Chapter 8
Dare
On Wednesday, after work, Naruto stopped by the Hyuga residence. He had called earlier to announce his visit. Only Neji was home. That was perfectly fine with Naruto; he had always been a little bit uneasy with Mister Hyuga. Right now, Neji informed him that the man was accompanying his now only daughter Hanabi to a nice dinner to meet her boyfriend for the first time. Poor guy. Naruto had been there.
So Naruto and Neji sat in the nicely decorated living room. The house was quiet as they drank beer together. Neji had always considered Hinata as a little sister. He had been just as devastated as Naruto by her untimely death – maybe even more. The two young men had grown closer throughout the whole tragedy. At the funeral, they had stood side by side, letting their tears fall with no shame.
Now they shared a beer together and there was no need for words. Naruto had already explained his reason for the visit, and the box full of folders was still in the hall. Neji had said he would take care of it later.
"How have you been?" Neji asked.
"A little bit better, you?"
"Okay I guess."
Naruto nodded. There was a moment of silence.
"I heard you had a roommate."
"Who told you that?"
"Kiba… I was… actually chatting online with him the other day and he told me. I think it's great," Neji said before taking a sip of beer. "I don't think I could live alone, not after what happened."
Again, Naruto just nodded. He drank some of his beer too. He suddenly felt the urge to get drunk, in order to forget all his problems. Not here, and not alone with Neji of course. But maybe Friday at Sakura's place, he thought. He wondered if Sasuke would tag along or not. They hadn't talked to each other that morning. Naruto had just let him sleep and gone to work.
"We kind of got into a fight already," he chuckled, "and it's just been a few days, so… We'll see. It's just temporary anyway."
"But that's normal. You need to adjust in the beginning."
"I guess you're right."
They drank some more beer quietly. It wasn't awkward, like it had been with Sai. They were just keeping each other company. But still, Naruto found himself wanting to go home.
So after finishing his drink he thanked the long-haired guy and after some more words that were meant to be comforting, and wishes for all the best, he took his leave.
It was freezing tonight. Winter was approaching fast. Naruto put the heat at max in his car and worried about Sasuke a little. What if that idiot had gone out and gotten lost again? He drove a bit faster without really noticing. He listened to Silversun pickups on his iPod and it only made him think more of the raven.
It turned out he was safe and sound, standing in the living room and playing with Keiko using a shoe lace, apparently. The little animal seemed ecstatic. Naruto cleared his throat as he entered the room. He noticed Sasuke was clad in a black tank top with a pair of his own sweat pants. They were a bit too big for him and hung low on his skinny hips.
Sasuke followed his glance and dropped the shoe lace.
"I'm sorry. I just felt like staying inside and…"
"I guess we only got you jeans huh?" Naruto's voice was soft and caring. He didn't want to fight with Sasuke anymore. Right now, he was just glad he was safe.
"I can take them off if you want."
Naruto chuckled, but didn't comment on how bad that sounded. "No it's fine. Did you eat?"
The raven's pale cheeks were suddenly covered with a light pink blush and Naruto wondered what was up with him. He found out soon enough.
"I… made something. It's in the fridge. I have no idea if it's gonna be edible."
"You were waiting for me?" Sasuke nodded. Now Naruto felt guilty for spending time with Neji. "You didn't have to!" He chuckled trying to lighten the mood some more.
Both males made their way to the kitchen and Naruto opened the fridge, taking out the bowl with an aluminum foil covering it. He revealed what was inside; rice with various vegetables, shrimps and peanut butter and soy sauce.
"I mean it's pretty basic," Sasuke said apologetically, "I've never really cooked before so I didn't think I could make anything too complicated."
"It's fine! Why were you worried?" Naruto laughed softly as he took out two plates. "You're talking to a guy who almost always eats instant ramen."
Lately, anyway… Before that Hinata had cooked really nice meals for him almost every evening. She had been such a sweetie. But actually, this was really sweet of Sasuke, too. Maybe it was his way of apologizing for their argument last night.
They split the meal in two and heated it in the microwave. After that they went to sit at the dining room's mahogany table in front of each other and started eating in silence.
"How was work?" Sasuke asked a bit awkwardly.
Naruto shrugged, "It was fine. There's this guy, Sai, he's sort of obsessed with me now apparently. He lost his boyfriend recently and yesterday he told me the whole story and I listened… and again today he came to talk to me… But I gave him my therapist's number. I mean I'm no professional… By the way I wanted to ask you if you wanted to see him too?"
Sasuke put down his chopsticks and he looked downward, "Why do you think I need therapy?"
He rolled his blue eyes and glanced out the window at the dark sky briefly, "Please don't be like that. It's your choice okay? I was just suggesting."
"I think I'll pass."
"Fine."
The rest of the meal was quiet and Naruto found it really regrettable that things were awkward between them now. But like Neji had said, maybe they just needed to adjust to each other.
Naruto spent the rest of the evening alone in his bedroom, playing a game on his laptop to try to take his mind off things. For all he knew Sasuke was playing video games downstairs, or watching a movie or just playing with Keiko again. Naruto wanted to go see him but at the same time he felt like maybe he needed some space.
Still, despite all this tension between them, there was this comforting feeling inside his heart, that he wasn't completely alone. So he was grateful for Sasuke's presence, no matter what.
…
Unfortunately, at the company, there was no need for a new part time employee at the moment. After discussing it with Jiraya, the latter had said that he was sorry, but there was nothing he could do.
"No openings right now," he shrugged, "but I'll tell you as soon as I have something. Oh but I do have something for you today…" and he handed Naruto a paycheck.
"But…" he frowned.
"I talked things over with my accountant," Jiraya leaned back in his seat and shrugged again, "even though your vacation wasn't planned you get paid anyway since you were in therapy and diagnosed with a depression."
"Oh…" He couldn't say no, this would be a great help right now actually.
"No need to thank me," the old man teased.
"Thank you," Naruto hurriedly said, making them both laugh.
Then Jiraya leaned forward on the desk and spoke in a lower voice, "So what do you think of my new secretary? She's cute isn't she?"
"You shouldn't force her to wear such a short skirt."
"Ah! It's okay, I told her she could say no if she wanted to, but that I preferred this outfit."
"I can't believe you, you're such a creep. That's like, close to sexual harassment you know?"
"Oh give me a break. You noticed so you're just as much of a pervert as I am!"
"No I just… Forget it."
"You should take her out on a date this weekend! I can tell she likes you."
Naruto just glared.
"Still too soon? Okay, okay, forget I said that."
The phone beeped and Tenten announced that Jiraya needed to take a very important phone call right now. So Naruto waved his hand briefly and left the office.
The rest of the day went by as usual, during breaks Naruto exchanged smiles with Tenten, chatted a little with Sai, who announced that he had taken an appointment with Hatake Kakashi as suggested, and finally Naruto had a meeting with a mangaka who he was assigned to work with that evening. All in all it went well but it was tiring, and Naruto was a bit exhausted when he got home late.
Sasuke was playing some video game in the living room, sitting on the floor and resting his back against the sofa chair. Naruto stood next to him and looked at the screen briefly, until Sasuke paused his game.
"Hey."
"Hey," Naruto said back, "what did you do today?"
Sasuke wore his black skinny jeans with matching button down shirt, so he supposed he had gone out perhaps.
"I took my resume to a couple stores… No one seemed to be really looking for staff right now though. And I'm still not sure I can pull off the whole customer service thing, so I don't even know what's the point…"
Naruto sighed and he approached the black sofa, throwing his leg on the other side of Sasuke so he could sit behind him. Sasuke looked behind his shoulder, sending him a questioning glance. But the blonde ignored him and started massaging the back of Sasuke's neck. He secretly enjoyed the feel of his smooth pale skin and silky black hair.
Sasuke looked back in front of him but his eyes were half closed. He automatically relaxed and Naruto smiled.
"You looked like you needed to relax. I know it's tough looking for a job, believe me, I've been there," he said softly.
"Really?"
"Yeah for sure. In high school I was a brat and Jiraya got sick and tired of giving me money just so I could spend it on weed and beer and other crap. So he cut me off and I had to look for a part-time job."
"Did you find one?"
"A couple. I worked in a convenience store for a while. When I got the night shift my friends came chilling with me inside and the boss saw that on the cameras… he didn't like it."
"So you got fired?" Sasuke asked in a little voice. Naruto continued massaging his shoulders but the dressy shirt was in the way.
"Yeah. You can take that off if you want."
He wasn't sure how Sasuke would react. But he surprised him by just taking it off obediently and throwing it aside. Keiko came walking by and decided to use the shirt as a bed.
"She's gonna put hair all over it," Naruto pointed out as he massaged the now bare pale shoulders. Sasuke was so tensed.
"At least it's black," Sasuke chuckled.
"Mm… so anyway I also worked in a fast food restaurant. Making sandwiches. But I was too messy and clumsy and all over the place… Mostly I was high during my work shifts and it showed."
Sasuke actually laughed at this. Naruto was smiling as he never stopped massaging him. Now he was beginning to really relax as he leaned into Naruto's touch.
"So I guess all I'm saying is… it's not easy. Don't worry about it if you don't find a job right away."
"When I get the violin…" Sasuke spoke softly, and slowly, "and if it sounds half-decent, I'll play for you again."
"I'd like that."
"Will you draw me?"
Naruto stopped his movements briefly, only to start again. Without thinking he ran his tan fingers through the silky black locks slowly. Sasuke seemed to find it felt good because he leaned in his touch even more.
"I thought... maybe I should stop doing that."
"I already said I was sorry for freaking out for no reason," Sasuke's voice was close to a whisper now, "I don't want you to stop."
"Then I'll draw you when you play for me, just like the first time." Naruto's fingers slid from his hair and he massaged his shoulders again.
"I was so surprised…"
"You were?" Naruto smiled. He remembered now just how much he liked talking with Sasuke. His voice was so deep and soft, almost soothing, when they weren't arguing.
"Yeah. I was like, what the hell is he doing? Then I figured you were some weirdo, and you really just hired me to play music so you could get some inspiration or whatever…"
"You figured…? But you mean, before that, you thought…?"
"That you wanted me to blow you or something, but that you were just too shy to say it."
"How could you think I wanted that?" Naruto asked half-teasing, pretending to be offended.
Sasuke chuckled, "Most guys want that. You were attractive for a change so I didn't mind. No one had ever asked me to just play music for them before. You're kinda weird."
"I guess I am."
"But when I saw your drawing, I was even more surprised. I was like, holy shit, that guy has real talent. And it was so well done… Fuck I still regret losing that drawing."
"I'll make you another one, I promised didn't I?"
"Won't be the same."
Naruto laughed softly and suddenly lowered his arms to slide them under Sasuke's arms and wrap them around his chest. In a swift movement he pulled him up and sat him on his lap.
"Um what are you doing?"
"Capturing you."
"Okay…"
Almost entranced Naruto slid one hand to Sasuke's side and caressed the still slightly bruised skin, thinking at the back of his mind, that it shouldn't be possible to have soft skin like that.
"It's almost completely healed."
Sasuke was tensed again, and holding his breath. Naruto suddenly realized what he was doing and he pulled his arms back, releasing him. Sasuke got up slowly. To lighten the mood, maybe, he suggested that they played some video games together. Naruto accepted eagerly and sat on the floor next to him.
They played for a while, and Sasuke eventually got cold and put his shirt back on. Naruto was secretly relieved. It had been kind of disturbing, although he didn't really know why. Okay, so maybe he had a strange attraction to the nineteen year old guy, but he didn't want to think too much into it.
At some point they took a break to get some snacks and drinks. Setting the items down on the coffee table Naruto stretched and sat in the couch. Sasuke did likewise.
"I wanted to ask you something…"
"What is it," the blonde said casually. He started eating some chips and made no gesture to pick up the controller again. Instead he just glanced sideways at the raven.
His black button down shirt was still undone and his long bangs were a bit messy as they framed his face… He looked… disturbingly sexy. As always.
"I told you about…" Sasuke touched the scar on his chest, "all this stuff… But you never did tell me about you…"
"What did you want to know?"
"I don't know, your parents…"
"Oh, that, um… they died when I was a baby so I don't remember them. I just have a few pictures."
"What happened?" Sasuke whispered.
Naruto stopped eating and sighed. He shrugged slightly, "They were attacked by a street gang or something. Gunshots and all, before their car was stolen. I don't even know the details. Just, Jiraya told me that. It hit the news and everything, and the criminals were arrested soon after. They were young and stupid you know, from what I gathered… It just really sucks that it had to happen to my parents – I heard they were really amazing people."
Sasuke swallowed and stayed silent. He clearly didn't know what the hell to say after hearing such a thing. Understandable. Naruto cleared his throat.
"I grew up at a local orphanage for a few years, before Jiraya moved back to Japan, but I already told you that."
"Mm… how was it, at the orphanage?"
"Lonely. I had one friend I think, I mean I was so young so I barely remember. But he was adopted and then I remember feeling really lonely again."
"How come you didn't have many friends?" Sasuke tilted his head.
"I was a monster."
"That's hard to believe."
"No it's true. I was always yelling and screaming and picking fights with other kids, so yeah."
"Oh…"
"I take it you weren't like that as a kid?"
"I was really quiet," Sasuke made a little smile as he glanced away.
"Looks like we wouldn't have gotten along very well, heh."
Sasuke slid his hands in his pockets, "What about now you think we can get along?"
"Don't we already?"
"…I'm a fucked up guy Naruto," he sighed.
"You're not that bad."
Sasuke averted his eyes. He eventually got up in silence and went to stand next to the bookshelves. He scanned through some books – all the thriller genre, Naruto noted – and eventually picked one.
"Is it okay if I borrow this?"
"No. You can't." Sasuke made a little smile. He knew that he was kidding. Still, Naruto said, "Of course."
Sasuke just nodded and then went to lie down on the sofa bed in the corner of the room.
"Sasuke?" he called and the raven turned his head. "You coming to the party tomorrow?"
"If you want me to."
"Of course I want you to!" He smiled.
"Then I'll come."
…
So Friday evening arrived, and the two young men were getting ready in the bathroom. Well, Sasuke, very sexy in his tight black leather pants and a simple v-neck black tee, was drying his hair while Naruto just leaned in the doorframe watching. He used to watch Hinata do this all the time. It just sort of intrigued him. When it came to his own hair, Naruto was helpless.
He looked at himself in the mirror, next to Sasuke. He wore black jeans, white tank top and dark blue button down shirt left open. It was close to the color of his eyes so it looked good. His hair fell around his face with the ends naturally spiky. He thought it looked good. Today at work Tenten had teased him and told him he should get a haircut, and Naruto had teased her back pretending to be all offended – only part of it was fake, but she didn't know that.
"Sasuke?"
"What?" He didn't interrupt his movements. He was drying his bangs making sure to place them on the side. He had an adorable concentrated look on his face, and Naruto couldn't help but smile.
"You think I should cut my hair?"
This time Sasuke stopped. He looked at him through the mirror, and then turned to look at him for real, thoughtful.
Then he just said, "No, looks good like that." And he started drying his hair again.
"Tenten said I look like a teenager."
"Who the fuck is Tenten?"
"The receptionist…"
"Who asked her anyway? You don't look like a teenager."
"First time you saw me, how old did you think I was?"
"Like twenty two, maybe."
He nodded thoughtfully. Sasuke finished drying his hair and put the blow dryer away. Instead he picked up his recently purchased eyeliner. Apparently it was important enough for him to spend his scarce money. He flipped his bangs aside and leaned closer to the mirror. His full pale lips parted as he was applying it and Naruto smiled again.
"Why do you use makeup that's so girly."
"I don't care. And it's not girly. Think about it. It's decorating your body, right? Kinda like piercings or tattoos or hair dye except less permanent. Guy or girl it doesn't matter. Anyway," he said as he finished and blinked a few times, pulling away from the mirror, "if you think that's girly, you haven't seen a lot of Asian male pop stars…"
"Good point. Girly or not it looks good."
Sasuke's dark eyes seemed even more beautiful, the slightly almond shape was accentuated by the black circling them. Sasuke seemed surprised by this. Then he just glanced at the mirror again, ran his fingers through his sleek hair one last time before exiting the bathroom. Naruto followed him and decided to tease him some more, using his best sassy gay voice.
"You ready bitch?"
Surprisingly Sasuke played along. "Honey, I'm always ready." And he turned around and winked.
They went downstairs and Sasuke threw on his jacket. A smile lingered on his lips. Naruto said nothing because he felt good - he did whenever he managed to make Sasuke smile - but also he wasn't dumb enough not to get the innuendo so he didn't really know how he should feel about that.
In the hall Naruto slipped in his shoes and grabbed his keys, and watched as Sasuke did the same.
One of his black sneakers was missing a shoe lace, of course, because he'd wanted to use it as a toy for the stupid yet adorable little cat. And of course now the shoe lace was pretty much destroyed. Naruto couldn't believe it.
"You have one pair of shoes and you ruin them just because of a cat."
"I wanted something she could play with," he said defensively.
Wow...
They hurried to the orange car outside because it was raining lightly. It wasn't that cold though, for once. Naruto drove quietly while Sasuke was busy playing dj with his iPod.
"Do you have any party music, you know, to put us in the mood?"
"I think so…" Naruto shrugged. He wasn't even sure.
Sasuke eventually found something with a nice, catchy beat. It did make Naruto feel like dancing and drinking, actually. It reminded him of that one night at the club with Sasuke, back in Kyoto… What a night it had been. Their dance, that moment they had shared… he shivered slightly as he could still feel the excitement he had felt back then.
"So what are those parties usually like?"
"Kinda boring," Naruto admitted. "Well sometimes it gets crazy. Depends if people are drunk or not."
"Are you gonna drink?"
"Yeah."
"So we're sleeping over?"
"Unless you want to stay sober and drive."
"I… have my license but I never drove a manual before."
"Why didn't you tell me before?" Naruto exclaimed, smiling, "I'll teach you!"
"That'd be pretty great," Sasuke smiled back. He leaned his arm across the window frame and looked outside. The city lights made his hair seem a nice bluish black.
"Is it your natural hair color?"
"What? Yeah."
"It tints blue how's that even possible?"
"Says the guy with natural pale blonde hair."
"How did you know it was natural?"
"Your eyebrows are pale. Besides you'd have darker roots if it wasn't."
Trust a gay man to be so observant. Naruto chuckled and tried to keep his eyes on the road for the rest of the drive – wouldn't want to have an accident just because they were too busy staring at each other's hair. Now they really were acting like girls.
He drove past Sakura's address and cursed when he couldn't find any available parking spot. With Sasuke they tried to figure it out, and they ended up in a parallel street. They needed to walk a few minutes to get there.
"Let's trade jackets," Naruto said already taking his off.
Sasuke just stared, "Why?"
"Cause!" He insisted, handing him his jacket, "Mine has a hood. You spent so much time doing your hair and it's raining! I feel bad for you."
Sasuke smiled and shook his head slightly, "You're so fucking silly sometimes. It's kinda adorable you know." Nonetheless, he took off his jacket and they traded.
So they walked outside in the cold night, Naruto with his hands shoved in his pockets and his eyes half closed as his hair dripped in his face.
"Now I feel bad for you," Sasuke nudged him.
They finally crossed the street where Sakura lived and entered the apartment building. Naruto shook his hair a bit and ran his fingers in it.
"Stupid rain, okay…" he took out his cell and checked out Sakura's text again. "Number 207…" he entered the digits and he talked with Sakura in the interphone. She immediately opened the door for them.
They made their way to her apartment and Sakura welcomed them. It had a large living room area, with a small kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom, and that was it. But yeah at least the living room was big so the party was pretty much being held there. Kiba and Suigetsu were sitting on the couch and drinking beer. Shikamaru and Chouji were playing video games that they had brought themselves, Naruto guessed, because Sakura didn't have stuff like that. Gaara was there too which pleased Naruto.
"Hey," he slapped the red-head's shoulder in a friendly way. Gaara made a small smile.
"Hey Naruto what's up?" He asked in his usual low and calm voice.
"Well you probably heard already but I got a new roommate… Sasuke, this is Gaara a really good friend of mine since middle school…"
The red-head's smile faded a little as they shook hands politely. Actually, both guys weren't really good at meeting new people, Naruto mused, so this wasn't very promising.
"Anyway, what about you, what's up?"
"Still very busy with work," Gaara informed, "I actually just came here to see you. I'm not gonna drink because I need to work tomorrow."
"That's too bad," Naruto shrugged, "but hey it's work right?"
"Yeah."
"Okay!" Sakura suddenly exclaimed, startling the three guys a bit, "Who wants a drink? Not you Gaara I know, but what about you Naruto? Sasuke? Anything you'd like?"
"Sure," the blonde smiled and he followed her to the small kitchen.
Sasuke followed too and Gaara just stood behind a bit awkwardly.
"Gaara we've got an extra controller if you're interested." Chouji called out to be nice, probably. The two didn't know each other that well.
"No thanks."
"Hi Naruto by the way!" Shikamaru exclaimed without moving from his spot on the floor next to his best friend and several bags of chips.
"Hi!" He chuckled.
Kiba and Suigetsu came to join them in the kitchen. They took out some more beer from the fridge. Sakura though was preparing something a little fancier. She mixed some strong liquor with orange juice and grenadine syrup. She made three drinks, one for her, and the two others for the boys. Naruto thanked her before tasting it.
"Oh this is so good!" His blue eyes widened, pleasantly surprised.
"Tequila sunrise," Sakura smiled.
Sasuke made a face though.
"You don't like it?" Sakura asked.
"It's too sweet…" he said apologetically.
"Oh but that's okay I'll fix it!" She smiled and simply added some more tequila in Sasuke's glass. It was too full now so he hurried and took a few sips.
"Better," he nodded.
"Careful not to get too drunk," Suigetsu teased him. His violet eyes were amused and quite pleased as he looked the skinny, tall raven-haired boy up and down. Naruto observed all this and wasn't sure he liked it. But Sasuke was staring right back and not in the same way.
"No one's forcing me to this time so I should be fine," he said coldly.
"What are you guys talking about?" Kiba asked casually.
"Nothing gorgeous don't worry about it," Suigetsu touched the other male's shoulder almost flirtatiously before walking back toward the living room, swaying his skinny jeans clad hips. Kiba shrugged and glanced at Naruto.
"So what's up? I texted you this week you never texted back."
"Ah yeah I was really busy with work," Naruto scratched his hair. He drank some more of his drink and smiled at Sakura again, "I really love this."
"You're welcome," she shrugged and batted her eyelashes a little. She was pretty in heels and short black dress, flattering her slender frame. Her long strawberry blonde hair was parted on the side and fell on her shoulders freely.
"You look good," Naruto told her sincerely.
"You too," she touched the dark blue button down shirt lightly, "but your hair's wet," she lifted her arm, reaching up to ruffle his hair playfully, "do you want a towel or something?"
"Nah it'll just dry…" he ran his own fingers through it by reflex and touched Sakura's hand inadvertently. They both chuckled lightly and glanced away.
Then Naruto noticed Sasuke had been staring. As soon as he noticed though Sasuke looked down, almost closing his eyes as he brought his glass to his lips, chugging down quite a good amount of it. Naruto was the one staring now so he shook his head slightly and looked toward the living room.
"So who else is coming?"
"I was nice enough to invite Ino," Sakura sighed, "but she ditched. Two friends from my internship are supposed to come later."
"Girls?"
"One guy and one girl actually. The guy's name is Lee, and he can be a little bit… too enthusiastic sometimes. Like, almost hyperactive. But he's okay. He told me not to let him drink though so I'll have to be careful," she chuckled, "and anyway the girl's name is Shizune. She's a little bit older, she's so sweet. A really nice girl. I'm sure you'll like her."
"They both sound fun, I can't wait to meet them," he smiled.
Naruto noticed Sasuke had grabbed the bottle of tequila, and he had poured some more in his glass. When he saw that Naruto was looking he muttered, "It was still too sweet."
"You shouldn't even be drinking," Sakura teased him gently, "right? You're not twenty yet."
"I've been drinking for two years now, I think I can handle it," Sasuke said quietly.
"Not really though," Naruto teased, nudging his side, "you get crazy when you drink so try to be careful."
"Crazy huh?" Sakura's green eyes had a glint in them, "I'd really like to see that."
"I don't get crazy," Sasuke said defensively.
He really was completely different with other people. With Naruto, he had admitted right away that he was a clingy, over affectionate and talkative drunk. Apparently with others Sasuke was extremely secretive. Naruto wondered if he planned on getting drunk or not, anyway. Maybe it would be better if he didn't.
As for Naruto himself, he did feel like drinking, at least a little. So with Sakura they continued talking, and willingly refilled each other's glass.
On the meantime Sasuke went to the living room and sat alone in a lounge chair. As he looked in his direction Naruto really noticed for the first time the beautiful decoration, with the paintings on the turquoise walls, and the plants and flowers everywhere. He complimented Sakura on it and she was simply beaming.
"Sometimes I can't believe just how much you changed!" She slapped his arm playfully, "I swear, I don't even recognize you. When we dated you were such a…"
"A brat? A moron? An annoying little shit?" Naruto laughed. He couldn't really deny it.
"Well… you changed. I guess… she… changed you, huh?"
He sipped his drink quietly for a moment, looking down. He didn't have so much trouble talking about Hinata anymore and he intended to prove it to his close friend.
So he pleasantly said, "I think she changed me and I changed by myself too. I got older," he shrugged, "but I'm still the same deep down, right?"
She nodded, smiling, "Right."
"You changed too you know? You used to have a really short temper. I mean sure maybe you're still a bit like that, we can't change who we are completely. But we're both more mature, just like the rest of our friends."
They glanced in the direction of the living room. Shikamaru and Chouji were still stuffing themselves with potato chips and playing some guns and explosions video games which they had of course brought from their own apartment. It made Naruto wonder why they had even bothered coming. Kiba was chugging down beer, apparently having a contest with Suigetsu.
"Well," Sakura chuckled.
Naruto continued for her, "The two of us are more mature anyway."
"Right."
Gaara came to the kitchen to join the conversation. Mostly he just asked Naruto how was work, and they talked about their respective jobs a bit. Then he asked how living with a new roommate was working for him.
"It's really great, the house feels less empty you know," Naruto shrugged. "And Sasuke's great I mean," he looked at the raven, still sitting isolated from the others and simply drinking, "he's kinda shy when you don't know him…" More like antisocial but he didn't want to say it.
"I'm like that too so I understand," Gaara said calmly. "I'm sorry I have to say it but, he's really cute."
Naruto chuckled. Gaara was bisexual, not many people knew, but Naruto and Sakura were aware of that.
"I know right?" Sakura sighed dreamily, "He's not just cute he's…"
"Beautiful," the blonde finished for her as he turned around to pick up some bottles and refill his glass again.
"Yeah," Gaara and Sakura both said at once, then laughed.
Kiba and Suigetsu joined them because they wanted to grab some more beer. Gaara excused himself soon after. He said that he'd really just wanted to see Naruto and hang out a little, so now he was leaving.
"Take care man," Naruto smiled and wave his hand, and the red-head gave a slight nod before closing the door behind him.
Soon after Sakura's friends made their arrival. Lee was indeed a crazy guy. He was practically bouncing happily, and claiming that he loved parties and meeting new people. He shook everyone's hand. Shikamaru and Chouji whined because he was disturbing their game though. Lee didn't seem to notice. When he went to stand right in Sasuke's face and shake his hand, the raven seemed a little bit scared.
Naruto had been smiling and talking quietly with Sakura and Shizune, a really sweet girl indeed with short black hair and soft dark brown eyes. But he watched Sasuke in the corner of his eye and he decided to go to his rescue.
"…So what's your name? Mine's Lee! I'm in med school right now! What about you what do you do? You seem like a really cool guy! Do you work out? I personally try to go to the gym twice a day! What are you drinking? Can I have some…?"
Naruto took the guy's arm and pulled him away from a freaked out Sasuke forcefully.
"Hey, Lee, hi, um, why don't you go ask Sakura for one of those drinks?"
"Yeah! Yeah good idea I'll do that," he laughed and practically bounced his way to the kitchen. Naruto sighed; why had Sakura invited such a guy? He was kind of annoying…
Sasuke seemed to be sharing his thoughts. He looked past Naruto toward the kitchen. Lee was in there with Sakura and Shizune right now, rambling… He never stopped talking it seemed. Didn't he need to breathe?
"I wanted to go get another drink," Sasuke indicated his almost finished glass, "but now I think I'll just… wait… you know…"
Naruto laughed, "Yeah he's kinda… yeah."
"Yo, Naruto, don't just stand there man come sit here there's enough room!" Kiba suddenly exclaimed.
The blonde shrugged and went to sit next to Kiba. He was on the side closest to Sasuke so it wasn't so bad.
"You guys feel like playing some party game or something?" Suigetsu asked.
"Sure," Kiba said, putting an ankle up on a knee and drinking some more beer. "Shika, Chouji, you guys wanna play with us?"
"Yeah stop playing that stupid game," Naruto chuckled and threw a pillow at Shikamaru's head. His ponytail loosened a bit but he didn't even react.
"Maybe later," he said lazily.
"What about you pretty boy you in?" Suigetsu looked over at Sasuke.
"If you stop calling me that…"
"Deal. Truth or dare then? Cause no one ever knows a better party game than that anyway."
"True," Naruto nodded and took a sip of his drink. He glanced out the window; it was still raining. He didn't like November, such depressing weather. He then locked eyes with Sasuke only to glance away quickly.
"I start since I had the idea," Suigetsu leaned forward and he was still staring at the raven, "Sasuke truth or dare."
"Dare I guess," he finished his drink and put it on a nearby small coffee table.
"You have to kiss any person of your choice, but it has to be French kissing, not just a peck you know."
"Yeah I'm not doing that," he said and Naruto looked at him, intrigued. Sasuke was a bit flustered all of a sudden. He purposely let his bangs hide his face.
"Why not?" Kiba frowned.
"Idiot just wants me to kiss him," he stared at Suigetsu.
"Oh please," the silver-haired guy laughed, "don't flatter yourself. It's just the first dare I came up with. You have to do it now."
"He's right you know?" Kiba nodded, drinking some beer, "If you were a coward you should've just picked truth."
"Naruto give me your drink," Sasuke said firmly. The blonde wasn't sure but… it seemed he looked nervous.
"You okay?"
"Yeah just give me your stupid drink."
He got up and practically stole it from Naruto. His glass was almost full, and he had made it quite strong this time. Nonetheless, Sasuke chugged it all down at once, and then he put it down loudly on the coffee table, next to his other empty glass.
"I've actually... I know how weird it sounds but I've never kissed anyone before," he said in a low voice, looking briefly at Suigetsu.
"Oh," he said in understanding, "Now I get why you were so nervous. Sorry though you have to do it anyway!"
"See Chouji," Shikamaru randomly said, apparently he'd been following the conversation. "You're not the only one."
"Oh shut up Shika how's that supposed to make me feel any better he's like five years younger."
The three others ignored them. Sasuke still looked hesitant. Naruto didn't really know why but he felt nervous too. His heart decided to start beating faster for no valid reason.
"Just pick someone!" Suigetsu laughed.
"How come you never kissed anyone before you a virgin or something?" Kiba asked.
"No."
"Really?" Suigetsu nodded appreciatively, as if impressed, "Did it the rough way? No touching no kissing."
"You could say that," Sasuke said dryly.
Naruto knew the truth so he swallowed hard and glanced away. "Sasuke you don't have to do this if you don't want to."
"What if I pick you is that okay?"
He had spoken in such a low, shaky voice that Naruto wasn't even sure… but yeah, as he turned to look at him, he just knew that he had really spoken those words. Naruto felt the blood rush to his face. He… kind of wanted to say yes, and no at the same time. Maybe it wasn't a good idea. Why did he want it anyway? This was so weird…
"You pick whoever the fuck you want," Kiba shrugged, gesturing with his beer, "that's part of the game."
But Sasuke ignored Kiba completely, and since Naruto was hesitating, he just let out a short sigh and stepped closer to Suigetsu instead. "Fine I get it…"
"Wait," Naruto grabbed his pale slender arm before he knew what he was doing. Surprised dark eyes locked with his again. As for Suigetsu he looked utterly disappointed. But Naruto couldn't care less; he didn't want Sasuke to kiss Suigetsu, he wanted Sasuke to kiss him. For some reason.
Seeing this in his eyes perhaps, Sasuke made the slightest nod and leaned closer. Kiba was just weirded out, shifting on the couch to move away from them a little. Naruto soon forgot there was anyone else in the room though. As Sasuke leaned close he couldn't even hear the music from the video game, or the three med school students talking animatedly in the kitchen. No, right now, there was just the loud thumping of his heart, or was it Sasuke's?
A slightly trembling hand was placed on Naruto's shoulder. Sasuke bent over and leaned so close. He tilted his head to the side and his eyes lidded. Naruto looked from the pretty, black circled gray eyes to his full pale lips and he wasn't hesitating anymore. He really wanted this. Sasuke was so nervous, poor baby. So Naruto decided to take the lead. He placed his hand at Sasuke's small waist, caressing the hem of the black t-shirt lightly, and simultaneously erased the distance between their lips.
He nibbled at Sasuke's bottom lip a little, and it was even softer than he could have imagined. It tasted sweet, like the cocktails they had been drinking. But there was also something else, something unique, and undeniably delicious; just, Sasuke's taste… And he smelled so good too, his hair, his skin… So soft, so sweet, so perfect… right here in his arms, waiting for his breath to be taken away.
So Naruto asked for entrance with his tongue gently. The dare was French kissing, wasn't it? Sasuke allowed him and, slowly, starting teasing back with his own warm tongue. They entered this dance, and Sasuke followed his lead willingly. Sasuke tasted so, so good. Naruto wanted more. He suddenly grabbed Sasuke's leather clad hips with both hands, and pulled him onto his lap.
With a slight gasp, but without breaking the kiss Sasuke sat there and wrapped his arms around Naruto's neck. His fingers entangled in golden blonde locks. They were kissing, so passionately now, lips moving in synch, giving each other what they seemed to be desperately needing all of a sudden. Because of this stupid dare, they had the chance to do this, and now they couldn't stop.
They literally couldn't. Naruto's hands were gripping at Sasuke's thin hips tightly, touching the creamy, ever soft skin exposed between the pants and t-shirt. Sasuke was tilting his head, moaning just a little, making the cutest sound, as he entered Naruto's mouth with his tongue. His dominating side taking over, apparently, and Naruto smiled through the kiss, accepting this change of pace.
Time stopped; it probably lasted a couple of minutes at least. Naruto had no idea what he was doing, but it felt amazing. He realized what was really happening though, when Kiba's voice broke the moment.
He wasn't sitting beside them on the couch anymore, he was standing, holding his beer, freaked out, as he watched. And a single word escaped his lips, "Guys…"
They immediately pulled away, but their arms stayed wrapped around each other. They just pulled away and they were panting as dark eyes stared into blue. They stayed just a few seconds like this before Sasuke got up on trembling legs. His knees were clearly weak as he stood next to Naruto, his cheeks an adorable shade of pink. He glanced away, licked his lips, and then ignored all the staring and went directly to the bathroom.
"He was hard," Suigetsu said in Kiba's ear, laughing, but everyone could hear him. "This is too fucking good."
Sakura was nearby, she had been staring too; just like everybody else apparently. Sakura seemed close to fainting as she looked at the bathroom's closed door. She pressed her hand to her neck, caressing her own skin lightly as her breathing seemed to pick up. Lee and Shizune were just standing there awkwardly. No one was talking. Even Chouji and Shika had interrupted their game to watch in disbelief.
Naruto didn't know what to think. So he decided to go get a drink. Yeah, a drink sounded like a good idea right now.
"Should we keep playing or…?" Kiba trailed off as he watched Naruto walk quickly to the kitchen.
If the others answered him Naruto had no idea what they said. From the kitchen he glanced at the bathroom, and shook his head in disbelief. Yeah, Sasuke had been hard toward the end of the kiss; he had felt it just a little maybe, but he wasn't sure… His own dick had started getting hard too, but then with all the staring it had turned him off at once. He wondered if Sasuke was actually jerking off in there, or if he was just trying to calm down.
Naruto's lips felt dry all of a sudden. He made himself another delicious drink and almost drank it all in one go. He kind of wanted to get at least a little drunk now; as if it could excuse what he had done… with a guy. Blame it on the alcohol, right? Naruto wasn't gay. In fact he found Sakura really hot tonight. Shizune was cute but she was a bit too old maybe.
And he kept on trying to convince himself like that for a little while.
He drank and drank and then made himself yet another drink. Sasuke was still in the bathroom. The others were all in the living room and it seemed they were continuing the party game.
"Can anyone dare me to do a hundred push ups?" Lee exclaimed loudly, "Cause I really want to prove you guys that I can do it!"
"I can do that too," Naruto heard Kiba replied.
"On one hand?" Lee said.
"Okay maybe not."
Naruto chuckled and he went to join them. He was a bit embarrassed but the alcohol helped. He felt light-headed now. Maybe he could tell them that he had just done this because he was drunk, and well because of the dare.
"So, Naruto, how are ya feeling?" Suigetsu rubbed his back a little, teasingly.
"Don't touch me," he said, annoyed, as he pushed Suigetsu's arm away. He drank some more. He couldn't get enough, he really wanted to stop feeling so embarrassed and weird and all.
"How does it feel knowing he's jerking off thinking about you in there? That hot kiss?" Suigetsu continued teasing him.
"Shut up."
"Yeah don't say stuff like that," Kiba said in, for once, a serious voice. Maybe he thought that his buddy was going a bit too far.
"Ha, finished my beer," Suigetsu said, "you want another one too Kiba?"
"Yup."
The two went to the kitchen. Sakura, Shizune and Shikamaru were now sitting on the couch, and Chouji was sitting in the lounge chair Sasuke had previously occupied. The television was now on a music channel, and some catchy dance tune filled the room.
While Suigetsu and Kiba returned with their beer, they both stared, along with Naruto, and pretty much everyone else, as Sasuke got out of the bathroom. He actually looked calm and composed, relaxed, even. His thumbs hung in his belt loops, his pants hanging low revealing some skin at his hips. His hair was a bit messy, and his cheeks were perhaps just a bit flushed, but if anything it made him look even sexier.
"You so jerked off in there," Suigetsu smiled teasingly.
"So what?" Sasuke shrugged casually. And at that moment, Naruto thought he was kind of cool. How could he pull off looking so casual in a moment like this?
And what he did next was even cooler. As everyone stared he went to place himself right in front of Suigetsu. He stole his beer, just like that, and brought it to his lips. He proceeded to drink all of it, quickly, yet graciously, somehow. Not a drip fell on his chin. When he was done he licked his lips and put it down on the desk behind Suigetsu. Everyone was staring wide eyed, Naruto included.
"Why'd you do that?" Suigetsu asked, amused. He seemed a little troubled by Sasuke's closeness.
He ignored his question, "It's my turn, right? Truth or dare, Suigetsu?"
"Dare," Suigetsu was trying to act as cool as Sasuke but he just wasn't pulling it off.
Sasuke shoved one hand in his pocket casually as he turned around shifting his weight on one leg. Naruto caught himself staring at his tight little ass in those leather pants. Damn he couldn't look away from him. In fact right now, everyone in the room couldn't stop staring.
"Sakura."
"Yes!" Her voice was high pitched and she got up, as if ready to do anything Sasuke could possibly ask of her.
"You have thongs?"
"Y-Yeah…" she chuckled and played with a strand of hair nervously.
Lee asked, "What's that?"
"Could you go get one?" Sasuke asked.
She brought her fingers to her lips and giggled lightly. She walked over to Sasuke and took his hand. She led him to her bedroom.
"Come on I'll show you what I have."
As they left Naruto eyed Suigetsu. He seemed a bit flustered.
"What the hell is he up to?"
"Probably wants you to wear it for the rest of the party," Kiba slapped his back and teased, "that's actually kinda funny."
"I'll be cold though," Suigetsu leaned against the desk, "will you warm me up?"
"Fuck no," Kiba pushed his arm playfully.
"So Naruto?" Suigetsu looked up at the tall blonde, changing the subject. "You bisexual?"
"I'm not… what the…? It was just a stupid dare."
"Yo, Naruto," Shikamaru said across the room as he shared a bag of chips with Chouji, "I'm not sure you'd say that if you'd seen how you kissed him."
Shizune laughed softly and said, "You guys should stop teasing him like that."
"But what's a thong?" Lee suddenly asked. His fellow med student just stared at him.
Sakura and Sasuke were coming back. The light-haired girl was holding a lace bright pink thong in her hand. She stared at Suigetsu.
"Consider this a gift, you get to keep it after."
"What's the dare anyway?" Suigetsu took it.
Sasuke smirked, "Sakura, can you turn down the heat completely in your apartment please?"
She laughed evilly, "Sure." And she went to do just that.
"But I'll be so cold!" Suigetsu whined.
"Yeah that's the point," Sasuke said. "You have to wear it for the rest of the party."
"When's the party considered finished anyway?"
"When everyone's either gone or asleep," Sasuke gave a light shrug.
"Fine," Suigetsu walked away and disappeared in the bathroom.
With her crazy heels, Sakura was almost as tall as Sasuke. She stared him right in the eye and smiled flirtatiously.
"Want another drink?"
He glanced over his shoulder at Naruto. They locked eyes for a moment, blue eyes were so troubled, confused… Naruto glanced away and drank some of his own drink. He heard Sasuke sigh.
"Yeah. Make it strong."
One thing was for sure, this party wasn't anywhere near boring. Or finished.
TBC