Bitter Like Me (Series)
Disclaimer: As if I could come up with something so interesting.
Summary: To kill Itachi, Sasuke left Konoha to seek power over at Orochimaru's side. What he did not think of is that his departure would affect Naruto so deeply.
Pairings: Definitely SasuNaru. Some ItaNaru. As for the third pairing, I was thinking of GaarNaru, or maybe NejiNaru, or KakaNaru...? Argh, can't make up my mind.
A/N: Initially, this started out as a two-parts one-shot. However, after I reread it again, I realized the potential of developing it into a series filled with angst, hate and love. So taa-daa, the re-posted version...though the Prelude is exactly the same unedited version as before. Gomen.
Prelude
Konoha. His hometown. A place he once loved. Displayed before him in a splaying night scene, the proud blonde who stood atop the Hokage tower, looked down disdainfully. Oh, how he hate it now. The memories that it brought back to him was with its majority bitterness and they just made him want to cringe. Furrowing his brows, the man brushed off the disturbing thoughts and focused blue eyes on the full moon instead. He seemed like he was waiting for something or maybe even someone.
Time shifted slowly, dragging on a long night as engulfing darkness has shadows breaking and forming under the faint twilight. In the midst of the winding streets, a lone person danced lightly through the deserted lanes, expertly maneuvering his way around the Leaf Village like a forgotten image, not demanding attention. However, as much as that said person tried to hide his presence, it did not go unnoticed by the blonde who was surveying from the top. Pleased that his target has finally showed, the man smirked sadistically, eyes bleeding to a wild red.
Jumping onto the railings, he perched precariously on the edge in a hunched crouch, scrutinizing eyes followed the fleeing figure. He knew where that person was heading for. It was so predictable. Chuckling shortly, the blonde tensed his shoulders and pushed off from the railing with his hands and feet. Falling head-first and freely, he then did a saving somersault which placed him gracefully on some random rooftop. Not breaking in his fluid movement, he swiftly bounced over all the roofs in a steady chase after his target, his step-hold firm and quiet in the breathing silence.
He tailed the man through the narrow lanes, out of Konoha and a little distance more to a large field. Under the wavering moonlight, the tall grass fluttered to and fro in the gentle wind like a sea of dark green waves. As expected, the other guy immediately zoomed in on a massive gravestone situated in the middle of the flowing meadow. The stonework was done in intricate and elegant granite which gleamed with a magnificent and imposing aura. Watching intently, the blonde bored himself for another few minutes until his impatience decided for him. He then stepped out from the shadows, dropping his chakra-concealing shield and giving away his presence. Immediately, the target whirred around to face him-the intruder.
"How nice to see you again..." The blonde greeted in a cold voice as he watched the man widened his onyx eyes in astonished recognition, "Uchiha Sasuke."
"Naruto..." the one named Sasuke breathed in reply, taking a step closer to him.
"Who else?" he sneered unpleasantly, a trimmed eyebrow arched sarcastically.
An uneasy silence followed as the Uchiha heir regarded the changed blonde in what could be guiltiness and sorrow. "How have you been these past five years?" he finally settled to ask, voice soft to the ears.
"Do you really care?"
You broke me the day you left...
"Yes..." Sasuke answered promptly, eyes never leaving the figure that stood before him once. Reaching out a hand, he made as if to touch the other guy but halted when he received a glare.
"Don't touch me..." Naruto hissed back, red eyes narrowing on the offending hand.
"You still hate me for leaving you." the raven-haired guy said blandly, "I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" the blonde laughed, "Don't you think it is a little too late for that now?"
Sasuke bowed his head, suddenly finding it hard to look the other in the eyes. His guts wrenched together in a tight knot as he finally realized the extent of damage he has did to the once genki man. Oh, how much he would give up to turn back time. "I love you, Naruto." He admitted quietly, as though it was to redeem himself for the hurt he inflicted on the blonde.
"You love me?" Naruto spat, clenching his fists. As suddenly as the anger came, he deflated again and sauntered purposefully towards the Uchiha heir. Leaning his slim body into the other's, he came intimately close to Sasuke. His once childish and innocent features has softened over the years into a sensuous and beautiful face. Peering into those familiar onyx eyes, Naruto whispered into his ears, "Or is it because you just can'tforget the joys of fucking me senseless? ForI knowthe other Uchiha did..."
Sasuke stiffened immediately. His breath hitched erratically as he looked back at the blonde, hoping to see that the last comment was just a joke made to kid him. And yet, he was met by clear honest grinning eyes. "No. You're just saying that to spite me." he choked softly.
"Why should I do that?" the blonde replied offhandedly, turning away from the raven-haired boy.
"Because you're angry at me for leaving you..."
"Well, then all the more I should have do that! You leave for Orochimaru, and I leave for Itachi. Aren't we even that way?" Naruto laughed harshly.
I want to make you hate me the way I hate you now.
"I don't believe you..."
Shifting slightly on one foot, the blonde peered over his shoulder at Sasuke in a thoughtful look. "Hm...Then come here again tomorrow night. I should personally see to have you convinced." Naruto baited him, a full-fledged grin on his lips. Without a goodbye, he then disappeared in a small gust of whirlwind, his last words echoing into the night. "Remember...Tomorrow night."
TBC...?