Fading Scars

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

***Warnings for some graphic material***

Thoughts in Italics


Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Thirty-Nine:

Two days later, Sasuke was seated at the center of the King’s private practice room, doing his best not to be nervous. Neji was opposite him, each of them kneeling precisely on the drawn seals. Iwaki was there to watch, as well as his sons, Koshaku and Ishida, and their own instructor, Chidiwa.

This was it. He'd practiced the hand movements nearly a hundred times by now, had exercised his chakra control. He'd even snuck away from Neji once or twice to gain some advice from the king’s specialists. He was as prepared now as he could ever be. With a deep breath he glanced over his partner, and their audience. "Ready?"

Neji finished tying the bandana over his forehead, covering the curse with more symbols to help ease the transfer of chakra. He met Sasuke's eyes, briefly, and nodded. "Don't worry about me," he murmured. Neji took a few deep breaths, raising his hands to perform the movements for focusing his own power. "All right."

Sasuke nodded. He tried to ignore the others as he folded his hands into the proper seals to perform. "All right," he murmured, closing his eyes for now in concentration. "I'm starting…." His hands began to move, cycling through the proper movements.

Neji shivered when he felt the first tug against his chakra, trying not to fight it--the seals would protect him. But already his forehead was tingling, and as Sasuke continued it started to burn a little. Just hold on--don't make any noise, or he might pause.... Neji clenched his jaw as he felt his power being pulled up by his eyes, making his head start to ache....

Sasuke kept his eyes shut. I know it's going to hurt him. I don't want to see that…. He licked his lips and kept going, murmuring the quiet chant that would help boost his own chakra to the task. Please, let this work. He could feel the different chakra's swirling within his partner, and as the spell engaged in full he pulled, loosening the bond between them.

Neji choked quietly, wavering where he sat, as it felt like a hole had suddenly been driven into his forehead. He had the urge to reach up and cover it, but he managed to hold back by clenching his fingers tightly together. His head was pounding now, the curse scalding, and he could almost hear the hiss of fabric sizzling. Hurry Sasuke--much longer, and....

Sasuke's brow furrowed in concentration. The curse was deeper than he'd expected, despite all the training he'd undergone for this. He bit his lip and continued, forcing the Hyuuga's chakra out, tearing at it with his own. Just a little longer….

He gave a final tear, and suddenly his chakra lashed back at him--the force of the release was so great he was sent tumbling on his back as the spell completed and abruptly dissipated.

Neji was sent in the opposite direction, though he didn't feel the fall--his head was in so much pain that he abruptly grew ill. He rolled onto his side weakly before vomiting. His shaking hands clutched at his chest, though it didn't stop his whole body from quaking. I'm not dying, he told himself firmly, feeling hands trying to support his head and shoulders, pulling him away from the mess he'd made. I'm not.

"Neji?" Sasuke scrambled onto his knees, and when he saw Chidiwa gently supporting his partner he hurried to his side. He's…breathing. But shit, he's so pale. "Neji?" he whispered, helping to keep the boy steady as Koshaku retrieved a cushion for him. He touched Neji's cheek.

He flinched, mostly from the bright lighting in the room and hands that seemed to be all over him. Sasuke...I hurt.... Neji tried to curl up, whimpering as every movement caused his head to throb even worse. "Wa...water," he managed to croak. He reached up, clawing at the headband that felt just too tight.

Sasuke quickly reached up, brushing away at the tattered remains of the headband. He couldn't tell yet if the seal had been removed--his skin was pale, and it looked as if it might have left a scar. When Koshaku pushed a flask of water into his hand he thanked him with relief. "Neji, it's water," he told him, lifting the bag to his lips. "Drink slowly."

Neji did so, though after only a few sips he was urging it up to his forehead. "Hot," he murmured, and when the water hit his skin he hissed--it felt like it was freezing. Fuck, it really hurts.... His stomach twisted suddenly, as if the addition of anything to its contents couldn't be allowed, and winced as he started to gag. This sucks.

Sasuke cringed. Damnit, Neji…but it's almost over, right? He helped Chidiwa lay Neji down among soft cushions, and soon there was a blanket over him as well. Even if it didn't work…this might have been your last chance. Sasuke brushed his fingers through the elder boy's hair, keeping it away from his face. "It's all right, Neji. It'll get better soon…."

He caught Sasuke's wrist, yanking him closer. "Knock me out," he gasped. Neji managed to crack his eyes open just slightly. "Before...I throw up again." If I could just sleep--god, it hurts!

Sasuke bit his lip; he didn't want to see Neji suffer like this. He pulled his hand back, but was quickly stopped by Koshaku. The prince nodded towards his father.

Sasuke glanced up, and was surprised to see King Iwaki beside them, his fingers working to create a sleep jutsu. He sighed. "Thank you, my lord…."

Neji was waiting for a strike, but it didn't come. Instead something cool and dark was sliding over him. For a moment he was granted freedom from the pain, and he sighed in relief. "Good...." Then he was sinking, falling into the welcomed darkness and a deep sleep.

Sasuke watched, still tense, as Neji slowly relaxed and finally appeared to be unconscious. It wasn't until then, when he sat back on his knees with a sigh, that he realized he'd been shaking a little himself. He scraped his sleeve across his sweat-dampened forehead. "Is…that it?" he asked weakly. "Did it work? I can't tell…."

Koshaku and Chidiwa leaned closer, looking over Neji's forehead. "It…looks like it's fading," the younger replied. Straightening, he left Neji to their teacher so he could help support Sasuke. "What about you? It looked like some of it might have backlashed." Reaching over, he took Sasuke's hands, checking to make sure he wasn't injured at all.

"I'm fine," Sasuke assured. His eyes were trained on Neji, watching in wide-eyed amazement as...the scar began to fade. He gulped dryly. "It…worked," he murmured, his hands clenching reflexively around Koshaku's. "It really worked, didn't it? He's free now."

Koshaku nodded, smiling a bit. "Looks like it. We'll be able to see for sure when he wakes up. But in the meantime, come on." He gave Sasuke a little tug, standing up. "Lets get some food for you, then for him when he wakes up, alright?"

Sasuke allowed himself to be prodded upright, though once there he didn't try to leave just yet. He was watching Neji as the scars gradually faded from his forehead. It worked. His stomach tightened. He was a slave, all his life, but now…we've freed him. It hurt him for so long. But he's free, just like I was free. Finally, we've both….

Sasuke gasped at the first touch of unexpected moisture against his cheeks. By the time he lifted his hand to his face he was already crying, overwhelmed and too tired to fight it. He squeezed his eyes shut and covered his mouth, even if it wouldn't be enough to hide him from the others. And he didn't care.

Koshaku smiled, feeling his own gaze growing misty. It's meant so much to them.... Moving closer, he set a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "I'm glad," he said quietly, and was silently thankful as the others tactfully adverted their eyes. "For both of you."

Sasuke nodded, trying to get his breathing under control. He shouldn't have been this sentimental, but he understood at least some of what Neji had been through. Knew how important it was. He leaned a little against Koshaku's shoulder until he was sure he could stand unaided. "Sorry," he murmured, wiping his eyes. "It's just…."

Chuckling softly, Koshaku gave him a little shake. "It's all right. I might not understand it all, but...it's why you came here, right?" He grinned brightly. "Now you're both free, once and for all. I can only imagine." Figuring he might as well, Koshaku gave his partner a firm embrace, patting his back.

Sasuke sagged a little against him, and returned the embrace with strength. "Thank you, Koshaku." He wiped his eyes again before facing the others. "Your Majesties. Chidiwa-san…. Thank you." He lowered himself to his knees once more in a formal bow. "Please look after him."

Chidiwa laughed softly. "What do you think I've been doing this whole time?" he joked. Edging closer, he carefully scooped the unconscious Neji into his arms. "I'll take him back to his room."

"Thanks," Koshaku said. He gave Sasuke a light slap on the back. "Come on--I'm starving. I couldn't eat at all this morning. Let's pig out."

"Yeah." Sasuke straightened, and managed a smile. "Let's just find the well first," he suggested. "So I can clean up a little." He nodded again to Chidiwa. Rest well, Neji. I'll be there when you wake up.

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Neji wasn't sure he really wanted to wake up at all, his half-asleep mind knowing he would probably only come back to a splitting headache. As it was, when the jutsu finally began to wear off, he found himself...oddly relaxed. There was no pain...none....

He gasped softly. There really was no pain, not even that tiny thread that had always been with him, day and night, working or relaxing or fighting.... His fingers clenched, trembling....

Sasuke jumped a little at the sound of the other stirring. "Neji?" He'd been sitting on the floor nearby, trying to get his thoughts in order. They fell apart again as he pulled a chair up next to Neji. "Hey."

Neji's eyes opened wide, staring around almost in confusion. When he saw Sasuke sitting there, realizing what had happened. It's really gone.... His sight blurred as tears immediately spilt down his cheeks, his shaking intensifying. "It's gone," he whispered, breath gasping. "It's gone...."

Sasuke smiled, his own eyes threatening to water again. "Yeah," he said quietly. He found Neji's hand and held it tightly. "Yeah, it's gone, Neji. There's not even a mark."

He lifted his hand, moving his trembling fingers over the smooth skin, flinching, but when no pain answered.... Neji closed his eyes, giving way to his relieved tears, covering his face with his hand. It's over. Father.... A sob escaped his gasping lips. "Father...."

Sasuke moved to sit on the bed with him, not sure what to say--if there was anything. He settled with rubbing gently at Neji's chest, allowing him the time he needed.

When he had a little better control, Neji was able to look up at his companion. He was still crying, but at the same time was grinning shakily. "Sasuke, it...." His breath caught a moment. "It doesn't hurt anymore." Reaching up, he caught the other's collar, pulling him close. "Thank you--thank you...."

"Hey, it wasn't just me…." But when Neji tugged him like that Sasuke quickly gave in; he fell forward, wrapping Neji up in his arms and squeezing him tightly. "I'm so happy for you," he murmured, finally allowing a few of his own tears to slip free.

Neji hugged him tightly. Father...can you see? He buried his face against Sasuke's neck. I'm free now. I'm really free. It took a few minutes, but he was at last able to pull back and wipe away the last of his tears. He laughed a little, shakily, as he did so. "Shit, that was scary."

Sasuke chuckled, giving Neji's chest a shove before going back to his caress. "You nearly had me panicking," he retorted. "When I felt the backlash…."

"You?" Neji snorted, though he was already relaxing under Sasuke's touch. "It felt...like when Hinata got me. But worse." He shook his head, rubbing at the spot again--he still couldn't quite believe it. "Thank goodness you put me out--I probably would have gotten sick again."

"It was Lord Iwaki," Sasuke told him. "He...was looking after you." He licked his lips. I can't imagine the king of Fire Country doing as much. Or even Hokage…. "How do you feel now?"

He smiled, the expression covering his whole face. "I feel...." Neji took a deep breath, sighing. "Free."

Sasuke's grin broadened. "Good." He lowered himself against Neji's chest, holding him with relief. "I'm glad."

Neji returned the embrace, closing his eyes to better enjoy it. After a few moments he gave the other a little nudge. "Where's everyone else?" he asked. "Did I miss dinner? I'm starving."

"Yeah, but I saved you some." Sasuke pulled reluctantly back, and moved to the room's small table. "I didn't know how long you'd be out, so it's all bread, and cheese, and some fruit. I can get you some soup if you want...?"

"No, thanks. This is fine." Neji easily sat up, marveling that he didn't feel more tired or dizzy as he snatched up the offerings. He was just hungry, so he wasted no time in eating all the other had brought.

Sasuke sat back, watching him--relieved that he seemed to be recovering so quickly. "You really feel okay?" he asked. "You don't look as pale, but…."

He nodded. "I'm all right." Neji swallowed, pausing to better reassure his partner. "A little tired, I guess, but the headache is gone. I'm just hungry after losing my lunch."

Sasuke sighed with relief. "Good." Then it's really over for good. Though…. He licked his lips. "Neji. There's something we should talk about."

"Hmm?" Neji was about to take a huge bite of cheese, but he paused to take a smaller one instead, curious as to Sasuke's tone. "What?"

"I talked to Lord Iwaki a while ago," Sasuke admitted, watching Neji closely for his reaction. "He's been talking about...sending someone to Fire Country." He shifted a little, anxiously. "A show of good faith, I guess. He wants Koshaku to go, and..."

That stopped Neji's eating. He lowered the food, considering.... "Going to Fire...." But if he wants to send Koshaku, then of course.... "He wants us to go," he said, guessing that's what this was about. "The three of us."

"Along with a few of Koshaku's escorts," Sasuke added. They're not so naive as to send two deserters back to Konoha without some extra protection…. "He said he's been thinking of joining Stone Country with the official Chuunin exam. Fire Country...is weak now. They probably won't refuse an alliance."

"That's true...." He sighed, already knowing where this was going. "But the want us, not only because we're some of the best they have, but because we know Konoha." Neji smirked a little. "We know where to look for all the trouble."

Sasuke smiled thinly. "Yeah. And I'm sure Konoha remembers how strong we were, when we left. They probably won't be happy to see us…." His eyes darted away. I wonder…what's happened to everyone.

Neji chuckled a little at that. "No, they won't. But maybe that's part of it; at least then we'll be able to see how they treat us, being ambassadors. Though they do have that new Hokage," he remembered suddenly. "Maybe things have improved."

Sasuke shrugged. "Lord Iwaki says that from what he knows, Konoha still has several very strong Jounin. But politically, they're something of a mess. They might need this alliance." He frowned thoughtfully. "I wonder...if the Jounin he mentioned. Do you think they're...?"

"Hmm?" Oh, he means.... He started on his food again, wanting to finish it before the exhaustion he was expecting kicked in. All the same, he smirked faintly. "If Naruto hasn't made Jounin by now," he said quietly, "I'll be very disappointed."

Sasuke smiled as well; he could barely imagine the trouble Naruto must have gone through--and caused everyone--to reach Jounin. "I guess...I wouldn't mind seeing them," he murmured. "Naruto, and Kakashi…." He sighed. "If you don't think they'd just kick our asses."

Neji shrugged. "We've learned too many new things--I don't think that will be a problem." He started on some of the fruit. "I'd be more worried about the new Hokage, really, and the older Jounin." His eyes narrowed. "And Hyuuga."

"You were the best Hyuuga had even before we left," Sasuke replied. "And now we have jutsu they've never seen. Hyuuga can't lay a hand on you." Sasuke smirked. "And especially not with me there."

Neji smirked at that. He can't do anything to me now. "What, are you going to protect me?" he asked teasingly, nudging the other with his knee. I might have been strong and smart, but they always had something over me. But not anymore.

"Don't I always?" Sasuke retorted, lifting his chin. "I was Konoha's top genin, after all."

"Of your year," he returned. "I was top my year, don't forget." He grinned--the expression felt a little different, more open. Everything was going to be different now. Suddenly not wanting to get into a debate with Sasuke, he reached out to catch the other around the neck, pulling him into a firm kiss.

Sasuke grinned against him. He could tell that his lover had changed somehow, and it was a little exciting. Each of them were finally reaching their goals…. He kissed Neji back eagerly.

Neji pulled back just as suddenly once he was satisfied, and with a smirk stuffed another bite of fruit in after. Everything is working out, just like we'd hoped. "We're going to have to bring a lot of food with us," he said lightly, nudging the purple fruits. "I'd miss these, otherwise."

Sasuke chuckled. "Yeah. Konoha's food is going to taste so dull after this." Though...he might not have minded some ramen from the old man's booth near school…. He shook himself. "Are you tired?"

"Getting there." Neji finished off the rest of the small fruit, nudging the few things that were left aside. The sun was starting to turn red outside his open window, and if dinner was already finished...no one would be looking for them. He smiled as he began to settle on his back once more. "Are you staying?"

"If you want me to," Sasuke replied. "I wouldn't want to keep you from resting…." He gave Neji's chest a pat. "But I've been here for a while already, a while longer can't hurt."

Neji shook his head. "What makes you think you're going to keep me up?" he teased, sinking into the thick mattress. "I sleep better with you with me, you know."

Sasuke blushed a little; that was almost too romantic for him. "If you say so." He climbed into bed with him. "Unless you're implying something about my…abilities in bed."

He snorted, and when Sasuke was close enough pulled the other up alongside him. "No. I'm talking about you being my bedwarmer," he teased, and he tugged the blankets up over them. "There. Much better."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, but he couldn't say he didn't enjoy the closeness. He settled easily against Neji's chest. "Just get some sleep, okay? You probably need it."

"You too," he replied, closing his eyes. It really was better with Sasuke curled against him. Offering a quiet sigh, he suddenly found himself already being drawn asleep. His fingers brushed lazily against the younger boy's back a moment before falling still. "Good night...."

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