Damn Roses
Author's note: Thank you for all the reviews. This update is a bit later than "usual" for me because I had a bit of writer's block for this story. For my yaoi and/or supernatural themed lovers, I have another Sasuke x Naruto story up now. It's called Animal Magnetism. I hope you enjoy this chapter ^^
Footnote: Frenching as in French Kissing.
Chapter Three
The next day, Sasuke was back at work. He was grateful for the distraction and the chance to vent off some frustration. He still didn't know who had "robbed" Naruto's place. Sasuke did not like feeling helpless. Which brought us back to the courtroom. If there was one place Sasuke was never helpless it was there.
After his case, Sasuke hears an amused chuckling. An old withered hand was placed on his shoulder. He didn't have to look back to know who this was. It was Danzo, Sasuke's boss.
"You were quite vicious today. You made the Defense Attorney cry within the first five minutes of the case. That's a record, even for you," he says in bemusement.
"Personal problems," was Sasuke's response.
"Ah I see. Well my door is always open, should you need to talk," Danzo offers.
"Thanks. But I don't think you can help me on this one," Sasuke answers.
That was when Sasuke saw a flash of blonde hair. He raises an eyebrow. Did Naruto follow him to work? He wouldn't, would he?
"Sorry, I have to head home. I just remembered that I promised Itachi, I'd attend a family dinner." Sasuke says.
"Of course. Enjoy the rest of your evenings," Danzo says, recognizing it for the lie it was, but deciding not to say so.
"You too," Sasuke says as he heads off.
He didn't want to burst out chasing the blonde. That'd get him quite a few suspicious looks in the somber court house. But he was positive it was him.
"Naruto," Sasuke calls out.
Busted. Naruto had been worried about Sasuke. He knew the bastard was going to talk to Orochimaru. As far as Naruto was concerned, the Michael Jackson knockoff should be kept as far away from Sasuke as possible. He hadn't meant for Sasuke to see him. Dammit.
"Hey, Sasuke," Naruto says and puts on his best innocent face.
"There a reason you came to the courthouse," Sasuke asks with an eyebrow raised.
"Because you are here," Naruto answered honestly.
"Uh huh. Any luck figuring out who did it," Sasuke questions.
"None. How'd it go with the pervert," Naruto responds.
"I don't think he actually did it. That's what worries me. I know how to deal with him. I don't know how to deal with some stranger. Is there anyone else you might have pissed off," Sasuke wonders.
"Well there's my ex," Naruto starts.
"You mean Kiba," Sasuke asks.
"No, this is a different one. You don't know him," Naruto replies.
"Uh huh. Is this other ex the vengeful type? Was it a bad break up," Sasuke demands to know.
"I don't think so. He was kinda you know out there. He's an artsy type. Artists aren't exactly known for being violent. But yeah it was a bad breakup. He painted me," Naruto answers.
"You broke up with an artist, for painting you," Sasuke looks at Naruto like Seriously?
"He painted me naked. He was going to display it in his gallery. So ANYONE could have seen it," Naruto says defensively.
"… Yeah that would do it. Did you tell Kakashi about this guy," Sasuke says.
"Not yet. But I guess I should. It just doesn't seem his style," Naruto answers.
"He's got a motive. It might not be him, but it's worth checking into," Sasuke says.
"Guess you are right. So you off for the night," Naruto asks.
"Yes. No, we are not going out. You are marching your ass off to tell Kakashi about, whoever the fuck your ex is," Sasuke orders.
"Alright," Naruto pouts.
"Don't pout like a puppy," Sasuke scoffs.
"Well I figured it was worth a shot, to see if you'd change your mind," Naruto defends himself.
"I won't. Naruto your safety comes first. Just go," Sasuke shakes his head.
"What about tomorrow," Naruto asks.
"My case schedule is packed this week and then next week is the conference," Sasuke replies.
"You are telling me, that I won't see you for two weeks," Naruto yells.
Sasuke blinks. They were getting some weird looks from Naruto's outburst. Damn.
"Most likely," Sasuke replies in a detached sort of way.
Naruto was a whirlwind. It was hard not to get swept up into it. Sasuke was normally very cautious in relationships. It wasn't like him to make out with someone in public or accept a date so quickly.
The busy schedule might have been a blessing. It gave him time to understand how he felt. Sure, he'd had a crush on Naruto at the Academy and was definitely attracted to him, but how far did he really want to go?
"Alright, as long as you promise to call at least once. Where's the conference at anyway," Naruto wonders.
"San Francisco," Sasuke answers.
"…," Naruto didn't really like the thought of Sasuke in San Francisco. It had a thriving gay community. It was also California. That meant beaches. Beaches meant shirtless Sasuke. Shirtless Sasuke meant that Sasuke would get hit on. He'd get hit on while Naruto wasn't there.
"What's wrong with San Francisco," Sasuke arches an eyebrow.
"Oh nothing. I just wish I could go with you," Naruto chirps merrily.
"Naruto, we've been on one date. We aren't going on a weeklong trip with each other," Sasuke rolls his eyes.
"Yeah, one date. But we've known each other forever," Naruto reasons.
"You got me there. I'll call you," Sasuke says as he starts off.
Naruto sighs and heads to see Kakashi. Sasuke would have his head on a platter if he didn't. Besides, the bastard was right. He should talk to the cop about Sai.
"So let me get this straight, you forgot to mention the fact you have an ex boyfriend," Kakashi questions.
"Well yeah. We weren't together very long. I think about two months. It was over a year ago though. I mean if he was carrying a grudge, wouldn't he have pulled something sooner," Naruto asks.
"You'd think that he would. But it's not completely unheard of. Tell me more about him," Kakashi demands.
"He's an artist. He's pretty famous really. Tall, very lean, dark eyes, pale skin. He's pretty eccentric, to put it mildly," Naruto says.
"Dark hair, dark eyes, and pale… I'm sensing a type from you Naruto," Kakashi says in amusement.
"Maybe a little," Naruto says and sounds embarrassed.
It was true. The reason he'd been initially attracted to Sai was because he looked like Sasuke. Alright a much skinner version of Sasuke. It wasn't that Sasuke was fat, far from it actually. It was just that Sai always looked one meal away from starvation. It didn't matter how much the guy ate. But he had gorgeous curves, an amazing ass, and brushes weren't the only things he knew how to make beautiful strokes with.
"Well I'll look into it. Anyone else that I should know about," Kakashi asks.
"No, I don't think so," Naruto replies.
"Alright. Well give me a call if something does come up. I"ll notify you if we have any changes on the case. You still staying with your friend," Kakashi questions.
"Yeah, I think it's best for now. I will. Thanks," Naruto says as he heads back to Shikamaru's.
"Yeah, so I think Sasuke believes Sai might have done it," Naruto tells Shikamaru about the day's events.
"I'd say that's a pretty logical suspicion. I suspect it's motivated as much out of jealousy as logic though," Shikamaru yawns out.
"You don't think Sai would actually do something like that, do you," Naruto wonders.
"The guy tried to publicly display a naked painting of you, without your permission. I wouldn't put anything passed him. I never would have thought him the violent type though. Then again, he just made a mess . So maybe he did. Kakashi said was looking into it. So I'd just wait and see," Shikamaru advises.
"And another thing, the bastard has a full schedule this week. Then next week he's off to San Francisco for some conference. So I will barely get to see him for two weeks. Do you think he's having second thoughts," Naruto says in a rush.
"Naruto, I'm straight. Maybe I'm not the best person to ask for advice on gay relationships," Shikamaru says awkwardly.
"Yeah. I know that. But you are really smart," Naruto replies.
"Well it's possible he might want to take a step back. You two didn't see each other for years and then were Frenching," Shikamaru shrugs.
"Wait, I didn't tell you that we were Frenching," Naruto flails in embarrassment.
"I've seen you kiss Naruto. I was there when you were with Kiba and Sai. I know you like to use your tongue. It's not a big deal. Everyone has their own style," Shikamaru replies and stretches.
"He said he'd call though," Naruto ignores Shikamaru's assessment of his kissing style to say that.
"Well has he ever lied to you," the lazy man asks.
"No, he hasn't. He's a brutally honest bastard," the blonde says.
"Then he's probably going to call you. Stop acting like a school girl with her first crush. Besides, if he completely blows you off, you can corner him at work…again," Shikamaru teases Naruto.
"Hey! I was only you know making sure he was safe. He told me he was going to go and talk to that creep, Orochimaru. I had a reason to go see him. It's not like I was," Naruto starts to say, only to get cut off by Shikamaru.
"Following him around like a love sick puppy," Shikamaru finishes.
"Yeah! Exactly," Naruto nods.
"Naruto, you were following him around like a love sick puppy. Sasuke's always been more of a loner. I wouldn't make a habit of ambushing him at work, without checking with him first," Shikamaru says.
"Yeah, I guess you are right. But still, I can't help but worry about him," Naruto says.
"Sasuke is a black belt in karate. Your boyfriend isn't exactly a damsel in distress. Stop worrying," Shikamaru says.
"Yeah. I guess I just needed to be talked down. Thanks Shikamaru. You are a good friend," Naruto says.
"It's a drag to listen to your paranoia. But what are friends for," the dark haired man shrugs.
Meanwhile Danzo was meeting with his minions again. Thankfully this time it was a hotel and not a strip club. He really hated those establishments.
"Your idea to set up a conference was a stroke of genius," he compliments Sai.
"Thank you. Naruto is a very affectionate person. If he's in a relationship but doesn't get to see his lover for even a few days, it drives him stir crazy. From what you tell me about Sasuke, he is a loner. He won't take well to Naruto's hovering when he returns," Sai answers with a fake smile on his face.
"Yes, I certainly hope that is the case. I'd rather not have Sasuke put such a promising legal career on hold for a lover," Danzo responds.
"Naruto is an excellent lover though," Sai says.
"…Sai I really do not need explicit details about your relationship with Naruto. The fact that you used to be involved with him and know so much about him is indeed an asset. But as I have said before, I do NOT need to know the size of his…paintbrush as you call it," Danzo finishes.
"It is a REALLY big paintbrush though," Sai answers cheerfully.
"I'm surrounded by idiots," Danzo mutters to himself.
A week later, Sasuke finds himself in San Francisco. After a long day of boring meetings, the Uchiha was ready to enjoy some of the perks such a trip. It was nice of Danzo to include a spa pass. (There was a spa at the hotel).
Sasuke's shoulders were stiff from hunching over legal documents all day. He decided to get a massage. He lays on the table and takes out his phone. He couldn't really talk while getting the massage, but he could text. He figured Naruto would probably count that as calling.
Hey, loser. - Sasuke
Bastard! It's so good to hear from you. How's the conference going? Naruto.
Pretty boring for the most part. But Danzo pulled out all the stops. Even gave us a spa pass. - Sasuke
That's awesome! - Naruto
You have no idea. This massage therapist is amazing - Sasuke
You're getting a massage? - Naruto
Yeah. My neck is was fucking killing me. - Sasuke
… Is it a guy or girl? - Naruto
Guy. Don't tell me you are jealous. They are a professional. They probably see dozens of people every day. - Sasuke.
Is he hot? - Naruto.
Kinda. But he's not my type - Sasuke.
What is your type? - Naruto
Athletic - Sasuke.
Could you be any more vague, bastard?! - Naruto.
The blonde who had his tongue shoved down my throat a little over a week ago - Sasuke.
=^_^= Oh good. - Naruto
You are so easy to make jealous. - Sasuke
Oh yeah? You seemed pissed about Sai - Naruto.
Who is Sai? - Sasuke
My ex I told you about. - Naruto
Fine. Maybe I was a little jealous. - Sasuke
=^_^= - Naruto
You are such a loser. - Sasuke.
Enjoy your massage bastard. When you get home, I'll give you a BETTER one - Naruto.
Sasuke chuckles and shakes his head. His massager seemed curious about what he was laughing about. Sasuke closes his eyes and relaxes. Meh he was a stranger; he could tell him.
"My boyfriend is jealous that I'm getting a massage from a professional," Sasuke says.
"That does happen sometimes. I have to say, I didn't peg you as gay," the therapist says.
"I get that a lot," Sasuke says, letting out a relieved sigh when the knots start being worked out of his neck.
"Been together long," he asks.
"A little over a week," Sasuke answers.
"Ah no wonder he's jealous. You two barely got together before you had to jet off for a work conference. Can't say I blame him. If I was in his place, I probably would have chained you to the bed and had you play sick," he responds.
"…," Sasuke didn't know how to respond to that.
Which seemed find with his massager, as he kept working out Sasuke's kinks. If Sasuke had known he was gay, he would have asked for another therapist.
It was one thing to have a straight guy give you a massage. It was another to have a gay guy do it. Sasuke realized he was a hypocrite. He had just told Naruto the man was a professional. He still was. He shakes his head and scolds himself mentally. It was just a massage after all.
"Must have pegged you wrong. You prefer to do the chaining," he asks a little too cheerfully.
"That's really none of your business," Sasuke jumps off the table.
"I was just teasing. I didn't mean anything by it. Besides you still have another 15 minutes booked," he says.
"Half a session is fine. Thanks," Sasuke pulls his shirt back over his head.
"So jumpy. Well come back if you change your mind," he says.
Sasuke notices the man's name tag said Kabuto. For some reason that name was familiar to him. But he couldn't place it. He was still creeped out though.
"Yeah, sure," Sasuke heads off rather quickly.
Once Kabuto's shift ended, he calls Orochimaru. So that was the Sasuke that the Sanin was always speaking about. He could see where the attraction as. Though he was too young for Kabuto's tastes. (Apparently this was not the case for Orochimaru.)
"Well you'll never guess who I just had as a client," Kabuto begins.
"Who," Orochimaru asks.
Orochimaru had gotten Kabuto a gig as a massage therapist at one of the most expensive hotels in San Francisco. He knew that the rich and powerful would come through there. Kabuto was trained as a doctor by trade. Which meant he knew a lot about the human body. Kabuto considered it an easy job and every once in awhile would find out something useful.
"Sasuke Uchiha," Kabuto answers.
"Excellent. Did you find out anything that we can use," his boss asks.
"He texted his boyfriend. Looks like you have some competition. I can see the appeal, but perhaps someone more available would be better," Kabuto says.
"It's just puppy love. I'm certain that we can get him to join our law firm. Damn Danzo for snatching him up first," Orochimaru says.
"Of course. Well the boyfriend is prone to jealousy it seems," Kabuto continues on.
"Ah now that is useful. Perhaps I can coordinate with Danzo. I know that he is very concerned about the possibility of Sasuke being in a serious relationship. It means his focus wouldn't be on work. He has just as much a vested interest in breaking them up, as I do," Orochimaru says slyly.
"Careful about collaborating with Danzo. The man is ruthless," the silver haired man says.
"Oh I'm well aware. He and Tsunade used to go round and round in the old days. Still, I think I will give him a call. Good night Kabuto," he hangs up.
Kabuto was not pleased to be dismissed so easily. He had always been completely devoted to the Sanin. Yet he was chopped liver compared to the younger Uchiha it seemed. Kabuto thought it was because Itachi had rejected Orochimaru's advances years ago. Sasuke was just an example of transference.
A few days later, Sasuke returns to Vegas. Ah it was good to be home. He felt a little guilty about the gay massage therapist thing. So he decided to pick up some ramen for Naruto and surprise him. A short while later, Sasuke knocks on the blonde's door.
Naruto opens the door. He grins, when he sees his two favorite things in the world. Sasuke AND ramen! It was his lucky day.
"Sasuke! You're back," he smiles.
"Yeah. Felt a little bad about leaving you hanging. So I brought your damn noodles," he smirks.
"Hey! Don't go disrespecting ramen. You are so lucky that you are cute," Naruto huffs.
"Naruto, it's food. It doesn't have feelings. The "disrespect" doesn't matter," he says dryly.
"Whatever! I'm just glad you're back," Naruto lets him inside.
Sasuke couldn't help but laugh. Naruto sits on the couch. The blonde motions for him to join him. So Saskue does. He's treated to the comical sight of Naruto practically inhaling his food.
"Some things never change," Sasuke says in amusement, propping his head up with his arm, in what Naruto secretly thought was an adorable way.
"You have your tomatoes. I have my ramen," Naruto says.
"Mhm. I have no idea how you stay in shape, eating that garbage," Sasuke says.
"It is NOT garbage. Besides, like I told you, I'm a personal trainer. I get paid to work out and help other people work out all day," Naruto chirps.
"It shows," Sasuke says.
"What about you? You spend all day yelling at people and pushing papers," Naruto asks.
"Mostly karate," was his answer.
"Ah I see. Maybe you'll model your uniform for me," Naruto asks hopefully.
"Maybe," Sasuke says.
"Well since you are here, maybe we could watch a movie together or something," Naruto says.
"Sure," Sasuke says.
Naruto pops a movie in. Somehow during the night, Sasuke ended up laying on the couch, his head in Naruto's lap. This of course was much to the blonde's delight. If you asked him what movie they were watching at this point, he wouldn't be able to tell you to save his life. He was just enjoying playing with Sasuke's hair and looking at those sultry eyes up close.
Sasuke for his part was enjoying his new "pillow." Only under pain of death, would he admit that he was enjoying the attention. Naruto seemed to have some sort of fascination with Sasuke's bangs. But for some reason, it felt good to have his hair played with.
Sasuke pawned it off to some long ago forgotten instinct. He had seen once in tv that animals groomed each other to get rid of parasites and stimulate bonding. Sasuke was damn sure that his hair didn't have any parasites in it, but it was definitely stimulating bonding.
"So what'd Kakashi say about Sai," Sasuke asks.
"He said he'd look into it. I don't really think it was him though. We have been apart for a year," Naruto says.
"Maybe not. Still good to look into it. So basically we have almost no leads," Sasuke says.
"Yeah. Looks that way. Shikamaru has been cool about letting me stay at his place though," Naruto responds.
"Is Shikamaru gay," Sasuke asks, he really didn't know.
"No. He's straight as an arrow. He's got a thing for Gaara's sister actually," the blonde answered.
"Good. Wait really? The laziest man on the planet has a thing for Temari," he blinks.
"Yeah. I know. Talk about opposites attract. But I guess it's no more weird than us," he smiles.
Sasuke looks away. He didn't know how to respond to that. He really didn't know how to respond to the look in Naruto's eyes. It was just so tender.
"You are so cute, when you act all shy," Naruto says.
"I am NOT shy," Sasuke twitches.
"Doesn't happen much. But you are blushing," the blonde says smugly.
"… Fuck you," Sasuke says.
"Yes, please," Naruto responds cheerfully.
"DAMMIT NARUTO! That is not what I meant," Sasuke growls.