By the time they arrived at Sasuke's house - after having to walk about 10 minutes from the closest bus stop to the gated community where he lived - it was nearing 9 o'clock. Evidently, both of them were tired. Naruto had run out of things to say about 15 minutes ago and was basically dragging at his side.
"Do you need a piggyback ride up the stairs?" He asked Naruto.
"I dunno how you make this commute twice a day. It sucks."
"Did you not get enough sleep last night? That's what happens when you stay up late."
"You were up late, too, weren't you?"
"Not really," he said. "I was about to fall asleep by the time you called."
"Oh." Naruto frowned. "Sorry. I thought you said you usually stay up?"
"Stop apologizing so much, idiot."
"Sorry, I get all apologetic and start to ramble when I'm tired. Ah, crap. I said 'sorry' again, didn't I?"
Sasuke shook his head. He almost felt bad for him. They were walking up the driveway. Naruto, apparently looking at the house for the first time, tripped over his own feet when he saw the size of it. The neighborhood was full of nice houses, and his wasn't even especially great in comparison.
"You live here?" Naruto asked.
"Not by myself," he replied sarcastically. "But, yes. This is my home. You can live in a big house when you're not living in the middle of the city."
"Ah, is that how it works? Smartass."
Sasuke noticed Itachi's car wasn't in the driveway. His parents typically parked in the garage. Although they'd offered to buy him one for his 16th birthday, it seemed a waste since he was fine riding the bus, and if he really needed to take a car, he could always borrow his mom's.
He gave Naruto an encouraging push as they went up the stairs. The lights were on in the entranceway, and the door was unlocked, so he led the way inside.
"Just make sure to take off your shoes," Sasuke told him as he removed his and set them on a low shelf on the floor.
For some reason, Naruto thought it would be okay to put a hand on his shoulder for balance while he took off his sneakers.
Sasuke glanced up at him from his crouched position. "Really?"
"What? I'd fall over otherwise. Let me take my backpack already. I don't want your parents to see you carryin' it for me. They're gonna think I'm a wuss."
"I doubt they'll care," he said, and, speaking of, his mother appeared, having presumably come from the kitchen.
"Hello, boys," she said, greeting them both with a big smile. "You must've been having a lot of fun. You're home late."
His mother had her long hair let loose about her shoulders, and she was wearing a shimmery navy dress that came down to her knees and an ivory-colored cardigan.
"Mother," he said. "This is Naruto."
Naruto stood up and the instant he saw Sasuke's mom, he burst into a grin and stepped toward her.
"Oh wow, Sasuke. Your mom is..."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at him.
"Beautiful," Naruto finished. "I was gonna say beautiful."
"Why thank you, Naruto," said Mikoto. "That's very kind. A woman my age always likes to hear these things. Especially from handsome young men."
Naruto pointed at himself, looking surprised. "Me? Handsome?"
Mikoto laughed and touched a hand to her cheek. "I've never seen such bright blond hair."
"Ah," said Naruto. "My dad's hair is even lighter if you can believe it."
"Well he must be a very handsome gentleman, as well. I hope he didn't mind you coming here on such short notice?"
"Uh." Naruto scratched the side of his cheek. "Nah. I think he was happy that I'd been able to make friends already." Knowingly, he smirked at Sasuke.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. He would've had a comeback, but he didn't want to be a dick in front of his mother.
"Well, don't let your friend stand there, Sasuke. Show him to your room. Sasuke said he'd be taking you to dinner. Did you two boys eat?"
Naruto and Mikoto were walking side by side. Sasuke fell behind them, still carrying Naruto's backpack.
"We went to a place called Primo's?" said Naruto. "They had really awesome pizza. We also went to a record store and the arcade. It was pretty fun, but I can't believe Sasuke goes back and forth on the bus like that every day."
"He's so stubborn about letting us buy him a car. Do you have a car, Naruto?"
"Nah. I figured since we were movin' downtown, I would never really need one. Dad has one, though." He peered behind at Sasuke. "Why don't you wanna car? Wouldn't it be easier for you?"
"How is that any of your business?"
"Sasuke," scolded his mother. "Is that how you talk to a guest?"
"It's just Naruto," he replied, smirking a little. Naruto looked behind again and caught it. He smirked back.
"Yeah, Sasuke. So mean."
Sasuke hoped his eyes were promising swift death.
"Where's father?" he asked when they passed the empty living room.
"Your father is working late tonight. He probably won't be home for another hour," said Mikoto. When they reached the end of the hallway, she opened Sasuke's door for them. "I tidied up a little, but just your sheets. Don't worry. I didn't invade your privacy. I know how you hate when I go through your things."
"I think anyone would hate that," Sasuke remarked, flipping on the lights and tossing Naruto's bag onto the bed.
"Thanks for going to the trouble," Naruto told her.
Sasuke would never have pegged him as a suck up, but the other boy was laying it on pretty thick. He had a hard time keeping from laughing.
"Well, I'll let you two settle in. Itachi's out with some friends. If you come out in a bit, I'll make you some tea."
"Thanks a lot," said Naruto. "Tea sounds good."
"Alright, I'll leave you alone then." After she left the room, she shut the door.
Sasuke took a seat on the edge of the bed. "If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were hitting on my mother."
Naruto chuckled. He immediately started snooping about the room, picking up photo frames - not that there were many - and seemed to be drawn to Sasuke's collection of concert tickets. There were a couple of photos tacked to the board, too, of him with some local band people. Maybe a few of him from the rare occasion that he played on stage somewhere. Naruto unpinned one of these and studied it closely.
"What's this from?" Naruto asked, showing it to him.
"There's a place downtown that has an amateur night. I play every once in a while, usually with a band in need of an extra guitar player."
"You're not in your school uniform here," he pointed as if Sasuke couldn't see it. "You look really cool."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "...Thank you?"
He didn't know if he looked "cool," but he was only wearing dark jeans, a shirt, and his hair was styled differently than Naruto had probably ever seen. Naruto put it back where he'd found it and wandered around some more. There were a few trophies on Sasuke's bookshelf from various martial arts competitions. He had some for track, too. There were academic medals, as well, but, really, in comparison to all the trophies and medals Itachi had collected by his age, it was nothing.
"I always like seein' someone's room for the first time," Naruto mumbled. "It's like seein' a whole new side of a person. Even though I know you like music, and I know you're athletic, and you always have the top scores."
"You have your good points, too," said Sasuke. "Like my mom said. You have really blond hair."
"Ha ha." Naruto turned to him. "I have good points."
"You do," he agreed.
"No sarcasm, huh? I wonder if I should be worried."
"Do you need to let your dad know you're here?"
Naruto shrugged. "Meh. He'll figure it out."
"Are you two really not getting along?" He asked as Naruto took a seat beside him on the bed.
"It's hard to explain." Naruto bit his lip and glanced down at his hands in his lap. "I dunno. It's just for the past few months, I get angry every time I see him."
Sasuke nodded. "...Because of your mother?"
"Yeah."
"Do you... want to talk about it?"
Naruto glanced up, attempting a smile. "Not really."
"Okay." He wanted to add that if Naruto ever did want to talk about it, he'd be willing to listen, but those words felt awkward. He was lousy at giving comfort. It would've been embarrassing to even attempt it, and he figured that Naruto would bring it up if he wanted to discuss it.
"Your mom seems really nice," said Naruto. "You're lucky."
"I think so." He studied the other boy's profile, and figuring he needed to be distracted, Sasuke gave his thigh a quick pat and stood up. "How about we have some tea, and you can take a shower if you want. If you're that tired, we can watch a movie, or you can go to bed."
"I'm fine," Naruto said, but he really did look exhausted. "Sorry I'm not much fun right now. Usually I'm all about sleepovers, but I'm really wiped."
"How about I go get the tea for you and bring it in? We have hot chocolate, too, if you'd prefer."
"Really?" Naruto asked excitedly.
"Sure." Sasuke smiled at him. "Do you need anything else while I'm up?"
"A hug?" Naruto grinned widely, his eyes filled with humor again.
"Don't push it," said Sasuke, and doing something his brother had always done to him, he leaned in and flicked Naruto in the forehead.
"Ow!" Naruto rubbed at the spot. "What was that for?"
"Don't break anything while I'm gone. I'll be right back. Bathroom's across the hall, by the way."
"Ah, good idea. I'll go do that!"
Sasuke left him on his own and proceeded down the hallway and into the kitchen. His mother was just putting the kettle on.
"Naruto's tired," he said. "Is it okay if I bring him some hot chocolate instead?"
"Oh, of course. I'll get it for you, dear." She went through the cabinets and found a packet of Swiss Miss, but she also had some Earl Grey out for him. "Is he not feeling well? Does he need anything else?"
"He's fine," Sasuke answered. "I think he was happy to meet you."
"I feel so bad for him, Sasuke. He seems like such a sweet kid, and to have lost his mom. Maybe it's maternal instinct, but I can't help but want to hug him. Has he spoken about it with you at all?"
"Not really." He swept his hair to the side. "I think he needs to, but you know I'm not very good with that."
Mikoto put a hand on her son's shoulder. "I don't know why you say that. I think you're very sensitive. You're also an intelligent young boy, so I'm sure you'll figure out how to get him to open up. It might be nice for him to be able to get away like this. We'll let him take it easy here and rest."
Sasuke smiled at his mother and without saying anything, wrapped his arms around her in a hug.
"What's this for?" She asked, sounding surprised.
He cupped the back of her head and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Because."
Mikoto took hold of Sasuke's face. "I really am proud of the man you're becoming. You and Itachi both. I couldn't ask for better sons."
"Hey."
They both looked toward the kitchen entrance and saw Naruto standing in the doorway.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," he said. "I felt bad you two were doin' all the work in here."
"It's okay," said Mikoto. "I was just telling Sasuke how happy I am that you two are friends and that you're spending the weekend with us."
"Thanks again for lettin' me stay," Naruto said, stepping into the kitchen. He'd taken off his blazer and loosened up his tie. He must've run some water through his hair in the bathroom because it was sticking up in the front. Personally, Sasuke thought he looked incredibly attractive, but it was an odd thought to have when he was still in his mother's arms. He let her go and went to lean against the counter. Naruto decided to lean against the counter on the other side.
"How are you enjoying the school so far, Naruto?" asked Mikoto as she took out a couple of mugs from the upper cabinets.
"Uh, I like it a lot. Everyone's been pretty friendly. The teachers and administrative staff are... interesting." He smiled.
"That's good to hear. I imagine it's somewhat tough for a boy your age to have to relocate and change schools."
"Yeah. I miss some of my old friends, but my best friend had just moved away, too. And, y'know. Dad and I figured we needed a fresh start. He got a job with a company near the harbor? He does some maintenance and consultation stuff with a business that sells luxury boats and all that. He's got a couple degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering." Naruto shrugged. "Those genes must skip a generation, though, 'cause I didn't end up with his smarts."
Sasuke snorted. "I'll say."
Mikoto reached over and smacked her son on the back of the head. "I'm sure he's very smart. He certainly has better manners than you do."
He heard Naruto laugh and sent a glare his way. The tea kettle began to whistle, so his mom took it off the stove and began pouring their drinks. She didn't make any for herself.
"Is there anything special you'd like to have for breakfast tomorrow?" Mikoto asked.
"Uh. I don't want you to go to any trouble."
"It's no trouble," said Sasuke. "We always have breakfast."
"Hm. I like pancakes? But, I like anything mostly."
"That reminds me. Hey Mom?" asked Sasuke.
"Yes?" She handed him his tea and then gave the hot chocolate to Naruto.
"Naruto says he's interested in trying Japanese food. Maybe you can make something for him tomorrow?"
"Really?" Mikoto looked very pleased. "I'd love to make you something. Do you know what you like?"
Naruto held his mug in both hands. "Not really. Like I told Sasuke, I've only ever had sushi, but I'd be happy with anything you make."
Mikoto stepped closer. "Let me see. Usually I can tell what kind of food people will like. Hm." She studied Naruto intently while Naruto stared back at her, a crooked smile present on his face. "Do you like noodles?"
"I think? I like pasta."
"What kind of pasta?"
"I dunno. The kind with meat in it?"
"So, noodles and meat. We could have a soup, maybe."
"I bet he'd like ramen," suggested Sasuke. "You like fast food, don't you?"
"Yeah. Who doesn't?"
"Then you'll like ramen. Not the instant kind, but they sell it at street stalls in Japan."
"Ramen?" Mikoto hummed. "We haven't had that in ages. Sasuke used to love it when he was little. He liked the fishcake that came on top of it. Didn't you, dear?"
Sasuke crossed his arms. "I don't remember this."
Naruto laughed at him. "Funny. It's hard to imagine Sasuke as a little kid. I bet he was hard to handle."
"Actually, Sasuke was a very good boy. He would always run after his older brother and come and tattle on him when Itachi didn't have time to play."
"Mother," said Sasuke. "Naruto doesn't want to hear about this."
"Sure I do," chirped Naruto. "Tell me more."
"Yeah, so you can use it for blackmail purposes," he remarked. "I think we're ready to go back to my room."
"What, but the party's just gettin' started."
If his mother wasn't standing there, he would've gone over there and popped him one.
"Okay. You two feel free to sleep in and let me know when you'd like some breakfast," said Mikoto.
"Thanks for the hot chocolate!" Naruto shouted as Sasuke began pushing him toward the doorway.
"You're such an idiot," Sasuke admonished him as they walked down the hallway.
"I like learnin' stories about you. Maybe she'll let me go through some of the family photo albums tomorrow."
"And maybe you'll wake up in the morning with both of your arms missing," he said, giving Naruto another push through the bedroom doorway.
"So violent," said Naruto. "You're gonna make me spill my drink." He settled onto the bed, crawling to the middle while he held onto the mug.
Sasuke sat on the bed, too, but closer to the headboard so he had somewhere to set his drink.
"This has been a good day," Naruto said. "I put your record on your dresser, by the way. Didn't know where you wanted it."
Sasuke glanced that way. "It's fine there. The record player's in a cabinet downstairs."
"Now I kinda wish we had one."
"I don't think they're terribly expensive. This is an older one my father got me from an antique shop and then fixed up for me."
"Wow, that was nice of him. Does your dad usually work late?"
"Usually," he answered.
"Mine too. That's why it's been kinda nice that you and Sai have been findin' stuff for me to do. Otherwise I'd just be goin' home to an empty apartment."
About to sip at his tea, he stopped and looked at Naruto.
"What?" Naruto asked.
"Any time you don't want to go home, we can always find something to do. There's lots more to see of the city. Whether it's me or Sai or someone else."
"Someone else?"
"Sure. That girl who asked you out."
"Oh." Naruto frowned. "Almost forgot."
"Wow. I bet she'd be thrilled to hear that."
Naruto shook his head. "No, I know. I've been preoccupied with other stuff, I guess."
"Yeah, like nearly being expelled from school your first week here."
"And thanks to you, I won't be." Naruto leaned forward and pat Sasuke on his shin.
Sasuke kicked his hand away. "I hardly had to do anything. I didn't realize you were so chummy with the principal."
"Eh, I think he knew my dad somehow. That might be the reason we ended up visiting the school in the first place."
"Hm."
"So."
"Yes?"
"Is it alright if I get into my pj's?"
Sasuke's eyebrow lifted. "You need my permission for that?"
"Well, I'm just sayin' that I don't have a lotta energy for anything else."
"It's fine. If you want to hang up your uniform, you can put it in the closet," said Sasuke.
"Okay. Thanks. Do you mind?" He handed his mug to Sasuke, who took it from him and placed it on the nightstand.
Naruto bounced off the bed and began undoing his tie, which he set on the desk chair, and then, right in front of Sasuke, started to unbutton his shirt, which he also placed over the back of the chair. When he was only wearing the white undershirt and pants, Naruto grabbed his backpack. While searching through it, he hummed what sounded to be a commercial jingle for a local furniture store and began pulling out some things, including a pair of green sweatpants.
Not that he was leering, but Sasuke did let his eyes rove over Naruto's well-defined arms and toned chest. He had a very athletic build. Broad in the shoulders, slim waist. The muscles of his arms weren't too big, but he definitely must work out. He wondered if pitchers had to really build up their arm strength.
In the meantime, Naruto unbuttoned his pants and slipped them off, revealing a pair of white and blue checkered boxer shorts. Sasuke had seen him in a state of undress before, obviously. He'd even seen Naruto in a towel, but... now he was in Sasuke's bedroom. Honestly, it was a bit like watching a striptease. The other boy didn't seem to notice. He did wonder how Naruto would react to getting undressed in front of him like this, but obviously he didn't seem to care. Maybe he was just used to it.
Except, then Naruto suddenly looked up, just as he was about to take off his shirt.
"Enjoying the show?" He asked Sasuke, offering a surprisingly cool smirk.
"I'm getting what I paid for, I suppose," he replied.
"It's nothin' you haven't seen before."
"Unless you're intending on sleeping naked."
Naruto chuckled as he slipped off his shirt. Shamelessly, Sasuke continued to watch.
"I can sleep naked," said Naruto as he grabbed for his pajama pants, "But I think you'd regret it."
Doubtful. "How's that?" he asked.
"I tend to move around a lot when I'm sleepin'. You might think it'd be enjoyable to sleep next to a naked man, but not when he spends most of the night steam rollin' over you."
"Man?" Sasuke repeated. "Who is this man you speak of?"
"Jerk. Don't I look like a man to you?" He gestured toward his stomach.
"What do your abs have to do with being a man?"
"Stuff," Naruto replied and went over to the closet to remove a couple of hangers for his shirt and pants. He closed the door when he was done, came back over to the bed, and crawled on top of the comforter. "Well, here I am. Have your way with me."
"If I was going to have my way with you, why would you put more clothes on?"
"They're just pants," Naruto said with a grin.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "You're not my type."
"No?" Naruto pouted. "Fine, then tell me who is your type. Tell me who it was you, y'know, got with."
"Who I got with?" he repeated while reaching for Naruto's hot chocolate to give back to him.
Naruto took it with a thanks. "Yeah. You didn't say. Was it someone from school?"
"How is this your business."
"I told you about my first time!"
Sasuke sighed. "What does it matter if he went to our school or not?"
"Because, then I'll go find him and judge whether he was worthy of bein' your first time," Naruto replied in all seriousness.
Sasuke shook his head. "You're ridiculous. That's not for you to decide."
"Uh, yeah. If it's someone who's a big douchebag, then I'm gonna have to rethink how perfect I think you are."
"I'm far from perfect, Naruto."
Naruto crossed his legs underneath him. "No? Your mom seems to think so."
"That's what moms do," he let slip out before catching his mistake.
Naruto's smile faltered a bit. "True."
Sasuke cleared his throat. "I think I'll change, too." He got up from the bed. Normally he'd just sleep in his underwear, but he supposed that wouldn't be appropriate with Naruto lying next to him all night. If it was up to him, he'd put on enough layers that he could pass for an Eskimo. That may prove to be too conspicuous, however. He went to his dresser and picked out a t-shirt and pair of boxers. When he turned around, he noticed Naruto had changed his position on the bed and was now leaning against the headboard, the blankets drawn up to his lap.
"Are you that tired?" he asked as he pulled the knot out of his tie.
"M'not too tired, but I felt like gettin' under the covers. Your bed's bigger than mine."
"They say size doesn't matter," Sasuke teased while undoing the buttons of his shirt.
"Very funny. I'm confident in my friend's attributes, don't worry."
"I'm not worried about it at all," he replied easily and slipped off his shirt. "Why would I even think about it?" He was smirking as he went to hang the shirt, and as he was undoing the fastening on his pants, happened to glance over at Naruto. "What?"
"You've... really never thought about it?"
Sasuke stared at him. "Never thought about what?"
"Nothin'. Nevermind."
"Don't do that. If you have something to say, then say it."
"Well, I mean. You like guys. I'm a guy. Do I just... not even exist on your radar?"
Perplexed, Sasuke could only blink at him. "... You're asking me this while I'm about to take off my pants?"
"Seems a good time to ask to me."
Pants halfway undone and shirtless, Sasuke, forgetting himself, walked to the foot of the bed. "What is it you're asking exactly?"
Briefly, Naruto's gaze traveled down and then up again. "It's not that big of a deal. I was just curious as to whether you think I'm attractive. I mean. Objectively."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"You won't hurt my feelings if you say no," Naruto added.
Sasuke had never wanted to smack someone around so much as he did now.
"You're really an idiot," he said.
"Fine." Naruto scowled at him and crossed his arms. "Forget I asked."
"I'll try." Turning his back to him, he went to retrieve his boxers, and slipped off his pants. He pulled on the pair of shorts, but thought it almost felt like if he turned around, he would've caught Naruto staring. When he did finally turn around, Naruto was, indeed, looking at him.
"What?" Sasuke asked, beginning to feel uncomfortable. "Do you need something?"
"On a scale of 1 to 10. Am I really that unattractive?"
Sasuke put his knee up on the edge of the bed, grabbed for one of the pillows, and hit Naruto in the face with it. Then, he hit him a few more times until the other boy took hold of the sides and snatched it out of his hands. He shuffled lower under the sheet and rolled to his side, making like he was cuddling with the pillow.
"This one's mine now," he said to Sasuke.
"Just don't slobber on it," Sasuke replied. "And definitely don't try to hump it."
"I'm not gonna hump your pillow, Sasuke." Naruto chuckled as he propped his head on his hand. "However, I can't guarantee there won't be the occasional mid-sleep boner. Just roll me over if I get too close."
"Or, maybe I'll take advantage of you. Since I'm so gay and all."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Is this 'cause I asked you if you, in any way, could let me know that I'm physically tolerable?"
"You already know you're at least physically tolerable. So far, the cutest girl in our class has asked you out, and Sai seems to follow you around like a puppy dog. Obviously you're someone who appeals to both genders."
"But not to you."
Sasuke got into bed, checking his phone first before turning it off. "Will you shut up if I answer your question?"
"Yes. I think so."
"Fine." He looked at Naruto seriously and said, "I find you attractive, yes. Happy now?"
Not that Naruto need reply since he burst into an obnoxiously big grin that only annoyed Sasuke further.
"Are you really that insecure?" Sasuke asked him.
Naruto shrugged. "Not really, but I was curious as to whether you thought I was hot or not."
"That's annoying."
"Yeah, but I really wanted to know, and it bothered me even more that you wouldn't tell me. I'm straight, but I can tell you that you're an attractive guy."
The corner of Sasuke's mouth twitched. "Why are we talking about this?"
"Isn't this what two guys talk about when they're at a sleepover?"
"We're not kids, you know."
"As you pointed out earlier, we're not men either."
"Your point?"
Again, Naruto shrugged. "Don't have one. I guess I'm just curious about you."
"Why?"
"Uh. Because I like you? And I find you interesting?"
Sasuke grumbled. "I think I'll go turn the light off now."
"But you just got into bed."
"Well, I need to brush my teeth."
"Sasuke," Naruto taunted in a flirtatious tone. "Are you gonna try and make out with me when you come back? 'Cause you find me so attractive and all?"
He grit his teeth. "I'm about two seconds away from punching you."
Naruto started biting his lip to keep from laughing.
Sasuke got up and went into the bathroom, where he gripped the edge of the sink and stared at himself in the mirror. Naruto was... really pushing his buttons with these questions. Was he doing it on purpose? Could any one person be that oblivious? This was... almost cruel. Not that Naruto knew how Sasuke felt about him, but still. Then again, Naruto had all the symptoms of a possible inferiority complex, so maybe he was just looking for a bit of ego feeding, thinking that Sasuke would never have any interest in him that way?
After he brushed his teeth, he slapped some water on his face and ran his hand through his hair. When he returned to the bedroom, Naruto had already passed out, but somehow managed to roll across so that he lay partially on Sasuke's side of the bed.
"Dammit Naruto," he murmured, feeling an odd sense of deja vu.
This part wasn't at all happening like he might've fantasized. Once or twice.
Then again, if he cocked his head just so - with the way the sheets draped across Naruto's lower back - it almost looked like he could've been naked under there.
Yeah, shouldn't have thought about that. Sasuke took in a deep breath as he turned off the light and approached the bed. He sat on the edge and gave Naruto a nudge. He didn't move, though, so Sasuke put a hand on his shoulder and, very gently, gave him another push. Naruto mumbled something and rolled over onto his other side. He could just make out the outline of his back and the way the pajama pants hung very low on his hips.
As Sasuke slipped under the sheet, he lay on his side, facing Naruto. After a moment or two of watching Naruto's torso rise and fall with his breathing, he reached out only to stop short of the other boy's back. Annoyed with himself, he rolled onto his other side and tried not to think about it. That, beside him, in his bed, was a half-naked Naruto. Someone that the very thought of kissing or touching made him wary about being able to control his libido for the rest of the night.
When he shut his eyes, he tried to think unsexy thoughts: naked old women, starving African children, burning buildings filled with orphans and tiny puppies.
Yeah, none of that was really helping.
But maybe through sheer willpower he could keep himself from doing anything stupid tonight, and please Dear God (not that Sasuke was a particularly religious person) let this be a night where he wouldn't be inflicted with any raging hard-ons.
In the middle of the night, Sasuke awoke with a start.
There'd been a sound, and he didn't know if it had been him or... He rolled onto his back, raising himself on his elbows. It was late, and he felt a bit disoriented, but it didn't take long to remember he wasn't alone. Even in the dark, he could see Naruto sitting up with his knees pulled to his chest and his head resting on his forearms. He wasn't exactly crying, but his breaths were short and sharp. Was it an asthma attack? Itachi had asthma, and it could sound a lot like that.
"Naruto," he said, "What are you doing?"
Naruto didn't answer, didn't even lift his head, so Sasuke pulled himself into a sitting position.
"Are you okay? Are you not feeling well?"
"I had a bad dream," Naruto said so quietly he almost didn't hear it.
Sasuke watched him closely before replying, "Aren't you a little too old to be having nightmares?"
"It wasn't that kind of bad dream." He lifted his head and looked at Sasuke.
Sasuke bit his tongue. That was stupid of him to say. He should've known better.
"Do you want me to get you anything?" He asked. "Some water?"
"I'm fine," Naruto answered but still sounded kind of wheezy. "It'll pass. I just forgot where I was for a minute." He rested his head on his arms again.
He didn't really know what to do or if he could do anything at all, which was a very helpless, and, therefore, irritating feeling.
"Do you... have panic attacks often?"
"No," answered Naruto. "I mean, not really. A few times since Mom died, but never before that."
"Are you sure you don't want me to do anything?"
"No. Now I just feel embarrassed, so don't make a fuss over me."
"At least feel free to talk to me about it. If you want." He pushed the comforter off of his lap and pulled his legs underneath him, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
"There's not much to talk about. It wasn't like it was horrific, it's just that... I have these dreams about her sometimes, and then I wake up," Naruto took in a deep breath, "And for a split second, I think she's still alive and her bein' dead was the dream. Then I kind of forgot I was at your house, so I freaked myself out. That's all."
"I see," he said softly. "That sounds... pretty fucked up."
"Uh, yeah," Naruto snorted. "It fucking sucks." He gave another sigh and, tipping to the side, nudged Sasuke in the arm with his shoulder. "Sorry I woke you up."
"You should've woken me up anyway."
"Why? I would've felt better after a while. Just needed to calm down. You should go back to sleep."
"How could I go back to sleep? I'd only worry about you."
Sitting up, Naruto crossed his legs underneath him and leaned back on his hands, which caused their arms to touch. "Thinking about it. This might be the first time I've spent the night at someone else's house since then. Guess I should've warned you I can get a bit unhinged, huh?"
"I think I could've figured that out from the way you like to pick fights in the locker room."
"Hey. I didn't start that!"
"I know," he said. "It was a joke. I was attempting to take your mind off of things, but it went terribly awry, I think."
"Awry?" Naruto mused. "You have a big vocabulary for a 16 year old, Sasuke."
"No. Yours is just extremely limited." He smirked, but he still couldn't get Naruto to crack a smile.
"Maybe so. Sorry that I'm stupid."
"Naruto. I didn't mean anything by it. I should apologize for sucking at knowing what to say here."
"It's fine," said Naruto, and he reached up to rub the side of his nose. "I wouldn't know what to say to me either."
"Maybe you need to relax."
"No kidding."
He hesitated at first, but, looking at Naruto, said, "Get on your stomach."
Naruto stared at him. "...Why?"
"Since I can't offer anything else. Just. Get on your stomach."
Naruto squinted at him suspiciously. "What are you gonna do?"
"Nothing sexual," he said dryly. "Don't worry. Now, roll onto your stomach."
"I wasn't really worried about that," Naruto muttered as he shifted around and got on his stomach. "Happy now?"
"Happy that you're so obedient, yes. Now turn your head the other way."
"Bossy. I always said you were bossy." But, Naruto complied, turning his head to face the wall.
Gently, he placed a hand on top of Naruto's head and started running his fingers through Naruto's hair. As Sasuke massaged his scalp, Naruto's shoulders, which were tense initially, gradually began to loosen up. He continued to wind his fingers through all that blond hair, finding it to be... surprisingly soft and thick.
"Feel good?" He murmured.
"Amazing," Naruto groaned. "But you don't have to - "
"Shut up," he said sleepily, "And take it like a man."
Naruto did keep quiet, other than occasionally letting out a muffled noise of pleasure, which amused him greatly. It was like petting a very responsive cat. After about ten minutes, however, his arm was getting tired. When he stopped long enough so that he could readjust by lying down on his stomach, next to Naruto, he got hit in the side with an elbow.
"Don't stop," Naruto whined.
"I wasn't going to," he replied and returned to brushing fingers through his hair.
As he moved his hand lower to rub the base of Naruto's skull, he was able to rest his elbow on the other boy's upper back. Sasuke scooted closer so that his chest leaned against Naruto's side.
"How long can you keep this up?" Naruto asked and let out a contented sigh. "Forever?"
"Not forever," he said. "But for a while. Maybe until you fall asleep again."
"Hmm. It feels too good to fall asleep."
"That's what she said." Sasuke smirked.
Naruto chuckled. Of course he would react to immature jokes. For a while, instead of massaging, he played with Naruto's hair, shaping it into spikes at the back.
"Shall I give you a lesson on how to style your hair?" he asked.
"Mm. Teach me." Because he was tired, Naruto's voice came out low and husky, reminding him of the way he'd sounded on the phone.
"You should say that again," he said, his voice equally as low in response.
"Teach me, Sasuke."
"Say please."
"You're really milkin' this, aren't you?"
"Hn. I'll take what I can get." He massaged Naruto's neck for him, too, and then a bit lower so that he could dig the heel of his hand into his shoulder.
"Fuuuuck."
Sasuke sniggered even though the sound was actually... pretty distracting.
"Do you always make these sorts of sounds when someone scratches and massages your head?"
"Who would be doin' that?" Naruto asked. "It's not like I have a girlfriend."
"Is this what girlfriends do?" Sasuke asked, a hint of wonder in his voice.
"Beats me."
"But... I'm the one doing it."
"Then I guess that makes you my girlfriend for the night," said Naruto.
"Just for the night?" Sasuke asked and went back to massaging the back of his head, pushing Naruto's hair all the way forward just to annoy him, but it didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. "Do you feel better?"
"Mm, yeah," he practically purred. "Don't stop."
"I have to stop eventually," Sasuke replied and, getting tired, leaned more on Naruto's side for support.
"No," Naruto whined, grabbing for his hand and flopping it around. "Don't stop. More, Sasuke." Then he added pathetically, "Pleeaase."
"You're annoying. Do you think whining is going to get you what you want?"
"Take pity on me. I had bad dreams. And since I'm your guest, you have to take care of me."
"Is that how this works?" And, although he caught himself, Sasuke almost had pressed his lips to Naruto's bare shoulder.
It was starting to unnerve him how oddly intimate this scenario felt. The two of them talking in hushed voices while he combed his fingers through Naruto's hair, and then... trailing downward, ran his fingers across Naruto's back, scratching here and there. He used to love when his mother would do this to him when he was younger. Odd that doing it with another boy made an endearing, caring gesture seem a lot more... sexual.
Again, Naruto let out a long sigh.
"Aren't you asleep yet?" Sasuke asked. "My arm's getting tired."
"M'asleep."
"Are you sleep talking?"
"Yes."
"So I could ask you anything, and you'd respond?"
"Sure."
"Maybe not tonight, but... sometime. Will you... tell me about what your mom was like? I bet it was tough," he said, "Raising a troublemaker like you."
Naruto seemed to hold his breath for a little while before quietly chuckling. "Yeah, I suppose she had it pretty rough. She was a character herself, y'know. My dad is the calm one. He likes to plan things and stuff. He's not exactly uptight, but my mom was more like... y'know, someone you conspire with? We'd pull pranks on my dad a lot. She was pretty outgoing, I think."
"Like you." He slid his finger along the dip in Naruto's spine, starting from above the waistband of his pants all the way to his hairline. Sasuke gave him one last pat. "There."
Naruto grumbled. "More touching."
"Pardon?"
Naruto wiggled around some more before turning to look at him, hair sticking up everywhere.
Sasuke moved it out of his eyes for him. "Don't bite your lip," he said, wanting very badly to touch it.
"Don't tell me what to do." Naruto stared back stubbornly, but he stopped biting his lip.
"Your face is too close," he complained, even as his eyes searched Naruto's.
"You should only be so lucky."
"Maybe if I was Sai."
Naruto scoffed. "Like I'd be doin' this with Sai."
"No?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
All the other boy did was shrug.
"That's not much of an answer. Is it because he may try to ravage you in your sleep?"
"Ravage?" Naruto grinned. "Ravage is a good word."
Sasuke smiled. "Isn't it?"
"Mm."
Because he couldn't help himself, he reached for a piece of Naruto's hair and gave it a tug.
"Sasuke." Naruto's voice seemed to hold a question, or maybe it was a statement unto itself.
"Hm?" He let the piece drop. "What's up?"
"You look like your mom."
"Is that so? You're not going to try and grope me now, are you?" He joked.
"Maybe." Naruto smirked. "If I wasn't so tired. I suppose there are worse people for me to fool around with."
"Oh, thanks," he said. "Way to make a man feel good about himself."
Naruto turned toward him more, resting his head on his arm. One of his eyes fell shut, and he yawned.
"If you're tired," he told Naruto. "Go to sleep."
"Don't wanna. I like this. Talkin' to you. Plus, you rubbed my head for a long time. Now I have this odd sense of loyalty toward you. So, if I go to sleep, I'll feel like I abandoned you."
Sasuke settled more onto his stomach. He was lying lower on the bed than Naruto, with his upper body angled toward him.
"Should I return the favor?" Naruto asked, and, placing his hand on Sasuke's head, began to rub it.
Immediately, Sasuke closed his eyes. If it hadn't been so late, and if he hadn't been so tired, he would've argued, he would've smacked Naruto's hand away, but... this felt nice.
"Your hair's soft," Naruto remarked. His fingers tracked from the top of his head to the nape of his neck, then back again. "But it's so thick here." He pulled at the spiky tips. "And kinda coarse. Mine's too thin to stick up like yours does."
"I'm not even going to touch that one," Sasuke replied, letting out a sigh of pleasure.
"You need to get laid, Sasuke. You've got sex on the brain."
"You don't?"
"Of course I do. I'm a teenager."
"Are you thinking about sex right now?" he asked, smirking.
"Wouldn't you like to know."
Sasuke opened his eyes, and, glancing up, caught Naruto smiling. The boy's expression - the openness, the humor, the little bit of sadness that always seemed to exist in his eyes - it caused a strange reaction inside of him that he hadn't felt before.
"Roll over."
"Hm. Why? I'm busy."
"Naruto," he said more seriously. "Roll over."
With a small frown, Naruto let his hand drop, and, stopping to study Sasuke's face, determined that he should apparently honor his request. Naruto rolled over.
"Onto your side," said Sasuke.
Obediently, Naruto got onto his side. "Is this your way of tellin' me to go to bed and that I suck at massages?"
"No." Sasuke slid up behind him and wrapped his arm around Naruto's middle. He kept some space between the lower halves of their bodies, though.
"What are you doin'?" Naruto asked cautiously. His body tensed, but he didn't try to push Sasuke away.
"Protecting you," he murmured. "From any more bad dreams."
"Oh."
"Don't worry," he said, barely touching his fingertips to Naruto's stomach. "I won't try anything."
"You mean other than this?" Naruto asked.
"Do you have a problem with it?"
"...No," he said. "But... I feel like I should."
"It doesn't have to be sexual," Sasuke replied. "It's called comfort."
"Maybe this one time..."
"This one time." Sasuke rested his forehead against Naruto's shoulder, and Naruto, surprisingly, leaned into him. He also took hold of Sasuke's hand and pushed it flat against his stomach. "You can leave your hand there. I don't care."
Sasuke curled his fingers in so that his nails scraped lightly across Naruto's skin. He thought he felt him shiver.
"Goodnight, Naruto," he breathed across the other boy's neck, raising goosebumps.
"...Goodnight," Naruto replied gruffly.
Purposely, he let out a heavy sigh that blew pieces of Naruto's hair off of his neck. Sasuke let his hand glide further up, so that it was almost atop the boy's heart. He felt it begin to beat faster, especially as he shifted forward and brought their bodies into full contact - even his knee slid between Naruto's legs. Then, pushing down on Naruto's chest, the upper part of his body became flush with Sasuke's, to where he could almost touch the shell of Naruto's ear with his lips.
Just having Naruto in his arms... felt incredibly satisfying in a way he'd never experienced. For those brief few minutes before sleep, maybe he could pretend that this is what it felt like when you could be with someone you genuinely liked that could also return your affections.
Only for tonight, he told himself, because he was beginning to feel absurdly protective of this person. He didn't like when Naruto was troubled or anxious or upset. So, why wouldn't he do what he could to protect him? To make him worry less? He liked Naruto's stupid smile. And his stupidly bright blue eyes, and the way his breathing was evening out, having finally relaxed into Sasuke completely. He liked the way Naruto's body fit against his like a missing puzzle piece he didn't even know he'd been looking for.
This - Sasuke slipped his hand down to Naruto's stomach - this could actually make him believe that love was a very real possibility, and not necessarily one that wasn't worth being open to... and pursuing.
