Chapter Two:

Naruto woke up with a searing headache. The light that seeped through the window blinds almost made him hiss in pain. Quickly ducking his head into his sheets, he felt a sudden presence of someone else behind him. Now that he noticed it, he also noticed the weight of an arm resting on his waist. Still in a moment of half asleep, half awake, he wasn't sure how to react. The headache was obviously from a night of drinking but from what he can recall, he was drinking alone. Upon arrival at home, everything else was a blur.

But whoever was in his bed must be the answer to everything. To make matters worse, he had to pee really bad.

A part of him just wanted to flip this person's ass out of his bed and yell, but what good would that do if the yelling was only going to make his headache worse. Another part of him was just worried about who exactly was in his bed. There wasn't many people in line to get in Naruto's bed let alone feel that sort of way about him. Was it a girl that he happened to know? Was it a stranger from the village? More so, was it even a girl that was laying behind him?! The more Naruto thought about it, the more he was freaking himself out.

The only way I can get out of this is to slowly turn and see who it is, he thought.

Naruto very slowly turns his body in the direction of the sleeping body. Once he fully turns around, he smacks his hands over his mouth in disbelief.

The one who was sleeping in his bed was none other than Sai. The first thing to come to mind was how and when did Sai get here? He was even starting to wonder what the hell kind of sake did he intake last night. Just when the blonde was about to submerge himself into puzzled thoughts, Sai begins to stir from his slumber, eventually opening his dark eyes.

While Naruto lays there with the most dumbfounded expression pressed onto his face, Sai stared back with pursed lips as if he was trying to figure out what to say. Unfortunately, there was only so much Sai could say. Last night wasn't planned for neither parties and the anger that Sai once felt had dissipated long ago. If there was anything Sai felt like he needed to say, it was an apology.

"Naruto, I-"

Before Sai got a chance to say anything Naruto screams at the top of his lungs, his voice ricocheting around the room and out the window. As to be expected, Sai sighs and reaches for Naruto's shoulder.

"Naruto-"

"Gah, don't touch me!" Naruto pulls back, tipping over the bed and taking the sheets they once shared down with him.

So now Naruto is on the floor with an even worse headache and Sai was on the bed, bare naked.

How could this be happening, Naruto asks himself. He holds onto his head and is already regretting the idea of screaming his brains out.

"Naruto, please calm down."

"Shut up, Sai. Shut up, shut up, shut uuuuup." Naruto whined, still tangled in his sheets.

"Let me try and jog your memory." Sai said calmly. Although Sai seemed calm at the moment, he wanted to freak out just as much as Naruto. But there needs to be someone who is going to try and think straight. Maybe sleeping with a drunken Naruto wasn't much of a good idea. Sai wrinkles his nose at the fact that he actually slept with someone who wasn't in a clear state of mind. Who the hell does that anyway?

"Jog my memory? I may not be a genius but I'm smart enough to see what the hell is going on." Naruto groaned as he stood up from the ground. He looks at Sai and the pitiful expression that has peppered on his bland face. Naruto just wanted to punch Sai's stupid face, thinking that would make him feel a bit better. But as he glares at the boy on his bed once more, the blonde ninja realizes that Sai was laying there naked.

"Ugh, and can you put some goddamn clothes on, Sai?!"

Sai blinks a few times then looks down at himself. A strike of red flushed his cheeks before he proceeds to find his clothes.

"Are we going to talk about this?" Sai finally asked.

Naruto doesn't answer. The boy was merely doing his best to communicate without making his head spin anymore. He quickly found his clothes and turned to a now clothed Sai.

"We can't talk about this now, you idiot! Just get out of my place."

Sai stares at Naruto for a moment then heads to the exit.

As the exit door slam shut, the young shinobi exhales sharply and drops himself on his bed. With the sudden wash of embarrassment coming over him, all he wanted to do right now was get in the shower to calm his nerves. He just couldn't believe that out of all the people he could have slept with, it turned out to be Sai.

The same guy who happens to strike a resemblance to Sasuke not only in looks but in occasional attitude. Was that why all of that happened last night, he asked himself. Naruto's footsteps paused before the bathroom mirror, noticing that his face was extremely flushed. Sighing, he runs his hands over his face in hoping that this silly expression on his face would disappear. He felt upset and embarrassed but seeing his reflection in the mirror, there was a sense of satisfactory in his eyes. Could there have been a possibility that Naruto isn't really dreading these circumstances?

Naruto groans in defeat and turns away from the mirror. He hops in the shower, sighing loudly in relief.

"Maybe I should think of something else."

With that being said, his stomach growls in hunger. "Food sounds like good idea."

As Naruto had his mind on something else, Sai's played last night's scenario on repeat. It may be sinful for being with Naruto last night but it was hard to admit that it wasn't something that he enjoyed. He liked the idea of his crush wiggling beneath him. He enjoyed seeing Naruto clench the sheets on for dear life. He ached hearing Naruto's innocent mewls again. All of those images came to Sai in one motion, making him sigh in despair. It seemed that the right thing to do was to simply give Naruto some space and more time to think about what he has done.

And why exactly did it happen?

It was certainly very unlike him to engage himself in such an act especially with a fellow shinobi. And while admitting his feeling for Naruto to himself, was it really okay to do what he did? From what Sai can remember, Naruto was upsetting him by mentioning Sasuke so much. He was so tired of hearing the same song over and over again. Maybe it was a mix of pleasure and anger that engulfed Sai last night.

Sai planted his heels into the dirt beneath his feet, drawing some sort of conclusion of how he should deal with this matter. With his eyes staring into space and his arms folded in contemplation, his brain finally processes a proper evaluation. He blinks a few times before going, aha. Satisfied with the conclusion he has drawn a voice followed by a hand reached Sai's shoulder.

"Sai! What's up? Do you know what day it is?" The voice belonged to Ino, who happily squeezes Sai's shoulders with her polished fingernails.

"Today?"

Ino's grip tightens as an annoyed signal that today must have been something important to her. Nervously, Sai removes her hand from his shoulder.

"Seriously! A few days ago I told everyone that today I had an announcement to make tonight at dinner! You better be there to hear it!"

A slight smile appears on his face, following with a nervous laugh. He had totally forgotten about tonight but he did his best to try not to express that. Ino folds her arms in disapproval.

"Er, don't worry! I will be there."

The blonde continues to stare him down until a slight smile appears on her face. "Great! See you!"

Sai watched her run off, probably to remind someone else who happened to forget.

\/\/\/

The evening came by quickly, signaling Sai to stop his painting. His room grew dim to the point where the colors on his canvas had looked all too similar. Clearing up his work space, he looks out of his window with a light sigh. He had to attend Ino's occasion but he was more worried that Naruto would be there as well.

"Of course he would be there." Sai mumbled, turning away from his window.

No doubt he wanted to see Naruto, to at least apologize properly. This morning was a disaster and Naruto just wasn't having it. What if he was to make a scene at the party? Then Ino would kill the both of them for sure. It was her night and it was best to should be kept that way. With that in mind, Sai leaves his room and heads to the destination point.

\/\/\/

As Sai entered the room, the scent of cooked beef tickled his nose. It as was if he was starving all day and his nose had signaled his gut that it was time to eat. Ignoring his hungry belly, he looks around the somewhat crowded area to look for the one person who he truly wanted to see.

Naruto no doubt.

As if spending the majority of the day thinking of the blonde, he naturally had the sense of urgency to see the boy once again. There was an official apology in order and that's exactly the goal Sai would like to achieve tonight. With that thought in mind, he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. "What's up, Sai?"

"Good evening, Ino."

She was giving him that same haunting smile she did earlier on this morning. "I thought you were going to bail out on me. I had to make sure everyone was going to be here tonight for my announcement."

Sai laughs nervously, somehow feeling her fingers dig into his collarbone. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Great!" After patting him on the back, she grabs for his hand and places a cup in it. "While you're at it, enjoy yourself instead of standing there like a stiff board."

A line he was all too familiar with. It has been years since he at least learned the mean of friends alone but no matter how many times he got around people, he lacked the understanding on how to relax. He learned how to speak to certain friends but there are many things he wasn't sure about. Thinking about the things he still was unsure about, the thought of last night came to mind. Everything happened so fast that he kind of wondered how did he manage to seduce Naruto with such ease? Despite all of that, he never actually slept with the blonde. It was more a night of intense foreplay. But it was enough to send both of them on the edge last night…

Sai cut his thoughts short, making a sudden beeline to the nearest table with sake on it. He arrives at a table where Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru and Choji were sitting at. The other table had the remaining six shinobi eating cheerfully. Besides him arriving at the table, Naruto was no where to be seen.

"Have a seat, Sai! We're about to put some meat on the fire." Sakura said kindly, gesturing the seat beside her. He takes a seat, still reaching for the alcohol before him.

"Careful with that! I made sure every table got some really good sake." Ino pressed, leaning into Choji unusually close. Sakura takes note of Sai's blank expression, giving him a slight pinch on his arm.

"I guess by the look on your face that you didn't know Ino and Choji were dating?" She whispers.

Sai gives Sakura a quick glance after pouring himself a drink. "Oh. No, I didn't know."

Ino and Choji stand from their seats, Ino looking especially excited. With a loud ahem, the shinobi she invited sat silently all of a sudden.

"I know everyone just got here and I'm sure a few of you guys are wondering why did I bring you all together here today."

Across the room, Neji mumbles something, earning a smack from Tenten on the arm. Most likely complaining about him not wanting to be here. Ino notices but she continued speaking anyway. "I just wanna announce… my engagement!"

The room went completely silent for a moment. Before the silence began to bother the young blonde, her friends happily congratulated her with cheers and claps. Sai sat there observing the spectacle eventually following suit and clapping alongside Sakura.

"Why are we clapping?" Sai whispers to Sakura.

Sakura's happy smile faded a bit, looking at her teammate in disbelief. "You're kidding."

He gulped, somewhat regretting the question. Yet again, something he didn't know was a thing. But she sighs and attempts to explain it. "We clap when we somewhat… approve of something. You clap after you watch a play or a performance or something such as this. You clap as a bit of a sign that you are pleased with what you witnessed."

"I see." Sai answered, clapping mechanically. "I think I understand."

The applauding eases up and everyone either continued to eat, drink or personally congratulated the newly couple.

Sai had already stopped clapping and proceeded to down the drink before him. He sighs to himself, taking a glance at the empty spot beside him, assuming it was for Naruto. But again, he was nowhere to be found. The thought of not seeing Naruto tonight made Sai a bit anxious. He grabs the bottle again and pours him another cup, just to see that go down quickly like the first one, his throat feeling warm. He clears his throat, catching the attention of the host.

"Hey! I told you to be careful with that!"

Sai smiles apologetically as he stood to his feet. "Sorry."

He had only gotten here but the young shinobi was ready to call it a day. Just the idea of attending something that has to deal with celebrating the love of another couple made his stomach churn in jealousy. A part of him kind of made him wonder how did the two manage to find one another. Ino was so energetic and tough while Choji was a bit more of a lover than a fighter but strong nonetheless. Was it possible for two complete opposites to somehow find each other compatible?

His thoughts ended up carrying him all the way to the front entrance of the building. The smell of beef and his sloppy thoughts were beginning to suffocate him. As the cool air blasted him the moment he steps outside, Sai does one pleasant inhale, relieved that he can breathe again.

"What are you doing out here?"

The familiar voice made Sai's eye flicker over to the source. Blinking a few times at the person before him, Sai thought he was seeing things.

But it didn't keep his lips from speaking his mind. "N-Naruto…"

The blonde stands there for a moment, returning the gaze. Sadly, the moment had lasted much too short, resulting in Naruto brushing by him and entering the restaurant without another word.

"Naruto, wait." Of course there was no response so Sai instinctively followed behind him. Just as he was about to catch up to the blonde, a voice had called out to him.

"Oh, I thought you were leaving without congratulating me!" Ino yells, standing at his side.

Sai wanted to sigh again but he thought if he kept doing so, it would seem too much out of character. The last thing he wants is for people to learn how to read him when something was bothering him. He was already hard to read and he just wanted to keep it that way.

"Oh. No, I just needed some air."

She squints her eyes at him and a smile appears on her face. "Are you drunk already?"

"Drunk?"

"I saw you gulping down those two cups of sake. And your face is already flushed." She pointed.

Sai shakes his head in denial. "I don't… know what it feels like to be drunk as I have never been before."

Ino thinks for a moment as she decides to guide him back to their crowd of friends. "Well, it's a bit harder to explain. But when I get sloshed, I feel happier. My emotions are up twice as much. I guess today you will find out what it is you feel when you're wasted."

It sounded like it was something he should be concerned about but Ino's face said otherwise. The poor boy had a feeling that his slightly drunken state had amused Ino for some strange reason. He ignores her pleased expression and starts in the direction of his previous spot. But he makes a quick decision of turning back to the girl of the hour.

"I have a question for you." He spoke.

The blonde gestures him to proceed and he bites his bottom lip in slight hesitation. "Why Choji?"

Her bright eyes widen from the unexpected question but it softens as her lips part in response.

"Hm…. Why Choji…" She mumbled to herself. In the same motion, she leans on a nearby wall and stares at her friends that mingled in front of her.

"To be honest, I'm not really sure how it all happened. It just did. I guess love works a bit differently for others. I mean…. I guess Choji has his own particular charm about him that made me happy when I was around him. And.. I want to keep feeling good like that when he's around."

Sai stood there, trying to wrap his mind about how that might feel. But he wasn't fully understanding.

"Have you ever been in love? Sai?"

Now it was his turn to look surprised. With his eyes almost the size of saucers, Ino laughs out loud. "Oh God you should see the look on your face."

But Sai wasn't too concerned with the look on his face. He was more floored with the question because he truly wasn't sure how to answer it. It was only natural for him to instantly think of Naruto but was he in love with the boy?

"I…. I don't know."

Ino's smile slowly dissolves into a frown. "What do you mean?"

Her voice replies in a concerned tone.

Although her voice didn't reach Sai's ears, he clouded his mind with worry. Worry if what he was feeling for Naruto was love or not. What did love feel like? How could he know he was in love if he didn't know what it meant when Ino had explained it? A warm hand touches his, making him focus on the person in front of him. It was Ino's hand.

"You know… There are other signs… that tells you when you are in love."

"... Is there?"

"Oh yes! If you see the person you like talking with another person, you could feel jealous. If your heart beats fast if you are around someone you like, it could be love. When they hurt your feelings, you feel like you could die…. But most of all when they smile at you or touch you, it would feel like you are the most luckiest person on the world."

As the young kunoichi poured her heart out into the description of it all, Sai had noticed that while Ino had described how it felt like to be in love, he had noticed that the air around her grew warmer. It was as if talking about being love gave off a loving aura. It was clear that it was her who was absolutely in love with Choji. Sai was convinced.

"I think…. I understand now." And he truly did believe that. It might not have answered his own problems about Naruto but he learned something valuable that night. That feeling love was not only wonderful but scary at the same time. The least he could do was properly congratulate Ino. "And again, congratulations on your engagement."

She smiles sweetly before patting his shoulder and heading off into the arms of Choji.

\/\/\/\/\/

A/N: I have returned from my writer's block! Yay! I'm sorry if this chapter is a bit slow. I hope you will forgive me. I'm working on the next chapters right now! And if I am on a roll, I should the next chapter out soon enough. I love you all so much for sticking with me still 3