you still not telling me what that thing is?" Naruto asked, trying not to look toointerested; in truth the curiosity was eating him alive.
Something in Sasuke's very slight smile told him it was a losing battle. "Nope."
"Any particular reason? Besides just being a dick."
"I already told you, Naruto," Sasuke patiently explained, eyes still locked on the device in front of him. "Better you don't know."
Naruto gave it up as a bad job and tried to ignore his friend's newest DIY project. It was easier said than done. He had been working on this one for almost an hour now, and there were several more in the box by his feet.
It had started that morning, Naruto waking up to the other man on the phone. He was pacing slowly in front of the window, rain pouring down once again in sheets, reading technical names and numbers from his notebook. Having found it hard to sleep after the events of the night before, Naruto's barely-conscious mind thought nothing more of it as he drifted away once again.
That was, until after their morning training together – a routine Naruto was thoroughly enjoying – when the doorbell rang. Sasuke had accepted the package after letting the delivery girl into the building, signing a presumably fake signature on the clunky PDA. He'd apologised and told Naruto that he needed to get some work done, proceeding to take one of the strange boxes apart and solidly ignore his friend in the process.
So Naruto tried to forget his burning curiosity, absent-mindedly checking Facebook again. He dropped the phone on the couch next to him in frustration as he caught himself doing it, resenting how automatic it had become.
Next thing you know I'll be like Sakura, bloody glued to the thing…
Despite not looking up from the box, Sasuke seemed to read his mind. "Something wrong?"
"Not wrong, no…" Naruto sighed again, trying to find the right words. "I know what you're doing is important, but-"
"You're bored, aren't you?"
"I'm so goddamn bored, dude." Naruto wasn't even surprised at his friend's clairvoyance anymore. "It's not you or anything, I just hate being cooped up like this."
Sasuke nodded. "I understand. And I'm sorry. But you know we should be outside as little as possible."
"We've been through this. I know." Naruto replied, throwing an arm over the back of the couch.
"Sorry."
"And stop apologising, this isn't your fault."
Sasuke twisted the final antenna into place, where it locked with a satisfying click. "I mean… I'm pretty sure you had less people intent on killing you when I was gone."
Naruto dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. "Semantics."
That made Sasuke chuckle slightly, something that Naruto was embarrassed to admit boosted his ego substantially. He flipped a switch at the base of the box and set it down on the coffee table, the green LED that had popped into life the only sign it was doing anything at all.
Sasuke pulled out his phone, flipping it open to check it. Apparently satisfied, he switched the device off and pulled the rest of them out of the box. Naruto resisted the urge to ask questions he wouldn't get any answers to as he got to work, getting another three devices set up in the space of five minutes.
Naruto finally bit, desperate for just a scrap of information. "So how come those ones didn't take as long? You took the first one apart, did the others not need it?"
Sasuke leaned back, finally looking at Naruto for what seemed like the first time in that entire hour. Eventually he answered. "These things are ready to go out the box, you just attach the antennae. But I needed to understand exactly how they work first. Just in case anything goes wrong."
"Do you expect things to go wrong?"
Sasuke stood, piling the black devices back into the cardboard box. "I plan for it. There's a difference."
Sasuke yawned, checking the watch he'd abandoned on the kitchen counter several nights ago. "Okay, I have a meeting with the guy that owns this place: the internet's been giving me trouble recently, need to re-organise some wires."
"You just told me we can't leave." Naruto called over the back of the couch accusingly.
"What I said was 'we should be outside as little as possible' – I'll still be in the building." Sasuke scribbled down three phone numbers in his notebook and ripped the page out. "Karin, Jūgo, Suigetsu. You need anything and you can't get me, call them. Use the landline over there. Suigetsu will be with me, so don't worry."
Naruto took the paper and stared at it for a few seconds before shoving it in his pocket. "You aren't going far, right?"
"I'll be just downstairs," Sasuke reassured him, his voice gentle. He grabbed the thin black robe he was wearing between his thumb and forefinger. "Now I better get changed. Doubt he'd appreciate me showing up like this."
A clean shirt and a comb ran through his dark hair, and Sasuke was ready to go. "The Wi-Fi will be down for a bit, not sure how long it'll take. You can entertain yourself, right?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Believe it or not, I can cope without the internet."
(╯'□')╯︵ ┻━┻
After twenty minutes, Naruto realised he couldn't cope without the internet.
He'd switched the Xbox on again, but it felt like that was all he'd done the last few days; he had soon become bored, and ended up wandering around the flat. He'd enjoyed the view for a few minutes, the rain-drenched streets still beautiful despite the weather. But that too had lost its charm.
After a quick shower – something he'd neglected to do after their training session that morning – he found himself with absolutely nothing to do. He decided to put some music on, making his way over to the strange wall compartments and pushing on the middle one. The speaker system was exposed as the glossy section of wall slid up, the chunky iPod attached by a braided black cable. Flicking through the artists, Naruto didn't initially recognise any of them. Some had frankly alarming names.
Who in their right mind calls a band 'Infant Annihilator?'
Curiosity once again winning over trepidation, he decided to see what sort of sound warranted such an extreme name. He was immediately blasted with pure unadulterated noise: this wasn't like the music Sasuke had shown him earlier, which he'd enjoyed despite the heavy sound. This was just… assault.
He quickly paused it, looking for something slightly more palatable. Soon Naruto found the band Sasuke had shown him back at his flat, Opeth. It seemed like such a long time ago now: Sasuke showing up on his doorstep out of the blue, popping open that bottle of whisky and reigniting a bond that had lain dormant for too long.
As the now familiar waves of the intro faded in, Naruto realised he'd never listened to the album all the way through. Several times he'd put it on in the flat – usually when Sasuke was on his mind – but was always interrupted before it finished. He'd never heard the entire story.
He doubted he'd have enough time to listen to the whole album, so he skipped ahead to the last few songs. Settling back into the couch and pulling up the browser on his phone, he searched for the site that he knew contained both lyrics and their explanation. It still made him feel like he was doing English homework, like the Shakespeare Miss Yūhi used to assign them with.
Maybe if it'd been something like this I might have been more interested.
It was only when the search failed that Naruto remembered the internet was off. After a brief moment of indecision, he turned on his mobile data; it'd be worth using some of the precious little he had left to finally finish the story.
But, once again, it wasn't meant to be. When he pressed the button nothing happened, the signal bar on his phone replaced by a small cross.
Great, now I've lost signal.
Irritated, it didn't take more than a few minutes before he was on his feet again. He checked the next cubby along, the one with all the books; as he'd thought, there was nothing even remotely entertaining in there. His eye caught Sasuke's journal, however. For a second, just a second, a voice seemed to whisper in his ear.
"Go on, take a peek. Just a quick look. Wouldn't you like to know what's going on in his head? How to help him?"
And he was tempted. Partly, of course, by the base desire to be nosy. But that was easily ignored. What was more persistent, more subversive, was the need to help his friend.
I could find out everything in minutes if I wanted to. Everything he won't tell me.
The thought stopped him for a second. There was something about the journal that kept drawing him in, like a half-remembered dream, something buried in the back of his brain. The music crashed and swelled around him as Naruto stood frozen, eyes locked on the book.
And in a moment of clarity he realised that it all came down to one question.
What's more important: Sasuke's privacy or his safety?
It was a question that answered itself. But as Naruto reached for the book, his stomach knotted and twisted with anxiety, something made him stop.
What the fuck am I doing?
He quickly pulled the cupboard closed, the well-oiled hinges sliding shut as it seemed to disappear. Sighing, Naruto gently thumped his forehead against the wall next to the panel. The smooth texture was cool and soothing, like he was trying to alleviate a particularly troubling migraine. His thoughts seemed to be overlapping one another, conflicting emotions spiralling out of control.
I was away to trade Sasuke's trust for that. A slim chance I could help him.
He opened his eyes, the tension slowly leaving his body. But it was soon replaced by shame. Naruto collapsed back onto the couch, pinching the bridge of his nose. He didn't know what was right anymore. Even now, every logical thought in his head told him to read the journal. For Sasuke's benefit.
It's not like he'd ever tell me himself.
But counter to that was the overwhelming feeling of wrongness. It wasn't about weighing up the pros and cons. Logic had no place in the equation, not when the question was that of morals.
Maybe that's what stopped me. That and I know Sasuke would never forgive me. Even though he'd have done the same thing.
And there it was, Naruto saw in a moment of epiphany: he knew that had their situations been reversed, Sasuke would have read it in a second if he thought it would give him the edge.
He's done worse. If the ends justify the means.
He tried to slow his brain down, to arrange his thoughts. He still didn't know if he was doing the right thing, but he was sure the question would come up again. This was nowhere close to being put to bed.
Raising his phone into the air, Naruto resentfully eyed the 'no signal' icon. He wished he could speak to Shikamaru about this. He was always Naruto's go-to when he needed advice. But even if he had signal, what would he say? Shikamaru wasn't an idiot; the opposite, he was sharp as Sasuke.
He'd put the pieces together if I gave him enough. Fuck, I'd even speak to Kiba about this. Just someone.
But he knew it was no good. The only person he could reach out to was Hinata, but she was worrying about him enough. He didn't want to put even more on her.
Suddenly he wanted nothing more than to be out of this flat. The massive, spartan apartment was too big, too empty. The windows made him feel exposed, like some sort of specimen in a glass cage. It was getting to be too much.
Fortunately at that moment the door clicked open. "I'm back," Sasuke's quiet voice drifted through from the hallway.
Naruto couldn't help but feel like an excited dog as he pushed himself off the couch to greet Sasuke. He knew the thoughts that had been troubling him wouldn't go away. But with Sasuke home, Naruto could already feel them being pushed to the back of his mind.
"Get everything sorted?" Naruto asked as his friend unlaced his boots.
"Yeah, internet should be back up in a few minutes." He looked up from his shoe, a smile playing about the corner of his mouth. "You were going nuts, weren't you?"
Naruto laughed awkwardly, conceding the point; Sasuke was closer than he knew. "You don't even have any decent books, man. Just technical shit and that journal."
Sasuke grunted an acknowledgement as he moved past Naruto and into the living room. Sitting carefully on one of the couches, he pulled the last cigarette from the packet on the coffee table and sparked his lighter.
Naruto sat on the other couch, waiting a second until Sasuke had inhaled. "So I was wondering… why do you have one of those in the first place? A journal?"
Sasuke paused for a second, taking another draw and reaching forward to tap the cigarette against the rim of the ashtray. "It was recommended to me, by a friend. You've met, actually. Jūgo. It's been helpful. Therapeutic. Get everything down on paper, like you're talking to someone who knows nothing about your life."
Sasuke's tone was even more clipped than usual: whenever that happened, Naruto knew he was treading on thin ice. "So you write down everything? Like a diary?"
Sasuke smiled reluctantly, briefly bringing his hand to his mouth. "It's not quite as fourteen-year-old-girl as that. It doesn't fix anything, not really. It's like… spring cleaning for your mind. I usually have a notepad with me on the go, transfer it over later."
Naruto nodded slightly, the notepad sounding familiar for some reason. He must have seen Sasuke with it at some point. "I'm glad it helps," he offered, not sure what else to say.
"A little. But it comes back. Always does." Sasuke looked down at his cigarette, eyes far away. "A lot of the things in there… they aren't easy things to forget."
"Especially with your memory," Naruto said offhandedly.
"It's not just good, Naruto." Sasuke sighed, leaning back into the couch with his eyes closed. "It's near-photographic."
"Seriously?"
"Everything I've seen." Sasuke tapped his temple, eyes still shut. "Most every detail. Useful, but not fun."
And with the things he's seen… Jesus. No wonder he keeps it locked down.
"Anyway, doesn't matter," Sasuke waved his hand dismissively, sitting up again. "It's for me. Just me."
Naruto instantly felt immensely more guilty.
Stubbing out his cigarette, Sasuke stood up and checked his watch. "You want to get started on food soon? We could do your ramen tonight. If you want."
"Yeah," Naruto stuttered slightly, grateful for a different topic of conversation.
You bug him for details and get squeamish every time. Fucking useless.
Trying to ignore that thought, he pulled out his phone. "Let me just pull up the recipe real quick."
And, quite typically, now that the Wi-Fi was restored his phone had perfect signal. Rolling his eyes, Naruto opened his browser again. The lyrics from the Opeth album, now finished, loaded up unprompted. Instead of deleting it, he made a new tab to look for the recipe: he figured if he had it on his phone it would remind him to look at it again.
Or it'll join the other twenty seven tabs that I still have to look at. One of the two.
As he pulled the ingredients out of the fridge, Sasuke's phone started vibrating shrilly in his pocket. He flipped it open silently, but after a few seconds of listening his face betrayed his shock. It was corrected back to neutral in a second, but Naruto had caught it.
Oh no.
"How long ago?" Was all Sasuke had to ask. He paused, listening to the response. "Meet me out front."
The phone was shoved back into his pocket, and Sasuke was off down the hall. "I'm sorry Naruto, something's come up." He called over his shoulder. "A meeting I'd forgotten about."
"A meeting?"
"Yeah." Sasuke looked up as he shoved his foot into his boot, lacing it up aggressively. "Can't blow it off. You get started on dinner, I won't be long."
In a second he had grabbed his coat and slipped out the door, the handle turning briefly as he checked it was locked. Naruto, his head spinning, paced up to the window to look down. Past the dizzying vertigo, he saw a car pulled up in front of the apartment building. A moment later he saw a figure making their way briskly across the incomplete lawn, the car accelerating away hard as they got in.
He's lying.
(╯'□')╯︵ ┻━┻
By the time the door clicked open and shut again, the ramen had been finished for a good half hour. Naruto had tried to keep it warm in the oven, on a low heat, but he suspected it wouldn't be as good as it was fresh.
He was sitting on the couch, staring at the view in silence; the sky had just started to turn dusky, the last rays of sun fading over the skyline. Naruto had been sat there since he'd finished the cooking, mind racing but somehow still. As always, he felt conflicted by the anger he felt.
I know why he does this. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Naruto didn't turn around instantly as he heard Sasuke walk in, waiting a few seconds before getting up. Scratching the back of his head, Naruto walked over to the kitchen, giving Sasuke the briefest of glances as he passed; all he caught was Sasuke's back as he took off his shoes, every movement slow and deliberate as always. Neither of them said anything as Naruto searched for some oven gloves, before giving up and grabbing a tea towel.
"Smells good." Sasuke was the first to break the silence.
Naruto gingerly placed the piping hot bowls on the hob, finally turning to properly look at his friend. There was something different about him, his gaze a thousand miles away as he wordlessly opened a new pack of cigarettes and collapsed onto the couch. Pulling over an ashtray, Sasuke absentmindedly loosened his tie, slumping forward with his elbows on his knees.
At least he isn't hurt again. But whatever just happened, it wasn't good.
"So how did the meeting go?" Naruto asked, his tone icier than he intended. He internally winced, instantly worried that he sounded like a bitter housewife.
"About as well as expected."
Figured.
Naruto paused a few beats before quietly asking "How bad?"
Sasuke froze, head bowed, lighter halfway to his mouth. After a fraction of a second he resumed, the flame sparking and throwing the bruise-like circles under his eyes into sharp relief. They were closed as he took a deep draw from the cigarette, but soon snapped open with their usual intensity. He stared unblinkingly at Naruto from under his brow as he tossed the lighter on the table, those deep black eyes drilling into his skull.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Naruto groaned, throwing his hands up in frustration as he started pacing up and down. "You always do this, you run off for hours – or weeks – on end, then lie to my goddamn face about it! You know what that makes me think? That whatever you get up to, it's gotta be bad. You told me you were getting out of this, but I guess it's business as usual." Naruto was breathing heavily now, still pacing, pointedly not looking at his friend. "I'm getting better at reading that mask you call a face, Sasuke. Either that or you're slipping."
A dense, heavy stillness fell between them, and for a gut-wrenching moment Naruto thought he'd finally gone too far. He slowly came to a halt, eyes glued to his feet.
Eventually, Sasuke's voice pierced the silence. "You're right," he nodded, his voice low but amicable. "I'm doing you a disservice by trying to hide things from you."
"Y-yeah," Naruto stuttered, not quite sure what to say to that. He finally managed to look up, surprised to see Sasuke looking a little embarrassed.
"I know it's somewhat…" he paused awkwardly as he looked away, taking another drag. "It's irrational, I guess, but part of me still wants to protect you from all this."
Great, that just makes me feel more guilty.
But, struggle to come to terms with it as he did, Naruto knew that he had to get Sasuke to open up about his work.
This is the best way I can help him. I've got to believe that.
"It's past that now: you didn't want me involved, but now I'm involved; you didn't want me in danger, and now we've both got targets on our backs." Naruto softened his tone slightly. "We talked about this, there's no point keeping me in the dark anymore."
Sasuke nodded as he stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette slightly, careful to do just enough to stop it burning. Resting it on the glass edge of the ashtray he rose from the couch, hands weighing heavily on his thighs, and walked over to the kitchen. "Let's not waste a good meal: we can talk over dinner."
Naruto nodded, following his friend. Part of him was relieved, of course, but if anything the knot in his stomach grew tighter.
I'm scared of what he might tell me.
Sasuke sat down at the end of the glass table, Naruto choosing to place himself on his friend's left, facing the beautiful sunset. The earlier rain had petered out, the clouds clearing and treating the city to a warm orange glow. It spread across one side of Sasuke's solemn face, as if he were awash in soft fire.
Sasuke skilfully gathered up some noodles, chopsticks held confidently between his elegant fingers. He chewed slowly for several seconds before smiling slightly. "This is good."
Naruto nodded in acknowledgement of the compliment, his own mouth full. For a while they ate wordlessly, every slightest noise seeming to be amplified by the heavy silence surrounding it. Naruto searched for something to say, anything to fill the void between them, before he caught himself.
Wait for him to speak.
As if on cue, Sasuke neatly rested the chopsticks on the edge of his bowl and leaned forward slightly. "One of my men was killed." He said bluntly, his eyes seeming to regain their usual keen edge. "I met with his widow to discuss arrangements."
Naruto's brain seemed to stick as he mentally changed gears: the matter-of-fact way Sasuke spoke, not even a flicker of emotion in his eyes… it threw Naruto for longer than he would have liked.
Keep going. You can do this.
"Arrangements?" Naruto asked quietly after a pause.
"Our organisation will continue to support her financially, for the rest of her life. I set up the relevant payments. Assured her that justice would be served. I like to… see to it myself." Sasuke looked down at his food, mouth a hard grim line as he picked up his chopsticks again. "Least I can do."
"Ah. Right." Naruto searched his brain desperately for anything else to say, but there was nothing. His heart pounded in his chest, the weight of what he'd just learned relentlessly pressing down on him.
There aren't any words. This guy had a life, a family… and now he's dead. Just like that. At least Sasuke can do that much for his wife. It's like he feels responsible.
Does that make him responsible?
There was nothing Naruto could do but resume his meal. But he'd suddenly lost his appetite, until he found himself forcing the last of it down. He just wanted it to be over.
Sasuke took their dishes over to the sink, taking a second to rinse them out before stacking them in the dishwasher. He uncorked the Auchentoshan, pausing as he retrieved the glasses. "Want one?"
He was sorely tempted, but for some reason Naruto didn't feel like it. "I'm okay, thanks."
Sasuke shrugged and poured himself a generous few fingers, padding over to the couch to finish his smoke. He pulled his phone out, flipping it open to check. Briefly tapping out a response of some kind, cigarette held between his knuckles as he used both thumbs to type, Sasuke closed the phone over again.
He was about to put it back in his pocket, but Naruto saw him reconsider and place it gently on the table instead.
As Naruto transferred the pans from the hob to the dishwasher and set it running – another luxury he felt he could get used to – he kept a close eye on his friend. He was leaning back on the couch, staring at the ceiling with one arm over the back and the ashtray in his lap. And that vacant stare was back.
Once again I have no idea what's going on in his head. How can you relate to something like that?
The phone buzzed harshly against the table as Naruto joined Sasuke, grunting slightly as he lowered himself into the other sofa. Taking one last, long drag, Sasuke wordlessly ground the orange filter into the ashtray until the thin wisp of smoke died out. Flipping open the phone once more he stared intently at the screen, his gaze almost boring a hole through it.
Naruto tried to think of something to say. Anything to say. The air was thick and still between the two men, punctuated only by the sharp jolt of the mobile vibrating. This back-and-forth continued for a while, until Sasuke snapped the phone shut and dropped it back into his pocket. Tapping another cigarette out of the black carton he swiftly lit up once more, leaning back into the sofa.
He smokes more when he's stressed.
Great observation, Captain Obvious.
"I can't imagine how frustrating this must be for you, Naruto." Sasuke's low voice interrupted the sterile air. He didn't look at Naruto but straight ahead, out the window.
There's that look again. It's like he's dropping in and out, like something keeps focusing him.
Naruto sighed, not sure how to explain his feelings. "I'm not gonna lie, it's super frustrating. And not just the things you don't tell me."
Sasuke nodded, still avoiding Naruto's eyes. "You worry about the things I do. You've no idea if you want to know or not."
"Yeah, that's…" Naruto fidgeted with his hands, glancing down for a second. Sasuke's uncanny ability to word his thoughts was sometimes rather disquieting. "That's a good way of putting it."
When he looked up again, those sharp black eyes were locked on his. "Look, Naruto. I know you're going to worry about me. About the things I do. But you need to trust me: we're getting through this. And when it's over, if you like…" Sasuke faltered for a second, taking a quick drag from the cigarette. "If you like, you can have nothing more to do with me."
Naruto was stunned for a moment. "I… what?"
Sasuke jaw was set hard. "Nothing I haven't said before," he muttered, his tone clipped.
"What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked loudly, not able to help but raise his voice. He could feel himself doing it, his defences rising, and there was nothing he could do about it.
"How many times do I have to say it?" Sasuke's voice was deadly quiet, but somehow still cut the air like a scythe. "Being here, with me, it's dangerous. This isn't your problem. You shouldn't be involved."
Sasuke's words cut him deep. Naruto could feel his pulse through his ears, his heart pumping fast and hard. "And how many times do I have to say it? I'm not going anywhere!" Before Naruto knew it, he was on his feet and shouting. "You're supposed to be my friend, Sasuke. That means your problems are my problems, and I don't care how guilty you feel about it!"
"That's a lie." Sasuke said heavily, sitting back and closing his eyes. "One part, at least. 'I don't care.'"
That stopped Naruto in his tracks, breathing hard with fists clenched. The anger, the defences, they seemed to fade away like the thin trails of smoke currently curling from Sasuke's hand.
I always do this. Run my mouth and ignore what I'm hearing.
Sasuke said that 'cause he cares too. You should know that.
Naruto slumped back onto the couch, running a hand through his tangled hair. "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that." He paused, trying to get his thoughts in order. "Just, whenever you say that sort of stuff I… I panic. And then I go off on one. You're damn right that I care."
"You shouldn't." Sasuke replied softly, eyes still closed.
"I should. You're worth it."
Sasuke chuckled slightly, and when his eyes reopened there was fire in them. "Thanks, Naruto."
"And I'll keep saying it 'til you believe me." Naruto smiled wryly, pushing himself off the couch once more. "Now, I think I'll reconsider that drink-"
Naruto was cut off by a loud ringing, and it took him a moment to realise it was his phone. Fishing it out of his shorts, he peered curiously at the screen: it wasn't a number he recognised, but it was a local area code.
"Hello?"
"Hi, yes, is this Mr Naruto… Uzumaki?" The woman on the other end of the phone stumbled slightly on his surname, but he'd heard worse attempts.
"Yes, speaking." He thought he recognised the voice from somewhere, but failed at dredging up anything more concrete than a general feeling.
"I'm calling from the Royal Infirmary…"
The hospital? What?
"…and I'm afraid I have some rather difficult news. We have a young man in intensive care, name of Sai? Didn't get a second name. He listed you as his emergency contact number."
Naruto's heart plummeted into his stomach, his voice cracking as he rushed to respond. "Sai? What happened? Is he okay?"
"I'm sorry, I really can't go into detail over the phone. Would you be able to make your way to us? As quickly as possible."
Sasuke looked over from the couch, brow furrowed in concern. Naruto could offer him nothing but a panicked look. "Y-yeah, I can try… thank you."
Sasuke rose as Naruto hung up, holding the phone up to his mouth. His hand was trembling slightly, rattling the case against his chin. It was like he'd forgotten how to breathe.
Sai… what happened? Why would he want them to call me instead of Ino? Unless…
I have to get there. Now.
"Naruto? Are you okay?"
The pit in his stomach seemed like a stone or a lead weight as he nodded, then changed his mind and shook his head. "It's Sai. He's in the hospital. I have to go."
"Naruto," Sasuke started, a warning in his voice. "You'll be exposed out there."
"I can't just sit here!"
"What do you think you could do for him now?" Sasuke asked, not unfairly. "He's safe where he is. But you won't be."
Naruto stalked through to the hall, roughly jamming his feet in his trainers. Not bothering to tie the laces, he made for the door.
But Sasuke stopped him, one hand resting gently on the door. "Naruto, please, think about this for a second-"
"Look, you don't understand. I think…" Naruto had to choke the words out; saying it aloud seemed to make it more real. "I think he might have hurt himself."
Sasuke didn't have anything to say to that.
"If he has, I- I need to be there." Naruto continued, desperately. "I need to help him."
Sasuke sighed, looking away as he took his hand off the door. "Fuck," he spat viciously, striding back into the lounge. "Wait one minute."
He reappeared with his mobile pressed to his ear. "Jūgo. I need to you to drive Naruto to the Royal Infirmary. No questions. Be out front as soon as possible."
Naruto nodded his thanks, kneeling down to tie his shoes. His hands were unable to properly hold the laces, panic still gripping his mind, and it took him several attempts.
Sasuke's phone buzzed again. "He's outside."
Sasuke, still barefoot, followed him out the door and into the elevator. After half a minute of terse silence the lift slid smoothly to a stop, the doors parting altogether too slowly for Naruto's liking.
He made to leave, eyes on the nondescript black car pulled up at the curb, but Sasuke grabbed his arm. "Naruto…" For a split second, Sasuke looked different; he looked uncertain. But before he could react, the old mask was back in place. "Good luck."
Naruto nodded, practically jogging to the black, angular sedan. Jūgo shifted into gear as soon as the door had slammed shut, leaving Naruto fumbling with his seatbelt as the sudden acceleration pushed him back into his seat. His driver said nothing, eyes fixed on the road.
Naruto breathed deep and settled awkwardly back into his seat. Part of him was worried about Sasuke, back in the elevator. He didn't see that kind of expression from his friend often, and if he was honest, it scared him.
But this seemed petty compared to the dark cloud that overshadowed it. Sai. It was like every nerve of his body had been ignited, his muscles coiling into hard knots every few seconds. He pulled up Ino's name on his phone, thumb hovering over the call button.
I don't know what I'm gonna find there. What if there's a reason Sai wanted me?
Naruto hesitated for a moment more before sighing and dropping the mobile in his lap. It seemed wrong, dishonest somehow, not to tell Ino that her boyfriend was hurt. Badly hurt.
But I don't have a choice.
Jūgo drove on silently. And as much as he didn't like it, Naruto knew there was nothing more he could do for now.
(╯'□')╯︵ ┻━┻
Naruto fidgeted anxiously, finger tapping rapidly against the door. It had been almost hour since they'd set out, and he was starting to recognise landmarks again; since Naruto didn't drive, the winding side streets had soon disoriented him. It had felt like eternity so far, his mind torturing him with all sorts of disturbing ideas about Sai's condition. It didn't help that Jūgo had slowed after the first few minutes of reckless speed. If anything, he was staying well under the speed limit.
When Naruto had asked him about it – well, more yelled than asked – Jūgo grunted, grudging a few brief words. "We had to get away quickly, in case anyone was following. Now we have to blend in."
Those were the only words Naruto had been able to get out of him.
He had since been alone with his thoughts, running in the same chaotic circles, overlapping and frantic. As they approached the hospital it started up again, just like clockwork.
It might have been an accident-
It wasn't. Or else they would have told you over the phone.
I should have seen this, I should have spent more time with him-
Yeah, and you know why you didn't: he creeped you the fuck out.
Jūgo slid the car smoothly into a parking space, and Naruto almost leapt out the door. He rushed across the car park, making it halfway across before he realised Jūgo was following him, his long legs enabling him to easily keep pace.
Bursting through the door, he joined the queue for main reception. Jūgo followed suit, unhurried now that they were inside, planting himself near Naruto. The wait was murder on Naruto's frayed nerves, and he spent the entire time chewing nervously on the inside of his cheek.
Eventually it was his turn. "Hey- looking for a patient, the doctor told me to come here." Naruto stuttered slightly, his words tripping over each other. "His name is Sai, S-A-I."
The receptionist, an older lady, pushed the glasses up her nose slightly. "Surname?"
"Umm…" Naruto wracked his brain, realising he didn't actually know. It took him a second to remember what the girl on the phone had said. "They didn't get one."
The receptionist nodded, clicking a few keys on her keyboard before frowning. "Sorry, there's nothing coming up."
"What?"
"He's not in the system." She took her glasses off, letting them hang from a chain around her neck. "That means he isn't here."
"This is Intensive Care, right?" Naruto asked, confused. He was sure he'd got the right building. "She told me he was here."
"I can check the other departments, they might have moved him since you were called." A few adjustments with the mouse, but her expression didn't change. "No, no-one with that name has been admitted today. Or in the last week. Did you get the name of who called?"
"No, I didn't."
"Or their position?"
"No, I… I don't think so." Naruto's head seemed to be spinning. "Where is he then?"
The lady's face softened slightly. "I'm sorry honey, the only thing I know is that he isn't here."
"You should call him." Jūgo suggested, breaking his silence once more.
"But if he's-"
"You should call him." Jūgo repeated, interrupting Naruto and staring at him meaningfully.
Naruto decided that he should call Sai.
The line rung out for a few seconds before it was answered. "Yes?"
"Sai?" Naruto was surprised to hear his voice, but the vice grip of pressure eased off his stomach nonetheless. He slowly wandered out of the queue, towards the lobby. "I'm at the hospital, where are you?"
"The hospital?" Sai asked quizzically. "Have you managed to hurt yourself?"
"What? No, I-" Naruto stopped, the oddest feeling creeping through him, his breath catching. "You're not at the hospital? You're okay?"
Sai still sounded confused, but he patiently answered. "No, I'm not at the hospital. I'm fine. Has something happened?"
"No. No, sorry. I must have misunderstood something." A different type of panic seemed to rise from his feet, slowly flooding his whole body. Dread. "Sorry for bugging you, don't worry about it. I gotta go."
Naruto heard Sai start to reply as he hung up. His eyes snapped to Jūgo. "Someone wanted me here. We have to go."
Jūgo nodded and made to leave, scanning the rows of parked cars as they exited the building. He must not have seen anything suspicious, as they reached the car and left with no trouble. Jūgo paused only long enough to lock the doors from the inside before starting the engine.
"We have to call Sasuke." Naruto said, more for his benefit than Jūgo's; he expected the man to already be dialling, but his hands remained locked to the wheel. "Jūgo, we have to call Sasuke."
"We can't." Jūgo kept his eyes dead ahead, his voice monotone.
"What? Why not?" Naruto couldn't even begin to see the logic of this.
"We can't." He repeated simply.
Naruto was insistent, and not backing down. "Come on, he needs to know about this."
Jūgo sighed, but said nothing.
"Well if you won't…" Naruto started, unlocking his phone, before it was snatched roughly from his grasp. "Hey! What the hell?"
Jūgo placed it carefully in his suit jacket, briefly glancing over at Naruto. "I'm sorry, I can't let you."
Something about this felt very wrong to Naruto. "Tell me why." He spoke with a confidence he didn't feel.
Jūgo changed gear with a quick, jagged motion. "Boss's orders."
Naruto frowned, but said nothing.
That doesn't sound right.
In fact, the more he thought about it, the more doubt he had. He'd been there when Sasuke made the call to Jūgo, and there was no mention of this. And Jūgo had been with Naruto the entire time since then, so there was no way he could have received additional instructions.
What if it's him? What if he's working for Deidara?
Naruto knew nothing about the man sitting next to him, save for what Sasuke had told him about his father. He suddenly felt very unsafe, locked in the car with this imposing man. A second of blind panic seized him, the insane urge to hurl himself from a moving vehicle, before being shunted aside by reason.
Don't panic. He doesn't think I suspect. Let's keep it like that.
So he tried to slow his breathing, turning to face the window. It was getting dark, a much more sudden occurrence in these early Winter months, and it played to his advantage: he could see Jūgo reflected in the glass, able to keep a close eye on him without appearing to.
Well over an hour later, Naruto's suspicions hadn't been alleviated any. It hadn't taken them nearly as long to get to the hospital, and he still didn't recognise the area they were in. Of course, it could have been considerably longer; the dashboard clock was un-programmed, flashing 00:00, and he didn't have his phone.
He'd reached for the radio a few minutes earlier, but that had been denied to him as well. Jūgo hadn't offered any explanation either, ignoring his questions and driving on. It was getting late, the streetlights providing the majority of illumination now as they turned onto a row of expensive houses.
If anything I think we're moving away from Sasuke's. Dammit, I'd give my left bollock to get my hands on Google Maps right now. At this point I'd take a fucking ordinance survey map.
Never mind that, what am I gonna do?
As the hedgerows gave way to shops and restaurants Naruto realised he knew the area. He was sure he recognised that Pizza Hut, the clothing chain opposite, and when they rounded the corner it was confirmed by a neat little park. Which meant…
We're going in circles. Jūgo's driving me around, keeping me away from the flat.
But on whose orders?
But that gave Naruto something: a glimpse into what was happening. And whatever it was, it was centred around Sasuke's flat. A plan slowly formed, slapdash and not altogether very smart, but it was better than nothing. After all, it might not be Sasuke organising his tour of the city. He couldn't take that chance.
He'll have to stop at some point for fuel. If I really book it I'll be able to hop on a bus before he can catch me.
He surreptitiously glanced at Jūgo again, sizing him up. Naruto wouldn't want to take him in a straight fight – and that wasn't something he said of many people – but he reckoned he was quicker on his feet.
So the plan is to leg it. Sophisticated, Naruto.
He jumped slightly when a flat ringtone started up, Jūgo quickly pressing the phone to his ear. "Uh huh."
In the enclosed space of the car, Naruto could hear Suigetsu quite clearly on the other end. Jūgo cut him off a few words in, telling him to wait a second, before pulling over to the side of the road and getting out. He exchanged a few words with Suigetsu, a hard look to his eyes as he hung up. Naruto didn't have a chance to react, and before he knew it they were merging into traffic again.
That could have been my chance. If it had been Sasuke on the phone…
Naruto didn't trust Suigetsu either, certainly less than he trusted Jūgo. "What's the word?" He asked, trying to sound casual.
Jūgo's mouth twisted slightly as he chose his words, not immediately answering. "Look, Naruto, I wanna be straight with you about this. I really do. But I've been told to keep you in the dark."
Naruto got the strangest feeling he was being genuine. But he couldn't go on his gut alone. "Something's happening at the flat, isn't it? That's why we're driving in circles."
Jūgo shook his head. "I can't say anything else."
"Can I at least have my phone back?"
Another shake of his head as he turned the wheel, smoothly pulling into a petrol station. It took Naruto a second to remember his plan, jumping slightly as he realised and hitting his hand on the centre console. Jūgo gave him a questioning look, but said nothing. Removing the keys from the ignition Jūgo stepped out the car, looking back as if in afterthought, and locked the doors.
Oh for fuck's sake.
Naruto hated to admit it as he sulkily watched Jūgo fill the car, but part of him was relieved he hadn't been able to make his bid for freedom. If he'd been caught… Naruto didn't want to go through the possibilities.
Now the engine was off, Naruto could hear faint conversation. He hadn't seen anyone on the forecourt. And a second glance confirmed it. He puzzled over it for a second before noticing the radio frequency lit up on the console.
Must have accidentally hit it earlier. Oh well, while I've got it…
He leaned in to turn the volume up, the channel set at a news broadcast. Almost dismissing it, Naruto reached for the dial. Until he processed what was being said.
"... main story tonight is the explosion that gutted an apartment complex in the South side of the city only a few hours ago. The building in question was not open to the public at the time, and the source of the blast has not yet been confirmed. Police have reported a single fatality."