Naruto rose to consciousness, first becoming aware of a bright light against his eyelids. The sun. He took in a deep breath, and slowly cracked his eyes open as he woke up. Then he became aware of a weight on his chest. And the first emotion that filled Naruto that day was none other than dread.
He felt someone's legs tangled up in his own, and someone laying half on his chest. His arm was wrapped around their back, keeping them barred against his chest. "They," what am I kidding myself? I know who it is…
Naruto steeled his nerves and looked dreadingly to his chest… to meet an onyx gaze perfectly mirroring his own in horror. Sasuke and the blonde sat frozen for a second, and then they both snapped out of it.
Sasuke made another high pitched squeal like the day before, and Naruto yelled. They both scrambled backwards, and Naruto backed up until he hit the headboard. Sasuke kept scrambling backwards until he almost fell off the end of the bed, and only the glue and Naruto's arm kept him balanced-leaning precariously over the edge.
Once the panicked scramble was over, they met gazes from across the bed.
"What the hell was that?!" Sasuke demanded, his voice high and face flushed.
"What are you asking me for?! You were the one laying on my chest!" Naruto squeaked out.
"Well, YOU had your arm keeping me chained to you!"
"Why does this always happen!?" Naruto yelled.
"I DONT KNOW!" Sasuke looked to be on the verge of tears, Naruto would have laughed had it been literally any other situation. "THANK GOD WE DIDN'T SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE LAKE LIKE KIBA SUGGESTED."
Naruto's heart actually stopped at the thought of such an embarrassing situation. "Oi, you're right. HOLD UP. What time is it?!"
They both snapped their heads to the window, and then sighed in relief when they saw it was only dawn. Sasuke had his bed positioned so that whenever the sun rose first thing in the morning it would shine through and wake you up.
So THAT'S how Sasuke is always on time.
Naruto and Sasuke looked at eachother, met gazes, and immediately looked away. The Uzumaki slapped his cheeks, willing them to stop being so red. "Let's just go eat breakfast," Naruto suggested. Ready to get that embarrassing moment purged from his mind. And he was absolutely NOT still thinking about Sasuke's face when he saw him on his chest.
Sasuke cooked the most mindless thing possible: eggs and toast. He was still reeling from that wake up. The day before they had had to scramble to get out the door as soon as they woke up, so they had not had the chance to think over what had happened. But now… it was the only thing on Sasuke's mind.
He had woken up snuggled up to Naruto's chest, with the blonde's arm hugging him tightly against him. Then he had looked up and gotten trapped in a gaze as blue as the skies.
Why does my heart race like this? It wasn't this way yesterday or the day before.
Sasuke sat down across the table from Naruto, and then realized that it would be impossible to cut his eggs or butter his toast with one hand. He looked in fear at Naruto: and found the blonde cutting his eggs with his fork and eating his toast without butter.
Of course. Why didn't I think of that?! That way we don't have to do any aggravating collaboration. My head is so jumbled, what's wrong with me? I ran into an issue, and looked straight to Naruto in fear. This is ridiculous. I hate this! Why can't this stupid glue just-
"Is it always like this?"
Huh? Sasuke looked at Naruto, and it finally processed that the blonde had asked him a question. They had eaten in silence up until now, it had really caught Sasuke off guard to hear Naruto's voice. "Er, what do you mean?"
Naruto gestured around the room with his fork, "Waking up. Is it always this peaceful? It's so quiet here, and you wake with the sun. I can hear all the birds chirping as they wake up for the day, and everything just feels so… zen."
Sasuke looked blankly at the tan boy. He seems… appreciative of my house. Why does it make my stomach twist this way?! I didn't expect him to take such notice of details… he always acts like such a clueless baka all the time, I guess Naruto really does take in his surroundings in detail. It's no wonder that he is a genin. And here I thought he had no skills for observation at all.
"Ya. I guess it is."
"Hah, it's always super loud at my place when I wake up!"
Sasuke quirked an eyebrow. Naruto's apartment hadn't seemed loud at all to him the previous morning.
Naruto blushed the slightest bit, and explained himself. "I mean, I know it's not actually loud, per say… but… like, it's loud. Like it always is in the village! It's loud with the constant feeling of other people bustling around. It's hard to hear, but if you pay attention you can always hear the "burr" of a village, the sound when there is a large amount of people around. Then here, all you hear is silence and birds and nature! Not the organized chaos of society. The atmosphere is peaceful rather than chaotic. Hahaha, I'm rambling! I probably sound like an idiot!" Nauto laughed. "Heh, I'm not a good speaker! All I'm tryin' to say is that your place feels calmer than mine. Is it always like that?"
What? Who WAS this guy?! Since when was Naruto so observant?! "The organized chaos of society," he had said. Was this dobe secretly smart behind all that density of his skull?!
I kinda like it. I guess it's more fun to talk to someone who isn't a complete total dunce. I never knew Naruto could be this way. He seems relaxed and more off guard. I guess my house is quiet like he's saying it is… it really does help me calm down at the end of the day.
"I understand," Sasuke responded. "And yes, it is always like this."
"Nice, I like this place."
Sasuke nodded, not sure how to respond.
"I didn't know you were so observant," Sasuke said.
"Was that… a compliment?" Naruto asked teasingly.
Sasuke inhaled sharply, he hadn't thought about what he was going to say before he said it. "No! Of course not!" He then added "Usuratonkachi," just for good measure.
Naruto chuckled, "Just messin' with you! And I guess I AM pretty observant, aren't I?"
"Great. Just what your ego needs. More stoking," Sasuke deadpanned.
Naruto laughed.
Sauske watched in surprise, and his stomach did a little flip. I made Naruto laugh again.
Naruto sighed at the end of his laugh and looked at Sasuke.
I didn't realize he was so funny.
Naruto had started the conversation wanting to get his mind off of the waking up thing… both of the times, for that matter. It had been the only thing on his mind, and he could tell that it was the only thing on Sasuke's as well. So he had said the first thing he could think of.
Oddly enough, this was he and Sasuke's first real conversation without being on guard and being rude. It was nice talking to Sasuke. He really wasn't as big of a douchebag as Naruto had thought. He listened to what Naruto said. Usually when Naruto talked like that people would ignore him, so he usually only talked big about how he would be Hokage and beat everyone at everything.
Sure, Naruto wasn't the sharpest kunai in the set, even he knew that. But he could tell that Sasuke generally talked about other people, and not about himself. He didn't know why, but for some reason Naruto wanted to hear Sasuke talk about himself.
That will be my goal for the day!
Sasuke walked with Naruto to the bridge. They would be on time this day, thank goodness. The raven looked over to his blonde companion. Naruto was walking with a particular skip in his step. Sasuke knew what it was about.
"Heehee, I'm an Uchiha now!"
Naruto had said that once he had donned Sasuke's clothes, and henceforth the Uchiha crest. The tan boy now walked beside Sasuke in Uchiha garb. The raven had refused to wear matching outfits, which had been Naruto's original suggestion, so while Sasuke wore his usual white shorts and navy shirt he had the blonde wearing a gray shirt and black shorts. Naruto did not have a pair of Sasuke's "shirtless-sleeves" as Naruto called them. Usuratonkachi, shirtless-sleeves. What a stupid thing to say. He almost made me laugh when I heard it, it sounds so ridiculous. I had to turn away to hide my smile.
Every once in a while the dumb blonde would hide half of his face in the high collar of the Uchiha shirt then giggle like a little kid, and pop his head back out. Naruto was in the middle of doing it again right at that moment. Sasuke yanked their joined hands to the side to stop him. "Cut that out, usuratonkachi. You're making yourself look like more of a dobe than you already are. Though it amazes me how that is even possible."
Naruto laughed and responded, "I'm just doing what you do, Sasuke!"
"Wha-I do not do that!"
The two of them bickered down the street, gathering many strange glances. It wasn't every day that two young ninja shared clothes. It was unheard of, actually. Sasuke ignored the looks, as Naruto had taught him to. Their bickering was different today, it was all playful, and they were not actually trying to bother each other.
Sasuke was not sure what had changed… but he liked the change.
The raven sighed inwardly, he knew what had changed. They were getting to know eachother better, becoming friends. Though Naruto had proclaimed that they already were.
The two of them arrived at the bridge, at the time Sasuke would always arrive, which meant before Sakura.
"Wow, it feels so strange getting here early!" Naruto exclaimed.
"This is not what it feels like to be early, but what it feels like to be on time."
"Well since I am an Uchiha today, it only makes sense that I would arrive early!"
"First of all, I just told you that we are just on time, not early. We could have been early, had you not messed around for so long in the bathroom. Second, you are not an Uchiha, you are just wearing the crest."
"Aw, come on, Sasuke! I'm an Uchiha today! And you wore my crest yesterday, so you were an Uzumaki yesterday!"
"You know the red swirl is the crest of the Village Hidden in the Eddies, and not necessarily the Uzumaki crest, correct?"
"That's what the old man told me, but I like to think that the red swirl is the Uzumaki crest! And that way all of the village's chunin and jonin are always wearing the Uzumaki crest in honor of me!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Just call the Third Hokage by his title, can't you ever be respectful. "Old man," yare yare. But anyways, that's stupid. You know the village is not wearing your crest."
Naruto's smile dimmed a little, "I know. But it makes me feel better, ya know? Pretending that everyone wears the Uzumaki crest is kinda like pretending that I have a big family. You know how it feels. Being the only one of your name. It kinda makes me a little less alone."
Sasuke took in a breath. What the blonde said hit Sasuke harder than he would ever know. Every time he was reminded of the pain they shared, it never ceased to amaze him.
"Well, uh," I can't believe I'm saying this. "We both know how it feels to be alone, the only one of your name, like you just said. So… whenever you feel like that… just remember that we are sort of together in that way. You aren't really alone if I know your pain." Sasuke gazed off into the distance, unable to look Naruto in the eye as he said it.
"Heh. Thanks Sasuke."
The raven risked it and looked at the blonde. Eyes of blue met eyes of onyx, and in those eyes Sasuke saw sincerity, and that his words had really touched Naruto. He didn't know what made him do it… maybe it was that Naruto always showed emotion and Sasuke just wanted to return some for a change… but Sasuke let down his mask for just a little bit, and let his emotion show in his eyes as he met Naruto's gaze. He let the blonde see how this conversation was touching his heart, and how he really meant what he said, and how knowing that Naruto understood made him feel better as well.
Suddenly their gazes were locked, and Sasuke couldn't look away. He was stuck staring into Naruto's eyes-windows into his heart of hearts, showing what he felt-with his own eyes acting as windows just the same. Something felt like it was starting to click into place… but then the moment broke.
"Sasuke-kun! Hello Sasuke-kun! Oh, hello Naruto. I forgot you two were still together, haha." It was Sakura.
Why do I feel disappointed? Why do I wish she hadn't come? Am I really wishing for more alone time with Naruto? What is happening to me?
Sakura had noticed a change in the two of them. They interacted completely differently. She had noticed it the day before at the lake, how they seemed to be flowing better together. But now it was even better. They were becoming friends! It was sort of funny, watching Naruto say something exaggerated or stupid, and then watch Sasuke step in to correct or jab at him. The jabs were all playful today, no argument starters or lines drawn in the sand.
One thing that was apparent was that now that Naruto and Sasuke were on good terms, Sasuke talked a lot more. It was almost as if the blonde was drawing a more social side of the Uchiha out.
Sakura was jealous, that was true. She truly felt for Sasuke… and she was happy that he was getting on this way with Naruto. Anything that helped the aloof boy she knew open up a little bit.
"You're annoying."
That moment still stung in Sakura's memory.
He is getting along so well with Naruto. I feel like he still ignores me… but at least this way he speaks! Oh Sasuke…
Sakura smiled.
Then remembered what she had seen as she had walked onto the bridge. Naruto had been smiling sweetly and gazing into Sasuke's eyes; and Sasuke had been gazing back, with the slightest hint of a smile and actual emotion swirling in those dark depths.
Could they… No! No way would that…
Sakura stopped her fading smile and forced it to perk back up. She loved Sasuke, and one day, one day! He would love her back! But it would be her that he felt for one day, right?
Naruto playfully shoved Sasuke and Sasuke shoved him back. Naruto was about to try and rustle that raven hair when Kakashi Sensei FINALLY showed up.
"Hello! Apologies, I got held up by an old woman who begged for my help to find the group of dogs she had been walking that ran away to chase a stray cat-"
"As if we'd believe that, Kakashi Sensei!" Naruto complained. "We all know you were to busy reading that stupid book of yours!"
Kakashi chuckled and smiled, his single visible eye closing and perking up. Naruto had used to find it aggravating, sad, sort of annoying, and at times funny that Kakashi showed more emotion in a single eye than Sasuke ever did with his whole body. However, now that they had been glued together, Naruto had seen so much emotion out of the raven. Surprise, joy, fear, dread, horror, peace, embarrassment, contentment, superiority, pride, and not to mention the emotion swirling in his eyes from before…
"I checked on the treasure, and it is still being fixed. We are still on standby, another break day for you three. Consider yourselves lucky, when I was a genin I would never get chances like this."
"That's because your Sensei was the Fourth Hokage!" Naruto exclaimed.
Sasuke "hned" in agreement (a hell of a lot more than what he would normally say, which was nothing).
"Ya, Kakashi Sensei!" Sakura added. "I bet you guys never slipped up on a mission!"
Kakashi's eye glazed over slightly in nostalgia. "Believe it or not, we would mess up more often than you would think."
"Was it your fault, Kakashi Sensei?" Naruto asked with a wicked grin. "I get you were the problem child of the team!"
Kakashi chuckled sadly. "Actually, I was like the Sasuke of the team. Our 'problem child,' as you say, was someone else."
"I love being used as an adjective," Sasuke deadpanned.
Naruto burst out laughing. Kakashi snickered a little, and Sakura glanced at Sasuke in surprise before giggling.
"Who was the problem child?" Sakura inquired.
"My friend."
"How eloquent," Sasuke deadpanned again.
"Care to elaborate a little?" Naruto added.
Kakashi shook his head and laughed at the two of them. "His name was Obito. Come to think of it, he was a bit of a mashup of Naruto and Sasuke, if you ask me. Though, the Sasuke side showed through most in his looks and the Naruto side most in his actions. Seeing how Naruto wears orange and Sasuke wears navy-though that is clearly not the case as of late-and Obito always wore orange and navy; it really is funny how that is the best way to describe him."
"He looked like me?" Sasuke asked.
"Obito was of the Uchiha clan. Uchiha Obito."
"Was," Sakura said softly.
Sadness glimmered in Kakashi's dark eye. "As I have stated. The life of a shinobi is stock full of loss. You must be strong, and prepared for anything to happen. However, always protect your comrades and friends, to avoid the loss I have experienced. You three shall learn from my misfortune, as is the way of the Sensei to his students."
The three genin sat thinking over what their Sensei had just said.
"What was the third member of your squad like?" Naruto asked, wanting to diffuse the tension.
"Rin. She was the Sakura of the group."
"Your team was a lot like ours, Sensei," Sakura said good naturedly.
"True," Kakashi said, having perked up a little. "It has helped me out with dealing with the three of your shenanigans, having seen how Minato Sensei dealt with us."
"Shenanigans, you say it as if we are the most troublesome group of genin there ever was!" Naruto exclaimed.
"And that would be the truth," Kakashi said playfully. "Just look to your and Sasuke's hands to find perfect proof of that."
Naruto and Sasuke looked at their glued hands, then each other, and huffed in defeat.
Sasuke and Naruto walked through the village, not sure of what to do with themselves. After the conversation with Kakashi the four of them had parted ways, and now the raven and the blonde had no idea what to do for the rest of the day.
So far they had been walking through the village talking about all things under the sun, but now it was about lunch time. Sasuke really didn't like the feeling of wasting so much time by not training, but that couldn't be helped. Besides, Kakashi had told all of them to take this rare chance at a vacation to have as much time to themselves as possible.
Naruto's stomach growled like a rabid beast.
"Speak of the devil," Sasuke said.
Naruto snickered.
Sasuke had loosened the filter he kept on his mouth to try and make Naruto laugh more often with his commentary. He found that he liked making the tan boy laugh, he had a nice laugh…
"Where should we eat?" Naruto asked.
"Well, I think that I should pick where, since you picked breakfast yesterday."
"Alright then! Where to?"
Sasuke thought a bit. Aw, why not?
"Follow me," the raven said cryptically, and then led Naruto to where they would be eating.
"Oooh, where we goin' Sasuke?" the blonde asked in a goofy voice.
"You'll see." Sasuke had learned a multitude of things about his companion over the course of the day. One was that Naruto loved surprises… though he could hardly stand waiting for them.
"A surprise!" the boy with eyes the color of the sky exclaimed in excitement, sounding like an ecstatic little kid.
Sasuke smiled.
As the raven led his companion through the village, the jinchuriki constantly guessed at where they were going-guessing Ichiraku far too many times-and got them wrong each time. Sasuke had been positive that Naruto did not know this place, and it seemed that he was right.
"Are we almost there, Sasuke?" Naruto asked for about the millionth time.
Normally the onyx eyed Uchiha would have been annoyed by the blonde's pestering, but now that he knew him better, he knew that this was just the way Naruto was. He excited easily… especially when it came to surprises. Sasuke had grown up with the Uchiha. A proud clan that did not often show such emotion. The Uchiha were a calmer family, very tame and dignified. Seeing someone be this excited about a new place to eat lunch, or so energetic about all things under the sun and stars as Naruto was, was a welcomed change.
Sasuke recognized the place to turn, grinned, and pulled Naruto suddenly off the main street and down a dark alley. "Eh? Sasuke? What the hell?" the blonde asked in confusion.
"It's a short cut!" the Uchiha proclaimed. Something about the way Naruto immediately shut up and followed him so trustingly made his chest warm.
They arrived out the other end of the alleyway and back onto the street. This was a part of the village that was less wealthy, but a lot more charming. The streets were skinnier, and the buildings smaller, but it felt more cozy, to Sasuke at least. Apparently Naruto felt the same way because he said: "The atmosphere feels so much… so much… better here! It's so… it's so-"
"-Cozy?" Sasuke offered up.
"Yeah! Cozy!"
"The place is right here." Sasuke then led the blonde directly across the street to their destination. It was a small sushi restaurant. Sasuke recalled how he would eat here with… Itachi. Before it all happened. It had always been so nice back then…
"Woah! It looks so cozy! And homey! It has more, um…"
"Personality?"
"Personality! More personality than the big restaurants in the other part of the village do."
"Yeah, that's because it's family owned and smaller. It just feels better here to me. I don't know… I just like it here. I know that my clan was very wealthy and privileged, but I always feel better coming to this part of the village. They need the business more than the bigger restaurants do, and it feels more like a family here." Itachi had explained such things to Sasuke when they had been young, and Sasuke had understood, his niisan's reasoning resonating with his heart. Sasuke shoved those thoughts aside, not wanting to get into that whole confused train of thought again, obsessing about how Itachi had turned out so wrong… Now was about him and Naruto!
Naruto and Sasuke walked into the restaurant, where Sasuke was greeted by name. The raven then introduced Naruto to the owners and explained the glue situation. They were seated at a nice table near the window, and now the two were looking at their menus.
"What's good, Sasuke?"
"Everything."
"Hmmm." Naruto had no idea what to get! I'll just copy whatever Sasuke gets.
This day had been different from the other two. Naruto felt like he and Sasuke were really getting to know each other. They had spent hours this morning together, just talking. Naruto had loved it. He had gotten Sasuke to talk about himself, just like he had wanted! Now talking amongst themselves came like second nature. It was crazy how well they got along. And to think we fit so well together all this time, but were too stuck up to even try to get along.
The waitress, Himari, asked their orders, and Sasuke ordered his roll. Naruto then asked for whatever Sasuke had just gotten. Sasuke then gave Naruto a confused, then an amused look. Then he changed the blonde's order to something else, explaining that if Naruto (usuratonkachi, as Sasuke called him) was going to get whatever Sasuke got, then he might as well pick his second favorite and they share it all. Naruto was just glad the decision had been made for him, plus, it was Sasuke! He trusted Sasuke.
Thinking it made his chest go all warm…
Himari smiled as Sasuke completed the order, told them it would be out soon, and left them to themselves.
Sasuke leaned his elbow on the table, then placed his chin in his hand, and smiled across the table at Naruto.
Oh no, another Sasuke mental image!
"Oh, dobe," Sasuke said with a snicker.
"What?" Naruto asked, flushed because of the image Sasuke was giving him.
"Nothing, just you."
Sasuke smiled at Naruto. It was just him, such a Naruto thing to do to just copy his order. Come to think of it, when Sasuke had first tried Ichiraku, Naruto had explained the whole menu, and practically ordered for him. Sasuke had brushed it off as annoying at the time, but now he knew that Naruto had been doing what he would like to have happen to himself. Treating others as he wanted to be treated. He had such a heart of hearts.
Naruto had trouble coming up with what to eat at a new restaurant, and Sasuke had just said that everything was good. Which was true. It was just so… Naruto! It made his chest want to burst, just thinking about it! Sasuke watched affectionately as the blonde took his straw out of its paper and stuck it into his water.
Wait… affectionately?! My chest wants to burst?! I don't-no! No I do not! That is NOT it! NO! Naruto is my friend! That's why I feel this way! Nope! Nopetiy nope nope nope! I've never had a friend before, this is just normal. Yes, it's all just normal.
After narrowly avoiding a mental breakdown, shoving himself into a state of denial, and pushing all of those bubbly thoughts deep down, Sasuke took his elbow off the table and wrenched his eyes away from Naruto. But it was impossible to keep them away. The blonde was looking around the restaurant, with its filigree patterned tiles, homemade paper lanterns hung all about, and tidey wood walls.
He looked so… awestruck! Watching those blue eyes take in the entire restaurant, and seeing how excited and happy Naruto was to experience this new place-and new food place, oh how this tan boy loved to eat-was impossible not to watch. It was just so… cute.
STOP IT! I do not think Naruto is cute! He is my friend! Just my-
"Is what you ordered your favorite, Sasuke?"
Sasuke's heart leapt at being asked a question. Naruto was talking to him again! It made him all giddy, and his chest got bubbly and warm.
All of this is normal! He's just my friend! Then… Why do I feel this way? Why do I get so happy when he talks to me? NO! Don't think about it! He's your friend! Just have fun!
And with that, Sasuke pushed his thoughts away and entered a conversation with the blue eyed boy about sushi. A conversation topic so simple and plain, but it did not fail to make Sasuke's heart sing. But Sasuke did not like, like Naruto! He was just a friend! Nothing more!
Shikamaru passed by the window of the Sushi restaurant. He liked this part of town because it was always so peaceful and nice to be around. He always came here to clear his head. What he did not expect to see was Sasuke and Naruto in the window of the sushi restaurant.
Sasuke was shoving a bite of sushi into Naruto's mouth, and Naruto was flailing his arms about like crazy. The raven then sat back and burst into laughter as the blond chewed and then swallowed. What are they… on a date?!
Shikamaru entered the restaurant. He was supposed to find and talk to the two of them anyways… he might as well do it now. The strategist walked up to their table and called a greeting. Naruto and Sasuke seemed to snap out of their own little world. Their own little world with sparkling eyes and joyful expressions. They looked at Shikamaru and then each other as if coming out of a daze. So much has changed between them in the almost two days that I have been gone.
"Oh, hey Shikamaru!"
"Hi."
Naruto and Sasuke greeted, respectively.
"So, what, you two on a date or something?" Shikamaru asked casually. He had a feeling that wasn't the case, but he wanted to check anyway. These two could really surprise you, he could only imagine how their relationship had changed if they had gone from wrestling on the ground in hatred to laughing, staring into each other's eyes, and leaning across the table.
After his question the two of them froze, then immediately started babbling at the same time. Both of them denying that they were on a date. So they were just eating lunch then.
Sasuke, out of the two, seemed the most provoked, they were both blushing, but dear lord, Sasuke looked like he was gonna turn into a tomato. He was much more flustered than Naruto, and seemed like he was about to have a mental breakdown if Shikamaru assumed anything more about their relationship status. Shikamaru had the situation officially assessed, and he had estimated everything that was going on.
No way… Sasuke…
Naruto laughed goodnaturedly, "What're you doing here anyway, Shikamaru?"
"Oh right, I was supposed to find you guys. Now that Choji, Ino, and I are back from our mission, we are doing a guy's get together night. Ya know, like we used to all the time. We figured it would be fun."
"Sounds fun!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly. "We'll be there!" It was generally rare that Sasuke would come to these gatherings, however he seemed all out of sorts after Shikamaru's date assumption. And based on what he had heard from Kiba about the lake, perhaps Sasuke was starting to take a liking to the concept of "fun," something generally foreign to the uptight Uchiha.
"Who all's gonna come?" the blonde asked.
"Kiba, Shino, Choji, myself, you, Sasuke, Lee, Neji, and we even got Gaara and Kankuro to come."
"Gaara and Kankuro? I didn't know they were in the village?" Sasuke asked, finally snapping out of his trance.
"Ya, they are passing through for the week on a mission. Temari's also here, but this is a boy's night. However, knowing those women they'll wanna have either an all-girls night or more likely a genin gathering night at some point before the sand siblings leave.
"Great. So I can look forward to two social gatherings this coming week," Sasuke deadpanned,
Naruto chuckled, "It'll be fine, Sasuke! You'll see! Parties are so fun!"
"Parties?" Sasuke asked skeptically.
"That might be pushing it a little, it's still just a gathering pretty much. We like to keep it calm and not too crazy," Shikamaru corrected.
"I've never been to one before," Sasuke said, sounding more afraid than entirely necessary. It's not like we're throwing a rave or anything like that.
"It'll be so fun, Sasuke, just you wait and see!"
Shikamaru watched as Sasuke immediately listened to Naruto, agreed to come, and calmed down about going to the first "party" he had ever attended. Their relationship had truly changed. Shikamaru had barely been gone at all! How had this happened? They were even sharing clothes now…
"Naruto, why are you wearing Sasuke's clothes?" Shikamaru asked, utterly bewildered. If there was ever a time he wasn't able to predict an outcome, it would be this one here.
"Heehee, I'm an Uchiha for today! Sasuke had to wear my clothes yesterday cause he forgot to get them before we went to my house, so I decided that to be even I would wear his clothes today!"
"I guess that makes sense… In its own weird way. Have fun being an Uchiha, I guess. Though it's just the crest you're wearing, not actually becoming one."
"Haha, that's what Sasuke said too. Oh yeah! When and where is it, Shikamaru? The party, I mean," the blonde asked.
"Tomorrow night at Kiba's place, his mom and sister are out so we won't be bothered by any women."
"Awesome! We'll see you then!"
After paying and leaving the sushi restaurant, Sasuke and Naruto continued walking around and talking. They walked all across the less wealthy side of the village three times throughout the course of the afternoon. Sasuke continued talking to Naruto, and he felt like they grew even closer.
He could almost forget that they were glued together.
It was true, they were friends. Now more than ever. Kakashi Sensei was right. The more time you spend with someone, the better you get to know them. He and Naruto had already had a deep understanding of each other from their shared pain and childhood experiences. All they had had to do was give the other a chance. They had become close so fast. Now being around Naruto just seemed natural.
Now the sun was setting and it was time to return home. "Your house tonight, right?"
Sasuke watched as Naruto blushed a little, and then said: "Um, actually… could we stay at your house again?"
Sasuke looked at his blonde companion. Surprised to his core. Here sat Naruto, wearing Sasuke's Uchiha clothing in order to keep things fair between the two of them. He had talked to Sasuke all day, and listened to him, seeing more than just a pretty face and the last surviving Uchiha, but a PERSON. And now he wanted to stay at Sasuke's house again? Suddenly Sasuke's chest was filled with more of that warm, bubbly feeling.
Naruto…
"Of course, but… why?"
"Uh, I mean," he laughed nervously. "I just like your house a lot. It's nice to stay in a place that's nicer than my own, plus your house feels all peaceful and makes me calm. I just like it. Plus, I can tell that you are more comfortable there. Besides, it would be easier than switching places each night… also I still don't have any food at my house."
Sasuke laughed, this was so… Naruto. "Sounds good… usuratonkachi. But let's stop by your place first to pick up some of your clothes. As fun as it was to have another Uchiha around today, I think I prefer the original Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto smiled at Sasuke, and Sasuke's heart felt warm. The blonde's smile was so happy and sweet. The raven knew it was because he had acknowledged Naruto "being an Uchiha," on top of his comment on preferring the original Naruto. Sasuke usually kept his distance from people… but now.
Looking into Naruto's smiling face bathed in the light of the setting sun… he decided that he liked being around Uzumaki Naruto. A lot, actually. He liked making him smile, making him laugh, reassuring him and listening to what he had to say. The day before Sasuke had been caught off guard and skeptical of their status as friends, but now he knew.
He and Naruto really were friends.
Sasuke smiled back at Naruto, for once this day not suppressing the bubbly feeling, but letting it spill over and spread all across his face in a full out grin.
Sasuke walked side by side with Naruto under the stars. He watched Naruto flail his arms about and speak passionately about what could possibly be under Kakashi Sensei's mask. This was just another of the many topics they had discussed over the course of the day, and with each topic Sasuke felt this feeling grow stronger.
This feeling that wasn't there, of course. Because Naruto was his friend! He liked him as a friend! That was all.
Sasuke burst into laughter as Naruto demanded to know what was under the mask. The blonde laughed with him, and it just felt so right. Then the tan boy slung his arm around the raven's shoulder, and said: "I'm really glad this happened to us, Sasuke! Having you as a friend is so great! I can't believe we didn't realize how well we get along before now."
The Uchiha forced his feelings about Naruto's arm around his shoulder down and responded, "Yeah. I guess so. You aren't that bad, for an usuratonkachi."
The jinchuriki grumbled and jostled Sasuke, who just laughed. He just couldn't hold it in, Naruto just made him so happy!
I have an idea. I know what I'll make for dinner! I have all the things, and Naruto will love it. Just, I'll act like I don't care. Wouldn't want the dobe thinking I'm making this specifically for him… even though I am.
Naruto followed Sasuke into the kitchen after they had dropped his bag in the raven's room. This day had been so great! Naruto had never had this close of a friend before, and it was so amazing! The onyx eyed boy still insulted him and sent jabs his way, but it was all in a playful manner. Naruto wondered if this was what it was like to have a brother…
"Whatcha makin, Sasuke?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" he responded driely.
Yes, Sasuke kept up his prickly, emo front. But Naruto knew that was just how he was. Now that he had spoken with Sasuke more, he knew that the raven didn't actually feel as annoyed as he tried to make himself sound. That was just the way Sasuke was. Naruto knew that Sasuke liked being in his company, but he just acted like he didn't. It was Sasuke's own funny way of showing how much he enjoyed their friendship.
I'm glad Sasuke speaks freely around me now. His sense of humor is actually pretty funny! All those dry comments are very entertaining to hear.
Naruto watched as Sasuke worked around the kitchen, making sure to stay out of the way. Sasuke started a broth and got out some noodles, then got to work chopping up pork.
No way…
"Sasuke, are you making RAMEN?!" Naruto demanded excitedly.
"Not so loud, dobe!" Sasuke snapped, leaning away. Naruto didn't miss the smile the raven was trying to conceal.
"You are! Awww, Sasuke!"
"...baka, are you crying?!"
"Uh, no!" Naruto lied as he sniffed.
Sasuke turned away from his chopping board and turned his scrutinizing gaze upon the blonde. "There is no reason to cry! It's just noodles!"
"But, but, it's just so beautiful!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes and shoved Naruto. "You're ridiculous."
Naruto giggled, wiped his eyes, and continued watching as Sasuke made his most favorite meal of all time. The food of the gods! Yes, he was crying because it was just so beautiful. No one had made him homemade ramen before, well, besides Ichiraku, and it was just so awesome! Naruto knew that his friend was a great cook, and couldn't wait to try his ramen!
Sasuke set the table, and smirked as Naruto inhaled the scent of the ramen deeply, before grabbing his chopsticks and skillfully twirling them in his fingers.
Funny, he's more skilled with chopsticks than with kunai.
"Thanks for the food, Sasu-cook!"
Sasuke scoffed, "Don't call me that, usuratonkachi." Always call me that, it's so stupid but I like it so much.
Naruto slurped up the noodles, and his eyes twinkled like the stars outside. "Sasuke! This is amazing!"
Sasuke's chest filled with bubbles. "Of course it is, dobe. I made it, after all." He grabbed some noodles and put them in his mouth. Wow, this is pretty good. I usually don't like ramen that much, but this is great.
"So," Naruto started around a mouth shoved through with pork and noodles. "Are you excited for the party tomorrow night?"
"Excited is a strong word."
"Come on, Sasuke! I swear it will be fun! You should be excited, be excited with me, Sasuke!"
"Wow, now that you've said that I cannot contain my feelings of complete and utter excitement, I might just burst with joy," Sasuke said in total deadpan.
Naruto sighed and shook his head while smiling. "You'll have fun, you'll see! You will be a party animal, yet!"
"Somehow I doubt that."
Naruto and Sasuke took a bath (no amount of friendship would make it any less awkward), got into their pajamas, and climbed into bed. "Goodbye, Uchiha clan! I'm sorry, I must return to being an Uzumaki again." Naruto told his used clothes as he tossed them into the hamper.
Sasuke shook his head, "usuratonkachi, hurry up."
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Naruto called out and then dove under the covers. This time they got situated without any blows or curses. Sasuke switched off the light, and sighed as he laid down.
Come to think of it, he always sighes right after laying down to sleep.
Naruto was so excited for the party tomorrow! He had the feeling that it would be even more fun with Sasuke there. He was also particularly excited to see Gaara. The other jinchuriki may have been pretty dull, but he was still Naruto's friend who he didn't get to see that often!
Well, the faster I go to sleep the faster the party will get here!
"Good night, Sasuke!"
"Good night, dobe."
Sasuke watched Naruto out of the corner of his eye as the blonde closed his eyes and fell asleep immediately. He looked so peaceful sleeping. The Uchiha felt sleep dragging him under, and drifted off. He had never slept as deeply as he had with Naruto beside him. Perhaps he'd liked Naruto all this time without even noticing it.
Hold on…
Sasuke' snapped his eyes back open at his train of thought, to be met with the sight of Naruto sleeping face haloed by moonlight. His stomach flipped and he breathed in automatically.
I really do, don't I? I have a crush on Naruto. Holy shit, I can't believe i-
Sleep dragged Sasuke under before he could complete the thought.
