Chapter 16 – Truculent
Sasuke stares at his phone in distaste. That man had just been by to bother him a little over a week ago. What else could he possibly want? The raven crinkles his nose in annoyance; he should just let it go to voicemail. It's not like Itachi has so much to say that it can't be done in a few seconds. Sasuke sighs angrily and snatches up his phone after the fifth ring, pressing the answer button and immediately hating himself for it. He really needs to ignore these calls.
"Little brother, what took you so long to answer?"
"I was busy."
"Oh? Do you have a friend over?" Sasuke's thoughts flash to a small blonde boy at the implications Itachi gives rise to. The young raven clenches his teeth but moves away from the topic without an argument.
"What do you want?" Sasuke listens to the nearly inaudible sigh from his brother. A small surge of smug pride tugs at the raven, pleased he can get under Itachi's skin as well.
"I have a present for you."
"I don't want it."
"It will help you advance with your intended major." Well, that catches Sasuke's attention, though he tries to brush it off.
"And what would that be?"
Itachi chuckles in his infuriating way. "You'll have to come and see me this weekend."
Sasuke closes his eyes and calmly tells himself to just breathe. "Why can't you just send it to me?"
"Sasuke," mock disappointment fills the elder Uchiha's voice, "will it pain you so much to come see me for ten minutes?"
"Pain, no. Annoy, yes."
"Well, that's too bad, little brother. You can have the gift if you come Saturday afternoon to my office. Have a good night, Sasuke." Glaring at the blank screen of his phone, Sasuke drops the item back to the table and sighs harshly. Leave it to his hindrance of a brother to come up with one-sided plans on a weekend that he's invited Naruto over.
The blonde will not enjoy being told to leave early in the morning. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. On the other hand, he certainly does not want to introduce Naruto to his brother. That will be a headache, from both of them. Naruto already knows far too much about his personal life, and Itachi doesn't deserve to know anything past what he gleans from their few encounters. For him to bring Naruto with him on Saturday… Sasuke glares blankly at the table and clenches his jaw. His brother has no right to know anything about that boy.
Honestly, how did it even come to this? Naruto was meant to be a novelty; something different to be entertained with and pass the time. It was never supposed to move so far as going on dates and spending frequent nights together. After the last argument they had about the strict lack of a relationship between them, things have gotten even more lax in hindsight. The blonde has a way of getting what he wants with that attitude and good-natured charisma. But it wasn't supposed to work on Sasuke. It never had before.
You were never this close before, a traitorous voice whispers to him, causing another deep glower to form on his smooth countenance. He's not close to Naruto in any way, other than physically. They're just having fun. No strings attached; or else Sasuke will cut them away before Naruto can even think about pressing forward and past his boundaries.
No, the issue here is the slow pace of their dynamic. The lack of sexual contact most days makes things seem more… Serious than it is. Not to mention they haven't had true sex yet. Sasuke rolls his eyes. He should have expected that the typically loud blonde would become shy when it's something Sasuke wants to be forward about. The raven has his principles though – he will not push or force Naruto into having sex. Perhaps lead in the right direction, but never order.
The blonde's sexuality is still too fragile, despite how resolved he seems towards handling everything that's thrown at him. Just because Sasuke doesn't want a relationship, doesn't mean he wants to break the boy's confidence or ruin his coming out. He can be an accomplice – a catalyst, even – but he will not be a permanent presence. There's no sense in getting so attached to a person that it pains you to let them go. Only fools fall in love. Uchiha Sasuke may be many things, but a fool will not be one of them.
Naruto's sunny smile and genuinely happy demeanor flash through his mind. A sense of unease swells inside him and he chokes down the tension threatening to break his composure. One of them is going to give. Whether it's Naruto with getting in too deep, or Sasuke having to pull away despite his efforts not to.
Sasuke refuses to dwell on the thought, or why it makes his stomach coil in pangs to consider cutting Naruto out of his life. No, he will not think about such things.
He will not play the fool.
By the time Friday evening rolls around, Sasuke prepared himself as well as he can for the onslaught of blonde idiocy he knows he'll be receiving. Based on Naruto general habits, he's sure the boy has last week's assignments as well as this weeks to catch up on – and he'll act like Sasuke is breaking his arm by having him do it.
Said boy has yet to call him or arrive for their scheduled meeting. He's either running behind or being distracted. Sasuke's eyes narrow in annoyance. If Midori is interrupting the blonde from leaving, he will be quite irate. He has limited patience with this girl who Naruto seems to be instantly bonding with. Really, how can anyone form attachments so quickly? Despite the common sense and knowing the two are just friends, it does not ease the raven's agitation. He is not going to sink so low as to tell Naruto who he can hang out with, but that doesn't mean he has to like it.
As if somehow sensing he was being thought about, Sasuke's phone lights up with a message. Last minute rush. Be there in a minute.
Sasuke rolls his eyes and doesn't even deem the message worthy of response. His nerves ease a bit with the knowledge of Naruto's arrival, and the unwanted jealousy recedes back to a dark corner of the raven's mind. He hates to acknowledge that even a sliver of his thoughts might contain jealous notions over anyone. Jealousy is a sign of want and attachment. While the raven is not above admitting he wants Naruto, he will not cast any allusions that he's attached.
The abrupt cut-off of an engine alerts Sasuke from his thoughts. He automatically moves to the front door, pulling it open as the blonde is trudging up the steps, bag in tow.
"Hey, teme!" Naruto exclaims happily, despite the rude term. "Sorry I'm late."
Sasuke moves to the side, letting the boy pass him and into the warmth of the house. "You're always apologizing for that. You should try just being on time."
"Where's the fun in that?" Naruto flashes a cheeky grin, setting his bookbag down beside a chair. He stretches languorously, all taunt limbs and pulled muscles. Sasuke allows himself a discreet sweep of the blonde's body before turning away, taking a seat at the opposite end of the table.
"How much work do you have?" Launching immediately into the task at hand is the easiest way to keep both of them from getting intimate. Sasuke will not be a slave to his desire, no matter how much he craves it.
"I have lots, but you don't have to help." It's apparent the boy is trying to be considerate – a rare notion for Naruto – but Sasuke is having none of it. They need to be occupied for as long as possible.
"We'll do the social assignment first, and then work through everything else."
Naruto huffs, plopping down into the seat. "You're like a personal tutor."
"What do you think I do during lunch break, dobe?" The raven rolls his eyes at the surprise of the blonde.
"Really? You tutor people for free?" The raven can practically see the gears shifting in Naruto's brain, trying to make room for that selfless notion alongside the rest of what he knows about Sasuke.
"Not for free." And now he sees the whole concept crumble; Naruto rolls his eyes and mutters an "of course", while Sasuke can't help a small smirk.
"Why do I get special, free services then?" Naruto asks out of the blue, as if the question just suddenly came into his head.
The raven shrugs lightly, offering a typical, sarcastic answer rather than honesty. "You'd fail your last semester without it." Really, he probably would. But Sasuke isn't so self-absorbed to believe he'll do something out of the goodness of his heart without some benefit. The truth is, he doesn't know why he helps Naruto so much. Perhaps it's because he's so closely working with him this semester, and in turn feels all of his grades should reflect that.
"I'm not gonna complain. My grades have really picked up lately." Another sunny smile gets tossed towards the raven. "Thanks."
There's that uneasy feeling again. Quick and sharp agitation jolts though the ravens stomach. He's growing tired of feeling off due to the blonde. Something must be done or he's going to lose his composure shortly.
"Are you ready to do the assignment, dobe?"
"As much as I ever am."
Sasuke has already looked over the assignment, and he's not too pleased. It's still on the topic of aggression, but its personal responses rather than academic answers. "There are four topics, and we are each to give an example using our own experience. It can be experience as either the aggressor or the aggressed."
Naruto scans the assignment he finally retrieves from his bag, eyes pausing towards the bottom of the page, a frown setting on his lips. "Alright, teme. You first."
Sasuke rolls his eyes but doesn't argue. "Verbal aggression. I do this any time an idiot attempts to speak to me."
"And every other second of the day." Naruto grins wide. "You're verbally aggressive to every person ever."
"Then everyone is an idiot." A statement the raven firmly believes. "Being verbally aggressive is an easy method of getting them to leave you alone."
"Or pissing them off."
"Most people with any shred of common sense quit bothering someone who's being short with them." Not that the raven will ever accuse Naruto of having much in the way of any sense.
"Not anybody with a backbone," Naruto huffs proudly. "I'm gonna be aggressive right back."
One of the things in the past that always peaked Sasuke's interest about the blonde is his determination to put up an argument. Particularly if the other person is being confrontational as well. The ease with which Sasuke could always get a rise from Naruto greatly intrigued and amused him – until it would go so far that the blonde just got annoying. Then Sasuke really would take an attitude.
"We've established that we're both verbally aggressive. Moving on to physically aggressive." Sasuke raises an eyebrow, thinking back to freshman year. He'd had his first – and last – real quarrel with Naruto halfway through the first semester. That was before he became so sunny. Something happened by the end of freshman year to where they are today. The blonde calmed down and lost some of his hostility. But not by that first October. No, he'd been ready to throw a fist at anyone for any reason that semester.
And when Sasuke made some callous, smart retort to the boy upon a brief encounter, a fist came flying at him before he could react. That was the moment he became both intrigued and infuriated with Uzumaki Naruto. Every encounter between them from that point on held some tone of aggression.
Except this semester, where Kakashi seems to be up to something.
"I don't get in too many fights anymore. Not since…" Naruto blushes, sheepish eyes cast downwards and a hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, anyways, I was threatened with being expelled since my admittance to the school was already based on a family favor, and I also calmed down once I became friends with Kiba. That guy really helped me turn my shit around." The blonde shrugs his shoulders, waving off the heaviness in the air. "And you? You piss anybody else off enough to have more fists thrown at you?"
Scoffing under his breath, Sasuke rolls his eyes as he answers. "Only you, dobe, are uncouth enough to do that. I don't purposefully engage in violence or physical aggression of any sort, but I will not stand and tolerate someone thinking they can behave as such towards me."
Naruto nods his head, more to himself than in agreement with the raven. "I was still having a lot of problems back then, you know? I went to a pretty shady elementary and junior high, and was used to throwing a fist or two around. But," the blonde says abruptly, "we'll get into that whole thing later."
Sasuke raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow but doesn't press. "What's your experience with social aggression?"
Naruto groans, rolling his head backwards dramatically before falling forward again. "Dude, we're in high school. Every day feels like a social aggression experience. But I guess my most recent experience with that would be dealing with Sakura and Ino."
Hearing that atrocious example of a woman being mentioned immediately puts Sasuke on edge. God, he's never disliked someone as vehemently as he does that spoiled brat. 'Has she bothered you recently?"
"Surprisingly, no." Naruto says this in such a chipper tone, it's hard to believe he ever had a crush on the girl. "I think she actually avoids me now. She shares a locker with Ino so she doesn't have to be around me." The blonde shrugs his shoulders. "It's been nice, you know. She was always such a bitch to me."
"And you were an idiot for overlooking it for so long." That situation still drags itself along the raven's nerves when he thinks about it. One of his biggest issues in the past with Naruto was his foolish obsession with a girl not worth anyone's time.
"Thanks for the support, teme." The blonde offers dryly, rolling his eyes in mimic of Sasuke's habit.
The raven is hardly offering any support. He cannot stand the thought of Sakura, and he certainly can't stand the thought of Naruto being with her or having anything to do with her. That thing would find some way to use it against him.
"I get the dislike for Sakura, but Ino's not so bad." What is Naruto defending the other one for? Yes, Sasuke can agree that Ino is not nearly as selfish or annoying as Sakura, and she does often try to reel the pinkette back to reality. But, did she not try to slap Naruto and then guilt trip him into staying away from him? Honestly, he doesn't understand how the blonde boy can be so forgiving.
"They're both annoying. Now, the last experience. Bullying."
Naruto's mouth snaps shut from whatever he was about to say, and his eyes cast downwards to the paper. He reads over the words, as if having to reassure himself this is a true question he has to answer.
"You go first, teme." The blonde shifts in his seat like he's finding it uncomfortable to hold still.
As much as he wants to argue, Sasuke bites his tongue and lets it slide. Judging from the behavior Naruto is displaying, it's like he's had a few experiences relating to this. "No one has ever bullied me. My experiences with you don't count. You weren't purposefully coming after me or making my life difficult. And neither has anyone else."
"Bullying," Naruto says quietly but with enough force it'd be impossible to not listen, "is when someone tries to intimidate, belittle or hurt you for their own pleasure. I would never do that to anyone." Naruto sighs and leans back in his chair, twiddling his pencil between his fingers. 'I had a lot of issues with bullying back in elementary school. Kids are just little assholes, you know? For the most part, it was all verbal bullshit, but as we got older, some of the kids thought they could start throwing punches. So, I threw them back. By the time I got into junior high, I was pretty angry and getting into fights every week. All you had to do was look at me wrong. After I'd gotten suspended for the fourth time in two months, Jiraiya was pretty pissed off with the whole thing.
He told me I needed to chill out, but he also understood what I was going through. That's when he called in the favor to Tsunade, and I came to Kasai the following year." Naruto keeps his eyes on the table as he continues. "Just getting put into a new school doesn't make the hurt go away, so I was still pretty violent. And you seemed determined to push my buttons from day one, and I eventually just snapped."
Trying to process this, the raven quietly studies the boy in front of him. If possible, he looks smaller than ever to Sasuke, as if he's trying to fold in on himself. Sasuke knows the repercussions of bullying – has studied the last effects on the psyche of both the abused and the abuser. A few things about Naruto seem a bit clearer, almost painfully so. If the raven had been more attentive of the boy, he would have quickly noticed the tell-tale signs of a former abuse victim guarding themselves.
Quietly, Sasuke asks the only question he can think of right now. "Did you go to counseling?"
Naruto brightens considerably. "Oh, yeah. After our fight, my options were counseling or being expelled. So, I got sent to the school guidance counselor. Iruka was – and still is – really great. He helped me work through a lot of shit. He's the one who suggested I join a sport or take part in the drama club. I did both."
Upon this past revelation, Sasuke wants to share his own with the blonde. Perhaps the boy would be able to understand without the infuriating sympathy that's always thrown at him when people learn about his parents. But the solitary, confined patterns of his mind refuses to allow him to divulge this much information now.
"I think for the last question we can just answer 'yes'. The above answers should show that." The blonde grins weakly, not able to summon enough energy for his typical countenance.
Is aggression damaging to the people involved? Yes.
"Dobe, let's get the rest of your work done."
'Awh," Naruto whines instantly, "come on, teme. It can wait."
"No. We're going to be gone all day tomorrow and I know you won't do it on your own Sunday." This effectively shuts down the boy's protests and turns them into questions.
"What are we doing tomorrow?"
"We're going to Seattle."
Naruto has saucers for eyes. "We're going there again? For what?"
"I have to go see my brother." The raven can't let Naruto be privy to his past yet, but he can let him know of the present. Itachi is an annoyance, one that Sasuke personally doesn't want Naruto to meet. There are a magnitude of reasons for that, but it's the only thing he can offer as a return for the insight into the blonde's life.
"You're brother? The one who bought the expensive tickets?"
"Yes."
"Why do you have to visit him?"
"Homework, dobe." Sasuke rolls his eyes at the pout Naruto thinks is going to get his way. How did he manage to get in this situation? He finds himself asking that more and more frequently. Really, he doesn't think there's a solid answer to it. It's just how it goes when you're involved with someone like Naruto.
The first thing Sasuke notices as he pulls out of the sleep haze enveloping him is the warmth pressed tight to his side. In the chilly morning air, the raven welcomes it. He burrows further into the blankets and closer to the radiating warmth.
A soft moan emits from the personal heater, and Sasuke flicks an eye open to take in the boy cuddled to his hip. Naruto has his head buried firmly into the raven's chest, with one arm supporting his head, and the other tightly wrapped low on Sasuke's waist. As he's slightly disturbed from his sleep, the blonde shifts, pulling himself closer to his human pillow.
Sasuke rolls his eyes, but welcomes the warmth. Languidly, Sasuke drags a hand through the smaller boy's hair, kneading his fingers into Naruto's scalp. The blonde groans softly and tilts his head to the side, allowing better access.
"You're awake." Sasuke softly accuses, though he makes no effort to halt his ministrations.
"Am not." Is the sleepy reply, hardly intelligible as the words are spoken into the raven's chest.
Sasuke ruffles Naruto's hair slightly in an effort to get his attention more focused. "We need to get up, dobe."
The deadweight attached to him makes no move. "Why?"
Rolling his eyes, Sasuke picks back up with the scalp massage. "We're going to Seattle."
At that, Naruto pushes himself up slightly, dislodging the raven's hand. Hooded eyes take in Sasuke's face, searching for some emotion. "You're still going to let me go?"
Sasuke raises an eyebrow. "Yes? Why would I have decided otherwise?"
After making an effort to shrug his shoulders, the blonde lets his head fall back to the bed. "You're weird sometimes."
Irritation bubbles in the raven's stomach, an instant scowl forming on his lips. "If you don't want to go – "
Before he can finish his halfhearted dismissal, a warm mouth presses over his own in a chaste, silencing kiss. "That's not what I meant, teme. I just wasn't sure if you'd have second thoughts today."
Sasuke scoffs, rolling his eyes and keeping them on the ceiling. "It wouldn't matter if I did. You wouldn't take no for an answer."
"Probably not." The blonde grunts out as he rolls over and pushes himself off the bed. "Come on, we gotta get ready!"
Where does Naruto even get these random bursts of energy? One minute he's groggy, and the next bouncing about. Tossing his legs over the side of the bed, Sasuke takes a moment to compose himself and become a bit more clear-minded. He is not a morning person. But when he hears his shower turn on and a happy exclamation from Naruto, he lethargically pulls himself up and ambles towards the bathroom, ready to get this day on with.
However, Sasuke is not prepared for the sight before him as he stands in the entrance to the bathroom. That stupidly attractive blonde is in the midst of shimmying his pants off, teasingly shaking his hips along the way. If it can even be counted as teasing; it's not like Naruto is aware he's being watched. But Sasuke can rectify that situation.
He moves forward quietly, only requiring a few steps before his arms can encircle the smaller boy's waist. With a startled jump, Naruto looks over his shoulder to take in his captor before being caught a second time with a kiss.
Sasuke has to reel the onslaught of pride and possession down that ignites rapidly in his stomach. He's not certain when the blonde became accustomed to his sexual advances, but the familiarity that he now shows is welcome. It wasn't too long that all of the raven's attempts to initiate activities were met with trepidation. Somewhere along the way Naruto let go of any qualms he might possess.
All the better.
Sasuke lightly nips at the blonde's bottom lip before ghosting along his jaw and down to his neck. Access to the smooth column is immediately granted as Naruto tilts his head to the side languidly. The raven smirks against the tan skin, thoroughly pleased with the lack of inhibitions.
Deciding to press his luck forward, Sasuke trails a palm along Naruto's ribs, reveling in the sharp intake of breath he pulls from the blonde. He lightly grazes his nails over a hard nipple before teasingly sliding his hand back to rest along the boy's hip.
Naruto growls softly and opens azure eyes to glare at the raven. "Are you going to just tease me all day?" The audacious blonde rolls his hips back against the raven, a small smile playing on his lips.
Sasuke's stomach flips at the implications. Gripping Naruto's hips, the raven drags him backwards and grinds his own awakening erection into Naruto's supple backside. "And how far should I go?"
Rather than waiting for a reply, Sasuke pulls back slightly and runs both hands along the edge of the blonde's boxer briefs. He cuts off any remarks Naruto might make with a rough kiss, swiping his tongue along Naruto's bottom lip before entering the eager mouth. Not having any part of being submissive, the smaller boy massages his tongue along Sasuke's matching his pace and vigor.
Mornings seem to be a splendid time to jump Naruto, Sasuke thinks hazily. His coyness has yet to catch up with his sleep-addled brain. The raven can certainly work with that – though he can't Naruto have too much control.
Throwing the blonde slightly off course, Sasuke pulls the faded red briefs down Naruto's hip, letting them rest along the top of his thighs while leaving him unexposed to Sasuke's prying eyes. For now.
While one hand runs wide circles from Naruto's waist to his hip and then to his amazing ass before restarting the circuit, Sasuke teasingly dips his other palm into the front of those barely-on boxers. He cups the boys rising length before just as quickly removing his hand to trail back to Naruto's waist.
He places a light kiss on the juncture where his neck meets his shoulder, turning devious eyes to watch the blonde. "You never answered me, dobe."
Naruto tilts his head to the side and steals another kiss, while his hand falls on top of Sasuke's. He closes his eyes while guiding him back to his cock. "You never gave me a chance."
Sasuke smirks, languorously stroking his blonde. He works all the way from the tip to the base, keeping a firm and steadily slow pace. Naruto shivers, arching his back and pressing further into the raven's grip. Those tight boxers are in Sasuke way of doing much more; a problem he quickly remedies. He slides his hand from the front of Naruto's hip to the back, gripping the edge of the boxers where he'd dragged them down earlier.
When Naruto realizes that Sasuke wants to remove them fully, he drops a hand of his own to the waist, wiggling his hips to ease them down. Closing his eyes and trying hard to not grind into the blonde, Sasuke nips at Naruto's neck in subtle retaliation.
With all clothing out of the way, Sasuke gradually picks up the pace, enjoying the quick breaths and low moans he's eliciting from the blonde. He occupies his mouth with a teasing and biting trail along Naruto's neck and up his jaw, only pausing to increase the bruise he's formed on the salty skin. That possessive part of himself that he tries to fight down absolutely adores seeing a mark – his mark – anywhere on the blonde.
He won't mention that to Naruto, though.
Sasuke continues a firm pumping motion, focusing on the tip of the blonde's cock as he starts to jerk his hips sporadically. At the first sign that Naruto is about to cum, Sasuke moves his hand around the tip to catch it, a jolt of want coursing through him as the hot fluid hits his cupped palm. He continues to slowly stroke the blonde, letting him ride out the orgasm.
Naruto leans his head against Sasuke's shoulder once more. Lethargically, he drops his back slightly to rest against the raven's chest. He turns a chaste kiss onto Sasuke's neck before pushing forward and turning around. The blonde smiles shyly at his lover, who rolls his eyes at the expression. How can that boy be shy after cumming into Sasuke's hand?
Thinking of which, his attention is pulled to the sticky substance coating his palm. He reaches for a nearby hand towel, removing the evidence of their tryst.
Naruto's eyes follow him as he does so, till they trail back to Sasuke. A sort of haughty determination is held in those blue orbs. "I want your clothes off."
Sasuke raises an eyebrow at the demand, remaining in place. "Then take them off, dobe."
Naruto grins and rises to the challenge. He runs his hands along the hem of the raven's shirt, slowly pushing it up while keeping his palms flat on Sasuke's stomach. The raven smirks as he watches the engrossed boy. If you didn't know better, you'd think this is the first time Naruto's seen his bare chest.
Leaning in slightly to catch Naruto's swollen mouth in another kiss, the raven straightens back up and raises his arms, allowing his shirt to be removed and dropped to the floor. All he has left is his boxer briefs, which Naruto hesitantly runs his hands along the top of. They've only had a handful of sexual encounters, Sasuke encounters silently. Rarely are they planned or given this much time to think about it, tending to move in a lust-filled daze.
For once, Sasuke is lost on how to proceed. Does he coax the blonde through, or will speaking break the mood? Does he stay quiet and let Naruto figure this out himself? Fortunately, he doesn't have to ponder for long.
Warm hands trail slowly up along the raven's ribs and back down to his hips. As Naruto's hands settle on the waistband of Sasuke's boxers again, the boy sinks to his knees in front of his surprised lover.
Whether it's the brash, red hue smothering the blonde's cheeks or the way he's lightly nuzzling and kissing the edge of his hip, Sasuke is about to lose his composure. He would like nothing more than to run his hands through that thick, blonde hair and show the little vixen exactly what he does to him.
A hand on each side of Sasuke's hips slowly drags down his last remaining covering, exposing his achingly hard length to blue eyes. Naruto looks up timidly, searching for reassurance. At the subtle nod from Sasuke, he smiles sweetly and wastes no time in engulfing the thick cock with his mouth.
Sasuke breathes in a sharp, surprised hiss of pleasure as he involuntarily jerks into the eager mouth. Hand gripping hair roughly, the raven pulls Naruto back so as to not choke him. The little blonde seems to want no part of that. He immediately surges forward again, smooth and slick lips working his flesh in an amateur yet intoxicating manner. For someone so inexperienced, Naruto knows how to swirl his tongue and move in such a way that makes Sasuke's head spin.
Sasuke drags his hand to the base of a tan neck before weaving his hand into the untamed hair again. He leans forward, placing a hand on the edge of the sink to support himself. Maintaining his balance with a gorgeous blonde between his legs is not the easiest thing.
This must be taken as encouragement. For one moment, Naruto pauses after pulling all the way back from the raven's cock. In his lust-clouded mind, Sasuke initially thinks that he forced too much of himself into the boy's mouth.
That thought is quickly obliterated when Naruto takes the ravens full length into his mouth, popping tightly into the back of his throat.
A moan is pulled from Sasuke as he does his best to keep his hips still. Closing his eyes, the raven massages where he's sure he's been painfully gripping the blonde's hair. Naruto is unfazed. He pulls back once more and resumes his quick, mind-shattering pace.
"Fuck, Naruto," is all the warning Sasuke can give as he closes his eyes and breathes harshly, not bothering to stop the rough thrust of his hips into that eager mouth. He bites his lip to keep from moaning out again as he feels his release spill into Naruto's throat.
The vixen gives one last suck from the base to the tip before letting Sasuke go. Naruto looks up at his lover with a wide smile on his face, utterly pleased with himself. "Was I good, teme?"
Sasuke rolls his eyes, pushing himself straight onto unsteady legs. "Shut up, dobe."
The blonde laughs and uses Sasuke's hips as leverage, pulling himself to his feet. He places a chaste kiss on the raven's mouth before stepping away and into the shower.
Throwing a devilish grin at Sasuke, Naruto motions for him to join. "Come on, teme. We're gonna be late."
Sasuke rolls his eyes. Only you, Naruto, he thinks dryly. Nevertheless, he joins his companion in the small space, ready to move the day on and be over with it. No matter how much he wishes he could simply drag the blonde back into bed with him and ignore the existence of anyone else.
For now, though, he doesn't have to think about it. He can bask in the afterglow of an orgasm for a bit longer, and enjoy the arms that are running over his body. For now, he doesn't have to think. He can just feel.
"Where in Seattle is your brother's business?" Naruto's question after a shockingly quiet drive pulls Sasuke's attention back into the car, and away from his internal musings. He's been debating on how best to go about this disastrous situation. He doesn't wish to make Naruto uncomfortable or feel like a burden, but he also does not want his brother to know anything about their relationship. There's no way Sasuke can see to win todays activities.
"Corporate Headquarters are out of the main city, almost in a suburb. He has a business center in Seattle as well, where he originally started."
"Which are we going to?"
The raven clenches the steering wheel tightly, agitated just at the thought. "My brother's office is at Corporate."
"I know you told me that your brother is into weapons manufacturing, but what does that really mean?"
Sasuke tosses an irate glare the blondes way, but it holds no infliction. He figures he might as well answer. If he doesn't, Naruto will likely ask Itachi, and that would be worse. "He designs and manufactures custom built weapons and technology. He does not limit himself to a specific weaponry, and has business partners in aeronautics, warfare, and the maritime industry. Most of his contracts are with high-stakes clientele, and he is contractually obligated to keep his affairs private."
If the open-mouthed gape he's getting from Naruto is any suggestion, he was not expecting that answer. "That's, um… Wow. Your brothers not some sort of crazy-scary guy, is he?"
Sasuke smirks against his will, already imagining how the blonde will respond to his brother upon first impression. Many people do get the initial impression that his brother is a sociopath, what with his lack of facial mannerisms upon first meetings. Not to mention that he has eyes like a hitman. But once you get to know him, his passion for what he does and his interests and loyalty to his company and employees startles man. Even Sasuke cannot deny that Itachi cares. He simply believes that sentiment came too late.
"You'll meet him soon enough."
"Not sure I want to anymore." Naruto mutters under his breath, watching the scenery pass through the window.
Sasuke scoffs under his breath, wishing he hadn't agreed to this either. It's too late on his part to be going back, though. The raven turns down a road taking them along the outskirts of the city, towards the edge of the suburb that Uchiha, Inc Headquarters is located. Ever mile closer puts Sasuke more on edge, his agitation rising. His passenger's quiet manner today has been a godsend, as he doesn't doubt he'd unintentionally snap at the blonde. Something about willingly coming to see his brother rakes across every nerve in his body.
He's only been to the headquarters a handful of times since Itachi expanded four years ago. Unsurprisingly, he was dragged out to the place each one of those times. He would have appeared ungrateful and jealous of his brother's success had he not shown up to the yearly company party.
The huge building comes into view as they crest the hill it sits atop. Itachi had been home while doing some of the planning for the headquarters, and he'd gone through many design options. He eventually settled on a classic brick structure with huge glass panels making up large portions of the outer walls.
"This place is hella nice, teme." Naruto leans forward in an effort to take more of the building in. Sasuke won't argue. It is nice. There's a huge manmade pond in the front lawn, surrounded by shrubbery and cattails. A nine-spout fountain is situated in the center of it, jets of water shooting into the air.
A circle drive encompasses that pod, with four turn off points and a main drive to the front doors. This is all mainly for looks, as the valet is the only one who would use the majority of these spots. The actual parking lot is on the side of the building; it's gated and only those with a security pass may enter.
The building itself is a massive three-story, three sectioned structure. The front half sits on top of the hill, but the other two sections are built into the back of the hill. While the foundation and structural pillars are made of thick, brick columns, the walls are floor to ceiling glass. At least the front and back. The middle section is solid glass, reflecting the sky and landscape as they pull up.
The raven ignores the doorman who motions for him to come forward and then stop, continuing to pull forward. He comes to a stop at the end of the lane, turning the engine off with a sigh. "Come on, dobe." As Sasuke steps from his car, he sees the valet patronizingly coming towards him.
"You're meant to stop when the doorman waves you in, sir." The title is bit out mockingly, festering irritation in the already cross raven.
Naruto hesitantly steps from the vehicle, casting an anxious glance to Sasuke. The raven raises an eyebrow at the blonde, which seems to slacken some of the concern from his features.
"My car is not to be moved. If I come back to find it is, it'll be your job on the line."
"I'm sorry, sir. But it is policy that all cars are to be parked." The valet is visually incensed at this point, though it does not matter to Sasuke. He's never cared before about making someone angry. He won't start now.
Sasuke ignores the reprimand, stepping past the valet and towards the massive double glass doors. Naruto moves close to the raven, sheepishly turning his eyes to the angry valet.
"Is it okay to do that, teme?"
"I don't care if it is or not."
Naruto scoffs, taking a page from the brooding boys book and rolling his eyes. Otherwise, he follows Sasuke into the building. The raven ignores the receptionist desk as well, heading straight for the elevator. Only Naruto and he settle into the metal box. Sasuke promptly presses to go to the third floor, dreading every advance towards his brother.
Shifting his eyes slightly to the side, he notices the sheer nerves the blonde is exuding. It always throws Sasuke off to see the generally bubbly boy fall into silence. He gives Naruto a quick squeeze of his hand before the elevator doors slide open.
The foyer they step into is silent and nearly empty. This floor is primarily for the top executives, though many of them spend their time in the field, dealing with clients.
The young secretary seated importantly outside of the large glass office looks up as the boys approach her. "May I help you?" She speaks politely, but keeps her expression neutral.
"Tell Itachi that his brother is here." The woman's eyes widen, and she nods quickly, picking up the sleek black phone on her desk and putting through the call.
"Your brother is here to see you, sir." Her eyes glance up nervously to meet Sasuke's cold glare, before dropping back down hurriedly. "He said it's fine for you to go in."
The raven scoffs. It damn well better be. He's the one who dragged Sasuke two hours out on a Saturday.
Naruto shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other, casting a doubtful glance towards the office doors. "Are you sure it's okay –"
"It's fine, dobe. Come on." Sasuke pauses at the door, waiting for the blonde to uproot himself.
Cool air wafts into the foyer as the office door is pushed open, prickling Sasuke's skin with goosebumps. Itachi's office is the same as always. Bright, white, and meticulous. The man himself is sitting behind a modern, black desk. A spot of darkness in the otherwise glowing room.
Itachi looks up, his gaze sliding from Sasuke to the unknown blonde nervously trailing behind him. A spark of curiosity settles in the older Uchiha's eyes, though it's quickly overshadowed by his impassive mask. "You didn't tell me you'd be bringing a guest, Sasuke."
"I felt no need to inform you." Sasuke does his best to remain as blank as his brother, but he can't deny the urge to comfort Naruto. It's not like the blonde knew exactly what he was getting himself into by coming along. The smaller boy stays a couple steps behind Sasuke, curiously looking about the office when he's not glancing between the strikingly similar brothers.
"Are you going to introduce us?" Perhaps it's the raised eyebrow, or maybe the haughty tone he speaks in, but Sasuke can feel his belligerence on the rise.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto." The blonde pipes up for the first time since he entered the room. At the sharp glare Sasuke sends him, Naruto blushes and smiles sheepishly. "It's nice to meet you."
Itachi smiles. He actually smiles. Sasuke wouldn't have believed it, had he not been standing here watching. "The pleasure is mine, Naruto. I so rarely see my brother with company."
"Well, that's because he's so unapproachable and doesn't tolerate many people." Naruto shrugs his shoulders like this is common knowledge. Perhaps it is.
"He seems to tolerate you just fine."
"I am right here." Sasuke cuts in, annoyed at this conversation.
"I grow on people." Naruto offers in response to Itachi, ignoring the younger raven entirely.
"Like a fungus." Sasuke turns the Uchiha glare onto the loudmouth, though it doesn't really work on him anymore. The point is conveyed though. "Be quiet, dobe."
Naruto sighs loudly and scowls momentarily, but with his nerves dispelled, he's in full curiosity mode. He steps towards the window, rapt attention on the plants lining the wall.
Both brothers follow his steps visually, attentive for different reasons. Sasuke is beginning to wonder if bringing the idiot was a good idea. For some reason, he hadn't factored his general friendliness and good-nature into the scenario.
Itachi, the younger brother muses irately, is likely interested in Naruto as this is the first person he's ever seen Sasuke in the company of. He will not be leaving them in the company of each other without his supervision. Who knows what sort of things Naruto would let out?
"What do you want to give me?" Sasuke cuts straight to the chase. The idea of staying here for much longer is not appealing. He's already forcing down a great deal of irritation, and the longer he has to be near his sibling, the more it's going to rise up.
Itachi turns his inquisitive attention back to Sasuke. "You have no patience, brother."
Naruto snorts in amused agreement, nodding his head but otherwise remaining quiet.
"Itachi," managing to keep his voice civil and not lash out is quite the task for the young raven. "Naruto and I have plans today. You're holding us up."
"Well, I would hate to hinder your date." Itachi smiles wanly, taking obvious pleasure in the tick he's causing in his brother. He slides back in his chair and pulls open the top drawer of his desk. Taken from its perch on top of stacked documents is a rather large, red book. He offers said book to Sasuke. "As promised."
The younger brother eyes it disbelievingly. "You had me come two hours for a book?"
"Oh," Itachi starts with sympathetic curiosity, "but I thought you already had plans with Naruto in Seattle?"
Sasuke closes his eyes momentarily and resists pinching the bridge of his nose. Why does this man insist on finding any and every button he has, and pounding the hell out of it?
"We do. But you could have just instructed me to buy it."
"This is an original copy with interesting comments in the margin."
Sasuke rolls his eyes but steps forward to take the book. Once he has it in his grasp, he steps back again, angled towards the blonde. "Naruto, we're leaving."
"Already?" The blonde straightens up from his bent position, admiring the leaves of a calathea. "We just got here."
"And we're going to leave now. I have what I came for."
The blonde anxiously turns to Itachi, almost apologetic. "Thank you for having us."
"You don't have to be polite to him, dobe." Sasuke holds the door open for the boy, who promptly steps through into the foyer.
"He works with weapons, teme. I'm not gonna be rude." Naruto casts a quick, sunny smile back to Itachi and a wave before Sasuke lets the door fall closed. He can already imagine the questions his brother will ask on their next visit. For now, all he can do is get out of there.
A new, enticing situation has occurred. His introverted, reclusive, and truculent little brother has chosen someone to be at his side. This most unprecedented turn of events has garnered Itachi's full attention.
The boy in question is not the type that Itachi would have expected Sasuke to gain an interest in, either. He's the exact opposite of the sullen raven. He's sunshine personified. Bright blonde hair, glowing tan skin, and shining blue eyes. His personality – the small glimpse Itachi managed to see in the short visit – is a direct match. You can tell when someone has a genuinely good soul, and Uzumaki Naruto is in that category. How he came to be attached to the grim and morose Sasuke, the elder Uchiha has no idea.
But he'll find out.
Fortunately for Itachi, he had made a fine acquaintance of one of Kasai's best teachers. A teacher that he keeps in touch with, to his great delight. He finds the name quickly in his contact list, hitting dial and preparing for the wait.
It only rings twice before a familiar voice picks up. "Maa, to what do I owe this pleasure, Itachi?"
A smile tugs at Itachi's mouth, a warm fondness coloring his voice. "Hello, Kakashi. It's been awhile."
"It has. How is the business?"
"Very well, thank you."
"I suppose you have a reason for calling?"
"I do. There has been an interesting development in my brother's life. Would you happen to know anything about that?"
Kakashi chuckle's lowly before replying. "If you're talking about Naruto being attached to his hip, then yes."
Marvelous. That is just the answer Itachi was searching for. "How long has this development been about?"
"Mmh, since the beginning of the semester, when I forced them together."
"How did you manage that?"
"They have a Social Psychology project together."
"And they are… Close?"
Kakashi laughs outright. "You can say that. From what I hear, they frequently spend time together outside of doing assignments."
Itachi leans back, thoroughly pleased with this news. "I have no idea how you managed this, but thank you. The care I saw my brother show that boy is a side I have not seen in nearing a decade."
Kakashi's tone turns somber as they approach that issue. "Sasuke is learning to let someone in. It's been a slow process, and he's still not there, but he's doing better."
That Sasuke brought Naruto with him to the office is a testament of how far he's in with the blonde.
"I implore you to continue your strategy, and I will be designing one of my own."
"Maa, I look forward to the fruits of our labor."
Itachi laughs and says his goodbyes, already scheming on how to further his brother's affairs. Sasuke may use words such as 'nuisance', meddlesome', or 'conniving', but Itachi sees it as investing in his brother's future. A mission he has been on since the child was born.
The walk back to the car is a far cry from how peaceful it was going in. After meeting Sasuke's brother, Naruto's nerves dissolve. His usual personality is allowed to come through. Sasuke rolls his eyes at the excitement the blonde is showing. It's just a building full of offices. Yes, there are infographics and other posters every now and then on different weaponry, but it's not worth this level of awe.
His car is still parked outside the main doors, thankfully for the valet. The young boy refuses to so much as glance towards Sasuke as he comes out of the doors, though Naruto casually waves goodbye at him.
"Are we really gonna spend time in Seattle, teme?" Naruto sends a hopeful glance the ravens way. "Can we explore?"
The answer on the tip of Sasuke's tongue is a resounding no. He's already dealt with one headache today. He does not need another. There is nothing worth Sasuke's attention in this city, and thus not worth his time. Then again, if the raven humors Naruto and lets him have free run, maybe he'll calm down for a while. Slim chance, but possible. He might save himself several headaches by just a single day out.
Sasuke concedes, solely in the hopes of making Naruto quiet. "Yeah, dobe."
"Awesome!" The blonde shines a smile bright enough to blind. How do I even get myself into these things, Sasuke thinks dolefully. His growing complacency with having Naruto around is unnerving. It's not an attachment, so much as an addiction. He's been offered a few hits of the bottled sunshine, but never fully had him. Sasuke is positive that once he has Naruto as he wants him, it will leave his system. Things will go back to normal, and he won't be so hung up on the little idiot.
And if not…
Well. Sasuke does not foresee that as a possibility, and will not dwell on it. Naruto will be out of his system soon. One way or another.
For now, Sasuke needs to focus on their current activities. He starts a trek into the busy city, searching for a decent place to park that's in the city center that's alive and well this Saturday. It's full of the typical traffic and open shops that thrive in downtown Seattle. Hordes of people have been drawn to the streets, happy to be out for a nice weekend. The weather is perfect for a weekend stroll, and it's not too cold. A welcome breeze ruffles the warmth of the day, making a sweater almost necessary. Luckily for Sasuke, he thinks ahead. While he didn't plan to go into the city today, it occurred to him that something might happen to do so. He had Naruto bring an ungodly orange hoodie with black paneling that he'd packed, and Sasuke tossed a navy-blue cardigan over his gray shirt.
"Are you ready, dobe?" Sasuke parks and shuts off the car, turning his attention to his passenger. Naruto nods quickly, already having clicked off his seatbelt and moving for the door handle.
With a sigh, the raven pushes open his own door and steps onto the busy side street, already regretting this decision. Hopefully Naruto won't want to run around for too long. Or he'll lose interest rapidly.
An hour later, Sasuke finds that there is no such luck in that wish. With each shop that they pass, the blonde grows more enquiring. It seems there is something in every shop that can grab his attention, and he has to stop and check out the displays.
It's at one such display that Naruto's overjoyed reaction draws Sasuke's attention. Raising an eyebrow, he looks at what made Naruto ooh and awe in such favor. Sitting on top of a glass display case pushed in front of the window is a unique plush toy. Sasuke's not even sure what to call it. It's a fox, that much is certain. But it has nine tails twirling up behind its body, four on either side, leading to the middle. It's a deep orange with red eyes, and it's totally captivated Naruto.
Sasuke can't resist the small smile that tugs at the corners of his mouth. The stupid blonde is just too adorable for his own good. Rolling his eyes, the raven opens the door to the crafts and design store. "Come on, dobe. We'll see what they have."
Naruto's eyes light up at the permission to do more than look from the outside in. He bounces eagerly into the store, eyes roaming every corner. Sasuke steps in behind him and observes the boy happily marveling at all he sees. It really doesn't take much to raise excitement in that one. He's almost akin to a two-year old in that respect – a thought he frequently harbors. Sasuke's focus falls on the unique plush animal toy that originally caught Naruto's attention. It figures that he would adore something like that.
Narrow eyes fall the blonde's movements to the back of the store, where Naruto disappears behind racks and displays. Given the opportunity, Sasuke moves towards the cashier's counter. The young man behind the counter smiles warmly as he approaches, though it does nothing to inspire a similar expression on Sasuke.
The aloof raven nods towards the display window purposefully. "I would like to place an order for one of those."
The cashier – James, by his nametag pinned neatly to his shirt – looks to where he motions, eyes sparking in recognition. "Oh, the Kyuubi plush?" At the nod of approval from Sasuke, James begins pressing options on the touch computer. They go through the general information exchange quickly, until they get to the address screen.
Sasuke pauses; a quick glance Naruto's way reveals the boy is still engrossed in some display. Without looking away, he recites the blonde's address to him, finalizing the order.
"Thank you very much, sir. That should be delivered in a max of two weeks." The cashier brightly informs him with a smile, showing perfect – and wasted – customer service skills. Sasuke gives him a final nod before walking towards his companion, ready to leave after fulfilling his purpose.
"Dobe." Sasuke speaks quietly as he approaches so as to not startle the boy. Not that it does much good. Naruto jumps in surprise and quickly turns to the raven.
"Teme! Don't sneak around like that, you know!" Naruto blushes for no apparent reason and fidgets nervously, casting anxious eyes Sasuke's way.
Well, his attention is caught at this point. He raises an eyebrow and looks around for anything out of place. "Did you break something?"
Naruto grumbles as he sidesteps the raven, moving to the front of the store. He grabs a drawing pad on the way up, placing it on the counter with a sharp look towards Sasuke. To his credit, Sasuke simple rolls his eyes and walks to the front of the store, taking in random displays as he goes. He's in the middle of studying a strange, Egyptian-style vase when Naruto comes up to him.
"You ready, teme?" Sasuke looks up and nods at the inquisitive blonde, following him to the door. Naruto waves enthusiastically at James as he wishes them a good day, and then they're back on the street.
Sasuke's watches as flocks of people crowd the streets in all directions, suddenly missing the calm environment of the store. "Where to now, dobe?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Naruto moves without rhyme or reason down the street, eager to see what else he might uncover in the hidden treasure chest of Seattle's downtown center. Following in step affably enough, Sasuke lets the boy continue his hunt, though the ravens not sure what they're even after. Knowing Naruto, he probably has no idea either. Likely nothing and just aimless curiosity guiding him.
He listens vaguely as the blonde gushes over window displays, excitedly pointing out the ones that truly catch his eye before moving on to the next. How can one person be so easily thrilled with something as simple as window shopping? Naruto is fully enraptured in his current quest of looking into as many shops as possible, not seeming to take any notice of the world around him, save Sasuke.
They continue like this for another hour or so, circling around a large portion of the downtown district full of shops and restaurants before Naruto points to the glass doors of a modern café. "Hey, teme, can we try this place?"
Sasuke's not sure what about this restaurant caught Naruto's eye, being largely unassuming on a street full of flashy signs marking diners and café's. Not that the raven cares. He shrugs his shoulders in approval – or at least, the lack of an argument – and follows Naruto into the cool café, welcoming the rush of air after all that pointless wandering about. It dawns on him that he's spent the entire afternoon catering to Naruto's whims, following in his line of interest with little to no complains.
He wants to be annoyed that he would allow himself to be dragged about like this, but it doesn't come. Being in Naruto's presence does not irritate him the way other people do. That annoys Sasuke, though it's an anger he directs at himself. The disgusting word attachment flashes through his mind, instantaneously causing his eyes to narrow in a grimace.
No, it's nothing that deep. He just had nothing better to do today, and this outing kept the blonde fairly quiet and controlled. There was fully an ulterior motive for his complacency with the day's activities.
"Did you have fun today, teme?" Naruto asks once seated, glancing between the menu and the raven. "It wasn't too bothersome, was it?" He smiles coyly, quickly adding, "I had a lot of fun. I've always wanted to explore bits of Seattle."
Sasuke's initial response of apathy is quelled with that second statement, stomping the retort down before it can get past the raven's lips. Instead, he nods and quietly reassures the blonde that it was a decent day. Seriously, how does he manage to fall into these things?
Attachment. The word whispers through his mind, twisting his stomach up before he can push it away. No. He will not think about that. Instead, he focuses on the menu, drawing his attention to something that can be easily dealt with.
They spend the rest of the meal exchanging casual banter as Naruto praises the many shops they peeked into, and gushes about the items he liked. Sasuke listens half-heartedly, but mostly he watches.
Watches the way Naruto's eyes light up when he speaks of an interest, or the way his mouth quirks up a bit more on one side when he's talking about something that amused him, or the way he twirls his hands about to aid in his storytelling. Sasuke watches, and he grows perturbed at each passing pang of affection that strikes.
Doing his best to keep up appearances and ignore any such feeling, Sasuke continues their afternoon as if nothing is wrong. Even after they leave the restaurant, even as they travel back towards the car, taking in more shops that Naruto missed on the way. Because nothing is wrong, he assures himself. This is just a passing thing. A fleeting construct of lust. It means nothing.
"Hey, hey, Sas. Take a picture with me!" Sasuke turns, jolted out of his thoughts and incredulous that he heard right. Of course, Naruto is an idiot, but is he really so stupid that he would ask that?
"Dobe." The raven states flatly, not gracing him with a direct answer as he starts to walk again.
"Please?" Naruto doesn't give up. "I want something to remember today with. Just one selfie, you know?" The blonde pouts, hooking an arm around Sasuke's waist. "Please?" He begs one more time, throwing puppy dog eyes up at the stoic raven.
Sasuke sighs exasperatedly. It should be illegal for anyone to be able to pout like that. That little blonde brat could get away with murder. He reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone. If it will get him to shut up and leave him alone, then fine. "This is the last thing you can ask for tonight."
"Yeah!" Naruto grins and let's go of Sasuke's waist. The raven scoffs but proceeds to open his front-facing camera, taking in a partial shot of himself with an exuberant blonde behind him, throwing up a peace sign with his tongue out. Sasuke rolls his eyes and points back at the idiot. Snapping the photo, the raven glances at it quickly to see if it was good, pleased that it is. He won't have to take another.
Naruto bounds up to his side, looking at the picture with glee. "Send it to me, teme!"
Sasuke shoots an empty glare at the blonde, but does as requested. "Let's go home now, dobe."
"Okay." Naruto agrees amiably enough, holding true to his word and not pushing for anything more. He turns a bright, sunny smile towards Sasuke, looking sincerely pleased. "Thank you for today. All of it."
Any retort dies in the raven's throat at the innocent earnestness to those words. Not able to lay a grasp on any response, Sasuke simply nods in acknowledgment. It might be his imagination, but it feels like his heartbeat has sped up, and that strange coil in his stomach has tightened further.
He clamps his jaw tight, unwilling to accept any of this further. No. That will not be done. The only tightness he wants to feel in his stomach concerning Naruto is lust, nothing else. He breathes in a deep breath before stepping foot into his car, not sure what to expect on the car ride back home.