Chapter 13

Sasuke stubbornly refused to let himself be distracted. He would finish his work, be done with this merger, and push his company into the global market. Everything that was happening right now, with Naruto, would simply have to wait. That was all there was too it. He couldn't be distracted- not now.

But, as usual, there was someone who wouldn't let him focus.

This time, it was Itachi.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Sasuke snapped, glaring at the phone.

"Like I told you little brother, Gaara hasn't contacted anyone in your office since the discussions started except the hot little blond number." Sasuke snarled.

"I already know about him contacting Naruto. I'm his partner, after all." Sasuke snapped. On the other end of the phone Itachi smirked. Now there, little brother, Naru-kun isn't the only hot blond in the world.

"Mmm, yes. Their relationship is going quite well isn't it?" Sasuke stiffened.

"What are you on about?"

"Oh, well you'd know, wouldn't you? Being his partner and all." On the other side of the phone Itachi was snickering.

"Damn you, Itachi. Just spit it out."

"Temper, temper. What's wrong, rough day?" A growl on Sasuke's end made Itachi smirk pleasantly. "Okay, okay, but I warn you, it won't make it any better." Itachi sing-songed playfully.

"Your little Naru-kun had a visit from Gaara-san at his apartment yesterday." Sasuke's grip tightened on the phone.

Was this why…

Was this why Naruto was acting so odd today?

"How long."

"About two hours."

Sasuke's jaw twitched, and his throat tightened.

"Is that all you have?"

"Well I'm afraid I didn't tap your little blond's apartment, Otouto. Though, if you wanted…"

"No. Thanks." Sasuke snapped. "It was a pleasure, as always, aniki." Sasuke grumbled.

"Of course, Sasu-dear." Sasuke slammed the phone down. He took a slow, deep breath. His heart was racing with several violet emotions.

His first instinct was to storm out right now, grab Naruto by the hair, and strangle the dobe. But it was this instinct which had caused them to argue incessantly- and viciously- for days. Instead, he sank into his chair, closed his eyes, and steamed.

His second instinct was to storm out of the building, grab Gaara by the neck, and rip his stomach out by his tongue.

He decided that it would be best to deny that urge too.

However strong it was.

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The Otoyo's were a family of old money and new ideas. The head of the family, Goemon Otoyo, owned a huge percentage of the fishing industry, and spent most of the time traveling the country with his pianist wife and ballet dancing daughter. Whenever he returned to Japan for the summer (the most profitable season for his business) he felt the need to celebrate. It was the social event of the year. It was an honor to be invited.

Both Kishimoto and Konoha Industries had been invited.

Sasuke shifted the grip on his glass slowly, trying his best to avoid conversation. Since the conversation with Itachi he'd been trying to keep himself level headed. Now was especially important. Losing face at the Otoyo banquet was industrial suicide. Besides, he was here. That man. He'd been giving Sasuke space- which was a good idea, considering what Sasuke would love to do to the bastard right now.

Naruto had been keeping himself as busy as possible, out of a desperate attempt- no doubt- to scorn Sasuke. Their argument (like all the other ones they'd been having lately) had unearthed tricky emotions neither knew how to deal with. The blond was tricky; he could have almost passed his socializing and cheery conversation with strangers as a business effort. An attempt to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity. But that wasn't Naruto, and Sasuke knew it.

Keeping his face unreadable, Sasuke downed the last of his champagne and made his way for the balcony. Almost to the door, he felt someone latch onto his arm and fought a scowl.

"Sasuke-kun! Daddy said you'd be here! How wonderful!" Usagi Otoyo. Perfect. The one woman at this party he couldn't blow off. "I've so looked forward to seeing you!"

"Mmm…Have you." Sasuke returned with a cool drawl, bracing himself against the wall, and turning, appearing to face her. His gaze went over her shoulder, however, and watched as Naruto made a group of stiff-necks laugh. Naruto was good at that. He could make anyone laugh.

"You look really good, Sasuke-kun. I love your suit. Red is your color." Sasuke nodded and mumbled some sort of thanks. Usagi liked to ramble. All he was required to do was react occasionally, and she assumed he was listening. Convenient, but still annoying. Naruto leaned against a table, and waved his arms, grinning pleasantly. Grins covered the faces of all who was listening to him. The eight year old daughter of one of the men tugged Naruto's sleeve, and whispered something in his ear. Naruto grinned and led her out onto the dance floor.

"…So then mother played her favorite peace. The Americans love it when she plays…." Naruto swung the little girl around pleasantly as she giggled and cheered. Off to the side some of the businessmen were watching pleasantly.

"…Don't you think, Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke's eyes snapped down, and he nodded.

"Of course. Western art is far too tasteless these days. I prefer classics." Usagi smiled flirtatiously and touched his arm. Sasuke stiffened and suppressed a glare. He really detested being touched.

"Perhaps I could show you my daddies collection sometime, Sasuke-kun. He's got some very attractive pieces." She was stroking his arm now. Bold girl. He wanted to break her fingers.

"Perhaps. My schedule is very busy." Sasuke returned dryly, trying not to encourage her further.

"Oh, of course. You're such an important person, Sasuke-kun…" What gave her the right to call him that? She was too bold. It was really irritating him. "But I'm sure you and I could plan something…"

"Well, Miss.Otoyo, don't you look lovely!" Sasuke and Usagi looked up with surprise, and Sasuke felt a wave of mixed relief and concern flow through him. Naruto had arrived.

"You must spare me a dance later. It will give everyone a chance to envy me." Naruto teased. Usagi giggled and blushed. Sasuke felt a roll of irritation. Whether it was at her obviously fickle tastes or the fact that she passed him up for Naruto he wasn't sure.

"But right now I need to barrow Sasuke-kun for a bit of boring old business talk. Do you mind?"

"Of course not, Naru-chan. I wouldn't dare interrupt business." She teased, batting his shoulder. Sasuke was glad she wasn't looking anymore, because he was pretty sure a bit of a scowl had slipped just then. Naruto flashed her a charming smile.

"Thanks, kawaii." He grabbed Sasuke's arm and dragged him to the door of the balcony. Casting a wink over his shoulder, he called out. "Don't forget that dance." She smiled and blushed. Naruto pushed open the door and suddenly they were outside, alone. Sasuke sudden felt very aware of Naruto's hand still on his arm.

"I think we should talk." Naruto murmured, releasing Sasuke and walking over to the large cement railing shaped as columns and arches. Sasuke sighed. This was neither the time nor the place for this, but Sasuke didn't seem to have a choice.

"Fine. But keep your voice down this time." Naruto nodded, and stared at his feet.

"I want to apologize…again…for what I said." His voice was soft. "I…didn't mean it. Really." Sasuke just shrugged, walking up beside him and placing his hands on the column beside him. "I've just been…out of it."

"Want to tell me why?" Sasuke asked softly, restraining his voice. Naruto frowned and glanced up at him shyly.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke's black eyes flashed, and stared up at him impatiently. Naruto blushed and sighed.

"How did you find out?"

"Naruto, just tell me." The blond nodded. He got to his feet, and turned to meet his gaze.

"I wanted to tell you. I was just…I didn't want to make you mad." Sasuke's face stayed calm, but his eyes grew wary. Naruto's shoulders sagged a bit.

"He came over- I didn't expect him. I thought he was Sakura at first."

"What clued you in, the lack of cleavage?" Naruto's face flared.

"Shut up teme!" He snapped, pouting huffily. Sasuke couldn't help but smirk a little. Naruto felt as if his shoulders were suddenly lighter, and his face relaxed a bit. "I'm trying to tell you what happened!" Sasuke shrugged.

"Then talk."

"He came in and we started to talk. At first it was okay…but then…" Sasuke tired to prepare himself for what was coming. Something told him he wasn't going to like it. "We started talking about…desires…." Sasuke's eyes narrowed and a dark shadow fell across his face.

"Sasuke, he said something…"

"What, Naruto? What did he say?" Sasuke was on edge now. He'd been holding the wave of dark emotions down since his talk with Itachi. It was beginning to give him a headache.

"It…It almost seemed like…he was offering me a job." Naruto murmured, looking at his hands. Sasuke froze for a moment. This wasn't what he had been expecting, and he suddenly felt very…confused. This mixed with the tension and wariness of the day stirred up something vengeful in him.

"Don't be ridiculous." He hissed before he could stop himself. Naruto looked up, face guarded .

"What?"

"Why would he do something so stupid?" Naruto stared at Sasuke; hurt slowly creeping into his eyes. Sasuke knew he should stop, knew he was saying the wrong thing. Knew he was saying terrible, terrible, things. But he couldn't stop it. The dark wave was rearing up uncontrollably, making his previous anger seem mild and tame . It didn't help that Naruto was the only one around to take it out on.

"It would be a waste." Stop! Just shut up!

"I mean, you can barely make it to work dressed properly." God, no. Shut up! SHUT THE HELL UP SASUKE!

"Why would he want to hire you?" Sasuke could feel the next words forming on his lips, and felt his blood go cold. No.NO. DON'T! JUST DON'T!

"You'd only hold him back." The words cut Naruto with harsh ferocity. The boy stared at Sasuke with shock. Stumbling backwards, Naruto slowly began to head for the door, staggering as if he'd been physically assaulted. Sasuke just stared at him in horror. What had just happened? What had he done?

He followed Naruto quickly, desperately trying to catch him before he reached th door. Stop him, talk to him, make him understand everything- anything- he just couldn't let him leave like this. Naruto weaved with unnatural ease, and Sasuke felt himself falling behind, loosing sight of his blond locks in the crowd. Feeling eyes on him, Sasuke turned. Across the room, Gaara was watching him.

The bastard was smiling.

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You'd only hold him back.

Sasuke had said it so calmly, so casually. As if it was the most obvious thing in the world. As if everyone knew it. As if it wouldn't hurt him. Naruto ran up the stairs of his apartment building, hurtling as if he was being chased. His hair was a mess, his clothes rumpled, and his face flushed.

He'd gone the entire way home on foot. Physical exhaustion was one of the few things that could get his mind to shut up. Besides the other thing…

But Naruto knew better than to meddle with the other thing again.

Finally reaching his apartment door, Naruto sank to the ground in front of it, groping clumsily for his keys. His legs were burning, his lungs ached, and yet still his head wouldn't stop buzzing.

You can barely make it to work dressed properly.

It was true. Naruto was always late, his clothes were always wrinkled, and his hair was always disheveled. He was goofy, and unprofessional. Sasuke was always in control. Sasuke was always on top of things. He didn't need a screw up like Naruto. Why had it taken so long for Sasuke to tell him the truth? Why had he tricked himself for so long into thinking they were a team?

He was deadweight. He pulled out his keys, hands shaking. His heart pounded uncontrollably. Why? Why did it hurt so goddamn much? All his life people had treated him like this. It came from being an overly energetic orphan. His teachers had blown him off, claiming he 'didn't want to learn'. The other students had laughed at him. But he had worked, he had pushed- he graduated, and even got into a good college. But it didn't matter. He was still a failure. And now Sasuke…

Now Sasuke knew. Now Sasuke recognized how…useless he was.

Naruto's chest tightened horribly. His keys dug into his hands, as he clenched his fists. Sasuke was so incredibly brilliant. He excelled at everything, without even thinking about it. When Naruto first met him, he had been disgusted. How could one man be so perfect? That smug, rich, arrogant, cocky, intelligent, handsome…Naruto slammed his fist against the floor. I should have known better. Why would someone like him….waste time on someone like me?

I just hold people back.

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Sasuke sat in his office, staring blankly ahead. The weekend had passed, and he hadn't contacted Naruto. He tried to convince himself that he was just trying to let the blond cool off. Unfortunately, he knew better. He was just a fucking coward.

But then, so was Naruto. The fool hadn't shown up for work today. Sasuke's stomach tightened. I'm such a dick.

His office door opened, and Sakura came in, looking irritated.

"I don't know what's going on with Naruto! He knew that I needed him to okay the budget on Kiba's new project today, and he doesn't show up! And he won't even answer the phone!" Sasuke just sat there, seemingly staring through her. "I mean, how irresponsible is that? Naruto's a flake, but he doesn't usually…" The girl frowned, noticing the odd expression on her bosses face. "Sasuke? What's wrong?" The Uchiha stood suddenly, and grabbed his jacket.

"Sakura, cover for me." The girl stared at him.

"What? But I don't…I can't…"

"Just make excuses. I'll be back in an hour." With that, he was out the door, leaving a dumbfounded Sakura. Rushing out of the building, he pulled out his cell phone.

"Kakashi, meet me by the west exit. Bring the limo." It was waiting for him ten minutes later when Sasuke, breathing heavily, arrived.

"To Naruto's apartment." He ordered to the driver as he climbed in, sliding beside Kakashi, who was frowning behind his mask.

"Naruto's? He's not at work?" Sasuke just scowled in response. Kakashi, not looking intimidated, leaned back against the seat.

"What happened? Lover's quarrel?" Sasuke growled dangerously.

"Shut up." Kakashi's eyes widened a little with sudden curiosity.

"It must be really bad, if it's got you thing uptight." Well, let's see. I undermined his work, his life, and his value as a person. Yep, that's pretty damn bad. Sasuke just turned his head and watched the buildings pass.

"This is it. Stop here." Sasuke murmured unnecessarily as they reach Naruto's building. "Kakashi, wait at the door." The silver haired man nodded absently. Throwing open the limo door, Sasuke strode out. He was stopped briefly by the doorman, before his dark glare (and probably the fact that he was one of the most powerful men in Japan) settled on the poor stiff and he let the dark haired billionaire in.

Once at Naruto's door, Sasuke knocked. No answer. He knocked again. No answer. Scowling, Sasuke slammed the door with four massive slams that had the whole hallway echoing. About to slam his fist a fifth time, the door suddenly flew open, and a hand shot out, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him in, slamming him quickly against the once-again closed door.

"What the hell!?! Are you TRYING to do get me evicted!?!" Naruto hissed, glaring at him. Sasuke gave him a mildly irritated look, and straightened his rumpled jacket.

"I was trying to get you to open the door." Naruto glared at him.

"Or break the damn thing down." The blond grumbled. Sasuke decided this was not were he wanted to go with this conversation.

"You aren't at work." He stated coolly. Naruto scowled.

"Neither are you."

"I came to find out why you aren't at work." Naruto shrugged, and walked over to his couch, tossing himself down and grabbing the remote.

"I'm sick." He drawled, taking a drink of tea. Sasuke looked him over. Naruto glared up at him. "Problem?" Sasuke met his eyes.

"I came to come get you." Naruto looked back at the television.

"I'm not going. I have a few sick days left. I'm taking another one." Sasuke scowled.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're coming." Naruto flinched slightly at the word 'ridiculous' and Sasuke suddenly wanted to punch himself.

"I'm not leaving. Go to hell." Sasuke, already frustrated and edgy, growled and turned.

"Fine." He reached for the doorknob, ready to leave.

"Besides." Naruto murmured. "It's not like it matters whether I'm there or not anyway." Sasuke pulled his hand back, clenching his fists. He turned slowly, to stare at the other man. Naruto's hand was turning white as he clenched onto the remote. His lips were pursed tightly, in what Sasuke believed was an attempt to keep them from shaking. His eyes were dark. Sasuke swallowed.

"I told you." He whispered softly. "You're half of this company." Naruto's jaw clenched and he stood, throwing the remote onto the couch and turning from Sasuke. He appeared to be staring out the window.

"Maybe…." He whispered, turning his head slightly as if to look over his shoulder. "Maybe I shouldn't be." Sasuke felt his whole body turn to ice. Then came the burning. It was like swallowing acid. He felt every nerve tingle.

"What?" He rasped, throat suddenly tight.

"Maybe I shouldn't work with you anymore. Maybe I should just…" His voice faltered and died. Sasuke could feel his muscles tighten. He let out a sharp bark of laughter.

"Maybe you should what? Go work for Gaara?" He hissed. Naruto looked away staring at his feet. Sasuke felt his hands shake, and in a movement so quick he barely registered it himself, he swung Naruto around and slammed him against the wide windows that overlooked the balcony. His fingers dug into the skin of Naruto's arms, and the blond's eyes were wide.

"S..Sasuke…What are you…" His voice died as he stared up at the other. Sasuke's eyes seemed to burn, and cold determination seemed to be flowing from him.

"I won't let him." He growled dangerously. "I won't let him take you from me Naruto!" Naruto's eyes widened further and suddenly Sasuke was kissing him. It was a harsh, furious kiss, Sasuke crushing his mouth against an unsuspecting Naruto's.

But it didn't take long for viciousness to become passion. With each second Sasuke's mouth grew softer, and the painful pressure on Naruto's lips became pleasurable heat. Naruto felt his eyelids lower slightly, and he watched Sasuke through his eyelashes. Sasuke's eyes were closed, and his face was unusually flushed. His hands, which stilled gripped Naruto's arms, loosened and he slid one down to Naruto's elbow, using it to pull him forward slightly. The other hand caught the blonds' neck. Sasuke…

What are you doing to me?

The hurt that Naruto had felt when Sasuke had spoken to him at the party still ached bitterly. Nothing had been resolved. And yet…

And yet…

Why does this feel so….

Incredible…

Sasuke nipped slightly on Naruto's bottom lip causing the boy to gasp. In this brief moment Sasuke gained entrance to the man's mouth and slipped his tongue in to taste him. It was…An amazing feeling.

Tasting Naruto like this.

Sasuke didn't want to stop. Ever.

His lungs said otherwise. The two men pulled apart, both gasping for breath. Sasuke's eyes were hooded with heat and hunger. Naruto's face was wrought with confusion and a little fear.

"Sasuke…What…" The dark haired boy let out a ragged breath, watching Naruto with hard eyes.

"He can't have you without a fight." Sasuke growled, and turned swiftly on his heels, storming out of the apartment. Naruto sank down onto the carpet, feeling like he was going to split in two.

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Author's notes

Wow. What a freaking long chapter.

FINALLY! I thought they'd never shut up! Always bickering. I mean, all that yelling and you know all they really wanna do is bend each other over a table and…

I'm getting ahead of myself. BAD AUTHOR! BAD!

….

….

Anyway…So they finally kissed! YEAH!!! I had the kiss scene written months ago, oddly enough. It was the first part of the story I wrote. I really didn't think it would take me this long to work it in. (Sighing dramatically).

Life is so very complicated.

I really have nothing to say, so I'll leave you all with a few parting words:

Macadamia, Gazebo, Bulbous Bouffant, and Mukluks.

Some of you will think that's funny. The rest of you (you poor, underprivileged people) have no idea what the hell I'm talking about.

Fun, init?