Let Me Love You
Warnings: A SasuNaru Yaoi fanfiction. Self edited. OOC-ness.
Disclaimer: Not owning Naruto. Sasuke does. I'm just a lunatic who thinks that Itachi is my hubby.
A/N: This chapter is more on the humorous side and friendship.
CHAPTER 4
Everything will be alright. The blond convinced himself. The fact that he can't still reason out to Sasuke is frustrating. The reality that he can't touch his heart is agonizing. The truth that he'll be always a friend is slowly eating his confidence. What more can he do? Is this the time that one tells himself that it's too much? That it's time to move on? Time to let go of the love he treasured and cherished? But he can't. Naruto just can't. For it means letting go of the closest person he has in his heart. And it will leave him at lost.
Naruto is never a quitter. It's not because he has the confidence, it's because he doesn't know how to, ever since he lost his parents. He realized he has no one to lean on and no one will offer a shoulder when he feels down. Being that, he learned and trained himself to be strong. Bearing the fact that he has to accept a loss will never be a feat in his life. In the predicament he's facing right now, he'll exercise once more how it is be a fighter. He can only see victory and a life together with Sasuke.
|.|
It was the last class for the day. Naruto saw his friend-soon to be lover, he can dream of course, getting back from the lockers.
"Sasuke!" Dashing to the dark-haired guy, Naruto almost crashed himself on the hard body. He was able to catch himself before he toppled. The raven glared at him.
"Stupid."
"Teme!"
"Dobe."
"Cold-hearted bastard!"
"..Hn."
The blond rolled his eyes. Yes, he did recover in one night or forced to, for a better word. It's all back to square one. He prefers this set-up rather than letting go. Chose this scenario than ignoring and avoiding him. Who knows, with his unwavering love, his brimming hope and refusal to give up, the gods might bless him with what he wanted most: Sasuke's love. Well, maybe acceptances first, let's face it. With the raven's maddening loathing for homosexuals, just being near one, you can realize the horror it may cause him.
"I'm excited to hand our report to Kakashi-sensei later! You know how much effort I wasted, er, I exerted on this one!" Pride was gushing in his voice. It almost sounds like it's a final paper requirement but it's just another whim that their silver-haired lecturer handed them. It seems though that it made the loud boy worked hard, aside from every other thing that happened while and after he was done doing it.
"Hn. It's all because of me." The smug face of the taller guy made the smaller one scowled.
"No way! It was all due to my greatness! You were just keeping me awake!"
The Uchiha shook his head. No sense arguing with the blond. Everyone knows how stubborn he is. He's all willing to praise him though. There was so much time and effort that has been invested in their report and Naruto was all serious. Something that will never be expected from the blond.
"Dobe. Get inside and don't grip your paper too much. Kakashi-sensei will think that's trash."
"Damn!" He smoothened the document he has in his hands and went ahead mumbling to himself.
The rest of the day goes on as usual, with Naruto spending half of his time sleeping or wandering his mind off. He can't help it. The classes bore him to death! It was only because Sasuke's beside him that he can endure.
Finally, the last class for the day has arrived. The room was in its usual form. Seats were in disorder and the students are buzzing lively. Kiba was sitting in the armchair, chatting with Shikamaru and Shino, so it seems. Both guys were nodding to whatever the brunette was spouting. When he was fed off by their lack of response, he tried to find the single guy who has the same enthusiasm as him. Scanning the room, a couple of seats away from him, he spotted the blond talking to Sasuke and tackled him.
"Naruto! Here's the good guy! My partner in crime!"
"For Pete's sake Kiba! Stop saying that all the time! People will think we're always doing something stupid!"
"What?! It's the truth! Remember one time, we sneak at night and tried to peep at the couple who used to have sex on their back—"
The blond latched his hand on the dog-lover's mouth before he managed to finish off telling the tale. Yes, it's true. They lived not far from each other and there are plenty of times their foolishness brought them trouble. Kiba tried to bit in Naruto's hand which made the blond released him.
"Gross!" The smaller guy wiped his hand on his pants. "You dog! Biting your master!"
"Haha! You can never tame me!"
Sasuke was eyeing the interaction between the two loud friends. His curiosity was aroused. When he acknowledged to himself that he considers Naruto as his friend, he was convinced to admit that he doesn't know a single thing about him. He never cared to ask how his childhood was nor how he used to be before they met. It was all about the blond trying to reach him. All about Naruto, who despite being alone was selfless. It's a realization that hit him. He was presumptuous to say that Naruto regards him as a close comrade, when he's not making any effort to know him at all. Looking at the two guys who were now bickering in front of him, there and then he saw what friendship should have looked like. All that was between them are petty arguments and snide comments. He can never recall any incident when the two of them had fun, where he was laughing out loud. Guess it's not in him to be seen laughing carelessly or hanging out in some arcade, but surely, he should have shown even in the tiniest bit that he treasures his only friend.
It was only when Neji, who was trying to read a book in the quiet, but failing completely, chose to stand between the two happy-go-lucky guys that the fun fight broke off. He was scowling to one after the other before he took his seat back. Both were breathless and grinning like kids.
"Heh! You can never win against me dog-breath!" The blond arrogantly teased the brunette.
"Che! You just got lucky blondie!"
"You two, cut it out. Better get your asses on your seats before Kakashi-sensei had us do something troublesome again." Although Shikamaru never joined them, he was still amused every single time that the two decided to show their affection to each other. He lazily smirked when Kiba resumed his seat and Naruto took the chair on Sasuke's side. Before turning his back, the blond stuck his tongue out to the brunette which earned him some chuckles.
"Kiba doesn't want to admit it, but I'm better aren't I Sasuke? It shows right? Hah!"
"...I guess you are dobe."
Naruto momentarily froze and did not retaliate. It was the first time that the raven agreed with him. It's almost that he praised him too!
After some more seconds, "Are you for real?"
"I'm not. This is all your imagination."
What?! Did Sasuke just managed to play along with his joke? Naruto can't bear it anymore, he laughed really hard until he was crying.
"That's a good one, Sasuke! I never know you have sense of humour! Better be like that more often!"
"Hn. What was that Kiba was saying you two were doing before?"
"Oh that. It was nothing."
When the raven arched his eyebrows upward, the blond can only sigh.
Sasuke thought this might be a good place to start knowing off his friend.
"I don't think you want to hear this though, but if you insist. It was years ago. There was this couple that moved in the neighbourhood and you know people will talk and be friendly with them immediately. When they settled quite fine around, there was this rumour that spread. It was said that the couple are some kind of exhibitionist and that they were always shunned off wherever they live because of that. Kiba and I decided to take a look, just out of curiosity. So one night, we broke into their house and... You sure you want to hear it all out?"
Nods.
"Alright. So yeah, we saw them at the back of their house. We were directed in that direction because of the sounds, like moans and grunts. They were doing it, all naked, in the grass. They aren't giving any attention to anything at all. I'm sure with the noises they were making; everyone in their block would have heard them. After that, we stayed in the bushes for a while before we head home. That's it."
"Did you get a hard-on?"
"What?!"
Sasuke keeps on surprising him. What's with the raven today?
"Well— I think I... that's personal teme! I refuse to answer." He pretends to be offended and faced the other direction so as Sasuke won't see how the question affected him. More than getting a hard-on with that incident with Kiba, Sasuke asking him was stirring him more.
"Your reaction gave you off already dobe." The voice was laced with a hint of enjoyment.
Naruto blushed. He can feel the heat radiating off his face. Who wouldn't?! This was the first time they've talk that long about something that had happened with the blonde, the first time they didn't throw insults alone and the first time Sasuke asked him a personal question. Although he would have preferred it, if it isn't a sexual one.
"If you already know, then don't ask anymore, bastard!" Turning to face the raven, he was refusing to meet the dark orbs because of the fear of revealing his feeling just through his eyes.
"Hn. That's a natural reaction when you witness such incident. It would have been weird if you stayed there and didn't get aroused at all."
"Uh.. Maybe you're right. I guess that's just natural— anyway, stop with this! This is why I don't want to tell you about it."
"Why? I had a chance to make fun of you."
"Jerk!"
"Back at you."
"Ugh! Stupid Sasuke!"
"Uzumaki Naruto, if you regard Sasuke as stupid, I wonder where that will place you."
Damn.
Naruto can only silently curse. Their silver-haired teacher was inside the room and caught him in such bad instant. When he looked at Sasuke, the raven was all smiling smugly at him.
You really are stupid. Sasuke mouthed and turned his gaze in front.
"Then, hand me your reports. I won't be accepting late." One by one the students stand and placed their finished work on the Sensei's table. When it was Naruto's turn, he jovially walked and proudly put his own work on top of the pile.
"Ah. You sure you did this Naruto?"
"Of course, Kakashi-sensei! Nothing less from the great me!"
"Your greatness shows." He was looking at the folded edges and the slightly crinkled paper. "Right. Back on your seat."
They spent a few minutes discussing lesson when Kakashi decided that they use the remaining time for self-study which earned him a couple of whistles and elated yells. He exited the room and left the horde of students on their own. The opportunity was not missed by Kiba who was beside Naruto the moment the teacher left them.
"Hey Naruto, come with us after class."
"Why? Arcade again?"
"Yeah! Come on! It's fun you know. You rarely join us."
"You know I have my part-time job."
"Today's your off!"
"It is? Oh hell yeah! I forgot! Count me in! Are we all going?" He looked inquiringly at the faces behind Kiba. Shikamaru and Shino merely inclined their heads. Choji grinned and munched on a chip and Neji answered for the rest.
"Yes. We all are so you better as well. Kiba here won't stop pestering us. We didn't go with him yesterday. This is like payback."
"You owe me guys!" The loud brunette smirked.
Naruto hesitantly looked at Sasuke. He wanted to ask the raven to go with them as well. Not for the reason that he wants to spend more time with him [maybe you can count it as one], but because he wishes that Sasuke enjoy. Also to be friends with some more people. Although they were classmates and they greet and talk with each other, Sasuke never really did bond with any of the guys.
Sasuke on the other hand was wondering. Naruto said yesterday that he'll be going with these guys. Well, it's simple as he didn't go with them. The blond was looking at him. He's not sure of Naruto knows it but his bright blue eyes are pleading almost to point that it's watery from tears. He figured out, he's weak to those eyes.
"Can I go as well?" The question was not directed to Naruto alone yet his eyes only remained focused on him. He noticed the expressions that passed those eyes. Bewilderment, disbelief, awe, happiness, triumph and relief. He grinned inside. Is it too much of a surprise that he wanted to go with them?
Everyone was caught unguarded. It was Shikamaru who was lazily leaning his head in the window that broke it.
"It's all good Uchiha." The others followed suit.
|.|
Most teenagers are coming in and out of the arcade. Others looked they have spent a great time while some looks crestfallen. Kiba lead the group to a favourite spot.
"Right guys! Let's play!"
"So what do you want us to play then?" Neji who was still unconvinced with the idea of spending his precious time in such rowdy place asked.
"I'm getting tired of video games. I want to try basketball. Just shooting in the loops. I actually want to beat my record. How many shots can I make in a minute?"
The guys stop themselves from rolling their eyes. Kiba is childish they all know that.
"Naruto dude. This time I'll make you eat dust!"
"I'm at a disadvantage here you mutt! I've never played basketball. Maybe once or twice when we were in high school for our PE but other than that I'm a complete noob."
"Before you two decide on something, I'm telling you now I won't be playing basketball. I'll head on to the other games around here. Who wants to join me?" the long-haired brunette looked around his friends.
"Guess I'm going with Neji." Choji answered.
"So am I." Shikamaru said. Shino inclined his head as well.
"Aw you guys! Basketball is fun!"
"I'd rather play it in the court than try some random kiddie shooting here." Neji marched off with the three following him.
"Guess that leaves the three of us! Sasuke, you play?"
"I'm not bad unlike someone here."
"Are you saying that I suck teme?" Naruto frowned at the raven.
The pale guy smugly smirked. "You're the one who said that."
"Watch me! I'm better than you!"
"Well, well, someone's asking for a game. Before that, let me teach you the basics my friends. You can't charge on the war without any weapons. Come on."
Kiba led the two in the corner where hoops were placed side by side. When he bought enough tokens, he went back to the two.
"Look at how I do it. The genius style." Snorts. "You both will plead me to teach you after. This is just free throw shooting. Watch and learn."
Although Kiba played in such raucous way, it's undeniable that he's good. He only missed a shot and made thirty in a minute.
"Awesome Kiba!" I didn't know there's a thing you're good at!" Naruto exclaimed and the brunette playfully punched his arm.
"Hah! Now, it's your turn to learn from the master. Sasuke, you said you play too. Mind giving us a show first?"
The raven followed suit. He shoots the ball with grace and finesse. His upper being worked out and he was breaking sweat as well. Naruto was amazed. Is there anything that Sasuke can't pull off?
"Man, you're good. You only missed four and made twenty-five." Kiba then asked the blond. "You wanna try first?"
The blond shrugged. "Sure." He positioned himself and started handling a ball. When the timer has started, with two hands gripping the round object, he throws it with all his might. The leather met not with the ring but the hard wall beside it and bounced back to the shooter. Naruto cursed and rubbed his head where the ball landed.
"Fuck!"
The brunette hollered in laughter which earned him a deadly glare. Sasuke on the other hand was smirking.
"Naruto! Not like that! You don't grip it too tightly. You use your dominant hand to shoot while the other supports. Also, you get the force not from the hands itself but from your shoulder and arm up to the wrist. Level your shoulder and then gather enough force. Measure the distance of the loop as well."
"Thanks sensei. I think I'll pass today." The less-talented baller withdraws from the booth.
"Geez! Are you giving up already? Here, I'll guide you. Get back your ass and grab a ball."
The blond grudgingly took a ball and face the ring once more. He felt Kiba positioned himself behind him. A large hand grabbed his right and adjusted his grip. He then felt his arms being lifted in an angle fit for shooting. The brunette was mouthing words in his ear. He knows Kiba doesn't have anything going in his mind but Naruto felt uneasy more so that Sasuke is looking at them.
The raven was watching silently. He's not keen on the idea of Kiba being all over Naruto. Their bodies are too much close for his liking. He thinks there's more body contact than what's needed. Kiba looks so comfortable touching the blond here and there. Is it really necessary that the brunette should talk directly over the others ear? When Kiba placed both of his hands on Naruto's own, their position now looks compromising. It was like the blond was being hugged from behind. With that, Sasuke made his move.
He pulled Kiba's hand from Naruto. "Move aside Inuzuka. I'll be the one to coach this dobe how to play." The onyx orbs were glistening with silent threat that the brown-haired guy backed off, now giving Sasuke the access to do what he was doing before.
Naruto can only watch in disbelief. Why did Sasuke decide on that? When he was that the pale guy was serious, more pressing issues popped in his mind. Will it be like how Kiba did? Will he feel the body of the raven on his own? Can he savour the warmth of that cadaver? Will he smell that sinfully addicting Sasuke whiff? Will his hands touch his and will he whisper as well?
Ah shit! He's getting his hopes up again!
To be continued...
A/N: Thank you all for the reviews and everything! I hope you liked this one even though it's more on the comical/light side. The little basketball trip was one of my own experiences when classes were cancelled before. :D
