A/N: Not betaed. Sorry if you find typos.
From Which We'll Rise
Part IV: Endless Winter II
Sasuke always brought a thick notebook with him whenever he left for his travels. It was a medium sized one, with a leathered brown cover that was already dirty and worn out from time and use, and even though he didn't exactly liked to call it a 'journal', in the end, it was exactly what it was.
Although, Sasuke didn't really write his thoughts or his feelings there, and neither did he write a daily report of his life. Instead, he wrote about all the things he saw, lessons he learned, places he visited and the people he met. His journal was like a book of information to him. Occasionally, he drew things as well, like strange looking plants, lost temples or very interesting landscapes. Sometimes, he drew maps as well. Since he didn't lack the skill, he found it to be kind of a cathartic hobby for him.
When the information he gathered was worthy, he would replicate it into a scroll and then send it to Konoha.
Naruto, he knew, was very curious about what he wrote on that notebook, sometimes trying to take a peek at it. It wasn't like he hid it from him, but Naruto did keep his distance for some reason and never asked questions whenever he saw him writing. These were the things that let him know how much Naruto had grown when compared to the obnoxious kid that had been on team 7 with him.
Things were… alright between them. Apart from the occasional, expected bickering, they worked well as a team and Naruto didn't complain about the cold, lack of comfort or poor sleeping conditions. Well, they were Shinobi, after all, so it wasn't like they weren't used to this kind of lifestyle.
So far, in spite of everything – including a few small not-really unexpected details of their sudden physical proximity – things had been running rather smoothly.
To Naruto's displeasure, they only spent two nights in the cottage out of necessity before moving on. It had rained heavily during those two days, and while they had managed to keep themselves fed and warm inside the cottage, they would have to find food soon enough, and Sasuke had been hoping to find civilization. By now, thanks to his maps, he could more or less understand where he was in case he wanted to head towards someplace specific.
They had been travelling for a few days already, hunting for small animals to eat – which were scarce considering the season – and spending their nights either inside caves, if they could find any. Day and night had become rather useless to them considering that, if it was raining and they couldn't find shelter, it was better to keep moving so as to not freeze to death. Sasuke's eyes would guide them in the darkness, and Naruto would follow him in a literal blind trust. When this happened, they took turns during the day watching their surroundings while the other slept for a couple of hours before moving again. If they were lucky enough to find a sheltered corner in the woods during the rain, they rarely ever found sticks and logs that were dry enough to make a fire. During those nights, they'd just wrap themselves up in their warm waterproof cloaks and stick close together in order to share body heat.
Sometimes, they'd find other ways to warm up, too, by kissing and touching a bit. These things felt natural to Sasuke, even if a little overwhelming because of how natural it apparently was for Naruto. It seemed almost funny to realize how easily he had given himself to the intimacy when, a few years previouly, he couldn't have the ability to even consider such a thing with Sasuke in spite of everything that drew them together, over and over again.
Not that Sasuke didn't know his friend would feel this at ease about physical contact with him since they both shared the same bond and feelings towards each other, the difference being that Sasuke understood this while Naruto didn't. He had expected the blond to at least make a small scene about it and make a big drama inside his head, but instead, he kept to his promise and just went with the flow, giving in to whatever it was that he felt like doing in regards to how he felt for Sasuke. And Sasuke had to be honest that accepting it was far too easy. It was a whole new level of emotional conflict, and a whole new level of physical ecstasy caused by that obvious flame that was theirs alone.
They didn't talk about it all that often. Naruto seemed to be respectful of Sasuke's space in a way, and yet, he was always the one to take the first step towards that intimacy. Sasuke found this longing from him to be both very intense and innocent, because he could still feel that childish need for acknowledgement coming from his friend. It felt as if Naruto still craved to have Sasuke's attention focused on him, and while he definitely had it, Sasuke tried his best to not be obvious about it. Secretly, he enjoyed that feeling of unease he got from the other if he was too quiet or closed in on himself.
Their clothes were quickly becoming worn out, the colors faded. The exhaustion was a constant and they lacked many things. It was a hard life Sasuke was already all too accustomed to. Still, the journey was a companionable one and he felt at peace, away from everything and everyone, now with his precious person by his side. It was kind of a bittersweet happiness he knew he wouldn't be able to explain if he tried.
Strangely enough, Naruto seemed content as well. He was always in a relatively good-mood, his positivity as unwavering as ever, and every time he smiled, it was genuine. Sasuke felt it in his very being – Naruto's delighted energy that never faded, bubbling powerfully every time they did something together, be it running, arguing, touching or just sharing a look.
Everything was simple between them, yet, overwhelmingly particular. Like those times when they ran together for hours on end when Sasuke could almost hear Naruto's excited thoughts inside his own head. Running was the kind of activity during which they barely spoke unless it was strictly necessary, and yet, it was when they felt more connected because they were constantly racing each other to see who could go faster and who was nimbler on their feet.
It was always a silent dare, but a mutually acknowledged one. They cheated many times, both showing off as much as they could and trying to be better than the other, but it was a friendly rivalry that was more playful than competitive, and Sasuke had to admit that he had fun. It was liberating.
And what was more… Naruto trusted him completely, and this was still a little shocking to him after all those years.
They had been on the road for far too long when they came across a small agglomerate of small wooden houses that could barely be called a 'village'. Sasuke knew they were in the Land of Rivers, close to the border that lead them to the Wind Country, where, hopefully, they would enter soon to enjoy a warmer weather. If things went well, they could even drop by Suna and pay Gaara a visit – Naruto would certainly be happy and surprised once he found out Sasuke had been keeping in touch with the young Kazekage.
The population in that agglomerate of houses was of about fifty people at most, and while the weather was sunny, it was still very cold. The people there mostly had honey colored skin and dark brown eyes. By no means was that place ruled by a leader and the population was very poor, wearing clothes made out of wool and linen and living off of the land and the animals they raised in a large farm close to the wide river they worshiped as a deity. All the families joined to make a larger one and they all worked the fields and took care of the animals as one. They shared everything with each other, and even though they lacked many things, they were a happy bunch.
Sasuke, as per usual, had entered the unknown territory with a steady plan on his mind, which had been to ask for food and shelter in exchange for their work helping with whatever they could. From his experience, he knew that equivalent exchange was a highly valued concept in the world, be it for the good or the bad. Naruto, who was a selfless person by nature, was intrigued by his theory on it.
"Even if people give you something without expecting to receive something in return, it will always be more meaningful if you show your gratitude," Sasuke had explained to Naruto. "That's how you gain trust, and with it, harmony, even amongst strangers. You accept their help, and they know you are thankful and correct if you are willing to reattribute what has been given to you. That's a form of showing appreciation."
Sometimes, Sasuke would explain Naruto his logic, just like this, and he would listen intently and look impressed, not because this was something he didn't know already, but, Sasuke knew, because he enjoyed knowing that Sasuke himself understood it. Naruto liked it when he talked about his learnings, so once in a while, Sasuke indulged him.
The people of the village were happy to receive the two young Shinobi, and while they didn't have much to offer, they immediately gave them clean clothes and warm food. They seemed a bit wary of Sasuke's deadly-looking Katana, so he thought it best to leave it in the possession of one of the families during their stay – along with Naruto's own weapons – which immediately made the people relax around them.
Since all the houses were so small and barely enough to shelter the families that lived in them, Sasuke and Naruto were given a place to sleep in the barn. After spending so many days out in the rain and cold, sleeping (only occasionally) on the hard ground, it felt like heaven to both young men.
"Doesn't it make you feel thankful?" Sasuke had asked that first night, while they were lying on their backs side by side on a makeshift bed of hay with a warm woolen blanket covering the both of them. "You have a comfortable bed at home, but after living like a hobo out in the wilderness, this makes you feel like an emperor, huh?."
"Yeah," Naruto had agreed, smiling empathically at him. "Lacking the basic comforts totally makes you value the simple things differently, right? I feel really happy right now. It feels like I haven't been this comfy in years."
And Sasuke felt happy, too, because he was making Naruto grasp what he was looking for and what he needed in his life – to value himself and what he had, little as it might be, in order to become a more humble person, capable of loving things he didn't before, and capable of giving value to people who, in other circumstances, he would only treat as business acquaintances.
He was learning to love everything the way Itachi did. Often, he wondered if his brother was looking out for him, still proud of him, still loving him the way he always did.
I'm struggling, Itachi, he would think. I want to be worthy of your feelings for me.
In spite of his past, Sasuke looked for happiness. Not a constant one, but those simple moments in life when he felt like it was good to be alive and that moving on would always be worth it. After all the hatred he had once felt, and in spite of all the resentment that would probably never truly leave his heart, it was all he could do to be even a little bit forgiving of himself.
Because he had realized that he didn't need much to be happy at all. If life was made of small, meaningful moments like those, when he could feel thankful to the world for being dry and having Naruto by his side, then he thought he could feel accomplished. He didn't need money, power or recognition anymore. He didn't need people, or even a normal family. That was all under rated to him at this point. If Naruto was by his side and they could have this similar feeling towards the world, then they would definitely be able to create the revolution the Shinobi universe needed.
000
"Misato-chan, I have your water!" Naruto announced, pushing the old wooden door of the small house open with the small of his back, being careful not to spill water from the buckets he was carrying.
Upon entering, he put the buckets down next to the door and wiped at the sweat on his forehead with a large smile towards the young girl that was kneeling on the floor in front of a low table, knitting what looked like a tiny red sweater. She was younger than Naruto – probably 18 – very pretty, with short dark brown hair and eyes. She smiled back.
"Thank you so much, Naruto!" Misato said with a grateful nod of her head. "I'm really sorry you have to go through the trouble, but I can barely stand as it is."
Naruto all but shrugged, his eyes travelling down to the obvious bulge that was the girl's belly and feeling strangely shy and giddy. There was something about seeing a pregnant woman that made his insides go fuzzy and warm. "It's okay, I like to help and I know your boyfriend is always busy hunting. I still have a few buckets to refill for the rest of the guys, but I can help you out if you need anything?"
"It's fine, my mother should be here soon," the girl said, shaking her head from side to side. "What do you think about this, though?" She lifted the small sweater she was knitting up so Naruto could see it and he felt himself blushing even more because the little unfinished garment was just the cutest thing ever.
"It's really adorable, Misato-chan, and it looks really fluffy," he said, grinning. "You think it'll be a boy?"
"I'm not sure," she said sweetly. "But I don't mind either way. I just want this baby to be healthy, that's all."
They made a bit of small talk for a few minutes before Naruto left to check out which houses needed water for the day. Most of the youngsters got water for themselves since the river was close by, and while he gave priority to sick, pregnant or elderly people, Naruto liked to visit everybody and offer his help to anyone who would need or accept it because it made him feel useful and occupied his time. Sasuke liked to work in the farm with the animals, but sometimes he enjoyed getting involved in construction work with the other men, and he was pretty good at it, too. He didn't socialize much, unlike Naruto himself, but people seemed to not mind his quiet nature since he was hard working and surprisingly polite in spite of his stoic demeanor.
They had been there for two weeks now, and Naruto had to admit that he was loving it. Yes, he slept in a barn with dozens of smelly animals, and yes, his clothes were simple and the food was scarce. Hot baths were a luxury that was far too complicated to pull off, so they usually bathed in the river. Compared to Konoha, it was a hard life, but the people were amazing and simple, and Naruto felt like he belonged. He wasn't being a Shinobi, but he was contributing to someone's well-being, and that made him feel amazing. Being away from fights, weapons and blood was different, but a welcomed novelty. It made him feel calm.
Also, he was experiencing all these things with his best friend, and while he often thought of Konoha, he couldn't say that he was missing it all that much, for now. He also thought of Hinata and wondered if she was alright, but this always made him feel terribly troubled for some reason, so he avoided it as much as he could.
At the end of the day, he ended up finding Sasuke sitting on the ground at the back of a house, a scroll spread out in front of him and a group of children surrounding him. He seemed to be teaching them the Hiragana, allowing the excited group to take turns in writing the characters. No-one in that village knew how to write or read, so it was a huge deal.
Naruto watched him from afar in amusement and pride, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed over his chest. He could tell Sasuke had noticed his watchful presence from the way his shoulders had tensed, but not once did he look at him, which made Naruto smirk internally.
He had to give it to his friend, that he was taking this redemption thing rather seriously. While Sasuke still kept mostly to himself and still had that proud and imposing look about him, he had certainly changed his demeanor to become more approachable and was definitely trying hard to relate to people. It was a shame he wasn't like this when in Konoha.
But this Sasuke was… just like the Sasuke he had grown up with, yet better. He was even more damaged, even more broken, but at the same time, he was stronger in so many ways and was working hard to heal and become the person he should've been all along.
This Sasuke was very… alluring. Looking at him made those familiar feelings of yearning and affection bubble inside Naruto. He found that he had them far too many times during the day to be remotely normal, but experiencing them was something precious to him, and something he was quickly getting used to.
After a while, Sasuke put the scroll away inside his bag and shooed the kids away. They seemed disappointed that he had to leave, but Sasuke promised to teach them more the next day and they all released loud exclamations of joy.
Only after getting to his feet did Sasuke make eye contact with him. The kids spotted him as well and waved at him, who waved back just as energetically. With calm steps, Sasuke went to him, frowning slightly.
"You didn't have to stand there and stare," he said, causing Naruto's smile to grow.
"I didn't have anything better to do," the blond said, with a relaxed shrug. "Got a problem with it?"
Sasuke raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Should I?"
Naruto merely chuckled as they made their way towards the barn to grab for clean clothes and head to the river to clean up. It had become some sort of a daily habit for them to do this before heading back to the 'main square', as Naruto liked to call it, for dinner. It was the only time of the day where everybody got together to eat outside and share the food among each other, and it was always nice because of all that family-like environment that surrounded him. And, okay, having the traditional cup of liquor to accompany his meal was also something he looked forward to because it warmed him up and helped him sleep like a rock. It also improved Sasuke's mood flawlessly.
The sun was setting, the last rays kissing the running water and making it glow in all its crystalline glory. There was no wind so it wasn't particularly cold. As they stripped by the riverbank at their usual spot considerably hidden by bushes, Naruto found himself only on his boxers, staring at his friend's elegant figure. He had long since dismissed Sasuke as being shy towards his appearance, and even without an arm he couldn't care less about how he looked in other people's eyes. Still, Sasuke had to know that, even without his arm, he was still devastatingly handsome, and the female population there clearly didn't care about his 'disability' if the way they eyed him as he passed was any indication.
Naruto couldn't help but notice how worn out and dirty Sasuke's bandage looked, even if he bathed with it every day. Sasuke was very thorough with his hygiene, something Naruto remembered from their days back in team 7, but, just like him, he never took the bandage off. Funny how they were so similar in the weirdest things.
"You shouldn't bandage that for a while," Naruto pointed out casually, just as his friend was bringing a hand to his boxers to push them down, his interference stopping the action. "It looks disgusting."
Sasuke glanced at him, looking down at Naruto's own bandage that wrapped his arm all the way up to his elbow. "So does yours."
"Yeah, that's why I'm going to take it off and wash it properly," Naruto said, with shrug, sitting down on a large rock and letting his feet sink into the ice cold water, shuddering a bit. He began undoing the knot that kept his bandage in place and started untangling it from his arm carefully. Beside him, Sasuke moved to sit on his left, their sides almost touching, and started to do the same. Naruto tried not to stare, but he always had a morbid curiosity about seeing how what was left of Sasuke's arm now looked like, so as soon as his bandage was off, he stared at Sasuke until it was revealed to him.
He had no idea what he was expecting since his own arm had been replaced rather quickly, but he was surprised, to say the least.
"It really has healed, hasn't it?" he said gloomily, clutching his dirty bandage over his lap with both hands. The fact that the skin looked almost flawlessly merged together as if there hadn't even been an arm there to begin with made him feel like he had missed something huge because that was proof that a lot of time had gone by and he hadn't even noticed it.
"I guess," Sasuke muttered, watching his reaction contemplatively for some reason. "Give me your hand," he then said, holding out his own. Naruto cautiously turned a bit and placed his right hand over it, the intimate, yet simple contact causing his heart to constrict.
There they were, those weird feelings he had sometimes, whenever Sasuke was too close, doing unexpected things – feelings that made him think about the past, about that emptiness that he had felt without Sasuke there and about… how different things were between them nowadays.
There was no reasonable explanation for it inside his head, but he liked it – every single bit of it. And it terrified him that it could ever be over – that he might lose it.
"It is darker than the rest of your body," Sasuke observed, thumb rubbing over the back of his hand as if trying to figure out if the skin texture was right.
"Sasuke..." Naruto said, voice cracking unintentionally. The other looked up at him, and when their eyes met, Naruto had to swallow hard because his throat became dry for some reason. "When you left that first time... I was always thinking about you. Even back then, I knew our bond was strong, so I hoped that you thought of me, too." He didn't really know what he wanted to say, or even how to say it, but he hoped Sasuke got it. "I hoped... that thinking of me made you stronger, just like it happened to me."
His friend's expression didn't change but his eyes became softer.
"How did you think that I was able to become who I am?" Sasuke said quietly, not letting go of his hand. "I wanted to drown in darkness but you were always there, in the back of my mind..." He licked at his lips, the action drawing Naruto's attention to the flicker of that pink tongue. "You should understand by now exactly why I was so desperate to kill you. Your existence pained me. It still does. Every single day."
"Why?" Naruto whispered, closing his fingers around Sasuke's hand. "Aren't you happy that you're not alone? That you got rid of all that hatred and pain? That I didn't let you kill me?"
Sasuke didn't blink, gaze becoming serious and intense, but he didn't seem to have an answer for him, or maybe he realized that Naruto had more to say.
"I'm so... glad you're alive," Naruto admitted, his own words causing his very soul to ache; but these were things he had been wanting to tell that man for a long, long time, and he needed to get it off his chest now that Sasuke was there, beside him, listening. "If you died, Sasuke... nothing would be able to fix that. I just... this world wouldn't... I wouldn't..."
"You have other friends now," Sasuke interrupted, but not aggressively so. "You have Hinata, too."
Naruto couldn't help but huff.
"Why would you bring her into this?" he asked, frowning. "She has nothing to do with you, with us. It's different. You are you. Nothing will ever be able to replace you."
This made Sasuke's features finally scrunch up with displeasure and he tried to pry his hand away, but Naruto held on to it tighter.
"Don't say meaningless things, Naruto," Sasuke hissed. "Let go."
"They're not meaningless!" Naruto defended stubbornly.
"They are," Sasuke retorted back, firmly. "Your relationship with Hinata has nothing to do with me, and in your world with her there is no place for me. Therefore, I am replaceable as far as that's concerned. Just as she is when you're with me, apparently."
Naruto's shock at the statement was enough to make his fingers loosen around Sasuke's hand, who took the chance to finally break the contact.
"It's not like that!" the blond said, not really understanding why Sasuke would even say something like that when he had to know that Hinata and him were two, very distinctive people and that he cared deeply about both but that neither were being used as replacements. "Sasuke..."
"We should leave soon," Sasuke cut, with a sigh, grabbing for both his and Naruto's bandage and throwing them to the side, to the pile of their sweaty clothes nearby. "I was thinking we could go to Suna."
"Hey, we're not done talking y…" Naruto was going to press the subject, but at hearing about Suna his attention was efficiently thrown off balance and focused solely on that topic. "We're going to visit Gaara?"
"If you want." Standing up, Sasuke turned his back to him and finally started removing his boxers, and for a few seconds, Naruto's eyes couldn't help but be attracted to the pale, very naked figure of his friend and his very firm, very round ass. Not that he hadn't seen enough of that since they had started travelling together, but it still had an impact on him, maybe because Sasuke was comfortable enough around him to actually get fully naked. "I should send word to him that we're coming. The people there tend to be a bit hostile when I drop by."
This made Naruto jump in his seat. "You... you've been to Suna alone before? After the war?" he inquired, astonished.
"There are many things about me you have yet to know, Naruto," the Uchiha said with an empty smirk, looking at him over his shoulder.
Naruto merely crossed his arms over his chest. "Apparently, since I didn't have a clue that you and Gaara even got along, let alone that you have kept in touch."
Sasuke sighed again and threw his boxers away towards the pile. "The Kazekage and I have things in common," he chose to explain. "Also, we owed each other apologies."
"That's so surreal."
"Things change."
"Well, whatever..." Naruto waved a dismissive hand towards Sasuke, who was slowly walking a bit further away, deeper into the river where he knew the water would at least reach his thighs. "I'm glad we're going to see him, though. I miss that weirdo a lot."
"As he misses you, I'm sure," the other said plainly, crouching down so his body was immersed in the flowing water up to his chest. If the cold temperature bothered him, he didn't show it.
"Can we just wait until Misato-chan gives birth?" Naruto asked hopefully. "I really want to meet her kid."
"Sure."
Because Sasuke kept his back to him, Naruto knew he wanted to give a definite ending to their conversation.
Chewing on his lower lip, Naruto watched him slowly wash himself with steady but elegant gestures of his single hand that, to his appreciative eyes, was a mirror image of the level of skill and precision he was capable of in a fight. Sasuke had a grace to him that was fascinating to watch, and yet, the imposing aura he emanated was a clear warning that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Even after all this time, even after becoming a recognized hero in the Shinobi world, Naruto still envied him. It was a healthy kind of envy now, because while Sasuke was as skilled and as strong as he was, he also had the looks and the behavior to match with it. Sasuke was, in every sense of the word, the perfect character for a book of adventures – some sort of handsome heroic prince with a tragic background.
It was kind of funny and endearing to think about.
"You're very intent on being a voyeur today," Sasuke noted dryly, sensing Naruto's gaze on him, without stopping what he was doing or looking back at him..
"I'm just… really happy," Naruto said, cautiously. "I'm happy to be with you right now. Why can't you see that?"
Sasuke's hand stilled on rubbing his chest.
"I can see it," he said, voice low and devoid of emotion – something Naruto already knew he used as a shield to conceal his real emotions sometimes. "But it's only worth of value right now. I know that this is not a long termed situation, so I'm not exactly willing to be blinded by these fleeting moments of hope."
"What do you mean?" Naruto mumbled, able to feel the all too familiar bitterness behind that forced impassiveness but not really understanding where Sasuke was coming from. "I'm your friend. I'm here right now. I'll always be there for you, no matter what. Don't doubt that, Sasuke."
Sasuke's short laugh sounded aggravated. "You're just as oblivious as ever," he replied, shaking his head from side to side. "Just hurry up and get washed up. Usuratonkachi."
Hesitantly, and wondering what the hell he had done wrong this time, Naruto nodded (even if Sasuke couldn't see it) and obeyed.
000
A few days later, early in the morning, Naruto was working the fields when he heard someone shouting that Misato was going to have the baby.
The commotion was huge amongst the people. Sasuke was supposed to be shearing the sheep, so Naruto ran over there in excitement to tell him but he was nowhere to be found. He then ran over to Misato's to see if there was anything at all he could do to help her, but there was a lot of people surrounding the house already; some, like him, wanting to help, others praying, and others simply wanting to witness the miracle of birth. Naruto found this a little peculiar because he thought giving birth was supposed to be something private, and yet, to these simple people who had no electricity or means entertainment, witnessing something like this was perfectly normal.
Lost in the crowd, Naruto felt anxious every time he heard Misato's screams of agony. Where the fuck was Sasuke at a time like this?
Figuring that asking around was the best option, he found out that Sasuke was in there. With Misato, her mother, and her boyfriend.
He was there to help Misato give birth. Naruto thought he might throw up his own heart.
Why was Sasuke even there in the first place? Naruto had to be there, too. He wanted to be next to his friend, to be useful, to just… do something.
So he acted without really thinking, pushing himself through the crowd of people and muttering apologies until he managed to get inside the small house, already packed with people who were peaking inside the room where the delivery was happening. He made his way through them, ignoring their questions and their warnings, and into the room, and upon entering, he was in no way ready for the scenario in front of him, of the young Misato semi-lying on her back over a mat on the floor, her upper body resting on her boyfriend's (Tori's) lap, her sweaty features scrunched up in pain. Her mother was kneeling between her spread thighs – the girl's dress tunic had been pulled up all the way up her chest, revealing most of her lower body – looking anxious but concentrated as she wiped at the residues there.
Sasuke was kneeling beside the girl's body, facing the entrance. Everybody was talking at the same time while Misato grunted in torment and Tori seemed to look both worried and thoroughly sick as he wiped at the girl's forehead with a wet cloth. All over the place, towels stained with blood and the gods knew what else could be seen, and close to Misato's mother, many weird instruments were scattered about. There was a pungent smell in the air that he couldn't – and didn't want to – identify.
Naruto had to swallow the bile that rose to his throat.
"Naruto!" Sasuke yelled, startling him out of his initial shock. He looked exhausted and relieved to see him there, hair sticking out in every direction. Only then did Naruto notice that he had his hand over Misato's protuberant belly and that it was glowing with baby blue chakra. "I need your help! The baby's wrapped in up the umbilical cord and I can't untangle her single handedly! You need to use your chakra!"
Naruto had no idea what Sasuke was talking about, how he knew it was a girl or that she was even in such a situation – it was far too much information for him at the moment – but he knew Sasuke needed his help, and he'd do whatever it took to be of use.
He quickly moved to the small group and slumped down on the floor on the other side of Misato, in front of Sasuke.
"Put your hand over mine," Sasuke instructed urgently, and Naruto did as told, even if he felt himself shake. "You feel my energy? You feel where my chakra's touching?"
"Yeah," Naruto confirmed, with an exuberant nod, because he could also feel the thumping of the feeble life there.
"I need you to apply pressure there with your own chakra," Sasuke said. "That's where the cord is inflicting the most damage, but it should be okay if we keep it still. The cord is far too tangled up in the baby and if we loosen the pressure in that point it might squeeze her to death. It's also preventing her from coming out." He took a deep, shaky breath. "While you apply pressure to that point, I'm going to use my chakra to try and untangle as much as I can of the cord. If we're successful, she'll be out fast, or so I hope."
"You should've called me!" Naruto said, panic filling him at all the words Sasuke had said that he had barely registered. "What if I hadn't showed up?!"
"I was going to!" Sasuke protested. "I was trying to do as much as I could!"
"How do you even know about this kind of stuff?!"
"I told you I've been studying!" Sasuke yelled, in exasperation. "I know a bit of medical stuff, but it's the first time I'm actually using the knowledge."
Another pained yell from Misato and a curse from her mother made Sasuke eye Naruto meaningfully. They nodded to each other at the same time, and in silence, they got to work. Naruto concentrated the same amount of energy in his hand that he had felt from Sasuke, and as soon as his friend removed his hand, he was ready to apply pressure on that same point.
"P-please save my… baby…" Misato pleaded, looking at Sasuke with a heartbreaking expression of distress.
"I will," Sasuke promised, forcing a smile. "Just keep your breathing even and refrain from pushing for a while, okay?"
She nodded, taking in a sharp breath as another violent contraction assaulted her. Naruto watched Sasuke, torn between fascination and fear at the certainty in his voice. What if he couldn't do it?
Misato's mother was quiet, but tears were streaming down her face, probably thinking the same thing.
Naruto wondered what those poor people would do if Sasuke hadn't been there. They would never be able to tell the baby's condition and the gods knew what would've happened to her and Misato then…
"Focus, Dobe!" Sasuke snapped, just as warm tears made Naruto's eyes sting. He blinked, a single drop falling from his eyes and down his cheek, but the determined look on Sasuke's face was enough to help him get his shit together.
Sasuke had this. Someone as focused, diligent, skilled and talented as he was had no room for failure in his own mind, so he'd definitely pull this off no matter what.
"Tell me if there's anything else I can do," Naruto said.
"I'll tell you if I need more pressure, or pressure on another point," Sasuke said, taking a deep breath. He concentrated chakra on his hand again and placed his hand over Misato's belly. "I'm going to start moving the cord now. Try to stop her from moving too much, Tori."
It felt like hours passed during which Naruto kept his hand immobile, making sure he didn't fuck up and didn't disturb Sasuke's methodical job. Misato's screams upset him, but he did his best to remain as calm as he could, joining Tori in muttering soothing words to the soon-to-be mother, listening carefully every time Sasuke reported on how he had managed to loosen the cord here and there.
By the time he was done, Sasuke was literally dripping with sweat and his whole body was trembling from the physical exertion that the task had forced out of him, and yet, in spite of his obvious shaken state, he still moved quickly to Misato's mother's side and used more of his chakra to help ease the passage so the baby could come out faster, and thankfully, a few minutes later and after a lot of pain from Misato, the baby was out.
Misato's mother caught the tiny body in her eager hands, and Sasuke was quick to instruct Naruto to fetch more towels and more water from the corner of the room, which he did, feeling almost as if he were in a dream, watching everything from outside of his own body.
When he got to Sasuke's side, his best friend was cutting the umbilical cord with a rudimental knife. The eldest woman did a few procedures to clear the baby's airways that got Naruto's stomach in a twist but immediately made him feel relieved as the tiny individual started to cry weakly. After that, Naruto passed Sasuke the towels and, filled with joy and gratefulness, Misato's mother passed him the baby, even though he only had one arm to hold her.
Sasuke seemed a bit surprised by this, but the woman was ecstatic. "It is a girl," she said, before looking up at her daughter's relieved face. "You hear that, Misato? It's a beautiful girl, just like you wanted!"
Misato was even able to release a small, exhausted laugh and Tori could no longer hold back his emotions as silent tears ran down his strong features.
"Help me clean her up," Sasuke said to Naruto in a whisper. His voice shook, and consequentially shook Naruto's very soul as well, who could barely keep his hands steady as he dipped a few cloths in the water and twisted them, with which he carefully wiped the bloodied baby clean as much as possible.
They had helped bring a baby into this world. The little girl was alive and kicking and Sasuke had been responsible for that miracle. If it hadn't been for him…
Naruto could barely breathe as he looked at Sasuke's drained, yet soft features while he looked at the tiny creature he was holding. He looked ridiculously heroic and just ethereal, like a beautiful, out of this world entity. Despite his best efforts, Naruto couldn't help the sob that escaped his chest as well as the flood of tears that had been threatening to escape his eyes for quite a while now.
He felt so happy and grateful, too. He felt so many things at the same time, for Misato, for that baby, for those people, for Sasuke… the things he felt for Sasuke almost choked him. Yet, he laughed because everything was just so beautiful it amazed him.
He was only able to calm down when Sasuke passed the baby to Misato, who, along with Tori, both smiled widely at them, both too emotional to properly voice their gratitude.
000
They were a bit drunk, Sasuke was aware of this. Everybody had been indulging in celebration of Misato's baby and Sasuke and Naruto had been no exception.
So, yes, it had been a wild night, filled with laughter, booze, tears and dancing and it had been beautiful in ways Sasuke had never seen or experienced before. The fatigue of the delivery had left him to be replaced by pure exhilaration and need to be free.
Still, if Naruto, ever the bright individual hadn't been there, Sasuke was sure he wouldn't have taken part in any of it, but his friend's energy was far too strong and captivating, and it drew people in like a brutal force.
Naruto was out of himself after the delivery. So, Sasuke drank, laughed, and even danced around the fire with a few of the youngest girls as well as a few women – well, it wasn't exactly 'dancing' as much as it was just jumping around in a rather ritualistic way to the sound of rustic drums – and if the suggestive looks he received were any indication, those females were looking out for some fun. Too bad for them that he had no interest in them.
Naruto seemed to be enjoying himself as well, but more often than not Sasuke would find those strong, vivid blue eyes trained on him in both joy and fascination. Sometimes, those eyes darkened and became oddly intense, following his every move from the other side of the huge bonfire and Sasuke would relish in all those raw emotions he saw there. Those eyes ravaged him, caressing him all over and he could all but let it consume him as the pull he and Naruto had on each other made him feel powerful and simply wanted like never before.
So, he smirked nastily at Naruto, and whenever they happened to walk by each other in that sea of happy dancing bodies, he would make sure to touch Naruto's arm, hand or the back of his neck, teasingly, playfully, and would drink in the way his friend shivered every single time and would always reach out to touch him back. The mutual contact felt like electricity on his body and he'd feel himself burn with an uncontrolled longing that he noticed to have an erotic feel to it as well.
While Sasuke was no stranger to feeling aroused from kissing, this kind of feeling, he knew, was new to them and caused by new, deeper things that had blossomed between them. Naruto felt it, too, if the hungry glint in his helpless sapphire eyes was any indication.
This to say that Sasuke wasn't surprised when Naruto suddenly appeared in front of him and grabbed for his wrist before dragging him away from the loud celebration. They found themselves near the barn, closer to the woods and away from the party they had been immersed in. The night was a bit chilly, but thanks to their woolen sweaters and all the dancing, neither was feeling particularly cold. In fact, when they reached a rather secluded area and Naruto leaned his back against a tree trunk, pulling Sasuke to him, the Uchiha had to admit that he was feeling more than a little hot, heart beating painfully inside his chest because of the euphoria he was feeling.
His head was spinning, and when strong arms surrounded his neck in a loose, but meaningful hug, he could only lean in to capture the lips that met his halfway through. By now, he and Naruto had kissed enough times for them to identify each other's moods, and Sasuke quickly understood that his friend was in a rather lightheaded and playful mood. This however, only made him more carefree, thus more intense.
The kiss was eager from the very start, Naruto releasing a pleased moan as their tongues slid over each other with uncoordinated ease. Sasuke enjoyed those small sounds they made and the way Naruto's body seemed to twitch from raw need. His hands moved so his fingers could close tightly around the dark hair in the back of his head, making sure Sasuke didn't break the kiss, and Sasuke allowed it, pressing himself closer and winding his arm underneath Naruto's armpit to grab his shoulder.
If there were times when Sasuke regretted not having his arm, these were it. When he and Naruto were being like this, he often wished he could hold him properly and make sure his intents, his desires were well comprehended. As it was, there was only so much strength he could display, and only so much affection he could bestow upon the other. They were both male, and just like Naruto himself seemed to understand that in order for the mutual respect to be achieved they would both have to keep their male pride intact, so did Sasuke, and while the balance was still overwhelmingly delicate due to the early stages of their intimacy, it was also surprisingly steady.
Sasuke had expected Naruto to try and subjugate him at some point, considering how he had already been with a female, and yet, his friend didn't, not even once. If it was natural or just him being considerate, Sasuke didn't know, but he knew that he was ready to counter it with everything he had.
Still, there seemed to be no need for them to fight for dominance so far, and the way Naruto's leg had wound around his waist was proof enough of it. Sasuke allowed a small noise to escape his throat as he broke to kiss to latch his mouth over the curve of the other's neck and sucking on it wetly, the alcohol in his veins making it all too easy for him to instinctively venture a few tentative thrusts of his hips against his friend's. Both of them shivered slightly as their obvious arousals came into contact, Naruto's fists tightening more on Sasuke's hair, who couldn't help but smirk against the other's skin at the way his name was uttered in a sinful release of breath in his ear.
Sasuke couldn't possibly claim to know what he was doing. He wasn't naïve, or ignorant about sex – he had read about it – and while he was in no way experienced, it wasn't something that he considered to be that much of a big deal. The notion of sex, or any kind of sexual interaction, was something he perceived with the same rational mind that he perceived everything else. Whatever had to happen would happen, and he, being a fast learner, would be able to deal with it, no doubt about it. Call it arrogance, but at this point of his life, he was far too confident in himself to be intimidated by something as banal and mindless as sex. Like fighting an unknown opponent, it was all about instinct and body language.
Right now, as they panted and trembled against each other, Sasuke wasn't sure what it was that he wanted to do or what Naruto himself wanted.
However, he couldn't say that he felt completely prepared for the intensity that emanated from his best friend, so when the blond searched for his mouth again, kissing him desperately and alluringly rocking his own hips against Sasuke's in search for more friction, Sasuke felt powerless to the sheer pleasurable heat that seemed to set his body on fire.
His painfully hard cock throbbed with unchained lust as he found himself automatically responding to Naruto, who seemed to be in a rather horny mood for some reason Sasuke couldn't quite understand. Sure, he had seen those eyes almost devouring him just a few minutes ago, but where had that come from?
Sasuke grunted, letting his hand travel down the side of Naruto's body in a possessive caress before cupping an ass cheek and pressing himself harder, enjoying the uncoordinated way Naruto pressed back, their lengths rubbing deliciously against each other through their linen pants.
The Kami help him, but that felt better than anything else in the world.
"Fuck," Naruto grunted against his mouth. "Sasuke… faster…"
Naruto's speech was a bit slurred, but not enough to deter Sasuke from moving faster, teeth biting roughly on Naruto's lower lip, who let out a mumbled complaint that sounded both eager and pained.
Sasuke had no consciousness of Naruto releasing his hair, but he felt Naruto's cold hands sliding down his back in one quick, swift motion before pulling the hem of his sweater up so they could touch skin, blunt nails scratching viciously and making Sasuke hiss.
Their mouths parted again with a wet popping noise and Naruto attacked his ear lobe, nibbling and licking at it with a lewdness Sasuke had never imagined he was even able to possess, the noises his tongue made causing his head to spin. Then, those hands became even more daring as they shamelessly slid down again to invade Sasuke's pants and underwear and cupping both his ass cheeks.
Sasuke almost cursed himself for not being able to touch Naruto more. If only he had two hands he could just…
He wondered if, even like this, Naruto found him attractive, somehow – if this outcome had been triggered by their emotional bond or if something about him turned Naruto on.
Naruto did turn him on, and while this hadn't been exactly something that was important before they had started kissing, being intimate definitely had an impact in how differently Sasuke looked at him now.
"Sasuke…" Naruto gasped in his ear, rolling his hips even more desperately against his, heart beating wildly against Sasuke's erratic one. "Oh, shit… so good… I'm so close…"
Sasuke bit his lip and closed his eyes tightly, feeling his cock leaking even more inside his underwear.
They had never gotten this far during a make out session, but Sasuke knew by now how this was going to end. There was still time to stop, or at least time to ask Naruto if he was sure about it, if this was the right thing to do and if it was better to not go through with it after all. Because, once they did, those last few doors that separated them would finally be unlocked and it was only a matter of time before Naruto opened them. And Sasuke was more than ready for it – had always been, he knew that now – but Naruto had other people, other thoughts, other aspirations, and this would have a strong repercussion in their lives from here on.
Stopping now would be hard (he was so devastatingly close to that blissful completion, too) but for Naruto's sake – for both their sakes – Sasuke was willing to do it.
However, as soon as he opened his mouth, Naruto's fingers squeezed his ass and pulled him more to him, hands urging him to move faster as his leg flexed around Sasuke's waist. "I'm gonna cum… fuckfuckfuck…" he chanted, his face buried in the curve of Sasuke's neck, who could all but indulge him and be guided by his precious person's whims as he helped Naruto ride his orgasm for all it was worth.
Naruto came with a long, strangled moan of Sasuke's name, hands twitching on Sasuke's bottom and body trembling with powerful spasms. Sasuke's lust was both fueled and pacified by those amazing sounds he attentively listened to, his brain registering every breath, every shiver and every senseless word the other uttered. He deeply regretted not being able to see Naruto's face, but in the dark forest, the chance was slim anyway.
Still, he was too aroused and absorbed, even if everything had been so sudden and fast. It was remarkable that it didn't feel awkward, and even more so that Naruto had let himself go so easily, and the thought itself was nothing short of amazing.
Sasuke didn't really have much time to delve into things though. He barely registered the moment Naruto came down from his high because the blond was lifting his head and smashing his mouth against his in another fervent kiss. If Sasuke hadn't been so fucking horny to begin with, he would've gasped at the nerve of Naruto as he blindly (somehow) managed to untie the strings in his pants and pulled them and his underwear slightly down. Sasuke's already moistened cock was exposed to the cold environment, but Naruto's hand was quick to reach for it and pump it. The movements of his fist were a bit awkward but energetic and obviously into it, and Sasuke almost lost the ability to stand. He had never been touched like that by another person before – and it wasn't like he felt the need to masturbate all that often – and, clumsy as it may be, it felt too good.
Naruto was still breathing hard against his mouth, trying to kiss him at the same time but it ended up being nothing more than a mess of tongues and lips that Sasuke enjoyed far too much to care about how uncoordinated it was.
He held Naruto close by the waist, his wrist scrapping a bit against the roughness of the tree trunk and probably scratching skin, but he barely felt it. He just wanted Naruto close – that flawed perfection that was theirs – and nothing else. He had never needed something as bad in his life like he needed release in the arms of that particular person.
He grunted, unable to stop himself from fucking Naruto's hand while being thoroughly jerked off.
He quivered at the impending ecstasy coiling in the pit of his stomach, his cock convulsing with the upcoming orgasm.
"That's it…" Naruto murmured lovingly against his mouth, his words sounding almost like a prayer. "Cum for me… Sasuke…"
And Sasuke did, trying to swallow his voice down but not being able to because a long grunt escaped him while pleasure washed over him and he kept thrusting his hips against Naruto's hand, his seed leaving him and coating it.
As his orgasm subsided, Naruto's hand slowed down considerably as well, but its movements didn't cease, still pumping carefully, almost as if enjoying the new slickness that aided it, which made it difficult for Sasuke to clear his mind and stop shivering from the small pleasure.
He remained very still, breathing hard while Naruto took the chance to mouth at his parted lips, the upper one first, and the lower one after it. Sasuke allowed it for a few submissive seconds, only because he was far too lost in the blissful haziness of his pleasure, before lazily pressing his lips to Naruto's responsively.
They kissed for a while, Naruto's hand eventually stopping its ministrations to close around Sasuke's sweater, dirtying it. Sasuke couldn't care if he tried.
When they parted, Naruto looked at him, and when their eyes met, the blond sucked in a breath, seemingly about to say something.
"Don't talk," Sasuke interrupted, voice coming out a bit rough since he was still feeling drowsy. "You'll say something to piss me off, for sure."
Naruto frowned at him, looking offended.
Truth was, Sasuke he felt… good – ecstatic that yet another wall had been torn down. But also queasy and somewhat angry. Naruto had initiated it for some reason, and Sasuke had accepted it because he had wanted to. But again, this was something rather huge for them. Or maybe, it was what he wanted to believe, but Naruto was different, and sometimes, he looked at things from a light-hearted perspective, and sometimes, Sasuke just didn't want to know his thoughts. In fact… just thinking about how this could have less meaning to Naruto than it did to him made him feel furious. Because, unfortunately for him, his friend was dumb.
"I was just going to say that this was really good," Naruto said quietly, blue eyes seeming to glow a little resentfully in the dark. "It felt really good, doing this with you, Sasuke." In spite of himself, Sasuke turned his face away, but the blond proceeded. "If you were thinking that I did it because you think I'm drunk and am I going to regret it, then you're wrong."
"Then why did you do it?" Sasuke asked, noticing his voice sounded colder than necessary, but uncertainty not allowing him to take anything for granted.
Naruto blinked, as if the question didn't even make sense to him. "Because it felt right," he said, sincerely. "After this morning I just… and just a while ago you looked… really cool out there, laughing and dancing, and I just… felt drawn to you and really wanted it. And you did, too, so it felt perfect. Don't be upset about something that felt amazing like that."
It was Sasuke's turn to blink stupidly, his anger draining away. It wasn't exactly the kind of answer he was looking for – then again, when did Naruto ever say what he wanted to hear? – and yet, the simple, pure way he had spoken made him realize that it was when Naruto was the most oblivious that he acted more on impulse and heart alone. This was when he became more honest.
And for some reason, while it frustrated Sasuke to no end, he couldn't really stay angry at him.
But… it was upsetting, he thought. Looking into Naruto's eyes and seeing the longing, the hope and that… he hated seeing it but knowing his friend couldn't grasp it, even if, little by little and with each passing day, he seemed to give in more to their bond.
"Damn it," Sasuke hissed, letting his forehead fall to Naruto's shoulder. "You're always saying stupid shit, Usuratonkachi."
Naruto chuckled. "I know you like it when I go all mushy on you, even though you always act tough like you don't give a shit," he teased, using his clean hand to caress the back of Sasuke's neck, cheek coming in contact with his temple. "But I meant what I said. I feel like, no matter what happens between us, it's fine because it's you. If it makes sense, then that's all I will focus on."
"I know," Sasuke mumbled, toying with the fabric of Naruto's sweater with his fingers. "But you have to admit: you were also pretty horny, weren't you?"
Naruto made a thoughtful noise with the back of his throat. "Well… yeah, I guess. A guy has needs. Didn't you feel terribly horny and frustrated that we've done all that making out without some sex involved? I was almost ready to jump out of my skin a few times, to be honest. And who wouldn't want some sex after that delivery? That was sick, man."
Sasuke could only release a bitter, amused laugh.
000
The weather seemed to be against them hitting the road again on that grey morning, dark clouds having covered the sun as thin raindrops fell over their heads. Naruto had to admit that he felt sad that, after four weeks, they had to go. He had grown attached to the people and to the quiet, yet hardworking lifestyle.
They were given their weapons back and enough food to last for a week, as well as more of the typical linen and wool clothes they were already used to wearing, even though he was sure that the weather would be very hot once they entered Wind Country. Everybody was feeling rather emotional, but Naruto couldn't help the tears from falling at the sight of the kids that usually followed Sasuke around crying all around him and telling him not to go. Sasuke merely smiled gently at them and ruffled the top of their heads, promising that he'd be back to visit sometime.
Amongst the strong hugs, forehead kisses and words of farewell, Naruto thanked everyone for the way they had been received and for the things he had learned. If by the time he took a glimpse of Sasuke leaning down to press a small kiss to the forehead of the baby in Misato's arms (Mika was her name), Naruto was already a sobbing mess, seeing his friend like that made him start hiccupping uncontrollably. Thankfully, Sasuke realized that there were only so many goodbyes the both of them could handle and decided that it was time to go.
Their bags considerably heavier than they had been before meeting civilization, the two headed towards Wind Country, and Suna.
After they left, Naruto kept on crying for about an hour, and while Sasuke sighed his annoyance beside him and just threw him frowning glances, he didn't really say anything to give him comfort either. Bastard, Naruto thought bitterly, wiping at his snotty nose with the sleeve of his sweater and ignoring Sasuke's disgusted shudder.
He had met many people in his life, gone on many missions, seen many things… but actually spending so much time with other types of people, actually knowing what it meant to live as someone poor who actually had to survive by their own means, was a completely new thing to him. Maybe this was what Sasuke's process of self-forgiveness meant, he considered. Feeling empathy for different kinds of lives and people, learning how to feel for them so strongly you just ached to do something to make sure their lives were a bit easier. And yet, there was no pity in him for them, because they were genuinely united and happy.
After a while, he managed to calm down enough to be able to stop seeing everything so blurry, but he was still hiccupping heavily. That's when a linen handkerchief made its appearance in front of him, to his surprise. He looked at Sasuke, who was extending it to him with his features scrunched up in aggravation and took it, gratefully. He wiped his face and blew his nose loudly.
"For fuck's sake, Naruto, do you have to be so damned disgusting?" Sasuke yelled, clearly irritated beyond himself. "I've never seen someone crying so much in my whole life; where the fuck do you store all that water?"
"Shut up, I have the right to cry for as long as I want!" Naruto protested, voice coming out hoarse. "Just let me be, bastard!"
Purposefully, he blew his nose again, causing Sasuke to make a sickened 'urgh'.
"Just… calm down," Sasuke said, between clenched teeth, while furiously rummaging inside his bag in search for something. He took out a canteen of water and extended it to Naruto. "Drink some water, you're upsetting me with all that crying, it's uncalled for and you look terrible."
In spite of having a nasty retort on the tip of his tongue, Naruto accepted the canteen and unscrewed the cap before taking a few healthy swigs, the liquid soothing his sore throat. Once he was done, he passed it back to Sasuke, who put it away inside his bag again.
Then, Naruto watched Sasuke for a while as they walked side by side, contemplating his friend, who chose to not look back at him.
He wondered if seeing him cry was really all that upsetting for Sasuke or if it just got on his nerves because he was noisy. Nevertheless, that small 'village' had had an impact on him for many reasons, and yet, what had really moved him the most was seeing Sasuke's strange display of humility there and his constant calm, helpful demeanor towards other people.
Naruto had always known that, deep down, Sasuke had always had a gentle heart that had, unfortunately, been tainted by hatred, pain and sadness, but seeing his friend working hard to heal himself and bring himself back from the chaos he had been in… it was almost like seeing someone looking for the child within them – that same purity, that same simple enjoyment over simple things, and that freedom to love and live.
This made Sasuke look, to him, more beautiful than ever.
Those who knew nothing about him had no idea – they couldn't understand what Naruto saw – what he had seen – the progression Sasuke was going through, thus, they could never really comprehend how it felt to see this Sasuke, who was completely himself, yet someone better.
It made his heart ache with something strong, yet not unpleasant. He wondered if Sakura was even aware of this, but by the way Sasuke closed in on himself, it wasn't very likely. Also, Sakura had never travelled with him before, like Naruto was doing.
Sniffing, and feeling a bit needy, he reached out to brush the back of his fingers over Sasuke's shoulder, running them down his arm slowly, a bit clumsily considering they were still in motion. Sasuke glanced at him sideways, one eyebrow quirking upwards. When Naruto was about to reach his hand, Sasuke spoke, voice smooth but cold as ice. "Do it and I'll break every single bone in your hand."
As if burnt, Naruto removed said hand with a pout. "You're so mean, Sasuke!" he retorted, sticking his lower lip out and making it tremble on purpose. "A guy needs a bit of comfort and you're just a cold bastard all the way!"
"Oh, yes, because out of all the comforting gestures, holding hands is by far the best of them," Sasuke said, sarcastically.
Naruto felt himself smile. "We could always have sex again," he said, grinning mischievously even if the memory alone of the event a few nights previously was enough to make heat flood him from head to toe. Just the previous morning things had gotten pretty nice when they had woken up, both apparently feeling rather horny and ready for some action, but had been interrupted by one of the kids who oh-so-conveniently decided to 'wake' Sasuke up himself. "I'm sure even you agree that that's comforting enough."
He was ready for the swig Sasuke took at his head, so he was successful in ducking and avoiding it. With a satisfied grin, he stuck his tongue out at the other, effectively causing Sauske to roll his eyes.
In silence, both proceeded on their way, side by side. After a while, Sasuke seemed to have moved abnormally closer so that their arms touched when they walked. Naruto felt happy and victorious at the same time – it seemed as though they were becoming closer and closer the more time passed, both physically and emotionally and it felt liberating beyond anything he had ever experienced.
It also felt weird, all these sudden, very conflicting yet specific feelings he had whenever he so much looked at Sasuke, let alone touch him. It was the same as always, that strong pull, that easy, yet clashing dynamic between them, and yet, it was becoming increasingly different for some reason.
He didn't like to think about it. All he knew was that he was incredibly happy right now, and this kind of happiness wasn't something he was used to.
In fact… he wasn't sure he had ever felt quite like this in his entire life. He hoped Sasuke felt it, too, and all he wanted was to keep moving, alongside his best friend, and see how much happier they could both be, together.
TBC…
Shane: I tend to think that Naruto tries to turn himself into the sterotypical hero, and your typical guy, even if he wants to stand out and make a difference. In the end, since he was never really normal to begin with, I feel like, after the war, he just strived to have a life as normal as possible – working hard, hanging out with friends, finding a girlfriend… that sort of stuff. But, while he can do this if Sasuke isn't around, I get the feeling that, if Sasuke was a constant in his daily life, he wouldn't be able to pursue that 'normalcy'. Which is something I think he fears, that knowledge that Sasuke is capable of throwing him off balance and making him want to forget what he's aiming for himself. Which is why he didn't immediately consider travelling with him. But I think that, deep down, Narut owanted to spend time with Sasuke really badly but wanted to give Sasuke some space while trying NOT to think about his own wants too much. Thank you for Reading!
Guest: Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far! I hope this chapter pelased you as well ;)
Ttracee: Hehe, Naruto doesn't like to think on things too much, right? I think it's best if he's this way because overthinking things would probably ruin everything and scare him in a way. It's best if he lets himself go and slowly let his feelings seep into him, you know? He gets used to them, so when he does think about it, it feels less of a weight. However, Sakura and Hinata's conversation wasn't to show that they were okay with Sasuke and Naruto having na affair. They are both hesitant in a way, but kind of confident that the boys will settle things between them, probably fool around for a bit and THEN go their separate ways, back to them. Because they needed to blow off some steam before focusing on what they really want to do (or what Sakura and Hinata think they want to do) with their lives. Thank you for Reading!
Ash: I do believe that strong bonds exist, but people are scared to feel them, so they often simplify them to not make it look too complicated. People think that, if you feel too strongly for a friend of the same genre, that will make you look weird as if you have other intentions. People don't let themselves go and just be however they want to be towards someone they care about, so most friendships have very steady lines drawn between two people. It's either the 'brother-like' friendship or the 'friends-with-benefits' friendship for most people, and sometimes, it's both. But I get how it's difficult for any human being to allow themselves to feel so strongly for someone who's supposed to be like your brother/sister. When you start to think of them as lovers, it's as if the whole universe is fucked up. Naruto's and Sasuke's bond really is extreme in many ways, and they have done for each other things people would only do for lovers or a beloved relative. Which is why I find it so funny that het pairings' fans tend to disregard this fact by claiming that they are 'just good friends'. But thank you so much, Im happy that you think I'm doing it right, even if I grab for their bond and make it even more complex and heartbreaking than it already is. I hope you liked this chapter as well!
Long-assed chapter just for you! Don't ask where this came from, but there are scenes here that I definitely wanted to inclu
de, so… I'm glad I did? Anyway, I hope you liked it!
Next part: Gaara, relationship talk, some fluff, some more arguing and… well, who the fuck knows? Look forward to it!
Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AAAAALLLL!
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