Hold On Tightly, Let Go Lightly

Reviews from AFF.net

 

Smint45: Yep, withdrawals are nasty, people have actually died… stroke, heart-attack…. Pretty nasty stuff.

 

Moodysavage: Oh yes, a lot of depth to these characters which will only  get better later on!

 

FromAfar: To be honest, I had to think a bit on your review haha. I totally get where you’re coming from though and I’d have to say that… as far as Sasuke’s character goes… something as serendipitous as running into the same kid more than twice kind of sticks with you. In Sasuke’s case, he’s cold and indifferent but that’s honestly his way of getting through life (or how he thinks is the best way to get through life.) Then here comes this guy who has nothing and yet something about him draws Sasuke to him (not only in his head but apparently physically as well) It’s not something I can just give you a straight answer to. It’s just how Naruto’s personality effects people I guess. You’ll see it throughout the story. His likable personality is just so hard to dislike and it almost draws a person to him. So, hope that sort of answered your question lol.

 

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All the Uzumaki could do was lay there and struggle to breathe. Sharp pains shot through his arms and legs and his heart was like a battering ram against his ribs. He could feel the rhythm skip a little, and grew honestly worried. He opened his mouth to tell Sasuke, but he couldn’t speak. His voice froze in his throat. He whimpered breathlessly, forced to lie there and suffer, only able to hope that he would make it through this. He drifted, gasping desperately for air and gripping at Sasuke so tightly. He didn’t even hear the raven speaking into his phone, nor did he hear the knock on the front door. He did notice when Sasuke tried to pull away. He whined loudly and grappled for the Uchiha, afraid of being left alone.



Not knowing what else to do, Sasuke picked up the blonde and carried him into the living room, opening the door, a woman rushing in.



"Thanks for coming Sakura... I didn't know what else to do. It would draw too much attention to take him to the hospital." He laid Naruto on the carpeted floor, the blonde still gasping for air.



“Really, I don’t know why you’d take in a homeless kid anyway,” Sakura scoffed as she settled on the floor beside the blond. She laid her ear against his chest and placed her hand gently against Naruto’s mouth to gauge how much air he was getting. It wasn’t much. “It was too much of a shock on his body to just quit like that. You can’t play around with stuff like this, Sasuke. He must have been a heavy user. I don’t think his body is going to be able to handle it. I only came because it was you...” She flashed a smile at the raven, batting her eyes - completely ignoring Naruto for the moment. “And because Tsunade asked me to, but mostly because of you. I’d do anything for you.”



"God damn it Sakura, this isn't the time for you be a bitch, did you bring the methadone or not?" Sasuke knew full well that by this time Naruto couldn't do it on his own. A doctor by the name of Tsunade, a woman he worked closely with was always reliable. But of course she had to send Sakura, the bitchiest woman on Earth.



“Chill,” Sakura snapped. “Of course I brought it.” Pulling a bottle of pills from her pocket, she set them on the floor and turned back to Naruto. “I’m going to give you something to make it better, but you have to sit up.” She didn’t bother trying to help him, and the blond didn’t respond. Rolling her eyes and sighing exaggeratedly, she grabbed him and pulled him up none-too-gently.



Naruto groaned as he leaned back against the couch, but didn’t respond otherwise.



“Hey, come on. Snap out of it,” the pink haired girl snapped, and slapped him in the cheek.



Naruto’s cheek reddened and he seemed to come back to himself, if only for a few moments. But he turned his head, seeking out Sasuke.



“No, look here!” Sakura grabbed his chin and turned his head back.



“Sasuke...” he croaked, holding out his hand for the raven.



Taking the smaller hand immediately in his, Sasuke sat right next to the blonde, helping him stay upright.



"It's alright Naruto, Sakura's a doctor, she's going to give you something that should help make you feel better, ok?" He let Naruto lean on him and saw the exasperated look thrown at him from the woman. "Stop glaring and me and just give it to him." he snapped, his own glare aimed at her.



Sakura withered beneath that glare and angrily popped the lid off the small bottle. Shaking two pills into her hand, she grabbed a glass of water sitting nearby.



“This is Methadone,” she said to the suffering blond. “It’ll mimic the high you got off heroin and help you deal with quitting. It won’t eliminate all your symptoms, but it’s going to help.” She convinced Naruto to swallow the pills with a gulp of water, but since he was having such a hard time breathing and controlling himself, most of the liquid spilled down his chin and soaked his shirt. It was already ruined and stained with sweat, anyways. He did manage to swallow the pills, and then he turned his head so his cheek rested against Sasuke’s chest, panting against him. “It’ll take twenty minutes or so to kick in. I’ll stay in case he gets worse.”



Sasuke nodded, not really in the mood to talk to the pink haired woman any longer. Why couldn't people just let things go? She had always been so resentful toward him ever since he rejected her advances when they had first met.



Focusing on Naruto once again, Sasuke's fingers brushed blonde locks out of the tan face, noticing that the boy was breathing a little bit easier, his breaths still very raspy but at least it seemed a bit easier for him.



Naruto seemed to calm down a little more as Sasuke’s fingers gently swept his hair aside. The motion was soothing, but it was over all too fast.



“... Keep doing it?” he whispered, wrapping his arms around the raven’s middle. He exhaled loudly and all but snuggled against the older man, finding comfort in their closeness as he was able to breathe more normally.



Sakura eyed them with obvious distaste, shifting so she could sit on the edge of the coffee table instead of the floor.



“So, what? Are you guys together or something?” she asked, knowing Sasuke never really behaved like that with anyone. “And don’t lie to me. I helped you out by coming over here, you know. I didn’t have to.”



"I know for a fact that Tsunade would have fired you if you hadn't so I don't have to tell you shit." Sasuke's fingers continued to comb through the blonde locks, his other arm wrapping gently around the slim waist.



“Whatever,” Sakura scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “A blind man could see that you’re together. I’m surprised at you, Sasuke. I didn’t think you would stoop low enough to pick some homeless, junkie trash up off the street.” She smirked after a moment, her eyes trailing over Naruto. “Although I have to hand it to you, he is pretty hot.”



"Ok Sakura, I think it's time for you to go. Thank you for your help I appreciate it more than you know." With that said, the raven gently picked Naruto up and headed back to the bedroom, taking the pills with him.



“Alright, but if he dies it isn’t my fault,” she called as she headed for the door. “You’re the one that asked me to leave.” The door slammed shut a moment later.



Naruto clung weakly to the strong body as he was carried, and sighed as he lay out on the bed. He curled up, pulling a pillow against his chest and hugging it. “I’m so tired,” he muttered. It was now well into the following day, and neither of them had gotten any sleep. “‘M sorry ’m keeping you up...”



"It's ok... I just want to make sure you're comfortable. Are you starting to feel any better?" He sat Naruto up a bit, helping the boy out of his sweaty shirt. He had to admit he was tired but he had stayed up longer than 24 hours before so it wasn't a huge ordeal.



“A little,” Naruto admitted as he lifted his arms to let the shirt pass over his head. The relief was immediate. He was still feverish, and even that helped. “Mm... that feels better,” he hummed, reaching down to try and unfasten his pants. His fingers were still too shaky to manage them. Uncaring about revealing himself, as long as he had relief from the heat, he just wiggled right out of them, leaving himself in only his tight boxers.



Sasuke tried not to stare as the teen’s body was revealed to him but in all honesty, he couldn't help it. Even though Naruto was skinny from not eating he was still pretty good looking, although he would look better with a bit more weight on him.



"Do you want a shower... I'm sure that'll make you feel even better." Well that wasn't awkward at all. He all but asked to help in that statement, knowing full well that Naruto probably didn't have much strength to stand for very long.



“Y-Yeah,” Naruto muttered. “A cold one...” Struggling to the end of the bed, he planted his feet on the floor and tried to stand. His muscles ached way too much and they gave out after only a few steps. The blond crumpled onto the floor and looked to Sasuke pathetically. “M-Maybe I should shower l-later...”



Helping the blonde to his feet once more, Sasuke led the boy to the bathroom, sitting him down on the toilet lid.



"I'll help you if you want..." He had gotten over his initial shock of what he was saying and went back to his plan from the night before, just go with it...



“Y-You will?” Naruto asked, his hazy eyes searching over the raven’s face. He looked uncertain for a moment, but he didn’t even want to try and sleep until he wasn’t covered in sweat. And he was exhausted. “Okay, I- I guess.”



Nodding, Sasuke turned on the shower, making sure the temperature was cool but not too cold, he didn't want Naruto to get sick on top of his withdrawal symptoms. He didn't even pause before he began to strip himself of his own clothing, trying not to let it bother him but he could still feel the slight blush to his cheeks.



Naruto’s eyes immediately locked on Sasuke, watching as that flawlessly pale skin was revealed to him. He wanted to reach out and touch it, to run his fingers down that slender side, all the way to the raven’s sexy hips. Lifting his own off the toilet, he worked his boxers off until he was left completely nude.



Sasuke hesitated for just a moment before letting his own boxers fall and stepped out of them. This was their first time seeing each other completely exposed and Sasuke felt cheated. It was an unfortunate circumstance to have one of their 'firsts' like that but the raven wasn't going to dwell on it.



Rolling the glass door to the side to create an opening for them, Sasuke held out his hand to the tan blonde in invitation, knowing the teen would need help getting into the shower.



Naruto’s gaze immediately snapped downwards, zeroing in on the creamy skin of the raven’s ass. He swallowed heavily and stood, stepping closer and taking Sasuke’s hand. He did indeed need help getting into the shower, and sighed as soon as that cool water touched his skin. It felt amazing. He leaned heavily against the Uchiha, needing his help to even stay standing.



Letting the blonde lean against him, Sasuke just let Naruto relax for a moment under the spray, he had to admit it was pretty cold but he would take it if it meant making Naruto comfortable.



After a few more minutes, Sasuke maneuvered the two of them toward the ledge of the tub letting Naruto sit on the floor in between his legs, it was pretty wide due to the size of his tub and it wasn't until now that he really appreciated it.



Taking the shower-head from its resting place, Sasuke handed it to Naruto while he grabbed the shampoo, the smell of coconut wafting through the room as he put some in his hand.



Naruto sighed heavily and leaned back, not even caring that he could feel Sasuke against him. As much as he was glad to have the raven naked, there was no way he could even entertain the slightest sexual thought right then. Though, the pills were starting to work. He could feel his symptoms lessening, almost as though he’d shot up.



“I’m starting to feel better,” he murmured, closing his eyes as he gripped the shower head and sprayed his body down. He wet his hair, breathing deeply the tropical scent of the shampoo. “Thanks for calling her.. I really don’t think I would have made it otherwise.”



Sasuke's fingers began to massage the shampoo into the blonde locks. It was good that Naruto was feeling better but... how dependent would he become to the methadone? He had read about it online and knew about it through some of his former clients and Tsunade but he was still worried for the boy.



"I'm glad you're feeling better. And I'm sorry for Sakura's behavior, she's just a bit pissy ever since I turned down her offer to date her a couple years ago." His fingers kept up the soothing massage, letting his nails gently scratch at the scalp at the roots.



Naruto practically purred as those fingers worked through his wet strands. His scalp tingled pleasantly and he all but melted against Sasuke, lifting his arms up to rest over the toned thighs. His own fingers brushed gently against the pale skin, and the barest of smiles lit his face.



“I can’t really blame her. I’d be kinda pissy if you blew me off, too.” He kept spraying the cool water over him, letting it lessen the temperature of his body.



"Still... I just hate people who let their grudges get in the way of their work. I'm just happy she came through..." Taking the shower head gently from Naruto's fingers, Sasuke placed his hand on Naruto's forehead, so the soap wouldn't get in his eyes as he rinsed out the shampoo thoroughly. Once that was finished, he handed the spray back to the blonde and picked up a washcloth and vanilla scented body gel.



“Do you think she’ll tell people, S’uke? She probably will. She was probably jealous...” Naruto lowered his head, feeling entirely guilty. It was kind of his fault...



Sasuke sighed and moved so he was also sitting in the tub across from the blonde. "She won't tell anyone, it's some kind of doctor's code thing... Plus, Tsunade would have her ass if she pissed me off." Smirking a bit, Sasuke took the washcloth and lathered it up with the gel, reaching forward to start on the tan shoulders and slowly began to work his way down.



It gave him a chance to really look over Naruto's body. He couldn't really seem to get over the scars Naruto had all over his chest and stomach, not to mention his back. The scratches and healed over welts seemed like they hadn't healed properly.

Naruto’s eyes followed the movement of the cloth over his skin. Little tingles and goose bumps erupted in its wake. But he knew Sasuke was looking at him. He felt too messed up right then to care.



“Do you think I’m ugly?” he asked quietly. “I know the scars are overwhelming... Does it make you not as attracted to me, or make you not want to touch me?” He frowned softly and reached down to trace over a long, jagged mark on his thigh. “I guess I’ve never had to worry about it, since I’ve never really been with anyone.”



Pausing in his movements, Sasuke set the washcloth aside for a moment and placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders. "I want you to remember something... I really don't focus too much on physical appearance. I'm attracted to you for your personality, although your body isn't bad to look at all.. But no... I don't think you're ugly and I've never been disgusted by your scars." He leaned forward to press a soft but short kiss to the soft wet lips as a bit of reassurance.



Naruto seemed to brighten considerably. Whether it was from hearing that Sasuke accepted him and his broken body, or because the raven had taken the initiative and given him a little kiss, he didn’t know.



“I won’t bring it up again then,” he murmured, leaning heavily against the tub and closing his eyes as that wet cloth continued to drag over his skin, and found the movements almost lulling, especially so in his exhausted state.



After every inch of Naruto's body was clean and rinsed off of soap, Sasuke turned the water off and grabbed a fluffy towel from the towel wrack and gently wrapped it around Naruto's body, helping the blonde dry his damp skin and hair.



"Ready to sleep a bit?" he said with a smile as he helped the teen from the bathroom and back into the guest room, letting go of the boy so he was sitting on the bed. "I just have to change the sheets on my bed and then you can sleep in there ok? And um... do you want me to get you some clothes...?"



“Yeah, more than ready,” Naruto yawned, his eyes barely able to stay open. His stomach was still churning a bit, but nothing like he’d felt before. As the pill really came into effect, even his trembling lessened. Now all that was left was the soreness throughout his body from both the shaking, and the tenseness in his muscles. “Just some underwear. I’m still kinda hot and I don’t want to sweat all over you.”



Nodding, Sasuke went to the dresser and opened the top drawer and paused. What he saw was not what he had expected to see. Apparently Naruto liked to wear... women's panties. Taking a deep breath, he chose a pair of small shorts and closed the drawer without a word, handing them to the blonde. He could live with that, it was ultimately Naruto's choice what he wore.



Naruto didn’t remember what was in the top drawer until he saw Sasuke pause. A gentle flush spread across his cheeks and he turned his face away, shifting awkwardly. He expected the raven to say something about it; to ridicule him or put him down. He was surprised when it didn’t happen. “Thanks,” he muttered, taking the little tiny shorts. Maybe Sasuke hadn’t realized how little of him they would cover... Sliding his towel off, he shimmied the shorts up his legs. They barely covered his ass; they hugged the swell of his cheeks, showing off the bottom half of them. He was comfortable being like that, but he didn’t know if Sasuke would be... Shrugging mentally, he stood, and stumbled towards the Uchiha’s bedroom.



Wrapping an arm gently around Naruto's bare waist, Sasuke helped the boy so he didn’t fall on his way across the hallway.



Sasuke settled the blonde on the soft mattress under just a sheet but leaving the other blankets drawn back in case Naruto felt cold later.



"How does some tea sound? Do you think you could keep that down?" Sitting on the edge of the bed, he took Naruto's hand in his, stroking the back of it with his thumb in a soothing gesture.



Naruto smiled softly and gripped Sasuke’s hand back. He was quiet for a moment, just focusing on the feel of the thumb gently stroking over his skin. His eyes were drooping, but even so, he looked content.



“I don’t want to risk throwing up again. My stomach is still kinda messed up.” He sighed and pulled the sheet up to his chin, keeping hold of Sasuke’s hand as he let his eyes fall shut. “Are you going to sleep in here with me again?”



Nodding, Sasuke slid under the sheet, not sure if Naruto wanted him to hold him or not so he just stayed next to the boy but not too close, his hand still securely holding onto the tan one.



That was all Naruto wanted. Without a word, he crossed the distance between them and tucked himself into Sasuke’s side. He laid his head on the man’s chest and sighed heavily, finding comfort for the first time in hours and hours. “Thanks for taking care of me, S’uke. I owe you a lot.”



Wrapping an arm around the slim body, Sasuke let the good feeling wash over him and just let go. He wasn't going to worry about his stupid ego... He was given something truly amazing when Naruto had first knocked him over and the raven was going to hold on to that feeling for as long as he could because frankly, he'd never felt happier. "People who care about each other will go to great length to protect those they care about... There's no need to thank me, I would have done it regardless..."



“You know, I’ve never really been happy about how I lived, stealing stuff just to be able to eat,” Naruto mused drowsily. “But if I hadn’t stolen from that store, this wouldn’t have happened. I guess I can’t really hate everything I’ve done.” Still smiling, he tilted his head up and brushed his lips over Sasuke’s. “Goodnight, S’uke.”



"Goodnight..." Sasuke said quietly, his lips tingling from the soft kiss. He was relieved that Naruto was able to sleep a bit, the kid was most likely overrun with exhaustion from being up all night, not to mention added exhaustion from the withdrawal symptoms.



His eyes lingered on the relaxed face and he could still see a troubled look on the blonde, even in sleep. Hopefully that would lessen over time now that Naruto had something to look forward to.



Feeling the events of the past hours finally catching up to him, Sasuke let his eyes drift shut, never letting go of the boy in his arms even as he slipped into dreamland.

TBC