The meeting lasted a few hours, as the shadows the sun threw into the room grew longer and the sky darkened. Naruto sat at the edge of the room with Kiba and the other guards, though he had to admit once the talk turned to convoluted political subjects, he zoned out. Hey, it wasn't his job to be an advisor.

"Thank you, everyone; we'll continue this tomorrow," Orochimaru said, rising from his chair.

"Finally," Kiba muttered from his right and Naruto nodded in agreement. Every time Orochimaru spoke it made him cringe…the smiles and sugar-coated words all seemed so fake.

Everyone shuffled out of the conference room and the servants directed them down the hall. "Well, good night." Kiba yawned and combed his fingers through his hair.

"'Night." Naruto gave a little wave as Kiba disappeared through one of the doors down the hall. He felt a yawn coming on and rolled his aching shoulders; the journey had left him unexpectedly tired, for someone who had done nothing but sit in place on a horse.

He thought of Sasuke and got that itch inside his chest, the same that flared up in the meeting whenever his thoughts had wandered and Sasuke surfaced in his mind. Something about his face…his eyes…

Naruto's cheeks heated at the thought and he ground a fist into his hair. He should be concentrating on the negotiations! His village was in danger and all he could think about was this – admittedly very attractive – kid he'd just met!

He stopped in his tracks when he realized he'd been pacing up and down the hall. Was he even on the same hall anymore? He stared blankly at the line of doors – very similar doors – and barely held back a loud groan.

"Freakin' great," he grumbled. "Way to go, Naruto." He looked back and forth between the hall ahead and the ones on either side of him and decided to pick one randomly. He heard the sound of footsteps coming toward him and looked around to see a familiar head of black hair.

"Hey!" he shouted, relieved, and trotted to meet him. "Hey, Sasuke!"

The boy paused and turned to look at him. "Sir?"

Naruto waved a hand. "Ah, none of that. Call me Naruto. Can you show me the wall back to the sleeping quarters? I'm kind of lost."
Sasuke's lips lifted a fraction. "Well done."

"H…hey!" Naruto spluttered, more surprised by the sudden spark of personality that the words themselves. "This place is really big! Jerk."

Sasuke tilted his head in the direction of the left hallway, making silky strands of hair splash against his cheek. Naruto had a strange urge to reach out and touch them, to see if they brushed over his fingers in the same way.

"It's this way."

Naruto fell into stride with him and tried to think of something to say to the quiet boy. For a moment, the only sound was the soft tapping of their footsteps.

"So…" he began awkwardly. "You live here?"
"Yes."

That was all he said, and Naruto figured he would have to be the one continuing this conversation. "'So, I'm going down to the stables tomorrow. Want to come with me? And make sure I don't fall and hurt myself?"

The corners of Sasuke's mouth twitched and Naruto felt a warm burst of happiness in his chest, marveling at how that tiny smile could make him feel this way.

"You made it all the way here on a horse, didn't you? And anyway, I'll need Lord Orochimaru's permission first."

The glow died and Naruto frowned. "He kinda creeps me out. Why does he have to approve what you do?"

Sasuke's face fell. "He is my master. He owns me."

Naruto regretted asking instantly. The mood had darkened beyond repair and Sasuke had that closed-off look again. Naruto didn't know what to say anymore. He wanted that little smile back.

They had reached the door to his room, but he didn't want Sasuke to leave yet.

"Good night," Sasuke said, emotionless and formal.

"Yeah…uh, 'night." Naruto held out his hand and electricity shivered up his spine as Sasuke's soft, cool skin touched his. "Try to come with me tomorrow, okay?" He smiled and squeezed gently. "I'd like to get to know you better."

For a moment, Sasuke looked like he'd been slapped, his eyes shooting wide and his mouth twisting, and he took a step back, pulling his hand with him.

"Hey, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry." Sasuke lowered his head to shield his eyes, but not before Naruto saw the look in them. "Enjoy your stay, sir."

He turned back down the hall, walking quickly with tense shoulders. Utterly nonplussed, Naruto closed his door and leaned against it.

When he tried to sleep, Sasuke's face lingered in his mind. He thought of him for a long time before he finally fell asleep, and dreamed of neverending hallways and dark eyes filled with bitter, desperate longing.


These chapters always end up shorter than I think they are. Sorry about that!