Author's Note:

HELLO MY LOVELIES. 3 I hope everyone has been doing good and hasn't plotted to murder me for not writing quicker. Next story I write... I AM WRITING AHEAD OF TIME... Maybe.. .-.

Only 13 more reviews until someone wins the little oneshot goodness thingy~ Whoever wins I will PM with little guidelines and whatnot. If they don't respond within a week, I will just select another number been 0 and the number of reviews this story actually has. Do y'all like this idea? Should I do this again? Yay, nay? Or should I wait until I actually wind up selecting a winner?

Well... Since I can't hear anyone through a computer I will just wait until someone gives me their opinion. :D

I seriously suggest you listen to "Gotta Be Somebody" by Daughtry. It really fits this chapter. (:

Review Replies:

Murasakiiro no Ran: I always have those reactions to the stories I follow. I understand them. :D Hope you enjoy!

MacabreObsession: Because why not? Hahahahah. You'll see in this chappie. With the girl, some girls who belong to that world probably have pyschotic breaks and just can't take it anymore and try to get away from it all.

Serene Grace: Oh you :3 I love you. You always give the greatest reviews. You make them so long and tehy made my day. I feel liek if I didn't make you have those reactions you wouldn't like the story as much. Did I mention I love you? 3 3 3

Anilina: I don't want that Gaara anywhere near Naruto either, but 'tis necessary. I think I might just make a SasuNaru/NaruSasu story where they are just screwing each other everywhere to please everyone. You're language doesn't offend me, I say worse. :D Sasuke is not up to anything at aaaallll *whistles innocently before wuickly walking away*

Uchiha Hinata21: Why thank you (:

Amyethious: I'll try to. I'm just a fan of shorter chapters. They are easier to write. This one is a little longer though (:

Chria: Wait not longer!

Megusiq: You're getting more now. DON"T CRY! SMILLEEE :D

Zei : Was 3 days too long? I hope not :( You'll find out about both Sasuke and Gaara in this chapter and what they are up to (:

Envyyyy: Technically he bought girls over the Internet, most of them an illegal age. But he didn't really do anything morally wrong, he did save them (:

Teehees: OMFG I'm glad you love the story :D Hope you enjoy the update~

Now on with the next chapter in Screw What Society Thinks!

Chapter 17

"Naruto, let's talk. I know I have a lot of explaining to do."

"Why should I not kick you out right now? Why should I even consider listening to you? You threw me away like I was nothing."

"I know Naruto. Please, let's just sit down and have a civil conversation about this." Naruto huffed but listened to Gaara anyway. He was still affected by Gaara, still always listening to what he said. The two headed walked the short distance to Naruto's room and sat on the bed. Neither said anything for some time. Gaara looked around the room, taking in the lifelessness of the room while Naruto just lived inside of his head, lost in his thoughts.

"Naruto, I had reasons for getting you out of the streets. You weren't wanted, by anyone. You didn't belong. You had an education, you had a real future. You didn't need to get lost in the underground. None of us have a chance. We didn't ever finish school; we can't get a good job. You can do whatever you want. You can get loans and go to college and make something of yourself."

"You let Ino stay. Why the hell couldn't I!"

"Ino is different. She never planned on staying. She told us from the beginning she was getting out as soon as possible. You.. you were never going to go."

"I didn't have anywhere else to go, Gaara! I had no one, I still have no one! I'm poor as fuck, drowning in debt, I just got fired from one of my jobs, and I still have to deal with Orochimaru!"

"Why him?"

"Please, you think just because you made me get off drugs that my debts were paid? I own him a shit load of money. I'll never be able to pay him off. No matter where I go, I can't escape him."

"You should have left when I got rid of you. Naruto, you have the ability to do so much more. You actually care about the majority of people, even if you won't admit it. You can help people Naruto, you just need to get away from here so you can do it."

"You think I want to be stuck here? In an area where no one has ever given a shit about me? I would fucking KILL to get the fuck out of this area, but I can't. I can't afford to go, plus Orochimaru will kill me from trying to run from my debt to him. I can't leave Gaara."

Gaara placed his hand on Naruto's thigh. They both sighed heavily before looking at each other. Clear cerulean blue eyes stared into lifeless pale green ones. Silent communication was exchanged, both expressing how they felt about the situation: Naruto helpless and Gaara indifferent.

Why did you ever fall for this guy? He seems creepy as fuck Naruto. You used to let him shove his dick in your ass?

Naruto ignored Kyuubi, and continued to look at Gaara. He knew why he fell for Gaara. He was the only one who was helpful to Naruto after he started living on the streets. Most people had an attraction to anyone who helped them. Naruto knew there was a certain word for it, but he didn't care to remember it at this moment. All he wanted to do was taste Gaara's lips again.

And so Naruto did. Bravely, he leaned over and put his lips on Gaara's, giving him a soft and quick kiss. Gaara didn't respond to the kiss.

"Naruto, I thought I loved you at one time, but I didn't. I felt an attraction to you because you were a lot like me. Now, that attraction is gone. It was gone the day I threw you out."

"Gaara…"

"Naruto, I want you gone within a year. You don't need to be here. The only way I want you to stay in Tokyo is if you get a real job that uses your abilities or if you are in school studying to do something with yourself. If your still here and you aren't helping yourself, I will personally have you kidnapped and dropped off in another country."

Gaara got up off the bed, and left Naruto's apartment without looking back at the blonde. There were no goodbyes exchanged. This was nothing like last time. Naruto allowed the tears to fall from his eyes. He felt like he had been bitch slapped with a burning hot iron rod. He knew there was no chance of Gaara ever coming back.

Naruto had never felt so alone.

The scotch flowed from the bottle, filling the glass and coating the two ice cubes already occupying the crystal. He took a small sip before looking back at the computer screen. Sasuke couldn't wait to share the good news with his father and brother tomorrow. He had managed to get the Chinese company to agree to the contract for half the price. Sleeping with the wife really did help Sasuke. He allowed himself to enjoy some scotch for completing such a task.

Sasuke happened to glance up at the clock. It was nearing midnight, and his favorite blonde had yet to show. He would never admit to anyone but himself that he found the blonde attractive and inviting. He rarely talked to anyone other than his family and their clients, however, he was highly interested in the blonde.

What made the Sasuke attracted to the blonde was a mystery. Maybe the sapphires that he had for eyes were the first thing that caught his attention. Or was it the sunshine that mounted his head? Possibly the six scars that occupied his face that had to hold an interesting background. He wanted to know more and more about the blonde. Sure they had been talking for months, but it was never enough. Sasuke was always secretly saddened when the blonde left. He purposely stayed at work just to talk to him.

Sasuke smirked as he remembered how he found out the blonde existed. He couldn't believe he had been so careless as to leave the bidding sight up on his screen. He was glad Naruto found it though. Now Sasuke had a reason to continue to talk to Naruto. Naruto had to keep his secret for him. For Sasuke, that meant he got to keep the blonde around for as long as he wanted.

Sasuke continued to drink his scotch, pouring one more glass. He knew his limit; after two he was a horribly loose drunk. However, as he continued to drink, he felt like he needed another. It was almost one and Naruto had yet to show. Naruto never missed showing up to work. He rarely arrived after nine; he was normally there by eight.

Sasuke decided to call Naruto, just to make sure he was alright. He wouldn't want his favorite blonde getting into trouble, blabbing, or getting sick on him.

The razor slid across the skin. He hadn't pressed hard, just enough for the blood to come out. It wasn't enough. He cut again, but harder this time. He did it again, and again, and again. He lost count of the cuts on his left wrist. He went to go cut his right wrist, but the pain in the left one was too much for his to hold the blade. He threw it onto the counter before sliding to the floor.

Tears from his eyes slid down his face, over the scars, before falling off and mixing with the blood that was dripping onto the floor. Everything hurt him. Breathing hurt, crying hurt, moving hurt, his head hurt, and his heart hurt. He didn't know what to do. He had heard cutting helped, but it only hurt him. That was why he used to be a heroin addict; nothing else worked. He didn't have anyone to get any from. He didn't even have the strength to move.

The blood continued to flow out of his body. Soon, his vision started to get fuzzy and spotty. He smiled. Maybe this time when he went to sleep, he wouldn't wake back up. Maybe he could finally leave this world and never hurt again.

His vision got worse and worse, until eventually he blacked out with a small smile plastered to his face.

"…me out there."

He opened one of his eyes. He had heard something loud next to his head. He had a pounding headache. He didn't want to be awake right now, he just wanted to sleep.

"Cause nobody wants to be the last one there. Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares, someone to love with my life in their hands. There's gotta be somebody for me like that. Cause nobody wants to do it on their own and everyone wants to know they're not alone. There's somebody else that feels the same somewhere. There's gotta be somebody for me out there."

Naruto looked towards the sound. It was his phone. He grabbed it, but he had missed the call. Almost immediately the phone rang again.

"Cause nobody wants to be the last one there."

"Hello?" Naruto croaked. His throat was hurting like hell. He knew it was because of his uncontrollably sobbing earlier. Damn his inability to kill himself.

"Naruto? Are you okay? I called about thirty times and you didn't answer." The voice was warm, deep, and confident. Naruto would recognize that voice anywhere. It was Sasuke.

"Sorry, I was asleep. What time is it?"

"About one in the morning."

"FUCK! I'm sorry Sasuke. Damn this just isn't my day."

"It's morning, dobe."

"Shut up teme!"

"Are you okay? This isn't really like you."

"It was just a tough day. Ow, damn." Naruto's wrist was throbbing like hell. It looked disgusting, covered in dried blood and scabs.

"Ow?"

"Uh, stubbed my toe."

"Good job."

"Damn I can't believe I slept thought my shift."

"Why don't you come and take care of it now? We have an early meeting tomorrow. You would only need to clean the conference room."

"Sorry, can't someone else do it? I really can't get over there right now."

"Naruto, you are the only person that makes everything, including the carpet, look like it's sparkling. I'll come pick you up. We are dealing with the Chinese tomorrow. They bitch if it's not pretty when they walk in."

Naruto hesitated before answering. He would have probably five minutes after he hung up with Sasuke to wrap his wrist, find a way to hide it, change, and make sure there wasn't blood anywhere on him. Again, damn his inability to kill himself.

"Alright. I'll be ready in about ten minutes." Naruto gave Sasuke his address. Sasuke told him he'd be there in ten, and they hung up.

Better hurry Naruto-chan. Wouldn't want princess seeing how pathetic you are.

Author's Note:

:O I can't believe I actually made some advance towards a relationship. WOOHOOOO. Those of you who wanted a little advancement... I know it's not much and it was just a tease but I hope you enjoy.

Anyone who loved Gaara.. Don't hate me.

Seriously, thank you to anyone who reviews this story. I don't care if you do it because you want to or because you want to win the contest or if you even just put nice story. I love you for taking the time to review my story.

I can't every think you guys enough. :')

Even those of you who don't review, thank you for reading the story. I hope to update at least one more time before Christmas. After that my life is going to be crazy~