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Two Lost Boys

Sasuke was, in fact, alone. He realized what he was saying didn't make any sense to Naruto at all, who lived his life in black and white. He had wanted for Naruto to realize he was the object of Sasuke's affection and reciprocate those emotions so badly, that when he finally got what he wanted... All he could think about was how it'd be taken away. Sasuke didn't believe he deserved nice things. He'd assumed that his painful, unrequited love for his comrade was karma for his misguided way of life in the past. He never thought to understand what would happen if Naruto felt the same way.

Sasuke was standing in the middle of the street, staring at the area Naruto was in only a moment ago.

"But you hurt me..."

His words lingered in the air, even an hour after he'd up and left. Sasuke couldn't find the strength within himself to turn his back away from Naruto's aura. He closed his eyes and exhaled. Naruto wanted him to go home with him... He was desperate for it, but knew it wasn't a good idea. Nothing good came of late night emotions. He'd be acting rashly and without care. His relationship with Naruto was so delicate and fragile... Yet, Sasuke was too scared to embrace it fully. Maybe that was why he'd push Naruto away... And keep pushing until Naruto despised him. He was lost.

Finally, after he could no longer hear Naruto's words echoing around, he turned to head back to his complex. The road was long and lonely. Lights were shut off, the night was just beginning, but every one was sleeping through it. Soundly... In a peaceful state... Sasuke wondered if there was anyone else in the village struggling with insomnia... Or pain... Or guilt. Something that was keeping them up at night, restricting them from closing their eyes and living out their life in their dreams.

Sasuke stopped walking and looked up at the full moon above him. He wondered what his dream would've been if he was under Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi. He looked behind him towards Naruto's apartment. He wondered what Naruto's would've been. Sasuke lowered his head to look at his feet. At that time in his life, he was still confused about his purpose and life path... Right now, those dreams would've been completely different.

He didn't want to go back to his house, but he didn't want to sleep on the street either... Not to mention, he had a report due in the morning. It wouldn't be a long report to write up though. There was barely anything in that abandoned village. Sasuke made the first step in the direction of his house... He didn't know where else to go.

Upon arriving in the back courtyard of his house, he slid the door open, took off his shoes, and headed into his bedroom. He flicked on the light and noticed a settling of dust that coated his floor and furniture. While he'd normally be unable to rest until the entire space was spotless, for some reason he just didn't have the motivation. He was physically and emotionally drained and just needed some rest.

Oh, wait.

He still had to write up the report. Sasuke placed his travel bag down on his bed and sat down beside it. He unclasped the button on his cloak, letting it fall to his sides, and then exhaled. The report wouldn't take long... And it would be a helpful distraction for the time being. So, he went into the kitchen to make some tea and then brought it back to his room, sitting at a desk with a few papers around. He started writing.

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Naruto jumped from the ground up onto a nearby roof and then sat down, letting the edge of the roof block Sasuke's vision of him. He was clutching his chest, but was unsure why. He wasn't hurt... Not physically. Hearing Sasuke's fears explode into him pushing Naruto away was always painful. Naruto took a deep breath and remembered the situation both of them were in. It's not easy coming to terms with feelings... While Naruto tended to be more oblivious to feelings, Sasuke was more in tune with them... Which is probably why he fought against them so much. Naruto wished he could comfort him in some way, but knew his presence would only be bothersome. They'd just spent over a week together, alone... Being... More than friendly with each other. It was a lot to take in and maybe Sasuke was right. Naruto's eagerness might not be what they both need right now, and he needed to accept that.