YOU'RE MINE
Additional Info: Irregular Updates.
A/N: Warnings and disclaimer on the first chapter. Thanks for the taking time to review on the previous chapter. My gratitude as well to those who are following and adding this story as a favourite. I'm really glad that you find this worthy of your interest.
CHAPTER 3: BLAMES and BONDS
"Naruto you sly guy! Why didn't you tell us that you got engaged?! I had to find out from this dog."
Ino Yamanaka, one of Naruto's dearest friends and a partner in their business barged into his office as the tan guy was getting ready to go. On her heels was Kiba, growling at the girl's depiction of him.
Naruto chuckled. "Good to see you as well Ino. How's the wedding up in Tagaytay?"
The blonde woman flipped her long hair as if the answer's obvious already. "As always, it's perfect. The bride and groom can't stop thanking us for making their wedding like a dream come true. Their parents wanted to give you their gratitude as well. What can I say? We're the best!"
She smiled smugly while Kiba rolled his eyes beside her.
"So as I was saying, do I hear wedding bells already? Will you be the first one of us to get married?" One of her pencilled eyebrow rose as she squinted her eyes in the direction of the blonde guy's engagement ring.
"If Shikamaru's going to live up to his reputation of being a lazy ass, then I guess yes."
Ino felt a bit of jealousy at his friend's reply. "That guy is spontaneous. Who knows? I might say my wedding vows earlier than you but it's not that I'm in a hurry." She explained. "Anyway, this isn't about me! Oh my, we'll have so much fun planning and organizing your wedding Naruto! I'm sure Hinata will be thrilled to hear this! I have to call her up. Let's set a celebration tonight!"
Before either guy can protest, the blonde woman has her hand already on her cell phone. Kiba was shaking his head. "I have to agree with Shika. What a troublesome lady." He then grinned at Naruto.
The blonde guy just chortled. "If we are to celebrate tonight we have to call the others as well. They won't forgive us if we don't invite them."
"Yes Boss." The brunette teased. "I'll handle it. So anywhere is fine? Or will be it in our favourite bar?" Kiba asked while his fingers were already tapping his phone's screen.
The blonde shrugged. "Yeah. Just as long as everybody's there. I want to share my happiness with my friends."
"How about Neji?"
Naruto scrunched his brows and assumed a clueless expression. "What about him?"
"Well, aren't you going to invite him as well?" Kiba said, while he looks expectantly at his best friend.
The blonde man sighed. He doubt if Neji can spare some time for such things. With how busy he is with his new position, Naruto's sure his lover is buried deep in his work.
"I'll tell him, but no expectations. I don't want you guys hording up on me to persuade Neji to come with us. Plus we had our own celebration last night, you know." He added mischievously. He noticed Ino was done with her phone call and was surveying him with a kind of wicked expression. Naruto slightly felt unease.
"You bastard! Trying to show-off!" The blonde man laughed at his friend's indignation. He knows very well that they are happy for him. After such a long time, he can finally tie up the knot with his boyfriend. At last, it will be his wedding to organize and not just of some random people.
"Kiba, let him be. If I got engaged I'll probably still be high today. So are we okay? I called up Hinata and Tenten. You mutt, take care of the other guys. You Naruto, should be bringing up Neji. We all want to hear details, dear. Let's meet at Rendezvous' tonight at eight." She left them a look that tells she won't accept any answer other than yes. The two guys found themselves nodding.
"With that settled, I better go ahead. Need to refresh myself and all that. See you later." She waved goodbye and left the office.
As soon as she's gone, Kiba punched in the air. "Something's telling me tonight's celebration is going to be a blast!"
Naruto scowled. "We can't be wasted you dog-breath. We have work tomorrow."
"Such a killjoy blondie. Take a breather. We have staff to handle our events. We can leave them for a day. Let me take a look at the projects we need to work on tomorrow." He grabbed a folder on the blonde's table and scanned the list.
"Hmm. Not bad. Only two events and nothing major. I'm sure Konohomaru can handle it." He returns the folder back and stared at his newly-engaged friend.
"We're all good right?" Kiba smirked.
"Seems like I don't have any say on this. Fine, tonight at eight. Count me in. I'll try to drag Neji."
The brunette hollered, "Yes!"
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"Hey love." Naruto greeted sweetly at the guy on the other end of the line. As soon as he got home, he immediately phoned his fiancé.
"Hey Naruto. Why are you calling?"
The blonde bit his lip. Neji's not the type to party and he rarely went out with his friends. He breathed heavily before plunging on, "The guys already knew of our engagement. They want us to have some celebration. I know you're busy but can you get out of the office before eight, then we'll go straight to the bar."
There was silence. Crossing his fingers, the blonde hoped that Neji will regard his request. After a few seconds, he heard the brunette's voice.
"What bar is this?"
He's going! Naruto victoriously thought.
When the blonde spoke, his voice was eager. "At Rendezvous'. We've been there before with my friends too. It's our favourite hangout. So you'll come with me right?"
"I'm not sure. There's a lot of paper works I have to finish here. Even if I can manage to do everything, I'll be late for your celebration. Why don't you go without me?"
"But they wanted to throw the party to congratulate us! What's the use of it if we're not both present?"
The blonde heard a troubled sigh. He can almost imagine Neji's expression.
"Alright. How about this; you go first and I'll just come after I'm done with the urgent matters."
"But it might take you the whole night!" Naruto whined.
"No. It won't take that long."
"Promise you'll come over."
Silence.
"I promise. Now go and prepare yourself."
There was a beautiful smile painted on the blonde's lips. "Okay. I love you Neji."
"I lov—... Yes, Mr. Uchiha, I have it here. I'll bring it up to your office..."
"Good. Make sure everything's perfect and settled."
"...Yes, of course."
"Neji?" The blonde tentatively said.
"I'm sorry love. I have to get back to work. I have a presentation to finish up. I'll see you later. Bye."
What the hell was that?! The tan guy thought as he looked at the device in his hand. He might have heard it wrong, but he's positive that it was Sasuke Uchiha talking. He grumbled inside. That guy really has to ruin everything that involves him and his fiancé.
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"Tell Neji to come to my office." Sasuke Uchiha ordered his secretary in the intercom. There has been an urgent matter that came up that is needed to be addresses and he needs the brunette to work on it. Even though Neji has his definite title as VP for External Affairs, he still mainly works under the raven. Even with the President's executive assistant and secretary he felt that the job can only be done if it is handled by the Hyuuga.
There was a curt reply of a woman's voice. "Yes Sir."
It only took half a minute before the Uchiha saw Neji's form striding in his office. He closed the folder he's reading and focuses his attention to the man standing before him.
"Take a seat Neji." He gestured the empty chair. "I have called you here to discuss the presentation you're working on. There has been a slight misunderstanding with some investors that I want you to look at. I require you to include it in your discussion. This issue has been causing our stockholders discomfort and we don't want that. Do you think you can handle it?"
"Of course."
Sasuke nodded and picked up a pile of paper. "This will be your reference." He handed it to the brunette. "I want to read your proposal and presentation tomorrow morning at seven. I want the files in my table at that time."
"Yes Mr. President." Neji said and he glanced at his wristwatch. It was almost six in the evening.
Sasuke noticing the action asked, "Do you have any more appointment today?"
"Nothing related to work. I promised Naruto that I'll be going with him to celebrate our engagement with his friends."
The raven nodded. "I can make some adjustments. The presentation's not until the day after tomorrow. I'll be expecting your report at noon instead. Why don't you call it a day and go with your lover."
Neji shook his head. "I can't. I prefer to finish things up here rather than sit myself doing nothing productive."
"Hn. Do you intend to ditch the celebration?" Sasuke leaned back on the leather swivel chair, observing his subordinate.
"Not entirely. If I can finish everything early on I'll catch up to them." The Hyuuga flipped the folder open and scans the pages.
Sasuke looked amused but there was more of it that he's feeling. "Really Neji. If you intend to go on like this, you'll lose your fiancé."
The VP lifted his glance from the paper. He has a smirk on his lips, "Naruto loves me too much to leave me. He knows how busy I am, more so after my promotion."
Despite the rage he's feeling, the raven didn't make the slightest shift in his expression. When he spoke, his voice was quite icy, "Aren't you taking this relationship for granted? Aren't you taking Naruto for granted?"
Being a Hyuuga, Neji didn't miss the tone. "You seem to show much concern on my personal relationship, Mr. Uchiha."
Sasuke stilled for a heartbeat before saying, "Happy employees are productive employees, Neji. If you suffer some distress over your personal relationships, I truly hope it won't affect your performance at work."
"Rest assured Sir, my performance will always be at par, broken-hearted or not."
The raven nodded. "You may go."
Neji bowed slightly and made his way out of the office.
As soon as his subordinate was out of sight, Sasuke closed his eyes hard while gripping on his fountain pen. Damn! I'm such a bastard. Exactly what am I trying to prove?
Since Neji brought him the news of his and the blonde's engagement, Sasuke has been more edgy than before. Every time he see Neji, the fact that the brunette is Naruto's lover makes Sasuke see red and the temptation to break things heighten every day that passed. But when the newly-promoted VP asked him for some advice on his plans to propose, Sasuke almost lost his sanity. Yet he gave in. He knows Naruto loves Neji and he cannot compromise that just because of some selfish reason.
He believes in loyalty and faith despite him not practicing such morals. His defence is, he hasn't found the person he will treasure and love for the rest of his life and when he thought he did, it maybe was his divine punishment to find him already taken. His blonde angel Naruto, is committed to his loyal and very capable subordinate. Ah, what luck he has. Even if wanted to get the tan guy for himself, that will be an utter mistake. He wanted Naruto to love him and now, there's no possibility for that, so he content himself for giving him some indirect happiness through his advices to Neji.
He grabbed his phone, eager to find something. It was Naruto's number. When he found it, he sighed. This is fucking hopeless.
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It was slightly dim inside the bar. There were quite a lot of yuppies inside dancing with the music playing. It has a very jovial jive but the blonde was almost oblivious to it. His friends were in the dance floor, having the time of their lives. Even Shikamaru who's hard to persuade to even walk a bit was moving with his girlfriend, Ino. Naruto though, is in their table, his impatience mounting.
"Where's your fiancé Naruto?"
The blonde jumped and then scowled at Kiba. He didn't notice him coming.
"Obviously, he's not here, asshole." He spat.
"Hey, hey, don't take your anger out on me dude. Here, have some piñacolada." Kiba handed him his most favourite drink in the bar. His mood slightly lifted as he sipped on his glass. The other guy landed himself beside the blonde.
"Is he coming or not?"
Naruto pursed his lips. He cast a glance at his watch. It reads 9:13. It's not really that he's expecting Neji to come at exactly eight but there has been no phone call either. He hopes to heaven that the brunette didn't forget his promise or this will add to the towering list of 'Neji's Broken Promises'. He sighed.
"Not sure. I tried calling his office a while ago but no one's answering. Then I tried his phone but I only reached the voice mail. He must be really busy but he should be sending me a message at least! I don't know if he's coming or what."
"Or what." Kiba mumbled that earned him a sharp glare. "Look Naruto, he's not coming."
"Shut up Kiba. He might be on his way here, who knows? He like surprises, Neji does."
The brunette rolled his eyes. "Try calling him again." He gulped on his bottle of beer and looks at the bodies dancing. His gaze however landed immediately on a girl moving her hips so slightly while dancing with their friends Shino, Tenten and Choji.
Naruto chuckled silently at this direct act of admiration. For a loudmouth like him, Kiba sure is tame and silent when it comes to his feelings for Hinata. He shakes his head and calls his fiancé's number. It was ringing but no one was answering yet again. He ended the call. He saw Kiba was once again looking at him with raised brows.
Interpreting it as another failed attempt, the brunette suggested something, "Why don't you try calling that... What's his name again? You know the one who makes Neji work overtime a lot? He might be with him and they're frying their brains on some fucking reports or what. You do have his number right?"
Naruto sat motionless for a while. Indeed he has Sasuke Uchiha's number, not that he wanted it. It was forced by the devil himself. The blonde gave his number Mikoto Uchiha, much to his amazement. The lady said that she might recommend clients and give Naruto some connections as well. He was very happy when he got home. Before he got to bed, there was an anonymous number calling him and thinking it was the Uchiha matriarch, he answered it with much enthusiasm, only to find that it was Sasuke.
"Who's this? It's not Mrs. Mikoto Uchiha right?" He said uncertainly. He does not recognize the number.
There was an amused chuckled at the other line. "Dobe, only an idiot will mistake my voice with a woman's."
Hearing the insult, only one person materializes in the tan guy's head. It was the man who kissed him. He gulped. How did this bastard get his number? Unless he asked his mother. Fucking hell. This better not be blackmail.
"Cat got your tongue Naruto?"
"What do you want teme?" He bit back.
"Nothing. I'm just surprised to know that I kissed my subordinate's lover. That was quite, ah, extraordinary."
"Shut up. You're the one who kissed me!" The blonde clamps a hand over his mouth. He said that aloud! Thank goodness that his lover's taking a shower.
Naruto heard a laugh. Really, that jerk's voice is too sexy even in the phone. He shook his head at the thought. No! He must not think of him.
"If you don't have anything to say, I have to say goodbye."
"What's the hurry? Is Neji there?"
"Fuck you! Don't even try to tell Neji about 'that'."
The one on the other line keeps silent before he responds, "I have no intention to cause any break-up. That kiss was wonderful and I want to keep it as that. I don't have any plans on repeating it. I just wanted you to know that it was nice to meet you formally."
Naruto's heart clenched. Because of the assurance or slight disappointment, he wasn't sure. Yet before he can say anything Sasuke was talking again, "Keep my digits. You will find a need to use it someday. For when we're lovers. Goodnight Na~ru~to."
His name came out as a purr and the hair on the back of the tan neck tingled. He shut his phone off before heaving a deep breath. That was intense. He slept that night dreaming of those soft lips and sinful voice.
Naruto didn't delete Sasuke's number but he didn't call him either. It just sat on his phonebook like a hibernating polar bear. He gripped his phone tight and glances at Kiba, who was looking back expectantly. Guess this is his last resort.
"Uchiha speaking."
Oh god. It was almost a year since he heard that voice and it's hard to say that he didn't miss it. Is he practicing infidelity with this? He coughs to clear his head.
"Good evening Mr. Uchiha. This is Naruto Uzumaki, I believe we have been acquainted in your annual party."
His greeting was met with silence. Naruto thought he might have said something wrong or worse, Sasuke doesn't even remember him! It was quite a long time so there's no way he'll be recognized. He felt extremely embarrass at that. He just assumed that the raven will recall him. He hastily proceeded to introduce himself more.
"I'm sorry for thinking that you might remember me, Mr. Uchiha. As I've said my name is Uzumaki Naruto and I—"
A light chuckled echoed on the other line and the tan guy nearly swoons if only his friend wasn't beside him.
"Yes, I do remember you Mr. Uzumaki. Our first meeting was quite unforgettable and so is our last conversation on the phone. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Naruto fidgeted. Is it really alright to ask him? But since they're already conversing why not proceed to his goal.
"I'm wondering whether you're still at the office."
"Why?"
"Is Neji still there? He's not answering his phone so I'm just a little bit worried."
"I am not your lover's keeper."
The reply of the raven ticked off a nerve in the blonde. He was asking nicely and the Uchiha's answer sounds a bit off. "If it's so hard for you to answer a simple question, then don't! Thank you for your time Mr. Uchiha. Goodnight."
Naruto was about to end the call when Sasuke's voice floated again.
"He's still here."
"As I expected. He's working on something that you assigned him to finish up right?" He cannot keep the contempt from his voice.
"Look Mr. Uzumaki, what my employees do here and what I'm commanding them is none of your business. They are compensated for their services. If you have problems with Neji I suggest you talk about it with him and not with me."
"I would! Only if you aren't detaining him in that office until late in the evening! We hardly had any time together! You're slaving him."
"Are you blaming me?"
"Yes I do! It's all because of you that we can't even go out on dates. Because of you that most of our plans are ruined. I'm surprised that you gave Neji some time off to make his proposal. I guess that was an unpaid leave huh."
"You are being unreasonable. If it will give you satisfaction, I'll instruct Neji to go where you are right this moment. Just let me tell you that I'm not a slave driver and I value my employees no matter what you think of it. The problem either lies on you or Neji. Don't use me or my business as a scapegoat. It was nice talking to you but I'm afraid I have to end the call. Goodnight Mr. Uzumaki."
Naruto stared disbelievingly at his phone. The Uchiha hanged up on him.
"Did you just argue with the guy? So, is Neji on his way here?"
It was Kiba's voice who brought him back to reality. He thrust his phone in his jeans and gulped down the remains of his drink.
"That teme!" He stomped the glass down on the table without giving Kiba the slightest attention. He was seething. How dare that bastard suggest that it was his and Neji's fault! It's definitely that man's fault!
"Naruto!" Kiba yelled.
The tan guy blinked rapidly. "Huh?"
"Are you alright? I was asking you if Neji's on his way here."
"Oh that. I don't know."
"I thought... Forget about it. You know what blondie, just enjoy yourself. I'm calling the others. This is your celebration after all." He left Naruto before the latter can stop him.
After a minute, Kiba returned with all of their friends behind him. Everybody took a seat around the table and started to swallow down their drinks. Ino was still moving her body in beat of the background music while Shikamaru leaned back on the leather couch, apparently thankful to stop dancing. Shino, Hinata and Tenten were talking about how relaxing it is to take a break after some big events they worked in as Choji digs in the chips. But despite everyone being busy on their own world, they were eyeing the blonde with curiosity and much interest.
"So Kiba called us from our fun in the dance floor, I think it's fair that we're told of the reason. But before that let's give a toast for Naruto's engagement!" Ino beamed and lifted her glass in the air. The other followed suit, raising their glasses and the sound of glass bumping into each other echoed in their table.
"Congratulations!"
Naruto sheepishly rubs the back of his neck as the guys shake his hand and the girls gave him hugs and kisses. "Thanks guys."
"Where is Neji, Naruto?" Hinata asked after everyone said their greeting.
"He's—"
"—busy as always. Why are we not surprised?" Tenten supplied. The tan guy scowled at her but didn't deny the fact.
"Yeah, yeah, so don't bother asking if you know the answer already." The tan guy slumped even more in his seat. There was now a permanent frown in his marred face.
Ino sighed. "Naruto we don't mean anything. We like Neji..." She looks around her friends with a gaze that tells they have to agree with her.
"—even though he's beginning to be an invisible man lately, ditching your dates and forgetting important events in your relationship. Yeah, we like him." Kiba who has never been the most sensitive of people said.
"But that's not the main point here, right Kiba?" She glared at the dog-lover. The latter though just shrugged. "We know how both of you love each other very much and we're all happy for you. Getting engaged is a proof that Neji treasures you and wants you to be with him forever."
On that, everyone smiled. Shikamaru leaned in the circle.
"Naruto, if you're happy, so we are. You're an important friend and we wish you nothing more than happiness."
Shino who rarely talks about personal feelings said, "We're always here for you Naruto."
Kiba did a double take on that as he stares unbelievably to the silent guy. Tenten just rolled her eyes at the stupidity of the brunette. Hinata giggled and Shikamaru muttered 'troublesome'.
The blonde grinned. Warmth spread in his chest. He knows his friends only think of what's best for him even though sometimes they inadvertently questions Neji's intention for him, yet despite that they proved that it's still his happiness that matters most.
"Thanks you guys! It sounds like I'm always defending my fiancé whenever I find excuses for him. Sometimes those excuses sound pathetic to me but I try to understand him because he loves his job and he worked hard for it. Though this night it special, he's not here. He's still trapped in his desk. I'm sure he won't make it. Sorry."
Ino grabbed his hands, "There's nothing to apologize Naruto. We understand his situation. I'm sure this is the phase where he's still adjusting to his new workload. Sooner or later, he'll mellow down and spend more time with you."
"Neji has always been like that. He's a hard worker I'm sure you know." Hinata said while giving a small smile.
Naruto nodded. "I know. We've spent four years together and soon it'll be forever. If I say that I can't put up with our situation then I shouldn't have accepted his proposal. I guess I was really looking forward to have him here with every one of you. I think it's a good chance for you guys to know him better. He's a good guy."
Kiba was supposed to disagree but a jab from Tenten gave him enough pain to deal with.
"There'll be plenty of opportunity for that I'm sure." Ino's smiled was slightly strained.
"Are we done with the drama now?" Kiba asked at large while rubbing his throbbing side. Ino frowns at him but he paid no attention. "What are we here for? To celebrate! Enough with your mushiness and let's start to party!" He jumped to his feet while looking at his friends.
Tenten grinned and stands as well, Hinata, Shino and Ino followed. Shikamaru assumes a look of boredom but did the same. Everybody settle their eyes on the blonde.
Naruto grinned and got up from his seat. "Alright, let's party!" All of them made their way to the dance floor to enjoy the night away.
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Naruto reached their house before midnight. They all agree that it's best not to stay too late when there's work to do the next day despite the protests of Kiba. He promised his best friend that they'll going out again but only when their schedule permits it.
He was parking his car in the garage when he noticed that Neji's car was already there. His boyfriend never did call him. He slid off the car and opened their front door with his own set of keys. He hurried upstairs to their bedroom.
"Neji?"
There was no response. The blonde knotted his brows. He searched for his in the bathroom inside but found no trace of his lover. He was closing the door when he heard his voice.
"Naruto."
The blonde slightly jumped. He smiled and walked over his lover to give him a kiss but Neji avoided the gesture. Naruto looks at him questioningly.
"What's wrong?"
Neji gave him a look that suggests something terrible has happened. The long-haired brunette said, "How did you get Sasuke's number? And since when did you have the right to talk to him about my work?"
It was the least of questions that the blonde was expecting. He gaped at Neji before his brain can process what to say. Is Neji suspecting him of something?
"I... it was..." Naruto stuttered. What is he supposed to say? That Sasuke asked his number from his mother and then what is his reason for that? Because they shared some passionate kiss?
"Can you imagine the humiliation I felt when the President ordered me to go your stupid party because you called him up? God Naruto. I told you I was busy and if I didn't make it that means I have important things to finish. Can't you understand such simple thing?"
The blonde gulped. He totally forgot about that phone call and never did he imagine that the raven will actually do it. He grimaced.
"I'm sorry Neji. I was a bit worried when you didn't call me. I was trying to call you but you never pick up, so I decided to call him."
"Damn!" Neji cursed which made the blonde flinch a bit.
"But Neji you promised me that you'll be coming."
Neji glared at him. "Promises are meant to be broken Naruto. Surely you don't expect me to fulfil each and every one of those. Now let's get some things straight. Don't make any call to Sasuke and don't interfere with my job. I thought you understand my predicament. I am on a critical stage."
The blonde clenched his jaws. "I'm aware of it but I'm still your fiancé Neji and I think I have some right to demand your time. Are we always going to be like this? Quarrelling over your lack of time for me and this relationship?"
The brunette sighed. "Look Naruto. I don't want to argue over this matter. I'm sorry if you feel I'm neglecting you but please try to understand me."
"Don't I always Neji?" Naruto said in a low voice.
The brunette walked to his lover and leads him to their bed. Both of them found some silence. Neji grabbed the tan hands and kissed them.
"My love, please don't get mad. Tonight was hectic. I had to finish a couple of reports and there's a presentation I had to polish. I want everything to be perfect when the Chairman and the Board sit over our meeting."
"I bet Mr. Uchiha rushes you to do those." Naruto spat.
The Hyuuga shook his head. "No. In fact Sasuke told me before your phone call of course, that I leave those papers and join you in your celebration. But I declined his generous advice. My failure to show up at the bar is entirely my fault. I'm sorry to take it out on you."
The blonde's eyes widen in surprise. "So he wasn't the one who kept you all tied up in your office?"
"No. He gave me something to work on but he gave me an extension so I can attend to some personal matters. He might be strict but he's fair."
When Naruto didn't respond, Neji pushed him on the bed. "Well, why don't we have another celebration tonight?"
The tan guy grinned and he pressed the thoughts about Sasuke on the deepest part of his mind. He grabbed Neji's shirt. He pulled the brunette closer until their lips are hairsbreadth away from each other. "Oh really Mr. Hyuuga? I was thinking you're already exhausted." He huskily said.
Neji smirked predatorily, "I'm afraid you're mistaken on that account, future Mr. Naruto Namikaze-Hyuuga."
"Prove it." Naruto teased him and Neji willingly obliged.
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Sasuke has a glass in his hand. He was drinking in his veranda while recalling his conversation with the blonde of his wet dreams. He cannot deny that Naruto's words hurt him. To be accused of something he doesn't have a hand on is aggravating much more that it's the tan guy who charged him of such. He gulped on his liquor and rubbed his temple. Since it's not an option to claim the blonde, he can only wish for his happiness. But even that seems not possible.
Damn. Falling in love is difficult.
A/N: The words kept on flowing. Reviews?