Author Notes: There is one word for my much delayed update: college. For that, I apologize. I don't intend to drag out this story more than twelve chapters. OH, and it's so humorous to see people recently mention they want a Sasuke as dominant, like you guys know it's coming up. To reassure you all: the couple is SasuNaru, not NaruSasu.

Disclaimer: The series Naruto does not belong to me – rather, to Masashi Kishimoto. All of the characters, name settings, etc. (unless mentioned or recognized otherwise) belong to him, not me.

Summary: Uchiha Sasuke has everything – the perfect status, the perfect girlfriend and the perfect image. However, like most seemingly perfect things, they do not last long. This is a story of how one Uzumaki Naruto can ruin it all. –SasuNaru- Other couples include: SasuSaku, ItaNaru, KibaHina, mentioned GaaNaru, ItaDei

Specifies Scene Change: X X X

PERFECT

X X X

-Sasuke-

When Sasuke comes to, he feels warm. Groggily, as he feels heavy pressure of weight on his legs, he begins to piece together why.

Looking down, there on his calves is a sleeping Naruto. His blond hair is spread everywhere and his arms are on the edge of the bed, tucked in front of his chest. He looks serene, but most of all, he looks amazing – Naruto's face is youthful and lacks any signs of stress. Despite his loud mouth, his snores are very soft. Sasuke could deal with a sleeping Naruto on a regular basis, as long as he is the only one who is allowed to see it.

The blond is stubborn, Sasuke will give him that. No one has denied him like Naruto has, and on top of this, it genuinely seems like the blond does not want him. If friends are all they can be right now, then Sasuke has to take that over being a complete stranger. Naruto offers trust, and Sasuke has already subconsciously given his. The blond would never intentionally hurt him unless Sasuke instigated. No wonder his brother was fascinated with Naruto; he is everything an Uchiha is not.

Good thing thatrelationship has ended. He cannot stand the thought of his brother sexually interested in Naruto. In fact, Sasuke does not very much like the thought of anyone being sexually interested in the blond, but he passes it off.

A knock on the door interrupts his thoughts. Calling out a 'come in', a police officer walks in. This part eventually has to come, but Sasuke cannot offer anything useful.

His statement is taken very quickly, and despite the conversation between him and the officer, Naruto does not wake up once. The sight of the policeman's document reminds him of the work he is supposed to be doing in the morning, but that is a lost cause; he is going to have to make up some kind of excuse. His father would tear the city apart if he caught wind of what happened to his son, even if it is for a low-class thief.

The questioning lasts for about fifteen minutes before the officer leaves, bidding Sasuke a safe recovery and a promise of quickly catching the culprit. It is the click of the shutting door which stirs Naruto a little bit. It is about time for the idiot to wake up, because Sasuke's legs are rather numb.

"Naruto."

A grumble. Sasuke sighs.

"Idiot."

"Don't call me that," the blond murmurs, shifting his head to cuddle further into the bed.

"I cannot feel my legs."

"Too bad," Naruto says. "Take it as revenge for making me lose my job."

"You've already had your revenge by saying all of those things to my family. You will get off."

"I bet you want me to get off, wouldn't you Sasuke?"

The statement and its seductive tone catch Sasuke off guard for a moment. He knows it is a joke, but the thought of getting Naruto off…?

He does not know much about pleasuring a man, but the idea of Naruto in that position is an appealing one. Sasuke does not think about sex much despite it being a pleasurable thing to do; Sakura was always a good partner and participated to the best she allowed herself to. However, there were some things which she just did not do – fellatio was the primary example, and as a result, Sasuke never returned the favor.

But in regards to Naruto…it seems much different. Despite their recently blossomed 'friendship', he gets the impression Naruto is a huge contrast to Sakura. He seemed so cocky when talking about his ex…Sasuke can only imagine Naruto's explorations. He bets the blond would tease him by slowly lowering his head, breathing hotly over his manhood-

-or maybe he would allow Sasuke to pull his hair, as his mouth covers Sasuke completely. It would be wet and warm, and it would be something entirelydifferent from what Sasuke is used to.

Naruto could do those taboo things, and he would look beautiful doing it too.

"Sasuke?"

His imagination immediately stops its conjuring, leaving him slightly disorientated and sexually aroused. The drugs are getting to Sasuke – this is notnormal of him.

It is good this does not happen too often, mainly because Sasuke has no experience with another man. Besides, Naruto has made it painfully clear – justfriends.

"Sasuke?"

"What?" Sasuke mutters out, slightly annoyed. Before Naruto can reply, a brief knock sounds on the door and then Naruto's brunet friend walks in. He stares at Naruto for a moment before a large grin spreads on his face.

"Naruto, you look like his grieving lover. I guess the nurse was right when she said Sasuke's boyfriend was the only one in here."

"Damn it, I'm never lying again," the blond grumbles, his head now lifting from its position. The younger Uchiha lets out a small breath; now the blood is rushing back to his legs, and the sensation is more than uncomfortable.

"Didn't know you all were fucking, damn," Kiba states, his grin becoming even wider. "Good job, Naruto."

"Sasuke, I apologize for my friend being such an idiot," Naruto mutters. Sasuke cannot stop the words from flowing from his mouth:

"I already knew this."

Kiba's grin immediately fades from Sasuke's comment, instead to be replaced by a scowl. This makes Naruto laugh, to which the brunet frowns even deeper.

"Can he even leave yet?" Kiba asks.

"I'll go find the doctor and figure that out. I'm pretty sure he can. He only has stitches; he just has to be careful about it," Naruto replies, making sure to emphasize 'be careful'. Sasuke scoffs.

With that comment, Naruto departs from the room, leaving the two other males to stare at one another. Sasuke would rather have the other man leave him in peace; he seems more obnoxious than Naruto, and thatis something Sasuke does not want to experience.

Of course, Sasuke is not so lucky; Kiba is very obviously analyzing him, his gaze becoming very awkward.

The younger Uchiha must say politely:

"May I help you?"

"You should've heard Naruto on the phone," the brunet says randomly, his arms crossing over his chest. "For a guy who treats him like shit, he really was freaking out. Are you two secretly dating? It probably wouldn't surprise me since he's been single for who knows how long…he's too sentimental for any kind of guy…"

While Sasuke expects Kiba to stop talking, the brunet keeps murmuring to himself about Naruto's relationship status. After a few moments of this, Kiba annoyingly huffs and glares at Sasuke.

"I'm trying to hint something at you."

The younger Uchiha raises an eyebrow. "Are you?"

"Naruto needs a boyfriend, you dumbass. I can't even get intimate with my girlfriend anymore without him throwing a fit. You're the only person who he is making an effort to hang out with, so do somethingto him at least."

Sasuke wonders if Kiba is aware of the incident at Naruto's job, because he doubts the brunet would find Sasuke so appealing if that was known. He really is not keen on explaining that whole fiasco, and besides, it is slightly encouraging to hear one of the blond's closest friends urge the two to get together.

Unfortunately, Naruto himself is the main issue.

"You are assuming I'm homosexual," Sasuke replies, causing Kiba to laugh.

"Come on. Naruto told me how you seemed to be using your girlfriend for a cover. Plus, I've got a pretty good gay sensor. Why don't we talk about the real issue, like why you aren't banging him yet?"

Sasuke must admit, this Kiba has some immense guts to even approach him like this. He must be very ambitious, or maybe just entirely stupid. Sasuke is leaning more toward the latter.

"That is none of your business."

"Ouch," Kiba hisses, placing his hand over his heart. "An answer like that means you were put in the friend zone. You know, it's never impossible. You seem to have already gotten his attention and you're definitely his type. Whatever past you two have, just treat him nicely and don't rush the intimacy. You'll have him wrapped around your finger."

"How do you know I won't use him?"

Kiba smirks. "Trust me, he will not put out for some time. Anyone looking for a quickie knows that Naruto is not the person to do it with. As long as you're content with that idea and you are interested, I'd say go for it."

The brunet's words are very motivating – enough to the point where Sasuke is beginning to get his hopes up again. He should truly move on and completely discard any thought of a romantic relationship with the blond, but with Naruto's best friend encouraging him…

He can respect Naruto's wishes of friendship, but could Naruto come to him? Highly unlikely, but the persistent hope is there.

Speaking of which, he can hear the other male's voice outside the door, already returning from his trip with the doctor. Despite Kiba's unappealing personality, he surely has helped Sasuke somewhat. There truly is not anyone more appealing than Naruto at this point in time, and besides, it seems hard to compare anyoneto him. It is a slight shame that the brunet is offering his friend up for selfish reasons, but luckily, that person in mind is Sasuke. He is not keen on hurting the blond once more.

Hopefully, Kiba is right.

X X X

"How are the stitches?"

The younger Uchiha glances at the blond, the other male's eyes closed and hands folded behind his head. He looks content to be outside, his body sprawled on the grass with the sun bathing his skin. Sasuke is not one with nature like Naruto is, for he sits under the shade of a large tree.

It is the blond's idea to go to the park, the blue-eyed male claiming that the fresh air is much better than a stuffy house. Sasuke was let out about four days ago, and since then he has been confined to his bedroom. When Naruto heard light of that – well, here they are now.

It took some convincing to his mother, but he is outside none the less.

"They are fine. They will be out within the next two weeks."

"I still feel bad about it."

"Don't," Sasuke states, not in the mood to hear Naruto's guilt. "We are here to relax, not talk about how I got my stitches."

"Fine. Well, I talked to my grandfather today. Told him we were friends."

Sasuke remains silent. He is not much of a talker.

"He was surprised. He wondered what your family thought of you being friends with an openly gay man."

"They don't know for now," the younger Uchiha says. "But you know that."

"And you wouldn't hide it from them if they found out?" Naruto asks, his eyes opening to look at Sasuke. They look very blue today, perhaps because of the bright day outside.

"No. Being friends with you is not a crime."

The blond's face breaks out into a very stunning smile, a look of happiness completely overtaking his features. The last person Sasuke remembers making this happy is Sakura, on the day of their first year anniversary. It is more reassuring to know Naruto does not need an expensive dinner to smile so gaily.

"You admitted to being friends. We're getting somewhere," Naruto says. Sasuke mutters a small noise, although it is not in disagreement. For never having friends, Naruto could be considered his first. Sasuke does not know anyone otherwise.

After that, the two go silent again. It is the sound of approaching feet which catches the younger Uchiha's attention, his head turning to regard the sound. He is confused to see a man standing by the blond – not because he does not recognize the man, since Naruto does know a lot of people – but because of the eerie similaritieshe shares with the man. Sasuke is not very close to any of his family, but he is familiar with their facial features. This man is not his family, but he could pass for an Uchiha any day.

"Excuse me."

Naruto glances over, slightly startled by the newcomer. He sits up, little speckles of dirt still clinging to his top.

"Yes?"

"My name is Sai. I would like to sketch you."

The blond briefly looks confused before offering a small smile. "What is this for?"

"I am aware that my request sounds strange, but I have been trying to find a good subject for a recent assignment. I was walking through the park and I saw you. Could you entertain my request?"

The stranger's words follow with a smile, but the grin does not suit the man – it looks oddly fake and unappealing. Naruto does not seem to be put off by it, for he glances at Sasuke before agreeing to the stranger. Sasuke is a little perturbed their time has to be interrupted by some aspiring artist, but he is not going to vocalize his discontent; he is trying to be pleasant.

"Could you keep that position sitting up? It highlights your torso."

Sasuke can tell from Naruto's body language that the comment nerves him, but he complies none the less. The next ensuing fifteen minutes involve the Sai character sketching Naruto, leaving Sasuke to just observe. He and Naruto talk a little, but it is not anything very revealing. The younger Uchiha does not trust others as much as most people.

When Sai finishes, he wordlessly puts his pencil down, along with the sketchpad. It reveals a very well-drawn picture, not just some attempt at art. Despite his social awkwardness, this stranger did make a worthwhile drawing.

"This will do," Sai says, staring at Naruto. "If you go on a date with me, you could possibly have a copy."

Sasuke whips his head upwards. Forget the man having skill – is he reallyasking Naruto on a date right now? Is that really his intention?

Considering Naruto's pause, it seems the blond is actually entertaining the request. The thought makes Sasuke irritated.

"You don't even know me," Naruto replies, causing Sai smile awfully once more.

"I can try and know you. From sketching you these past minutes, I can already tell you are carefree and willing to put your trust into people. On a physical note, you are built very well and your face is handsome. However, the only problem I notice is your endowment. Despite the slight tightness to your pants, I see no outline of any genitalia. Therefore, I believe you to have a small penis, but that is not a necessarily very important thing."

For once in his life…

Sasuke is dumbfounded. He knows he was not pleasant to Naruto, but this is something entirely on another level.

The younger Uchiha knows Naruto is baffled as well, because his mouth drops open. Sai just sits there, silent and unapologetic for his insult.

"Are you kidding me?" the blond finally says, his eyebrows furrowing. "Who asks someone on a date and then tells them they have no penis? I'll let you know I've got one, and it's probably bigger than yours."

"We can test that theory," Sai replies, not at all affected by Naruto's anger. "Your friend may join us as well."

"It's time to go," Naruto states, standing from his position on the ground. He grabs for Sasuke's hand, almost dragging the darker-haired of the two across the park. To Sasuke's relief, Sai does not follow. The blond would probably murder the stranger before he even comes close.

When they find a spot, Naruto drops to the ground, an obviously angry expression on his face.

"That's why I haven't been on a date recently; everyone is crazy," the blond states. He takes in a small breath before continuing: "I might be single the rest of my life."

Sasuke cannot help the annoyance bubbling in his chest – Naruto does not need to be single for the rest of his life, not if Sasuke is right beside him– but he does not lash it out. That will drive Naruto away.

The darker-haired of the pair almost lets out a cynical chuckle; he was the one who was so used to being chased, always being adored by everyone…now he is the chaser. This is the most uncomfortable situation he has been in for years.

"Hey Sasuke…"

The younger Uchiha makes a slight noise, indicating he hears the blond.

"When your stitches heal, think we could go for a drive? I remember you saying that to me once."

Sasuke's eyebrows furrow. He does not remember saying that.

Seeming to read his companion's thoughts, Naruto says: "It was when we were walking back from the karaoke bar. You were a little intoxicated, so you probably don't remember."

"What else did I say?"

The blond shrugs. "You told me you liked reading and going for drives. You also hit on me a little, but who doesn't when they have a little alcohol?"

Somehow, the thought of his mouth being loose does not surprise Sasuke. He does it when he is overly emotional, and alcohol tends to generally lower inhibitions, anyway. Considering Naruto's nonchalance about Sasuke's behavior that night, it seems that the younger Uchiha did not push his boundaries.

Even so, this does not make his actions acceptable. He does not want to continue the conversation any longer.

"Well then, we will go on a drive."

Naruto offers a brilliant smile as a response, causing Sasuke's chest to clench. His first homosexual attraction and he is affected to a degree he never would have expected. Sasuke is already annoyed by other males approaching Naruto, despite there being no attraction from the blond whatsoever.

Sasuke looks to the ground, pondering to himself of how things have changed. He has become illogical and more caring since he has met and developed a relationship with Naruto. The blond has changed everything; Sasuke's seemingly perfect world, vanished - his sexuality, evaluated – and his feelings, increased tenfold.

Everything is changing, but somehow, he is less wary of it than he was in the school. However, he will never be scared.

He may have changed, but he is still Uchiha Sasuke.

X X X

"Sasuke, slow down!"

Despite Naruto's desperate tone, Sasuke shifts his gear and presses even harder on the accelerator pedal. The blond yells in response, while Kiba maniacally laughs in the background.

"You're going to get arrested!"

"In the middle of nowhere?" Kiba says to Naruto, completely calm despite Sasuke's very high speed driving. "Alright, pansy. Sasuke, just slow down."

The younger Uchiha obeys, although not due to Kiba's request; Naruto looks like he is about to urinate on himself. It all started with them casually driving down the rarely used road, on their way to drop Kiba off to one of Hinata's (or, more accurately, Hinata's father's) private homes. Originally, Sasuke and Naruto were supposed to go out tonight, but Kiba's car is in the shop. He did not want to bail on he and Hinata's plans on staying there for a weekend, so after insistent begging from Naruto, Sasuke found himself as a chauffeur.

Sasuke tends to go fast, and with Kiba blabbering in Sasuke's ear about him being afraid to go even faster, there started an immature desire to prove the brunet wrong. Sasuke hoped the blond would be impressed by his lack of fear – after all, he has been told Naruto likes amusement parks a lot – but obviously that has not worked. Now Naruto looks like he is on the verge of throwing up.

"Why did you even listen to Kiba?" the blond groans pathetically. "You two aren't even friends."

"Just wanted to see how fast this fancy-ass car goes," Kiba replies. "I guess Sasuke isn't scared by high speeds. It probably shortened the trip by five minutes, cause we're almost there."

Kiba's estimation ends up being incorrect; in fact, the three arrive at the lavish home in a couple minutes less. They eventually come to a stop, making Naruto sigh in relief. As Kiba leaves the car, he smirks at Naruto:

"Grow some balls. Your boyfriend has a nice car, so you should enjoy it at its fullest potential."

"Not my boyfriend, you asshole," Naruto replies, although he does not sound angry. He must be used to Kiba's teasing – or, maybe it is because the whole thing started because of Naruto's mistake. The 'boyfriend' label began a month ago when Sasuke was in the hospital and the nurse referred to Naruto as his partner. Kiba could not get it out of his head since.

Or perhaps, unbeknownst to Naruto, Kiba's teasing is an effort of still trying to push the two together. Sasuke has not forgotten the brunet's words while the two were alone in that hospital room. Things have not changed much since his attack a month ago, and while it is not surprising, it is still disappointing. Sasuke and Naruto have gone out, sometimes to the park or to a random bar, but the overhang of 'friends' is still there.

Friends.Sasuke is starting to hate the word, although he tells himself he is used to it.

"Naruto, come on.He's your best candidate."

The younger Uchiha wishes Kiba would shut up about it.

"Sasuke, we're leaving," the blond states, now pointedly ignoring the brunet. Sasuke lets Kiba get the rest of his things before pulling off, watching in his rear mirror as Kiba makes sexual motions with his tongue, knowing that both of them are watching. The brunet is really trying too hard to push the two together.

Idly, the younger Uchiha wonders how Hinata can handle his behavior. She seems very refined and polite, while the brunet acts more like a thirteen-year-old.

As Kiba's figure eventually disappears out of sight, the hum of the car's engine is the only noise heard. They sit in silence for about ten minutes, Sasuke completely content with barely any sound at all. Kiba and Naruto have been talking nonstop the trip here, so now he finally achieves peace of mind.

Of course, this does not last long.

"He's an ass, sorry."

"I am used to him mentioning we should be a couple," Sasuke replies, thinking nothing more of it. "Your reaction gives him more incentive to do it."

Naruto becomes silent, luring Sasuke into thinking the car will be quiet. Again, this does not last, as Naruto pipes up suddenly:

"Do you believe we should be a couple?"

Sasuke almost slams on the brakes in surprise. In the month after his leave from the hospital, the blond has never once mentioned or entertained the idea of them as romantic. Sasuke still struggles with the thought every day, although it has gotten better; there have been no Sai incidents, or for that matter, no events with other males at all.

In fact, they have minimally mentioned Sasuke's attraction. It has been bearable not to.

"Sasuke?"

"You know how I feel," the younger Uchiha says plainly, making sure to keep his eyes ahead. He does not want to see the blond's expression.

"Does it hurt?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Sasuke replies. If he thinks about it more, he will become bitter.

For once, Naruto does not press the subject and the ride is once again quiet. However, this time, the silence does not sit well with Sasuke; there is now an awkward tension, marked by the blond's fidgeting and refusal to meet Sasuke's eyes. The younger Uchiha deals with it for about two minutes before he becomes agitated; Naruto is not even the one struggling with unrequited feelings and he seems more affected.

When Sasuke decides to open his mouth, eager to eliminate the uncomfortable atmosphere, an odd, distinctive 'pop' echoes from outside. Naruto hears it too, for he looks out of the window to check for anything amiss.

"I think you're getting a flat."

The younger Uchiha scowls. This has to be a joke.

"Pull over."

"I know," Sasuke murmurs, hoping it is not what Naruto proclaims. They reach to a stop on the shoulder, and Sasuke quickly exits to survey any damage. His side looks fine, but when he approaches the opposite, his worst fear is confirmed: the back right tire is quickly losing air, and he has no replacement to fix the problem.

This is a nightmare.

"Sasuke?"

The blond leaves the car, making his way to Sasuke's form.

"It's popped."

"Probably a stray glass bottle or something. It must have been serious to make it deflate so fast," Naruto says, kneeling down to inspect the now ruined tire. "I'm guessing you have no spares."

"I'll get Itachi to come," Sasuke mutters, deeply agitated by this sudden inconvenience. "It looks like we won't be doing anything tonight."

"I kind of thought we could just go to my place when we dropped him off. We can always go out another night," Naruto says. "At this rate, I'm not sure that'll happen."

Sasuke does not say anything, but he completely agrees. Who knows how long they will be on this road, and considering that it is completely deserted, no one could offer them help in the meantime. He calls Itachi, relieved his brother is available and will be able to pick them up within the next hour.

Unfortunately, the wait goes by slowly. In fact, a half an hour passes with no single car in sight. He and Naruto talk a little, but it is nothing very important; the blond mostly talks about college and Moegi. At one point he starts to talk about Kiba and Hinata's relationship, but his tone is slightly bitter while doing so; he mostly complains about Kiba during sex. Sasuke listens wordlessly, but he thinks to himself maybe Naruto's brunet friend is right – that Naruto really needs to find himself a lover. Envy is not a very appealing quality.

"Maybe one day I'll find that person," the blond says, looking up at the sky. It is a combination of shades of purple and orange, creating a rather beautiful image of sunset. It could potentially be a romantic setting.

When has he become such a sap?

"Sasuke…I'm serious about earlier. Do you hurt because of me?"

Not this again. The younger Uchiha expresses no emotion, but the inside of his chest clenches a little. At this rate, with the blond shoving his failures in his face, Sasuke is going to end up pushing himself away.

"Sasuke?"

"What do you want me to say to you, Naruto?"

The blond momentarily looks taken aback, but he stands his ground. "The truth."

Sasuke does not speak for several moments. When the blond begins to fidget, highly anticipating an answer, Sasuke snaps.

"It's annoying to hear you talk about wanting to find that person when I see myself as eligible. It isn't high school anymore, where I found myself worrying about Sakura and my family."

Naruto is silent. The younger Uchiha presses on.

"As every day passes, I care less about those things. Yes, I want to maintain a good image with my family, and if anything happened with you – because I will never look at other men – I know my mother and Itachi would be fine. I know I can take care of you. If you're worried about intimacy, forget about it; if sex comes, it will come. But you want to be friends,so I don't mention these things. For some utterly stupid reason, I'd rather have you as that than nothing."

By the time Sasuke finishes, he huffs a little bit. Itachi better be here soon, so he can go home and forget this conversation even exists. They can move on and be fine tomorrow.

"Sasuke…"

Sasuke frowns. "Don't pity me. We tried the dating, but for you, it didn't work. So we are going to be friends, and you're not going to ask me a question like that again. I'm handling it."

The younger Uchiha leans against his car, somehow feeling oddly drained. He is not a very emotional person, so letting out any feelings can be a tedious task. Usually he does not care enough to say such things, but then again, this is Naruto…

"You've changed."

Naruto faces him, eyes oddly serious.

"You're still a bastard, but you've got more of a heart now. I would've liked this version of Sasuke in school."

"You had Itachi instead," Sasuke comments, slightly angry. The blond shrugs and lets out a small chuckle, completely unperturbed by Sasuke's statement. Well, it is comforting to know Naruto can look back on those days and laugh – the younger Uchiha still feels a degree of disgust knowing that his brother wanted to be with the blond sexually.

"Yeah…when I told my friend that story, he said I have no type of honor whatsoever since I was kind of involved with you both. He helped provide me the option with being friends, but it really doesn't settle well, now that I see how much it affects you."

A sense of foreboding blossoms in Sasuke's chest; does this imply Naruto is going to leave him? Sasuke should have never said anything. This is exactly what he deserves for being open about his emotions.

"Sasuke…"

"Don't leave," the younger Uchiha states, suddenly desperate. The blond bites his lip.

"Sasuke…remember when I said I'd call you, and I never did?"

The abrupt change in subject startles him, but Sasuke plays along with it. He wishes Naruto would just give him a straight answer…

"Yes."

"I'm sorry about that." Naruto continues. "Can I still call you for a second date sometime?"

Sasuke stands frozen. Typically, he would love to hear such words from his romantic interest-

-but instead, he is completely infuriated,enough to lose control and swing for Naruto's face with no warning at all. To his surprise, Naruto is able to avoid the blow and is quick to return with a punch of his own, which hits Sasuke right in his left temple. The younger Uchiha staggers, but he is not completely winded; he follows through by slamming the blond into his car, not in the least concerned about potentially damaging his car.

"What is wrong with you?!" the blond yells at him, trapped between the luxurious vehicle and Sasuke's shaking body.

"What is wrong with you?" Sasuke snarls. "I told you I want no pity.Don't suddenly decide you want me because I told you how I feel. If you want to be friends, fine – but don't drag me along because I want you."

"Before you go all fucking nuts on me, why don't you listen to me?" With that sentence, Naruto pushes Sasuke off of him and reverses their positions, pushing the younger Uchiha against the car with no remorse of how uncomfortable it may be.

"Sasuke, I want to be friends. But after this month, it's fucking impossible to be just friends without something else being there too. I don't know what that something else is, but it's more than what normal friends feel. I thought a friendship would work, but when that fucking stranger hurtyou I almost lost it."

Naruto pauses, his eyes glazing with sadness. What Naruto is saying is true, not hashed up lies. The blond must have been concerned.

"I stayed there all night with you. I know it wasn't my fault, but I can't help but feel guilty."

"Thank you. You didn't have to," Sasuke murmurs quietly. The words taste foreign on his tongue.

However, this sign of gratitude has the blond smiling. "I didn't have to, but I did. Look at you now Sasuke; in the past, you would've just brushed me off. Maybe some of these things happen for the better."

Naruto licks his lips, pausing before he continues. "I don't know if you realize it or not, but when I didn't call you back after that first date, you've changed. I like this Sasuke, not the one who is always bitter about life. You respect me now. I don't mean to switch back and forth with friends and more than friends – trust me,I don't – but I don't want you hurting and I feel like you could be there. We're more than friends, but we're not lovers. I don't know what it is."

Sasuke remains quiet. The blond's words seem like something out of a dream. He could have never imagined Naruto feeling this way, since the blond has treated him the exact same. Has he not been perceptive?

Naruto breaks the silence with a nervous chuckle.

"This is so weird, you know? Maybe it's Kiba too. He always talks about us like that, that it's kind of hard not to wonder what it would be like. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, as long as you prove to me it wouldn't be. I've never wanted a romantic relationship with you, mainly because you're so into yourself. Shit, you just tried to knock me out, but I understand why. I don't like pity either, so don't think I pity you. I'm just trying to get to know the new you. I trust you more now than I ever have before, and I know you'll take it slow for me if you really care about me."

Despite Naruto's words, Sasuke somehow thinks this is all a fantasy – of all the time they've known one another, of pursuing Naruto in high school and even doing so now, the blond nowfeels comfortable to try something more? Even though Sasuke gets the impression this will go at a very slow pace, Naruto is right; Sasuke will do it, because somewhere along the road –

-he really cares about Naruto.

"Are you okay?" the blond murmurs with concern, peering into Sasuke's eyes. Licking his lips, the younger Uchiha nods.

"I don't understand. You've never wanted me in that sense; why now?"

Naruto laughs. "How would anyone want you in the past, especially me? You wanted me, but you were willing to juggle two partners. You were so caught up in yourself that you neglected how other people may have felt. I might have put you into your place a little bit, but it was for the better. Now it's more comfortable for me, Sasuke; you don't pressure or rush me. You like me, I know that, but you don't bother me about it. That respect goes a long way, and it changes some things."

Sasuke frowns. He knows he has changed somewhat, but Naruto is portraying his teenage self as a little brat. That does not settle well with him, but it is in the past.

"You're forgiving," the younger Uchiha says after several moments. The blond shrugs.

"People change. I'm willing to wait, I guess. But Sasuke, this doesn't mean we can suddenly hold hands and all that stuff; slow,remember?"

Sasuke's eyebrow rises. "So, what would you call this then?"

Naruto makes a small noise of contemplation, now releasing his hold on Sasuke against the car.

"Not boyfriends, but not friends, either. Something in the middle. Why do you need to label it? Let's just go with it. When I'm ready, we can go out - seriously this time."

Sasuke only nods. This is progress, and something which Sasuke would not have anticipated any time soon. Naruto has been so adamant on being just friends, and to some degree, they still are; Naruto is not suddenly going to be affectionate with him, or treat him like a boyfriend. Bemusedly, the younger Uchiha realizes the blond is taking control of this relationship – but Sasuke is oddly okay with that. He could have never imagined this opportunity arriving right now and he is not keen on throwing it away.

This really happened fast.

"So when is Itachi going to get here?" Naruto whines, standing next to Sasuke and leaning against the car. In that moment, they both reach a comfortable level – and Sasuke has never felt so relaxed in his life. Naruto means it now; Naruto really is going to start looking at him.

The sky is losing its orange now, and the stars are becoming visible. It feels good to look at them, with Naruto's presence so close by.

Sasuke doesn't know when Itachi will arrive, but that is fine. He feels like he and Naruto need this time, isolated from everything else to mull over their relationship.

Itachi can take his time.