Title: Honey-Lemon and Lavender: Blindfold Me Contest
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Rare/Sasuke
Rating: 18+

Chapter 1

The battlefield riddled with injured ninja, although Konaho suffered the least amount of casualties. Naruto stood next to Kakashi his sharp eyes scanning the distance an angry frown knitted his brow.

"Naruto remain calm we will find them." Kakashi finally lowered his forehead protector looking to Shikamaru, "How many so far unaccounted for?"

"Nine." Nara responded, also watching the blonde Jonin closely, he already concluded they would not be setting a route for home Naruto is very persistent.

"Nine missing." Naruto repeated, his bright eyes scanning the area again. "Shikamaru, has Sasuke been found?"

"I am sorry Naruto, he is not accounted for as of yet."

Naruto looked down gritting his teeth, 'my last words to the teme were.. .' He lifted his gaze to his former teacher. "Kaka-sensei, we must find him."

The elite Jonin nodded solemnly, and then ordered Shika to round up six ninja to assist with identifying the fallen, and soon head out in search of their missing comrades.

He fought to hold in his despair, if he had not used his wind jutsu maybe his friend would be ok. He still has to understand his own strength. Although he leveled the playing field, and everyone on it, he also created a force so strong that it opened in the earth, causing a landslide that separated them. Gritting his teeth he ran across the field toward the humongous crack in the earth, yelling.

"SASUKE!"

Sasuke POV

'Cold can't breathe.' Where the only thoughts lingering in my mind then air forced its way in my lungs I coughed gasping my head is killing me.

"Uchiha are you alright?" A deep voice spoke from far away, their hand on my shoulder.

"Please I can not hear you my head?" Someone squeezed my hand hot breath washed over my face. This is my first indication how very cold I felt my teeth chatter as something wet pressed against my head. I move a hand toward my face just as the fingertips make contact a larger hand pulls mine away. 'What happen and where is everyone?' Before I can voice the questions the pain crescendos then the abyss claims me.

I wake touching my face my eyes, my entire head bandaged. The pressure of my own fingers is painful I wince clenching my jaw. Over the smell of burning wood and the surrounding forest a faint scent of Lavender misplaced in this cold season waft over me.

A hand takes mine holding it firmly a male's hand, although smooth and soft.

Despite my knowledge of my former teammate unique scent, I venture. "Na…Naruto is that you?"

"No it is not, how are you feeling Uchiha?"

I chastise my self; it is obvious Naruto smells like dirt. This can only be one person; next to Kiba, my nose is extremely sensitive. "Who are you then?"

Then that large hand releases mine, inwardly I scowl. 'How did we end up together? That is the question of the year, since I know he all but hates me.'

He adds wood to the fire, it hisses and pops wetly, then that rich voice rolled over me again. "I am a comrade you injured your head. I think it is only temporary do not worry I will protect you."

"Where are we and what happen?" I ask turning in his direction as a cool cloth dampens my face, carefully. It wipes over my lips slowly pausing at one corner of my mouth. I feel heat rush to my face. "What are you doing?" I get the impression he is gawking at me.

His hand drops, now I know he is glaring at me, in an all too familiar way. "We can not stay long there is a storm coming we must get to higher ground. Are you hungry?"

"Yeah." I said begrudgingly, hoping the rescue team would catch up soon. The smell of roasted fish increased he must have had it down wind. Once again, he took my hand in his larger soft palm, placing the carefully wrapped meal in my hands. "Thanks for helping me." I grumble.

He stood. "I will check the area when I get back we will head out." He paused then added. "Uchiha anytime, I do not mind helping you."

The tone made me lift my head in his direction food poised at my mouth. What was that I just heard? Can it be he really does not hate me? Not likely, I eat my meal with as much dignity as I can manage.

"You are very strong why won't you tell me your name?" I could no longer feel the presence, I lean back resting. I cannot envision living without it is my sight. What if he is wrong, what if I have lost my eyes altogether.

The thought festered the longer I considered the silent darkness. I began to remove the bandages, slowly at first but gradually picking up speed as the layers thinned I imaged I can see pale light. My heart leaped in my chest, my sight is not gone. At last the last length fell in my lap, something moist rested against each eye socket. I pulled the wades of material away, gritting my teeth against the intense pain, forcing my eyes open.

Nothing, I blink at least I make an attempt to blink, reaching up and feeling around my face, I can feel the flutter of my lashes but only utter darkness is before me. I press my fingers against the sockets willing them to see my own hands, however it is evident I am blind.

I do not remember yelling nor realize the level of my despair until the male wrapped long powerful arms around me. His mouth moving against my temple, he was talking but I did not hear it, only when my throat felt raw from my screams did I stop, my protector cradling me from behind rocking me and still his mouth moves against my temple. Drawing a deep shuddering breath, I try to calm myself enough; I need his help to end this silent darkness.

"Help me." I say, my throat burning. "Give me your kunai." He froze, squeezing me tighter, and then he shook his head, no. I tried to pull away. "I want to die, if you do not want to help me, leave me here."

His mouth moved faster against my temple, talking to me, his breath washing over my face.

"You stupid son of a bitch! I cannot see! I cannot be a ninja like this! Get off me!" My throat cracked as I yelled, coughing between insults pulling harder I lashed out determined to pound the person senseless. Who dose he think he is this is not his decision. My efforts proved fruitless, he easily pinned me with his broader body my head felt as if it were splitting. Suffering in excruciating pain, a dark peace claimed me.

[TBC]

A.N. I don't know how I forgot to post this, so sorry. Oh well I did this for a contest some time before thanksgiving '08. I like how it turned out and if I get enough feedback, I'll post the other completed chapters. ^^ comments...