a/n: These will be sidefics for Dream universe that span from after "Merry Christmas" to the summer before college. I have some interest in writing "The Funeral" part of Dream, but I'd like to show a few moments, especially Sasuke coming out (after high school graduation) first. If you're interested in a particular scene that might fit during this time, feel free to drop it in a comment.

Posted 7/6/2018.

Naruto & Rin

The three of them sat together in Rin's living room—Sasuke on the floor, Naruto and Rin on her couch—playing Limbo.

They were taking turns since it was a single-player game, but they were all guaranteed to die within a short time, so it didn't matter. It was one of those games where the player has to use their brain to get past certain levels. Not surprisingly, it meant Sasuke's turpunchns were the longest. Not that they weren't all helping each other while the other person played.

"God, this game is so warped," Naruto remarked, dying for the tenth time in the past two hours. "I hate that fucking spider! It keeps stabbing me in the damn chest!"

He passed the controller to Sasuke, their hands momentarily brushing. Neither of them made eye contact, and Sasuke didn't assault him with any of the usual sarcastic commentary.

"I like it," Rin announced. "I don't know why I'd never heard of it. I'm more of an RPG kinda girl."

"It's interesting," Sasuke mumbled as he expertly dragged the tiny, freakish character up a hill, where he knocked over a post to get across a body of jet black water.

"Sasuke likes it 'cause it's another chance to prove how smart he is." Naruto gave the other teen's lower back a kick with his socked foot. "Eh, Sasuke?"

Sasuke didn't do a whole lot more than grunt, so Naruto and Rin shared a look, laughing afterward. It had been a few months since the events of New Year's. He and Sasuke had settled into some sort of strangely chaste, polite friendship. It took a while before they began hanging out like they used to. They hardly stayed over at each other's houses, though, and Sasuke had been socializing more with people from the Seattle music scene. Meanwhile, Naruto and Rin were hanging out on a fairly regular basis, but, oftentimes, Sasuke was there, too. Maybe a part of him felt guilty, but because Sasuke and Rin were friends, and they were friends, and they all liked each other, it was generally more fun if it was like this. Sasuke didn't act off about it. He'd told Naruto on multiple occasions that if he wanted to date Rin that it was fine by him. To tell the truth, he and Rin had talked about it. There was clearly a tension between them, but he knew neither of them wanted to hurt Sasuke, and Naruto wasn't sure his feelings for Sasuke were gone (or lessening).

It took 10 minutes before Sasuke's character died. He handed the controller to Rin after getting to his feet. Sasuke looked at the both of them, and his expression wasn't exactly readable.

"I should get going," he said.

"Aw, why?" Rin asked. "If it's just Naruto and me, we're never gonna beat it!"

"You don't need to finish it tonight," Sasuke replied politely, offering her a slight smile. "Pretty sure we can borrow it as long as we'd like. I'll give it back when you're done."

"You sure?" Naruto asked, raising an eyebrow. He was getting the feeling Sasuke was being considerate of them, but he wasn't sure why it left him kind of uncomfortable.

"Yeah. I'm going to meet Yagura and some other guys downtown for a show."

"Oh," said Rin. "Anyone I know?"

"I doubt it," Sasuke replied. "They're from out of town. I'll shoot you a text if I think they're any good."

"Oh." Rin sounded disappointed, but Naruto wasn't sure if he should ask whether they were invited, too. If Sasuke wanted them to go, he would've asked. Naruto let it slide.

Disappointed, he watched Sasuke grab his coat and put it on while never once making eye contact with him. It had become more difficult for Naruto to read him, but there was no point in starting a fight over it. They'd already decided they couldn't be together because: Sasuke didn't want to come out, Naruto didn't want to hide, and he didn't want to pressure Sasuke. That had left them with the following options: Wait it out until some indefinite time, or they do their own things from now on, which may or may not include being with other people.

Lately, Naruto didn't ask what Sasuke got up to, and Sasuke didn't volunteer any information, which was probably for the best. Would he have been jealous to hear if Sasuke had a one-night stand? Maybe, but it was well within his right, and since Sasuke seemed hell-bent on setting him up with Rin, it felt as though Sasuke had given up on him. Rather than make Naruto feel grateful or happy, it… sucked. Yeah, he liked Rin, and she liked him. But, Naruto was still holding onto these feelings for Sasuke. Maybe dating would speed things along? Typically, if he and Sasuke were in the same room, Naruto simply went into denial mode and pushed any non-platonic thoughts to the side. Not that he'd sit around thinking about jumping the other boy's bones. It was, really, the emotional closeness he missed more than anything (but, yeah, also the physical stuff, too). None of that had happened since New Year's Day.

Everyone else had told him what was best would be to put some distance between them. If Sasuke was trying to be amicable, Naruto would do the same.

He got up from the couch while Rin walked Sasuke to the door.

"Bye, Sasuke," he said.

Sasuke, about to step out of the apartment, looked over his shoulder at him. "Bye."

And then he was gone, leaving Naruto alone with Rin.

"Huh."

Rin crossed her arms. "Is it weird he didn't invite us, or am I overthinking things?"

Naruto scratched the back of his neck. "I… I'd guess he was trying to be considerate."

"How do we feel about that?"

"Honestly?" Naruto sighed and slipped a hand into a jean pocket. "It's uncomfortable."

"Right? I think so, too." She pulled her hair free of the short ponytail she'd had it in. "I don't know, Naruto. I really don't know what the right thing is to do here."

"I know," he agreed. "Sorry to put you in the middle. Do you wanna play some more?"

"No, now I'm mad he's going to some show and didn't invite me." Rin pouted, so Naruto poked her in the cheek.

"Maybe there's not even a show?" He suggested, not that he truly believed that. "But, Sasuke wouldn't make shit up. He'd just get up and leave if he wanted to."

"You're right." Groaning, Rin threw her hands in the air. "What does he think we're gonna do if he leaves? Go at it right here, in the middle of my living room?"

Naruto smirked. "Is that an option?"

Rin punched him in the shoulder. "Yeah, right. You'd probably call out the wrong name."

His cheeks flushed. "I—I wouldn't. Jesus, Rin!"

She gave him a look.

"Gross. I'm not that much of a dick" Naruto shook his head. "Sasuke and I aren't like that anymore."

"It just doesn't feel, right, y'know?" Rin walked over to the couch, and Naruto followed her. She picked up the controller, ready to play again, but set it in her lap.

Naruto sat beside her. "Maybe I should talk to him about it? He's given me his blessing. You and I… I mean. I don't mean to be a dick, but Sasuke made his choice. Yeah, we're friends again, or at least workin' on the damage that was done, so… what am I supposed to do, wait until he decides it's the right time to come out, which could be never? Like, also. Seeing how he was when shit got rough between us, who's to say he wouldn't be like that if we were together and suddenly some little thing happened and set him off? I just… it's not like I wanna get hurt anymore either, and I get that Sasuke is suffering, too. So, why put each other through that?"

Rin pursed her lips, looking at him a long time. "If that's how you feel, you should tell Sasuke."

"I have pretty much. We've had these conversations several times. He's sincerely told me to do whatever, but it doesn't mean I feel any less guilty."

"For me," she said. "Putting aside that the two of you are friends, and I'm friends with the both of you, I don't want to get into something with you while you still have feelings for him. If I didn't know him, then, I dunno, maybe I'd suggest somethin' casual, but I do. And, I like you, and I know you well enough that you wouldn't do casual. With me, I mean. Because we're friends. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant? It sounded better in my head."

"I think about that, too." Naruto rested his head on the back of the couch. "Why's it got to be so damn complicated? It was already complicated enough. I wish I was a little more like Sasuke."

"How do you mean?" Rin set the controller aside.

"Just… he doesn't overanalzye his choices. I'm not sayin' he's cold, though he can be. Objectively, I know this, I've seen it. I know he has a good heart under all that emo, but he can detach himself as quickly as he attaches himself. He's a realist. Cynical, yeah, but a realist."

"And you're an idealist?" Rin asked, putting a hand near his knee.

Naruto glanced at it, then up at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You'd forget all about that if I made a move. If anything, I should be pissed 'cause it feels like the two of you are putting pressure on me to either make a decision or back off. I like you, but I don't have to be with you. We can be friends. It's okay."

"Is it shitty of me to say it seems unfair? Sometimes… it feels like Sasuke always gets what he wants. I told him that in December. How manipulative he can be and he knows he can be. So, it's like… my world can't revolve around him forever. Or else… we won't grow as people?"

"That's some fairly heavy stuff, Naruto. You're only 17. You don't know what will happen in five years let alone one. When you graduate from high school, it may be a whole different world. The two of you may be friends, maybe you won't be. But, I guess it's only been a few months, so it makes sense you'd need time to adjust to the change in your relationship? It would take more than a few months to resolve your feelings? I feel strange because I know if I were in your shoes, I'd feel angry and sad. Sad because I loved someone who loved me, too, but for whatever extenuating circumstances, we couldn't be together. Angry because that other person was standing in the way of that to some extent. I know we both think Sasuke is allowed to come out in his own time. Of course! But… there's got to be a part of you blaming him."

"No, I… not at all," Naruto replied, disturbed by the notion she'd think that of him. "I mean… no. I get the reasons he's not ready, they're legit, y'know? I get it. I was only ever mad at him when he was using all kinds of other excuses and treatin' me like shit for no reason."

"Ah, I see." Rin nibbled at her bottom lip. "Sorry for saying that then."

"It's okay. I… I know a lot of it is he's scared of what will happen, what will change if he comes out, but I also know how much he cares about his family, how much he worries about changing the dynamic of everything, and all this cultural stuff because his family is Japanese."

"True. I can't say all of my family is super pleased about me being bi."

Naruto grinned. "Really? They don't see how cool that is?"

Rin smacked him in the arm. "Don't be gross."

"I'm kiddin'. But, it's somethin' I like about you," he admitted, touching the tip of his forefinger to his bottom lip. "You aren't afraid to be you."

"Sasuke is who he is in certain situations. One day, he'll be comfortable with it, too."

"I hope so." Naruto sighed. "I look forward to that day 'cause… he's so interesting, so smart, so mature… I hate that he feels like he can't live such a part of who he is freely. It sucks. It's unfair. I know that's an obvious thing to say, but because he's my best friend, I—"

Rin leaned against his side and set her head on his shoulder. "I get it. He'll get there someday. Give him time. Everyone's journey is different, Naruto. You have your own, so you can't always be worrying about Sasuke. I say that because how much you worry, it's not good for you either. You have to move on at some point. Sasuke wants that for you, too."

"I… that makes me sad in a way," he confessed, pressing his cheek against the top of her head, smelling her shampoo. "Like, okay, just step aside so that I can… love someone else?"

"If he thinks it's what's best for you, yes. That's what people do, when they really love someone. At least I think so. I wouldn't know for sure, but that's what all the best romance movies and novels suggest? Self-sacrifice and all that crap?"

"Heh. Yeah, right. But, I get what you mean. Doesn't make it any easier to accept."

"I know. Who knows? Maybe something will change?"

"So, what are you saying?" He asked. "We shouldn't try?"

"Not if you aren't over, Sasuke. Hell, no. You're cute and everything, but I'm not gonna let you break my heart!"

"Tch." He blew at her hair. "I wouldn't do that. Maybe I'm not sure. I don't know what to do to get over him or how long it'll take, but my brain is like… maybe you should let it go?"

"I suppose it's hard, too, seeing him every day at school?"

"No. I like seein' him. I like talkin' to him. But, yeah, I get why we hang out less right now. Even Itachi said it to me. Boundaries. Sasuke and I had none. We need some. I swear Itachi's like a goddam therapist. I always feel emotionally exhausted after one of our talks."

"I've yet to meet this Itachi," Rin commented. "Are you sure you don't have a crush on him, too?"

"Uh, yeah, I do. Who wouldn't? Like a super bro crush. But… would I bone him? I mean…"

Rin sat up, glaring at him. "And you're not bi?"

"I mean… I dunno. Sai tried to tell me I'm pan. I guess. I've just never dug a guy like I do Sasuke. Never been physically attracted to another guy. No. I wouldn't bone Itachi. Jeez. It's just… Sasuke. Not because he's a guy. It's just Sasuke. Other than him, it's only ever been women, and I don't really think that, in the future, I'd be into any guy. It's just Sasuke. Is Sasuke-sexual a thing? Can you be into just one person of the same gender your whole life?"

"I don't see why not," Rin answered. "But, I don't think there's any one way to love someone."

"Heh." Leaning over, Naruto paused for a couple of seconds before kissing her cheek. "Maybe if I'd met you at a different time. I'm sorry I can't make a decision. I hope I'm not leadin' you on."

"You say as you kiss me on my cheek while saying some pretty adorable things and we're also alone in my apartment."

"Should I go?" He asked, genuinely wondering if he'd crossed a line.

"No, it's fine. Let's just agree to be friends for now."

"What about a threesome, though?" Naruto joked, which earned him yet another smack.

"Like Sasuke would be into that."

"Wait, that's the only thing standin' in the way of a threesome as a real possibility?"

"Naruto, seriously? Although," Rin sighed loudly. "At least you didn't ask to have one with another woman. That's usually what guys who know I'm bisexual do."

"That's hot, too." He waggled his eyebrows.

Rin picked up the closest throw pillow and slammed it into his head.

"Ow, ow, okay, okay. I was only kiddin'."

"I don't think you were. Besides. I know you wouldn't share Sasuke with anyone, even me."

"But, Sasuke's not into—" Then he thought about it. No, he couldn't. He wouldn't want to. Maybe Sasuke could detach feelings when it came to sex, but Naruto couldn't.

"I have a feeling I'd end up the third wheel," Rin mumbled, bringing him back to their conversation again.

"Wait." He nudged her. "Are you sayin' you're hot for Sasuke?"

"No. He's gay, I respect that, but yes, he's a good looking guy. Very talented, too. But he's just a friend. We can be attracted to friends and not go there. Naruto."

"You say that. But have you ever been a dude? Because our brains don't always work that way."

"Gross. That was such a cis male thing to say."

"I mean… I am a cis male, so…"

"You're an idiot. I would've thought Sasuke had taught you better."

"Please, Sasuke… how should I put it… he's very male. Like, yeah, let's put the PC stuff and stereotypes aside. Sasuke is… for lack of a better word, one of the most masculine dudes I know. Like, to me, masculine maybe used to be about big muscles and slappin' each others' butts in the locker room after a game—"

"—Wait, slapping other guys' butts—?"

"You know what I mean. Anyway… I can only put this as a guy, so sorry if it sounds sexist or wrong. Maybe it's how you'd look up to a really strong female? It's, uh, admiration! That's it… I admire him. As a man can admire another man. Yeah, I admire him as a person in general, but… as a man I also admire him as another man… is it okay for me to say that?"

"You're not on record," Rin replied. "And, yes, I get what you mean. It's okay to admire other men. I know you admire him. I admire him, too. I admire you, as well."

"Me?" He asked, smiling brightly. "How come?"

"Because you have a good heart. You care a lot about people, but that's also your downfall."

"My downfall is that I care about people?" Naruto raised an eyebrow, smile thinning.

"That you care too much. Like Itachi said: Boundaries. Look at how hurt you were in December. It's taken you this long to kinda warm up. I noticed it, so… just somethin' to think about is all. Keep caring, but remember to put yourself first, too? Okay?"

"Hm. Not sure I know how to do that, but yeah… I hear ya."

Rin checked her watch. "So, if we're not going to be makin' out anytime soon, want to order a pizza and watch a movie?"

"Yeah, just make sure there are no sex scenes." He chuckled, though in all actuality, meant it.

"Okay. I'll order something." Rin got up and headed down the hallway.

Left alone, Naruto stared at the game paused on the TV before pulling his phone out of his back pocket. Maybe it was out of habit, but he'd anticipated a text from Sasuke even though the other teen had been texting less and less. It felt strange, thinking Sasuke left in order to give Naruto an opportunity to be alone with Rin. And, what was he supposed to take from that exactly? He'd fallen in love with Sasuke. Not only were they lovers, but Sasuke had been his best friend over the past year. They spoke nearly every day, had intense conversations, knew very intimate stuff about one another. It was one of the strongest bonds he'd ever had in his life, and now it had mutated into something… strange and… lacking. It frustrated him so much. Sometimes he absolutely hated it. He'd been known to punch a bedroom wall from time to time.

But, even though this distance made him sad, he wanted to respect Sasuke's choice, and now Sasuke was trying to show him the same respect? Except… it made him a little bitter. As if Sasuke thought he was the type of person who could just flip a switch and be out of love. Naruto had never been in love in the first place, so he had no way of knowing how long this heartache would last. And, as long as he felt it, shouldn't he avoid dating? He didn't want to hurt anyone—like Rin—but maybe dating other people would help him to move on if that was the only solution? It was perplexing and no matter who he spoke to about it, no one had the answer. He didn't have an answer, obviously. Sasuke didn't have an answer, and Naruto didn't even know what was going on inside his head anymore, especially when his suggestion was to, basically, give up and tell Naruto to "go for it." It didn't make him feel very great inside, to be tossed aside so easily. It felt like he'd lost something really big here, but that was part of life, right? He still had to pick himself up and move on, just like he'd done after his mom died. If he looked at it that way, it made sense he needed time to grieve. There would be a feeling of emptiness for some time. He knew it would be stupid to say that, at 17, he might not ever find someone who made him feel the way Sasuke had, but right now it was pretty fucking hard to believe it. It also sucked that it took all of his energy not to text Sasuke. Why wasn't he allowed? Why would it be odd or weird? Or, did he just want to reassure Sasuke nothing was happening?

But, why. It was clear Sasuke didn't care if anything was happening. It's why he left. He wanted something to happen, maybe because he wouldn't feel guilty that they couldn't be together.

"You okay?"

Naruto nearly jumped when he looked up and saw Rin had returned, phone in hand.

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine," he answered, wondering if he sounded at all convincing.

"You sure?"

Naruto nodded. "I'll be okay. It's fine. Did you order pizza?"

"I did. Did you think of a movie for us to watch?"

Looking at his phone one last time (no texts), Naruto put his phone back in his pocket.

"I didn't," he answered. "But, why don't we find one together?"

"Alright." She came up to his side, the both of them standing in the center of the living room, flipping through the movie choices on Hulu. "Any particular genre?"

"Anything but romance. Please."

"Fair enough," she said. "Action? Since neither of us is getting any at the moment?"

Naruto snorted. "You've got that right. That's fine. Action's fine. As long as it's not anything Marvel because some of that stuff seems really gay to me, and I might cry."

"Shut up." Rin laughed. "Well, you're not wrong. Although, I'm more likely to fantasize about Valkyrie"

"You think I'm kiddin', but you should see the stuff Sasuke used to show me. All these fanarts of—uh, anyway." He cleared his throat. "That's not important. Anything is fine."

"Uh huh. I'm sure you learned all kinds of things from Sasuke," she quipped.

Naruto grinned, albeit crookedly. "Well, I certainly can't argue with that."