2nd chapter out of 3 for this update, turn back now if you haven't read ch 6. Thank you x-psychicfire-x, for editing these chapters!

Chapter 7: Glowing Embers

Catching up from the weekend and possibly taking on a whole new project, added on a significant amount of work. However, it was nothing that Sasuke couldn't manage. Now that he didn't have to devote his resources into finding the ins and outs of Rasengan Industries, he was able to direct his subordinates to assist in the possible move on the mobile tech market. Sometime during the week, he had received an email from Shikamaru Nara, confirming that their team member would be arriving that Friday afternoon. As the end of the week wound down, Sasuke had a few business meetings to finish, his last one for the week being a lunch.

Jesus. This guy would not stop asking questions. Seriously, Ino could answer most of that stuff. How did I get stuck spoon-feeding that idiot? Sasuke thought, putting a piece of gum in his mouth after he washed his hands in the bathroom once the other man finally left the restaurant. Jugo greeted him outside.

"Jugo, take me back to the office." Sasuke eyed his watch. He was supposed to be back at the office 45 minutes ago, but the blabbering buffoon couldn't take a hint. When the conversation suddenly turned from business to personal – the man's daughter was apparently 'perfect' for Sasuke – the raven quickly stirred the conversation back to the topic at hand, finishing the meeting and practically walked out mid-conversation. He took off his tie and put it inside the pocket of his jacket, before reaching for a bottle of water. Taking out two Tylenol, he chased them down with a gulp; his patience had worn thin and now a headache to top it all off made him appreciate the saying 'T.G.I.F' in a completely new light.

Twenty minutes later, the black limo pulled up in front of his office. Sasuke dismissed his driver and got out, making his way up to the building and texting Ino on his way up.

'Is the person from Rasengan here yet?' typed Sasuke, hoping he was going to beat him there.

'Yes he is. He is waiting in your office.' Ino responded.

Great, he thought sarcastically. Sasuke finally arrived on his floor. He nodded to Ino as he stepped into his office. There he was; the blond dobe. Sasuke paused, a sense of de-ja-vu and amusement going through him as he surveyed the familiar scene: Naruto was lounging in his chair again, just like a decade ago. Only this time he was definitely not working. The blond had his feet up on the desk with his large leather boots crossed at the ankles. His body was reclined back and his head was lying on the back of the chair. His features were soft and free of worry, and his sunshine colored hair stuck out in all directions. Naruto's arms were crossed over a blue V-neck sweater with a white undershirt peeking out the collar. His long, lean and toned legs were poured into dark blue jeans; tight against his powerful thighs.

He looks so young when he sleeps. Sasuke admired the man in front of him. No glasses this time either. Sasuke walked around his desk and behind the chair quietly, the blond not stirring an inch, his breathing even and steady.

"Dobe, I'm not paying you to sleep." Sasuke murmured in a low voice, just inches from the blond's face. His menthol breath washing over the other man. Without opening his eyes, Naruto smirked.

"You're not paying me at all." Finally, he looked up at the obsidian eyes above him. "You can't afford me anyways, remember?" Naruto said smiling, his eyes dancing with mirth.

"So you tell me." Sasuke replied, unable to control his usually stoic features against that infectious smile. Naruto chuckled, the low sound vibrating through the room. Taking few seconds, he stretched his arms above his head loosening the kinks he accumulated on the long plane ride. Sasuke watched the man in front of him, their last meeting coming back to him at full force.

"I'm surprised they sent you, considering how our last encounter ended." Sasuke half expected Naruto to still be angry or annoyed with him for his boldness.

"You mean after you tried bribing me to work for you or the part that involved me not warming your bed for the night?" Naruto's humorous tone revealed to Sasuke that he hadn't left any lasting negative effects. "We're cool. I got your apology box. Thanks for getting my stuff cleaned." Naruto said pleasantly, and extended his hand in a fist bump. "Friends?"

"Friends." replied Sasuke, few seconds after he recognized the motion.

Friends… Naruto gave him a wide smile, then walked around the desk and took a seat on a white leather couch off to the side.

"So, you're the most qualified person Rasengan can send to catch me up on the mobile app?" Sasuke asked sounding more amused than skeptical.

"You bet cha." Naruto confirmed, the smile never leaving his face.

"We'll see about that. I hope you do realize, your performance can determine the future of this partnership." Sasuke said, unable to resist teasing the other man, but trying not to step over the professional line.

"Don't worry your pretty little head over my performance abilities. I've got more than enough skills to blow your mind." Naruto replied confidently, not missing a beat. His smile didn't falter, and his eyes sparked with mischief.

Bring it on Uchiha; I can handle whatever you throw at me. Sasuke smirked, sitting down in his chair, glad that they were able to continue their friendly banter from before.

"So you think I'm pretty?" Sasuke rested his elbows on the desk, hiding his smirk behind his clasped hands. Check…

"Let's just say… You'd be the subject of many wet dreams, if I were a girl." Naruto smirked and extended his legs out, putting his arms behind his head and letting his shirt ride up to reveal a sliver of sculpted muscles. Watching Sasuke's eyes follow the movements intently and a light rose color spread across his cheeks.

Checkmate…

He is playing a dirty, dangerous game… Sasuke realized. Was that a fragment of a tattoo? Fuck me… this is going be hell.

"Don't play with fire unless you're ready to join the arsonist club." Sasuke warned, his tone a bit more serious. Naruto understood the implication and silence fell between the two men for a few seconds before Sasuke broke it. "Shall we get started? Or does the baby need another nap?" His tone light again.

Naruto rolled his eyes, almost wanting to say: I remember someone taking a nap last weekend. But that was known only to Kurama, Itachi, and Shika. It would do him no good to have Sasuke think he was the topic of gossip in the office.

"If someone wasn't so late, I wouldn't have had the chance to fall asleep, by the way." Naruto retorted, pulling out his laptop and a small, hand-held wireless projector.

"Hn."

Naruto chuckled, knowing he won that argument. Bringing up the files on his computer, he linked the device wirelessly and aimed the projector at one of the smooth walls of the office. After a few seconds, he had the introductory video playing. Sasuke leaned back in his chair as he watched the basic explanation of the project. This was obviously the rudimentary version made for investors, but it gave a good overview of projected earnings as well as the hurdles they would need to jump. The design was good, the platforms supported were great, and the mobile app carried through the esthetic of the original web browser.

"How have the focus groups responded?" Sasuke asked after the short video was over.

"We have 82% conversion rate from Safari and 86% from Chrome. Those were our target populations."

Impressive, thought Sasuke.

"How many versions have you gone through?"

"This would be the third model. We had to tweak it a bit, but we were able to focus on making it as close to perfect as possible." Naruto confirmed proudly. This, just like all of their other projects was his baby. He nurtured it from its conception to maturity. Now he was getting ready to let it fly on its own.

Sasuke nodded. "I take it you'll be using your security algorithms to encrypt private data?"

"That's correct. We have the top spot for secure browsers and will be able to apply the technology to the mobile version." Naruto said, his demeanor becoming more excited as he described the minute details of the layout, without giving away too much. Sasuke listened patiently as the blond threw strings of technical terms and acronyms at him, which he understood with ease. This was his domain. Itachi excelled in legal jargon, while Sasuke was fluent in tech vernacular. He watched and listened as Naruto explained the mainframe with enthusiasm, his bright blue eyes focused and eager.

Damn it. I should have offered him more money… Sasuke thought, as the extent of Naruto's knowledge rose with each passing minute. But, judging how happy he is to talk about this, there is not enough money in the world to pull him away from this work…

Naruto continued for another twenty minutes, answering Sasuke's questions when asked to clarify some details or elaborate on others. His infectious energy and bright attitude had Sasuke sold on the proposal. After almost an hour of talking about just the blueprint of the design, Sasuke was satisfied with the product.

"I think this thing can give those guys a run for their money." Sasuke said, referring to Apple and Google. "With that said, what it is that you want from me?"

"Ah, well we need you and Itachi help us navigate the launch to the mobile stores. We also plan to offer subscription services to eliminate the need for advertisement revenue. It will definitely be a premium service, but we think it will prove to be a useful feature in the long run."

"Interesting, but aren't there a shit load of ad blockers on the market already?"

"There are, however none are integrated into the app and instead are applied as secondary background process, thus drain the battery and provide an additional security risk. Also, many of those blockers still collect information on the users and sell it to tertiary buyers." Naruto explained. Sasuke glared at his phone on the desk realizing that Naruto is correct, but it was still annoying that even he didn't have a solution to the problem until now.

I'd pay good money if it means web searching will no longer be flooded with popups and I don't have to carry a fucking portable charger everywhere. Well, not me… but Jugo… His eyebrow twitched in annoyance at the offending device, but he turned his attention to the blond who continued to explain his role in this whole ordeal.

"Of course we need Itachi and his army of paralegals to comb through all of the patents and the legal mumbo-jumbo. Last thing we want is a patent infringement lawsuit on our hands." said Naruto.

"I'm sure Itachi can tie up any lose ends you've got." Sasuke said dismissively, having no doubt in his brother's work. There was a soft knock on the door, and Ino peaked inside.

"Sasuke-sama. Would you like me to get you two anything?" Ino asked shyly, not wanting to upset her boss for disturbing them.

That's unlike her to interrupt my meetings, thought Sasuke. Looking at his watch, he realized they've been talking for hours, and it was nearing eight pm.

Wow, time flies…

"I'm fine, thank you. Naruto?"

"I'm all good, thanks." The blond smiled graciously.

"It's getting late, why don't you go home," said Sasuke.

"Are you sure Sasuke-sama?" Ino asked politely, but was hoping her boss will let her go home. It's Friday night, for crying out loud. Not everyone is a workaholic like you two.

"We'll be fine here. I'm sure a beautiful girl like you has a hot date on a Friday night." Naruto said with a smile and a wink. Ino blushed, and returned the smile looking at her boss for confirmation. Sasuke nodded in dismissal.

"Have a good night Sasuke-sama, Mr. Uzumaki." Naruto waved goodbye as the woman gathered her things and walked down the hall. Turning his eyes to Sasuke, he saw the raven contemplating something as he rocked lightly back in forth in his seat.

"It is getting late…" Sasuke said. He was surprised himself that time passed so quickly while they talked. Naruto's smile dimmed a bit, making his decision easy. "Want to get out of here?"

Naruto's eyes lit up before narrowing skeptically. "What did you have in mind?"

"I figured we could go get some dinner and continue our conversation about the project." Sasuke stated simply, without any innuendos.

"It's not another date, is it?" Naruto questioned suspiciously, trying to figure out if he'll have to protect his virtues against the raven again.

Sasuke raised his hands as a peace gesture. "I told you, until you're ready to play with fire, I won't be pushing you into anything you're not ready for." His words may have rang true, but his eyes held the predatory gleam in them that made a delicious shiver run down Naruto's spine.

I don't think I should trust him, but I also don't think I care. Nothing is wrong with a bit of harmless flirting, right? Naruto's resolve to stay away from the Uchiha was slipping.

"Dinner sounds good. But can we not go to any of those fancy places? They are boring as hell!" Naruto said with distaste. Sasuke laughed, his baritone voice was like music to Naruto's ears. I wish you would laugh more often, it's beautiful.

Sasuke calmed himself quickly as he subtly studied the blond. This is why I like you. You are nothing like the rich snobs I'm forced to interact with on daily basis. They would choose to spend a thousand dollars on a bottle of wine than be caught dead somewhere without a sommelier. It's so easy to be around you, you're not pretentious like the rest of them. I guess, the more money you have the less sense you need to survive in this world. Oh god, I hope I'm not one of those obnoxious pricks? Who am I kidding... I'm a total dick. Ending his self-reflection before it ruined his good mood, Sasuke stood up, picking up his things and texting Jugo.

"I'll take you to a place I like to go with Itachi sometimes. Not all the places I go to have to have sterling silver tableware. That's why I bring my own, just in case." It took Naruto several seconds to realize out that Sasuke made a joke, but the response he received was worth every moment. Naruto suddenly erupted in laughter; sending shivers to his core, warming his chest with pleasure at making the other man produce such a striking sound.

Sasuke walked around the table to the still laughing man, who finally got himself under control. Wiping a stray tear from his eye, Naruto shook his head.

"You've got to warn me next time before you make a joke, or I might die from shock. Who knew that Sasuke Uchiha, the famous ice prince could be funny?" Naruto said, his abs hurting from exertion.

"Hardy-Har-Har" Sasuke said sarcastically, but secretly proud with himself for being the cause of such reaction. "Let's go."

~X~X~X~

The pair rode in comfortable silence through the street of New York. Roads bustling with people wanting to get home, while tourists ogled at the millions of lights littered the city streets. The Christmas decorations were on full display, since it was less than two weeks way.

"What time did you get in today?" Sasuke asked after several minutes.

"Around 3pm. I dropped my stuff off and came to the office right after. Didn't want to be late for our first meeting and all." Naruto teased, turning his blue eyes back to the raven. There were things about New York he missed, the blend of different races, the chaotic but somehow functional pace of the city. It reminded him of an anthill that buzzed with activity no matter what time of day it was, you could always see people from all walks of life wondering about, some lost in their own world, others moving with purpose.

"Did you get a hotel for your stay?"

"No, Rasengan has a place that we keep for visits here."

Technically, it's my old place, but we still use it for business, thought Naruto.

"Does that mean you come here often?" Sasuke asked, genuinely curious.

"Every few months it seems."

Sasuke almost wanted to say: you should stop by more often, but stopped himself. Let's not get ahead of ourselves…. Just as he finished the thought, Jugo pulled up next to their destination. Sasuke let himself out, holding the door open for Naruto and offering his hand. The blond smirked as he got out, reminded once again of their last dinner and Sasuke's persistent chivalry to treat him like a girl.

He must really be used to being the dominant in his world, but I do hope he realizes that I'm no submissive in mine. Naruto though in amusement, but accepted the hand and pulled himself out. Naruto looked at the trendy bar. Sabãi-Sabãi was spelled out in curvy bright red letters. The place had several street facing windows, with dark booths covered in red fabrics lining the space beyond the glass. The place was full, but not overly crowded. Sasuke walked up to the door, holding it open for Naruto. Inside the entire staff was a mixture of Asian origins, shouts in foreign language were carried out from the kitchen that laid behind the reception desk where a teenager was taking orders over the phone. Naruto raised his eyebrows, not expecting such change of venue from the classy man. Sasuke rolled his eyes, but ignored his questioning look. Approaching the counter, he waited a few more seconds while the girl finished with the phone customer. Naruto's eyes widened as he head Sasuke speak a different language, not expecting the fluent words to come out with such ease.

Wow, that's cool. I think he is speaking Thai, thought Naruto, trying to pay attention to the quick dialogue. After a few more exchanges, the hostess smiled, took a couple of menus and walked further into the restaurant, weaving around occupied tables and guests. The next room had a quieter atmosphere, with dimmer lighting and few booths lining the walls as well as some larger tables that were reserved for bigger parties, but remained unoccupied. The waitress brought them to one of the booths and took off the 'reserved' sign.

"You must either be one hell of a smooth talker, or this place must be really amazing if you come here enough to have your own table," mused Naruto, taking a seat across.

"Actually, I told her that I have a loud American idiot with me who will probably disturb all of the guests." Sasuke smirked at his quick comeback.

"I bet you just threatened her into submission."

"Hn." Sasuke said, deciding not to disclose that they just got lucky because a large party had to cancel due to some mishap, leaving the back room available for guests.

"Also, I'm not American. Well, not completely." Naruto stated, wanting to defend his national pride.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. My dad was American, but my grandma on my mom's side was Japanese."

"That's unexpected." Sasuke responded, as he eyes rank up and down the man across from him.

"Yeah, I know I don't look like it." Naruto rubbed the back on his head, his blond hair sticking out in all directions. The motion reminded him that it still needed to be cut. Sasuke handed him the menu to look over. Naruto was surprised by the trendy options, with many different courses with origins from Thailand, Korea, Japan, and China. A new waiter came over just in time for him to make his decision and placing his order. Noticing Sasuke didn't even pick up the menu before he said his order in the foreign language and exchanging few responses with the teen.

"So what other languages do you speak besides Thai?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and a bit of German."

"That's pretty awesome! I only know bits and pieces of Japanese, and some Spanish. Kind of have to pick that one up if you live in California."

"Most of our tech partners come from Asian countries, Germany has been one of the more recent acquisitions for my branch."

"Have you ever been to those places?" Naruto asked eagerly.

"Yes, several times. But it's always on business, unfortunately. How about you?" The waiter came back with their drinks, both gotten hot green tea. Naruto wrapped his hands around the cup, and took a sip before answering.

"I've been to Japan. Remember how I told you I did some soul searching after you fired me?" Sasuke nodded, letting him continue while he sipped his drink.

"Japan was one of the stops. I connected with my ancestry roots and was able to gain a different appreciation for the world. So, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have gotten to do that. So thanks." Said Naruto, sincerely; a soft smile graced his lips as he looked into the dark eyes.

Sasuke nodded. "You're welcome." He said, his voice purposely smug.

Naruto laughed and shook his head. "You're such a bastard." But the insult carried no force behind it. The waiter came back with plates and couple of bamboo steam boxes.

"I ordered some dumplings. They are some of the best in the city." Sasuke said after the waiter explained the three different kinds.

"Awesome!" Naruto exclaimed, practically drooling at the delicious smelling food. "Last thing I had was airplane food."

"Ew."

"Hey now, those warmed up meals are not nearly as bad as what I had during my college days." Naruto joked, using his chopsticks and picking up a delicate looking pocket of dough and blowing on it to cool down.

"This is delicious!" Naruto almost yelled as soon as he swallowed the savory dumpling filled with meat, herbs and broth.

"Told you. Loud American." Sasuke said with a smirk.

"I can't help it." Grinned the blond. The two exchanged some friendly banter as they continued to work on their appetizers. Sasuke didn't remember it ever being this easy to talk to someone. Naruto was a breath of fresh air in his world of rigid conformity. The waiter brought out the remaining of their meals. Sasuke ordered a bibimbap with a side of kimchi, and broth. While Naruto went with the crispy pork belly with stir-fried bok choy, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, garlic and some unknown but delicious bits of vegetables.

"Oh my god, this is the best thing I have ever tasted!" Naruto was practically moaning from the flavors dancing on his tongue. "You've got to try this!"

The blond picked up a piece of pork and brought his chopsticks to Sasuke's mouth. The raven looked at the electric blue eyes as he gently took the piece into his mouth and slowly chewed. Naruto watched his tongue lap up the remnants of flavor from his lips, his hand still hanging in mid-air across the table. His heart sped up as he focused on his lips, his mind drawing blank. After few seconds, Sasuke cleared his throat, a smirk gracing his features just as Naruto realized he was starring. The blond's face lit up like a he just ate the spiciest food on the menu, but he refused to avert his eyes from the obsidians looking back at him. Not wanting to let the change of atmosphere escape, Sasuke chose to this moment to ask the question he has been wanting to since he saw the blond again.

"So Naruto, is there someone waiting for you back home?" I may as well see the cards, no purpose to try and pursue this if he already has someone. Naruto broke their eye contact this time, taking a moment to drink his tea.

No reason to lie now, I guess. We've gotten this far. "There isn't." Naruto said. "What about you?"

"No." Sasuke replied and took a drink of his tea. After a long pause, he continued. "I'm surprised you don't though. You seem to me like the type to enjoy commitment."

"I am. But is been a while since I've found someone worth committing to." Naruto cautiously navigated this conversation. "What about you?"

"Commitment?" Sasuke paused, unsure on how to answer. He has never valued his relationships in that way. Most of them were more out of convenience and availability, not a mutual desire for partnership and commitment. "I'm not that type of guy." The answer was honest, something about Naruto made him want to open up.

"Why is that?" Naruto asked, genuinely curious about the answer. He didn't see Sasuke as a 'kept man' exactly, but he didn't think that the raven was totally against commitment.

Sasuke paused. Cursing his earlier curiosity and letting the conversation turn onto analysis of his sex life.

"Unfortunately, money and power doesn't buy you everything, and it also attracts the wrong type of people."

"I can relate to that," said Naruto truthfully. More than you know.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, but continued. "I've had my share of run-ins with extortion and blackmail, which has made me cautious when it comes to whom I bring to my bed."

"Whoa. Are you serious?" Naruto was surprised. At least my exes were just crazy, and not vindictive or evil.

Sasuke nodded.

"Was it because you're," Naruto leaned in across the table and whispered "gay", as if the paparazzi was hiding in the empty booth next to them. Sasuke smirked at the cautious attempts the blond was making around the subject.

"Yes."

"But why would anyone care nowadays? It's 2016, gay marriage is legal in more states than not." Naruto asked.

"I do not care. However, same can't be said about some members of my clan." Sasuke replied, his eyes showing just an ounce of hurt at the thought about his family.

"Itachi?" Naruto asked in surprise, hoping that the relationship he saw between the brothers wasn't just label deep.

"God no. He's been out and proud for years. Of course, only few people know because the clan likes to keep these things on the down low. So when the right people are bought, it tends to stay secret, even if we're not being as discrete about it as they would like."

"It must be hard." Naruto's voice carrying nothing but sympathy. "Not being allowed to be who you really are, even though you've come this far." Naruto could relate to the raven. Even though his struggles have been completely different, he too was sometimes stuck in the world where people underestimate him, and try to undermine him. Sasuke refilled their cups of tea. The silent understanding stretched between them.

"You're very good at what you do, Naruto," said Sasuke. "Rasengan should be worshiping the ground you walk on." Naruto laughed, his deep voice filling the empty space of the room.

"Thanks, Sasuke." Naruto replied, taking a sip of his tea. "I told you, you'd regret firing me." He smirked, blue eyes playing in the light.

"Hn." Sasuke replied, hiding his smile behind his cup. Soon after, the waiter came back with the check, which Sasuke skillfully extracted from the man without Naruto noticing.

"You've got to stop doing that." Naruto said after he saw the waiter hand Sasuke his card.

"Do what? You're a guest in this city, it's only proper for me to treat you."

"That would mean I should have paid in California." Naruto replied.

"That was a well-deserved apology dinner." Sasuke's amused tone apparent to the blond.

"Fine. Then next time you're in town, it's my treat." Naruto insisted.

"So there'll be a next time?" Sasuke asked, his tone teasing.

Naruto smiled. "Maybe."

The two put on their jackets; Sasuke said his goodbyes and thanked the staff. Outside, the snow started falling, obscuring the tall buildings around them. Jugo held the door open and Naruto slipped into the luxurious back seat, Sasuke following behind him.

"Man, I'm not used to the cold anymore." A tremor passed through Naruto's body from the cold. Sasuke reached over to the small, but well stocked wet bar pulling out two shot glasses and a bottle of rum. Pouring himself and Naruto a shot, he handed one to the blond.

"What's this for?" asked Naruto. "You better not be trying to get me drunk again." chucked the man as he took the handed glass.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "It will help you warm up." He stated simply. The two men gulped down the liquid, squinting their eyes at the slight burn of alcohol that followed the smooth balance of spices.

"Where would you like to go?" Sasuke asked, taking a look at his watch which read 10:15 pm.

Damn we were in there a while

"My place, I guess. I'm a bit beat from the plane ride still." Naruto replied.

"Sure. Jugo, can you please take us to…" Sasuke let Naruto rattle off the address in Chelsea district, about 20 minute drive from there. Sasuke poured another shot and handed it to the other.

"And this one?" Naruto asked, eyeing the outstretched hand.

"This one is to celebrate a new partnership between Rasengan and Uchiha." Sasuke said in a pleased tone and a small smile.

"Are you serious!? That's awesome!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly. The deal wasn't closed until Sasuke approved of their design, and it looks like he passed. Taking the shot, Naruto clinked the two glasses together in celebration and downed the amber liquid. His beaming grin warming up the other man more than any alcohol would.

"So what's the plan now?" Naruto asked.

"Well, we have the weekend to get through the things that still need some modification, and compile the list of tasks I need my team to start working on."

"Do you want to meet back in your office in the morning?"

"Actually…" Sasuke paused, gaging the possible response from the other man. "How do you feel about Jugo picking you up in the morning and bringing you to my place? I prefer to not spend my entire week being stuck in my office." Sasuke honestly didn't want to spend the whole weekend and the following week cooped up in the glass building.

Being together alone is just a bonus, thought Sasuke. Although, it may just prove too futile anyways. Either way, he is fun to be around, it's been a long time since I've had this much enjoyment while in someone's company.

Naruto considered his offer for a few seconds. It wasn't a bad idea. They needed to get stuff done, and it's not like they could meet in a coffee shop or the library. They weren't college kids anymore. Plus, I get to see where the reclusive ice prince lives? That should be interesting.

"Sure." Naruto said, making up his mind to take the challenge. "Pick me up at 9?" Naruto said over to Jugo, who nodded his head in return. Just as the driver pulled up to a nice light-grey stoned building. Before he got out of the car, Naruto turned to the other man.

"Thanks for tonight, Sasuke, and for giving Rasengan a shot." You don't know how much it means to me to know that you approve of what I've worked years to build…

"You deserve it." Sasuke said sincerely. Naruto reached out his hand and shook the other man's warm palm. Their touch lingering for a few seconds longer than necessary before the blond let go. Their eyes met, and the feeling of not wanting to leave made itself front and center in Naruto's mind.

Oh man…I think I'm in trouble... Naruto thought, before finally making his decision to escape before the alcohol got to him and his inhibitions were any lower. Getting out of the car, Sasuke handed him his bag.

"See you tomorrow, Naruto." Sasuke said with one last look, he watched the blond give him a small wave before he closed his door and walked away.

What an interesting turn of events…. Both men thought.

Do you feel it!? Please tell me you do!