Slender smooth fingers flew over the keys gracefully, gently, with smooth touches and pressure. The melody sounded haunted, as it filled the room with sweet sounds that floated through the air. His hands twisted and pushed the ivory keys with ease, moving back and forth, continuously creating the song.
Black bangs fell softly upon his forehead, swayed back and forth as his head moved to the melody flowing through the room. His black eyelashes fluttered when emotions from the sounds flew through his ears. His red lips pinched when his fingers turned to a difficult piece but his body rocked in time to ensure the sounds were smooth and elegant.
While the song continued to echo throughout the room, Sasuke found his eyes closing tightly when the scene popped into his head.
~~flashback~~
Ten years old
It was raining, the clouds were dark, shading out the sun, giving the impression it was late at night when it was actually two in the afternoon. Ten year old Sasuke held his umbrella tight as he hurried down the sidewalk, a small bag in his hand. He had run to the store for an errand for his mother.
He came around the corner, to find a small wet mass of a boy, who looked about his age, leaned up against a fence, hugging his knees and sobbing. Sasuke could see the scapes on the boy’s elbows and knees. Tilting his head, he walked over to the small boy, who’s sunshine hair was drenched wet, drops of water falling onto his clothes. He held the umbrella over the boy.
Red rimmed blue eyes looked up at him, wide with surprise. His lower lip quivered from the sobs he released and the boy wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
“Why are you crying?” Sasuke asked the boy. He had seen the boy before, in passing, when they moved to the small town. His mother always said to go say hello, but Sasuke just hadn’t gotten to that point yet.
“I fell,” the crying boy responded.
“Where’s your mom?” Sasuke asked, looking around to see if there were any adults around.
The boy sniffled and bit his bottom lip. “At home, she’s going to be so mad,” he responded with a crack in his voice.
“Why?”
“Cause I got my clothes dirty,” the boy responded and brushed at his pants, which had small rips in the knees. Most likely from a fall. Sasuke could see the torn skin within the tears and the specks of blood.
“Does it hurt?” Sasuke asked, kneeling down to look closer at the scraped knees.
“No,” the boy responded with a sniffle and wiped his eyes again.
“You’re all wet,” Sasuke stated.
“It’s raining duh!” the blond boy realiated with a snap. “I hate the rain,” he mumbled out with a pout.
“Don’t hate the rain, we need it,” Sasuke responded quickly. The blond boy just stuck out his pout even further. Sasuke looked to the side of the blond boy, his back was leaning against a fence and Sasuke reached over behind him quickly. And just as quickly, he pulled his hand back and held between his fingers a small white flower.
He held it up to the boy. “Flowers need the rain to grow, you know. Here,” he held the flower in front of the blond boy's nose. “This is for you. To make you feel better.”
The boy stared at the small white flower, his bottom lip tucked up between his teeth.
“It’s a daisy. It represents young kids like us. Well at least that's what my mom says,” Sasuke shrugged while he explained and twisted the delicate flower between his finger and thumb, causing the rain drops to fly off the long white pedals.
Slowly the blond boy plucked the small daisy from Sasuke’s fingers.
“You can walk with me under my umbrella,” Sasuke offered.
The blue eyes opened wide and studied Sasuke curiously. Sasuke nodded his head, stood back up and held out his hand. “Come on.”
Chilled dirty hands grasped Sasuke’s and Sasuke pulled the other up onto his feet. Those blue eyes continued to look at Sasuke, and when Sasuke determined that the boy was steady on his feet he nodded his head. “Come.”
Sasuke knew where the boy lived since they moved to the small town, everyone knew of course. He walked the boy to his front gate, it wasn’t far, and the yellow haired boy was quiet the entire way. Sasuke stopped at the gate, his umbrella still clenched over the two of them, his small bag still in his other hand. The boy was looking at his feet, not saying anything but then someone called.
“Naruto! Baby! Come inside! Hurry! You’ll catch the death of a cold!”
Sasuke looked over to the boy’s mom, red hair getting drenched from the downpour, her dress flowing as she ran down the walk towards them. She quickly opened the gate and kneeled down at eye level at the two. She grasped the blond boy’s cheeks and ran her palms over his skin. “Are you okay? What happened? I was so worried!” She planted kisses on the boy’s forehead, nose and cheeks. “And who’s this?” She had green eyes that sparkled and a warm smile when she looked at Sasuke.
“Sasuke ma’am,” Sasuke said politely with a nod of his head. His mom always said to be polite to others.
“What a polite young man you are!” the red headed woman exclaimed. “Thank you for bringing Naruto home!” She ruffled Sasuke’s hair fondly.
“I was so worried you got lost!” The woman was looking at Naruto again, and bringing him into her chest for a hug. “Let’s get you inside and warmed up.” She began to stand back up and out from under the umbrella. “What a cute little flower Naruto! Come! We shall put it in a glass of water inside!”
Naruto nodded his head and then shyly looked at Sasuke. His blue eyes were still red rimmed, his eyes were watery with unshed tears.
“Don’t forget to say thank you to Sasuke Naruto,” the redheaded woman spoke quickly. She was getting wetter by the second.
Pink lips mouthed out the words, “thank you, Sasuke.” A small shy smile was provided and those blue eyes sparkled through the unshed tears. He turned towards his mother and ran with her to the front door of the house.
Sasuke stood for a moment, under his umbrella and watched the pair rush through the front door and disappear. Sasuke was about to turn and walk home when Naruto opened the door again and waved frantically. “Bye Sasuke!” The blond was waving and smiling before Sasuke nodded his head in response and walked home.
~~end flashback~~
Sasuke’s fingers stroked and moved across the ivory keys, his fingers pushing out the melody forcefully, as if demanding the music to push through the walls.
His teeth bit down on his bottom lip as the waves of tones tickled his skin while the memory flowed through his mind. The song was delicate and light, making sounds of a happy time that left the hair on his neck standing while it wrapped around the memories that continued to flow.
~~flashback~~
Fourteen years old
“Hey Sasuke!” Naruto called out while running down the sidewalk. His face was flushed red, his smile was blinding while the wind ruffled through his gleaming golden locks. The fourteen year old boy was tall, lanky and his knees were knobby looking in those shorts, but Sasuke just turned around and smirked at his friend.
“Hn,” Sasuke grunted out when Naruto caught up to him.
“Hey buddy, mom gave me some change to get ice cream, wanna go?” Naruto held up a few bills and waved them about at Sasuke’s nose. His face was beaming with happiness.
“Sure,” Sasuke responded. He smirked when Naruto fell into step beside him as they both continued to walk through the warm summer day down the sidewalk.
Naruto babbled on about this, that and the other, Sasuke listened and hummed out a few sounds that was enough for Naruto to keep talking. Sasuke shook his head with a chuckle when Naruto talked about their teacher being mean, the girls that smelled funny and their mutual friends that they gamed with.
The pair sat at a picnic table in the park. The grass was a brilliant green, the sun was shining warmly and the tree above them provided shade to keep being outside in the summer heat tolerable. Sasuke leaned his chin on his hand, watching Naruto talk and talk, while eating his ice cream. The sun sparkled through the blond’s hair, creating a sea of diamonds, in Sasuke’s opinion.
The pair ended up going for a chase through the trees in the park, their feet pounding on the well beaten paths that had been taken by many others before them. Naruto’s laughter swelled through the brush as he talked of pirates, gangsters and hidden treasure. Sasuke breathed out heavily when he burst through the opening of the brush, standing in the tall grass that was on the edge of the lake. Naruto came crashing behind him, knocking them both over and both boys laughed at the incident. When their laughter died down, both laid on their backs staring up at the blue sky dotted with small white clouds. The sounds of gentle rippling water in the air from the lake.
“Hey Sasuke?” Naruto hummed out.
“Hn?”
“You’re my best friend,” he whispered out.
Sasuke turned to look at his friend, who wasn’t looking at him, but his face was flushed red. He didn't know if it was from his confession or from their running through the bushes. But the sun was gleaming on his tanned skin, most likely off the sweat that had accumulated on his face from their running. Sasuke just stared at his friend before he smiled slightly and turned his eyes back up to the sky. A flash of colour caught his eye and he turned his head away from Naruto to see a small deep coloured yellow flower. He leaned over and plucked the small yellow wild flower from the grass and looked at it carefully. It was a common wild flower that grew all over in the long grass around the lake, he knew it well. It had long slender petals and a black centre; a black eyed susan.
He turned to look at his friend who was still looking up at the sky, his hands placed behind his head, his lips tucking in and out making popping noises.
“Naruto,” Sasuke called out, grasping his friend’s attention immediately. Blue eyes turned to look at him, they were brilliant gems filled with curiosity and kindness. “You’re my best friend too,” he stated matter of factly and thrust the flower at the blond boy's face.
The smile that blossomed from the face nearly blinded Sasuke. The deep coloured yellow flower was nowhere as bright as his friend.
~~end flashback~~
The piano melody continued to ring throughout the room, long slender fingers continued to tap and caress the keys, creating the tones with pristine accuracy. He could feel a bead of sweat run down his temple, but he paid it of no mind. His ears were filled with the pleasant sounds of the music that wrapped and pulled at the memorable moments, his lips curling up now and then into a small smile. His heart would expand as the music pulled at the pleasant memories of when he first met the brilliant ball of sunshine that warmed his heart.
The song picked up with light sounding twinkles, like the diamonds of rain drops in Naruto’s hair, like the gleaming sun beams that created sparkles of light between his strands. Sasuke could feel the love strumming through his skin; the flashes of Naruto’s smile, those crystal blue eyes swimming with excitement and happiness, those cheekbones that rose with every smile showing off dimples.
As the song came to an end, Sasuke’s fingers slowed with each keystroke, the ending musical sounds of a promising future and light. Sasuke lowered his head slightly and took in some deep breaths.
“Daddy?” a small voice called from behind him.
Sasuke lifted his head and smiled. “Yes dear?” he responded softly. Small hands leaned against the bench seat where Sasuke sat. Sasuke turned his head to the side, giving the small four year old a warm smile.
“Is it time to go see papa yet?” the child asked, wide blue eyes looked upon Sasuke with curiosity.
‘Eyes so bright, just like Naruto,’ Sasuke thought warmly to himself. He leaned over and picked up the young boy and plopped him beside him on the bench. He kissed the crown of the child’s head.
“Soon. I just wanted to finish practising for the day,” he whispered and rubbed his cheek through the thick dark hair of his son.
“Can I help?” the child asked brightly.
“Hn, you can watch and listen,” Sasuke responded and rubbed his hands together, placing them once again on the keys. He took a breath and loosened his shoulders, his small son copied him and he inwardly smiled.
He then clasped his fingers together and stretched out his arms over his head, knowing that his son would copy him. He was not disappointed when tiny hands copied him like a shadow. He lowered his arms and rotated his head, causing his neck to make small popping noises. He suppressed a chuckle when his son did the exact same.
When he placed his hands on the worn piano keys, his son folded his hands neatly on his lap and watched closely. Sasuke began the new piece, slowly and delicately, listening to each tone as it echoed through his ears. As the melody began to take shape around his body, it rose another scene to the forefront of his mind.
~~flashback~~
Sixteen years old
Sasuke straightened up his black tie, brushed off the collar of his suit jacket and pulled on his cuffs. He glanced at himself in the mirror, his eyes skimming all over his body and nodded his head. It was time.
He arrived with his brother beside him, standing outside the door he knew all too well. Itachi glanced at Sasuke, gave a small nod and knocked on the door. Sasuke held his breath before the door opened, a brunette middle aged man dressed in a suit, looked at the two Uchiha’s, gave them a sad smile before stepping back to allow the brothers in.
Sasuke stepped in first, his eyes looking about, and he felt his heart weep when he laid eyes upon his blond friend. The sixteen year old boy sat slouched on the edge of the couch, his head drooped forward, his hands clasped tightly together and in a black suit. His blond hair hung limply, the shine did not appear as bright as it usually would be and Sasuke headed straight for him.
He sat down quietly beside his friend, his shoulder lightly brushing the other. Naruto didn’t look up, he just leaned into Sasuke’s shoulder and released a broken sigh. Sasuke leaned his head into the other and handed over a small sprig of flower blooms together with a single branch of deep green leaves. The two branches were laced together with a dark string.
Naruto gently took the small branch and brushed his fingertips over the small deep blood red heart shaped blooms. “Bleeding hearts…” Naruto whispered.
Sasuke felt a strike of hurt in his chest when those blue eyes looked up at him. His eyes were puffy, red and watery. Sasuke could see the tear track marks that littered his bandaged cheeks. Sasuke was frozen, he didn’t know what to do, his friend was in pain and his heart broke to see him this way.
He brought this hand up, cupped Naruto’s one cheek gently, taking care to not upset the wounds on his face and gently pulled Naruto’s head into his chest. Sasuke held him tight when Naruto broke and sobs filled Sasuke’s ears. Sasuke held him for as long as he needed, the small bundle of bleeding hearts still clutched in Naruto’s hand beside him, until it was time to go.
He did not leave Naruto’s side as they stood in the rich green grass while the priest gave the service. Sasuke stood by Naruto’s side while he stared down into the freshly dug holes where Naruto’s parents were being laid to rest.
It wasn’t fair, it was untimely. It wasn’t their fault they were there, but the fault of the other who decided to drink and drive. The police said Naruto was lucky, only coming out with cuts to his face, but was he really–lucky?
Sasuke placed his hand on Naruto’s shoulder with a firm grip while Naruto kissed the bleeding heart sprig and dropped it into his parent’s graves. And Sasuke held his friend as long as needed, as the blond released his pain through tears and wails.
~~end flashback~~
Sasuke felt the sting of tears behind his eyes as the music brought forth the memory. He bit his bottom lip, suppressing the tears and willing them away. He didn’t want those tears to release, they weren’t allowed to, not now, this wasn’t the place. His fingers continued to move delicately across the keys, forcing the notes to flow out and move along, taking that painful memory with them.
But he knew…
The memory was forever there. It would never leave. Reminding him of just how unfair life can be. When Naruto lost his parents in that horrible crash, and how he survived the accident, but really, a part of him died with his parents.
He pushed his fingers hard into the ivory keys with the next section of the piece. Feeling the anger at life, how hard it hurt Naruto that way. It wasn’t fair! It wasn’t fair !
It wasn’t fucking fair…
A warm feeling fell upon his thigh. Glancing down he saw his son, his large blue eyes looking up at him and Sasuke demanded himself to calm down.
He winked at the boy and continued stroking the ivory keys, pushing out the sounds in a more delicate and soft manner. The sounds continued to float through the room, his son started to rock back and forth gently to the melody. Sasuke smiled at the sight and his lithe fingers reached and twirled the keys, creating a softer moment in time.
~~flashback~~
Eighteen years old
Sasuke adjusted his graduation cap an inch on his head and smoothed out his gown. He tilted his head back and forth, checking his hair.
“Oh come on! You already look like a fucking drop dead gorgeous model already!” Naruto laughed out from behind him. Naruto stepped up and dropped his chin onto the raven’s shoulder and looked at Sasuke in the mirror. “Don’t we look great?” Naruto beamed a smile at Sasuke and then grabbed Sasuke’s cheeks and squeezed em.
“Dobe,” Sasuke mumbled out through his now squished lips and slapped playfully at Naruto’s hand. Naruto laughed and squeezed Sasuke’s shoulders, giving him a small shake.
“Let’s do this!” Naruto fist pumped the air and pulled Sasuke towards the auditorium.
Naruto and Sasuke stood outside the auditorium among their small group of friends, diploma’s in hand and chatting amongst each other. Itachi approached Sasuke and placed a hand on the raven’s shoulder, giving his little brother an encouraging nod and a smile. He handed Sasuke something and Sasuke tucked it away in his inner pocket.
“Naruto,” Sasuke called out to get the blond’s attention. Blue eyes snapped over to him immediately and he was blessed with a warm bright grin. The dimples in his cheeks still shone but now the scars on his cheeks from the accident those years ago added to the charm of that smile. “Need to talk to you for a minute,” Sasuke stated and nodded his head to the side. A subtle command for Naruto to follow him.
Naruto nodded his head enthusiastically. “See you guys at dinner!” Naruto called back to his friends as he turned to follow Sasuke.
Sasuke took a seat on a wooden bench, far from the crowds at the auditorium, nestled below a willow tree. The bench was often used for photos by many, with the old willow tree’s hanging branches, an open field was the view from the bench, it was almost a private setting– if it hadn’t been for the walking path that went right by.
Naruto plopped beside Sasuke and let out a long breath. “We did it eh Sas? Finally made it over the first step.” He grinned brightly and looked over at Sasuke. He propped up his elbow on the back of the bench and rested his head in his palm. He was silent for a moment as he studied Sasuke who was staring right back at him.
“Naru–” Sasuke started. He could feel his nerves vibrating within him and his heart rate sped up. Those blue eyes looked back at him with curiosity, reminding him of the first time they met and their years of friendship afterwards, up until this point.
“Sas?” Naruto lifted his head up and leaned closer to the raven. “Are you okay?”
A look of panic crossed the tanned face, concern and fear in those crystal blue gems–
Sasuke panicked too, just from seeing that look upon his best friend’s face. He didn’t want to cause his friend any fear.
“Naru,” Sasuke quickly said and thrust his hand into his inside jacket pocket. Blue eyes followed his movement and Sasuke pulled out a single lavender rose, complete with a few dark green leaves around the delicate bloom. “I love you, I’ve always loved you, be mine?” The blinding light from the sun had caused him to squint and the warmth of the sun burnt his body as it embraced him tightly.
~~end flashback~~
Sasuke’s body arched slightly as he hit a particularly difficult section of the piece that required his hands to move faster, twist into other areas to make sure the melody flowed smooth as silk. The sounds were bouncing all around the room, surrounding his body, dripping down his arms and back like water but it was warm, loving and he felt safe.
He bit his lip while allowing the sounds to drape around him and hold him close, feeling the warmth envelope and practically drown him. The twinkling tones of each note settled easily within him, reminding him of that day, where he asked Naruto to be his, forever.
The piano helped him release those visions. He owed it all to him; his friend, his love, his soul mate that he could make these pieces dance in the air and he smiled slightly at the thought.
“Daddy?” His son’s voice broke through softly when Sasuke finished this piano piece.
Sasuke glanced down and raised a brow at the boy. Blue eyes blinked wide and the small smile the boy held showed off but one well defined dimple. “Hmm?” Sasuke hummed out.
“Can you play you and papa’s wedding song before we go see papa?” He clasped his hands together and squeezed them against his chest, his little chin resting on his knuckles. His eyes were wide and dilated wide as he stared up at Sasuke.
Sasuke knew he was looking at a little Naruto, who just happened to be a mixture of both of them. The strings were tugging at his heart while his son patiently awaited his answer and blinked his long lashes. He gave his son a chuckle. “Of course, let me get the sheets,” he responded as he shifted in his seat.
“These ones?” his son called out, suddenly holding several piano sheet music in his hands.
Sasuke raised a brow again. He then smiled warmly, grasped the sheets and arranged them on the piano's music shelf. His son clapped his hands excitedly before settling quietly beside his father once again, his large blue eyes watching his father’s hands carefully.
Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, studying the notes that he already knew too well. It was Naruto’s favourite piece, and Sasuke studied it relentlessly so he could play it whenever he asked. He smiled briefly before resting his fingers again upon the worn ivories and took a breath.
His fingers gently pushed at the keys, pushing the tone of each note out softly and easily. The melody began to take shape as it flowed through the room and he could hear his son begin to hum along and rock slowly back and forth.
~~flashback~~
Twenty five years old
Sasuke stood at the head of the altar. His nerves were wound tight as the dozens of eyes stared at him from the pews. He glanced to his left to see his brother smiling proudly beside him, in his perfectly pressed tuxedo. Itachi nodded his head with that smile and turned to look down the aisle when the music began to play.
Sasuke followed his brother’s gaze to see Naruto’s best friend come down the aisle in a slow pace, matching the tempo of the classic piece. He took a breath as Naruto’s best friend took her place near his right side and she turned to look down the aisle as well.
The white sheen drapes pulled back and revealed a radiant smile, golden styled hair and tanned skin that glowed against the white gleaming tuxedo that Naruto wore. His vest and tie was coloured gold that matched the small bouquet of blue and white flowers that he carried in his hands.
Naruto walked slowly, his crystal vibrant blue eyes never leaving Sasuke’s, and Sasuke felt his heart skip beats, causing a warmth to flow through his veins. A warm soft feeling enveloped his whole soul, as the man he called his own, was making his way down the aisle to stand with him.
The crowd awed and people dabbed their eyes from the tears of joy as they watched the blond haired man take his place on Sasuke’s right side, before the preacher.
Sasuke grasped the small cascading bouquet that had royal blue calla lilies and draping greens. He quickly inhaled the scent of the flowers before passing them off to Naruto’s best friend. Grasping Naruto’s hands tightly, the two made their vows of love before swearing to be there for each other, forever.
~~end flashback~~
Sasuke pushed through the piece, the day of their wedding flashing through his mind. The ceremony, the blooming warmth of love that flowed through him when Naruto said, ‘ I do’, the dance, the family, the happiness and the matching rings.
The piano vibrated as it released with passion and vigour, Sasuke’s fingers pushing the keys, demanding the emotions be released with each note. His heart was thumping hard as it processed all the emotions, the memories, and the scenes of all their amazing moments throughout their wedding.
When his fingers came to rest into the final notes, his son leaned against his side and let out a long sigh.
“I really love that song daddy,” he breathed out with a smile.
“Shall we go now then?” Sasuke asked as he draped an arm around his son and pulled him in closer for a hug while kissing the crown of his head.
The boy nodded eagerly and slipped off the bench, grabbing Sasuke’s hand eagerly.
~~later~~
Sasuke drove down the semi busy streets of the small community, making his way downtown with his son humming the wedding tune in the back seat. Sasuke smiled warmly glancing at the rearview mirror, seeing his son in the back, who watched out the window with interest.
He pulled into an empty spot and helped his son out of the car. Taking his son’s hand, he directed them to a small shop and opened the door.
“Aunty Ino!” his son cried out excitedly and ran to the long haired platinum blond woman. Ino turned around from what she was doing with her flower arrangements and smiled at the boy. She knelt down and held open her arms to allow the dark haired four year old jump into her arms.
“It’s so good to see you!” Ino purred out and hugged the boy enthusiastically. She smiled at Sasuke when he came closer. “Good to see you to Sasuke,” she called out.
Sasuke nodded his head to the woman and looked around the shop. Flowers of all colours and breeds lived here and the scents of all the flowers hung in every corner of the shop.
“We come to get flowers for papa!” the boy exclaimed with a smile on his face.
Ino smiled and put the boy down. “Well then, I think I have the right thing just for you!” She grabbed the boy’s hand and led him to the back of the shop.
Sasuke continued to step through the aisles, looking at the various bouquets, flowers and blooms. Stepping over a few small empty pots, he came to step before a bunch of cut flowers on display. He smiled softly and leaned over to inhale their rich scent.
~~flashback~~
Twenty seven
Sasuke stood behind Naruto, his arms wrapped around the blonds torso, his cheek resting against the other and both were looking at each in the reflection of the mirror.
“Are you okay with this?” Naruto gnawed his bottom lip nervously, keeping his eyes on Sasuke’s reflection, his arms covering Sasuke’s.
Sasuke turned his head and placed his lips on Naruto’s cheeks, planting soft kisses there. “I love you, have always loved you, you will never be rid of me and nothing can keep me away.”
Naruto giggled slightly at the soft kisses Sasuke was planting on his cheeks and neck. He pulled his shirt up and shifted Sasuke’s palms onto his stomach. “I can’t believe our baby is here.” Naruto guided Sasuke’s open palms in a circle around his navel.
Sasuke continued to plant feather kisses on his blond, before turning Naruto around and showing him exactly how much he loved him, moving to his knees, his lips and tongue leaving a trail from Naruto’s neck and all the way down.
…………
“Sasuke—Sas–” Naruto’s voice broke through the darkness and Sasuke blinked his eyes open, seeing it was still the dead of night. “It’s time Sas,” Naruto panted and whimpered out as he shook Sasuke’s shoulder, trying to wake him up.
Sasuke’s eyes shot open and he was suddenly very awake.
Hours later, Sasuke sat on an easy chair, a small bundle wrapped in a blue blanket and blue hat, cradled in his arms. Naruto lay sleeping in the bed beside him, his soft snores filling the room, but he needed his sleep. Sasuke traced his fingers over the soft skin of his newborn son, down his nose, around his lips and up his cheeks. The warmth in his heart was practically breaking him, the familiar pinch behind his eyes was present when he brought his son up to his lips so he could kiss his forehead. He let the few tears slip down his cheeks; tears of love and happiness for what he had in his life.
Slipping his son into the bassinet by Naruto’s hospital bed, Sasuke quickly slipped out of the hospital room while both were sleeping. He returned within 30 minutes with a coffee, danishes and a small bundle of flowers. He smiled at the blue eyed beauty that was sitting up in his bed, sipping at his juice. A beautiful smile beamed back at him when Sasuke handed Naruto the package of danishes.
Sasuke then took a look at his newborn son still snoozing in the bassinet, then turned to lean in and kiss Naruto warmly. He placed the wrapped package of flowers on Naruto’s lap.
“Hmm? What’s this?” Naruto mumbled out after the kiss and he picked up the wrapped package.
Sasuke said nothing but gave a smile as Naruto unwrapped the package. Inside were a few stems of flowers, arranged with blues and whites, the scent was overwhelmingly sweet. Naruto held it up to his nose, inhaled deeply and closed his eyes with a soft smile.
“The gift of our son, the love you have given me, is hard to express. But these seemed fitting, since they reminded me of you. I know it's not much but–” Sasuke breathed out in a whisper before kissing Naruto’s forehead.
“They speak volumes,” Naruto hummed in response. Naruto held the small bouquet in the light. The blue flowers were simple carnations, surrounded with baby breath and some sprigs of green. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was enough to make Naruto smile and his eyes sparkle with love. Sasuke etched the scene in his mind that day, so he could come back to this scene as often as he liked.
~~end flashback~~
“Daddy look!”
The small voice brought Sasuke back to the now, he turned to see his son hurrying towards him, Ino walking behind him carrying a bouquet.
“Daddy daddy, aunty Ino has the best flowers!” his son called out and pulled on his hand. Sasuke glanced over at Ino who held a soft smile.
She held out the bouquet for Sasuke to inspect. Sasuke tilted his head about, looking at the arrangement.
“Aunty has all papa’s favourite flowers today!” The small boy clapped his hands in excitement.
“Yes, it would appear that she does. Did you say thank you?” he murmured into his son’s hair when he leaned down to talk to him.
“Thank you aunty Ino! Papa will be so happy!” Large blue eyes looked up at Ino in awe. Sasuke stood back up and patted the boy on the head with praise that he was pleased with his manners.
“It just so happened I had them all this time Sasuke,” Ino whispered out softly. “I’m glad I could help you out with this. I’ll just go wrap them.” She nodded when Sasuke agreed and turned to the counter where the wrapping materials were located.
Within minutes, Sasuke had loaded up his son, who promised to hold the flowers carefully and they drove off to their next destination.
………
Pulling over the car, Sasuke released a long sigh. He glanced at his son through the rearview mirror, who was looking out the window quietly and still holding the bouquet of flowers.
“Ready?” Sasuke asked, still looking at his son through the rearview mirror. Large blue eyes blinked at him and his head nodded eagerly. Sasuke hopped out of the car and helped the boy out of his carseat and onto the sidewalk.
The pair walked slowly down a path. Sasuke with his hands in his pockets, his son walking closely by his side, matching his pace and clutching the delicate package of flowers carefully.
The pair turned the path and cut between two large trees. His son picked up his step, rushing ahead of Sasuke, knowing where he was going.
“Papa!!” he called out as he ran through the deep coloured well manicured green grass. “Look papa! Daddy and I brought you a present!”
Sasuke smiled while watching his son, who quickly ran to his destination and sat down quickly, putting the flower package before him on the grass. Sasuke reached his son’s side and took a seat beside him.
He watched closely while his son babbled about Ino and the flowers as he slowly unwrapped it.
~~flashback~~
30 years old
Sasuke lifted the wilted flowers out of the crystal vase and put them in a garbage bag. He then unwrapped a fresh bunch of flowers and placed them in the empty crystal vase. Putting the wrapping in the garbage bag, he quietly tied the bag shut and put it near the bedroom door.
Turning back towards where the vase of flowers were, he stood beside the bed and looked at his blond husband sleeping peacefully. Sasuke smiled and reached to run his fingers through the long blond bangs that were fluttering across Naruto’s forehead.
Eyelids fluttered from the touch and Sasuke was blessed to see those light crystal blue eyes looking up at him. A soft smile breached Naruto’s pale pink lips when he saw Sasuke standing above him.
“Hungry?” Sasuke whispered.
Naruto shook his head no.
“You need to eat love,” Sasuke insisted, making tsking noises in retaliation. “If only just a piece of toast, that will make me happy.”
Naruto stared at the raven for a moment before letting out a raspberry noise of defeat. “Fine,” he mumbled, sounding like he was pouting. Sasuke smiled. He helped Naruto sit up in the bed, moving his pillows, adjusting his blanket, adjusted the auto bed to allow Naruto to be in a sitting position and lastly ensuring the IV drip line didn’t get jostled.
Naruto let out a long sigh as he leaned back and closed his eyes.
“I’ll be right back with your toast,” Sasuke whispered as he kissed Naruto’s crown. The blond hummed out a response but didn’t open his eyes.
Sasuke sat watching Naruto eat his toast and sipped his juice. Their son was visiting with his grandparents this afternoon, it seemed to be a regular thing these last few weeks, since Naruto–
Sasuke’s eyes took on the familiar–but not so familiar–form of his husband. The weight loss was obvious, showing the shadowed areas of Naruto’s face. The dull grey tint instead of glowing tanned skin was eminent on his body and the flowing sunshine hair was now fading out, as if it had been in the wash too many times.
“Sas–”
Sasuke blinked as he heard his name called and he focused on the pale blue eyes that no longer sparkled like the gems they once were.
Naruto lifted his pale lips, no longer a vibrant pink, into a smile towards the raven. His dimples were barely noticeable now, and his cheekbones were protruding out way too far leaving his once familiar scars barely noticeable. “Penny for your thoughts,” he whispered out with a chuckle.
Sasuke shook his head and looked away. The pain in his chest was at times too much when he looked upon him. He kept his gaze at the flowers in the crystal vase. A familiar burning began to erupt behind his eyes and he bit the inside of his cheek to hold his composure.
“They're beautiful, thank you,” Naruto called out softly, as if he was being careful what to say.
Sasuke could only nod in response, not being able to trust his voice to stay strong, while he continued to look at the fresh flowers.
“Where did you find a bird of paradise this time of year? You always manage to find the most amazing flowers Sas–” Naruto’s breath wheezed and he began to cough uncontrollably.
Sasuke was up immediately and at Naruto’s side, moving his plate and bringing him a bottle of water. He rubbed Naruto’s back while the blond took small sips from the water bottle as his coughing eased. Sasuke adjusted the IV tube and checked the puncture point.
“Sas–” Naruto wheezed out catching the raven’s attention. “Stop fussing so much, it’s alright.” He leaned back against the pillows, took some shaky breaths and then smiled. He peeked his tired eyes at Sasuke.
Sasuke sat on the bed next to Naruto, placing his hands in the others and looked sadly at his friend, his love, the mother of their child, his husband, his soulmate, his everything.
Naruto clenched his hands. “Don’t Sas, don’t let me see you like this,” he whispered out.
Sasuke’s bottom lip quivered. A lump was forming in the back of his throat, again. He swallowed hard to keep it at bay. He kept his eyes looking straight into Naruto’s but it was hard–so hard to stay strong. The familiar pain began to burn behind his eyes…again.
“Come here,” Naruto whispered out and pulled Sas into his shoulder, wrapping his frail arms around Sasuke as tight as he could. Naruto rubbed large slow circles on Sasuke’s back and pressed soft kisses into Sasuke’s hair. “I love you. Both of you. It’ll be okay. I’ll always be with both of you,” Naruto whispered softly.
Sasuke’s fists shook while he clenched Naruto’s soft shirt, now unable to stop the tears that escaped his eyes when Naruto whispered those words. He couldn’t suppress the hiccuping sobs, while he took in Naruto’s warmth, his scent, the soft words from Naruto’s lips that were to comfort him–him! Sasuke didn’t deserve the comfort, the love that emanated thick and heavy from Naruto when Sasuke wasn’t the one – the one lying bedridden, the one suffering from this sickness, the one wasting away – no matter how hard Sasuke fought, he couldn’t stop this from happening – how is this fair?
It’s not fair…
............
An overcast of deep grey clouds covered the sky that day together with a steady fall of rain that continued on throughout the priest’s sermon. Sasuke watched the beads of rainwater drip endlessly off the dark coloured cedar casket and fall to the soft earth below.
A large array of white flowers cascaded across the cedar box, with drips of water falling from the blooms looking like endless tears. It was if the heavens knew of what a distressing day this was.
His son gripped his hand as they stood under an umbrella, his small body was still and his eyes were focused on the unmoving box before him. Sasuke knew that their son understood, the silence from the normally bright blued eyed boy was unnerving and distressing.
No tears fell from Sasuke’s eyes, he had already cried an ocean full and he felt dried up, like a husk that what he used to be. But when the priest said his final words, and the time came for the cedar box to be lowered to the ground, Sasuke felt the familiar sting behind his eyes, the burn in his throat and the rip of pain in his chest.
And when he was the last one left standing before the open hole, he pulled a single sprig of bleeding heart blooms from the inside of his jacket pocket, placed a soft kiss upon the heart shaped blooms and dropped them into the ground while letting his tears fall and mix with the rain.
~~end flashback~~
Sasuke blinked back the familiar sting that threatened behind his eyes and glanced over at his son who appeared to still be talking.
“And you know what papa? Aunty was able to find all your favourite flowers today! See! See!” The small boy held the large bouquet of flowers up towards the large black marble tombstone with gold elegant etchings. “I’ve learned the words papa, so I can sing for you,” the boy stated proudly. He looked over to Sasuke and nodded enthusiastically.
Sasuke gave their son a gentle sad smile with an encouraging nod of his head. His eyes burned while watching and listening to their son talk about the flowers that were in the elaborate arrangement.
“Here are the daisies for when we met,” the boy began to recite in a sing-song voice.
“The black eyed suzies for the day that was bright,” he sang pointing to the correct flower.
“The ‘beeding ‘arts, to remember there was love with the pain.” Sasuke inhaled sharply, biting back tears at the innocent mispronunciation their son did when trying to explain the bloom.
“The lavender rose that promised you I was yours, with the pretty blue lilies for the never ending love we shared.”
“Carnations and baby breath for the creation from the love that we have.”
“And the bird of paradise to remind us of your never ending love.”
The small boy took a deep breath over the flowers, humming appreciatively of the array of sweet scents that came from the flowers. “They smell so wonderful papa.” The boy got up off his knees and held up the bouquet again, thrusting it towards the silent headstone. “I got them for you.”
“Let’s get it set up hmm?” Sasuke then called out and the boy beamed a proud smile back at him.
Sasuke got up on his knees and cleared out some of the dead grass and wilted old flowers from the attached bouquet holder on the headstone.
“These are so pretty, daddy. They look great here with papa.” Small hands helped Sasuke place the large bouquet securely.
“Hn,” Sasuke hummed out, not trusting his voice at the moment.
Sasuke lit the incense and the two sat quietly, heads bowed and hands clasped, saying their silent prayers.
A soft wind blew around them and rustled the bouquet of flowers. Sasuke pulled their son into a gentle side hug when warmth enveloped around them both, the breeze ruffling two sets of black locks gently.
The two boys smiled.