Fading Scars

*Hi all! Sorry it's been so long since the last update--I hope you haven't forgotten the fic! ^^;; Anyway, I'll try to make up for the lost time. Thanks for sticking with me!*

This is an Alternate Universe fic set perhaps a day or two after Orochimaru’s retreat from Konoha. A lot of liberties were taken from that point on in terms of time-line. This is also a very angsty and sexually graphic fic--just the way we like it!

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

***Warnings for some graphic material***


Thoughts in Italics

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Twenty Eight:

Neji paused outside the door. He closed his eyes to gather himself, just to be sure he was ready to face his companion. Sasuke.... Taking several deep breaths, he finally pushed open the door and looked around for Sasuke.

Sasuke flinched slightly as the door opened. He was stretched out on his back in bed, even now still bringing his breath under control. He had trained all that day--couldn't remember if he'd eaten--and now he was exhausted, his left hand trembling slightly with the aftereffects of his Chidori. His eyes danced only briefly to Neji as he entered and then away.

Neji stopped in the doorway, surprised by Sasuke's condition, though a moment later he figured he shouldn't have been. Sighing heavily, he shut the door. "Good thing I have leftovers," he said lightly, pulling half a loaf of bread from his bag, moving to his companion. Neji put it in his hand without allowing for protest, turning then towards the bathroom. "Do you want some water, too?"

Sasuke swallowed hard, only to find his mouth dry. "Yeah...thanks." He pushed himself up so he could eat; it was then that he realized he hadn't really eaten after all. He had to remind himself to rip off the bread in small chunks or else choke on it in his haste. I wonder where he's been all day....

Neji retrieved a glass of water, handing it over before moving away to change. Somehow...he felt drained just seeing Sasuke, knowing that he'd spent the whole day training himself into exhaustion--just as he had so often before. It made him feel almost guilty, though he didn't know why. "Were you doing Chidori?" he asked, pulling off his various pouches and holders.

"Yeah." Sasuke gulped the water down eagerly. "Four of them." It was the victory he'd been working for, but somehow...it didn't please him as much as it should. It only reminded him how tired he was.

He smiled faintly, glancing over his shoulder. "That's a new record for you, right? Congratulations." Neji started putting away his various weapons and kicking off his dusty sandals. "You've worked hard to get that many."

"Yeah, I really did." Neji telling him that didn't lift his mood any. Even so…what have I really accomplished? Sasuke let his hands, still around the glass, drop to his lap. It just seemed so pointless, with no one there.... "Were you with Koshaku today? I thought I might have heard you, at one point…."

"Yes. He was helping me with that new jutsu--that speed charm we've been talking about, to help his family keep moving when they've gone all stone skinned." Neji pulled off his shirt and hair tie, shaking his head to try and get the dust out of the long locks. "Should do wonders for us, especially with your taijutsu."

"I see." Sasuke glanced to him uncertainly. This is dumb. But what am I supposed to say? His fingers curled. "That's great. It means we'll have a lot to show to our Lord when we visit."

He nodded. "Yes, we will. I'm sure he'll be pleased." He closed his eyes a moment as he pulled off his training pants, changing into shorts for sleeping. The air was tense between them, almost quivering with their trying to avoid any deeper conversation. But if he wants to just forget it...then that's fine. That'll just have to be my answer, I guess.

Damnit. Is it really over? Sasuke chewed his lip as he set the glass aside. I know I haven't been fair to him, and this morning…. "Hey."

"Hmm?" He continued his preparations, pulling down his blankets. "Need something before I turn in?"

Sasuke watched his turned back; he was too exhausted to really be nervous, to be much of anything. He slid soundlessly off the bed and came up behind Neji.

"Yeah." Doing his best not to hesitate, he took Neji's shoulders, leaning into him. "I said...let's do it tonight, didn't I? So let's do it."

Neji fell still, eyes narrowed and unfocused. Sasuke.... He licked his lips with perhaps a bit of nervousness--he wasn't sure he could dare trust Sasuke, but.... "You're exhausted," he murmured in reply.

"I'm fine. And I want to." He kissed Neji's shoulder slowly. "Just tell me what to do. I might not be very good, but...I'll try." He kissed him again. "So let's do it."

Taking a deep breath, Neji turned his head enough to touch his lips to Sasuke's temple. He could still feel the trembling in the younger boy's hand, and though he would have wanted nothing more than to just drop them both into bed.... "If you think you're up for this...then okay."

"I am," Sasuke assured. He lowered his hands and slid them around Neji's chest, massaging firmly as he kissed the side of his neck. "I trust you."

Neji sighed and leaned back--he could never resist when Sasuke touched him like that. "All right." He let the other continue a moment before he drew away, turning to guide Sasuke down towards his bed.

Sasuke sat down on the mattress edge, shedding his sandals and socks while at the same time reaching to remove his shirt. His stomach was twisting but he remained resolute.

Neji kept him from taking off his pants, deciding that, this time, he would move slowly. Once Sasuke was left half bare, he urged him back onto the mattress, crawling over him for a slow kiss. "Tell me," he murmured against him, "if you want to stop. I...." His fingers curled tightly in the blankets. "I'll stop."

Sasuke shook his head. "No, I want to do this. I'm all right." He drew Neji into a firm kiss, both hands sunk deep in his thick hair. They had shared many kisses like this, and it helped calm him.

Neji returned the deep affections, running his own hands down Sasuke's ribs and hips. Please be right. Please don't stop this time. He worked his fingers beneath the other, groping at his ass as he sucked at Sasuke's tongue. Already he was losing some of his sense, his body quickly growing excited despite his fatigue.

Sasuke murmured softly between them. This is all right. He was too tired to react with all of his usual exuberance, but he twisted his legs around Neji's hips, welcoming him close as he kissed him back. And for the moment, he could have sworn that Neji had always been the stronger of them.

When he felt they were ready to move further, Neji separated their lips with a thick gasp. "Sasuke...." He pushed himself slightly upright and fingered the edge of his pants. "I'm taking these off."

"Okay." Sasuke grinned tiredly as he stretched his spine, catlike. He's always felt good. And this'll feel even better, right? He was grateful, also, that Neji was taking his time.

Neji shifted back, removing both their pants before he crawled forward once more. "Hey." He touched Sasuke's cheek to make sure he had his attention, keeping their bodies apart just to be sure. "You want me to take you? It might be easier, if you're tired, but...."

Sasuke nodded seriously. "Yeah. I'm all right." He touched the hand against his face and offered a coy smile. "I want you to take me."

Shivering in anticipation, he nodded. "Okay. I just need to get something, first." He kissed Sasuke again before slipping away, moving to one of his bags and digging around for his bottle of polish.

"Huh?" Sasuke sat up, watching him with a thoughtful frown. I can't believe we're really going to, after all this time.... He licked his lips, brushing faintly at his own arousal to make sure he'd be ready for when Neji came back. "What is it?"

Neji returned, sitting beside Sasuke so he could better explain. "This will make it easier," he assured, rubbing lightly at the other's chest. "It's going to hurt at first--just relax as best you can, okay?"

"Yeah, okay." Sasuke relaxed onto his back once more, his eyes not leaving Neji's hands. Relax. Right. He tried to smirk. "Be gentle?"

He smiled. "Of course." Taking one of Sasuke's hands, he placed the can in it. "Would you cover me?" he asked in a whisper, leaning in for a slow kiss.

Sasuke kissed him back, at the same time managing to open the can and spread the polish over his fingers. It was cool, and as he reached down to draw it over Neji's length he couldn't help but imagine how good it must have felt. "How's this?"

Neji hissed softly, back curling. God, that feels good. He kissed Sasuke with more passion than before, groaning into his mouth as he wrapped his own fingers around the boy.

Sasuke murmured his own encouragements; he made sure to cover every inch of straining flesh with the slick polish. "Neji?" He nibbled lightly at Neji's lips and cheek. "Ready?"

"Yes...." Neji slowly worked his way between Sasuke's thighs, sitting back on his calves and gently urging Sasuke's legs up over his shoulders. "Relax," he reminded, rubbing at his hips.

"Relax…." Sasuke took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. His stomach was twisting with uncertainty, but he held it back. "I'm all right," he assured. "Go on."

Neji took a firm hold of Sasuke's hips, and with a deep breath slowly pulled him back onto his waiting length. He groaned thinly as he was enveloped in heat, leaning forward so he could better push into the smaller boy. "God--"

Sasuke clenched his jaw tightly shut, determined to hold in any cries as a sharp pain shot up his spine. Shit! It's so-- Whimpering quietly through his teeth he tried to get himself to relax as Neji had instructed. His fingers tightened around Neji's forearms.

Though he was aching and desperate to cover himself completely, Neji managed to pause and still, waiting for Sasuke. Hoping to help him along, he rubbed strongly at his thighs and hips, over his stomach to now and then give his desire an encouraging stroke. "S...Sasuke...?"

When Sasuke heard his name, he realized suddenly that he hadn't been breathing. He forced his jaws to relax with a gasp, and from there drew in long breaths. "Hurts," he whispered, head falling back against Neji's pillow. "Keep...keep moving."

His eyes narrowed, but Neji decided to trust his companion. Moving carefully, he leaned forward to push deeper, sliding one leg and then the other behind him. Neji reminded himself over and over to move slowly as he began to rock his hips.

Sasuke groaned hoarsely, and his fingers dug more harshly into Neji's arms. It still hurt but there was also heat spreading through him, as if something amazing hung just out of reach. "Ne…Neji…." He transferred his hands to Neji's shoulders, trying to tug him closer.

Neji continued to move, his thrusts gradually speeding as he lost track of himself. It felt so much better than he had imagined. Sasuke was hot and tight, forcing groans with every other shift of his hips. At last he couldn't take it, needing greater satisfaction, and Neji couldn't help thrusting even deeper to bury himself firmly.

Sasuke gasped, losing his breath another moment--that thrust had stroked something in him he hadn't expected, granting him a moment of warm pleasure from within the soreness already spreading through him. His toes curled but he couldn't reach Neji any better to guide him back. "Again," he panted, his heart in his throat. "Shit--"

Neji barely heard him, but again he pushed deeply into his younger lover, moaning wordlessly in pleasure. He held tightly onto Sasuke's hips to grant himself more strength as he continued, and gradually he felt his end approaching. "Sasuke...."

Hurts-- Sasuke grimaced; he tried to arch his back, and a few times was granted that burning contact. But he was already exhausted, drawn tight and trembling, and his strength failed him. Aided by the dim sensation of his own erection rubbing against Neji's stomach with each movement, he abruptly climaxed with a strained cry.

Neji groaned at the sudden clenching around him, and at last he found his own release a moment later. He pulled himself free slowly, sitting back on his ankles again. Though he was tired, Neji gently helped Sasuke to stretch out across the mattress. "Sasuke?"

Sasuke exhaled heavily as his legs were allowed to stretch; already he was sore, and missing that fleeting sensation of pleasure…. "Neji?" He licked his lips as he reached out to brush Neji's cheek.

Crawling close, Neji propped himself up on his elbow, stroking the other's hair and offering a gentle kiss. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah," Sasuke quickly assured, breathing deeply. He ran a hand lightly over his chest and stomach. He felt kind of strange--changed, somehow, and when he glanced up into Neji's face he felt more drawn to him than ever. It was embarrassing, and he glanced away. "I'm just...exhausted. It was good."

Neji was relieved, and he leaned in to affectionately nuzzle the other's neck. "You want to get cleaned up?" he asked softly.

"Yeah. If I could move." Sasuke smiled lazily as he turned his face against Neji's. "How about bringing the bath in here...?"

He chuckled, rubbing briefly at Sasuke's chest before pushing himself upright. "Just hold on--I'll get a towel." Jeez, I'm tired, though. Neji stumbled to the bathroom and dampened a towel to return with.

Sasuke started to sit up, but his lower back and hips quickly complained, and he lowered himself once more. "Shit." He made a face at Neji as he returned. "I'm going to be sore," he muttered. "So I hope it was good for you."

Neji paused, surprised, and when he continued it was slowly. "Sasuke...." He gently started to clean the other off, expression growing worried. "You're okay, right?" he asked.

"Hm?" Sasuke blinked up at him, spreading his legs a little so that Neji could better clean him. He grinned weakly. "Yeah, I'm fine." He snagged a bit of Neji's hair and tugged him down for a kiss. "It was good, though, right?"

Neji smiled faintly, reassured. "It was," he murmured, leaning in for another, longer kiss. Once they were both clean he got rid of the towel and the top blanket. "Why don't you just sleep here," he suggested playfully, already pulling the rest of the sheets out from under him.

"We could move to my bed," Sasuke suggested, trying to move as little as possible as Neji shifted the blankets around. He reached out when he could to catch a bit of hair, touch a stretch of warm skin. Though he felt dumb for it, he didn't want Neji going too far.

He snorted. "I think you better stay--you look beat." Neji ruffled the other's hair before tugging the blankets over him. "I need a drink--I'll be back in a moment."

"Bring me back some," Sasuke called after him. He twisted onto his side, stretching experimentally to see if there was some position that was less painful. "Mm, maybe we shouldn't leave until...day after tomorrow."

Neji returned with a glass, waiting for Sasuke to finish so he could set the cup aside. Making sure all the lights were out, he finally turned towards the bed. "We can take our time," he suggested. "Tomorrow, I mean. It's not like we can't travel in the evening...or the next day...."

"Yeah...." Sasuke licked his lips, and as soon as Neji settled he draped himself over him. He kissed Neji's mouth lazily. "Let's...do it again."

Neji chuckled, wrapping an arm around the other's waist, holding him close. He...seems different. "Maybe when you're more awake," he replied. He smiled quietly and regarded his companion a moment. "You're being awfully affectionate," he pointed out quietly.

Sasuke frowned, and in embarrassment turned his face against Neji's neck. I do feel different. He was just…inside me, after all. He moved his hand thoughtlessly against Neji's ribs. "So? Isn't that what you want?"

"Is it what you want?" he asked in return, lightly running his own fingers up and down Sasuke's spine. Neji tilted his head, lips whispering against the other's temple. "Of course I want you close."

Sasuke shifted, nuzzling against him as if that would keep him from having to answer. "It's not so bad," he admitted at last. He licked his lips and tasted sweat. "Being...close."

Neji closed his eyes as he relaxed into the mattress. He tugged the blankets a bit higher, smiling quietly to himself. I certainly won't complain. Maybe...this means things will change. "Let's sleep," he murmured.

"Let's do it again," Sasuke replied, nipping his collar. He was only teasing and it was obvious--he could barely keep his eyes open--but he scratched lightly at Neji's sides anyway. "You could use the practice."

He couldn't help laughing at that, flushing in some embarrassment. "Well, it was my first time," he replied. "Maybe you'll do me, and then we'll compare who needs the most practice."

"Mm, I like that." But all of a sudden Sasuke realized exactly how exhausted he was, and he slumped against Neji's side. "Later. I'm going to sleep."

About time. Neji tightened his hold in a brief embrace before relaxing as well. "Sounds good. Rest well, Sasuke."

Sasuke moved his lips in a vague kiss against Neji's chest before falling still again. I…can't remember why I was so scared…. "Goodnight…."

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