Author's note: Thanks for all the feedback! You gyus are great, and you gave me a lot to think about. ^_^
And YES, this is a NaruSasu story.
Enjoy.
"Friday! Friday, Friday, Friday, Friiiidaaaaay..." Naruto sang happily on the way back from his first class of the day. Sasuke walked beside him with his hands shoved in his pockets as they made their way down their dorm hall.
"You're amazingly easy to please, Naruto," he commented with some amusement. The blonde stuck his tongue out at him.
"Hey, I just choose to enjoy the simple things. The fact that it's currently Friday—" he lifted his arms in triumph— "means that every class I go to is one less I have to deal with before the weekend! Woohoo!"
When Sasuke simply gave him a small smile, Naruto grinned at him. "Anyway, you seem to be in a good mood this morning. You haven't snapped at me once so far."
The pale Uchiha glanced away, tipping his chin up. "I don't have to be in a bad mood every day, Naruto."
Chuckling, the blonde whacked him on the shoulder. "Glad to hear it. It would've been rough to spend all weekend with you if you were going to brood and snap at me."
Sasuke looked at him then, a surprised expression on his face. "All weekend?"
"Yeah. Think you can be ready to go by...I dunno...four o'clock?" He smiled sheepishly as Sasuke continued to stare at him. "I originally planned to just take you back on Saturday, but I want to spend more time with the kids if I can."
Naruto lifted an eyebrow while Sasuke digested that information. "Is that a problem?"
The brunette blinked. "No, it's no problem. I'll be ready."
Feeling that familiar spurt of mischief within him, Naruto lifted his arms and folded them behind his head.
"Say, Sasuke. Are you flexible?"
The Uchiha blinked at him again. "What?"
"Are you flexible," Naruto repeated, glancing at him from the corner of his eye. "I kind of need to know what type of...physical condition you're in."
When Sasuke swallowed, Naruto bit back a grin. Oh, I know what you're thinking, Sasuke-kun. I know.
"I...suppose I'm flexible," Sasuke hesitantly replied. "Why do you need to know?"
Time to go in for the kill. "Let's just say that come Sunday, you'll be sore in places you didn't know existed." He grinned, a devious glint in his eyes. "I don't plan to let you get an ounce of rest on Saturday."
He watched delightedly as a light blush crossed Sasuke's cheeks and the boy looked away, coughing lightly.
"And what exactly are you planning to...do with me?" Naruto fought not to laugh as Sasuke realized the innuendos of his own comment.
Schooling his face into what he knew was a seductive smile, Naruto lowered his hands from his head and turned to Sasuke. He placed one hand on the boy's shoulder and turned him, smiling down at him and pushing him back against the wall. Enjoying the boy's surprised face and the increasing blush on his cheeks, Naruto slid one hand along Sasuke's cheek and leaned forward.
"On Saturday..." he spoke, his voice dangerously low. He watched Sasuke's throat move as the boy swallowed. He dipped his head a little lower, pinning Sasuke with his gaze.
"I plan to ride you all...day...long."
Keeping his face in his trademark I'm-sexy-and-you-KNOW-you-want-me expression, Naruto inwardly died laughing as Sasuke stilled, his eyes going wide. God, I can smell the dirty thoughts from here. Just wait until he figures out what I really have in store for him.
Chuckling lightly, Naruto stepped back from the Uchiha and let his face ease into a cheerful smile. "Just make sure that you bring clothes you don't mind getting...messy."
With that, he turned to continue on his way down the hall. Sasuke didn't move from his position on the wall, his face red and a small trickle of blood peeking down from his nose. Naruto's shoulders shook as he tried to keep from laughing aloud.
So sorry to disappoint you, Sasuke, but you just make things too easy! He shook his head. I hope I didn't break his mind too badly. He's still a little quiet back there.
When he turned to glance back at the Uchiha, he saw that the boy still hadn't moved except to place a hand under his nose, his eyes glued to the ground. Naruto's smile dimmed.
Maybe I took it too far... "Sasuke..."
A violent bout of sneezing caught his attention, making him put his comment on hold as he turned towards his room. Kiba came stumbling out of the apparently newly opened door, a hand clapped over his nose.
"Kiba? What's the matter?" Concerned, Naruto rushed to the boy's side. "Are you ok?"
Amongst the violent sneezing, Kiba gestured over his shoulder.
"Go...take a...look. I think...they're...for you."
They? Confused, Naruto walked over to his door and pushed it open. His jaw dropped.
...Tell me I'm not really seeing this...
Naruto barely registered Sasuke's approach as he stared dumbly into his room, but he picked up on the way the boy immediately tensed. The blonde couldn't blame him.
His room was covered in flowers. Every. Square. Inch.
As if in shock, Naruto waded through the piles of bouquets, roses, carnations and various other flowers he couldn't identify tickling his legs as he headed for the red card he could just barely spy lying atop his pillow. He lifted the envelope and opened it, scanning the letter inside. His face began to turn red.
Looking around at the room, Naruto took in the mass of flowers, Sasuke looking like he wanted to take a blowtorch to the place, and the multitude of random gifts strewn about the room. Naruto's hands started shaking.
For the first time in his life, Uzumaki Naruto was completely and utterly mortified.
He crumpled the letter in his hands, lowering his head until some of his blonde hair tumbled into his face.
I'm going to get you for this, Neji! Dammit!
The Hyuuga in question sat at his favorite café, sipping lightly at a cup of green tea as he watched people mill about outside. Wondering if Naruto would respond to his letter, he mused over the amount of flowers he'd sent. Maybe it had been too much...?
Before he could determine whether or not he'd been an idiot, the door to the café slammed open and a red-faced Naruto barreled down on him.
"NEJI!" Everyone in the café jumped at the blonde's roar, including—to a small extent—the proud Hyuuga. He blinked up at Naruto as the blonde huffed and puffed in front of him.
"...Is something wrong?"
"What the hell were you thinking? What did you do to my room!"
Neji blinked again. "You...don't like the flowers?"
"Do I look like a fucking girl to you?" Naruto's flush deepened, though right now Neji couldn't quite tell if it was because Naruto was embarrassed or because he was angry...or both.
In response to the blonde's question, Neji let his eyes roam appreciatively over Naruto.
"No, I have to say that you do not."
He made an odd, twisted face at that before speaking. "Then why would you carpet my room with flowers? It's humiliating!"
"Ah, so I embarrassed you. I apologize, but..." Standing, Neji captured the blushing blonde's chin and stared into his eyes. "I couldn't help myself. You remind me of a flower."
"What?" Naruto pulled away. "Are you deliberately trying to slaughter my sense of male pride here?"
Neji gave him a half smile at that. "That would be counter-intuitive, Naruto, since your 'male pride' is a large part of why I'm attracted to you." Naruto's blush, which had just begun to recede, sprung back full force. "What I meant was that to me, you seem to bring light and energy into the world. You make people happy."
His smile grew as the analogy sank in. "What better way could I represent that than with flowers? I'm sorry if they're not manly enough for you, but I don't think I could hand you a ray of sunshine on a silver platter."
Naruto stared at him for a long moment before dropping his gaze and turning his face away.
"You make me sound like a sissy," he grumbled. "Flowers and sunshine? I'm not that gay."
Neji's lips twitched violently as he struggled not to laugh. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, will you sit down?"
A few seconds after Neji seated himself, Naruto grudgingly took the seat across from him. Whispering amongst themselves, the other patrons of the café returned to their own conversations. Naruto ignored them.
"And since when are you a poet? I never thought you'd be the kind of guy to spout crap about flowers and frilly things."
Neji gave him a dry look. "When the occasion calls for it, I can be poetic. Is that a problem?"
"At times like this? Hell yes." He looked away, glowering, before glancing at Neji from the corner of his eye.
"You nearly killed Kiba, you know. He's allergic to flowers."
Neji froze. "Is he all right?"
"He's fine," Naruto informed him, glowering at him as he leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. "But I don't think he'll be able to set foot in the room for a while."
Neji frowned, his eyebrows creasing with worry. "I didn't realize your roommate was allergic. If you want, I'll clear the flowers out of your room."
"You'd better, since you're the one who put them there." His blush finally gone, Naruto leaned forward and placed his folded arms on the red, circular table. "But seriously, what the hell did you think my reaction was going to be? A squeal of joy? Cupids flying over my head?"
When the light of amusement returned to Neji's eyes, Naruto scowled. "You nearly gave me a heart attack, Hyuuga."
"Well, that is, in essence, what I'm trying to do, Naruto." Leaning forward, he pinned Naruto with a smoky gaze. "I'm trying to attack your heart."
Looking vaguely embarrassed, Naruto glanced away. "Yeah, well...from now on, try not to do it so flamboyantly, alright? I don't like the idea of someone going to really extravagant odds just to get my attention."
Neji watched with interest as Naruto frowned at his own comment.
"Well...extravagant odds that don't take much preparation, anyway." He looked up. "I'm not going to be impressed by your money, Neji."
Impressed himself, Neji sat back in his chair. "I never thought you would be, Naruto. I just...lost control of my wallet."
Naruto snorted. "With the results of your 'loss of control', I think environmentalists should come chasing after you. I think you're responsible for more flowers and wrapping paper than Hallmark."
"In that case, I think this should be our little secret. I'd rather not spend my time running from activists." He said his line with all seriousness, pleased when Naruto blinked at him and laughed.
"Did you just crack a joke? Since when do you have a sense of humor?"
Neji leaned forward again, an enigmatic smile on his face. "There are many sides of me that you haven't seen, Naruto. I plan to show them to you."
Naruto blinked again, then smirked. "Just keep the fetishes to yourself, ok? If you have some kind of masochistic obsession with leather, I really don't want to know."
Lifting his eyebrows, Neji briefly imagined just what exactly Naruto would look like in black leather...and the situations in which he would wear it.
"Hey! Get that look off your face! Dammit, I know what you're thinking, Neji." Embarrassed again, Naruto pouted. "I'm not going to play into your little sexual fantasies."
"Oh, but Naruto," Neji stated, leaning across the table and smiling wickedly. "You happen to be the epitome of my sexual fantasies. No matter what you do, you'll be playing into them."
Naruto stared at him for a long moment.
"You know, I really think I liked you better before you came out of your shell. This side of you has a nasty habit of telling me things I don't want to know."
Neji chuckled, returning his attention to his nearly forgotten tea. "The truth hurts, Naruto. You'll have to get used to it."
"...Right." Clearing his throat, Naruto glanced at his watch and stood. "I have to go to class. I'll see you around, Neji."
On his way out the door, the blonde called out, "And get those damn flowers out of my room! It a freaking sea!"
Amused, Neji watched him go. Now that I have your attention, Naruto, I plan to keep it. It's about time you learned how it feels to be in my position: attracted to someone and hoping to hell that you wouldn't have to do anything about it.
Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the warm flavor of his tea. Whether you want to or not, you'll soon notice me, Naruto.
Sasuke wanted to kill something. It didn't really matter what, so long as he got to strangle it until it passed away. When a red-faced Naruto sprinted out of the room, Sasuke picked up the forgotten letter and read it over.
Naruto-
This is only a reflection of the depth of emotion I have for you. Come to the Star Café after you read this. I'll be waiting.
-Neji
Scowling, Sasuke fought to keep himself from shredding the offending piece of paper. That damn Neji...why the hell would he make a move like this on Naruto the next fucking day after we make the bet? Taking a deep breath, he tried to get control of his anger before he tried to hunt the guy down and kill him.
Ok, calm down. Neji's got balls, but Naruto's already turned him down once. If he reacted that way to a kiss, then Neji shouldn't stand too much of a chance. As his jealousy started to recede, he looked around the room and glowered. And since I'm guessing that we're not allowed to kill each other for trying to get Naruto's attention anymore, it's a good thing that when Naruto ran out of here, he didn't look too happy.
Taking another breath, Sasuke set the letter down and cleared a space on Naruto's bed. He rested his elbows on his knees, folding his hands and resting his lips against them as he glared at the wall across from him.
Now, on to more important topics. He frowned. Back there...what was Naruto really trying to say?
"I'm going to ride you all...day...long."
Sasuke couldn't quite fight the blush that appeared at the memory of Naruto's sexy-as-hell smile and his suggestive promise. There's no way that Naruto had really meant what he said...was there? He wouldn't take Sasuke home with him just to...well. Just to have fun.
Sasuke's frown grew. There's no way. Naruto had to have been teasing me, the creep. I doubt he would ever go so far with someone he's not even dating yet. He may be a hornball, but he does have morals.
The Uchiha abruptly straightened. Wait. That means that he was definitely teasing me, which means that he also has some idea of how I feel about him, which means...
Scowling, Sasuke stood. That creep! He's toying with me, isn't he! Anger started to roll through him as he stalked out of the room. Why that little...
"Sasuke!" Still standing with his hand over his nose, Kiba called out to him. "Where are you going?"
He pinned Kiba with an icy glare. "To find that little blonde roommate of yours." And kill him.
The spiky-haired boy stared at the Uchiha for a long moment. "I'm not sure why you're pissed at him, but I think you should know something." Stepping further away from his door, Kiba lowered his hand away from his face. "Naruto's been really psyched about this weekend. I think he really wants to spend time with you."
Watching Sasuke with cautious eyes, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. "So before you go flying off the handle at him, I'd think about that. If you get pissed at him, you could end up ruining your entire weekend." He lifted an eyebrow. "For both of you."
When Sasuke only blinked at him, Kiba glanced back at his room. "I'm going to get something to drink," he grumbled. "I probably won't be able to breathe in there for a month."
The dog-lover strode past Sasuke, apparently finished with his sermon. Sasuke stared after him.
If he's right...then it's possible that Naruto's teasing me because he...likes me? Sasuke blinked. Is that possible?
Before he could decide whether or not he should trust this new possibility, Kiba spun around and started walking backwards.
"Don't fuck things up, Uchiha. I've been Naruto's best friend for years, and I'm not about to see him get his feelings hurt by someone as anal as you." His face deadly serious, he turned around and continued stalking off. "You hurt him, and you're losing an arm. See ya!"
Sasuke's eyebrows quirked at that. I guess Naruto has another guard dog protecting him, but at least this one isn't actually trying to jump him. A small smile worked its way onto Sasuke's face. Things must be serious if Naruto's little puppy is baring his fangs.
His mood lifting, Sasuke headed to his room to do a little packing before his next class.
For the next two days, Naruto...you're all mine.
At four o'clock on the dot, Naruto barged into Sasuke's room.
"Oi! Sasuke, you ready yet? Let's get this show on the...road." Naruto paused as he realized that Sasuke was currently curled on his side in the middle of his bed, sound asleep. His face gentling, Naruto made his way over to the brunette's side.
A small smile settled on his features as he looked down at his friend. It's been a while since I've seen Sasuke so defenseless. The Uchiha in question breathed lightly through his parted lips, unaware of the silent attention he was getting. Naruto chuckled lightly.
You know, I always knew Sasuke was hot, but this is the first time I've seen him look cute. A tender smile on his face, he squatted beside the Uchiha and gently shook his shoulder.
"Hey, Sasuke. Time to wake up."
Making a small noise in his throat, Sasuke peeled his eyes open and yawned. "Naruto? What time is it?"
"Four o'clock. It's time to hit the road."
Sasuke grunted, sitting up. "I didn't mean to actually fall asleep," he mumbled.
Naruto's smile grew. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes." Sliding off his bed, Sasuke stood and snatched up the small duffel bag he'd packed. Naruto looked at it curiously.
"Do you have boots? Preferably a pair that you don't mind getting dirty?"
Sasuke lifted an eyebrow. "No, I don't. What do I need them for?"
Frowning lightly, Naruto made a tsk sound deep in his throat. "Well, I guess you can just borrow a pair of mine. Grab some extra socks."
Apparently noticing that Naruto dodged the question, Sasuke asked again, "Naruto, what do I need them for?"
"I hope you don't care about the pants you packed. Please tell me you're bringing jeans."
"I...packed clothes that I don't care too much about, yes. I was listening this morning."
Naruto blinked at that, surprised when Sasuke glanced away. Coughing lightly into his hand, Naruto turned and headed for the door.
"Good. Let's get moving then, shall we?" Picking up the bag he'd left outside Sasuke's door, he turned and waited for the raven-haired boy to lock his door. The boy in question gave him an odd look.
"Why won't you tell me what we're doing this weekend?"
Naruto thought about it, then grinned. "I already told you."
Sasuke's face contorted slightly. "Naruto, even I can tell that you weren't serious."
"Wasn't I?" Lifting a hand, he tapped his chin. "I'm pretty sure I was."
"...Naruto, you're trying to tell me that you really plan to...ride me?"
"Well, not ride you, per se..." Naruto replied enigmatically. When Sasuke gave him a confused look, he chuckled and slapped him on the back. "Anyway, you'll find out when we get there. Let's go!"
Sasuke hesitated, then followed as Naruto began strolling down the hall. "You love deliberately misleading me, don't you?"
"Yup."
"I think I might hate you, Naruto."
The blonde grinned. "Not a chance. I'm too cute to hate!" He laughed at the sour look Sasuke gave him. "It's a surprise, ok? I just don't want to give it away before we get there."
Sasuke grunted, clearly not satisfied, but Naruto just hummed lightly to himself.
Sweeet hoooome, Alabama! Where the skiiies are so blue! Sweet home, Alabama. Lord, I'm comin' home to you!
Sasuke was silent in the car ride as Naruto sang along with his CDs, drumming his fingers along the steering wheel. Staring out the window, he mused as he watched the sun set the sky on fire as it sank.
I've never been to Naruto's house before. Wondering vaguely what he place would be like, Sasuke thought back over their grade school years. Their school system had combined three neighboring townships, so even though he and Naruto had gone to the same school, they'd lived about an hour apart. That, combined with the fact that they'd hated each other for most of the time they'd known each other, had ensured that Sasuke would never set foot in Naruto's town, let alone his house.
Needless to say, Sasuke was a little curious.
After a long moment of silence, Sasuke glanced over at the blonde next to him. Naruto seemed to be in an extraordinarily good mood, though part of that may be because he was back behind the wheel of his beloved blue Ford F-150 truck. Sasuke had rarely seen Naruto as fierce and protective as he could get whenever someone asked to drive his truck (the last time he'd witnessed a poor sap make the request, Naruto had actually snarled at him to back off. Sasuke imagined that the next time, he'd be foaming at the mouth), though he supposed the boy's obsession was understandable. He'd worked four jobs for three years to save up for it.
As if finally sensing the attention he was receiving, Naruto glanced over at him.
"You've been awfully quiet. Something the matter?"
Sasuke shook his head lightly and returned his gaze to the window. "I don't have much to say on car rides."
"Oh?" Smiling, Naruto reached forward and changed songs on his CD player. "In that case, I'll just have to entertain both of us."
Lifting an eyebrow, Sasuke listened as a woman's voice purred from the speakers in a sultry voice...and Naruto matched it.
"Aren't I kind to allow you to live in my house? Aren't I gracious to allow you the use of my chair?" Naruto began to bat his eyes at Sasuke, lifting one hand to press it effeminately against his chest. "Aren't I wonderful when I give you a dead mouse? Aren't I utterly, totally, beyond compare!"
Sasuke stared at him. "Is this song about a cat?"
Naruto simply winked at him. "And don't you admire the virtues you see, in marvelous, lovely, magnificent meeeee-ow. Meeeee-ow-ow-ow! Meeeee-ow. Meeeeee-ow!"
...I can't believe I'm actually seeing this. Sasuke warred between vague embarrassment and amusement as Naruto began acting out the lines, thoroughly enjoying the idea of being a feline. He licked luxuriously at the back of his hand and swiped the side of his face with it as he sang, leaning over towards Sasuke from time to time to purr in his ear.
Pushing the blonde away, Sasuke fought down a smile. "You're an idiot, you know that?"
Naruto just pursed his lips into a pout and continued to sing. "I really don't understand why you should look at anything else, or have things in your hands. So I'll patiently lie on your papers or book to suggest that you treat me as my rank demands."
Lifting one "paw" into the air, Naruto tipped his chin up arrogantly. "You really should pet me when your hands are free." He turned and gave Sasuke a sultry, seductive smile.
"It's a privilege to fondle magnificent meeeeee-ow. Meeeee-ow-ow-ow! Meeeee-ow. Meeeee-ow!"
When Naruto wiggled his eyebrows at him, Sasuke punched him in the shoulder. Does he even realize the implications of what he just said? He smirked, his eyes narrowing dangerously. It would serve him right if I took him up on his offer.
Ignoring the evil vibes from Sasuke, Naruto continued to sing. "Or just when you're maddest at something I've done, I'll go do something else that's so touching or sweet." He gave Sasuke a big-eyed, pouty-lipped "I couldn't do anything wrong!" expression.
"That's so charming, adorable, silly or fun, it'll just knock the stockings clean off of your feet." He smirked at Sasuke then, winking saucily at him. "Now you know you can't win. So why fight it, you see?"
He lowered his voice and leaned forward, his smirk turning into a grin. "I know you're a sucker for marrrvelous meeeee-ow. Meeee-ow-ow-ow! Meeeee-ow. Meeeee-ow!"
He leaned even closer, nearly pressing his lips to Sasuke's ear as he purred, "I know you're a sucker for marvelous me."
Letting out one last "prowr!" with the CD, Naruto straightened and returned his gaze to the road. He sighed.
"Ah, I love that song, I truly do."
Rubbing his ear, Sasuke found himself unsure of whether he should be laughing, embarrassed, or pissed off. Unable to decide, he returned to his study of the world passing them by.
...The sad thing is, the damn song is right. A small self-depreciating smile settled on his lips. I really am a sucker for him.
Shaking his head, Sasuke folded his arms and slid down slightly in his seat. He immediately began tuning the boy out when he put on "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy."
Unconsciously, he lightly began to hum the other song to himself.
"I know you're a sucker...for marvelous me."
Another hour later, they made their way into Naruto's hometown. Fields, woods, farms, and suburbs passed them by as they drove, several horse stables and pastures dotting the landscape. Eventually, the farms tapered out into tighter suburbs and condos.
Just when Sasuke was beginning to wonder if they'd drive right out of the town, Naruto pulled into an apartment complex only a few blocks away from another set of fields, farms and woods. He parked in front of one of the buildings and cut the engine, immediately pulling out a steering wheel lock. He glanced over at Sasuke.
"You ready to get out?"
A little surprised, Sasuke nodded and opened his door, stepping out and snagging his duffel bag. He shut the door, watching as Naruto got out and set the lock in place. He smirked.
"Are you sure it'll be all right out here by itself? Maybe we should truck-sit."
Naruto gave him a dry look. "Hey, I don't take any chances with my darling." Closing his door and locking it, Naruto ran a loving hand over its hood and cooed. "Don't listen to him, baby. He's just bitter."
Rolling his eyes, Sasuke looked up at the apartment complex. It looked like a fairly nice area...though he hadn't expected Naruto to live in an apartment. He frowned. Naruto said that he'd raised himself...did he mean that to its fullest extent?
Naruto walked past him, his bag slung over his shoulder. "You coming up, or do you just want to stare some more?"
Sasuke gave him a dry look, not bothering to answer. He followed Naruto in silence to the elevator lobby, darting glances at the blonde as he hummed lightly to himself. Thankfully, the elevator didn't offer any mind-numbing music, and they soon found themselves on Naruto's floor.
I wonder if... Sasuke put his wandering mind on hold as they reached Naruto's door. When the blonde opened it and let them in, a quick glance around confirmed Sasuke's suspicions. It was clear from the state of things that no one had touched the apartment since Naruto left, which meant that Naruto lived alone, which also meant...
I'm going to be alone with him. All weekend.
Sasuke swallowed hard, setting his bags down. Naruto's apartment was nice, but it certainly wasn't spacious. Clearing his throat, Sasuke turned to the blonde, who had made a bee-line for the kitchen.
"Naruto..." He hesitated, unsure of whether or not he should ask the question burning in his mind. What exactly are our sleeping arrangements for this?
The blonde poked his head out. "What? Oh, close the door, would you? Thanks." He waited as Sasuke complied. "What's the matter?"
The Uchiha hesitated further, then gave up. "What are you making for dinner?"
"Ramen for me. What do you want?" He disappeared into the kitchen again, making noise as he opened and shut cabinets. "I could make you some pasta, if you want."
"That sounds fine." Sasuke finally walked into the vaguely small kitchen, taking a seat at the table as Naruto milled about. He watched with amusement as Naruto began preparing food, caught with a sudden image of the buff blonde in a pink, frilly apron.
Naruto glanced at him when Sasuke snorted. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing." Sasuke simply leaned his chin on one hand and gave Naruto a small, amused smile. "You just seem very...at home in the kitchen."
Naruto stared at him, then picked up a spatula, walked over, and smacked him on the head with it.
"Don't be a smartass." Sticking his tongue out at him, Naruto returned to the cabinets. "I hope spaghetti without meatballs is all right. I couldn't keep any meat around, for obvious reasons."
"Spaghetti's fine." Sasuke leaned back in his seat, watching the blonde curiously as he started simmering the noodles in a large pot, pulled out an unopened jar of Prego sauce and dumped it into its own pot. Some seasonings were then thrown into the sauce.
"You know, those sauces come pre-made for a reason."
"Yeah, to be bland. Do you want to cook this yourself, or are you going to keep nagging me?"
Shaking his head, Sasuke simply leaned back in his chair and watched Naruto go at it. He was obviously very comfortable in the kitchen, which surprised him—he had been positive that Naruto couldn't cook anything beyond instant ramen.
After a long moment, he asked, "Naruto, why didn't you ever tell anyone that you lived alone?"
The blonde didn't look up, busying himself with adding just the right amount of some dark spice into the sauce.
"Because it wasn't important. It doesn't make me less of a person or some pitiful creature to feel sorry for. If I told people, they would start pitying me." Now he glanced up, looking at Sasuke with a lifted eyebrow. "Which, actually, is the reason I've never brought anyone to my apartment before."
"I'm the first?" Sasuke blurted in surprise. Naruto smiled and turned back to the food.
"Yeah, you are."
Mulling over that fact in silence, Sasuke waited patiently for the next half hour as Naruto kept himself busy. The Uchiha glanced about the small kitchen. The off-white linoleum floor and honey-colored cabinets gave the kitchen a homey feel to it...as did the random odds and ends Naruto had strewn about. It didn't take much: a folded newspaper on the table, a worn baseball and a pet rock on the counter, and an old bubble container on the windowsill were enough to prove that, yes, Naruto had been here, and yes, he was an odd guy.
The rest of his apartment seemed to be "designed" similarly. The living room had a gray carpet, a small black coffee table, a TV, and a big, overstuffed blue couch, but Naruto's touch had also left manga, open DVD cases, posters, unopened cans of soda, and some old GI Joe figurines lying about. There was also a small doodle of an orange spiral in the exact center of one white wall, apparently done in crayon.
Silently, Sasuke wondered what Naruto's room would look like.
When Naruto set a plate in front of him, Sasuke looked down at it with interest. The spaghetti even sported a single sprig of parsley in the center. He lifted an eyebrow in silent question.
The blonde shrugged. "Presentation is nine-tenths the battle, right?"
"You didn't have to serve me, you know."
"No, but I've never cooked for someone else before. I'm going to milk the experience for all it's worth." Smirking, Naruto made himself a plate and sat down. "You should be thankful. I could have just tossed in another packet of ramen and made you eat that."
Sasuke gave him a dry look. "Thank you for sparing me."
"Don't expect it to happen again. These things are a one-shot deal."
Snorting softly, Sasuke picked up his fork, which Naruto had handed him along with the plate, and cautiously tested the spaghetti. Naruto folded his arms, waiting expectantly.
"Well?"
"It's...good." Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed. "It's really good. Since when do you know how to cook?"
Naruto grinned. "You learn to do a lot of things when you live by yourself. Even I can't handle ramen all the time." The blonde promptly dug into his bowl of said noodles. "I had to learn to make something that could give me a break. Spaghetti's the least temperamental."
Sasuke shook his head, busying himself with his meal. The flavors really were surprisingly good, especially considering how quickly the dish was made. Sasuke had a hunch that if Naruto ever went full out on a dish like this, he'd rival some of the better chefs Sasuke had encountered.
Why is it that every time I think I know who this guy is, he pulls something else out of his hat? Sasuke mused as he finished his plate. Wiping his face on a napkin, he glanced up at Naruto, who was loudly slurping the last of the broth from his ramen.
"So I take it I'm on the couch tonight?"
Smacking loudly, Naruto lowered his bowl and looked at him. "That couch isn't very comfortable, even though it looks like it is." He shook his head. "You can just sleep with me. My bed's big enough."
Sasuke's heart stopped. "You want me to sleep with you?"
"Trust me, there's room. Besides, I'm not sure that I'll be able to find you sheets and a blanket in here for the couch. I never needed extras before."
Sasuke's heart restarted, pounding furiously in his chest. "Your bed it is, then."
Nodding, Naruto stood and cleared the plates, dumping them in the sink to be washed later. He glanced at a clock.
"We should probably try to hit the hay now. I want to get an early start tomorrow, and we'll need a good night's sleep."
"That reminds me." Sasuke stood as well. "You said something about kids. Are we going to visit someone?"
"Ding ding ding! Bob, tell him what he's won!" Naruto grinned. "Yes, we're going to visit some old friends of mine. Is that ok?"
Sasuke nodded. Pleased, Naruto turned and led them out of the kitchen and down a short hall. Pushing open a door on his right, Naruto stepped in.
"See? I told you my bed was big enough."
Sasuke stepped into the room with some hesitation. The thick carpet was a deep blue, matching the comforter on the rather large bed in the center of the room. The bed was wide enough for four pillows...though even those showed Naruto's eclectic personality. The pillow on the right end was purple and was halfway off the bed, the one next to it was black, the pillow on the left was yellow, and the pillow in the center of the bed was bright orange.
Sasuke lifted an eyebrow at him, but Naruto simply shrugged.
"It suits me." The blonde reached for his shirt, then paused, looking at Sasuke. "Can I change, or are you going to freak out at me again?"
Sasuke gave him a sour look. "Change away."
The Uchiha glanced away as Naruto stripped down, unwilling to embarrass himself for the umpteenth time this week. As he stared around the room, a sudden revelation exploded in his mind.
"I didn't pack any sleeping clothes." He stated the fact as he thought of it, earning himself a look from Naruto. Sasuke usually didn't worry about bedclothes, choosing instead to simply sleep in his boxers.
Needless to say, that was not going to be an option.
Rolling his eyes, Naruto rummaged in his drawer. "Honestly, Sasuke, what am I going to do with you?" Snagging a pair of pajamas, he tossed them at the Uchiha. "Here. Wear those."
Sasuke stared at the clothing in his hands. They were white cotton pajamas, which he could have lived with...
...But the millions of teddy bears, he could not.
"I'm not wearing these, Naruto."
"Aw, c'mon, no one's going to see you in them but me. And they're the only pair I have that could possibly fit you." Clasping his hands, Naruto made a puppy face. "Please? Wear them for me? Pretty please?"
"I said no, Naruto."
His bottom lip trembling, Naruto walked up and tugged at Sasuke's sleeve, blinking up at him with big, soulful eyes. Sasuke grit his teeth.
"Are you sure you don't have anything else for me to wear?" he ground out. Naruto nodded, his eyes still wide and hopeful. After a long moment of intense inner struggle, Sasuke gave in and stormed out of the room to change.
Immediately, Naruto's face melted into a triumphant grin.
I know you're a sucker...for marvelous me.
Sasuke wasn't going to sleep tonight. That much was obvious.
On his side, facing the purple pillow, Sasuke stared into the dark corner and tried very, very hard not to roll over and look at the blonde sleeping peacefully beside him. Temptation shot through him, forcing him to clench the sheets in an iron fisted grip.
Dammit! Get ahold of yourself! Sasuke struggled with himself for a few more minutes, but when Naruto shifted in his sleep beside him, he couldn't help turning to look at him. Naruto was facing him, mouth partially open, his blue pajama top bunched up on his chest. In the dim moonlight filtering into the room, Sasuke could just make out the glimpse of skin that disappeared under the covers, displaying a tantalizing view of Naruto's muscular abs.
I'm not going to jump him. I'm not going to jump him. I'm not, I'm not, I'm not. Swallowing hard, he looked away. I'm not, I'm not, I'm not.
Making a low noise in his throat, Naruto rolled towards him, ending up pressed back to back against the Uchiha. The heat from Naruto's body sang through the cotton pajamas.
I'm not, I'm not, I'm NOT!
Eventually, Sasuke's hormones began to cool down, enjoying the comfort of having Naruto beside him. Even after the blonde moved away, Sasuke was able to relax. It was odd; having the very boy he wanted to be with lying next to him should have been his greatest problem yet, but instead...
...It was...comfortable.
Sasuke mused over that fact as he finally started drifting off to sleep.
I'm comfortable around Naruto.
His eyes slid shut.
...Am I sure this is just a crush?
Song was courtesy of Mercedes Lackey: Feline American Princess (FAP). To see what Naruto's truck looks like, going to the ford f-150 official site (a google search will do it) will show you his car. Again, I'd post the link here, but the bosses have decided that you can't do that.