Groaning irritably, the tall man used a pale hand to shake away snowy flecks from his raven hair. He shivered beneath his grey overcoat, wrapping his navy blue scarf tighter around himself. The snow fell to the ground in a steady stream, small, white flakes twirling and dancing as they elegantly tumbled to the snow-blanketed floor. People chattered quietly as they walked together, discussing school, work and Christmas plans. The winter air of the night- by the laws of nature should have been freezing people to numbness with its cold. Instead, the Christmas spirit that lingered, almost tangible in the air, was enough to heat the hearts and bodies of people ambling through the snowy night. It was only the early days of December, but the excitement still buzzed in the atmosphere, people beginning Christmas shopping and plan-making. Despite the time being only six o'clock, the normally busy park's population was dwindling as people hurried off to get home. Sasuke Uchiha remained, observing the world silently through dark brown eyes.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he felt a glimmer of smugness as he liked to pretend that he was the reason the people scurried away. As if his presence was too intimidating for them to bear to be around him for any longer. What could he do? It was his Uchiha blood. Moments later, the park was empty. It was a large expanse of green field, a concrete path bisecting it, lampposts lighting the way for pedestrians. Sasuke had never been there before, but he found the gentle calm of night in the park very relaxing. Double-checking that the area was empty, guaranteeing him a short while of peace, Sasuke made his way over to a green bench that looked out at the town that the park was situated in. Christmas lights hung from multiple buildings, festive and warm. In the market square stood a proud Christmas tree, adorned with lights and a large star on top. A hint of a smile clung to Sasuke's lips as he took in the view. It didn't last for long though, as the world he was looking at was just too real.

He wanted to escape reality. That is why he found himself in this meaningless park of the local town. As an author, Sasuke should really have been prepared for rejection after rejection. But, as an Uchiha, rejection was unbearable. It seemed that lately, his writing skills had diminished. Now, he had nothing. He had just been rejected again. Having only created one successful book, Sasuke's confidence was fading rather quickly. His own publisher had turned on him, demanding a book worthy of publication in the next year, or their contract would be thrown away. Ripped up- gone.

Pride was the most important thing to all Uchihas. No-one could ever hope to understand the importance of keeping the family name strong and respected. Sasuke frowned, brow furrowing as he realised how disappointed his parents would be in him. His mother, like the sweet woman she was, would hide it and tell him she would always be proud of him, no matter what. Sasuke wasn't sure what hurt more; the fact that she would think he was stupid enough to believe that, or the fact that she would actually lie to him. Resting his elbows on his knees, Sasuke let his face fall into his hands.

"I need to let go of myself.." He whispered into the cold night, allowing it to be swallowed up by the increasing darkness.

"Then do it!" A commanding voice, bright with happiness, sounded beside him.

Sasuke frowned, pulling back from his hands to look up at the man before him. A tall blonde, with caramel skin and bright blue eyes, shining with understanding. He was looking down at Sasuke expectantly, as if awaiting an answer. Fighting back the urge to roll his eyes, Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose with a forefinger and thumb, trying to fight off the incoming headache.

"I wish it were that easy." He grumbled, deciding to humour this insistent stranger.

The young man before him threw back his head, revealing smooth tan skin, and laughed pleasantly. "Oh, that's just a state of mind."

Shifting slightly under the intense gaze Sasuke pinned him with, the blonde gave a nervous smile, obviously having an internal debate. A few seconds later he hesitantly sat down next to Sasuke, perching on the end of the bench. He turned shining cerulean eyes to Sasuke, that nervous smile still present on his pink lips.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki." The blonde introduced himself, giving Sasuke a curt nod.

Sasuke returned the gesture. "Sasuke Uchiha."

"Sasuke Uchiha?" Sasuke did roll his eyes this time, as Naruto echoed his words. "As in the author?"

Trying very hard to mask his surprise, Sasuke nodded once more, in confirmation. Naruto's eyes lit up even brighter, a task previously thought to be impossible. Awe and surprise flashed across Naruto's face as he studied Sasuke's facial features very hard. He leaned closer to the taller male, definitely invading the Uchiha's personal space bubble.

"Wow, you really don't look how I thought you would. I imagined an older man, aged and educated by time, silver hair brushed back wildly, untamed. Someone that keeps to themselves- someone mysterious. I'm in love with your work, Sasuke- I have to say. When I first read 'Expectations', I just connected with it immediately." Naruto gushed, sitting back in his seat. His eyes were still wide, almost disbelieving.

Sasuke had to admit, his heart melted a little at the display of admiration and respect.

"I swear," Naruto continued, ignorant of his happy rambling. "It felt like I was reading something I myself had written, except worded better and more amusing!" Naruto chuckled. "In short, I love your work."

"Too bad my publisher doesn't." Sasuke sighed, closing the subject. Naruto eyed him warily.

"Excuse me?" Naruto frowned. "How could he not?"

"I don't know. Who am I to say? I'm failing as who I am." Sasuke mumbled. He didn't feel like he owed this stranger anything, but the words seem to slip out of his mouth like air. Something about Naruto just made him relax. Maybe it was just the atmosphere, or maybe it was the way Naruto's deep blue, ocean-depths eyes peered up at him, as if he were the most fascinating person on Earth. It was a major ego boost, Sasuke knew that much- at least!

"I understand. I'm an artist, you see. Things aren't going so well for me either." Naruto yawned, crossing his arms behind his head, and resting it against them. "Ah, well." He waved a hand dismissively. "I should be happy. It's Christmas soon, right?"

"Yeah, I know." Sasuke snapped, growing more and more irritable as the night air grew colder.

"Jeez- no need to get so agitated. I'll leave if you want me to." Naruto started to get up, to prove his point.

Panic shook Sasuke to the bone. He didn't want to be alone tonight- not yet. "No! Don't go, please?" Receiving a confused look for his outburst, Sasuke almost blushed. Keyword: almost.

"Sure. Erm," Naruto drummed his fingers against his denim-clad thigh as he stared straight ahead, blankly. His mind spun as he tried to muster up a topic to talk about. "Why do you think you're a failure?"

"I don't know myself anymore." The answer came out before Sasuke even had a chance to think about it. Surprised, he realised that it was true. "I don't know who I am, but I don't like myself- I know that much."

"Hm." Naruto gave a non-commital grunt and shifted to face Sasuke. "Do you.. do you want to go get some coffee? A slice of cake, maybe?" Naruto's words hung in the air, twinkling like Christmas lights. They promised comfort and maybe understanding and realisation.

Before he knew it, Sasuke was nodding eagerly, and the two of them were making their way into town. They walked side by side, hands brushing occasionally. Even though they were complete strangers to each other, it was comfortable. It felt warm, and right. Naruto was happily whistling the tune to a well-known Christmas song, until Sasuke shot him a glare which could rival icicles in terms of coldness. The whistling blonde immediately stopped, scratching at the back of his neck nervously.

"So, what kind of music do you like?" Naruto chirped, pleased with this conversational topic.

"I don't listen to music much." Naruto almost died. All that thinking, just to find a topic they could both have interest in, only to receive such a typical answer?! "But when I do, I listen to old rock, mainly. The classics."

Naruto smiled. "Me too."

The rest of the journey continued in almost-silence. With each step they took, both could feel themselves growing more and more comfortable. Entering the small but cosy coffee shop, they took a seat at a two-person table at the back of the room. Suddenly, the atmosphere became awkward- as if the situation had only just sank in. Here Sasuke was, seeking comfort in the company of a complete stranger. There was something secure about it, though. Perhaps it was because he knew that Naruto wouldn't judge; didn't know him well enough to have the right to.
After they had ordered their drinks; a mocha for Sasuke and a hot chocolate deluxe for Naruto, small talk ensued. Talk of literature, poets, art and movies. They had such different views on everything- except books. Naruto adored Sasuke's work- his three books that he had previously had published. Unfortunately, Sasuke had never seen of Naruto's art. He didn't care much for art. Which, Naruto commented, was odd- considering that Sasuke was an author and was supposed to be into 'arts and crap'. For an artist, Naruto didn't seem too appreciative of his own trade.

Their drinks came and were consumed, their conversation never-ending. Somehow, they had moved onto the topic of religion, afterlife, politics and society in general. It seemed that with each passing hour, their conversation became deeper, more personal. There was an instant connection. It was faint, and oh-so delicate, but it was there. Like an invisible red thread wrapped around their hearts, connecting them always. It was still thin, fibres still strengthening and wrapping together. If they moved too fast, it would snap- but if they let it grow, it would become a rope and a strong relationship would be founded.

"So, your brother is a famous author, too?" Naruto questioned, running a fingertip around the rim of his empty cup. "He sounds more like the devil, in my opinion! I get the impression from his books that he likes to put on a front."

Sasuke chuckled, settling back in his chair. "Yes, he really is Satan himself, and yes, we all do that. It's an Uchiha thing. We don't like people to know what we're really thinking." Sasuke smirked, glancing at his watch. It was eleven at night, time really had flown.

"Oh?" Naruto put his chin in his hand, leaning closer to Sasuke over the small table. His eyes were trained on Sasuke's, gaze piercing through and into his soul.

"Yeah.." Sasuke murmured, pulling his grey overcoat back on. Buttoning it back up, he regarded Naruto silently. He dug his hand into his pocket and drew out his wallet. Taking out a few notes, he left them on the table. His heart sank in his chest. It felt wrong to leave, but he really had to go. He had to be up early, in the morning. He couldn't stay out any later than this.
"Listen, Naruto... I have to go to a wedding tomorrow- of my mum's best friend. Do you think you and I could meet up for breakfast before I go? I don't want to sound too forwa-"

"Of course, Sasuke! That'd be cool. I have to go Christmas shopping tomorrow anyways. Shall we meet up here again?" Sasuke's heart swelled at the pleased tone that once again dripped from Naruto's voice.

Blushing slightly as a small smile worked its way onto his lips, Sasuke walked with Naruto to the street corner, where their ways parted.

"So, same place; ten o'clock?" Naruto suggested, sticking his hands into his pockets.

"Yeah, sure. Can't wait." Sasuke ran a hand through his raven spikes, giving Naruto a small wave as he turned away. "See you."

"'Course. Bye, Sas."

Sasuke couldn't remember the last time he had felt so content. The Christmas lights had been turned off, dropping the blanket of darkness over the small town. The streets were almost empty, only a few streetlights remaining on. As Sasuke made his way home, he let a full-blown grin slide onto his face. He would be seeing Naruto again tomorrow. He had found out a lot about the blonde. It somehow felt like they were in the same place in life, thinking along the same lines. As if their minds were in tune, like two radios on the same station- which just happened to be one which no-one else could reach.

It was something special; Naruto was something special.
He knew he'd have to hold on tight, or he'd lose it. But he wasn't going to: this was one thing in his life that was going to go right.