Hey everybody...here's a new two-shot...erm... it was supposed to be a one-shot but it kinda got too long, what with all the songs an all but please enjoy

DISCLAIMER: i do not own naurto or any of the songs in this story...unfortunately...im not that talented

WARNING: Sakura-bashing and this is a YAOI so likey, leave or forever hold your peace...Jk

I love you. Always.

Naruto stared into space, thinking of nothing, feeling nothing, seeing nothing. He was used to being alone but all that changed when he met Sasuke Uchiha. He had begun to depend on the raven teen as if he held his life in his hands. Of course Naruto didn't share his past with anyone but a few people. But somehow, he wished he had shared it with his raven. Because maybe, just maybe, he would have understood a little about Naruto's behaviour towards certain people. Naruto continued to stare at the sky, as if in thought, until someone called his name.

"Naruto?" Said person blinked and turned to face the caller. In front of the blonde, stood Iruka Umino, a good friend, mentor and father-figure for the blonde. Iruka was also one of the very few people who knew of Naruto's broken past.

"Ohayo Iruka-sensei." Naruto greeted before his eyes returned to the sky.

"What are you doing out here so early?" Iruka asked, worry evident on his scarred face.

"Dunno," Naruto shrugged "I woke up roughly 3 hours ago and decided to go for a walk and ended up here I suppose." Naruto was currently sitting in the park, 8 blocks from his run-down apartment, on the farthest bench from the entrance, hidden in the shadows of the trees.

"Oh. Nightmares again?"

"Hai. They won't go away anymore, not since Sasuke left me." Naruto bowed his head as he remembered his nightmare.

"Oh Naruto." Iruka sat next to the blonde and wrapped his arms around him, comforting him in his time of need. He had been doing this a lot lately, ever since He left Naruto for Her. Iruka hated seeing the little kitsune upset, it practically broke his heart but what more could he do? He couldn't exactly force Sasuke to get back together with Naruto, as the raven had made it painfully clear he wanted nothing to do with the blonde anymore (even if Iruka knew that wasn't true).

"Come on Naruto, I'll treat you to some ramen, ne? then we'll go to the bar together." Iruka felt Naruto nod against his shoulder and helped the blonde to his feet.

Together they walked to Iruka's house, which he shared with his lover, and sat down to a cup of ramen. Well, Iruka had one cup, Naruto had three, which for Naruto, was weird.

"Naruto, what's wrong?" Iruka questioned, watching said blonde carefully.

"Nothing Iruka-sensei, I'm just not feeling too happy today, that's all."

"Hm," Iruka knew the blonde was half-lying, true he wasn't feeling very happy but it as worse than that, he was depressed and not just minor depressed. But for now, he would leave it alone. "So what songs are you going to sing for us today then?"

"Dunno," was the reply he received. With a sigh, Iruka placed his chopsticks on the table and stood.

"Come on, we've got work in few hours, might as well help set everything up" Iruka held out a hand for the blonde who took it hesitantly.

Naruto sighed heavily as he unstacked chairs and stools, ready for tonight's audience to sit on. He wiped tables clean, helped set up the stage and cleaned glasses.

"Yo! Naruto, how are you today?" Kakashi Hatake asked, his icha icha paradise in his hands. He too, knew of Naruto's past but only because he was Iruka's lover, yes, Iruka was gay too. He was also like a father-figure to Naruto and also a good friend.

"Same as always Kakashi-sensei, you?"

"Oh same old, same old, now to find my little dolphin-chan,"

"He's over by the back room, convenient, ne?"

"Very, see ya Naruto!" Naruto sighed and shook his head in fatigue, he hadn't been sleeping well at all in the last 3 months. His eyes weren't as bright as they used to be, he rarely smiled or laughed anymore, it was as if he completely shut down, only talking when necessary.

6 teenagers entered the bar, each looking for one specific person.

"Naruto!?" Ino screeched, her eyes spotting the mop of blonde throughout the crowded bar. Said person barely flinched at her voice as he already knew who it was. She quickly made her way over to the blonde and gave him a hug as a greeting.

"How you holding up?" she asked, noticing his expression.

"I'm fine." Naruto responded emotionless, his usual loud, cheery voice gone along with his emotions.

"Hey Naruto-kun." Hinata greeted, her stutter officially gone thanks to Kiba. She still had a tendency to blush and twiddle her fingers nervously though.

"Evening Hinata-chan, Kiba." Naruto gave a small smile to the couple but it wasn't a real smile, he hasn't smiled one in 3 months. Kiba just gave a wolfish grin as he led his girlfriend to the bar. True, all the new arrivals were only 17 but the bar didn't really mind, as long as they had the cash, they were fine with their age. But the bar also had an age limit of 17 and over.

"Hey Naruto, are you singing tonight?" Chouji asked, a packet of crisps in his hands.

"Hai." and with that, Naruto left his friends so he could get ready for his performance.

--10 minutes later--

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce our regular singer, Naruto Uzumaki!" The DJ introduced, the bar erupted in cheers as said blonde appeared on stage, microphone in hand.

"Good evening everybody. Welcome to Gondaime's Bar and I hope you enjoy these songs."

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

Naruto sang with all his heart, although his heart was broken into a million pieces.

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

He thought, unwillingly, about his past life. All the beatings he received from every foster family he was 'shipped' off to. All the psychological damage that was done to him during his childhood.

One my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving
Hold on to me and, never let me go

The whole bar was silent as he sang, each spectator feeling different emotions and reliving different memories, some were just swaying to the music and Naruto's soft, calming voice. Slowly the music ended but another song started.

Prison gates won't open up for me
On these hands and knees I'm crawlin'
Oh, I reach for you
Well I'm terrified of these four walls
These iron bars can't hold my soul in
All I need is you
Come please I'm callin'
And oh I scream for you
Hurry I'm fallin'
Show me what it's like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can be
Say it for me
Say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me

/"Please don't hurt me!! I beg of you!!" a 5 year old blonde boy begged as his new foster parents advanced on him. His blue eyes screwed shut as his body shivered in fear./

Heaven's gates won't open up for me
With these broken wings I'm fallin'
And all I see is you
These city walls ain't got no love for me
I'm on the ledge of the eighteenth story
And oh I scream for you
Come please I'm callin'
And all I need from you
Hurry I'm fallin'
Show me what it's like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can be
Say it for me
Say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me
Hurry I'm fallin'

The bar applauded the blonde on his singing which earned them a half-hearted smile. Singing always made him feel better. But it wouldn't take away the pain in his heart.

I knew that this moment would come in time
That I'd have to let go and watch you fly
I know you're coming back so why am I dying inside
Are you searching for words that you can't find
Trying to hide your emotions but eyes don't lie
Guess there's no easy way to say goodbye
So I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that someday you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping for someday
Don't misunderstand what I'm trying to say
I don't want to let you leave this way
I want you to know that I stand right by your side
And I know this may be
The very last time that we see each other cry
But whatever happens know that I'll...
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that one day you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping that someday
You'll come back to me
I'll be praying for whatever it's worth
Believing that one day you'll come back to me
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping for someday
And I know this may be
The very last time that we see each other cry
But whatever happens know that I'll...
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that one day you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping that someday
You'll come back to me
I'll be praying for whatever it's worth
Believing that one day you'll come back to me
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping for someday
Waiting for someday Believing in someday
Praying for someday, I'll be...
Longing for someday Clinging to someday
Cherishing someday, I'll be...
Thinking of someday Dreaming of someday
Wishing for someday, I'll be...
Living for someday Counting on someday
Knowing that one day...
I will see you

Naruto sighed silently as he finished another song. Oh how he wished he could just crawl into his bed, curl up and die. He didn't feel like living anymore, especially if he had to see THEM again. He hated seeing his friends with each other, hated seeing strangers holding, kissing, laughing with each other. But he wouldn't burden them with his problems, no point, if they were happy together then he wouldn't interfere. Even if it broke him everytime he saw their happiness, the same happiness he had just months ago.

Cruel to the eye
I see the way he makes you smile
Cruel to the eye
Watching him hold what used to be mine

Why did I lie?
What did I walk away to find
Oooohhh...why...oooh -- why...

I... can't breathe easy
Can't sleep at night
Till you're by my side
No I... can't breathe easy
I can't dream yet another dream
Without you lying next to me
There's no air

Hinata stared at the blonde on stage as he sang the new song. She knew of his pain, she could see it in his blue eyes and she also knew, the others were oblivious to the actual pain he was going through.

Curse me inside
For every word that caused you to cry
Curse me inside

I won't forget, no i won't baby,
I don't know why (don't know why)
I left the one i was looking to find

Ooh -- why...ooooh, why -- why...

Hinata stood next to her boyfriend, who was also silent as he watched their friend on stage. Why did the raven have to do this to Naruto, after all the hardships he's had in his life. Yes, she knew of his past, she wasn't a Hyuuga for nothing, y'know. She hadn't meant to pry, but she wanted to know what was bothering the blonde when they first met three years ago. But as soon as she found out, she had kept it to herself, letting the blonde tell whoever he wants, when he wants.

I... can't breathe easy
Can't sleep at night
Till you're by my side
No I... can't breathe easy
I can't dream yet another dream
Without you lying next to me
There's no air
Out of my mind
Nothing makes sense anymore
I want you back in my life

That's all I'm breathing for
Ooooooohhhhh -- tell me why
Oh won't you tell me why
I can't dream yet another dream
Without you lying next to me
There's no air
I... can't breathe easy
Can't sleep at night
Till you're by my side
Coz i can't breathe easy
I can't dream yet another dream
Without you lying next to me
There's no air
There's no air.

The bar again erupted in cheers after the blonde had finished. With a soft smile, one that had most of the bar fooled, Naruto spoke softly into the mic,

"Thank you, I know my choice of songs haven't been the most cheerful but well due to personal reasons, I haven't been myself, as I'm sure you're all aware. Please forgive me but I doubt I could sing a cheerful song tonight so please bare with me. This next song, I'd like to dedicate to someone I know who was...is very dear to me."

Empty spaces fill me up with holes
Distant faces with no place left to go
Without you within me I can't find no rest
Where I'm going is anybody's guess

I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete

Naruto closed his eyes, trying to block out the face that forced its way into his mind but it was a futile attempt. No matter where he went, what he did, who he saw, he only saw Him.

Voices tell me I should carry on
But I am swimming in an ocean all alone
Baby, my baby
It's written on your face
You still wonder if we made a big mistake

He opened his eyes carefully, just for a split second, just to see if he was still in the same place. But in that split second, he saw Them. Walking in, hand in hand, as if nothing was wrong.

I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete

I don't mean to drag it on, but I can't seem to let you go
I don't wanna make you face this world alone
I wanna let you go (alone)

I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete

Incomplete

Iruka couldn't believe his eyes. How dare those two walk in as if they had done nothing? How dare that pink leech smile and laugh at the raven who looked about as happy to be next to her as cow was to shit? How dare she touch him!? Sorry we're getting off track now, anyway, Iruka had the urge to go over to the 'happy' couple and bar them from this bar for as long as he lives, but, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on the point of view) he wasn't allowed to bar people without a valid reason and it certainly wasn't allowed to be a personal issue. Iruka glared at the couple as they walked past the bar, not giving him a second glance. They even passed their friends, who also glared at them but they just simply ignored them and sat in the front, just in front of the stage and watched the performance.

Kakashi frowned from behind his mask.

'What is he playing at?' he thought as he watched Sasuke and Sakura carefully from behind the bar, next to a fuming Iruka. Silently, he lay a gentle yet authorative hand on his dolphin's shoulder, telling him without words to 'be careful with what you say and do'. Iruka visibly relaxed at the motion but not so much so he was carefree, he relaxed so he could enjoy Naruto's singing and not stress himself out.

Naruto sighed heavily as he hung his head, this was not how this evening was supposed to go. He was tired. Tired of the nightmares, tired of being alone, tired of living a life without Sasuke. Sure he sounded like a girl at the moment, a drame queen but that's how his subconscious was making him feel. Making him cry at night, making him scream in his sleep (whenever he actually slept), making him hurt his friends but most of all, making him remember. Making him remember all the bad things that have happened to him in his 17 year life. With much heartache, Naruto raised his head and unconsciously stared into those black orbs he loves so much.

"The next song I'm dedicating to all the happy couples in the room, as there seems to be alot of you tonight." Naruto never broke eye contact with his only love as he spoke. "But I'd like to say to everyone, whether you are with someone or not, is don't hide things from your chosen person as it will only lead to heartache and just make each other happy. Don't lie, don't sneak around unless its for something worth while but most importantly, love each other unconditionally and you will sure to be happy."

Still feels like our first night together
Feels like the first kiss, it's gettin' better baby
No one can better this...
Still holdin' on, you're still the one
First time our eyes met, same feelin' I get
Only feels much stronger, wanna love ya longer
You still turn the fire on...
So if you're feelin' lonely don't
you're the only one I ever want
I only wanna make it good
so if I love ya a little more than I should
Please forgive me, I know not what I do...
...I can't stop lovin' you
Don't deny me this pain I'm going through...
...if I need ya like I do
Please believe me every word I say is true...
...our best times are together...
...touch, still gettin' closer baby
Can't get close enough...
Still holdin' on, still number one
I remember the smell of your skin...everything
...all your moves...you, yeah!
...the nights ya know I still do...
...One thing I'm sure of is the way we make love
And one thing I depend on is for us to stay strong
With every word and every breath I'm prayin'
That's why I'm sayin'...
...Never leave me I don't know what I'd do...

Sasuke frowned as he watched his blonde dobe sing. Why was he so sad? He wasn't this sad when he left him, if anything, he was smiling, saying it was for the best, so why? A giggle reached his ears but he didn't need to look to know who it was. He had left for Sakura, afterall, she could give him children whereas Naruto couldn't. He could be happy, couldn't he?

"Ne Sasuke-kun, I'm glad you dumped the idiot. I mean seriously, who would date that loser?" Sakura asked, a smirk on her face as she watched the blonde on stage. Her eyes full of hate and bitterness. Sasuke was going to be happier with Sakura, right? Who was he kidding, no one could beat Naruto for his affections. As Sasuke watched in silence, he noticed the blue eyes he adored no longer shone with innocent and happiness but rather glowed dully with pain and sadness. His eyes widened as he realised, he was the cause of the blonde's sadness. (A/N: congratulations...Sasuke wins first prize for being the last person to notice)

How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
You're the only one who really knew me at all

How can you just walk away from me,
when all I can do is watch you leave
Cos we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears
You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, oh there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me,
just the memory of your face
Ooh take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face

I wish I could just make you turn around,
turn around and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you,
so many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at all

Naruto ignored the tears that were gathering in his closed eyes. He knew Sasuke would get the meanings in any if not all songs but he also knew, that his hopes of ever getting his raven were nothing but that. Hope. Tears slipped past his lashes and rolled down his cheeks, slowly dampening his white shirt at the collar.

So take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face
Now take a look at me now, cos there's just an empty space

But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what I've got to face
Take a good look at me now, cos I'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It's the chance I've gotta take

Take a look at me now

--

A/N: okay, so the order of songs are Far Away and Savin' Me by Nickleback, Standing at the edge of the earth by Bless Union of souls, Breathe Easy by Blue, Incomplete by Backstreet Boys, Please Forgive Me by Bryan Adams and finally Take a Look at Me Now by Phil Collins.

Sorry for all the songs but well, they're needed to fully portray Naruto's feelings...you'll get why eventually if you haven't already please read and review