A/N: Really weird and creepy. Randomly thought it up. I kinda like it. It takes place before the Sasuke retrieval arc. Kinda Sasu/Naru, but not really. I guess... Sasuke in one of his more unstable moments ('cuz we all know he is), and Naruto trying to help. I guess. I know, OOC, but neh. Niwa means garden. Review, please.
Disclaimer: Don't own.

Niwa 庭

The gate creaked open, not even drawing the attention of the pale young man. His eyes were distant, kneeling at the edge of the long-neglected garden, his slender hand cupping the dry, dead rose.

The other boy lingered at the gate, his tan hand resting on the wood.

"This garden was my mother's." The pale boy whispered to no one. The other didn't reply, but took a step in, gate slowly shutting behind him.

Don't look at me.

The pale fingers traced the petals, almost caressing them. Their dry stiffness a stark reminder of the once-vibrant color, the silky softness. The life.

The tan, golden-haired boy sat next to the kneeling boy. His bronze-skinned hand clasped over the pale one, stilling it.

Don't touch me.

The golden boy could feel the tension in the longer, more slender hand. After a long moment he let go.

"I'll make tea."

He stood, leaving the pale boy exactly where he had been when he had arrived and entered the traditional house, kicking off his shoes and confidently making his way to the kitchen as if he had done it a dozens of times before. He had.

Don't love me.

The slender fingers were trembling now, feeling the dead petals.

Everything was dead.

The golden boy returned shortly, standing on the engawa, holding a tray with two steaming tea cups. He didn't call the other boy's name. The pale one, despite his stillness, was aware of the presence. With a small clink, the tray was set on the wooden flooring and with a slight shuffle the golden boy sat next to it, one cup wrapped in a wide, broad hand.

Don't look at me, don't touch me, don't love me. If you do you'll die.

"It must have been beautiful once." The golden boy said.

The slender fingers closed around the rose, easily destroying it. Something prickled uncomfortably into the hand, but the owner did not notice.

"Yeah."

And I'll smile, watching your blood soak my hands, knowing it was me.