Disclaimers: Naruto isn't mine. This is purely a fanfic using someone else's characters.

Warnings: This story includes strong language, violence, angst, references to suicide/ suicide attempts, sexual content (yaoi of course), & referenced/ depicted child abuse.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Chapter 24: Same Song

"You run from what you feel, and that's why you have nightmares. To deny is to invite madness."

-Megan Chance

- - -

"I can't believe we're actually doing this" Naruto grumbled.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, pulling a box out of Naruto's arms and into his own when he saw how badly he was managing its weight. As it turned out, Kakashi and Iruka really did mean it when they said they wanted to move in together right away. After a couple lazy mental health days on the couch, Naruto and Sasuke were put to work. Packing was relatively easy- Iruka and Naruto didn't have a whole lot- but loading and unloading the moving truck was a bitch. And Naruto's constant complaints about their situation did not make it any easier.

"Will you stop freaking out already?" Sasuke said, beyond exasperated with this line of conversation. "We already spend all of our time together. I don't see why living together is such a big deal. It's not like we're sharing a room."

Sasuke's little speech did little to calm Naruto's nerves. "Why don't you guys have locks on your doors either? Why aren't there locks on anything!? Is this like a small-town thing or what?"

Sasuke eyed the blonde. "And why would you need a lock?"

"Why do you think?!" Naruto shot back. "To keep you out of my bedroom!"

"I slept in your bed with you for a week."

"Five days."

"A school week."

Naruto rolled his eyes.

"You really don't think too highly of me, do you?"

"It's not that." Naruto walked away, but he could still hear him mumble, "I just know what you want."

Sasuke closed the distance and grabbed the blonde, pushing him up against the wall. Naruto tried to slip past him, but Sasuke's hand shot out and barred his escape.

Naruto looked up at the raven warily. "Sasuke.."

"Don't pretend like we want different things, Naruto."

The blonde bit his lip, which Sasuke found extremely enticing. He licked his lips and when Naruto noticed he quickly released his.

"I don't know what I want..." Naruto breathed. He could feel his heart hammering against his chest, his breath quickening. He needed Sasuke to back up, to let him go. He didn't want to fall into his trap.

He didn't want to want him like this.

He wasn't afraid of him, despite everything he had gone through with Sai. He knew Sasuke, he trusted that he wouldn't hurt him. The one he really didn't trust was himself.

"Yes" Sasuke said, eyes locked onto wide blues, "you do."

He grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in, his mouth finding his blonde's. He could feel Naruto hesitate, feel him debate whether or not he was going to do this, whether or not he should give in to Sasuke's warm embrace, but Sasuke knew he could be persuasive. He pressed his body close, tilting his head as he deepened the kiss.

Naruto made a small mewling sound that made the raven smile against his lips before finally kissing him back. He slowly reached up and sank his fingers in soft ebony strands, loving the sensation. Wanting more. He opened his lips and their tongues met halfway, moving together- slowly, passionately, at first. But then a deep primal hunger took over and their mouths moved faster.

Naruto pulled back, gasping for air, and Sasuke slipped down to his neck- kissing every spot that made his knees weak, his hands tremble. "Ahhh.. mhhnn.. 'Ske" he moaned, rising up on his toes to get closer.

"Two bedrooms and you choose the hallway."

Cerulean eyes shot open, horror quickly setting in. He dropped down to his feet and pushed Sasuke away. Dark eyes filled with lust and a thick, tangible longing stared back at him. A look that made him feel weak, desirable, and extremely on edge all at once.

"It's, uhhh.. it's not what you think" Naruto tried, knowing that the excuse was not in the least bit believable.

"Well I'm convinced."

His face flushed with embarrassment, Naruto mumbled something unintelligible and rushed past the two, up the stairs, and into his new bedroom. He closed the door and sank back against it, his hand pressed firmly against his chest. Fuck.

He hated that Kakashi caught them like that, but that kiss.. His body still burned with the feel of it. He could taste Sasuke on his tongue, feel his hand run down his sides, gripping his hips. His body pressed close..

Fuck. I didn't want it to stop.

He dragged his fingers through his hair, disheveling the blonde mess even more. "You really can't keep doing that" he told himself. "You live together now. If you lose control like that every time you see him…"

Naruto bit his kiss swollen lip as his mind conjured up what comes next. Based off the way Sasuke dominated him now, how he initiated every move, he had no doubt what role he'd be playing when that happens. And he definitely wasn't ready for it. Or was he..?

Naruto shook his head.

There's no way you want that.

.. right?

- - -

It was Naruro's first night staying there, and he was struggling. He was uncomfortable using someone else's space like this and couldn't figure out how to relax in it. He just felt like he needed to go home and the idea that he already was home seemed absolutely absurd.

Dinner was awkward and everyone felt it. Iruka attempted to fill the silence, but Kakashi was the only one who acknowledged his commentary. Though it did little to help the other two. It was like he didn't even see them sitting right next to him- his focus was on Iruka and Iruka alone. Everything he had to say was just one big innuendo that eventually drove the teens from the table and into their bedrooms.

Sasuke tried to follow Naruto into his, but the blonde's arm shot out and blocked him from going inside. "Don't even think about it."

Sasuke eyed him closely, his dark gaze impenetrable. "You don't want to hang out?"

Naruto's eyes met his. "I have a feeling you don't either."

"I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't."

"You know what I mean, Sasuke."

The raven crossed his arms, his jaw tense. "I'm across the hall from you, Naruto. Are you really going to avoid me?"

The blonde sighed. "I'm not avoiding you. I'm just not.. not doing anything else tonight."

"God, you're frustrating."

"Yeah well, the feeling's mutual."

Naruto didn't back down, but Sasuke had yet to leave. He wasn't sure how to take that, so he simply waited- hoping he wouldn't make this into something that it didn't need to be.

"I could force my way in."

Cerulean eyes widened. He hoped he was just talking about his room, but he couldn't stop himself from reading into it. It sent a chill down his spine, though he couldn't tell if it was one of fear or anticipation.

"But you won't" he said- trying to make it sound like a statement, though even he could hear the question lying just beneath it.

Sasuke's eyes hardened, but he otherwise forced himself to stay composed. "No" he said, looking away, "I won't."

Then he turned around and went to his own room, slamming the door behind him. Naruto stared after him, trying not to think about the guilt rushing through him. And the sudden loneliness that Sasuke's absence left behind.

He slowly closed the door and stared at the foreign room filled with his stuff. Despite everything he had just done and said, he had the urge to run from it and into Sasuke's room, into his arms. Away from the emptiness in his chest, the longing in his marrows. Suddenly he didn't want to be away from him.

"What do I want..?" he murmured to himself, already knowing the answer. Already knowing that he would continue to fight it even though it was blatantly obvious to everyone, himself included.

You want him- by your side, in your arms, in your bed.

You want Sasuke.

- - -

Sasuke jolted awake and quickly scanned the room, trying to figure out what woke him. He was starting to think it was just a nightmare when he heard a sound coming from the hall. What..? he thought, his mind still muddled from sleep.

A loud crash got him shooting out of bed and racing into the hallway. Naruto had fallen against the wall, knocking into a framed photo which had crashed to the ground. Crushed glass was scattered everywhere, but it didn't seem to faze the blonde. He stepped on some as he continued to stumble down the hall.

"Naruto..?" Sasuke moved towards him, stepping over the glass carefully. He saw a few flecks of blood, and finally realized what was happening. He's sleepwalking. It was the only explanation for why he didn't flinch as his foot sliced on the glass, why he didn't even attempt to avoid it.

Naruto moved over to the stairs and Sasuke lunged. He grabbed him by the middle and yanked him back, hard. His foot slipped and the two went crashing to the ground. Naruto gasped and a fearful whimper slipped from his lips, sending a sharp pang through Sasuke's chest. He could feel the blonde struggling in his arms, fighting to free himself, and his grip tightened. He kept a firm hold around his waist, another arm pinning Naruto's to his chest, trying to keep him from hurting his already injured wrist.

"Naruto- wake up! It's just a dream- come on, wake up!"

"N-no.." Naruto whimpered, his body shaking, "st-stop.."

"Naruto! Wake up!!"

"No.. No!"

"Goddamnit- Naruto, come on! Fuck. Iruka!!"

A door slammed open, and the brunette came rushing out. "Is he ok?!"

"I can't get him to wake up."

Iruka rushed over and dropped down in front of them. "Naruto" he said gently, reaching out to cup his face, "you're ok."

Naruto jerked away from him, his face pained as he tried to break free from Sasuke's arms. "No.. no, mom- mom ple-please!" his voice cracked, shattering Sasuke's already aching heart. He could feel tears gathering in the back of his throat as his blonde cried out, his body shaking violently against him.

Sasuke looked up and saw the same haunted look in Iruka's eyes. "Naruto" the brunette tried again, his voice strained, "you're ok. You're safe. She can't" he swallowed, "she can't hurt you anymore."

Sasuke leaned down, bringing his mouth close to his ear. "It's Sasuke and Iruka" he murmured, "you're ok. You just have to wake up."

Another terrified whimper that squeezed at Sasuke's chest. He brought his face closer, "Naru.. it's me, it's Sasuke. Please wake up."

He could feel the blonde's breathing calm, his body slacken against him. He adjusted him in his lap so he could get a look at his face. "Naruto? Are you ok?"

The blonde looked up at him, dazed. "S-Sasuke..? What happened?"

"You.. had a nightmare" he said, forcing back his emotions, "you were sleepwalking."

Blue eyes widened. "I didn't know I was sleepwalking but.." he looked away, "I remember the nightmare." When no one said anything, he glanced up. The look on Sasuke's face made his stomach drop. "Did I.. say anything..?" He looked over at Iruka, but he wouldn't meet his eyes. "Iruka-san?"

The brunette plastered on a sweet smile and patted his head kindly. "No, Naruto. You didn't say anything. We were just worried when you wouldn't wake up."

Naruto could tell he was lying, but he could also tell it was for his benefit, so he said nothing.

"Come on" Sasuke cut in, sensing his discomfort, "I'll help you get to bed." He scooped up the blonde and got to his feet.

"Sasuke- wait. This isn't necessary!" Naruto pushed his hands against his chest, trying to pull away. "Seriously, I can walk."

The raven tightened his grip. "No, you can't. You stepped on glass."

"He what?!"

Sasuke looked over at the brunette as he jumped to his feet. "Don't worry, Iruka. I'll take care of it."

Iruka looked torn, his fatherly instincts telling him to care for the blonde himself. But he knew he was in good hands with Sasuke. He walked over and smoothed back blonde locks to gaze at his son's face. "Are you ok, Naruto?"

"I'm fine, Iruka-san- honest. You guys don't need to make a big deal out of this."

His guardian ignored his request and turned to Sasuke instead. "Take good care of him, ok? Let me know if you need me."

The raven nodded. "I will. Thanks."

Then he carefully stepped down the hall and into Naruto's bedroom. He gently set him down on the edge of the bed, told him to stay put, and went off in search of a first-aid kit. When he stepped out in the hall he saw Kakashi holding Iruka close, murmuring reassurances. He rummaged through the bathroom and when he found what he was looking for headed back to his blonde. He heard his guardian tell Naruto's that he would take care of the glass, and that he should wait for him in bed. Iruka let himself be ushered off and Sasuke slipped into the room, closing the door behind him.

Naruto met his eyes, then looked away feeling self-conscious. "I'm sorry if I said anything.. weird" he muttered, wringing his hands together.

Sasuke walked over and dropped down in front of him. He pulled Naruto's hands apart, grasping them in his own. "You have nothing to apologize for."

Naruto didn't say anything, that is until Sasuke lifted his leg to peer down at his foot. "Sasuke, I can do that myself."

He tried to pull his foot away, but Sasuke wasn't having it. "Stop fighting me on this, Naruto" he said, pulling out a set of tweezers. "Just let me help you."

The blonde sighed and stopped struggling. "Fine."

"I'm sorry if this hurts" Sasuke whispered, then pulled a shard of glass from the blonde's foot. He flinched, but didn't try to pull away, so Sasuke kept going. Once all of the glass was pulled free, he disinfected the wounds and wrapped his foot. "The cuts weren't that bad" he said quietly, "it shouldn't take long to heal."

"Thanks" Naruto murmured.

Sasuke scooped him up again and layed him down, pulling the covers over him. Naruto stared up at him with wide uncertain blues. The raven hesitated for a moment, then switched off the light and settled into bed with him. The nightlight revealed the blonde's surprise as he watched Sasuke settle in beside him.

"Umm.. what are you doing?"

Sasuke turned to lay on his side, looking over at his blonde. "What's it look like? I'm going to sleep."

"In my bed."

"Yep."

"Sasuke.." he sighed.

"Naruto.." he countered.

"I'm fine. Seriously. You can go back to your room."

Sasuke reached out and tucked a stray blonde lock behind his ear. "You're not fine, and I'm not leaving you."

Naruto bit his lip, not trusting his voice.

"You don't have to pretend to be ok, you know" Sasuke said quietly, dark eyes never leaving his face. "I know you're scared; I know you're hurting. And I wish I could take it away."

Naruto turned away, but Sasuke lightly grabbed hold of his chin and lifted it, forcing their eyes to meet. "I won't let that happen to you again, but I can't change that you've already been hurt. So, just let me comfort you."

Tears slipped down his whiskered cheeks as Sasuke's words settled into his chest. The raven opened his arms and Naruto slid into them, curling up against his side. Sasuke pulled him into a tight embrace and nestled his face in his hair. "I'm sorry, Naru" he murmured, rubbing the blonde's back, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't" Naruto choked, "please don't talk about it. Just… just be here."

Sasuke nodded. "Ok." He turned towards Naruto, found his lips, and kissed him- firmly, slowly. When he pulled away Naruto turned his blushing face up towards him, eyes wide. "Why did you..?"

"Because you wanted to" Sasuke said quietly, "but I know you'll never say it."

Naruto's blush deepened.

"Goodnight, Naru" Sasuke murmured.

Naruto gave a soft smile then dropped his head onto the Uchiha's chest, sinking deeper into his embrace. "Goodnight, 'ske."

- - -

Naruto was nervous as fuck when he finally returned to Konoha High. He couldn't imagine the kind of rumors that had been ricocheting through the school- about him, about everything that happened. He knew how teenagers were. They were always ready to make anything and everything a scandal. Throw in the picture that had already been circulating, and they were sure to assume something sordid was happening. Last time he was here, it was obvious from their side glances and harsh whispers that they thought he liked it- like he was whoring his way around and they weren't in the least bit surprised.

Naruto didn't want to hear it, didn't want to relive that horrible day with their repulsive words funneling into his thoughts. He just wanted to act like nothing happened, and for the rest of them to do the same. So, he was very surprised when none of that happened. In fact, as soon as he stepped onto school grounds it was the complete opposite. Instead, worried eyes followed him everywhere.

He stared back at them, then at Sasuke. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

Sasuke nodded. "Looks like they figured out what really happened."

"Great."

Sasuke gave him a curious look. "What's wrong with that?"

Naruto stopped in his tracks, his stomach in knots. "Sasuke.. please tell me this wasn't you."

"It wasn't me" Sasuke reassured him. "I already told you what I did when everything happened, and we've been with each other every day since then."

Naruto believed him, but that meant all of this made even less sense. "Then why..?"

A student he had never seen before, let alone talked to, approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Naruto- if you ever need help with anything, anything at all, I am here for you. We're here for you."

Naruto stared back at the green-clad teen, with his wide earnest eyes and crudely chopped bangs. He didn't know how he was supposed to respond to this- he didn't even know the guy. And he didn't know how much he knew- though it definitely seemed like it was more than he wanted.

"Umm.. ok."

A brunette with a mused ponytail and tired eyes moved up to them and dropped an arm on the other's shoulder. "Come on, Lee. Give 'em some space." He looked over at the pair. "Sorry about that, he means well."

"Uhh.. it's fine" Naruto said, a large plastic smile slipping into place. "It was.. umm- it was nice to meet you, Lee."

"You as well, Naruto! Ahh- ok, ok, I'm leaving. I said ok! You can let go already, Shikamaru!"

The brunette sent a wave back at them as he dragged his friend off and, after a shared bewildered look, the two continued their journey inside.

Sasuke could see that Naruto was anxious about what else might transpire today, and he was just as anxious to protect him from it. From all of it. But he also didn't want to interfere. He wouldn't get in the way of Naruto connecting with people, if that's truly what he wanted, but it didn't stop him from feeling the need to keep them away from what's his. If it was up to Sasuke, none of them would be allowed anywhere near Naruto, but he knew it wasn't. He was torn- unsure of whether he should do what's right or what felt right.

Because they definitely weren't the same thing.

"Naruto."

Deep blue eyes found his. "Yeah?"

"Let's talk."

Sasuke pulled his unsuspecting blonde into a single-stall bathroom, locking the door behind them. He didn't like the fear that crawled over his face when he realized he was trapped with Sasuke, but he forced down the sharp emotions. Now wasn't the time for it. "Are you really ok with all of this?" he asked.

"What- being at school?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "With people suddenly being all over you. That Lee guy, and-"

"No, Sasuke. Ok? I'm not." He roughly dragged his fingers through his hair, fighting back the anxiety and tension swirling inside him. "But what am I supposed to do? Be mad at them for trying to help? Is that what you want me to do?"

Obsidian eyes narrowed. "I don't want you to do anything."

Naruto gave him a pointed look. "You are a lot more obvious than you think you are."

Sasuke took a step towards him, eyes burning. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Naruto didn't pull away from him, but he didn't look too sure about him getting closer either. Sasuke could tell that he was nervous, yet still determined to keep the heat in his eyes. "It means that I can see how fucking jealous you are. So I know exactly what you want me to feel about all of this."

Unable to contain his growing agitation, Sasuke closed the distance between them and slammed his hand against the wall, trapping his blonde.

Naruto clenched his jaw. "Don't be like this."

"Like what?" Sasuke shot back. "Apparently you already have me all figured out. So enlighten me, Naruto. What am I being like?"

Blue eyes flared with anger. "This, Sasuke. This is what I'm talking about! Why are you so pissed off anytime someone else pays attention to me?! Why are so fucking jealous? It's not-" he gave an exasperated sigh, "I'm not interested in anyone else. How is that not obvious to you?"

"I know" Sasuke said, trying to rein it in, but still failing in his attempts. "I fucking know that, ok? I just.. I don't trust them. Any of them. I don't want them to get to you."

"Get to me how?"

Sasuke took a step back, letting his arms fall to his sides. "I just don't want them fucking with your head."

Naruto stared at him, completely confused. "Why do you assume they would?"

"Because that's what people fucking do, Naruto! They see something real and vulnerable and new, and they get you to question it. They make you doubt everything, make you hate yourself for who you are, and when they do you're never the same."

Naruto stared at the raven, trying to understand, but he was completely lost. And he knew why. "This isn't about me, is it Sasuke.."

The raven gritted his teeth, eyes blazing. "Yes. It is."

The blonde shook his head. "No. I think you're worried because all of that happened before."

He could see the anger rising in Sasuke, his control wearing thin. He needed to calm him down, and then he needed to get out of here. Sasuke wasn't thinking clearly- not about him. And he didn't want to face what those memories would turn him into.

While things seemed to be getting better between them, Minato was still there. Naruto could feel it- the memory of Sasuke's past love and trauma sitting between them. He was still a part of Sasuke- a part that tore at him constantly. And sometimes it unleashed something that wasn't Sasuke at all. Something broken and hollow- something that made Naruto feel on edge. He could see Sasuke falling into that deep dark pit now, and he wanted to stop it- before he couldn't find his way back out.

"I'm not naïve" Naruto said, trying to keep a firm hold on his own dignity while calming his irate raven. "I know what people are like. I know what they're capable of…"

He ran his fingers over the scars on his face, and something stilled in Sasuke. The fire in his eyes smothered down to embers, cooling his temper.

"Fuck" Sasuke shoved back ebony strands as he eyed his dejected blonde. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I don't know why I acted like that."

Naruto gave a small, sad smile. "Yes, you do." He debated saying more, but couldn't stop himself from adding, "I'm here, Sasuke. When you're ready to talk about it."

A spark of anger ignited, but Sasuke was quick to douse it. Well, most of it. "Don't bring that up here" he said through clenched teeth.

Naruto looked away, biting the inside of his cheek. "Ok."

Sasuke took a deep breath and pulled back. "I'm sorry for freaking out like this."

Naruto gave him a playful jab. "It's ok, Teme. I always knew you were kind of crazy."

He gave him a look, one that made his mouth go dry. "Sasuke..?"

The raven looked away. "You might not find that as funny later" he said quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing. Let's go." He threw open the door and stepped into the hallway.

When Naruto caught up to him, he looked over and noticed those far away eyes- the same ones he had when he looked at him and saw Minato instead. He wanted to know- what that look was for, what he meant when he said that, what really happened last year- but his wonderings stayed trapped behind his teeth.

Will he ever tell me what happened..?

"Woah.. Sasuke? Is that you?"

The Uchiha stopped in his tracks. Naruto saw his expression change fast, his dazed look turn to one of sharp fear. Sasuke turned around to face whoever it was, and Naruto did the same. The guy looked to be their same age. He was tall, as tall as Sasuke, with the same porcelain pale skin. A shock of red hair hung low, and hazy green eyes widened as they slipped from Sasuke's face down to Naruto's.

"Holy shit" he breathed, "he looks just like Minato."

Sasuke visibly stiffened. "Don't say his name."

The redhead switched his gaze back to the raven. "Does Blondie know..?"

"Gaara, stop."

The redhead took a step closer to them, his eyes flashing with interest. "Maybe I should be the one to tell him then, hm?"

Naruto's stomach tightened. "Tell me what..?" He looked up at Sasuke, but his eyes were locked on the redhead- his dark gaze heavy. He looked terrified.

"Gaara. Not here, ok.. just-"

"You're not the only one who cared about him, Sasuke" the redhead snapped. "And if you didn't keep him all to yourself, that asshole wouldn't have been able to convince him to-"

Sasuke rushed up and grabbed him by the collar, jerking him close. "Don't fucking test me, Gaara" he growled. "You have no fucking idea what you're talking about."

Cloudy green eyes slid back to the anxious blonde. "And he doesn't either, does he? Don't you think you owe him an explanation. I mean- shouldn't he know what he's getting himself into?"

"Sasuke.. what is he talking about?"

"Minato is fucking dead because-"

Sasuke forced the redhead up against the wall and slammed his hand over his mouth. "Another word and I will bash your fucking head in."

Gaara glared back at him, eyes burning with rage. He tried to wrench his hand away from his face, but Sasuke bore down on him. "I mean it, Gaara" he growled, his voice low and thick with menace, "do not say another fucking word about him."

"Sasuke, stop. You're going to get caught. Let's just go." Naruto pulled at his arm, trying to force him to leave, but the raven refused.

"I can't."

"Sasuke-"

The Uchiha jerked his head to the side, glaring down at the blonde. "I fucking can't!!"

Naruto froze. He glanced over at the redhead who was now calmly observing them with far too much interest. It made Naruto feel exposed, vulnerable. That mixed with Sasuke anger- it was.. overwhelming. His throat constricted under their scrutiny, angry tears pricking the corner of his eyes. He didn't like this. He didn't like any of this. "Sasuke- come on. Don't be stupid. Let's just go."

"You want to leave, then fucking leave" he snarled, shoving the blonde back.

Naruto was hurt by his callousness, but he wasn't about to back down. "Fuck this." He grabbed the raven, one arm wrapped around his waist another circling his throat. Using all his strength, he ripped him away from the redhead and forced him back.

Sasuke pulled free and grabbed the blonde instead, his hands tightening on his arms. "Why do you keep trying to stop me?!" he screamed.

"Because I give a shit about you!" Naruto shouted back. "Why are you letting this asshole get to you?"

"Because he knows I'm right" said-asshole cut in.

"Sasuke, let's go. Come on- let's just go."

The Uchiha let his blonde pull him away, but it took everything in him not to rip out of his grasp and wreck Gaara's face. To keep him from ever saying his name again.

"Be careful, Blondie" the redhead called over to their retreating forms. "Otherwise you could end up like-"

Naruto slammed his hands down over Sasuke's ears, shutting out the rest. He brought their faces close, deep blues locked onto those dark, haunted eyes. It broke his heart to see him like that- to see the anger slip away only to reveal the broken bits he had tried to hide. He had never seen Sasuke like this. He looked so.. so lost.

It scared him.

"It's ok" Naruto murmured, pressing their foreheads together. "It's ok, Sasuke. It's ok.."

No, the raven thought, eyes locked onto his blonde's face. His far too loving.. far too trusting face.

It's not.