Hold On Tightly, Let Go Lightly

WARNING!!!!! THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS VIOLENCE AND RAPE!!! PLEASE BEWARE OF THIS WARNING!!!!

 

Reviews from AFF.net

 

Mitsuko: Thanks for being so patient!!!!

 

Golden Kitsune: I’m sorry! I thought I had responded to you. Either way, I am now! As for my vacation I went to an anime convention.

 

Nejislady: Thanks so much for your reviews!!! I’m glad you’re enjoying the story.

 

Smint45: He’ll definitely make it up to him!

 

MisatosPenPen: Oh trust me, Minato shows up alright…

 

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Sasuke hadn’t moved in about ten minutes since Naruto had bolted from the room. He had wanted so badly to go after the blonde, hating the heartbroken look that crossed the boy’s features, but he didn’t think he could say anything. He sat up and ran a hand through his hair, wondering what the hell he was going to do. He could hear Naruto crying in the next room and felt his own heart break as he heard his lover’s anguish.



He had to fix this... it was his fault after all. He still wasn’t able to deal with that kind of pressure and it pissed him off so much that more often than not, it was perceived as rejection.



Standing up, he slid on his boxers and headed out into the hallway, walking up to the door and knocking softly. “Naruto... please open the door... I want to talk to you.”



“N-No,” Naruto stammered, wiping angrily at his eyes. It only angered him more that more tears replaced them. “I know what you’re going to say, and I don’t want to talk about it.”



His self-loathing had only grown during those ten minutes. Making sure the door was locked; he stood and headed to his dresser to dig out clothes, jeans and a sweatshirt. He tugged them on and grabbed his backpack, sliding it over his shoulders.



“I want to leave. Just… I need to take a walk or something. I need some time by myself…” He stood on the other side of the door, squeezing his eyes shut and willing his tears away. “Please, just let me go for a bit.”



Sasuke felt his panic rise even more at those words and he felt his own tears well up. “Naruto... please, I’m not angry, I just didn’t expect it... I don’t want you to feel like I don’t feel the same I just...” he couldn’t continue, still not quite sure how he felt yet.



“I don’t blame you, Sasuke. I promise I don’t. I’m the one that dropped that bomb on you...” Naruto muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers. “I mean, it’s true, but… I didn’t mean to say it so early…”



Tentatively, he unlocked the door and stepped out, but he couldn’t look at Sasuke. He just couldn’t. “I’ll… I’ll be back tomorrow.” Without waiting for an answer, the blond headed for the door.



Not even thinking about what he was doing, Sasuke grabbed Naruto’s wrist and pulled him against his own body, holding the boy close. “Please... don’t go Naruto. I know it’s only for a night but... I don’t think I can stand you being gone even for that long. I can’t... be alone after that... What we just shared together... I need you with me.”



A minute of tense silence stretched between them, Naruto’s brain warring with his heart. On one hand, he really, really wanted to get away. He was humiliated – more so than he’d ever been before. But on the other one, he didn’t want to leave, and he certainly didn’t want to upset Sasuke anymore than he already had.



“I really didn’t mean to,” the blond whispered, lifting his hand to cup Sasuke’s cheek. “I’m so sorry I did that to you. We had an amazing date, and made it official, and then I went and fucked it up.”



A single tear fell, but he made no move to wipe it away. “I wanted to keep it to myself, but I got so swept up in the moment that it just came tumbling out. I didn’t even know what I said until you reacted… or didn’t react, I guess. I’m just… really sorry.”



“Listen to me, there’s no reason for you to be sorry. I am so happy you feel that way Naruto... I am... I’m just... I’m not good with the sentimental emotions so it takes me a bit to articulate my own feelings. I don’t want you to think I don’t feel something for you, I do but... Like I said, it was just unexpected.” Sasuke continued to hold Naruto close, not willing to let the blonde leave, not after such an intimate moment. “Please... don’t go.”



“I won’t,” Naruto whispered, rearing up on his tip-toes and threading his arms around Sasuke’s neck. He dropped his forehead against the bare chest, sniffling loudly. “I’ll stay with you, S’uke. I’ll stay as long as you want me to…”



Love… It was the last thing Naruto thought he would feel for another. If he were honest, he’d never thought himself capable of feeling it. It was foreign and a little uncomfortable, but somehow, standing there in Sasuke’s arms – every time he found himself in Sasuke’s arms, it felt right. It was exactly where he needed to be.



“I won’t go. I promise…”



xx



Sasuke paced his bedroom in his tux minus his jacket. It had been a month since Naruto had confessed his love to Sasuke but it had gotten a bit more comfortable between them since then. It was a bit rocky after that for a couple weeks. Naruto seemed to be extra careful around Sasuke, no matter how much Sasuke reassured the blonde. Eventually, they were able to overcome the awkwardness once more and were almost back to how they were before it had happened. Sasuke still hadn’t said those three words but he was sure Naruto knew it wasn’t because it wasn’t true.



The day of the charity banquet had finally rolled around and Sasuke had to admit he was a bit nervous about the whole thing. He hated crowds, especially crowds at social functions like this where a lot of important people were going to be in attendance, hell; even the mayor was going to be there... Heaving a sigh, Sasuke headed to the closed door of the guest room and knocked.



“Naruto, if you don’t hurry we’ll be late.” The blonde had been locked in the bedroom for about thirty minutes now getting on his own black tux. “Do you need help?”



“I can’t get my tie!” Naruto grumbled, a pout obvious in his voice. “Are these things fucking magic or something?”



Throwing open the door, the blond stepped out wearing a snug black suit, complete with orange button down shirt that had black pinstripes running through it. His tie was black, as well, made of satin that matched the colour of his dress shoes. His hair was mussed perfectly with gel and his eyes were bright with excitement.



“Does it look okay?” he asked hesitantly, stepping closer so Sasuke could help with his tie. He glanced over his boyfriend once, twice, and a wicked smile graced his face. “You look hot, S’uke. No, not even hot, you look smoking hot.”



“Always the charmer aren’t you?” Sasuke smiled as he tied the blonde’s tie, standing a bit closer than he really had to.  “You look amazing by the way. I think I like you in suits...” He kissed the blonde’s tan nose after the tie was finished and stepped back to look at the finished product. “Perfect...”



“Hm.. Who’s the charmer again?” Naruto smirked, smoothing his tie down and buttoning his jacket. He found Sasuke’s and had the raven put it on so he could button it up for him. “At least I’m going as your boyfriend. Now I have an excuse to tell all the ladies to back off. Believe me, they’re gonna be looking at you.” He tugged Sasuke’s bottom lip between his teeth and then stepped towards the door, opening it for them. “You ready to do this, S’uke?”



Grabbing what he needed, Sasuke stepped out into the hallway and locked the door behind him after Naruto shut it. “As ready as I’ll ever be. I’m not looking forward to this but at least it’ll be somewhat enjoyable with you...”



“Oh, come on! It’ll be fun, S’uke!” Naruto insisted for what felt like the millionth time in the past month. “I’m totally stoked for this! I’d never even imagined I’d have the chance to mingle with you big shots, let alone on the arm of the biggest big shot.” He flashed Sasuke a grin as they stepped into the elevator and began the journey downwards. “Stop worrying about it. What’s the worst that can happen, honestly?”



xx



It had been an hour since they had arrived at the banquet and Sasuke had been correct so far. The people there were stuffy rich snobs who felt that they were special because they gave a few thousand dollars to a charity. Of course Sasuke was donating to the same charity but he was genuinely glad to do it, it wasn’t like he was using the money so why not give to those who actually need it?



Looking over at Naruto, who was happily gathering food at the refreshment table, Sasuke smirked just a bit at how lucky he felt to have such a wonderful boyfriend that he could call his.  Walking up to the blonde, Sasuke kissed the tan cheek quickly before grabbing a glass of champagne from the table.  “Having a good time are we?” he asked with a smile still on his face.



“Hell yeah!” Naruto grinned, and then flushed when the old lady beside him glared. “I mean, yeah. It’s awesome. The food’s awesome, and even though the people… well, you know. I’m happy to be here with you, S’uke.”



Stealing his boyfriend’s champagne flute, he took a small sip before handing it back and popping a bite of shrimp into his mouth. “I’ll be back, okay? Gotta run to the bathroom.” Handing Sasuke his little plate of treats, the blond disappeared into the crowd.



Only to be replaced by another blond.



“Sasuke Uchiha,” a voice spoke from the right. “Konoha’s genius attorney.” The crowd parted to let through a tall blond dressed in a perfectly pressed black suit. He carried an air of authority about him, but there was something hidden beneath it.



“I’ve been meaning to meet you for a long time now, but it seems my attention is always hoarded at functions like these. Minato Namikaze,” the man greeted, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”



It was a bit strange, it was almost like Sasuke disliked the man on sight but... why? He was the mayor and he’d never even met the man before, why would he have this feeling? “Nice you meet you Mr. Namikaze. And thank you for your words of praise for my work. I try my best to give my clients everything they need to feel at peace.”



“I must admit, you’re different than I thought you’d be, Sasuke,” Minato smiled. “I pictured you to be like any other vulture in this room. I’m pleasantly surprised.” Lifting his champagne flute, the blond swallowed the contents in one go.



“I also heard you were here with a date… a blond. Everybody’s talking about it – Konoha’s most formidable bachelor taken. Where is she? I’d love to meet her, as well. The woman everyone is jealous of tonight.”



Frowning at the blonde’s words, Sasuke spotted Naruto out of the corner of his eye and snagged him quickly. “Naruto... I’d like you to meet the mayor  Minato Namikaze... Mr. Namikaze, this is the blonde every one’s been talking about, My boyfriend...”



Naruto simply stood there, rooted to the spot. His eyes were wide and horror-stricken, his frame beginning to tremble. His face drained of colour and his stomach lurched, his gut twisting horribly. “Y-You….” He whispered, his voice broken as he broke through his stupor and took a stumbling step back.



“Well, I must say, you were the last person I expected to see here, Naruto,” Minato drawled, his smile widening to something wicked as his gaze trailed over the younger blonde’s body. “And as Sasuke’s boyfriend…” He shook his head. “Tell me, how have you been, my little monster?” His voice dropped low and a hint of malice snuck into it as he uttered that single word – but still, he never lost that smile. “I’ve missed you, Naruto…”



Seeing the teen’s reaction, Sasuke became worried instantly as he grabbed a hold of the tan hand. “Naruto... are you alright?”



Looking then at the blonde man in front of him it finally clicked... the resemblance was just too striking. How had he not noticed? “Naruto... stay right here with me... I got you.” his eyes never left Minato, rage evident in the man’s eyes. He knew what this man had done to Naruto... knew every detail. It was taking all of his will power not to kill the man right then and there.



“How sweet. He told you all about me, did he?” Minato’s eyes held a challenge, seeming to say something along the lines of ‘You know who I am. What do you think you can do about it?’ Stepping forward, he draped his arm around Naruto and pulled him to his chest, hugging him tightly.



Naruto promptly threw up all over Minato’s expensive suit.



The crowd turned towards them. The silence was deafening. Minato held the shaking teen tightly to him, digging his fingers cruelly into his back to keep him in place – to everyone else it looked innocent.



“Ladies and gentlemen,” Minato began, his smile dazzling. “I’d like to introduce you to my son, Naruto Uzumaki. He’s joining me tonight with his boyfriend, Mr. Uchiha.” He gestured graciously to Sasuke. “Naruto here is just a little overwhelmed by all of this. He normally avoids functions like this, but tonight he’s decided to join his old man, and this noble cause.”



Cameras flashed all over the place. Naruto groaned and turned his head, blinking rapidly as the lights blinded him. He was panting raggedly, almost on the verge of hyperventilating. His lungs ached and his throat had clamped shut; he couldn’t breathe.



“If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’d better see to it that he’s cleaned up.” And with that Minato whisked Naruto away, the two blonde’s disappearing into the crowd.



Sasuke tried to follow but the reporters were all over him with questions about new budding relationships. Usually Sasuke would have no problem shoving his way through the crowd but he could clearly see several men with concealed weapons stationed around the room and knew if he tried to go for Naruto, he’d probably get shot. There really was nothing he could do but wait, but it killed him inside to do so.



As soon as the door was shut, Naruto was shoved. He couldn’t catch his balance. He crashed to the floor, whimpering as he landed on the hard wood.



“You thought you could get away from me, did you?” Minato hissed, standing over the boy. His features were consumed with rage as he kicked out, hitting Naruto in the side. Hard. He did so again and again, relishing the painful cries he pulled from the teen. “It was only a matter of time, Naruto. You couldn’t have run from me forever. You’re mine. Mine to do with as I please. Mine to hurt-” He accentuated this by stomping down on Naruto’s stomach, watching him choke and cough a little blood into his hand. “and mine to love.”



Kneeling on the ground, Minato brushed his fingers almost tenderly over the scars adorning Naruto’s cheeks. The fear surrounding the boy was almost stifling. Intoxicating. “How could you leave me, after all I’ve done for you? I took care of you, even after you killed your mother. Even when you became a monster.”



He grabbed Naruto’s cheek, his nails digging in so sharply they left little cuts. “Don’t ever think you can escape me. You might’ve had a little… vacation of sorts, but you’re going to come home. Until you’re eighteen, you belong to ME!” Smashing the blond head against the floor, he turned the boy over none-too-gently onto his hands and knees, yanking off his tie and stuffing it into Naruto’s mouth. “I’ll show you… don’t you worry, little monster… I’ll show you…”



Naruto’s eyes widened and he tried to crawl away, but he was pulled back and held down. He was still groggy from his head being hit on the floor, and his body was raked with dizziness; the pain in his stomach and side were so intense he could barely move. Before he knew what was happening, his hands had been bound behind his back with his own tie and his pants had been yanked down. Tears streamed down his face as he felt his father move behind him, and felt hands grazing over his cheeks, parting them. And then pain as Minato pushed inside, the like he hadn’t felt in a long, long time and never thought he’d have to endure again.



It had been ten minutes and the two hadn’t emerged yet. Sasuke could only imagine what the blonde man was doing to his lover... his imagination wasn’t making him feel any better, in fact it was making him angry.



Looking around, he tried to figure out if there was any possible way he could get in without the guards seeing him. But he knew it was impossible, they were pretty much all watching him. He really had no choice but to just stand there. No one else seemed to know anything and were enjoying their time, it sickened him...



“Do you understand now, Naruto?” Minato purred, pulling out and fastening his pants on his hips, leaving the boy lying on the floor, a mess of cum and blood.  He also pulled the makeshift gag out. “You may think you belong to Sasuke, but you’re wrong. I’ll have you back home, but for now, that should be enough to make you remember…”



Laughing to himself, he nudged the weeping blond with the toe of his shoe, prodding the area on his side where huge bruises were blossoming.



“I… I won’t…” Naruto sobbed, gagging a little as blood from his ruined lip dripped into his mouth. He’d nearly bitten right through it while his father pounded into his body. “Won’t… come back. Ever…”



A hand wrapped around his throat, squeezing tightly. Naruto yelped, but couldn’t pull the grip away, as he was still bound. It tightened and tightened, until he couldn’t breathe at all. There would be a huge bruise there. His lungs burned for air and his throat struggled to pull more in, but it was cut off.



“What don’t you understand about this, Naruto?” Minato snarled, but he calmed after a few seconds. “Perhaps I’m going about this the wrong way. Perhaps you don’t care enough about yourself. Perhaps I should turn my attention to your little boyfriend…”



Naruto’s eyes widened and he shook his head vigorously, gasping for breath as the hand was removed. “N-No… Leave S’uke out of this…”



“Well, that’s entirely up to you, isn’t it?” Minato stood, smirking wickedly at his son. “I could end his career in a heartbeat. I’m the Mayor. My word will be taken over anyone’s. Keep that in mind, Naruto.” Without another word, the man disappeared.



Still sobbing, Naruto pulled himself up with a wince and tried to do his pants up. His fingers were trembling so horribly that it took him nearly five minutes. He stumbled out of the room, and ended up going right past Sasuke in his haste to get out of the building.



Seeing Minato leave the room looking more than satisfied with himself, Sasuke wanted so desperately to do... something.. But there was really nothing he could do at that moment with people everywhere. Plus, Naruto was more important right then.



He blinked as said blonde streaked passed him toward the front and Sasuke quickly followed, catching the boy as he stumbled on his way out the door. It was then that he got his first good look at him.



“Oh god... Naruto.... “ He had no words passed that, it was obvious the blonde had been beaten and Sasuke could think of nothing else than getting them home as quickly as possible.  



Covering Naruto with his own coat, the blonde’s having been lost somewhere into he building, he waited impatiently for the valet, gently helping Naruto into the car, pulling back suddenly when the blonde yelped in pain.



The last person Naruto wanted to see was Sasuke. He was in pain, humiliated, degraded, completely disgusted with himself and covered in vomit. But he didn’t have it in him to protest as he was led to the car. He didn’t say or do anything until he was starting to sit, and his injuries flared with startling pain. He sat inside, anyway, completely refusing to look at Sasuke. He could barely see past his tears, anyway. “F-Fine… J-Just wanna go home…”



Wincing, he reached out and grabbed the door handle, slamming it closed. He curled up in a miserable ball on the seat, pulling his legs up and burying his face against his knees as his tears came even harder.



The car ride was silent. Sasuke glanced over at the passenger’s seat every now and then to see if Naruto was still awake. He seemed to stay awake the whole ride. Once they arrived at the building, Sasuke helped Naruto inside and up the elevator to the condo, sitting the blonde on the couch and helped him remove his shoes.



Sitting at his feet for a moment, Sasuke tried to figure out what he should say...



“Naruto-”



Naruto sat silently on the couch for a moment, staring at a spot on the carpet as though it was the most interesting thing he’d ever seen. He had no idea what to say. He really didn’t want to admit to Sasuke what had happened, but knew he would have to eventually.



Sliding off the couch, he immediately climbed into Sasuke’s lap, curling up in his arms and letting loose. He choked on violent sobs, his body trembling horribly as he clutched at his boyfriend’s shirt as though his life depended on it. “I- I hate him so much… I hate him and… and I can’t do anything about it ‘cus he’s the Mayor and n-nobody would believe me… everyone l-loves him…”



Sasuke’s arms were immediately around the shaking boy, not even caring he was getting vomit all over his suit from Naruto’s suit. He let Naruto speak, not wanting to interrupt, knowing that it would be better for the blonde to get it all out now. He rocked the smaller male back and forth, rubbing his back and stroking his blonde locks, letting the boy cry himself out.



So far all he could tell was that Minato had beaten Naruto... most likely for running away but... why didn’t the man take his son with him? Why let him go back to Sasuke...?



“H-He said… He said I have to go b-back to him,” Naruto whispered through his tears. “I-If I don’t, he’ll… He’ll take it out on you, S’uke, and I can’t let that happen…” His voice was fierce as he said that, and his grip tightened on Sasuke’s shirt, so tight that his knuckles turned white and ached. “B-But you might… you might hate me now, ‘cus of what he d-did… P-Please don’t h-hate me… Please… I- I didn’t want it…”



The last sentence clicked in his head. The bastard had raped his own son? Feeling a bit sick, Sasuke just held Naruto closer, his voice was low and soft in the blonde’s ear. “I would never hate you baby... I know you didn’t want it... I know.” He held the boy close, not wanting to move. He wasn’t sure what else to say, it just hurt him so much to see his boyfriend in so much pain.



“W-Why do I have to be the m-monster?” Naruto whispered as his tears finally began to ebb. “I- I don’t want to go back, S’uke… But I can’t let anything happen to you… No, I- I gotta go back to him. I don’t c-care what he does to me… I’m not gonna let him ruin y-you…” Sniffling, he rubbed at his eyes and frowned at the big wet spot that had formed on Sasuke’s chest. “It’s m-my fault for not telling you… I-I’m so sorry…”



“Naruto, listen to me... I don’t care what he does to me. I don’t care at all. I just want you.. that’s all I want Naruto, I want you with me and I want you to be happy. You won’t if you go with him.” Holding Naruto a bit closer, his kissed the top of the blonde head. “Plus, he has nothing... I have proof of what he did to you... it’s all over your body.”



“I care,” Naruto whispered, his voice shaky. “He would turn it around… Make it look like you took me, and hurt me… And I’m not eighteen yet, S’uke. If he comes to get me, I have to go with him…” The reality of that struck him like a ton of bricks. He had no choice.



Sasuke felt his stomach tighten in fear. He knew Naruto was right but he didn’t want to give up. It wasn’t right... “We’ll move then. I’ll... I’ll get another job somewhere outside of this state. We can’t let this tear us apart Naruto, we have to fight it somehow.” It was so painful to think about a life without the blonde, a life without the love he had discovered... it would feel so empty.



“No… We can’t. Your job is here, and you’re successful… I can’t ask you to move and start all over again for me.” Naruto shook his head and slowly slid from Sasuke’s lap, wincing as he stood. He could feel something sticky running down his thighs and the thought of what it was almost made him sick. “We’ll figure it out… But right now, I need to shower…”



Padding into the washroom, he looked at himself in the mirror. A bruise was forming on his neck, in the shape of a handprint. Tugging off his shirt, he examined the ones blossoming on his side, and stomach. It was entirely possible that he’d broken a rib, but he didn’t want to think about that. Right then, he just wanted to wash off the traces of his father.



Sasuke remained on the floor for a few more moments, trying to let everything sink in. He didn’t know what to do for Naruto. It was apparent the blonde was in pain in the physical sense as well as emotionally and he wanted nothing more than to make everything bad disappear from his boyfriend’s mind. But of course that was impossible.



After he heard the shower start, he stood slowly and headed toward the bedroom to change into something a bit more comfortable before going into the kitchen to make some coffee, he knew neither one of them would be sleeping much anyway.



Almost as soon as Naruto was in the shower, he slid down against the tiled wall and curled up on the floor. Grabbing the soap and a washcloth, he started scrubbing at his skin. Everywhere. A half-hour passed as he sat there trying to clean himself, but no matter how hard he tried, he still felt dirty. He knew it wasn’t the type of dirt that could be washed off, but he tried anyway.



Another half-hour passed, and then another, and the blond was still in the same position. His skin was red from all the scrubbing. The water had turned cold a long time ago, but he didn’t even notice. He knew Sasuke had to be getting worried, but not even that could make him move.



After a while, Sasuke stood from the couch and headed to the bathroom, checking the door and finding it unlocked. Stepping in he could see Naruto hunched on the floor of the tub directly under the spray and knew he wouldn’t be moving on his own.



Sliding open the glass door, the raven turned off the now icy cold water and gently wrapped Naruto in a towel, talking to the blonde gently, helping him into the bedroom they shared. He kissed the tan cheek and said nothing about the obvious bruises, knowing that it wouldn’t help anything to mention them and just lay on the bed next to Naruto, holding his boyfriend close, and keeping him warm.



Naruto didn’t say anything at all, not as he was forced away from the shower and brought into the bedroom.  He curled up against Sasuke, resting his wet head on the raven’s chest. His skin almost burned from how hard he’d worked at it with the cloth and he felt like he was tainting the Uchiha.



“You shouldn’t touch me,” he finally whispered, sitting up and throwing his legs over the side of the bed. Tears gathered in his eyes again, and he mentally cursed himself. “I’m… disgusting…”



Grabbing the slim wrist gently, Sasuke pulled Naruto back down with him. “Come on... you know I don’t think that... Nothing could make me find you disgusting in any way. It’s not your fault Naruto...”



His arms wound around the blonde, wanting nothing more than to convince the boy that what he was saying was true. “I’ve never found you disgusting.”



Naruto wanted to fight it, but didn’t. He let himself be pulled back down, but shifted away from Sasuke a bit.



“I am…. I was fucked by my dad. My dad, Sasuke!” His tears fell and he sniffled angrily, turning over onto his other side, facing away from Sasuke.



“I- I don’t know if I can stay here… Just sitting here, thinking about it… It keeps replaying in my head and I’m going to go crazy!” He tugged at his hair and sat up. “I need to get out, or something… Something…. No, you know what I need? I need to get drunk… I just… don’t want to feel it right now.” Standing, he headed towards the door so he could get some more clothes. “I’m not going to ask you to help me with that, S’uke, even though I’d rather stay here.”



Standing, Sasuke followed the blonde into the guest room. “Where are you going to go Naruto? You’re sixteen years old, a bar won’t let you drink...”



He was almost fed up with the blonde’s attitude, no matter how much he wanted to hold him and make him better. He expected him to be unreasonable but this was a bit too much for the Uchiha to handle.



“Look, Sasuke. You know I love you,” Naruto started, whirling around to face the raven. “But, is it so much to ask to just… let go and not think for a while? I was just… you know, and… I don’t want to have to deal with it right now. I don’t blame you for what happened. Hell, it was my fault for keeping it from you for so long, but…”



The blond shook his head as he dug clothes out, pulling on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. “I know you’re trying to help me and I really appreciate it… but I don’t want to be all cuddly right now. You have no idea how I feel… I just… I have somewhere to go. I’ll only be gone a few hours…”



“Just... tell me where you’re going. Please Naruto...” Sasuke didn’t touch the blonde, just stood in front of the boy, looking a bit lost. He could understand that Naruto wanted to be alone but it was still tearing him up inside.



“His name’s Orochimaru. He… Helps me out when I need it,” Naruto admitted with a frown. “Don’t worry. Nothing’s gonna happen with him. I’m not stupid enough to fuck up the best thing I have going for me.”



Slipping on his socks, he padded across the room and stopped in front of Sasuke. “Trust me, okay? I love you, and I’ll be back in a bit.” Grabbing his backpack and jacket, Naruto headed for the door. He stopped once and turned to look at Sasuke, before walking out and heading towards the elevator.



Sasuke had almost said those three words back... almost. But to be honest with himself, it wasn’t fair to. He knew it would have been in a desperate attempt to keep Naruto there and he didn’t want to start it off as a lie like that.



Slumping down on the couch, Sasuke contemplated making his own drink... to help him forget as well. After a few moments, he stood to do just that.

 

After two hours passed, the raven wasn’t exactly sober. His vision swam a bit as he stood up to head for the kitchen, feeling hunger eat away at his stomach from the alcohol he had consumed. Looking at the clock on the microwave, he began to worry, Naruto said ‘a couple hours’ and it had already been that long...

TBC