《 Every face wears a mask 》

♧ Chapter 28: All apologies ♧

Please be okay. Please be okay. I'll do anything, anything I swear. Just please don't take Naruto away from me. If you exist then please protect him.

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As soon as we arrived at the hospital, Naruto was taken away from me. I was left behind on the almost empty hallway. The few other people that were there looked at me in a pitting way before minding their own problems. My mind went both blank and crazy. On one hand I feel numb, but at the same time I am overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions. Itachi and Deidera showed up and came running to me. 

"What happened, Sasuke?"

"Naruto...he...he...I..." Suddenly I started hyperventilating. I was having a panic attack. 

"Sasuke, what's wrong? Calm down...Sasuke breath slower." I heard my worried brother. I was hearing his words but wasn't listening. I couldn't calm down. I just couldn't slow down my breathing. The room started spinning and then everything went black.

3rd Person POV:

A worried Itachi caught Sasuke so he wouldn't hit the ground. A middle aged man who happened to notice the scene immediately called for help and two nurses came and took Sasuke to a room for a check up.

One hour later

Itachi and Deidera were on the corridor completely impatient and worried. Even Itachi lost his cool attitude. He had no news on his two little brothers. Deidera was trying to comfort him, but it was in vain, after all Sasuke is everything to him and Naruto as well.
Finally after all this waiting a doctor came to them. It was the same doctor as last time: Dr. Tsunade.
"Hello, you're here for Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto, right?"
"Yes, how are they?"
"Well Sasuke only had a panic attack that was caused by the overwhelming emotions that he was feeling because of the situation. He is awake now and free to go, but you should also make sure that he eats more."
"I see, that's good. I'm having a hard time making him eat in general, but I'll make sure to find better ways to get him to eat. What about Naruto? Is he alright?"
"He is one though kid, alright? It's a shame that such a sunshine kid has to go through so much bullshit if you'll excuse my expression. We analyzed him and thankfully he doesn't have any internal bleedings, which is good. Nothing's broken, which is also quite the miracle. But maybe it has something to do with his improved condition. He has gained weigh and he almost has a healty normal weight, he still has a way to go, but you should be proud of him and yourself. He is covered in bruises and wounds, his nose was almost broken, he has a black eye etc. He took quite the beating but he is going to be just fine."
Itachi let out a breath that he didn't even know that he was holding in.
"Thank you so much. I'm so glad that they are both okay."
"I'll lead you to Sasuke."
...

As soon as they entered the room Sasuke stood up and went to Dr. Tsunade.
"How is he? Is he alright? "
"He is alive. He's covered in wounds and bruises and almost broke his nose, but he is okay, still unconscious, tho."
"Can I please see him?"
"Of course, follow me."
Itachi went to Sasuke and hugged him.
"You gave me quite the scaring, ototo."
"I'm sorry onii- san. I'm fine."
"We'll talk later, go see Naruto now."

....

In Gaara's room, that was on the other side of the hospital:
"Did you hear that both Uchihas are in the hospital right now?"
"Yea, I heard that the little brother had a panic attack. But Itachi is with his boyfriend. He is so so hot, why did he had to be gay?"
Gaara overheard two nurses who were walking by his room. He immediately stood up and went to look for Sasuke's room.

...

Sasuke entered the room and immediately went to Naruto's side. He kissed his forehead sweetly and then took his hand and hold it gently.
"Thank God that you're okay. Now please wake up..."
"I'm already up, teme." Naruto said with a weak voice while slowly opening his eyes.
"Naruto" Sasuke instantly wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and took him into an as gentle as possible hug.
"I'm okay...Sasuke."
He broke the hug and looked at Naruto with teary eyes.
"Come on now please don't cry...I'm okay, I promise."
"I'm so so sorry. I failed you again...I allowed you to get hurt again...I'm so sorry."
"Now, who's the one apologizing too much? It's not your fault."
Naruto then remembered what had happened. He recalled Sakura's poisonous words and the pictures she showed him.
Sasuke noticed that something was wrong with him.
"What's wrong, Naruto?"
"Nothing" he lied. He wanted to enjoy the moment and Sasuke's presence. He didn't want to bring that up, yet. He has enough time.
"Just...please hold me tight."
Sasuke didn't wait any second and immediately took Naruto into a hug. He started caressing his back and playing with his hair. It couldn't be described in words how at ease and comforting it felt to have his best friend in his arms safe and sound again.