Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this fic.

Warnings: Implied male/male situations.

Well it's not exactly what most people would call a timely update, but at least I'm making progress haha. I don't know if any of you are like me, but I almost always listen to music when I'm writing or reading. It helps create a mood I guess lol. Anyways, I didn't actually want to put the lyrics in this chapter, but I was listening to the song The Sound of Fear by Phantasma on repeat pretty much the entire time I was writing this. It fits the story pretty epically, so I would definitely recommend listening to it while you read! Unless you can't listen to music and read…then don't do that lol. Hope you all enjoy!

~You and Me~

The definition of time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.

Continued progress of existence…time moves forward, never backwards…

So why did Naruto feel as though time was rewinding and speeding forward at the same time for him? He looked in the mirror, seeing both an old man who had experienced life, and a young child whose life had yet to begin. It felt as though a lifetime had gone by since he had been first diagnosed, and at the same time, it seemed as though he had only been told a few minutes ago.

His body was weakening. He could literally feel his once toned body become softer…thinner. He halted in pulling the plain white cotton t-shirt over his head. His abdomen had lost most of its definition, and he could distinctly see the outline of his ribs beginning to poke through the skin covering them. He pulled his shirt on over his head, effectively covering the shame he knew he really had no right to be feeling. His complexion was starting to fade into a dull reflection of the beautiful golden hue it had once been, and to Naruto's dismay, his hair was beginning to thin as well. He wasn't vain mind you…but Naruto would have to admit that he had always taken pride in his appearance.

"If people were judged based solely off their looks, our civilization would crumble in a matter of minutes." Naruto quoted his mother's words. He remembered that day well. He had been about six at the time, and some bully at the park had called him ugly. Naruto had run home crying and had demanded that his mother tell him if he was ugly or not.

Naruto smiled at the memory. He never had the group of fangirls hanging around him that Sasuke had, but he had managed alright during puberty.

Hearing an engine turn off, Naruto pulled his eyes away from the mirror to glance out the window. Speak of the devil; he watched as Sasuke got out of his car, a bag of groceries in each hand, and walk towards the front door. Naruto was astounded that Sasuke was still coming by every day. Not only that, but he still insisted on driving Naruto to and from chemo when necessary. This had been going on for months now…did the man not have anything better to do with his time? Guess that's the beauty of running your own business. He rolled his eyes as he watched Sasuke make a second trip out to his car. He had told the man earlier that week that he was planning on making a run to the grocery store…that wasn't code for "you should do the shopping for me".

If he were being completely honest however, he could no longer deny that he was happy to have Sasuke around. He hated to admit it, but even small, mundane chores had become hard for the blonde. Just the other day, he had become winded just from walking out to the mailbox and back. Sasuke didn't just provide a means of transportation, without even being asked to do so, he had started doing most of the chores that Naruto could no longer do. He knew how much Jiraiya appreciated the help, and he was glad for the company as well. Regardless of feeling slightly bitter about it, Naruto appreciated Sasuke picking up his slack.

He pulled a sweatshirt over his shoulders and descended the stairs slowly. He could hear Sasuke and Jiraiya discussing last night's football game as they put the groceries away.

"That last play during the 3rd quarter was just plain sloppy. I mean where the hell are they getting these guys?" Jiraiya complained.

"Didn't they just get their new quarterback this season? They're out of sync." Sasuke replied.

"They didn't really have a choice, one more injury and their old quarterback could have been paralyzed for life. It's a shame really, that guy could really play." Jiraiya looked up from the back he was unpacking, to see Naruto leaning against the wall watching them.

"Well look who decided to join the living! You hungry? I could fix you a sandwich or something." Naruto took a seat at the counter.

"Sure, that sounds good." Sasuke was already getting the bread out of the cabinet.

"What do you want on it?" He asked.

"Peanut butter and jelly's fine." There were few sandwiches he enjoyed as much as a good PBJ. Sasuke nodded and brought out the necessary ingredients.

"Thanks for doing the shopping, hope it wasn't too much trouble." Naruto watched as pale fingers gripped the table knife and spread a generous amounts of both peanut butter and jelly onto the bread.

"It wasn't any trouble at all. I was glad to help."

"Did you know that when Naruto was a little boy, he refused to eat his sandwiches unless they were cut diagonally in half?" Jiraiya asked Sasuke. Naruto mentally face palmed himself. Really Jiraiya? Is it really time for embarrassing stories from Naruto's childhood?

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me, he's always been a bit high maintenance." Sasuke laughed.

"Like you're one to talk Teme." Naruto grumbled half-heartedly. Sasuke placed the sandwich in front of Naruto, holding back a snicker as Naruto glared at him. Sasuke poured a glass of water for Naruto and placed it along with his daily dose of medication in front of the blonde as well. Naruto grimaced, but downed the pills without complaining. Naruto finished his sandwich, and put the dish in the sink. His shoulders and back were aching pretty badly today. He wrapped his arm around himself and attempted to rub some of the tension and pain out of his shoulder and upper back; however his reach was very limited and as a result, it didn't help much. Sasuke noticed this, and came to stand behind Naruto. His hands took the place of Naruto's, and began a gentle message, wary of the sensitive skin under his fingertips.

Naruto had bruising that followed the curve of his spinal cord until they disappeared underneath the covers. Sasuke carefully peeled back the covers, and was horrified to find that they did indeed continue all the way down the blonde's spine till they once again disappeared into his sweatpants.

Sasuke shook the memory from his mind, focusing his hands to the nap of Naruto's neck, lightly smoothing out the small knot that had formed there. Naruto sighed in relief as some of the pain began to subside…Sasuke always did have magic fingers. The kindness the raven haired man had been showing Naruto and his guardian was unprecedented and much appreciated. Naruto was glad to have him around, and little by little, he began yearning for his company. He was treading in dangerous waters…he knew that, and yet he was beginning not to care. He could think of a million reasons why he should put distance between them, but at the same time, you only live once, right. Like some ridiculous cliché, his heart and mind were waging a war he didn't have the strength fight. The reality was Sasuke had already ninja'd his way back into Naruto's life, don't misunderstand however, that didn't mean he was completely ready to let him back into his heart…or his bed for that matter.

Naruto snapped back to reality when Sasuke's fingers left his skin abruptly. Naruto turned around to see the reason for the interruption. Sasuke had his cell phone up to his ear.

"Hey Itachi, what's up?" …Funny, he hadn't even heard it ring. He shrugged it off, and sauntered off to lounge on the couch, leaving Sasuke to speak privately with his brother. He was honestly surprised at how close they seemed to be these days. Back when they were in high school, Itachi had been on bad terms with his family, his father in particular, and had taken off to spend several years in Europe. Naruto and he had never really known each other all that well, but about three years ago, he had run into Itachi randomly at the super market. The older Uchiha was the one to actually initiate conversation. He explained that he had just recently moved back to Konoha, and was renting an apartment on the other side of town. Naruto hadn't really wanted to pry, not knowing the full situation as to why he had moved away in the first place…a common theme when it came to the Uchiha brother's apparently. He had dared, however, to ask how Sasuke was doing. Itachi hadn't much information to give him at the time. It seemed Sasuke did keep in contact with his mother and texted Itachi every once in a while to let them know he wasn't dead, but that was about it. Ever since Sasuke had returned to Konoha, however, he seemed to be spending much more time with his brother. Naruto was glad to hear it, family was important, Naruto knew how hard it was to go through life without anyone to share it with.

A few minutes later, Sasuke stepped into the living room, having ended his phone call. He sat down on the couch by Naruto's feet. A hand waving in front of Naruto's face, pulled him from his thoughts so he could focus on Sasuke.

"You ok? You were spacing out." He questioned.

"Yeah, I'm just tried…I'm always tired these days." Sasuke gave him a concerned look.

"Maybe you should go upstairs and lie down for a little while." He suggested. Naruto frowned.

"I just got up a few hours ago."

"Well, your body needs rest so you can feel better." Sasuke reasoned.

"I don't want to rest. All I've been doing lately is resting. Sleep, eat, vomit, and repeat. That's all my life consists of anymore." Naruto grumbled. Sasuke seemed to struggle with how to respond. Naruto knew how he sounded…he wasn't putting on an 'oh-whoa-as-me' act. He was just…tired. Tired of feeling like shit all the time, tired of feeling out of control, tired of feeling weak, tired of feeling tired.

"I just…I don't want however long I have left to be spent in a bed. As freaking cliché as it sounds, I want to live while I'm still alive. Do you know what I'm saying?" Sasuke did understand, even if Naruto's phrasing didn't really sit well with him.

"Yeah, I understand." Sasuke didn't know what else to say, and really, Naruto didn't need him to say anything more. They sat in a contemplative silence, thinking about what had been said. Naruto appraised Sasuke silently for a few minutes. The raven haired man's eyebrows were drawn into a gentle v across his forehead, announcing his weariness and concern. He had done so much for Naruto and Jiraiya in the past few months and had asked for nothing in return. In high school, selflessness was one word he would never have used to describe Sasuke, now however, he didn't know a better word to use. In the eight years that Sasuke had been gone, he had changed…grown and matured into a man that Naruto was honestly glad to know.

"Sasuke, would you mind driving me somewhere?" Sasuke looked up at him in surprise.

"Of course, where do you want to go?"

The car ride was quiet, conversation limited to the occasional direction given, but not uncomfortable. Naruto's eyes reflected the scenery rushing by as he stared out the window. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm amber glow on their surroundings. After about thirty minutes, Sasuke pulled into a parking lot. He turned off the car, and stepped outside to look around. Naruto had been sure to bundle up before leaving the house, even though it was relatively warm outside. He secured the scarf around his neck and zipped up his jacket before exiting the car to stand by Sasuke.

The cemetery was empty, and still. Naruto hadn't been able to visit in quite some time. Taking a deep breath, Naruto lead Sasuke along a cobblestone pathway for a short distance until branching off onto lush green grass; being mindful of the marked headstones. Naruto stopped in front of two graves that sat side by side. He pulled out the dead and wilted flowers from the vase situated between the two graves and replaced them with the fresh new ones they had stopped to get on the way.

Minato Namikaze

(1965-1998)

Beloved Father, Husband, and Friend

~.*.*.*.*.~

Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze

(1967-1998)

Cherished Mother, Wife, and Friend

Sasuke had been there for the funeral, the weight that those graves represented in the blonde's heart wasn't lost on him even as a nine year old child. He read over the elegant black lettering, remembering how Naruto had written up at least a paragraph for both his mother and father, hoping to put them on the graves, only to be disappointed when he was informed they couldn't afford it. It had rained throughout the ceremony, he had watched his best friend stand beside Jiraiya, without an umbrella. Naruto had refused to stand under the umbrella offered to him, so he stood, drenched and shivering as the minister presented the ceremony. Sasuke knew that Naruto never cried…not once during the funeral did he cry. Not even when they lowered the coffins into the ground. It was just the rain…Naruto's face was wet with rain drops…nothing more.

Naruto gestured for Sasuke to join him as he sat down on the comfortable grass beside the headstones. Neither of them had said anything for a long while, but that was alright. They both silently paid their respects, and enjoyed the peaceful stillness of the moment.

"You've always been there for me when I needed you the most haven't you?" Naruto suddenly asked. His voice little more than a whisper. Sasuke didn't respond, but turned to look at his companion. His blonde hair shone in the light of the setting sun. He looked…radiant.

"It's hard to imagine it's been eighteen years already. I honestly don't think I would have been able to keep going if you hadn't been there. You always knew just what to say…you still do." Naruto's laughter was sad. Sasuke didn't know what to say…so once again, he didn't say anything. Naruto hugged his legs to his chest, resting his chin against his knees.

"That was the worst year of my life. I would wake up every morning, and struggle to find a reason to keep doing so. I didn't understand…couldn't understand why I survived and they didn't. I didn't care about school, or art, or…anything really. I felt alone, like no one understood what I was going through. Jiraiya tried, but he wasn't my dad, and at the time, I didn't want him to be. But then…you started calling me every morning…do you remember that? You would call every morning and make sure I was up and getting ready for school. You helped me get my grades back on track, and because of you I made it to high school. You didn't pity me, and you forced me to start living again. You cared…and that was enough." Sasuke suddenly felt very emotional. Naruto had never told him any of this before. He remembered very clearly how worried he had been when Naruto hadn't shown up to school for almost an entire week. He remembered not knowing how to help his friend, but he knew he had to do something. He always thought he hadn't done much in the end…but…apparently that wasn't the truth. Relief and hope made Sasuke's chest ache.

"And then you left." Naruto's voice dropped off. Even after all this time, the sting of being abandoned by the one you love still hurts. Guilt tore through Sasuke, forcing him to find his voice.

"I didn't want to leave you." Naruto turned to look at the man next to him.

"Then why did you?"

"Because at the time, I thought it was the right thing to do. I never wanted to hurt you…but I didn't think I had a choice." Sasuke's eyes begged Naruto to understand.

"That doesn't answer my question. Why did you leave? What happened that you couldn't even talk to me before just taking off?"

Sasuke had dreaded this conversation. But, after a few deep breaths, he opened up about the events that took place eight years ago. He told Naruto absolutely everything. He told him about his father, about his brother, about his "future fiancée", everything. Naruto's face stayed indifferent, but he listened patiently, letting Sasuke have the floor. When Sasuke finally finished his tale, Naruto had to mull through his thoughts, before he could adequately explain his feelings. A part of him wanted to punch Sasuke in the face, the other…well the other was glad that he wasn't responsible for Sasuke's sudden departure. He couldn't help but fear he had pushed the raven away somehow. It was a relief to know it wasn't really about him after all. Naruto wasn't feeling overly violent, so he forwent the face-punching, he did however let out a fierce sigh of exasperation.

"You're such a moron!" Sasuke agreed with the insult, lowering his head, ready to accept his long awaited punishment.

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't have understood? What kind of asshole did you take me for?" Sasuke managed to open his mouth, but was quickly cut off.

"…Don't answer that!" Naruto rubbed his temples.

"Seriously, you should have told me. We could have figured something out. Did you not trust me or something?" Sasuke cringed at the disheartened expression Naruto was sporting.

"Of course I trusted you…It's me I didn't trust. I thought I was doing right by you. You had just gotten your life back on track. You had friends…you had been accepted to the college of your dreams. I didn't think it was fair for me to take you away from all that." Naruto frowned and turned to look back at the fading orange horizon.

"You're the asshole." Naruto grumbled, the anger and hurt leaving his voice.

"Yeah, I am." Sasuke agreed, smiling softly.

"But I'm your asshole right?" Sasuke asked curiously. Naruto rolled his eyes and gave a snorting laugh, shaking his head lightly. Sasuke laughed, before growing serious again.

"I could never forget about you. No matter how many people I was with, my thoughts were always with you. Again and again I would think of reasons to come back, to see you, but I was a coward, I was afraid of what you would say. I never stopped loving you Naruto…I know things can never go back to the way they were, but…I want to begin again… that is…if you want to." Sasuke held his breath, his insides shrinking from anxiety. Naruto held his gaze, reading the emotions laid bare there. Finally, Naruto looked away, uncertainty plain on his features.

"I don't know…I don't…I don't know if that's a good idea." Sasuke had expected that to be his answer. With resolve shining in his dark orbs, he stood to his feet, gently pulling Naruto up with him.

"What are you doing?" Naruto questioned. Sasuke kept hold of the hand he had used to pull the blonde into a standing position. He positioned them so they were both facing the headstones.

"Mr. and Mrs. Namikaze, I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Sasuke Uchiha. I was that little dark haired brat that ran around your house every couple of weekends. Listen, I know I've hurt him beyond forgiveness, and I will spend the rest of my life making up for it, but I love your son, he means more to me that anything. I can't live without him. So please, I ask for your blessing, I promise to cherish him properly this time, and never let him go. I swear that as long as I am alive, he will never be alone."

Naruto couldn't stop a few rogue tears from streaking down his cheeks. He turned to face Sasuke directly.

"I don't think unforgivable is the word I would use. You broke my heart you bastard…but no one has ever touched it like you have. I've tried to forget you too, but I couldn't. As much as I've hated you…you've always been the only one." Sasuke didn't hesitate to capture the blonde's lips in a passionate, searing kiss. Naruto felt like a dehydrated man tasting water for the first time in weeks. He couldn't get enough…to feel this closeness after all this time…it was beyond description. They embraced each other there for a long while, till nightfall finally settled in and the couple made the drive back to Naruto's house.

The love they made that night, was slow and gentle. Sasuke took every precaution to ensure Naruto wouldn't be in any pain, and treated his bruised and aching body like glass. Breath mingled, fingertips grazed, and lips brushed over every available ounce of skin. Naruto's own fingers remapped the surface of the man he had at one point known so well. The love he could see in Sasuke's eyes erased any feelings of self-conciseness or doubt that Naruto might have had. Naruto's voice was a soft whimper as he called his lover's name over and over throughout the blissful night. Sasuke held on tight. He meant what he had said. He wasn't ever going to let this man go again. Never in a million years.

Thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I didn't piss anyone off too much by giving Sasuke a second chance. I figured he had pined long enough. Special thanks to everyone who favorited/followed/reviewed! I really appreciate the support!

Here's a question for you: What music (if any at all) do you all listen to when you read this story? I would love to know what creates the mood for you!

Thanks again, see you next time!