Standard disclaimers apply.
This fic is:
1. SasuNaru, yaoi, OOC and unbeta-read.
2. co-written by XKunoichiofthePaintbrushX.
And to those anonymous reviewers, please leave your e-mail address so we can personally reply to your reviews. Yoroshiku ne.
He was no fool. He knew social norms. He was brought up to follow each one of them without question. He knew the consequences of having a homosexual relationship. He knew what lies ahead of them. He knew what path he'd be taking with him but...
But he loved him wholly, completely and unquestionably that even logic and reason couldn't explain so was he to blame that despite what he knew he still obstinately pursued after the blonde? That he still confessed his feelings?
Knowing he loved and knowing he was loved back with much passion, he couldn't just let go despite what his parents were telling him. No, he won't let go because he only knew how to love. He didn't know how to let go and he didn't want to learn because he wanted to be someone who only loved once but always and he already found someone to be the recipient of his love.
Despite the pressure he was feeling, he would be steadfast. He would be firm no matter what would happen. He would cling onto this love and fight for their love and perhaps... in the near future, the goddess of victory would smile upon them.
Let our struggles bring us victory.
With that in mind, the dark-haired man walked a bit more calmly along the crowded street.
Chapter 15: His realization
I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
-"Can't fight this feeling", Reo Speedwagon
The aching between his legs could not withstand anymore of the lack of attention it was receiving. A dull throb presented itself and he knew very well what he had to do to satiate his growing need. A part of him told him that he shouldn't but that voice was growing smaller when compared to what his body needed. He couldn't ignore his erection… not now… not after that vivid dream which he had woken up for no apparent reason. Lying back and with his eyes half-closed, he allowed his trembling hand to go underneath his pajama pants to tentatively rub his arousal. A small gasp escaped from his lips and he continued his ministrations. Soon enough, he began to grow tired of teasing himself and all he wanted was release. Tanned fingers wrapped themselves around his member before slowly moving his hand up and down. He recalled those vivid images in his dream, allowing him to imagine that it was real. The touches, the caresses, everything was real. It wasn't long before he felt the tightening of his stomach and arched his back into his hand. He sped up his pace and soon enough, he finally released with a silent scream. As he lay on his sweat-soaked sheets, attempting to regain his breath, only one thought crossed his mind as he was drifting in the abyss of sleep.
Sasuke.
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto sleepily looked at this alarm clock before jumping out from his bed, sleepiness all gone. He was running late and he knew Sasuke hated waiting for someone. Besides, he couldn't afford to be late because Gaara's match would always start on time.
For fifteen minutes, the blonde was nothing but a flurry of activity in getting ready. When he met up with the Uchiha one minute late, the latter was scowling as if he had been waiting an eternity for the blonde to show up.They ran to the platform and took the stairs two at a time. They had to catch the train that was leaving few seconds soon or they would really miss the ten minutes of the match.
Unfortunately, somebody had bumped into Naruto. The impact caused him to drop his mobile unit. He paused and stared in horror as he watched his mobile unit tumbled one step after another.
"You go ahead," he told Sasuke over his shoulder as he went after his cellular phone. When he got to it, the battery cover as well as the battery was detached and he had to pick them up few steps lower. He frowned when he saw that the screen was broken and cursed when he realized that it was destroyed. His cellular phone was dead but at least, Sasuke was able to catch the train. He sighed and turned to climb the stairs and wait for the next train. His eyes widened when he saw Sasuke leaning against the iron rail at the center of the stairs. The Uchiha looked arrogant and patient as he waited for him and at that moment, and at that moment, Naruto finally grasped what he had been trying to understand. Why he always felt this sensation of being lifted whenever Sasuke did kind, yet subtle gestures to him that showed he cared. Why Sasuke brought out the best of his smiles to the surface, and the worst of his anger in many situations. Why whenever Sasuke gave those small and rare hints of a smile to him, he always felt his heart stop in mid-beat.
He was in love, with Sasuke no less.
Dawning with a new realization, Naruto smiled a face-splitting grin as he climbed the rest of the stairs towards where his best friend, and new-found love was waiting for him
"Is it broken?" Sasuke asked.
The blonde nodded, "But no need to worry about that. I can buy another one."
"What's that goofy grin on your face?"
"Nothing," Naruto said as he clasped his hands together behind his back, his eyes shining with happiness. Sasuke just sighed and inserted his hands into his pockets.
Sasuke, Naruto mentally called out melodiously, I'm in love with you.
All throughout the day, Naruto couldn't wipe the goofy grin he had on his face. Even Gaara commented on that on which Sasuke answered that it was the blonde's way of coping for the sudden demise of his mobile unit. Nothing and no one could burst the bubble in which Naruto was because he was in love. He was internally celebrating that it didn't came to him who his object of affection was until in the middle of the night.
He had been rudely awakened from his dreamless sleep with that fact. And now that he knew who he was in love with, his bubble burst. He suddenly became aware of what was in store for him. There would be no soft caresses or kisses, there would only be rejection, pain, and heartbreak. Who was he kidding? Sasuke would never return his feelings. He never even batted an eyelash to those hundreds of girls confessing their love for him on a daily basis. What difference would he make? He would just be another number to those who Sasuke had rejected so coldly.
Just another tally on the wall
Sasuke was unreachable. Sasuke would be nothing more than just a childhood friend to him, nothing more, and nothing less. Once the realization that Sasuke would never be nothing more than a friend to him, tears rolled down his cheeks before he could stop them. His felt his heart rip into shreds when the thought of Sasuke never being there to kiss away his tears came into mind. Regardless if the Uchiha would love him or not, he still felt the need to have Sasuke with him, to wrap his arms around his shaking frame and whisper caring words into his ear. Regardless of his love fantasies, Naruto knew he was alone, and would be alone.
Sasuke... help me… please...
-SasuNaru is love-
"What's with that look?" Arashi asked as he took in the pathetic look Naruto had on his face not to mention that his eyes were still swollen.
"I don't feel like eating, dad." He grabbed an apple and made his way out. "I'm leaving for school now."
"Hey, eat your breakfast first!" the older blonde called out but the only reply he had was the soft sound of the door closing. Arashi sighed. One moment Naruto was happy like he had won a treasure and then the next day, he looked like a kicked puppy.
"Don't worry too much, Arashi-sama. He's just experiencing his first heartbreak," their housekeeper said. "But he'll recover from it. First love is nothing but just an initiation to real romance."
Arashi stared at his coffee, weighing the woman's words. She was right. First love was nothing but just that. His first experience with love had taught him that. "Don't you think he experienced first love and his first heartbreak too fast?"
The woman chuckled in reply.
-SasuNaru is love-
It's okay, Naruto, Naruto told himself as he walked get off from his train. He won't notice. Nothing would change. Just stay the same. Don't act funny. Everything is all right.
He repeated that over and over again until his confidence came back. He put on a smile and brisk walked towards his school but as soon as he saw Sasuke's back, his pace decreased until he stopped walking. No, he couldn't do it. He couldn't face Sasuke. Not when he was feeling this way. The feeling was too strong to be ignored.
He took a big gulp of air and for the first time in his life, retreated like a coward.
-SasuNaru is love-
A sleepy Tsunade opened her condominium and was surprised to see her uniform-clad nephew standing by her door. "What's wrong?" she asked as those lips trembled. And in a second, Naruto wailed while throwing his arms around his aunt.
"Tsunade baa-chan" he cried out.
-SasuNaru is love-
Sasuke unconsciously tapped a finger on his desk. Naruto was late… very, very late. It won't be a surprise if he'd end up joining other late students in the school's track field having a light exercise. His eyes looked hopeful as the door opened. He expected the annoying booming voice greeting everyone a good morning but what he heard was a cheerful voice. It was just Kakashi-sensei.
"Okay roll call," the teacher announced as soon as the students finished their greeting and took their seats. He glanced around the room. "We only have one absentee today." With that said, he started his lesson.
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto didn't know if he should be thankful of Tsunade's calm response to his confession or to be wary. The lady was taking the news well. How many nephews she had who had confessed that he was in love with a guy?
"I'm messed up," he murmured.
"No, you're not. We can't choose who we love and in a way, we were expecting this considering the time you spent with that Uchiha brat."
"We?"
"Jiraiya and your father."
Naruto paled. His father… His father would be furious when he learned about this. More than furious… "Don't tell otousan, okay?" he beseeched the lady. "Please don't tell him."
Tsunade combed Naruto's hair. "I won't tell him but Naruto, your father will understand. I know. I'm certain of it because…"
"Because?"
The blond woman shook her head. "But I don't like the Uchiha brat. He will only bring pain, Naruto. More pain than you are feeling right now."
"What do you mean?"
"He is an Uchiha, Naruto."
The blonde closed his eyes, "I know," he whispered.
"I wish he isn't the one. I really do." She hugged the boy and whispered, "I fear for you."
Why does it have to be him? Arashi, we have a problem.
-SasuNaru is love-
Upon the permission of the Uzumaki household governess, Sasuke walked along the familiar hallways that would him to Naruto's room. According to the woman, Naruto had come home an hour and a half ago and was in his room, looking like he was sick.
He knocked and stepped inside. He arched an eyebrow when he saw a lump under a blanket. It reminded him of that time when Naruto got those whisker-like marks.
"What now, dobe? You got another wound on your face?" he asked teasingly as he moved to the bed.
Naruto tensed at that voice. "Go away. I don't want to talk with you right now."
"Don't be childish. I need to talk with you. You missed a lot today. I brought you a copy of notes and homework."
"I don't want deal with them right now," Naruto replied. Be still, my heart. "Just leave them on my desk."
"Naruto," an exasperated Sasuke muttered.
"Go away, Sasuke." Please. He yelped when his blanket was yanked away from him.
Sasuke noticed how his friend's face flushed and he reached out, "Do you have a fever?" He growled when Naruto slapped his hand away. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Nothing. I just don't feel well."
"You've been acting weird since yesterday."
"I'm fine."
Sasuke leaned forward, his arms on the blonde's bed. "So we'll see you tomorrow?"
Naruto nodded just to get rid of the other lad immediately. Satisfied, Sasuke straightened. "Get well soon then, dobe." With that he left the room.
Stupid, dobe. Making me worry for no reason.
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto perked up when he noticed that the student council meeting was over because that would mean Sasuke was free and they could grab some snack before going home. But all that vanished when he saw that Sasuke was in deep conversation with another member named Tenten. He shouldn't be bothered but lately there were rumors about the two of them being an item. And it didn't help the fact that Naruto had seen the two of them walking into a cafe one Sunday morning. Because the blonde didn't know the council members were meeting there, he assumed that it was a date. Luckily, he had enough time to get himself ready for such thing as this but it still hurt because he could never go out with his crush on a date.
Sasuke stopped. "Naruto, what are you doing here?" he asked when he finally noticed his friend.
"Eh? I..." he rubbed his nape. "I am waiting for Hinata."
Sasuke felt cold at that reply. Why did he feel so bad? He knew that Naruto was hanging out with Hinata too much. Worse, the place Hinata was going for an after-school extra English lessons and the building where Naruto get his culinary training were on the same block so most of the time Naruto would walk her home.
He told himself that it was okay. Hinata would make Naruto happy if they were going to be a couple, but… that still didn't stop the cold feeling of loneliness from spreading within his chest.
"Sasuke?" Tenten asked when her companion had fallen silent.
The Uchiha nodded and continued talking and walking with her. He would deal with his emotions later.
Blue eyes stared longingly at Sasuke's retreating back. His hand reached towards him, as if attempting to call Sasuke back to him, only to grasp air. His friend had never looked more unreachable then he did at that moment.
Sasuke, were you always this far away?
Stop it, Naruto. Don't make it worse.
With those commands swirling in his mind, Naruto turned and waited for Hinata. He could forget Sasuke when the Hyuuga girl was around.
"Eh? Naruto-kun?" Hinata uttered, surprised.
"I was thinking that we should go to our after-school classes together."
The girl blushed. "R-really?"
The blonde nodded, making the shy teen ecstatic.
From the window, Sasuke watched Naruto and Hinata walked together to the gates. He scowled, the paper in his hand crumpled as he curled his fists.
Naruto, I... Sasuke sighed, I no longer know.
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto weaved his way towards the student council room through the students that swarmed the hallway during break time. There were a lot of freshmen this school year that it seemed the school was overpopulated.
He stepped into the room and deposited a plastic ware on Sasuke's table. "I made that for the new student council," he announced.
"That smells good, Naruto-kun," Lee said as he stood beside the blonde.
"Cookies. The culinary arts club decided to make few batches of them. Enjoy eating them."
Most of the members crowded around the source of good smell and took one piece. They let out a sound of satisfaction making the blonde smile because the recipe was his.
"As expected from the sous chef," Tenten commented.
Sasuke leaned on his chair as he returned Naruto's gaze. Without breaking eye contact, he took a bite then smirked when the blonde looked away. Recently, both lads were involved in a lot of eye contacts more than what should be considered healthy and the quiet messages being exchanged were lost among the fast heartbeats and flushing of cheeks.
He continued watching as his friend conversed with few members before leaving. Just looking at him seemed to make his chest explode. And when he resumed his work, his head was now full of Naruto and he told himself that he was going crazy. He definitely was.
-SasuNaru is love-
Verbal fights and arguments between Fugaku and Sasuke were a daily happening in the Uchiha household and one would think that Sasuke was used to them by now. Except that the teen wasn't and once in a while like now he got fed up and left the house. Once outside his home, Sasuke took a deep breath and decided to go to Naruto's place. The blonde would calm him down. That was the reason and not because he wanted to see the blonde.
A minute later, Sasuke admitted that he wanted to see Naruto. It would look less insane if he would admit that he was insane by something he couldn't put a finger on.
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto looked up from his study table to see Sasuke standing on his doorway...looking like a man who had completely lost hope. He continued watching as his friend sat on the floor and leaned against his bed looking so lost that his heart clench at that sight. Without any hesitation, he abandoned his work and settled on the bed, both legs on either side of Sasuke.
Sasuke looked up to Naruto and gave him a painful smile, telling him he was okay when he wasn't. He didn't want his friend to worry.
The blonde didn't ask. It was obvious that Sasuke had another fight with his dad. Sasuke probably disappointed the older Uchiha again with his accomplishments. He pitied Sasuke and wished he could do something. His best friend didn't have to live up to anybody's expectation. What he was now was more than enough, but his – Naruto's opinion was nothing compared to Fugaku's. Somehow that hurt. He was hurting too, but his friend didn't have to know that.
"It's okay, Sasuke," he said while combing dark strands with his hands. "One day, he will see you for who you really are."
Sasuke looked at the conviction those blue eyes held and felt warmth. "When that day comes..." he whispered, "What will happen?"
"He'll be kissing the ground you walk on."
He felt his self-disappointment and hatred recede from the gentle words. Those words were sincere and made in a warm and comforting tone. Naruto really knew how to comfort him... knew how to make him feel like and secure as if the world was more than fine and that it would get better someday. And perhaps it would be as long as Naruto was with him.
He didn't want to lose the blonde. He wanted Naruto to be there beside him whispering words that meant nothing to everyone but him. He reached up to hold a tanned hand steady. He caught Naruto's gaze and maintained eye contact.
At the instant, any sound disappeared and any movements ceased. There was complete silence... a silence that preceded their struggles if they heed their heart's desires.
What was this? This thing that made everything silent and frozen? What was this that made Sasuke want to touch those lips above him... to taste them? What was this that made him think that he wanted to kiss his friend as if his life depended on it... as if he was born for this and had been waiting for this moment?
No, Sasuke told himself. Kissing his friend was wrong... it was a crime against all established rules of friendship. He knew it was wrong but he was craving for it. He was torn and yet he felt more than alive. Suddenly, he didn't feel crazy anymore upon knowing what he wanted and that he was more than willing to take the risk but he didn't have enough courage to take the first step.
Naruto stared at those orbs where emotions were warring against each other. He didn't understand these feelings that bubbled within him but he knew that whatever those emotions that were reflected on Sasuke's eyes, he felt it too. The want... the temptation... He knew it was wrong but... he threw caution to the wind and live for the moment.
"Idiot" he whispered. He didn't know if it was a warning or an apology made in advance... he didn't know because he was falling forward and his lips came in contact with Sasuke's and the first seconds were sweet and almost dream-like... It wasn't enough but oh God! Sasuke wasn't responding and he pulled away. Did he read the signals Sasuke was emitting wrong? Was he mistaken? Then if that was the case... if that was it then...
All thoughts ceased as Sasuke pulled his head down again and this time the kiss was more than lips pressing against each other. It was exploratory at the same time curious. In Naruto's room and cocooned by their mutual feelings, both teens found a haven from all social norms.
As both boys began to feel less awkward sharing a small moment of intimacy, Sasuke gently pushed Naruto into the mattress, without breaking lip-contact. Once Naruto was laid onto his back, Sasuke took the opportunity to quench his curiosity's thirst. Shy, pale hands roamed about Naruto's body, daring himself to memorize this new feeling of touching another boy in a forbidden way. Naruto gasped into the kiss, as Sasuke's fingers lightly brushed his side, tickling him.
Naruto's fingers dug into silky, raven locks of hair, as Sasuke's kisses became less shy, and began to ravage his mouth, yet albeit sloppily due to their inexperience. Hands caressing, touching, memorizing the feel of the other's body. Reminding them that this intimate moment, was no dream.
For every kiss, their curiosity decreased. For every sound of pleasure, their desire increased. Over and over again, they did their new oral activity until they were rendered into boneless beings who were floating in heaven."
-SasuNaru is love-
Sasuke leaned against the door of his room. The happiness and remnants of the pleasure caused by innocent and inexperienced kisses disintegrated and vaporized leaving him empty, guilty and disgusted. He ran to his bathroom and properly rinsed his mouth to get rid of Naruto's taste which earlier, he thought to be sweet. He looked at the mirror and scowled at his reflection. He was disgusted not with Naruto but at himself. He shouldn't have kissed his best friend. He shouldn't because it was wrong; because Naruto probably didn't mean it and because he wasn't attracted to the blonde. Yes, he was certain that he wasn't. Considering that he discovered a lot of things with the blonde and did a lot of their first together, it was natural for him, in Sasuke's opinion that he wanted his first kiss to be Naruto because he was familiarity. That was the reason behind the kiss and God! he really was a bastard. He couldn't face Naruto anymore.
Naruto, on the other hand, had only one reason that of his avoidance from Sasuke- embarrassment.
-SasuNaru is love-
Their shared kisses where like a figment of the imagination as both boys ignored each other. The only thing that stopped them from believing so was the wet dreams that haunted them every night. Dreams that reminded them of each other's warmth, gentleness and sweetness; dreams that showed them what more could happen and dreams that left them dizzy with pleasure, insane with lust and longing and just plain empty. They both knew that what happened between them had shifted their friendship to another plane that was so unknown to them that it was both scary and confusing. That was another reason that they avoided each other.
Avoiding Naruto was easy for Sasuke because he spent most of his time with the other student council members coming up plans for the school festival. And with the blonde busying himself with his club being second-in-command, Sasuke didn't have to be extra wary.
Of course their lack of interaction had raised suspicions and speculations from their friends which were not near the truth.
Upon a one-on-one inquiry from Gaara, Naruto had answered truthfully but vaguely.
"There are things that are happening between me and Sasuke that shouldn't."
"What is that?" And the redhead told himself not to jump into conclusions.
The blonde looked away as he fought back the image of Sasuke breathless and flushed. In his opinion, Sasuke had never been as beautiful as that time.
"Gaara," was all he said before he leaned his forehead against his shoulder.
"Hmm?"
"It's funny how things have become like this."
"You don't make sense."
"I can't tell you now because I'm confused. I'm sor-"
"Don't be." Gaara then maneuvered their topic on something familiar and safe. "Have you done your research yet?"
That snapped the blonde from his depressed state and plunged him into panic as he remembered the deadline of their research. He had forgotten about that and all because of the bastard!
As Gaara watched the panicky blonde walked away, he wondered if what he was feeling was loneliness or jealousy.
Have you left me behind?
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto gave a low whistle as he finally found the book he was looking for except that it was located at the top shelf and there was no ladder in sight. He cursed the student who didn't bother returning the ladder before he, with his right foot, tapped the first ledge in order to check the sturdiness of the wood. Satisfied, he started climbing and stopped at the second ledge. Standing on his toes, he stretched his left arm and grabbed the book. Unfortunately, the top shelf was had more books than its capacity so taking the classic English Literature without tugging it was impossible. Naruto put more strength for every tug.
"Dammit," he muttered, his arms were now shaking from strain while a drop of sweat slid from his temple to his jaw. Just one strong tug, he told himself. He took a deep breath before tugging with his might. In a twist of fate or just plain bad luck, he lost his footing and he let out a strangled cry. Airborne together with books from the top shelf, he thought how much he hated English literature... not. How could he when he was falling right into the waiting arms of Sasuke who was coincidentally walking along the aisle after returning a book and whose body had moved on its own to catch the blonde?
Time moved slowly at that moment.
After all those efforts he spent in avoiding Sasuke, he had convinced himself that he didn't miss the other teen but that conviction was nowhere to be found. He missed Sasuke. He missed his warmth. He missed his shy kisses. He missed his gentle passion. Throwing caution to the wind once more, Naruto looped his arms around Sasuke before he pressed their lips together.
I missed you so bad.
Sasuke stiffened as a pair of slightly familiar lips came in contact against his. There were a hundred reasons why he shouldn't feel happy and a thousand and one reasons why he shouldn't kiss back but all of those were swept away by the longing that exploded within him. Dictated by such emotion, Sasuke tightened his hold on Naruto and kissed back.
I wanted to see you.
At that moment, time resumed its pace and gravity slammed them against the floor. Whatever pain the impact caused, it was dulled by the sensations flowing in their veins. And the sound of the books falling on the floor was muted by the loud beating of their hearts.
"Sasuke," Naruto breathed as they come up for air. His heart skipped a beat seeing how beautiful Sasuke was in their flushed state while sunlight streamed through the windows.
Sasuke looked up at those mesmerizing blue pools and let himself drowned in them. He reached to brush few locks on tanned forehead before muttering a phrase that sounded more like a plea than a command. "Shut up." And he pulled Naruto down for another beautiful and deep kiss.
Sasuke pushed Naruto on his back and partly covered the smaller frame with his. He cupped both cheeks as he feasted on Naruto's mouth like a hungry man. He liked how the blonde trembled as his tongue siege his mouth before dueling with the blonde's tongue. He liked…. God! He liked everything about Naruto.
After what was like forever, the two pulled apart and looked at each other. There may be shyness in their eyes but there was no embarrassment.
Sasuke leaned into a tanned hand that gently caressed his cheek before excusing himself. "I have to go now," was all he said, leaving his friend suddenly lonely and scared that Sasuke would pretend that nothing had happened.
-SasuNaru is love-
"Senpai, I'll go ahead now," a Culinary Art club member said.
"Thanks for your hard work," Naruto told her with a wave of his hand before he continued reviewing the recipes for tomorrow. Deciding recipes for the next day was in the blonde's opinion, the hardest part of being sous chef of the club. Professionally speaking, dealing with recipes was the task of the executive chef but in their school, it was the task of the sous chef and to be approved by the head chef. There were times he enjoyed coming up with recipes and times when he hated it because the executive chef/Club president was bitching.
Satisfied with his menu, Naruto decided to call it a day. He locked the room, turned around then halted as he saw Sasuke leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. Was he waiting for him? At such thought, Naruto's heart slammed against his chest.
"Dobe," Sasuke started confidently, "let's grab some food before I walk you home." He didn't wait for the blonde as he started walking down the hallway.
Blue eyes widened. Was Sasuke asking him on a date? Was this real or just a dream?
"Are you coming?" Sasuke asked over his shoulder when the blonde continued dumbly standing. Don't turn me down now.
The blonde snapped out from his trance and jogged towards the other teen.
-SasuNaru is love-
Naruto scowled when Sasuke stopped walking. He was about to turn around when he heard Sasuke's commanding voice.
"Don't. Don't turn around."
Sasuke stared at the blonde's back while gathering the courage which had been there before now. He had to make few things clear between them before they'd go on their first date. First date, he thought and blushed. He had no idea whether it would be awkward or just the same every time he and Naruto would eat somewhere.
"We're friends," he started, reading the little speech he had prepared during the whole student council meeting from his mind.
Naruto's heart clenched at the statement. How could Sasuke think like that when they had shared a lot of kisses already and he did ask him out on a date, right? Unless this wasn't a date but just their ordinary outing. He cursed himself for expecting too much. Sasuke never lived up to any expectations other than his father's. God! Fugaku had always been his rival for the dark-haired teen's attention. He finally understood that and he knew there was no victory for him.
Successfully, he made his voice apathetic and calm, "You don't have to-"
"Let me finish first, dobe," Sasuke almost pleaded. "We're friends at the same time more than that."
The blonde's heart leaped and he told himself to listen to Sasuke before he'd jump to conclusion.
"I don't know what I feel for you because it's too raw and new to put a name on it. But," the dark-haired teen clenched his fists as he drew a deep breath before continuing. "But I want to be with you. I want to try this with you… nobody else but you so…. so…." He couldn't remember the rest of his speech and his brain had abandoned him. Of all times, why did it have to leave him now?
Sasuke's hesitation made Naruto turned around and declared proudly and fearlessly. "I want to be with Sasuke too. I want to be with you." He fought back the tears that were gathering in his eyes. Crying in this kind of situation was nonsense and so was being overly happy but here he was, doing both things.
Hearing those words, all negative thoughts of rejection together with other absurd burden in Sasuke's heart were lifted. He let out a small smile as he crossed the distance between them. He took a tanned hand in his as they resumed their walk towards the train station. "C'mon. I'll bring you to a place you had never been before," he said.
Naruto just nodded and squeezed a pale hand. No matter what would happen, he was certain that he would never ever forget the warmth of the hand that was holding his.
TBC
Confused? If you are, just include your questions in your review and we'll get back to you. There was a time-shift in the middle of the chapter. The chapter opened with Naruto and his friends as high school freshmen and somewhere, they became sophomores. You'll notice this by the mention of their promotion in their club positions.
I know a lot of you wanted for Sasuke to realize his feelings first but K-chan and I wanted something different. We wanted Naruto to realize first and take that first step Sasuke was scared to take. K-chan immediately like the idea of Naruto thinking he misunderstood Sasuke's signals.
The chapter was long but we stopped entertaining the thoughts of chopping it because if we did, it seemed so off and meh.