KiyaChan: Hey everyone! We're sorry for the delay! After almost three years we have finally reached the final chapter of Cursed!

DemonicBrat: Yes, sorry for the delay. I finally got a new computer and was able to finish it at last.

Both: We hope you enjoy!

CH 18

Sasuke and Naruto ate mostly in silence, as the soft invisible music played softly through the room filling even the smallest corner with its melody Naruto struggled to focus on his meal, cutting his food into tiny little bites, trying to make this moment last as long as he could. Every few seconds he would look up at Sasuke and watch him from between his long strands of yellow hair. Just watching him eat was enough to make his cheeks burst into flame. How was the man able to look so proud and majestic while eating soup? Naruto was so happy he could burst at the seams. As if a balloon was trapped in his chest and swollen up with happiness that he was sure that it would lift him up and fly him to the stars. It was the most romantic dinner he's ever had. Although a part of him was still confused. Sasuke was unlike anyone he ever met. He's his best friend. Was it alright for Naruto to feel this way?

As the music changed to something with a slightly fast beat a shadow fell over him. Looking up in confusion Naruto's heart skipped a beat when he saw Sasuke standing above him, holding out his clawed hand with a small smile decorating his lips. "Care for a dance?" he asked softly. A smile split Naruto's face unchecked; he wiped his lips before standing and taking hold of Sasukes' clawed hand without hesitation, allowing himself to be lead out into the dance hall.

The dance hall was lit by two shimmering chandeliers causing the room to shine and glitter like magic. Sasuke gripped Naruto's waist and their hands intertwined as he lead the blond across the dance floor amongst the flickering shadows. Together they glided reminding Naruto of that amazing day when Sasuke took him flying high above the treetops with the fresh wind in their face. The feeling of Sasuke holding him close as if he was something precious, something worth protecting was still burnt into his heart. As they danced Naruto relaxed resting his head on Sasuke's chest with a happy smile dancing upon his lips, Sasuke's grip tightened holding him close even closer. Slowly they melted into each other's arms, becoming one.

As the music began to end Sasuke slowly began to lead him towards the balcony connected to the ball room, never letting go of his hand. They sat down, Sasuke allowing Naruto to have his unwanted space as they sat there in silence. They glanced at each other the blondes' cheeks tinting a light pink, hidden by the cover of night. "Naruto… are you enjoying your stay here?"

Naruto shifted and smiled at him, "I like it better when it's us." He stated before looking away.

Sasuke frowned at this taking Naruto's hands into his, "What is it?"

With a deep breath he glanced at the raven, "I don't know… I just have this really bad feeling that something has gone wrong at home." He stated admitting his feelings out-loud for the first time with a frown before shaking his head. "Let's talk about something else, tonight has been so beautiful I-"

"Go."

Naruto blinked at this. "What?" he asked staring at Sasuke's face, which was hidden in shadows.

"Go to your family. I release you."

Blinking again he watched the raven closely before leaning over and hugging him, "Thank you." He whispered softly."But we both know the rings would just bring me back."

Sasuke shifted uncomfortably in his arms. "Um...about that…"

Naruto loosened his grip and looked at him square in the eyes." That was the deal right? The ring would take me back if I wondered too far. Right?"

"Well yes, if you go far enough."

"And my house is out of range right?"

"Uh...not exactly... Turns out that it's close to the border."

"Are you serious?" Naruto deadpanned while letting his arms drop.

"Don't get all pissy. I didn't realize it until we went flying."

"So where do the rings activate?" Naruto asked crossing his arms.

"If I had to guess, near the center of the town."Sasuke replied matching his tone.

"So I can go home safely?"

Sasuke's face darkened and his eyes dropped down at the ground.
"Yes. You can go home safely."

Naruto looked at him closely before throwing his arms around Sasuke. "I'll come back" he whispered. "Just as soon as I know my family is safe."

"But why? You don't have to."

"You baka, haven't you figured that out yet?" Naruto asked leaning back to look into Sasuke's eyes. "I'll always come back to you because I want to be with you. I'll always be by your side. Believe it!"

Hugging him tightly one last time Naruto stood to leave. Breaking out of his shell shock trance Sasuke stopped him for a moment picking up a rose sitting beside him, "Take this." He stated.

Naruto took the rose looking at it closely, "Wah, but this is from your mothers favorite bush!"

Sasuke smiled a little, "It has a spell so it won't wilt quickly." He stated softly. "So you won't… forget."

"Oh Sasuke, I could never forget." The blond promised, looking up at him once more before leaving.

Sasuke watched him leave before looking at the clock as it struck midnight. Sighing heavily Sasuke looked up at the stars and whispered "Happy Birthday to me..." before disappearing into the shadows, leaving no witness but the melting candles that flickered and died shortly after.

Naruto ran up stairs and burst into his room startling both Neji and Kiba.

"Oh crap, what did the master do this time?" Kiba drawled out leaning against his frame.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked while pulling off his shirt.

"Well he must have done something to piss you off with the way you stomped in here" Neji added.

"No, Sasuke was wonderful, the whole night was wonderful." Stated Naruto dreamily as he pulled up his pants.

"Then what's the problem?" Kiba asked straightening himself. "And what's with the bag?"

"I'm taking it so I can grab some of my books. You know for such a huge library there isn't a-lot of story books."

"And where are you going?" Neji asked slowly as if talking to a child.

"Sasuke is letting me go home."

"What!?" the pair screamed.

"Don't worry I'm coming back! I'll just stay for a day or two."Naruto slung the empty bag on his back and opened the door. "See ya later!" he shouted and vanished down the stairs before either of them could say another word.

He hurried outside and sprinted across the lawn to the stables. Selecting the fastest horse, then quickly saddled him up and led him to the edge of the woods. Before the horse stepped one foot into the forest a path suddenly appeared before them as if by magic. Not even questioning it Naruto forced the horse into a run down the mysterious path that was sure to lead him home. Unaware of the dark shadow watching him from the window that stood long after he disappeared

They made it through quicker then Naruto thought possible as the path lead him to his own backyard. He could see Tsunade distraught and packing up everything into a carriage.

Jumping off the horse he ran to her, "Tsunade!" he exclaimed being pulled into a hug as soon as he was close enough.

"Y-you're really here!" she exclaimed holding him tighter. "How!?"

Naruto's arms flailed a little, "Can't… breath." She let him go quickly with a soft 'oh' staring at him. "He… he let me go. Sasuke let me go." He stated looking her in the eye. "What's going on?"

Tsunade took a deep breath pulling him into the house sitting on the couch, "Sakura… she convinced her father that you were the reason she was missing." She stated shaking her head. "So they are telling us to move, leave this place for good."

Naruto felt anger course through his veins as he stood. "That is ridiculous!" he yelled before storming out of the house and riding to town before Tsunade could say another word.

He made it into town and found a large group gathered in the town square. Getting off his horse he made his way through the crowd when someone caught his hand that had his ring from Sasuke. "You." The person said his voice deep.

Naruto turned around to tell them to let go when his words caught in his throat. He looked at the person and recalled a painting of him in the castle. "You… you're…"

The man grabbed him and held up Naruto's hand looking at the ring before smirking, "So, he found someone. What are you doing here then?"

Naruto growled yanking his hand free, "Leave us alone." He ordered before turning to find Sakura. He found her in the middle of the crowed. Sneaking in he pulled her away glaring at her, "What the hell are you doing!?"

Sakura smiled slowly, "Well to find someone to get rid of the monster of course." She stated with a low chuckle. "Who would have thought I would find someone too! His own brother."

Naruto's eyes widened at this shaking his head and taking a step back. "No."

Sakura watched him closely eyes widening a little and a small smirk crossing her lips, "I can't believe it." She said slowly getting close to him. "You love that filthy monster."

"He's not a monster you skank! You are!" he screamed before turning away to find his horse. But the towns' people already grabbed it and a man snuck up behind Naruto and pinned his arms behind his back.

"Is this the boy you warned us about Lady Sakura?"

"Yes that's him." She said sweetly, as a disgusting grin spread across her face. "Take care of him for me, would you?"

"Of course, my lady."

In the end it took three strong men to drag Naruto into the cellar of a nearby store. Naruto fought, screamed, and even bit at his captors but to no avail. In the end they forced him into the building and kicked him into the doorway of the cellar making him trip and fall down the stairs, landing painfully on his arm. Their jeering laughter echoed in his mind long after they left.

A dark figured walked briskly through the castle. He looked around with a smug smirk on his lips as he made it to a specific room. He opened the large wooden doors and walked in, "Hello little brother." he greeted.

Sasuke's head snapped up as he looked over to the door and narrowed his eyes, "Itachi." He growled out. "What are you doing here?" he asked sounding both frustrated and a little defeated.

Itachi's smirk merely grew, "Can't a big brother come by and wish his little brother a happy birthday?"

"Leave." Sasuke ordered looking out the window. "I don't want to see you." He stated.

Itachi's smirk disappeared at his little brothers words. Before Sasuke even knew his brother had moved he was shoved against a wall roughly his hands around his feathered neck. "Don't take such a tone with me." He growled.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he lashed out, "I will take whatever tone I want with you!" he yelled as he dodged a couple of blows from Itachi. "You did this to me! You killed everyone!"

That smirk was back on Itachi's lips as he grasped one of Sasuke's wings and bent it until it broke. "Yes, I did." He laughed out as Sasuke screamed in pain. "And I'll be here to witness you're death come sunrise. Though I have to wonder little brother, why would you let the one person who could save you go?" he asked ramming into Sasuke knocking him out the window.

Sasuke groaned as he stood out on the roof of the castle, "What do you know of that person?" he growled huffing a little as he held his side.

Itachi scoffed, "Falling for a boy how disgusting little brother." With a holler Sasuke attacked his brother with full force, only to be knocked down rolling off the side of the roof onto a balcony. Itachi jumped down landing close to him. "Although I suppose you did the noble thing and sent him away before he could see you're horrible death. Oh but don't worry little brother I'll make sure your death is quick. Your curse wasn't going to break any way. Haven't you noticed your ring?" at the mention of it the large raven looked down at it, cracks spread through the whole thing. His thoughts went to Naruto briefly and it glowed before cracking and shattering into pieces. Itachi's smirk merely grew, "Your curse will never break."

How much time had passed since he got into town was a mystery. Naruto was left drained of energy, still laying on the ground where he fell when the men pushed him into the darkness. A sharp pain punctured his chest as he lay, causing him to summon the strength to put his hand inside his breast pocket and pull out the beautiful red rose Sasuke had gave him that evening after the dance that seemed to be a thousand years ago.

"Oh God Sasuke I'm so sorry." He whispered to the rose as tears slowly rolled down his face leaving clear shining streaks in the dust.

A loud crack suddenly boomed around him; making Naruto jump up and stare into the darkness in confusion. A fat, thick beam of light showered down around him from above.

"Oh crap did I actually die" Naruto asked out loud.

A deep, rich and wonderfully familiar laughter answered him. "No kid, you aren't dead yet." said a shadowed figure in the doorway. "You going to lay in the dirt all day or are you going to get up and save your friend?"

"Jiraiya!" Naruto shouted, leaping up and running into the old man's arms.

"I missed you too kid. But this isn't the time for a happy reunion. That mob has already left. And it's only a matter of time before these clowns wake up." He said gesturing to the unconscious guards. "I hope you can run fast because all the horses are gone."

Naruto looked at his ring, glittering brightly in the torch light and hope blossomed in his heart. "I don't need a horse."

Without another word Naruto ran out the door as quickly as he could, trying to get as much distance between him and Sasuke as fast as possible.

"So where does the rings activate?" Naruto asked crossing his arms.
"If I had to guess, near the center of the town."Sasuke replied matching his tone.

Those words replayed themselves over and over again in Naruto's mind as he ran past the buildings. The town's center was in sight now. His ring was starting to shake and glow brightly. "Damn it Sasuke hold on!" He shouted as he reached the center. A familiar bright glow engulfed him just as the ring shattered into a million tiny pieces.

Sasuke was thrown against the stone wall, blood running down his face and into his eyes temporally blinding him. His vision swarmed before his eyes making him see double. Twin Itachi's marched towards him with identical twisted grins of maliciousness. "What's the matter little brother. You feeling weak already? You still have two hours of fun before the sun rises."

Sasuke forced his broken bloody body up to its feet and spit a great big yellow loogie mixed with his red blood in Itachi's face right below his left eye. "Fuck you, you sadistic bastard." He growled out.

Itachi snarled and charged in a blind rage. Sasuke managed to dodge, but just barely. However Itachi's fist did catch him in his already cracked ribs making him scream in pain. He staggered away trying to put distance between them.

"You hear that you little shit? That pounding? It's the sound of thirty angry men beating down your door so they can taste your blood!"

Come to think of it Sasuke could hear something. A distant roar of many voices outside, and the shattering of wood.

Itachi laughed and looked down stairs. "Looks like they let themselves in. You're such a poor host brother, making your guest wait outside for so long."

Taking advantage of his distraction, Sasuke slipped out the open window and climbed up to the roof. His first thought was to fly out of his older brother's reach, but the pain in his broken wing quickly put that plan to rest. He reached the second balcony above the first and struggled over the rail. He knew that it was only a matter of time before Itachi found him but if he could steal a few seconds of peace before the sun rose it would be worth it. Sasuke was feeling weak. Weaker than he had ever felt before. For the first time in his life he truly felt his age. A gleaming pale strip of skin on his finger caught his eye as he lay under the stars trying to catch his breath before moving on. That ring had certainly left its mark, much like the owner of the second ring.

"Naruto," He whispered staring at his naked hand. At that moment Sasuke realized that regardless of everything that happened, of all the pain he suffered, he wouldn't give it up for the world because if it wasn't for that curse slowly draining him of his life, he wouldn't have met that blonde dope.

Naruto appeared, much like the last time, a good five feet above the ground in the dining room of the castle. Dropping to the floor with a crash he fell to his knees and looked around. The castle was in shambles. Furniture was torn up, lamps and dishes broken, paintings ripped. He could only hope that the cursed residents were unharmed. Getting to his feet, he could hear a large crowd of people in the other room destroying Sasuke's home. But he would have to deal with them later. Right now he had to find Sasuke. Out of the corner of his eye a flash of pink snapped his attention to the upper level. Sakura was running toward that man in black on the second floor. Sasuke's brother.

"Where is he?" She screamed, her shrilly voice bouncing on the wall around them.

"He slipped away out the window." Itachi said calmly. "But don't worry he'll be dead either way when the sun rises."

"You're pretty confident aren't you? We still have to find him in order to kill him you idiot!"

"You little fool" Itachi hissed."Tonight is his two hundredth birthday. Regardless where he is, the curse kills him at sunrise!"

Naruto never did hear Sakura's response. The world spun beneath his feet as those cruel words burrowed into his skull. He had to find him; he had to find Sasuke no matter what!

Sasuke crawled into an open window and fell into the attic making a cloud of dust rise around him. Blood leaked out of his mouth and dripped onto the floor. The red against grey was nearly blinding. It was then that he passed out.

"Wake up sleeping beauty" Called a sickeningly sweet voice drawing him back into the world.

"Yes dear brother. Do wake up. You wouldn't want to miss your last chance to see the sun now would you?"

Sasuke awoke with a jerk and immediately wished that he hadn't. Itachi and Sakura both leered over him with shining eyes.

"There you are brother. I thought I lost you for a moment." Itachi said mockingly before grabbing his arms and forcing him to his feet. Sasuke was too weak to resist.

"So how should we do it?" Crackled Sakura. "Throw him out the window? Oooh we could stab him! I did bring a knife with me!"

"Now now my dear. You may do whatever you please to him, but I want him to remain alive until the curse drains him of the very last drop of life."

Sakura pouted prettily but nodded anyway. Reaching into her pockets she drew out a wicket looking knife and smiled. "This is for stealing Naruto away from me you monster." she sneered before stabbing him in the stomach.

Naruto ran up the stairs as fast as he could. He knew where they were heading. He only hoped he made it in time. He could see the sky softening into a light blue through the window. Sasuke didn't have much time left. He had to hurry.

Sakura laughed gleefully as the thick stream of blood splashed onto the floor and spread at an alarming rate. Giggling she splashed in the red liquid like a child would a mud puddle.

"Now little brother," Itachi said while grabbing Sasuke's collar forcing him upright. "You die."

Sasuke opened his eyes to stare his brother down when he noticed a shadow behind Itachi raising a club like object and swung it hard. The club hit Itachi in the head causing him to stagger and release him while Sakura screamed in the background.

"Naruto-kun!" Shouted Sakura. Sasuke's head shot up in disbelief. The figure stepped into the light. It was indeed Naruto holding a broken table leg.

"N-Naruto thank goodness you're here! That man attacked us!" Sakura shouted pointing at Itachi who was getting back to his feet. "He forced us up here and -"

"Shut up you bitch!" Naruto screamed panting. "How stupid do you think I am?!"

"H-how dare you talk to me like that!"

"I swear if you don't shut your mouth I'll hit you too!"

Sakura gasped in shock as she stared at him in disbelieve.

"Now that's no way to speak to a lady."

Naruto turned around and Itachi punched him in the face making him drop his club before wrapping his fingers around his throat. Thinking quickly Naruto attacked him in his weakest spot. He kicked Itachi right between the legs. Itachi's eyes bulged and he let out a strangled whimper as he fell to his knees in pain. Taking advantage of his leverage Naruto lifted his leg and kneed him in the face and Itachi fell to the ground unconscious.

"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted dropping to his knee beside the bundle of black feathers and blood. "Oh God, are you still alive?"

Sasuke slowly opened his eyes and gave him a weak smile. "Yeah I'm still here you dobe."

Naruto let a sigh of relief and smiled back. "Thank goodness."

"Y-you came b-back."

"Yeah, I told you I would remember? I'll always stay by your side. Believe it."

Sasuke's smile grew stronger and his eye's shined as he whispered quietly "Baka,"

"Well isn't that sweet," Sakura said behind the pair as she plunged her knife into Itachi's throat. "Makes me want to puke"

Sasuke slowly sat up and struggled to his feet.

"Don't move you idiot! You'll make it worse." But heedless to Naruto's warning he got to his feet and placed himself between Naruto and Sakura slowly edging them towards the window.

"We're leaving now." he informs her. "It's over. You won. Now let me die in peace."

"Why should I?" She shouted. "After all the crap you caused? Because of you Naruto will never be mine! You don't deserve a peaceful death! I'll kill you both!"

Grabbing her knife, Sakura charged the pair, aiming for Sasuke's heart. Sasuke grabbed her wrist and flung her away as if she weighed nothing. Sakura crashed into the window, shattering the glass and fell through the gaping hole to her death.

Throwing Sakura drained the very last of his strength and Sasuke collapsed once again unable to move.

"Sasuke!" Naruto screamed flinging his arms around his waist and slowly lowering him to the ground. "Don't worry I'll get help. We'll patch you up as good as new." He said as tears flowed down his face unchecked.

"It's too late Naruto..The sun is coming."

Naruto's head snapped to the broken window and realized that Sasuke was right. A horrible pink stained the clouds chasing away the nights shadows. They've ran out of time.

"No, no! Damn it!" Naruto shouted while grabbing Sasuke's arms and pulling him deeper into the shadows away from the light. "I won't let you die! Why didn't you tell me that it was your birthday? I would have never left!"

"Didn't..want you..to see me like this.."

"You idiot!" Tear's splashed on Sasuke's face and he looked up at Naruto's face one last time. Black eyes met blue and despite everything, Sasuke was at peace.

"I-I'm glad you came back, I'm happy you're with m-me."

"Of course I'm with you baka. I-I love you."

Sasuke smiled and cupped Naruto's wet cheek before whispering weakly, "I love you too."

Naruto leaned down and captured Sasuke's lips with his own just as the sun rose up engulfing the two in its light.

"Kiba! My good friend! You are at last freed from you're glass prison!" Screamed Lee, as he flung his arms around Kiba's neck.

"Really? I haven't noticed." Kiba shot back sarcastically, as he struggled away from his friend's death grip.

"It appears that the curse is broken." Stated the very human Neji as he walked down the stairs. "And the villagers caused quite the mess."

"Yeah." Tenten added nudging a bit of broken chair with her foot."It's going to take ages to clean it all up."

"Where's Sasuke and Naruto?" Asked Gaara who just arrived.

Naruto hugged Sasuke to his chest, trying to block as much sunlight as he could with his body. He wasn't moving...Sasuke wasn't moving... his chest didn't raise up and down with breath, his eyes didn't open... Sasuke was as still as death itself.

"Please..."Naruto whispered as he held him closer." Please stay..."

The attic door creaked open and silently the once cursed staff slowly filed in the room and circled the pair. Kiba walked to Naruto and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"No!" cried the blonde jerking away from his touch. "You can't have him! Go back to the damn village!"

"Naruto," Kiba said, keeping his voice soft. "It's us. It's Kiba."

"Kiba? B-but... the curse is gone?"

"Yeah... it's broken."

"Then he should be alive right? Sasuke should be alive. Why isn't he moving Kiba? He's getting cold."

"It's alright Naruto. Everything will be fine." Kiba said gently helping him to his feet.

"Come on young master." Lee cut in sounding uncharacteristically sober as he grabbed Naruto's arm. "I'll make you some tea." As he attempted to lead the blonde away from the body.

"No!" Naruto shouted yanking his arm out of Lee's grasp. "I told him I would stay with him!"

"There's nothing you can do," Gaara said sadly. "He's gone."

"Don't say that! Don't you ever fucking say that! He broke the curse." Naruto's voice cracked as fresh tears sprang to his eye. "H-he broke the curse..."

Tenten pressed her hand against her mouth trying to hold in the sobs that threaten to spill forth. Neji put his arm around her and she in turn buried her face into the crook of his neck, soaking his shirt in tears.

Naruto fell to his knees in disrepair. "H-he can't be gone..."

"You dobe, who said I was going anywhere?"

Before Naruto could react a pair of non feathered, graceful yet pale arms wrapped themselves around him, pulling him into the chest of the handsome man he'd seen in the painting.

"S-Sasuke?" He stuttered in disbelief making the dark haired man smile beautifully.

"I'll stay by your side dobe. Believe it."

Sasuke then dipped his head down and kissed the man he loved with all the passion and devotion of a thousand life times.

THE END!

KC: Alright so I have to admit, when I first read the final chapter my sister wrote I was in tears…

DB: We hope you enjoyed! Thank you everyone who has stayed with us through everything!

Both: Until next time!