I can make friends and still be yours. Watch me.
"Come on, Sasuke! Naruto and Lee are sparring- don't you want to watch?" Sakura smiled encouragingly at Sasuke.
Sasuke seemed unmoved by Sakura's beseeching. "It's okay."
"Leave the Uchiha alone," Shikamaru murmured, stepping out from behind an oak tree.
Sasuke internally bristled. "Fine, let's go." He glared at Shikamaru. He didn't need protection. He could make up his own mind, thanks very much.
Sakura brightened and latched onto his arm, pulling him towards the sparring grounds.
When they arrived Naruto's left arm was bleeding thanks to Lee's needles. The sight of blood…Sasuke inhaled sharply then slowly released his breath. The scent of metallic was still there, still heady but controllable. Sakura hurried to Naruto's side where she proceeded to make a big deal out of the cut.
"Aw, Sakura, it's nothing." But Naruto was grinning, clearly pleased that Sakura was paying attention to him. His eyes scanned around for Sasuke. When they landed, he stuck out his tongue.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked over to Naruto. He took hold of the injured arm and without warning, licked away the blood on Naruto's forearm.
Naruto blushed as he stammered, "The hell do you think you're doing?"
Sasuke raised his eyes and stared coolly into Naruto's. "Stopping the bleeding."
"The others stared openly, curiously.
"Ew," Sakura said at last, making a face. But no one paid her any attention.
"You didn't have to," Naruto complained, but his voice lifted at the end, like he was asking a question.
Sasuke tilted his head to the side, savoring the coppery taste. There were gasps but Sasuke pretended not to hear them.
