I want to warn you in advance that this chapter is filler. I needed it to prepare for the next chapter, so don't flame please. We're all friends here, ne? (smiling innocently)

Chapter 22

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto sighed and sank onto the couch, his tightly coiled muscles relaxing as he let out a deep breath. His talk with Gaara had been very….what? stressful? A relief? Refreshing? Naruto wasn't sure. But it was over now, and Naruto couldn't help but think that it was good. Even if it meant that he had to have another unpleasant conversation with Sasuke….

Naruto winced, and glanced wearily over at the phone. Calling Sasuke, now there was an idea. If he called, Sasuke couldn't accuse him of trying to hide anything, because he would be telling him right away. Plus, he'd have the added bonus of not getting punched in the face. It might even make it easier to have a decent conversation, free of swearing and yelling…

Oh yes. A phone call. The perfect solution to all your boyfriend needs. Hopefully Sasuke was home by now….

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sasuke shook off his jacket and stretched out his shoulders. Gods, he was worn out. His bones creaked and his muscles strained. Why did shareholders have to be such assholes? He'd spent the better part of the evening trying to convince them that Naruto, a man who had been helping make the company billions for around a decade, was competent. Bastards.

Now, he just wanted to sink into a nice, warm bath and….

Riiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnng.

I hate phones. Sasuke thought with a growl. I'm going to blow up every phone company in this god forsaken country….

"Hello!" Sasuke snapped, grabbing the phone as he continued to unbutton his white undershirt.

"Wooh, what's your problem, teme? Something up your ass?" Relief flowed through Sasuke and a smirk crossed his face. His inner pervert (which sounded suspiciously like Kakashi) wanted to make some references to something being up Naruto's ass. His Uchiha pride cringed, and he pushed the desire down.

"It's been a long day." Sasuke offered dryly. "I spent all day trying to prove you're not an idiot. It was surprisingly difficult." On the other end of the phone, Naruto snorted.

"Gee, aren't you a charmer." Naruto muttered. Sasuke grinned a bit, and balanced the phone on one shoulder as he slid on shirtsleeve off. "Busy, teme?"

"Just on my way to a shower." Sasuke mumbled, shifting the phone and tugging off his other sleeve.

"Really?" Naruto asked, voice genuinely curious. "So…So you're….you know…" Naruto's voice trailed off and Sasuke arched one eyebrow curiously.

"I'm what?"

"Well…ah….not….not wearing anything…" Naruto's voice was barely audible, but Sasuke got the gist. His face contorted with a smug expression.

"Not quite, but I'm on my way." Sasuke offered, sitting down on the edge of his bed and slipping off his socks. "Why? Interested?"

"I think we've already established that I am." Naruto snapped, and Sasuke could practically see the blond's face burning red. "…Look, I need to tell you something…" Red flags went up. Naruto's voice had changed, growing serious. Sasuke frowned and paused his movements.

"What?" He demanded, keeping his voice stern but even. As far as he knew, he had no reason to be anything other than calm.

"Gaara was at my apartment, when I got home." Naruto murmured. Sasuke frowned, the familiar tingle of jealousy bubbling up in the back of his head. The Uchiha let out a long breath, and the anger he knew was coming eased back into a dull hum. Gaara was inconsequential now. Naruto loved Sasuke. Naruto was with Sasuke.

"Was he?" Sasuke muttered, only gritting his teeth a little. "What did he want this time? A pole dance?" Naruto snickered.

"Oh yeah. He even brought the thong. So thoughtful- it was orange." Naruto muttered. Sasuke tilted his head thoughtfully. Now, was that a disturbing mental image, or an immensely erotic one? Sasuke couldn't quite decide.

"Mmm…Should I be concerned?" Sasuke asked, half-serious half-joking.

"Everything is fine." Naruto's voice softened. "He just- Sasuke, he's a good guy, you know?" Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, plenty of people thought Hitler was a good guy." Sasuke grumbled.

"That's not fair, Sasuke." Naruto's voice was sharp and there was a hint of hurt in his tone. Sasuke sighed and raked his fingers through his hair.

"You're right. Sorry. I just…I really don't like him." Sasuke offered, trying to keep his voice neutral. On the other end of the line, Naruto let out a long breath.

"While that's unfortunate. Because I just convinced him to stay on as our partner." Naruto's voice was a bit sheepish and slightly uncomfortable. Sasuke closed his eyes, rubbing his forehead with exasperation.

"Convinced him? Why was there any convincing necessary, pray tell?" Sasuke grumbled, digging the heel of his palm into his skull.

"He felt bad about what happened. He was going to even the odds, you know- you were out, so he would back off and leave Kankuro in charge." Naruto's voice wavered, taking on an apologetic undertone.

"And you, being the brilliant businessman that you are, talked him out of it?" Sasuke asked, snickering a bit.

"Sasuke, we can't just ignore Gaara. It's Gaara's company we're merging with. We need to know how Gaara works, not Kankuro." Naruto grumbled, getting defensive at Sasuke's slightly mocking tone. "It won't do us any good if we handicap ourselves by pushing Gaara off to the side." Sasuke groaned.

"You have a point, dobe. But it doesn't mean I have to be happy about it. And I swear if he even thinks about flirting with you in front of me…"

"So it's okay if you're not around?" Naruto asked with shy playfulness. Sasuke let out a low growl.

"Don't even think about it, usuratonkachi. Your ass is mine." Sasuke hadn't meant to be so vocal…or possessive. But he didn't think he could help it. Naruto was only his.

"Well you don't sound the least bit controlling." Naruto teased. "Jealous, much?"

"Funny, dumbfuck. Get your head out of your ass. I just don't want Gaara thinking he can push me around." Sasuke retorted, lazily tugging a strand of his hair. Naruto scoffed.

"Suuuurrrrrrre, Sasuke. Whatever you say." The blond was smirking. Sasuke could hear it in his voice. The Uchiha scowled.

"Fucker." Sasuke muttered, making a face. He knew Naruto couldn't see it, which was probably the only reason he was willing to do something so childish. But judging from the soft laughter on the other end of the line, Naruto had heard it. Sasuke groaned and turned on his side. He felt ready to fall asleep.

"Sasuke?"

"Mmm-hmm."

"I love you."

Sasuke smiled a bit.

"I know, dobe. I know."

On the other side of the line, Naruto's face fell, and a trickle of disappointment flickered across his face.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author's notes

Okay, Okay. I know that 1) This chapter is way short and way pointless and 2) It's been a while since I posted. But I have an excuse…er….a completely valid reason. Actually, I have several. For one thing, I'm home from school now and my internet access is incredibly restricted. Which is why I'm glad I almost have this finished so I don't have to worry about posting a lot more material. Also, I kind of needed this chapter as filler in order to set up the last chapter. I had to get all this other crap out of the way before cutting to the date/after-date smut. So Sorry! I beg forgiveness! And I promise the last chapter is on its way!

Sincerely,

Incredibly-Sorry authoress