Author Note: The response from the first chapter has been insane! I'm so so fucking happy that you guys are equally as excited as I am.

Here ya go! :)

A few weeks had passed since meeting Naruto and he couldn't get the fashionable blonde out of his head. It didn't help that Sakura kept talking nonstop about his designs. He'd caught himself searching up his name and admiring pictures of him. And there were a lot. None were about his private life unfortunately but there were numerous magazine and fashion show snapshots. All as alluring as he was. At least Sakura just thought he was interested in seeing the designs, not pictures of the designer himself.

He saw Karin was calling so he threw his work to the side and answered.

"Hey."

Dude, I took Aiko to the fitting and the designer was there. Why didn't you tell me he was so fucking cute?

He fidgeted in his seat, "Why would I tell you that?" As if he'd willingly give her ammo for her to relentlessly tease him.

Because he is! Aiko has been talking about him nonstop and I see why. He's super fucking nice. And cute. So fucking cute.

The words slipped out before he could hold them back, "He is." Well, there goes that fucking ammo.

Did – did you just agree? Oooooh.

He heard her whisper something to what sounded like Suigetsu.

Well we invited him for drinks later. If you wanted to come.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the sly tone, "He agreed?" His heart thundered in his chest at the opportunity to see Naruto again and in a casual setting better than he'd hoped for. He was dying to get to know Naruto more and if he had to put up with Karin's teasing in order to spend time with him then it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

Hell yeah, we got along well. We bullshitted for a good hour in his office.

He hoped his daughter wasn't around to hear her foul language. It'd taken them months to get her to stop using shit constantly.

Sasuke had to admit he felt slightly jealous that she got to connect with him for that long without Sakura. "What time?"

He could practically hear her smirk through the phone.

8 at ANBU.

"I'll be there."

Now he just needed to figure out how to cancel his date with Sakura. They didn't live together but she was at his apartment 75% of the time and still asked for a minimum of 2 dates a week. Honestly, most of the dates included shopping and ended with her irritated that he wouldn't buy her most of the items she wanted.

Then he remembered the one person she was terrified of: Itachi. His brother would happily agree to cover for him with whatever excuse he saw fit.

He might as well get it over with.

Hey baby!

He cut straight to the point, "I can't make our date today."

What? Why? I don't want to go shopping by myself.

Probably because she wouldn't be able to get him to pay for anything if he wasn't there.

He smirked, "Why not?"

I – uh – because it's our date night. Why are you canceling?

"Itachi needs me to – "

Okay whatever.

Worked like a charm. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Fine. Bye.

She sounded extremely irritated, but he couldn't find it in him to give a single fuck right now. He was free for the night.

ANBU was a hole-in-the-wall bar near their old university. They'd frequented it a lot then and still occasionally met up here. Every time he walked through the door and heard the chatter and smell of booze with cigs felt like visiting an old family home. The bartenders waved at him in greeting, knowing them all well. Itachi had even had a brief stint bartending here, wanting to do something different. It'd made for some fun nights.

By the time he got there, Karin, Suigetsu, and Naruto were already there sitting near the pool tables. The sly assholes had chosen a booth out of all the other seats available. Subtly leaving the only spot open next to Naruto.

"Hey."

"Sasuke!" Suigetsu greeted him excitedly, "About fucking time."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "It's 8:05."

He leaned over and gave Karin a peck on the side of her head. He wasn't really sure how to greet Naruto but the blonde initiated the contact anyway with a handshake.

"Nice to meet you again, Sasuke."

God his voice was so damn smooth. The blonde was wearing crisp indigo suit shorts that ended mid-thigh and showed off his muscular tan thighs (goddamn). His shirt was a transparent white button-up with indigo and canary yellow watercolors that expertly covered his nipples and stomach (much to Sasuke's dismay).

He knew the look was technically casual, but it looked anything but. His golden blonde hair was in a braided updo. How the fuck was he supposed to sit next to him when he looked like that?! He took his seat next to Naruto, feeling the warmth of Naruto's body next to him. They weren't touching but the blonde radiated heat like a furnace.

"Same here."

Suigetsu's eyes twinkled in mischief, "Shots!" It seemed he was ready to get them fucked up.

The couple quickly left the booth and headed towards the bar. Sasuke's felt warning bells go off his mind. Those two were definitely up to something.

Naruto turned to Sasuke and snapped his fingers, "Before I forget – "

Sasuke felt his breath leave his body when he saw just how gorgeous Naruto was up close. At this super close distance, he could see the depth of his eyes. It was hypnotizing just how blue they were. How many fucking shades of blue are there in the world? It felt like his eyes were mixed with all of them. He didn't have eyeshadow on this time, opting only for eyeliner. There was a light dusting of freckles across his nose and thin scars on his cheek, making him look equal parts ethereal and mischievous. Like a sly fox. Fuck he's so cute.

Naruto pulled out his phone, "I finished Aiko's dress." He held out his phone, letting Sasuke see the pictures. Karin had yet to show him the pictures, so he was seeing them for the first time.

A dazzling smile split on his face as he saw Aiko's excited grin as she twirled in her dress. It looked like literal work of art. It had cascading ruffles at the end of every layer in shades of mauve, lavender, and periwinkle. It had a sweetheart neckline and a mixture of silk and lace. It ended just above her ankles which was a perfect idea when he saw the video of her running and jumping around in happiness. The next picture showed the close-up of silk and Swarovski butterflies.

How the fuck did Naruto do this out of a picture his daughter drew? She looked like a literal princess from a royal family. All she was missing was a tiara. This is why Naruto was so sought after and he could really see (for the hundredth time) why Sakura wanted Naruto's work. The details woven in. The lush material. He knew it would be supple to the touch.

He felt his eyes sting as he fought back tears, he was so damn happy and he could just see the way his daughter radiated her pure delight, "Naruto – wow – this is. I can't describe it."

He could see the care and love in Naruto's design. The amount of heart he put in this just for Aiko. He hadn't seen the other dresses they'd ordered yet but he just knew in his heart that the one Naruto made for Aiko was more special than the others.

"Your reaction describes everything," Naruto murmured as he smiled. The way Sasuke's onyx eyes shined with unshed tears and that wolfish smile spoke volumes on the stoic face he'd seen around Sakura. "You should've seen her face. Karin cried." He playfully whispered, "Don't tell her I told you though."

Sasuke chuckled, "Secret's safe with me." Sasuke couldn't fight the flutters in his stomach at the charming smile the man had.

Karin and Suigetsu broke the intimate moment carrying a tray full of shots. How fucked up were they trying to get them?!

She placed a few shots in front of them. He could see the twitch in her lips that she wanted to smirk. "What are you two talking about?"

Naruto took a shot and breathed out the sting of the clear liquor, "Aiko's dress."

Karin placed a hand over her heart and gushed. "Sasuke, you should've seen it in person. It was magical."

Sasuke hummed in agreement, "I just saw the pictures." He glanced at Naruto, feeling warmth in his chest at the way Naruto beamed.

Karin's eyes sparkled like they always did when she spoke, saw, or even thought of her daughter, "She couldn't stop giggling and talking about it." Karin was an incredible mom, regardless of her occasional crude personality and sailor mouth.

Suigetsu cackled, "It took forever to get her to sleep! Kiddo was so wired. I had to read her 4 bedtime stories." He fondly wrapped his arm around Karin's shoulder and pulled her close to him. She huffed and pushed away his face, fighting back a blush.

"So Naruto, how did you get into fashion design?"

The blonde threw back another shot, "Well, I grew up in an orphanage, so I had to learn how to fix hand-me-downs since the clothes were either too big or too small. Plus they weren't always in the best conditions so I had to sew and stuff. A lot of the other kids loved the clothes so I learned how to alter their clothes too. Once I aged out of the system I was homeless for a bit and – "

Suigetsu's jaw dropped, "I'm sorry what? You were homeless?"

Sasuke almost choked as he took a shot.

"Yeah just for a bit though. Less than a year." Naruto brushed it off so casually. It was insane.

"Holy fuck." Sasuke couldn't believe his ears. This stunning incredible man – he just – was so fascinating. Sasuke was holding on to every word spilling out of his mouth.

"Then I started working at a ramen shop, that's actually around the time my cousin found me. Apparently, he'd been searching for me for years. Managed to find a job in the fashion industry and eventually got to where I am!"

Karin took another shot then asked, "Have you been in Fashion Week?"

He grinned proudly, "Yeah! Mainly Paris and Milan. Once in New York."

Suigetsu was astounded. "That's incredible dude."

"How does it feel to have all these snobby people wanting your designs?" Karin had to ask because she couldn't imagine having to dress conceited rich bitches. Or just conceited bitches like Sakura. She'd be having fistfights constantly.

Naruto sheepishly laughed, "I try to see the best in people. Plus, a portion of the earnings goes back to the charity my cousin runs. So technically I turn their arrogance to a positive. Even if they don't know it."

He turned to Sasuke, "Your wedding planner and her husband are best friends with him. My cousin owed them a favor and well – he's done so much for me – I agreed."

"Well, I'll have to thank them."

"I'm sure Sakura couldn't stop boasting about it." Karin snarled, imagining how fucking annoying she got.

Well, that wasn't a lie so Sasuke couldn't deny the comment.

Naruto didn't want to know but he also did, "How did you and your fiancé meet?" As much as he felt drawn to Sasuke, knowing he was taken and engaged, made him determined to hold himself back. He was many things but a homewrecker wasn't one of them. Even if it stung that the one person that made him feel seen and excited was taken.

Karin interrupted before Sasuke could answer, "She wouldn't leave him alone so he just gave in. This idiot doesn't want to bother dating and is settling."

Naruto nervously smiled. He hadn't wanted to start an argument. "I take it you don't like her?"

"I don't hate her. She's just not likable. She's too conceited sometimes."

"Karin," Sasuke warned.

She waved his warning away, "Yeah yeah. As long as she doesn't fuck with my daughter." She motioned slitting a throat. "Then she's fucking dead."

Sasuke fought back irritation, "She's my daughter too." Karin wasn't the only one that could protect her. He was equally as protective of Aiko.

Karin tried to placate him, "I know. I'm sorry. I trust you."

Naruto tried to break the tension he felt in the air, "Does your family like her?"

Sasuke cleared his throat, "Uh – not so much. My mom and brother find her annoying. My dad passed away a few years back."

Naruto looked at the depth of his dark eyes, "Oh I'm sorry."

"Don't be, he could be a dick sometimes." He jokingly added. He missed his dad, he was a stoic man and quite strict, but always wanted the best for him. And he'd doted after his mother ridiculously.

"Still sorry." He stated firmly.

Sasuke shrugged, fighting back the urge to duck his head, "Thank you."

They continued the conversation for another 45 minutes, sharing their university memories with Naruto. The blonde had been cackling for so long his stomach stung with soreness. He'd been fascinated hearing the stories of Sasuke's past. The man was so stoic and hearing him laugh openly and joke around had been endearing.

Karin checked the time on her phone, "We have to go. We have plans for the rest of the night."

Suigetsu winked, "We are going to do the sex."

Karin smacked him over the head, "Dumbass."

"You didn't deny it babe." Suigetsu sing-songed.

Naruto grinned, "Bye guys, thank you for inviting me!"

Karin and Suigetsu left and Sasuke felt a rush of panic spread through his body, he didn't want the night to end yet. He'd been dying to get to know Naruto. To see him. And now that he was here he didn't want the night to end. He wasn't ready.

He blurted out, "Want another drink?"

Naruto bit his lip in thought. He knew spending more time with Sasuke would just make him like Sasuke more but he was determined to keep his distance. No matter how difficult. "Yeah."

Sasuke quickly went to get them some drinks, only stumbling a bit after all the shots he'd taken. He returned with two whiskey sours and handed Naruto his.

"So how did you propose." As much as it stung to ask, it was a constant reminder that Sasuke was taken and Naruto was determined to remember it.

Sasuke didn't want to talk about Sakura. "I didn't really. She just suggested we should get married, and I agreed. I felt maybe having a mother figure at home would be good for Aiko."

Naruto tilted his head to the side, "But you love her right?"

Sasuke shrugged, "Yeah sure."

"You don't sound so sure."

Sasuke paused, thinking about how to express his thoughts, "I don't really have anything to compare it to."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh. Well – ". He took a sip of his drink, "Well… I guess if I was engaged, I'd want to feel crazy about them. Like I'd know without a doubt how much I love him."

Sasuke couldn't fight the skip of his heart at the word him. He hadn't been sure if dated men but now he knew. Naruto was so passionate. He radiated it. He knew deep in his heart that when Naruto loved he'd love fiercely without a shadow of a doubt.

Naruto placed his hand on top of Sasuke's and squeezed it. "I'm sorry, I'm out of line. I shouldn't be questioning your relationship like that."

Sasuke fought the urge to interlace their fingers together, "No, you're right. I just – didn't think of it that way." It felt like he was back in school learning about a new subject he had no idea about. It all felt so complex and unknown.

The blonde ran a finger around the rim of the glass, "What does Sakura think of Aiko?"

She competes with her for my attention.

He ran his hand through his dark hair, "She accepts that Aiko is a part of me. Comes as a package."

Naruto gave him a tightlipped smile, "That's good. Aiko deserves the best. She has a big heart."

Sasuke's face lit up, "She does."

Naruto eyed him in a way that made Sasuke almost blush. It was so intense like he was being analyzed and those eyes were so good at disarming him. "Your face lights up so much when speaking about Aiko. That's how I would want to feel for my fiancé."

Sasuke blurted out before he could stop himself. He had to ask the question he'd been itching to since he'd laid eyes on Naruto, "Are you dating anyone?"

Naruto shook his head, "No. I've been in relationships but they've never worked out. I just feel so much, ya know?" He gulped down the rest of his drink. "Maybe I have too much empathy. None of them gave me that feeling. Where love just pours out of me."

"Like when your designing?" Sasuke pointed out, remembering the way Naruto shines when showing or seeing his designs.

"Like that! That passion and love."

Sasuke placed his cheek on his fist and gazed at Naruto. He wanted to tell him what a work of art he was. How fascinating and resilient he was. How much he admired the blonde. He wanted to reach over and tuck that loose piece of blond hair behind his ear. Touch his supple skin, see if it's as soft as it looks. Kiss him.

Kiss him?

"I can see it."

Naruto blushed at the intense stare, "Fuck. I'm so sorry Sasuke. I'm really crossing the line. I shouldn't be judging your life and – "

Sasuke gave him a genuine smile, "Naruto, I promise. It's okay. I like hearing you talk."

Naruto shyly smiled, "I like hearing you talk too."

The brunette cocked his head towards the pool table, "Want to play?"

His sapphire eyes set ablaze with competition, "You're on!"

"Go start and I'll get more drinks. Want something else?" He slid off the booth and Naruto followed.

"Nah, whiskey sour is good."

He set up the game and handed Sasuke a cue. Their fingers brushed and Sasuke almost dropped the fucking cue.

Okay, it might've been a double-edged sword asking Naruto to play pool. It was fun being able to spend more time with him and compete. But that also meant he got to see every curve and muscle on his body. The shirt was transparent completely on his back so he could see his shoulders and back muscles flex with every movement.

If he bent over at a certain angle Sasuke could see the dimples of his back and the stretch of the suit shorts over each globe of his ass.

Holy fuck.

How was he supposed to play with this man looking sinful in front of him? He was quickly having to improvise ways to hide his rapidly growing boner.

Not like Naruto was any better. He was struggling to avert his eyes away from Sasuke's body.

The subconscious subtle touches were tantalizing them.

After 5 games, where Naruto won 4 because Sasuke was ridiculously distracted, they ended up grabbing hot dogs outside the bar. Being so close to the university there were a lot of places to grab cheap snacks and food.

They munched on their hotdogs leaning against a brick wall. They were fumbling all over the place bursting with laughs and Naruto quickly dirtied himself up with ketchup.

"Dobe, you got ketchup on your shirt."

Naruto brushed it off, "It's just Dior."

Sasuke almost spit out his hotdog, "Isn't that expensive?"

"I get sent clothes for free." Naruto pointed out. "Plus I think my dry cleaner could get it out. She's gotten worse off."

Sasuke scowled, not wanting to think about the stains that lovers –

Naruto squawked, "Not those type pervert! I meant paint and wine. Blood one time."

"Blood?"

"I got into a fight with some asshole at a fashion show. He was harassing one of the models."

He shook his head in disbelief, "And he's a knight in shining armor. Dior armor."

Naruto cackled, "I guess." He finished his hot dog and chugged down his water.

There was a lull in the conversation and they both knew the night was drawing to a close. He ducked his head because regardless of how much fun he'd had. How much he'd loved spending time with Sasuke. It didn't change anything. The man was getting married and he was the one designing the very dress of his fiancé.

A fiancé that happened to be calling at that very moment. Sasuke didn't want to answer but he knew that Sakura would either keep calling or show up at his home.

"Hey."

Sasuke where are you?!

She was talking so loud that Naruto could hear her clearly even though the phone wasn't on speaker. It just reinforced everything he felt. He took this as an opportunity to leave so he waved goodbye to Sasuke and left as fast as he could.

He took a car to his house and threw all of his emotions on paper for the rest of the night.

Author Note: Any favorite parts? :)