"It couldn't have been all bad," a familiar voice tells me. I look around frantically, looking for the face that I know matches the voice, but it's not there. Maybe I'm just going insane. Maybe I've finally become so infatuated with Sasuke Uchiha that I'm starting to hear his voice everywhere. Or maybe my conscious likes to spontaneously mock me via Sasuke's voice. Either way, it hurts to have my hopes dashed like that. But I decide to humor myself.

"No, it wasn't all bad." A small smile graces my lips as I replay the day in my mind. "But it wasn't the best, either."

"What was the worst part?" It might just be me, but the voice sounds like it's getting nearer. I don't turn to look, not being particularly fond of disappointment. Besides, I've already established that I'm more than likely just crazy.

"The worst part was having Sasuke run away from me- like I was a monster or something. I didn't mean to make him upset, or have to relive that. I was just so curious…"

"Surely he understands." The voice is right there, right behind me. If I turned around, I'm sure I would- if I could- run into it. But I don't turn around. Like I said, I'm not really that emotionally attached to disappointment, although that seems like less of a worry now. "What was the best part?"

I think for a moment, the smile back on my face for the time being. "Definitely waking up next to Sasuke. I lo…"

"Don't say it, Naruto. Don't. It's too soon." For the first time, I turn to look at Sasuke, who is even more beautiful under the pure moonlight. His skin is lustrous and smooth, glowing and gorgeous. His dark eyes are glazed brilliantly, and his hair is messy in a way that makes me want to lock my hands in it.

His eyes are focused on the ground. I stand up, ignoring the bloody awful screeching from the swing. Finally, he looks up at me. Before he can say anything, I'm there, embracing him, holding him close to me. I don't think Sasuke knows how to react. He stands there awkwardly for a moment, taken aback, not knowing what to do. After a few long moments though, he finally responds by putting his arms around me. I bury my face in his neck, willing myself not to cry in relief, because I'm on the brink of doing just that. Instead, I preoccupy myself by inhaling Sasuke's scent that has haunted me the entire time- short as it may have been- that I was home without him.

Sasuke suddenly laughs, and I can't figure out what's so funny. Do I smell bad? Am I being too sappy? What's the deal, here? "What?" I ask, my voice muffled against the deliciousness that is Sasuke's neck. "What's so funny?"

"I don't know," he chuckles. "Does there always have to be a reason for everything?"

"It would make things easier, I think." I reply. Sasuke starts squirming against my grip, but I'm not letting him get away.

He laughs lightly again. "Naruto, let go!" he demands. I don't comply. I don't want to. I'm never going to let go of him again. Life is too short.

"No. Just hold still!" I whisper into his ear. He shudders lightly and gives one final squirm before settling down. Obviously, he's not used to so much physical contact with any other intent than sexual purposes. Which this could be. I kind of hope so.

"Naruto, I have to go home," Sasuke says.

"Psh! Who needs home when they've got me?" I ask, playfully vain. "By the way, who is that grouchy clone of yours?"

"Grouchy clone…?" Sasuke seems to think it through in confusion for a few moments. "Oh, my brother, you mean? Itachi. He's older than me though, so I'd be his clone."

"Ick. He's not very friendly, is he?"

"No, not especially. When did you meet him?"

"When I went to your house looking for you."

"You went to my house?!" Sasuke looks at me in a panic, as if I had unleashed a curse on him or something.

"Is that bad?" I'm honestly curious now.

"That's beyond bad. It's mortifying!" Sasuke buries his face in his hands. I gently peel them away.

"It was only almost really bad. Don't worry about it." I intertwine my fingers with his. He pulls away slightly.

"Well, I'm sorry you had to meet my brother, but I really need to get home. I haven't been home in almost two days. Itachi is probably ready to call the cops, if he hasn't already."

"Fine, but I'm not letting you go without a kiss."

"Naruto…" Sasuke whines. I almost give in, just because it's Sasuke and he's whining, but I hold out and decide that I really want that kiss.

"Ah-ah. Whining won't get you out of this one, Sasuke." His hands are still in mine, warm and soft and lovely as ever. I run my own fingers over his knuckles, trying to coax him in with the little motion. Either it works or he realizes that I'm not giving in, because he takes a step forward and, with the softest lips I've ever felt, leaves the whisper of a kiss on my lips.

"There. Now I have to go, Naruto."

"Okay. See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Bye."

Just like that, he's walking away, leaving me to my thoughts. I reclaim my swing, sitting down heavily. I feel like today has just dragged on forever, and exhaustion hits me like a car hitting a brick wall.

Recapping, I think through the past two days: the movie; the amazing, fantastic, unforgettable sex; the morning argument, the walk and café; the other argument; the makeup…

No fair! I thought make-ups ended with really awesome sex! Ithink to myself, not really meaning it. Sasuke's probably still sore, anyway. Actually, he'll probably be sore for the next day or so, even if he doesn't show it. Healing takes time, and that was some insane sex last night, so I wouldn't blame him for wanting some more time.

--

When I finally hit the sheets of my bed- after being sure to set my alarm- I fall asleep instantly, the fatigue I've been trying to ward off finally taking a grip.

--

A/N: This is a little excerpt from one of the earlier chapters. I can't say which one exactly, but probably the one after Sasuke tells Naruto about Kiba. That's as finite as I can get, with my memory being equivalent to that of a 190-year-old's. I never used this little piece, but I thought I would share it because it's cute and I love it.