Chapter 2

Dance with me

The pale morning sunlight illuminated Sasuke's black hair and pale face as he slept all curled up on his side – as though he was scared and tried to protect himself in this position. Naruto had woken up a few minutes ago and he couldn't go back to sleep. He'd had a weird dream… he didn't remember much but Sasuke was in danger, and he was being attacked or something… It was strange. How come he dreamed about this guy already, when he had only known him for barely one day?

Now the blonde young man was lifted up on his elbow, looking at him thoughtfully. It was true; he cared about this guy already. Weird maybe… then again, Naruto was just like that. He gave his trust easily, and could become best of friends with someone in a really short amount of time.

Sasuke became agitated in his sleep suddenly. He looked frightened. His breathing became difficult and Naruto was pretty sure his heart was beating fast in fear. Naruto didn't know what to do.

"No… stop," he started whispering and it was barely audible, the words almost choked out.

Naruto hesitantly took his shoulder and squeezed gently. But Sasuke got even more frightened it seemed. His breathing picked up even more and he struggled. Naruto tried to steady him, holding both his shoulders as he rolled him on his back. Sasuke's eyes opened as he woke up with a start, panting. He stayed still, holding Naruto's gaze. Slowly he calmed down, and the blonde pulled away, letting himself fall on his side of the bed.

"Sorry," Sasuke whispered.

"What the hell were you dreaming about?" Naruto asked.

"You don't want to know…"

He threw one pale arm above his head, sighing and closing his eyes. But he wasn't asleep.

"If I asked then it means I want to know," Naruto turned on his side, placing his arm under his head. He pulled the sheets up to cover himself to his waist at least. He always kicked them when he slept.

"One of my roommates," Sasuke whispered without opening his eyes, "an asshole…"

"He did something to you?"

"Last party, yeah… he kinda gets crazy horny when he's wasted."

"So that's why you didn't want to go home last night," Naruto said in understanding. He wondered what had happened exactly. He really felt for Sasuke here… damn it must be horrible to live with someone who had hurt him so badly that he had nightmares about it.

"Yeah," he said simply, slowly opening his eyes again but instead of looking at Naruto he glanced out the window. "Thanks for helping me out last night, I appreciate. If you want me to go just say it, I won't mind."

"You can stay a little," Naruto shrugged. He didn't feel like getting up just yet. He was still tired. "Hey Sasuke, what happened… I mean, where does the scar come from?"

The raven instinctively brought a hand to touch the long scar across his chest. It went from his left shoulder to his right side; it must have been a horrible wound, almost fatal perhaps.

"Sparring accident…" he said, still averting his eyes.

"I have a friend who does that as a hobby," Naruto frowned, "but I mean they don't use real swords…"

Sasuke said nothing. Naruto swallowed and decided to try to change the subject. He shouldn't have pushed it. Clearly there were a lot of painful memories in Sasuke's life.

But he couldn't find anything else to say. This situation was kind of awkward, no matter how he looked at it. They were two guys in a hotel room, wearing just boxers as they slept in the same bed. It was morning now, but neither felt like getting up… Yet they were still strangers and had nothing to say to each other.

It turned out, it was Sasuke who broke the silence, "Your girlfriend… can I ask what happened to her?"

Naruto closed his eyes, and a few seconds passed before he reopened them. It was… difficult to think about that, not to mention talking.

"If you tell me… I'll tell you what really happened," Sasuke said thoughtfully as he caressed his scar. "You're the one who said, yesterday, that it was good to talk to someone you don't know too well."

Naruto chuckled lightly. Then he took a deep breath, "She was pregnant, actually."

Sasuke's eyes widened and he glanced at him. They locked eyes but then Naruto couldn't take the pained look in those dark eyes so he looked away.

"But there was… something wrong… I won't bother you with the medical terms." He sighed, squeezing his eyes shut again, "Basically her body couldn't handle it. Well her chances were very low. But they didn't know that in the beginning so she didn't get aborted. And then it was too late… But we hoped… that it would be okay. That both her and the baby would survive. She started doing better at some point, we were really hopeful, we even bought stuff… it was supposed to be a girl, so…" Naruto chuckled to try to hide his sadness. He wasn't crying. He had cried enough, before... But still, there was a lump in his throat. "But she didn't make it. They couldn't save either."

All Sasuke said was, "Fuck."

Naruto chuckled again, this small, fake laughter. It was dry and sarcastic. He was just hiding his pain, or showing it, maybe, because it was probably very obvious.

Sasuke suddenly got up. He winced in pain slightly but he made his way determinedly to his instrument. Naruto frowned and sat up, running his fingers through his blonde locks.

"What are you doing?"

The raven didn't answer. He just picked up his violin and leaned back into the small desk, in front of the bed. He was still wearing just the black boxer briefs. Naruto could see all the nasty bruises, the one on his cheek, on his ribs, his back, and he still had the bandage around his knee. What an asshole, that guy, last night… Naruto himself still had the bandage around his hand.

All thoughts left his mind when Sasuke started playing. It was really, extremely sad. It made him feel melancholic and damn, this melody, those long painful notes; they made him feel like ripping his heart out or something. That was how talented he was. Or maybe Naruto was just too sad already, so Sasuke's music had this effect on him.

Sasuke was beautiful. Naruto was inspired again. He wanted to draw him, so he did. Just like last night. Sasuke saw what he was doing and he didn't protest so Naruto supposed it was fine. He drew everything as he saw it, even the bruises; actually he found that they made the drawing even more troubling. Beautiful and troubling; just like Sasuke himself. There was something about this raven-haired male, he was just the perfect model for Naruto it seemed. He didn't even need to think about what he was doing; his hand just drew on its own.

And just like last night time went by so quickly. When Sasuke stopped the room was filled in silence, except for the pencil running across the page, adding some shading here and there, finalizing the details. Sasuke put his violin away and came to look at it. Again he seemed impressed by Naruto's talent. He didn't seem to care that he had drawn him almost naked.

"I'm gonna keep this one," Naruto said in a light teasing tone to try to lighten the mood. "So hey you said you were gonna tell me the true story behind your scar."

He closed his sketchbook and put it on the bedside table. Sasuke scratched his hair.

"I changed my mind, I'm not telling you."

"…"

"Can I use your shower?" Sasuke asked.

"Y-Yeah okay…"

Well that was kind of awkward. Naruto just waited while Sasuke was in the bathroom. He placed his arms behind his head, relaxed. He kind of enjoyed Sasuke's company despite the odd situation and conversations. It didn't feel as lonely when he was here. He had even told him about Hinata. And it felt like Sasuke had played his music just for him… maybe for her a little bit too. He was such a nice guy for doing that, in a way.

He had the strange feeling again that he shouldn't let Sasuke go. That he was someone important.

He brushed it aside. On a whim he decided to call his boss, owner of the company where he worked and also his godfather who had always taken care of him. He felt like talking to him right now. But he also wanted to ask something work-related.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Jiraiya…" He leaned back comfortably against the pillows, cell pressed to his ear, "How are you?"

"I'm good. You? How's your vacation?"

"It's great, I actually just met someone, and…"

"Oh that's great! What's her name?" Jiraiya misunderstood completely and Naruto face palmed.

"N-No… it's a guy, and…"

"Oh. I guess maybe it's a good idea for you to… experiment but… I don't know… Huh. Did your therapist tell you to do that? Cause you know he can be an idiot sometimes. You shouldn't listen to him."

Naruto laughed softly. Jiraiya was so stupid sometimes. And yes, his therapist was actually a friend of the family so his godfather knew him.

"I didn't have sex with him, I used him as a model for drawing actually. I'm really inspired right now thanks to that. I wanted to know… that romance author who absolutely wanted me to draw the cover for her new novel… is the job still on?"

"Yes! She won't accept anyone else."

"Great! I'll get it done before I come back, it's a promise."

"I'm glad to hear that! By the way I'm glad you didn't turn gay that would've been weird."

"Oh shut up. All right, I'll see you soon."

"Okay! Take care!"

They hung up. Naruto still had a small smile on his lips when Sasuke stepped out of the bathroom. But then his smile faded. The raven had a towel low on his hips revealing all the bruises… but that wasn't exactly the problem. He just looked so depressed as he ran his fingers through his damp black hair lazily. He sighed heavily and sat on the bed next to Naruto.

"I was supposed to perform tonight. Like, not at the subway station," he chuckled dryly, "at a bar. With an electric violin… believe it or not some people are pretty into that. But I can't go like this," he pointed at his face, and the large, dark bruise on his left cheek."

Naruto scratched his hair, "Man that really sucks…"

"Yeah. I'm gonna have to cancel."

He went to sit on his knees to grab his jeans, but he winced in pain because of the scrape on his left knee. He fell to the side with a curse, as he folded his legs under him instead.

"You okay?" Naruto made a face.

"Yeah, yeah… you're so caring," he said more to himself as he picked up his cell and dialed, "I mean I'm a complete stranger to you."

"Not really. I told you some really private stuff about myself."

"I guess that's true," Sasuke said thoughtfully then he spoke on the phone with what Naruto supposed was the owner of the bar where he was supposed to perform.

On the meantime Naruto decided to use the shower as well. He hurried; kind of scared all of a sudden that Sasuke would just leave without saying anything. Naruto wanted to at least exchange emails, or phone numbers, something. They had shared something special last night, and this morning again. Some sort of bond through their art, he supposed. Ah, wow, he was being so silly. Naruto chuckled to himself as he finished rinsing his hair. He closed his eyes and thought about what he would draw for the lovely female author that requested him.

He knew what she wanted, he remembered the meeting concerning that project. He smiled as he visualized some ideas… She wanted romantic, well he would give her romantic. It felt nice that he actually felt like drawing again. It had been a while… Because of his depression he had lost the will to do anything, at all, during a few weeks. But people had been understanding.

When Naruto was finished he draped a towel around his waist and brushed his teeth. Then he got out of the bathroom, and was reassured to see that Sasuke was still there. Actually he was sitting on the bed still wearing just the towel. He had his head in his hands.

"He fucking fired me," he said. "That was my only job… if you don't count… the other stuff I do."

"Why would he fire you?" Naruto exclaimed, "Call him back. Tell him you can do it anyway. Then when he sees you he'll decide if it's okay or not…"

"You don't get it," Sasuke looked up. "The only reason why he hired me… is because I'm good looking. Well sure I know how to play but… the customers there like seeing beautiful people on stage. I'm basically decoration. So he says if my face isn't perfect then he doesn't need me anymore. I could probably go back when it's all healed and he'd hire me again but until then…" he sighed.

"Fuck man that sucks I'm really sorry to hear that," Naruto didn't know what else to say.

He fumbled through his messy suitcase and found a clean pair of boxers, which he put on before throwing away the towel. Then he put on some slim dark blue jeans and a white v-neck tee. He was putting on his black leather belt when he turned around and noticed the raven was staring intensely – probably had been the whole time. Naruto blushed; shit, maybe he shouldn't have changed right in front of him. The guy was nineteen, and possibly gay after all. Or maybe he was straight, and had done stuff to older men only for the money… Nah, from the look in his dark eyes right now, Naruto could tell he was gay.

Naruto wasn't vain at all, but he simply knew he was an attractive guy. He was lucky to have a naturally toned body and smooth tan skin all over. Sasuke quickly glanced away and his bangs hid his face partly as he went to pick up his own clothes. But they were all ripped and dirty because of last night.

"Let me lend you some clothes," Naruto said.

"No, you've done enough…"

"No it's fine I brought a lot because I wasn't sure how long I'd be gone."

He handed him clean black boxers, stylish grey jeans and a black long sleeve tee. Sasuke changed himself right there as well but Naruto wasn't looking anyway, he was trying to make some order in his suitcase. Sasuke got dressed in no time; the clothes were a tad too big but he still looked nice in them. Naruto smiled.

"You wanna grab breakfast somewhere?"

"Why?" The slightest hint of a smile appeared on his face.

"If you don't want to just say it, it's fine," Naruto shrugged.

"No I don't mind, but I'm just curious. Why?"

"Honestly? This might sound childish, but even though we barely know each other I already feel like we could be, you know, good friends," he said.

"It's not childish but…"

"You hungry or not?"

"…Yeah."

"Then let's go."

Keeping it simple, they went to a small diner a few blocks away. They ate breakfast quietly, and then Sasuke ordered some green tea, whereas Naruto drank coffee with enormous amounts of sugar in it.

"How the hell are you so slim?" Sasuke asked at some point, crossing his legs and leaning back in his seat. He seemed amused. All along the meal he had skillfully ignored all the weird looks people were sending him because of his bruised face.

"I don't know," Naruto laughed softly, "I guess I'm lucky."

"Do you do any sports?"

"Not really… I go to the gym with my friends, that's it."

"That's it?" he raised a brow, "That's enough. I mean that's pretty cool, I wish I could go."

"Why can't you go?"

"I'm poor," Sasuke reminded him.

"Oh."

"So um… what do you do when you're not playing music?" Naruto asked, glancing out the window briefly at the cloudy day, people walking by, and then back at the young man sitting in front of him.

"I… I don't know. Nothing much," he admitted, "I hang out downtown sometimes, at the tattoo and piercing store, or in music stores… They probably think I'm a really annoying customer lately though I never buy anything. At the apartment I play video games with my roommates sometimes. It's pretty funny, depending what they're on. If they're on shrooms I can pause the game and go to the bathroom or whatever and they think that we're still playing even though nothing's happening. They go like, I'm winning, I'm winning! I mean the game's on pause dude."

"Sounds like fun," Naruto chuckled.

"Tried it once, didn't particularly like it. Drugs don't have much of an effect on me. Maybe I have some weird, anti-drug system I have no idea. Alcohol though, that's another story."

"What do you mean?" Naruto leaned forward on the small table, amused.

"I don't know I kinda become a completely different person you know? Or so I've been told anyway. When I drink a lot and I wake up the next day hungover and feeling like shit it's a complete black out."

"A completely different person how?"

"I don't know…" he blushed lightly as he looked down, "like, loud and crazy and… affectionate… I don't know," he said again, "I'm just repeating what I've been told."

"Everyone's kinda like that when they drink too much though."

"Thing is I'm not myself with you," he said and his face was still a bit red, "it's weird… Anyway, my roommates when they saw me drunk for the first time they couldn't believe it."

"What do you mean you're not yourself with me?" Naruto was intrigued.

He shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I talk a lot."

"And usually you're…?"

"Antisocial. Like really…" He locked big dark gray eyes with deep blue. Naruto smiled.

"Okay well I guess I should feel privileged then."

"If you want," he chuckled again, "maybe it's cause you're older, I don't know. My roommates are like, twenty but, they act like they're fourteen. I can't exactly talk to them about anything." He brought his green tea to his lips while Naruto looked away.

"That really sucks… you don't have any siblings?"

"No."

"Yeah me neither. I understand how you feel then, even if just a little… I've always wanted to have siblings cause I felt so lonely as a kid."

"Actually I lied, I do have a brother… How is it that I can't lie to you?" Their eyes met again and Sasuke was thoughtful, "Even for the scar I told you right after that it was a lie."

"Uh I don't know," Naruto laughed. "Must be my honest blue eyes."

"Must be," Sasuke teased back.

"You still have to tell me that story."

"It's not a nice one."

"What's your brother's story then?"

"Went to study abroad in the States a couple years ago. And now I don't even know where he is, if he's still there, or if he's back…"

"Can't you contact him?"

"No, we completely lost contact with all the shit that happened in the family… Long story, anyway. He could probably find me if he wanted to..."

It looked like he didn't want to talk about it anymore so Naruto went quiet. There was a moment of silence. The waitress brought the bill and Naruto insisted on paying. She had brought only one anyway. Sasuke protested but Naruto had his argument ready.

"I didn't even pay you for when you played for me."

"Yes you did, the drawing…"

"What about this morning?"

"But you didn't ask, I just felt like playing."

"Would you stop?" Naruto laughed. "I'm taking care of it all right?"

"Fine, fine..."

Outside they walked slowly toward the hotel. Even if they parted ways, Sasuke had to get his violin back first. Naruto had a slim leather jacket over his white t-shirt so he was fine but Sasuke was shivering a little. It would be winter soon.

"Hey Sasuke, you wanna like, exchange emails or phone number or something? Just so we can keep in touch."

"Sure I don't mind giving you my number," he took out his cell.

Naruto smiled. He had been unsure about asking but he was glad Sasuke agreed. At least he had met one interesting person on this vacation.

In the hotel room Naruto felt kind of sad as he watched Sasuke grab his stuff. What if they didn't see each other again? For some reason it made him a bit depressed.

"I guess I'll come back later today then…"

"Really?" Naruto looked up, surprised.

"To give back your clothes."

"Oh, right."

Sasuke crossed his arms and tilted his head, amused, "Why you had something else in mind?"

"No I… I mean unless you wanted to…"

"What?"

He laughed, and scratched the back of his hair, "I don't know… you wanna hang out for the last few days I'm here? Maybe you could show me some cool places."

"Sure. I can bring you to a gay club and people will think you're my abusive boyfriend." He pointed at his cheek.

"Uh..."

"Idiot. I was kidding. I know straight bars too you know?"

"Straight or gay I really don't care Sasuke I'm not here to flirt I'm just here to… I don't know, take my mind off things."

"We'll go out tonight then," he smiled, "I'll see you later. Make sure you wear something nice."

"This isn't okay?" Naruto looked down at his clothes.

"Not really."

"Oh you mean like what I was wearing yesterday?" Naruto thought about the dress black pants and white button down shirt. But Sasuke shook his head.

"All right I'll bring something. See ya." And just like that he left.

"What the hell's wrong with my clothes?" He muttered to himself.

Naruto spent hours drawing that day. He finished the cover for the book. A figure of a guy, and a girl together on a bridge in the moonlight… Could it get any more romantic? He didn't think so. Maybe it was a bit too much… but he knew this was what the author wanted. Amused, he realized the guy in the drawing looked kinda like Sasuke. Then his smile disappeared; was he being creepy with this sudden obsession?

No, it wasn't creepy. Sasuke was just beautiful from an artist's point of view, yes that was it.

As promised Sasuke came back in the evening with a bag of clothes. When Sasuke took off his black leather jacket – similar to Naruto's actually – the blonde couldn't help but stare. Because well, even as a straight man, Naruto could tell just how sexy that guy was.

Sasuke was clad in tight black leather pants that hung low on his hips, and a skin tight black shirt with fishnet sleeves. He even wore eyeliner. And he had styled his hair so that it fell on one side of his face, hiding the bruise at least partly.

"You look really…" Naruto hesitated, trying to find the right word, "gay."

"You'll look even gayer," he said casually as he took out items from the bag.

"I don't think that's possible."

Sasuke glared at him, "Look you said you wanted to take your mind off things? This'll be perfect, trust me. We're gonna have fun." He tossed him the clothes.

Naruto couldn't believe it. "You want me to wear this?"

"Yes."

Tiny army jeans with a black, wide neck sleeveless top.

Amused, Naruto asked, "Are all your shirts black?"

"Yes." Sasuke also gave him his other clothes back. "By the way my asshole roommates are gonna be there tonight."

"How come?"

Sasuke sighed, glancing away, "They wouldn't let me go until I told them where I was going. They pretty much guessed it anyway, it's my favorite place. There's not that many gay bars here. Apparently they feel like tagging along."

"Are they all gay?" Naruto raised a brow.

"One's straight, one's bi, the two others are gay. Anyway go put on the clothes what are you waiting for?"

"Fine…"

Naruto went in the bathroom this time. He tried the clothes on, but…

"They're too tight!"

"What? I wanna see," Sasuke said. He was right behind the door.

Naruto opened it reluctantly. Those jeans, they were way too tight… well he had been able to put them on but now he felt like he couldn't even move. The shirt wasn't so bad.

"You look hot," the raven said, "they look better on you than they look on me. You fill them up more."

Naruto smiled, "You trying to say I have a nice ass?"

"Yeah, now let's go I'm dying for some drinks…"

"I thought you didn't like getting drunk?"

"Huh? When did I say that? As long as I don't drink too much it's fine. Now let's go…" he insisted.

Naruto looked in the mirror one last time, running his fingers through his semi-long blonde locks.

"I said you look hot and I don't say that to just anyone so stop being such a girl already."

The older male put on his black jacket, transferred his stuff from his other jeans to those crazy tight ones and followed Sasuke outside the room.

The gay night club was small and underground. But the atmosphere was great. People were really intent to party here. It was still early and already the dance floor was crowded. Sasuke and Naruto stood at the bar counter, drinking beer together.

The music was great. Naruto hadn't been to a club since forever. It was fun; the loud, techno remix bursting through speakers, flickering lights, smoke filling the air above the dance floor. And the drinks were flowing of course. It wasn't too expensive; there was a special on beer on Thursday nights apparently. The two guys were paying one after the other.

After the fourth beer Naruto started seeing a change in Sasuke. He was more relaxed, that was for sure.

"I wish I could come to Tokyo with you! I hate being stuck here, with no fucking money, you have no idea."

"Then come with me," Naruto smiled before taking a sip of beer.

Sasuke looked kinda adorable as he looked at him wide-eyed, "You can't be serious."

"I'm very serious."

"You barely know me!"

Naruto tilted his head, "Yeah but I mean, I feel like we're friends already, you know?"

Sasuke nudged him, "You're so freakin' silly." He finished his beer and ordered another one.

As they started drinking this fifth round Sasuke sighed, leaning his slender arms across the bar counter, "But I mean I've got no cash right now I'm totally broke… How much are plane tickets anyway?"

"I can pay for you," Naruto shrugged, "you can pay me back later."

He was even more ridiculously generous when he was drunk. He couldn't help it. Again Sasuke looked at him with big black eyes. They were even more intense because of the eyeliner.

"You'd do that."

"Yeah," Naruto laughed. Sasuke was funny in his utter disbelief.

His friends, or rather, asshole roommates, as Sasuke liked to refer to them as, chose that moment to make their appearance. There were two red-heads, one with long blonde hair and also one with semi-long dark red hair, almost black. Sasuke glared at them and didn't even introduce them.

"Sasuke," the blonde said fondly and he tried to caress the raven black hair. Only tried to, because Sasuke slapped his hand away harshly.

"Don't fucking touch me Deidara."

"I see you're not drunk yet. Come on Sasori I feel like dancing…" Dragging one of the red-heads with him he went to the middle of the crowded dance floor.

"What's up?" the one with dark red hair asked as he leaned onto the bar counter right next to Sasuke, getting ready to order something.

Naruto arched a brow; that guy had placed himself right between him and Sasuke, which was kind of rude

"What's up?" the raven hissed, "What's up is you piss me off…"

Indeed he didn't look like he had a very good relationship with his roommates.

The fourth one, with paler red hair said, "Stop being so pms all the time Sasuke."

"Shut up Yahiko." And he walked around the other guy to be standing next to Naruto again.

The two red-head guys pretty much rolled their eyes and ignored Sasuke after that, talking amongst themselves and ordering drinks as soon as the bartender looked their way.

"Fucking hate them," Sasuke was sulking and drinking his fifth beer really fast.

"Figured as much," Naruto chuckled. But he was a bit worried. "So which one did, um, did something to you?"

"It wasn't them," the raven glanced behind his shoulder at the dance floor, "it was Sasori. He's kinda on and off with Deidara." He spoke in a low voice, probably making sure his other roommates standing nearby couldn't hear him, "But Deidara would go fucking insane if he knew Sasori and I did something."

"So you guys had sex?"

"He fucking forced me," Sasuke said before finishing his beer completely.

"Um Sasuke that's called rape."

"I wouldn't say that. We were both drunk, it was a crazy party, shit happens. Just leave it…" he glanced at the bartender, who immediately hurried to take the sexy leather-clad male's order, ignoring some other less pretty customers.

Sasuke paid but then Naruto protested. "It was my turn to pay…"

"Nah it's the least I can do," he smiled, locking eyes with him, "you're gonna pay for my plane ticket right?"

"I'm kinda broke, but…"

"It's okay," the other rolled his eyes, "I was kidding moron."

"No you didn't let me finish! I'm kinda broke but I think I have enough left. When I get back I'll start working hard again and I'll be fine. I can ask my boss for a raise."

"Where would I stay anyway?"

"You can stay at my place until you figure it out."

"You'd invite me, some guy you only just met yesterday, to come live with you?"

"As roommates, until you figure it out. I have a house Sasuke. And it's been really fucking empty lately so it'd be my pleasure to have you."

A lump formed in his throat, just thinking of how lonely it had been after the tragedy that had struck his little family. He swallowed it as he chugged down his beer. He was starting to feel the effects of alcohol. But it wasn't necessarily a good thing. He tended to be an extremely depressed drunk if something was troubling him.

"If you really do that," Sasuke spoke almost fiercely; surely he was a bit affected by alcohol as well, "I'll pay you back, somehow. I promise."

"Relax," Naruto smiled, trying to stay casual despite all this heavy talk, "let's just have fun tonight. We can talk about it tomorrow."

Following his advice, Sasuke raised his beer and continued drinking.

It happened in a matter of a mere few minutes. He went to the restroom, and when he came back Sasuke's eighth beer (Naruto himself had stopped after six) was completely empty and the raven was completely drunk. Now Naruto knew what he had meant by 'different person' that was for sure.

He clung to Naruto's tight black sleeveless top – which was in fact Sasuke's – almost desperately and looked straight into his deep blue eyes intensely.

"I wanna dance."

"Well, dance," Naruto teased him.

"No… with you."

Naruto's smile faded a little as he was troubled by the eyes so dark, so pretty as they stared at him behind raven bangs. They were so close he could see the slight imperfections in his eyeliner.

"Yeah I mean we can dance… not… together… but just…"

Sasuke swallowed and he pulled away slightly but he looked disappointed. He actually pouted.

"Okay fine but…"

"But what?" Naruto laughed, "Let's just go…"

He felt like dancing as well. The techno music to his slightly drunken mind sounded so catchy and great. They ended up dancing not too far from Deidara and Sasori, Sasuke's roommates on the dance floor. As for the two others they were still standing by the bar counter, where Naruto himself had been earlier.

Sasuke respected Naruto's wish and they danced each on their own. Well they were still pretty close to one another but that was just because the place was crowded. Naruto smiled, enjoying the loud music, crazy flickering lights and party atmosphere. He just let his thin body move to the rhythm of the catchy tune, uncaring if his moves looked good or not. He just wanted to have fun, and that was it.

The raven was smiling as he looked at him. He was dancing too of course, and he was so sexy. His pale, leather clad body moved perfectly, almost passionately. And it looked so easy too, he wasn't pushing it. He was just having fun as well; they were on the same vibe here as they smiled at each other. And Sasuke was smiling genuinely for once. A real, breath taking smile; he was truly beautiful. Again Naruto was troubled…

Sasuke leaned closer and said, "You're a good dancer. It sucks that you don't want to dance with me but at least I get to watch you. You're great eye candy you know?"

To tease him Naruto replied, "You're great eye candy too."

It worked. Sasuke looked confused, drunkenly so. He continued dancing but his smile faded a little and he stared at Naruto questioningly.

"From an artist's point of view of course," Naruto added and they both laughed.

It was the first time that he was hearing Sasuke laugh. It was amazing, really. Naruto felt like this moment was precious. Then he realized… this was his first time laughing and having fun like that in a really long time too – longer than he could remember.

Eventually guys started hitting on the nineteen year old male. Really, the pale guy was too sexy for his own good. So many men tried to dance with him and Sasuke was struggling to decline every time. Sometimes he got dragged in reluctantly as guys touched his ass, or wrapped their arms around his small waist, and he had no choice but to be pulled close to them before he could push them away.

Naruto was kind of pissed. Couldn't those guys understand that Sasuke just wanted to dance by himself, and not with any of them? They were ruining their fun here. Damn horny gays. He realized Sasuke was sending him pleading looks. So without thinking Naruto reached out and grabbed the smaller male by his waist and arm, pulling him closer as they started dancing together.

Immediately the other guys backed off, as if they were intimidated by Naruto. Or maybe they felt like they couldn't compare, Naruto chuckled at his own flattery. Then he realized he was dancing with Sasuke, like really, really close. But it was for the best, no? At least these guys weren't trying to molest him against his will anymore.

"Is this why you wanted to dance with me so badly?"

"Yeah," Sasuke rested his forehead against his shoulder briefly, "well that and also I just wanted to dance with you."

"Well you should be thankful I'm a little drunk," Naruto laughed. But he found himself enjoying this, even though Sasuke was a guy.

He wrapped his tan arms around the small waist as they rolled their hips in synch and he was amazed when he breathed in Sasuke's scent, damn his hair smelled nice, so sweet. He was a bit disturbed by all this suddenly so he pulled away a little. Sasuke did the same, but they kept their hands on each other as their eyes met. They stood really close and Naruto realized he was only two inches taller, maybe, not more. His lips arrived at Sasuke's delicate nose and he would just have to tilt his head ever so slightly while Sasuke lifted his if they were to kiss. He wondered why the hell he was having such thoughts. Maybe because his flushed lips were so perfect and looked so soft.

Damn, this was weird. Did he have some strange bi-curious tendencies all of a sudden? Nah he was just drunk. And Sasuke was probably one of the sexiest, loveliest guys on earth therefore it was normal for him to be troubled, he reasoned.

"Just close your eyes," Sasuke eventually said as he leaned close to his ear, "and pretend I'm a girl. As long as you keep your hands around my waist," he chuckled, "you should be fine."

With that said, and before Naruto could laugh or reply anything he turned around in his arms. Sasuke pressed his back into Naruto's chest, lowering himself a little as he rubbed his ass against the blonde's crotch repeatedly along to the rhythm of the music. Naruto's heart started beating faster. As instructed he kept his arms firmly around Sasuke's slender waist. This situation was… indeed very hot. Naruto felt hot, a bit too much.

He let this go on for a little while, but he was so turned on that he felt himself getting hard. That's when he pushed Sasuke away softly but firmly. He didn't want to lose control here.

"I just need some air," he smiled trying to keep the mood casual, "I'll be right back."

Cheeks flushed slightly, hair falling in his blurry dark eyes, Sasuke nodded as he slowly started moving his body again, dancing on his own while waiting for Naruto. God, poor guy was so drunk, he thought.

Naruto was able to relax outside in the cool fall air. He rubbed his arms for warmth as he walked a bit back and forth on the sidewalk, in front of the club. At some point he noticed that blonde and red-head dude, Deidara and Sasori, were amongst the small crowd of smokers outside.

He didn't pay much attention to them. But just as Naruto was about to go back inside, worried that Sasuke might be harassed by annoying horny dudes again, the blonde guy exploded, startling everyone around.

"WHAT? With him? You've gotta be fucking kidding me! I'm gonna fucking kill him!"

"No, wait…" Sasori tried to stop him but Deidara was storming inside the club like a crazy person.

Naruto panicked and followed also… What if they had been talking about Sasuke? God, so much drama. Sasuke had been right in pointing out that his roommates acted like fucking teenagers.

And Naruto had been right to worry. Deidara was walking as quickly as he possibly could through the crowd, in Sasuke's direction. The raven was so vulnerable, so drunk and he had no idea what was happening to him. Deidara grabbed his arm and raised his fist.

Naruto was just in time. He grabbed Deidara's arm and stopped him from hitting Sasuke's face hard. Deidara struggled and Naruto was panting with the effort of restraining him. Crazy asshole.

"What the hell? Stop it!" Naruto exclaimed angrily.

"It's okay I'll handle it," the red-head suddenly said as he grabbed the still yelling and struggling Deidara, yanking him away from Naruto.

In the confusion Sasuke had been rendered even more vulnerable to the perverted guys around him trying to grab him, dance with him, or kiss him; anything as long as they could touch him. Annoyed, Naruto approached and wrapped his arms around Sasuke, claiming him for himself.

"How the hell did you survive before meeting me? It's barely been two days and I saved you twice already."

Naruto wanted to pull away even if just a little but Sasuke surprised him by holding back tightly and burying his face in the crook of his neck.

"Can we stay like this just a bit longer?" he whispered and Naruto nodded slowly. He wrapped his arms more tightly around Sasuke's body, and even rubbed his back a little. They must have looked weird standing like this on the dance floor, but it didn't matter.

Naruto was under the impression that maybe, Sasuke wasn't being held like this very often. So they didn't move for a full minute, and then they slowly pulled away.

"You okay?" He replaced a strand of black hair behind his ear without thinking, his tan fingers briefly brushing the piercings.

"Y-Yeah…" Sasuke seemed troubled. Naruto realized what he was doing and pulled his hand back quickly, as though it had been burned. His blue eyes widened.

"I'm sorry."

It was just such a familiar gesture. He used to always do this with Hinata's long black hair. And Sasuke's hair was just as soft, his skin just as smooth and pale. This was fucked up. Maybe he had been drinking too much.

"Maybe we should go," Sasuke said.

Naruto nodded and without a word followed him outside. They grabbed their coats first. Putting them on in silence they started walking. They didn't come across Deidara or any of the other roommates which was a good thing. No need for more drama now.

"I feel kinda sober now," Sasuke said but his voice was still a bit different from normal. And he wasn't walking completely straight. It was hard to notice though.

"You're probably still a bit drunk," Naruto said. Personally he felt completely sobered up.

"Yeah maybe…"

"Earlier you were… intense," Naruto remembered when Sasuke had danced with his sexy low rise leather pants clad ass rubbing against his crotch…

"Ah… sorry… it's kinda blurry now," Sasuke pressed a hand to his temple and closed his eyes briefly. He stumbled but caught himself without needing Naruto's help. "But that's nothing compared to when I drink 40% alcohol, believe me."

"40% alcohol?"

"Yeah. Vodka, tequila, whiskey, stuff like that."

"Ugh you can actually drink that? I can't. Tastes gross. Mixed with juice or soda maybe but…"

"Tastes gross until I get drunk," Sasuke said, "and then apparently I become stupid and I think it tastes like the best fucking thing in the world and I drink the entire fucking bottle if no one stops me, or so I've been told."

"Man you must have been so sick those times…" Naruto shivered and zipped up his jacket.

"Like you have no idea, worst hangovers ever."

"I believe you," he said simply.

Naruto was heading towards the hotel and Sasuke was following. Apparently in a silent agreement it had been decided that he was sleeping over again. Maybe he really didn't want to see his roommates which was understandable – especially when it came to that Deidara guy.

They were talking together casually now; about partying, alcohol, hangovers, silly stuff like that. But Naruto was glad; he wanted to keep the heavier subjects for tomorrow. He wondered why he felt so ready to buy that plane ticket for Sasuke… Should he really trust him? As they continued chatting pleasantly he brushed the thought away once more. All in good time.