Title: Need you

Pairing: SasuNaru, Slight Sasu/Saku

Warnings: Language, lemon/smut

Chapter 8: Scattered Thoughts

Kiba stepped forward, making his presence known. He was so confused as to what was going on. Why did Naruto want to see the Uchiha? What kind of relationship did they have? Why was Sasuke apologizing? He had so many questions that his mind couldn't determine which one to ask first. He was about to say something before the raven-haired patient beat him to it.

"Why are you here?" The question was said so quietly that Kiba thought he was hearing things. The raven wasn't even looking in his direction, but blankly at the blond.

"You…" Kiba pointed at him. "You, what did you do to him? He-he was crying because he wanted to see you. Why would he want to see you? You guys are not even friends." The brunette clutched his hands in frustration. What was this? He never felt so out of the loop before in his life.

Sasuke glanced at him, but it was hard to tell with his bangs covering his eyes. It was quiet for so long that he didn't the Uchiha would answer until—

"We're not friends," reached his ears. "We haven't been for a long time."

"So you're telling me, Naruto, who is badly injured and needs his own medical treatment, broke into the hospital to see someone, who is not his friend? " Kiba felt himself getting hot. Was the Uchiha trying to play games with him?

"…Naruto is injured?" A pale hand reached out, quickly pushing back blond locks. As he looked closer, Naruto didn't look well at all. The raven felt panic rise within him as he realized the blond wasn't responding to his touches.

"Naruto." Sasuke nudged the boy in the arm. No movement. "Naruto." He said a bit louder this time. No response. Sasuke looked at Kiba and before the brunette could even blink, the raven was off the bed, pulling the IV out his arm.

"Naruto." Sasuke turned the blond over, shaking him. "Naruto, wake up." He couldn't hide the panic in his voice and Kiba rushed over panicked. The blond looked sickly pale and his neck…Sasuke gently touched his neck, surprised at what he was seeing. There was bluish green imprints around his neck. Almost immediately, he began to check the blond's pulse. It was shallow. This wasn't good.

"Kiba, get help! Quick!" The best friend did as he was told without a second to waste. He didn't care that he might suffer severe consequences for breaking into the hospital. His friend was dying! Kiba ran down the hallway like his life depended on it, eventually bumping into a passing doctor.

"Slow down there, kid. No Running." He stepped back as if he just realized something. "What are you doing here, by the way? Visiting hours are long over."

"Help! My friend! He's unconscious! We came here-" Kiba's explanation became rambled as fear began to take over his train of thought. He wasn't even sure what he was talking about anymore.

The doctor held out his hands as if to signal stop and grabbed his pager.

"I need immediate assistances Code 009. Copy that." He then turned to Kiba, "Bring me to him." The two ran down the hall to Room 315, where the blond was now lying on the bed. Sasuke had managed the fully lie the blond on the bed with some pillows supporting his upper body.

"Who is this?" the doctor asked, inspecting the blond.

"His name is Naruto Uzumaki." Kiba answered.

The doctor grabbed his pager. "Emergency in room 315, Naruto Uzumaki, boy. Bring stretcher. " The doctor then began checking the blond's pulse before working to remove his shirt.

"What happened?" He asked.

Sasuke and Kiba looked at each other. Not really sure on how to explain. What exactly happened to Naruto was a mystery. Kiba never actually asked, but he knew it had something to do with that fucker Sai.

"His neck…" Sasuke spoke up. "I think he was strangulated by something." Dark eyes watched as two nurses and another doctor rushed in with a stretcher. They lifted the blond off the bed and carried him out of the room. Sasuke could feel his breath quicken as the two doctors exchanged a few words and parted ways, with one still left in the room.

"What's going to happen to him?" Sasuke asked, trying to keep his mask his place. This can't be happening to him. It just can't!

"Don't worry, we will make sure your friend gets the care that he needs. But first, I have some questions for you two. This is one strange situation and you, Mr. Uchiha need to return to your bed. Your condition is still being monitored." The doctor reminded him.

"I'm fine." Sasuke replied stubbornly.

The doctor looked at him tiredly.

"I'm sorry, that's not a request. Please return to your bed. We will have the discussion in here for your convenience." Sasuke wanted to retort, he swore the curse words were about to roll of his tongue but he knew it would just be a waste of time. Getting angry would solve nothing, so he begrudgingly went back to his bed.

"Alright, young man, what's your name?" The doctor asked, looking at Kiba.

"Kiba Inuzuka, sir." The brunette responded

"Mr. Inuzuka, I'm Doctor Yamazaki, a pulmonologist specialist. I'm going to have to ask you some questions to fully understand the situation here. Alright?" Kiba nodded, slightly nervous about this somewhat interrogation. He glanced at Sasuke, who was staring pointedly at Kiba. Did he think I had something to do with this?

"No need to be nervous," Doctor Yamazaki continued, as if sensing Kiba's inner struggle. "I'm just trying to help. Now, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?" Kiba shook his head, taking a seat by Sasuke's bed.

"No, thank you. I'm fine."

"Mr. Uchiha?" The doctor glanced at his quiet patient.

"I'm fine." Sasuke responded impatiently. He just wanted to rush through these questions, so he could find out who did this and give them a lesson they would never forget. Then he wanted to see Naruto…Naruto…. Sasuke felt his hands clench the bed sheets. Nothing was going right!

"Alright, let's get started." The doctor pulled out a pen and pad and moved a chair towards the raven's bed. He jotted down a few things before looking up at Kiba. "Okay, so first tell me how you two got here tonight. I will overlook the breaking into the hospital aspect for now. "

"…Well…Blondie…I mean, Naruto called me about five this morning to come and pick him up. He sounded really bad and he was coughing on the phone…at that time, I wasn't sure what happened but he was outside."

"He was outside?" The doctor asked curiously. Kiba nodded.

"So, where did you pick him up at? At his house?" Kiba paused briefly, glancing at Sasuke. Those onyx eyes were alert and boring into his head. He knew that once he said where Naruto was at, the Uchiha would have all the information he needed. But why did Sasuke care? Why was he so concerned? Kiba was actually starting to care about Sai's fate by the murderous waves surfacing from the Uchiha.

"No, he wasn't at his house. He was near a classmate's house, which wasn't normal since those two don't get along…"

"What kind of re-" The doctor started.

"Who's house?" The raven cut in, eyes narrowing. "Who's house was it?" Kiba looked at the doctor, who was in turn looking at Sasuke. Kiba knew it wasn't good to be mentioning names without knowing exactly what had happened but he felt if he didn't, he would be the next strangled victim in this hospital. The Uchiha looked like he was ready to leap on him.

"Sai's." Kiba answered slowly, waiting for the raven's reaction. He swore for a split second, he saw the Uchiha's eyes turn red but that must have been his imagination.

"Sai…" Sasuke repeated quietly, as if all the pieces were coming to play. Kiba glanced back at the doctor who was jotting things down in his pad.

"Mr. Inuzuka, what is the relationship between Naruto and this Sai?" He asked.

"Uhh…they're not friends. Naruto hates Sai… but Sai likes Naruto….in a unnatural way."

"Unnatural? What do you mean by that?"

"He's obsessed with Blondie….the scary kind of obsessed….he always bothers Naruto and flirts with him…such a disgusting fuck!" The brunette let his anger get the best of him, if his face wasn't a give away. After taking a few breaths, he gave the doctor an apologetic look and signaled for him to continue.

"Do you think he did this to Naruto?"

"I wouldn't put it past him…its unlike him to do something like this…but I wouldn't' put it past him. After all, why else would blondie be near his house? Something isn't right." Kiba took this time to look at the raven but his face was unreadable. The only sign that something was up roaring inside of him was his pale knuckles, which were tightly clutching the sheets.

The doctor nodded his head, taking a few more notes.

"So is this person you speak of a homosexual?" Kiba frowned in thought and scratched his head.

"Maybe…he has only ever showed interest in Naruto."

"How about Naruto?" Sasuke's eyes slightly widened at this and looked at Kiba.

The ruff looking boy shook his head fiercely.

"Blondie is 100 percent straight! There is no way in hell that he's gay." He answered confidently. The doctor nodded.

"I ask these questions because most cases of strangulation are due to domestic abuse, or in other words, abusive relationships. If they were in relationship, it would lead us to more answers, but we can cross that off the list unless, you have reason to believe that your friend may be in a secret relationship. Sometimes friends don't share everything in their personal life." Kiba stared blankly at the doctor, realizing that there were some things he didn't know about Naruto like—brown eyes looked at the raven-haired patient on the bed. How was he connected with Naruto? Sasuke avoided eye contact with him, choosing to look at his hands.

"No. I don't." Kiba responded finally, looking back at the grey-haired doctor. The man nodded and cleared his throat.

"Did you see Naruto earlier today? Like before the incident?" Kiba shook his head.

"I only saw him at school. He was fine then. I don't know if anyone saw him right before the incident."

"I did," a low voice reached his ears. "He was with me before my…incident…" Kiba and the doctor turned towards the Uchiha on the bed. He seemed to be battling a range of emotions, while trying to find the right words to say.

"He was at the party with you?" The doctor tried to confirm.

"Yes, and so was Sai. They were there. Something must have happened at the party…after my incident. "

"Why do you say that?" The doctor asked.

"Because…he was with me the whole time." Sasuke admitted as the night replayed in head. That blond dobe was his everything even if he couldn't verbally admit it. He was obsessed with Naruto and he knew it. But he wasn't a crazy like Sai because he actually lov—Sasuke stopped his thought right there. If he finished it, it would make it true. Was that why he couldn't imagine life without the dobe anymore? He turned his thoughts to the possibility of Naruto dying. He started to feel as if was suffocating, like strong hands were clutching his lungs until there was nothing left.

Soon Sasuke started cough, as if some kind of horrible epidemic just fell upon him. The doctor, alarmed, stood up and rushed over the raven, checking to see if he was okay. He instructed the Uchiha to lie down and slowly inhale and exhale. The boy looked like he was literally suffocating. Kiba, confused and worried, looked at the scene before him. For a second, he thought his classmate was going to pass out. His face was so reddish blue from coughing that it looked quite frightening.

The doctor poured a glass of water and helped his patient swallow. After a few minutes, Sasuke's coughs stopped and he was prompted on several pillows to help with his breathing.

"Take it easy. Just focus on your breathing for now." The doctor instructed.

"Doctor Yamazaki," the doctor turned around to see a nurse standing by the door. "May I have a word with you?" The man nodded, glancing at the two and went out into the hallway. Kiba sat on the edge of his seat nervously. It was most likely they were talking about blondie.

"Are you alright?" Kiba asked, glancing at his classmate. The raven was silent the whole time, so he wasn't sure.

"Yes, I'm fine." He answered, not looking at him.

"Are you sick or something? That's why you're here?""

"I'm not sick, just low blood pressure and stress."

"Oh...well that's good to hear I guess. From the way blondie was acting, I thought you were dying. " Sasuke frowned but said nothing more.

"So Naruto went to a party? Who's party?" Kiba continued.

"His uncle's party for Sakura's father."

"So everyone was invited?" Kiba asked, feeling slightly left out.

"No, Sai was hired as a photographer and Naruto happened to show up unexpectedly. " Sasuke explained tiredly. Kiba nodded and chose to remain silent until the doctor reentered. It wasn't long before the door opened and the white-cloaked man stepped inside.

"I have some news." The doctor's face was hard to read, so whether it was good news or bad news, the boys had a difficult time determining what to expect. But both gave him their full attention and silence.

"Your friend has shown the signs and symptoms of someone who has dealt with strangulation. The front of his neck, " the doctor demonstrated with his fingers, has thumb imprints of strong pressure being applied, this bruising follows around to the back of his neck. The fact that this bruising was in the area of the jaw line to clavicles proves this fact. He also had some facial bruising and swelling, which can be assumed he was hit in his face at some point. Right now, he is assisted with a temporary breathing aid until he can awake from his unconscious state. I want you two to be aware that he may lose his voice for the time being and that he may experience a small type of amnesia. It's best to be supportive during this time. "

"So is he going to be alright?" The brunette asked slowly.

"He is not in any life threatening danger, so there is no need to worry." Kiba nodded, not really sure what to say, but he did have one question.

"Are you going to tell the police?"

"I know that would be in best interest of your friend, but since he is physically in a state where he can still make decisions when he wakes up, it's up to him whether or not he should contact the police. If he was completely unable to make decisions, like in a coma, for example, police action can be taken. However, I think you should encourage him to turn to the police when he wakes up. He could give them the full story or add the missing pieces to your story. After all, we don't have clear evidence as to who committed this act."

"Will he even remember what happened? You said yourself that he might experience amnesia."

"That is true, but just because someone experiences amnesia doesn't mean the memories are completely erased, they're still there just hidden. With your support, you can help him. That reminds me, I have a couple more questions for you two. First, why did you break into the hospital?"

"…Naruto wanted to see Sasuke…" Kiba looked at the silent raven on the bed.

"So, he didn't come here for his own aid?" The brunette shook his head.

"He didn't care about himself. He just wanted to see Sasuke. So we broke into the hospital to visit him." The doctor stared at him, as if something big was missing. Why go through so much trouble just to see someone? He turned to Sasuke.

"What's your relationship with Naruto?" The doctor questioned. Kiba looked towards the bed as well. He really wanted to know what was their relationship. This was unnatural. Naruto never mentioned Sasuke before, heck they didn't even talk at school. The raven remained silent on the bed, looking at his hands. Minutes passed but nothing erupted from his lips. Kiba and the doctor thought they would never get a response but Sasuke glanced at them.

"He's…" the raven bit his lip and closed his eyes before continuing. "I don't know." The silence that filled the room was like a heavy weight hanging on a small piece of string. The doctor took out his pad and took a few notes. Apparently, there was something more to their relationship.

"Well, Mr. Uchiha, you have had a stressful day. Please get some rest. We will be leaving now. If you need anything, you can always call for assistance." The doctor then turned to Kiba. "Mr. Inuzuka, please follow me. I need you to provide Naruto's family information, someone who I can contact." Kiba nodded and slowly followed the doctor out, but not without giving Sasuke another glance. The raven didn't even move an inch, even though his eyes were open. The door closed and as Kiba walked down the hallway, he found he couldn't wrap his head around the Uchiha's answer.

Why would you say, "I don't know?"

Sasuke didn't know how long he sat, staring at his hands, but it was long enough for the sun to rise and shine brightly on him through the window. Dark eyes squinted at the sun and he couldn't recall a time when he saw something so bright. His life was so dark and Naruto's life was so dark. When was he going to come out of the darkness? It was like he was drowning in the deepest pits of darkness and he was selfishly pulling Naruto deeper. He needed to stop lying to the world, to Naruto, and…himself. What was his relationship with Naruto? He was going to lie and say they were friends, but somehow his mouth wouldn't form the words. Maybe because he didn't know exactly what their relationship was? Were they lovers? No, lovers are people who only have sex but they did more than sex…. Sasuke clutched his head. There was no word to define them. Naruto was just his other half. It was nothing else to it.

He couldn't lose Naruto. But he couldn't get rid of Sakura either. If only he could just have a bit more time. Maybe if he tried to break through to the blond, the other wouldn't feel the need to leave him. His feelings were true, but maybe Naruto didn't know that. Did Naruto even have any deep feelings for him? Sasuke needed to clear this up or his sanity was going to gradually slip away from him.

The door opened to his room and he was surprised to see that it was Naruto's uncle, Jiraiya. The man looked worse for wear and awkwardly entered the room. Sasuke, not use to communicating, looked at him.

"How are you doing there?" He asked, walking towards the bed.

"I'm fine." Sasuke replied, monotonously.

"That's good to hear. I came by to check on you while I'm visiting blondie. Fainting episodes are really serious, you know. So try to take it easy from now on." The older man patted his shoulder. "As for Naruto, he 's awake…but he can't remember much…he didn't even know I came back…I guess we've got to give him some time. I heard from the doctor…about last night…thanks for your help. Hopefully, everything can be situated soon."

"He's awake?" Sasuke asked, more alert.

"Well, he was….unless, he fell back asleep since then. I was hoping you could get him to talk about what happened. Since you guys are friends and all….he might open up to you. I'm so worried about that kid, he's the only family I have left and this incident really opened my eyes to that. Last night, I couldn't even find him. After your…. incident…he was nowhere to be found at the ballroom. I asked that little kid Sai and he didn't even see blondie. So how does he end up near his house? Doesn't make any sense…" Naruto's uncle faded off, lost in thought.

"He disappeared at the ballroom?" Sasuke asked carefully.

"Yeah, he was gone when I checked."

"But Sai was there?"

"Yeah, he looked a little sick and out of breath but he was there. He even dropped his expensive camera. I swear something is wrong with that boy." Sasuke stared at hands, trying to process this information. Naruto disappeared, not long after their parting, so someone was waiting for him to be alone. Sai, that fucker, was surely up to something!

"Can I go see Naruto?"

"Yeah, I don't see why not? He might not remember some things, so try to be patient when talking to him." Sasuke nodded and moved to get out of bed. "His room number is 341. Right down this hall. I have to run an errand, so I will be back later to check up on him."

Sasuke didn't comment and slid on his hospital slippers.

"You know, you two are always together. What are the coincidences that you both end up at the hospital on the same day for different reasons? I swear there are just some things I can never wrap my head my around." Jiraiya said, shaking his head and walking out the room. Sasuke followed, taking interest in the thought.

"If I see the doctor, I will be sure to let him know about your whereabouts, before they all have heart attacks." The grey haired man chuckled. Sasuke nodded his head in thanks.

"Thank you."

"No problem, Kid. Also, here." Jiraiya pulled a card out his pocket and handed it to him." Feel free to call me if you every need anything. I'll help you in any way I can." Dark eyes stared at the card, reading over the fine print.

"Thank you. I appreciate it." Jiraiya smiled and gave a slight wave.

"Take care." Sasuke bowed his head and watched as the man walk towards the opposite end of the hall. He then placed the card in his gown pocket and headed to Naruto's room, wondering what to expect.

Sasuke slowly opened the door to Naruto's room. The boy was sitting up on the bed, staring at his phone. Confusion marked his features as he started at the screen. When he heard the door close, he finally looked up to see the Uchiha, standing there in his white gown. Blue eyes glanced the other over and weakly smiled. To Sasuke, something seemed very strange but he couldn't pinpoint what. It was like a heavy cloud was looming over them.

The raven slowly walked over to him, trying to keep his face passive. He stopped when he was standing at the foot of the bed.

"How are you feeling?" He asked. The blond frowned and looked away, not bothering to respond. Sasuke, slightly worried, moved closer to where the blond was sitting.

"Naruto." Dark eyes glanced at the blond's neck and felt himself getting angry. If only he had been there, this wouldn't have happened. He was going to make sure Sai paid for this. Naruto, as if sensing his coursing anger, grabbed his hand cautiously. By his facial expression, he seemed conflicted as to whether or not touching the raven was acceptable. Sasuke gripped his hand firmly.

"Do remember Naruto?" Do you remember us? Naruto stared at him as if there was something he should be remembering. then he looked at their hands. In his head, it was so blurry. He couldn't pinpoint where things were or why he was even in the hospital. He only remembered Sasuke up to their last argument. They were in his bedroom and the raven was angry that Naruto was playing mind games with him. Naruto told him not to dwell on it and left for the shower. But for some reason, a nagging feeling was telling him that more happened after that.

"We…We…" The blond grimaced, as his throat starting throbbing. Talking was almost out of the question. Naruto felt himself unconsciously pull out of Sasuke's grasp to reach for his throat.

"Naruto." Sasuke bent down, worriedly and grabbed his hands again. "Don't touch your throat. Okay?" The blond didn't respond; his only reaction was the stray tears that escaped his eyes.

"Don't cry. I'm here. I won't leave you." Sasuke said softly. Naruto stared at his lap, replaying the Uchiha's words in head.

"I won't leave you."

"I won't leave you."

"I won't leave you."

But Sasuke, you will leave me. You have Sakura. This was always temporary. You will leave me.

Naruto pulled his hands out of Sasuke's grasp and shook his head, trying to move away. The raven reached out for him, but his hands were slapped away. He tried again and this time, Naruto tried to get out of bed. He tried to get farther away. Sasuke grabbed him by the shoulders, pushing him back down on the bed, which the blond put up a weak fight, hitting him. If he didn't stop moving, his condition could worsen.

"Naruto, please stop." Sasuke climbed on top of the bed, trapping the blond beneath him and seizing his movements. When he saw the blond's face, he felt something throb in his chest. Naruto had such a pain filled expression and it wasn't one from his injuries. It was like the agony was deep inside him. Sasuke didn't know what to do so he pressed their foreheads together.

"Look at me." He instructed. Naruto refused, by closing his eyes. Sasuke then grabbed his hand, pulling it to his chest. "Do you feel it Naruto? Do you remember? I need you to remember. Please try." Blue eyes slowly opened and stared into the dark ones above him. They held so much emotion and Naruto wanted to look away but before he had the chance, the young man kissed him deeply. Naruto felt this familiar feeling flow throughout his body. If he could just remember, where he felt it before.

Then, like a flash, it came back to him. Everything after their argument. The sleeping pills, Sasuke's visit, his uncle, the party and then the garden! So much had happened and it all came back in a major overload that his head was pounding. The blond groaned, moving his head away.

"Sa…suke…" The raven pulled back slowly, concerned.

"What's wrong?"

"I….re…mmm…ber." The blond groaned out.

"You remember?' Everything?" He asked.

"Hos…pital." Naruto shook his head.

"So you don't remember what happened after the party?" He shook his head again, causing Sasuke to frown.

"Naruto, I need you to listen carefully. After the party, someone did something to you. They strangled you. It had to have been right after we left the garden. I need you to remember who it was. You were found by Sai's house, we have reason to believe he did something."

"Sai…." Naruto closed his eyes in thought. It was blur. His mind drifted to their moment in the garden. No one else was there….but he did recall a bright flashes.

Blue eyes opened and Naruto grabbed his cell phone, opening the message he read earlier.

"Remember the deal you made Naruto. Stay away from him and I won't allow his life to go up in flames."

He was so confused before when he read it, but now it was starting to make sense. He made a deal….with…Sai. The male took pictures of him and Sasuke in the garden and was blackmailing him!

Naruto's heartbeat began to beat erratically as he realized the situation he was in. Sasuke looked at the monitor in alarm as the green lines moved higher and higher.

"Naruto," Sasuke climbed off the blond to give him some air. "Calm down. Tell me what's wrong." Blue eyes frantically looked around as if someone was watching him. He needed to solve this quickly, but how? He felt his heart tightening at the thought. His feelings for Sasuke were deadly.

"Naruto," Sasuke looked at the phone in the blond's hand. It seemed he got worked up after looking at his phone. The raven reached out to grab it but the blond's reflexes were too fast. With what little energy he had, Naruto sat up and hurled the phone at the wall. The raven stood, stunned.

"What the hell, Naruto?!" He managed to finally say, looking at broken phone.

"Sa...suke. Let's make…a…deal." Naruto bit his lip in pain, but continued. "How…about it?" He whispered. Sasuke looked at him incredulously. Was the blond finally losing his marbles?

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Mov…ing away." He answered. Dark eyes widened, as he understood what the blond was saying. He didn't want to talk about this. Naruto wasn't leaving if he could stop it.

"I'm not making a deal about that." He answered stubbornly. His obsession smiled weakly at him, not surprised at his response.

"Listen…. I…won't ...leave. I will…stay, " Naruto paused, clenching his fist. "I will …remain…within eyesight. In…return, Sasuke….stay away…from…me. Don't talk…to me…again. If you…do…I will leave…you forever."

Sasuke stared blankly at the blond on the bed. What? He must be imagining things. Did Naruto just tell him to stay away? Where was all this coming from?

"W-what? I don't understand…you know I can't do that. What do you mean by leaving me forever? Are you saying you will kill yourself if I don't stay away?" The raven couldn't stop the pain he was feeling from seeping out. "I told you…I'd get rid of Sakura." Naruto frowned.

"It…has noth…ing..to do with…Sakura."

"Then, what is it Naruto? Tell me that! What the fuck I should be doing? " Sasuke began pacing around the room. " Tell me! Are you unsure how I feel about you? Is that it? Well, I'll tell you! I fucking love you! I need you in my life! Fuck, I need you so much!"

Naruto bit his lip harder this time to stop the sobs that were bound to be released. Why was the raven so difficult? This was harder for him. Sasuke climbed back on the bed, sitting in front of him. He watched as the blond cried quietly in front of him. Naruto had always given him what he wanted, but when it came to return the favor, he couldn't do it. He really was a selfish soul.

"I'm…sorry." Sasuke began, smearing the wetness from his eyes. "I can tell I'm hurting you…I…I…will do it. I will stay away from you but in turn…I need you to answer three questions. Just three questions, honestly, and I will…do as you wish."

Naruto slowly looked up at him, wiping his face with his gown and grabbed his hand, almost as if to say he was sorry. He nodded, while cradling the Uchiha's hand. The raven took a deep breath.

"Are you doing this for me?" Naruto froze, unsure how to answer but eventually he slowly nodded his head, avoiding eye contact. Sasuke frowned, realizing Naruto really didn't want to leave him.

"Are you going to forget about us?" The blond's eyes darted to him incredulously. Of course not! He could never forget about their relationship. He looked at the raven as to why he should answer that.

"Just answer, Naruto. I want to hear it from your mouth." Sasuke said, seriously. Naruto sighed, trying to refrain from rolling his eyes.

"No…I won't." He answered.

"Do you love me?" Blue eyes widened in shock, feeling really vulnerable. Why this question now? He always swore to never put his emotions on the line with Sasuke. He knew it would just lead to heartache and weakness since he always knew the Uchiha was his closest person. They had always been together, even when they were little. Best friends from preschool until middle school. Then his parents died and everything changed. Naruto seemed to withdraw himself into the dark and Sasuke started crumbling, as his own loneliness started to take ahold of his life. Then they became enemies, each blaming the other for their overwhelming loneliness. How could you leave me? When I needed you the most, you disappeared! So one day, Sasuke proposed a proposition and Naruto agreed.

"I take from you what I what and you take what you want, " was what the raven said. At first it started out with taking, but eventually for Naruto, it changed into giving. He started giving Sasuke everything he wanted, especially when he noticed the affect it had on the Uchiha. He liked the change that was becoming of his friend and maybe that's when his heart started to get in the way. He started to get greedy for Sasuke's affection and then his friend got a girlfriend. It was like a smack in the face. A major wake-up call that he was an idiot for allowing this to happened, so he started building a wall around him. This wall came with calculating mind games, robotic actions, and an indispensable mask. He could tell Sasuke hated it. He always wondered did the male catch on as to why he acted in such a way. He had a faint idea that Sasuke knew it had to deal with Sakura, since he tried to avoid mentioning her. But if he noticed more about the change, Naruto didn't know.

But he was pleased to know that he had a hold on the Uchiha. He could clearly see that his friend was attracted to him, in all aspects. Sasuke really didn't try to hide it when they were together and eventually, the raven started to get possessive over him, the angry kind of possessiveness, which has caused him to need first aid more than once. It was clear Sasuke didn't like him hanging with other people. Yes, Sasuke was very selfish. Even as a little child, he didn't like to share. In his mind, Naruto moved from being a friend to one of Sasuke's belongings. It was confirmed in the garden. The young male said it loud and clear. Was his possessiveness a sign of love? Maybe it was and maybe Sasuke knew this. Maybe he knew this for a long time. That's why, in this hospital room, he said it without hesitance. Or more so, yelled it. So could he now let down that wall he built and say how he feels too? It was already crumbling anyhow.

"Naruto, do you love me?" Sasuke asked again and as Naruto looked in his eyes, the other male looked afraid. Like there was a possibility that the blond didn't feel the same way. Naruto nodded his head, feeling his face heat up. It was embarrassing answering straight up like that.

"Then tell me." The raven instructed, as if he need more reassurance. Naruto looked at him like he had two heads. Did he really have to say those three words out loud? Naruto felt his resolve breaking, after all it was his second nature to give anything he wanted to the young man.

"I…love…you." He rasped out, ignoring his scratchy throat. He looked away after those words left his mouth. He was sure his face was as red as a tomato.

"Tell me again. Don't be embarrassed." Sasuke was really killing him! Why must he say it again?

"I…love you." Naruto answered, looking at the wall.

"Again and look at me." The raven climbed on top of him, pushing him down and waited.

"Sasuke…I can't…" The blond protested, while drowning in embarrassment

"Again, or I'll make you say it over and over until it's the only thing you can say." Naruto looked at him, sensing the challenge. If he messed up, he was sure the raven was going to keep true to his promise.

"I love you." Naruto said finally, looking him in the eyes.

" I was hoping you would mess up, so I could make you say it over and over." Sasuke commented, leaning over him.

"You're… embarrassing, I hope …you know… that."

"Don't complain. You made me this way. " Sasuke used the words he always said to him. The blond rolled his eyes. "Naruto, I will keep true to my word. I will stay away from you but it will not be for long. After all, this is mine." Sasuke placed his hand over the blond's heart.

"You're… killing me." The blond wrapped his arms around the raven's neck, pulling him closer. "Sasuke, I need to... tell you… something. No matter what… you see… or hear, don't believe… it. Just cope and… remember what I… said today. It will… make it easier. " The raven turned rigid before slowly nodding his head. Then Naruto kissed him and Sasuke felt himself falling deeper. A wave of tiredness seemed to sweep over him and he just wanted to go sleep, right next to his blond. Blue eyes watched as Sasuke moved, so that he was able to lie comfortably on the small bed. Naruto could tell the other male was tired.

"Sasuke, you need… to go back to… your room and… get some rest. Someone can come… in here anytime… and your condition—" The raven shushed him, by wrapping his arm around him and closing his eyes.

"I'll miss you." He murmured drowsily. Naruto's eyes widened in surprise and he smiled sadly.

"Me too."

That was the last of Naruto's voice he heard before falling asleep.