Chapter 4
The rest of the week flew by. Naruto and Sasuke hanging out more and more, they were basically inseparable, staying the night at Naruto's most nights and walking to the college together so when Friday night came along, it was barely a surprise that Sasuke tagged along with them to The Pervy Sage.
Sasuke and he waited outside the club for Shikamaru and Kiba, they were leaning against the wall arguing which Avenger was the best when a very pretty girl walked up to Naruto. Naruto was in the middle of telling Sasuke why he thought Sasuke's choice was crazy when he saw Sasuke's eyes look to his side and narrow.
Naruto turned to see what he was looking at when he saw Hinata looking up at him shyly.
Naruto smiled. "Hey, how's it going, Hinata?" He asked, his body shifting towards the girl, he saw Sasuke scowl out of the corner of his eye.
"Um. Good. How about you, Naruto?" She blushed, looking up at him.
"Oh, Sasuke and I are just waiting for Shikamaru and Kiba." He said, gesturing at Sasuke.
Hinata looked at Sasuke, nodding in greeting. Sasuke stiffly nodded back. Naruto shot him a look. What is his problem? At least he isn't trying to hit on her, I guess.
"Well, I should get back to Sakura and them. Maybe I'll see you inside, buy you a drink?" She mumbled.
"Yeah! That sounds good!" Naruto waved as Hinata walked away.
Turning back to Sasuke, Naruto gauged his mood. "Thanks," he said. "For not hitting on her." Sasuke's eyes flicked to Naruto's, looking annoyed.
"I never wanted to hit on any of them." He said under his breath, just nodding and looking away. Naruto opened his mouth to say something but got interrupted by Shikamaru and Kiba finally showing up. Naruto shut his mouth, turning to greet them, but kept an eye on Sasuke.
They moved inside, grabbing drinks and sitting back in their booth. They had a few rounds, laughing a lot and catching up on the last few years since Sasuke had left the group.
"This is my song! Come on! Let's dance!" Kiba got up, jumping up and down. Naruto hopped right up, but Sasuke and Shikamaru took some more coaxing, they finally got up, moving to the dance floor. Naruto and Kiba started moving to the music, dancing ridiculously, making everyone around them laugh. Naruto saw Sasuke standing with his arms crossed, his eyes glued to Naruto.
Smiling, Naruto worked his way over to him. "Hey, why aren't you dancing?"
Sasuke grunted. "I don't like to dance."
"Oh whatever, it's easy, and fun. Just move your body!" Naruto laughed, dancing around him. He leaned his back up against Sasuke, leaning back on him, then moved around in front of him again.
Sasuke's eyes were wide. "Come on, dude!" Naruto put his hands on Sasuke's shoulders as the next song came on. Naruto started moving him from side to side. Sasuke looked from his face to his hands, his eyes even wider.
I do the same thing, I told you that I never would
I told you I changed, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
Finally, he had started to move, slowly at first but getting more into it, keeping his eyes on Naruto. As they moved, Naruto smiled encouragingly at Sasuke. "That's it!" Naruto said, smiling.
I get drunk, wake up, I'm wasted still
I realize the time that I wasted here
I feel like you can't feel the way I feel
I'll be fucked up if you can't be right here
Sasuke slowly smiled back, relaxing a little. Naruto saw his hand reach towards him, his hand hesitantly moving to his hip, Naruto's eyes followed Sasuke's hand, not quite registering what he was seeing.
Oh-whoa (oh-whoa, oh-whoa)
Oh-whoa (oh-whoa)
Oh-whoa (oh-whoa)
His touch felt like fire coursing through his veins. Naruto's eyes darted to Sasuke's, his breath catching. He swallowed, hard. They were barely moving now. Sasuke's other hand moved to the same place, gripping Naruto's shirt.
I'll be fucked up if you can't be right here
I do the same thing, I told you that I never would
I told you I changed, even when I knew I never could
Sasuke took a step closer, his eyes never wavering. Naruto's lips parted, allowing for a shaky breath, drawing Sasuke's eyes down only to flick back up to his eyes. Naruto slid his hands down to the crook of Sasuke's arms. He grasped him a little tighter.
I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
I do the same thing, I told you that I never would
Naruto reached towards Sasuke's face, pausing when he felt something touch his shoulder, dismissing it, he found himself being pulled forward, not by Sasuke's hands on his hips, his hand resting on Sasuke's shoulder again.
I told you I changed, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, yeah
The tap came again, finally getting through to Naruto, who started, breaking the spell. He froze, his heart beating out of his chest. Sasuke yanked his hands back, like they had been burnt, leaving the spots where they had rested feeling too cold. Naruto's hands fell to his sides.
When I'm away from you, I miss your touch (ooh)
You're the reason I believe in love
It's been difficult for me to trust (ooh)
Sasuke opened his mouth to say something, closing it as his eyes slid behind Naruto, narrowing. Looking back at Naruto with an icy yet wistful look in his eye, he turned and walked back to the table.
And I'm afraid that I'ma fuck it up
Ain't no way that I can leave you stranded
'Cause you ain't never left me empty-handed
Naruto watched him walk away, feeling like he was in a fog. As Sasuke reached the table, Naruto turned, looking at the person who had tapped on his shoulder. Seeing Hinata, he forced a smile onto his face.
And you know that I know that I can't live without you
So, baby, stay
Oh-whoa (oh-whoa, oh-whoa)
"Hey Naruto. I was. I was wondering if you wanted to dance?" Hinata said, barely loud enough for Naruto to hear. He leaned forward so he could hear her better, his hands on her shoulders, his eyes darting to the table where Sasuke was. It was empty.
Oh-whoa (oh-whoa)
Oh-whoa (oh-whoa)
I'll be fucked up if you can't be right here
Tearing his eyes from the table, he looked back at Hinata. "Um, wait. What, Hinata? Sorry, I seem to be distracted right now." He gave her an apologetic smile. Naruto glanced around, trying to find Sasuke. Finally, Naruto spotted him at the bar, he had a few shots in front of him.
I do the same thing, I told you that I never would
I told you I changed, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, yeah
"I asked if you wanted to dance." Naruto looked back down at her. She was smiling at him. She was pretty, quiet, sweet, and nice. One of the best people Naruto knew in fact. Naruto smiled at her but couldn't resist looking back up at Sasuke.
I do the same thing, I told you that I never would
I told you I changed, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
Naruto felt a shock go through him. Sasuke was looking right at him. He looked as if he had nothing left in the world. Naruto subconsciously reached for him. Sasuke had noticed his gaze, a look of panic fell over his face as he turned and raced out of the club.
Whoa-oh
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
Naruto started, looking down at Hinata again. He needed to get out of here. "I, um. Sorry Hinata. I can't right now. I need to go. I'll catch you later, okay?" Naruto moved to the exit, not even waiting for an answer.
Busting through the door, Naruto ran into the street, looking one way, then the other, trying to catch a glimpse of Sasuke.
He heard a noise from around the corner of the club, spinning in that direction, he moved. Coming around the corner he found Sasuke. He was standing, facing the wall, head resting on his arm, his other hand was flush against the wall. Naruto could see blood on his knuckles, probably from punching the wall. He was trembling.
Naruto leaned against the wall next to Sasuke's hand, hands in his pockets, not saying anything. He wasn't sure what this was about exactly, but he did know that Sasuke was hurting, and that's all that mattered. He heard Sasuke sniffle a little. Naruto moved his hand, placing it on Sasuke's shoulder furthest from him, gripping him tightly, his head up against the wall, looking up at the sky. Well, what he could see of it.
He felt a hand on his, holding it in place. Naruto squeezed Sasuke's shoulder, pulling him towards him, till Sasuke was leaning on him. Sasuke didn't resist. They stood like that for a while, till Sasuke stopped trembling. Sasuke straightened up, turning to wipe his face before leaning his back against the wall next to Naruto.
Naruto placed his hand back in his pocket, still looking up. He felt his phone go off, sighing he pulled it out to look at it. It was Kiba.
Dude, where did you go? Sakura is on a warpath!
Naruto froze. Oh. Shit. He had totally forgotten how he had blown off Hinata in the club. He glanced at Sasuke who was avoiding his eye. Looking back at his phone, he typed a quick message.
Oh shit. Tell Hinata and Sakura I'm sorry. Sasuke and I are heading home for the night. I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Yeah if you LIVE till tomorrow. Run dude!
Naruto pushed himself off the wall. "Um. Let's get out of here. Wanna go back to my place and watch a movie or something?" Sasuke looked at him, surprised.
"Don't you want to stay? Dance with Hinata?" He could see the effort it took for him to not scowl.
Naruto looked him in the eye. "I'd rather hang out with you. Let's go." He started walking. "Besides, if I go back into that club right now, I'm a dead man. On more than one level." Sasuke started following him.
"What do you mean?" Naruto chuckled, walking a little faster, hand on the back of his neck.
Naruto laughed nervously. "Well, you see. I might have blown Hinata off. Just a little. And left her on the dance floor. Alone. Sooooo."
"So, Sakura is currently on the hunt." Naruto glanced at Sasuke, nodding. "Well, I guess we should get you out of here, so you live to see tomorrow huh?" Sasuke picked up the pace.
They heard the door slam open behind them.
"Oh, Naruto!" Sang a scary sounding Sakura.
They looked at each other, eyes wide, both of them breaking into a run at the same time. They ran the whole way to Naruto's house, laughing and pushing each other over once they had arrived. Naruto ended up on the ground, laying on his back, trying to catch his breath. Sasuke was next to him taking deep breaths.
Finally feeling like he could get up, he stood, holding a hand out to help Sasuke to his feet.
"Well, it looks like we lost her at least. She has gotten fast, that's for sure." He said as Sasuke got to his feet, chuckling.
"I haven't been that scared since we decorated her room in the poop emoji stickers and merch."
Naruto laughed, clutching his side. "Stop making me laugh, it hurts damnit." Naruto wheezed, still laughing and wincing. Sasuke snorted, holding his hand out.
"Keys, knucklehead." Sasuke said. Naruto handed over his keys, leaning against the wall, catching his breath again while Sasuke unlocked the door, letting them inside. Sasuke went and cleaned up his hand, bandaging it.
They decided to make a snack for the movie, this time Naruto insisting on doing everything under the direction of Sasuke who sat at the island. Presenting Sasuke with a haphazardly arranged plate, he beamed at Sasuke.
"See? Not bad right?" Sasuke looked at the plate, his eyes going wide, looking almost incredulously at Naruto. Once their eyes met though, his expression softened.
"It looks really good, Naruto. Good job." He smiled at Naruto.
Naruto's chest felt tight as he looked at Sasuke who took a bite of the food on the plate.
"Mmmmm. You're definitely getting better." Naruto's grin got bigger.
"Thanks, Sasuke."
Sitting down, they put on a movie, one they had seen a million times but could still laugh at. After the movie they both cleaned up, took turns showering and then laid down in the room. Sasuke had fallen asleep pretty quickly, being tired from stress and the run.
Naruto was restless. He kept remembering what happened at the club, he would try to think of something else, but he couldn't. Sighing, he sat up slowly, being careful to be quiet. He grabbed his phone as well as his earbuds, putting them in and turning his music on. Sighing, he leaned against the wall, his head against it.
A song popped up on the station that struck a chord in Naruto. Grabbing his phone, he added it to his normal playlist and put the song on repeat. Nodding his head to the music, he hummed the melody. He had forgotten that he liked this song, he hadn't listened to it in a long while now, but the words came back easily for him as he hummed along. When the song ended, Naruto heard a shout. Taking one earbud out, Naruto sat up, leaning forward so he could see Sasuke.
He saw that he was moving around, almost thrashing. He was grunting too. Shit. Must be a bad one. Naruto got off the bed, crouching next to Sasuke, putting his phone and earbud on the ground behind Sasuke, he used his hand to rub Sasuke's back, trying to calm him down. Sasuke kept grunting, moving around.
Naruto hesitated for a split second before standing up, stepping over Sasuke and crouching back down. Pulling the blankets to the side, he slipped into the bed with Sasuke. He laid on his side, facing Sasuke, putting his arm over Sasuke's waist, he moved closer, their noses and their bodies almost touching. The song started over again.
I want to feel your wreckage, it's a firestorm
I'm falling like a loaded weapon in your arms
He started humming softly to the song, running his hand up and down Sasuke's back.
"Paranoid it might be reckless, no matter what I say
It's only going to steal your breath and slip away"
Naruto sang softly as he watched Sasuke's face relax.
"I don't want to dive in first
You don't want to hear these words"
Naruto's eyes drank in Sasuke's face.
"It's only going to make it worse
You don't want to live that curse"
Sasuke's face was smooth. Naruto itched to run his fingers along his cheekbone.
"You're telling me to keep my hope
Cause you've got a heart of gold"
His eyes moved to Sasuke's closed ones, he could see them darting under his eye lids.
"But maybe you should let me go
I'll love you through a periscope"
Naruto continued to sing softly, feeling Sasuke's body relaxing under his arm. The contact was making Naruto burn up.
"You wear your heart so fearless, it's like it doesn't beat
You push away my demons when they torture me"
Naruto's eyes slid closed, still singing softly.
"Don't think that I can fight this pressure pulling me underneath
It's like I've got the whole world tied around my feet
I don't want to dive in first"
He felt Sasuke shift under his arm. Naruto opened his eyes, meeting Sasuke's black ones. He was instantly entranced, his breath catching.
"You don't want to hear these words
It's only going to make it worse
You don't want to live that curse"
"What song are you listening to?" Sasuke asked softly, not looking away. Instead of answering, Naruto leaned up a little, reaching behind Sasuke to grab his discarded earbud, bringing his face closer to Sasuke's. He saw Sasuke shift his head, keeping eye contact.
"You're telling me to keep my hope
Because you've got a heart of gold
But maybe you should let me go
I'll love you through a periscope"
He placed the earbud in Sasuke's ear, placing his head back down exactly where it had been. His breathing was a little shaky. His hand had lingered and was cupping the side of Sasuke's head and neck, his thumb on his cheek. He kept it there.
I don't want to dive in first
You don't want to hear these words
Naruto started moving his thumb back and forth, caressing Sasuke's cheek. Sasuke's hand moved to rest against the middle of Naruto's chest. Naruto could feel his heart beating against Sasuke's hand.
It's only going to make it worse
But you don't want to live that curse
Naruto moved his arm back down to Sasuke's waist, wrapping behind him and reaching slightly under him, pulling him a little closer, their bodies pressing against each other now. Their gazes held steady.
You're telling me to keep my hope
Because you've got a heart of gold
Naruto's heart felt like it was racing, his breathing was shaky at best as he fell into Sasuke's eyes. Sasuke shifted his head, their noses now touching.
"But maybe you should let me go
I'll love you through a periscope"
Sasuke started to sing softly. Naruto's lips parted, his hand gripping Sasuke's waist, he slipped his leg over Sasuke's, pulling him yet closer.
"Oh, oh, through a periscope
Oh, oh, I-I'll love you through a periscope"
They both sang. As the song ended, Naruto leaned forward the couple of centimeters that were between them, pressing his lips against Sasuke's.
Naruto felt like he was exploding as his lips moved against Sasuke's. He was breathless before he even began. He pulled back for a second, taking a deep breath and looking at Sasuke. His eyes flew open as Naruto had pulled away, a panicked look in them, his body tensing up. His cheeks were flushed, his lips parted. Naruto moved his hand up, running his finger between Sasuke's brows, pressing out the wrinkles there.
Moving his hand down, he cupped Sasuke's face, watching as the panic faded from his face, leaning into Naruto's hand. Naruto leaned forward, kissing him again, this time pressing forward, pushing to make Sasuke lay on his back.
Naruto rolled with him, putting one leg between Sasuke's and propping himself on his elbow as he continued kissing him. Sasuke moaned softly, his hands moving to Naruto's back, pulling him closer. Naruto moved his head to the side, moving his kisses to Sasuke's cheek, down his jaw and onto his neck, nipping a little at the skin there.
Sasuke squirmed under him. Naruto became aware of something moving on his leg, he paused his kissing, looking at Sasuke with wide eyes. Sasuke was getting a boner. Because Naruto was kissing his neck. Sasuke looked panicked, trying not to move and make it worse. Naruto felt himself grow hard in response. Fuck.
Naruto smirked, leaning forward, capturing Sasuke's lips again, his breathing barely under control. Tentatively, he pressed his hips down a little. Sasuke let out a moan into the kiss, clutching Naruto and squirming.
Naruto grunted, he was getting really turned on.
Wait. Stop. You should talk about this. A little voice said in the back of his mind. Naruto ignored it, moving his lips back to Sasuke's throat, pressing his hips down again. Sasuke slapped a hand over his mouth to cover the moan, his other hand was in Naruto's hair, pulling him closer.
"Naruto." Sasuke gasped, his body pressed against Naruto.
Naruto groaned, pausing his kisses, took a deep breath and lifted his head to look at Sasuke. Sighing, he brushed the backs of his knuckles against Sasuke's cheek, smiling a little at the blush he saw there. Gods. How could he have not seen it before?
Everything clicked. Sasuke had started interfering in Naruto's love life, not to get the girls, but to try and get Naruto. He fought people to defend him, even when Naruto hated his guts.
Naruto widened his eyes. "Sasuke…" He whispered; he saw as every one of Sasuke's masks fell. "All this time?"
"Yes." Sasuke said breathlessly.
"Fuck. I'm an idiot." Sasuke's eyes widened as he nodded his agreement. Naruto kissed him. "I'm sorry." He kissed him again. "Gods. Why didn't you knock some sense into me?"
Sasuke looked up at him, a smile on his face. "Because I love you." He said simply, taking Naruto's breath away.
"Why- What- Damnit." Naruto took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a minute to ground himself. "How did you figure it out?" He opened them again, looking into Sasuke's eyes.
"You told me that you loved me. You were black out drunk. But. It changed something in me and I just. I knew. Everything clicked." Sasuke whispered, looking at Naruto with amazement. "Though apparently all I had to do was stay your friend and dance with you to get what I wanted." Naruto chuckled.
"Well, then I guess we both get to do a lot of making up for lost time. Don't we?" Naruto asked, kissing Sasuke softly before laying back down next to him, wrapping his arms around him and holding him close.
Sasuke chuckled, laying his head on Naruto's chest. "Yeah, I guess so." His fingers traced over Naruto's bare chest, electricity flowing through him. "Hey, Naruto?"
"Mmm?"
"Why were you laying down with me?" Naruto tensed a little, relaxing almost immediately.
"You have nightmares." Sasuke tensed up.
"How do you know that?" He asked quietly. Naruto rubbed his hand up and down Sasuke's bare arm.
"You stay the night a lot. Generally I rub your back till you relax, but this seemed like a particularly bad night and that wasn't working. So I came up with something new." Naruto spoke softly, kissing the top of Sasuke's head.
Naruto felt Sasuke turn his face into his chest, hiding it. Naruto moved his hand to rest under Sasuke's chin, gently directing his face up to look at Naruto. He smiled sadly.
"I'm sorry I left you alone with them for so long. I just. I didn't realize." He caressed Sasuke's cheek, brushing some hair out of his face.
Sasuke propped himself up a little, looking into Naruto's eyes. He moved on top of Naruto, their foreheads touching, closing his eyes. "I'm just glad you finally see." Naruto placed both hands on either side of Sasuke's face, looking into his eyes. He brushed Sasuke's hair out of his face, holding him softly.
"I do see. Thank the gods. I do see." Bringing Sasuke's face to his, Naruto captured his mouth with his own, moving his lips gently against Sasuke's. It was a long, slow, deep kiss. When they broke off the kiss, both of them were breathing heavily.
Naruto wrapped both arms around Sasuke, turning onto his side and bringing Sasuke with him, his face in the crook of Sasuke's neck, breathing him in. They laid like that for a time, Arms wrapped around each other, just enjoying finally being close.
"Sasuke?" Naruto asked softly.
"Mmm?" Sasuke hummed.
"I love you too."