YOU'RE MINE

A/N: Warnings and disclaimer on the first chapter. Thank you for your encouraging words. Really, they meant a lot. For indulging me, you're the best ever. I had trouble writing this chapter. Ugh. I probably had re-written this chapter for about four times and still not yet satisfied. There's a little SasuNaru interaction. Nothing sexual yet. Even if I wanted Neji to make his choice now, I think it won't be too convincing if there weren't any reasons/instances to back it up. If it isn't to your liking, don't read any further.

CHAPTER 7: THE SUDDEN CHANGE IN HEART and SITUATION

Naruto went home to an empty place. Neji's car wasn't in the garage or his shoes on the doorstep. It wasn't the first time. The last two weeks was a blur, with the two of them playing the game of dodge or so it seems to Naruto. He'll come to an empty place and wakes up in the same set-up. Neji comes back when Naruto's already asleep and leaves before the blond wakes up. The realization that his husband wasn't home before him again brought a frown on his whiskered face. Neji didn't say about anything that might be the cause why he's always spending past working hours in the office. They haven't had a serious talk since they went back from their honeymoon. Naruto wasn't one to be suspicious; no he'll never entertain such thought. Work was his only rival when it comes to Neji. Just thinking that there might be someone who'll come between them was not really an idea Naruto wish to think about. Their love is more than betrayal and infidelity.

He glanced at his watch and found the time to be a quarter after seven. It was pretty late and usually Neji always inform him if he's going to be held up in the office. Just a simple call or message was enough. Neji knew he worries so much so he makes it a point to notify him if he's still in the office. Naruto went inside the cold house, dropping his keys on the side table before flipping the switch. Light illuminated the entire living room area. It's a gorgeous place but lacks warmth, almost reflecting their relationship. He has been nagging Neji to allow him to re-decorate the place but the man always talks him out of it using his charm and the blond unfailingly falls for it.

He occupied the handsome couch of Neji's choosing which on Naruto's opinion was boring. Getting a hold of his phone, he checked if there was any message or call left by the brunette and he was surprised to see that there has. He must have missed it when he was driving home. He opened the message first only to be disappointed. It was indeed from Neji.

I'm spending the night here at the office. No need to wait for me. Goodnight.

Well, that text was even colder than their empty home. It was the first time that Neji has to spend the night away from home without Naruto by his side. He threw the phone on the couch never minding that it actually fell on the carpeted floor. He suddenly feels so tired and so... alone. You think he'll be spared of that now that he's married, but it made things more complicated. He can't figure out what's going on Neji's mind; if that man was still committed to their relationship. Was marriage just something to assure Naruto that despite Neji's dedication to work, he will still come back to him? That at the end of the day, they're still a married couple living in the same house? Did Neji think it was enough to pacify him? Naruto doesn't think so. With a determined look, he picked the disregarded cell and typed a quick message to his husband.

It's either you come home in an hour or I'll be spending the night at Kiba's.

Naruto's not minding the underhanded way he has to resort to. It may sound childish or even pathetic at a point but if Neji isn't having the slightest intent to value their marriage then what is Naruto been working hard to save? It's not enough if he's the only one. A marriage is between two people and last time he checked, Neji married him. He stood from the couch and went to their room to have a quick shower. He needed to refresh not only his body but his mind as well. When he finished, he sat on their bed while flipping through his phone expecting an answer from his husband. But there was none. He groaned. Will he make an excuse for Neji? Like the man was probably held up in a meeting or something that stops him from reading his text but it's already this late.

I should probably wait first.

The blond decided to spend his time working while he waits for Neji's reply but the next time he shot a glance at their bedside clock, half an hour has already passed. And that pissed him off. While rummaging through his clothes, he made a phone call to his brunette friend and told him of his plan of crashing in his place and maybe makes a trip to a bar to kill his mood. For once, Kiba refrains from being nosy and just gets on with Naruto's choice. In a matter of ten minutes, he was already in his car speeding off from their so-called home.

Getting back at Neji like a child.

Naruto snorted at his own thought. Childish as it may seem, he's only limited by his emotions and he's not a saint who can always be lenient and understanding. He needed to clear his mind and maybe some booze will help.

...

Sasuke craned his neck and massaged the muscles on his nape. It was already seven and he was still at the office. He decided to call it a day when his cell phone rang. He looked at the caller and grunt when it shows of the name of his cousin, Obito. Reluctantly, he answered the call.

"Uchiha."

"Sasuke! Hey, where are you? I hope you're not forgetting that I invited you for a drink. Itachi and Shisui's coming as well."

The President growled. "Who will forget that damn invitation when you kept on reminding me every fucking hour?"

"Grumpy. Well, it seems I don't have to remind you again. We're expecting you at eight at Rendezvous alright?"

The younger Uchiha sighed. "Damn. Fine, expect me there."

"If you're not there at exactly eight, I'll be calling you again and I know you hate that."

Sasuke snarled at the man on the other line. "Shut the fuck up, Obito. I'm hanging up."

He thought he heard Obito snickered before he ended up the call. It won't do to waste his time cursing his cousin when he's certain he'll be late. He decided he can spare a few minutes to change his clothes for more appropriate attire. He quickly fixed his things and left the office but was halted when he saw his VP still buried on something when he passed the brunette's workplace. He knocked on the glass door which successfully caught the attention of the man seated behind his desk. Sasuke invited himself in.

"Neji. It's already this late. Aren't you getting home?"

The pale-eyes man put the papers he was reading. "I'll be staying here. I need to finish some documents."

"If those aren't urgent, I'm ordering you to leave and continue attending to those documents tomorrow. Your husband must be waiting."

Sasuke thought he saw Neji hesitates but after a second the brunette shakes his head. "I'd like to have everything done as soon as I can."

The Uchiha looked intently at the man before he shrugged. "Well then, I'll be going ahead."

Neji gave him a nod and Sasuke left the office. He then falls into deep thinking while he drives his car back at his flat. It's strange. The Hyuuga have never spent the night in the company however busy they were before and it seems more unusual now that he's married. When you know you have someone waiting for you at home, the desire to be with them is greater than usual. More so if that person is someone like Neji's husband, Naruto.

Sasuke gripped the wheel tighter at the mere thought of the blond. He remembers what he and Neji talked about regarding the offer of Kishimoto. It's not the proposal of the old man that bothers him but rather at how Neji seems to handle it. The brunette finds the whole situation amusing. Sasuke thought that maybe Neji is confident of his love for Naruto that he'll never even think of leaving the blond to marry off someone's daughter just so he can inherit a business empire. He shouldn't really worry himself with something that has nothing to do with him. It's Neji's problem after all. He shakes his head as he parked his car. For tonight, he simply wish he can forget things that he can't control no matter how much he wanted to do something about it.

...

"Blondie, what happened?"

Naruto shrugged off his coat and went inside Kiba's house. He slumped on the couch and placed his feet on the center table.

"Feet off the table, idiot."

The blond simply offered Kiba a smirk. "Let me sleep here, mutt."

The brunette eyes the unmoving feet. Kiba decided he can't stop the stubborn blond's habit so he just took the space beside him. "Fine. I'm not trying to be nosy or what but why?"

Naruto sighed. "No one's home."

"Where's Neji?"

The blond growled. "Where the fuck else? In his damn office. You know what; I won't be surprise if he'll fuck himself on his chair or his desk. That's how much he can't leave that place."

Kiba almost chuckle. "That busy huh."

"Yeah. That's why I'm here. Want to grab some drinks? Let's call in Shika and Shino."

The brunette raised his brows at the blond. "You sure? You want to get wasted?"

Naruto smirked. "Not wasted. Just drunk enough to forget why I'm not home with my husband."

"Alright. I'll call those two. Let me just change and we'll go. Same place?"

The tan guy nodded. "Of course. It's always Rendezvous. Hurry up."

Kiba nodded and vanished from the blond's sight. Naruto laid his head back on the couch and closed his eyes. He wanted to vent his frustration into something and drinking seems to be the best idea he has in mind.

...

Sasuke was dressed in jeans and a button up dark blue shirt, rolled to his elbows. On his feet was an old black converse. It's the first time in months that he was wearing something casual and it felt good enough; like he can breathe more freely. He smirked and went inside the slightly dimmed bar. The place was packed, understandable since it's Friday. There were plenty of hot men and women scattered from the entrance to the bar and around the dance floor. Sasuke felt the heated gazes on him as he simply stood there looking for his relatives but he paid them no mind. Maybe later when he gets in the mood. There was a handsome man who daringly approached him, his eyes already stripping him naked but he only gave the man a look and turned away. He felt his phone vibrated but he didn't make any attempt to answer it. He's sure it's Obito. He glanced at his watch and grinned. Exactly eight. It didn't take a long time when he heard a familiar voice calling him.

"Sasuke, Sasuke. Here! Over here!"

The raven turned to his right and saw his cousin waving at him. He can make out Shisui and Itachi's silhouette in the dark as he walked towards their direction.

"I was calling you." Obito said as soon as he took a seat beside his brother.

Sasuke rolled his eyes at the man. "You're so persistent. I told you I'm coming. You're worse than a nagging girlfriend."

Shisui snickered and Itachi amusedly threw his brother a look. "Obito was making sure you'll come. It was his birthday last night anyway. Might as well indulge him."

"You guys really! Since Sasuke's here let's order some drinks. You should enjoy yourselves. You're like stiff bastards who can't get sex." Obito grinned at the three who were all scowling at him. "Nah. I'm saying the truth here. You're always stuck on your offices, working your ass off without a break."

Shisui snorted. "Just because you're mixing play with work means we want to do the same."

"I didn't know my sex life intrigues you, Obito." Itachi softly said.

Sasuke glanced at his brother. "You might want to reconsider your words Tobi. Aniki has more than enough bodies to warm his bed."

Obito burst out laughing. "I know! That statement was meant for you anyway. Shisui has been with a steady partner for three months now, a new record, that speaks something and Itachi, oh our dear Itachi. I've seen him in more places than I can imagine."

The youngest raven growled while the three snickers. "What I do with my life is none of your business."

"We were just saying. Don't get so fired up. Why don't we dance? I saw a hot babe just a while ago while I was scanning the floor for Sasuke. I remember seeing a man who looks like he was eating you up anyway. Not your type?"

Sasuke snorted. "I can find myself a more suitable partner."

The three exchanged knowing smiles and Obito left the table to get their drinks. The party inside the bar was in full swing. People were dancing the night away, some relieving stress, some simply enjoying the others' company. Sasuke wasn't sure why he was there aside from the consistent pestering of his cousin. It's true that he hasn't been indulging himself with the escapades he used to engage in before. He didn't know if it was because he has found someone whom he wanted but can't have no matter what. Despite his frivolous lifestyle, he wasn't one to ruin a marriage just for his selfish desires. He stared at the couples in the floor, trying to figure why he can't simply forget the blond. Naruto is married, to his subordinate nonetheless. But maybe that's what love really is. It will strike you in your most unsuspecting time, in the most implausible manner and with the most unexpected person.

Obito went back to their table with the drinks. "Here you go. Try not to end up wasted. I don't think Itachi will be keen on dragging your pale butt home."

Sasuke snapped at the older man, "Asshole."

Obito shrugged and lifted his glass for a toast. "For a great night and for Sasuke to get laid! Let's have a toast!"

The other two was chuckling but mimicked Obito as they both raised their glasses in the air. Sasuke can only face-palm. Soon after that their conversation lead to different subjects from work, to travel, news and just anything Obito can come up with. They were putting up with the man since it's not often that Obito can spend time with them as he was busy with the Hacienda. More than they can count, some bar hoppers made their way toward the Uchihas table trying to get at least one of them to dance or engage in something more enjoyable activity but they all declined. That doesn't stop anyone from approaching them though. It seems the more they refuse invitations, the more people got challenged. Once or twice Obito and even Itachi will accept drinks and dance requests but that's just about it. Anything else was flat down rejected. Sasuke didn't even pay the slightest attention to anyone who tried to coax him to stand from his seat. He was not interested yet.

Obito came back to their table with a sly grin after a really gorgeous woman wearing provocative clothes invited his cousin to dance. Sasuke can more or less deduce that Obito got more than that. He was missing for about half an hour. Sasuke smirk when he saw the stain of lipstick all over Obito's exposed skin. He turned his head around the place. The night was still early but they agreed that they wouldn't stay up late. His gaze was roaming around when his eyes caught him. Blond locks that seems to shine against the blinking lights, eyes that gleams in the dim place and a slight cheeky grin on his lips. The raven shifted a bit to get a better view and perhaps to verify his hunch. Oh yes, there in all his glory, wearing a tight-fitting black shirt, ragged jeans and rubber shoes was the man on his dreams, Naruto Uzumaki.

...

Naruto was nodding his head as they went inside Rendezvous. It was crowded with people, from different generations but mostly men and women around their age. At his rear were Kiba, Shikamaru and Shino. They went directly to their usual spot, thankful that it wasn't taken yet with the density inside. Shino excused himself to get the drinks while the three were left to lounge and scan the place.

"It's too packed." Shikamaru drawled in, slightly frowning.

Kiba was tapping the table with the beat of the music. "Isn't that great?! We'll have lots of fun!"

Naruto wasn't exactly sharing the brunette's enthusiasm but he still appreciates the atmosphere. "I think it's alright. I wanted to relax anyway."

"You can't relax in here Naruto. If you wanted some company, we could have just drop by at your place."

The dog-lover rolled his eyes at the man. "Just because Ino isn't here, you turn all grumpy Shikamaru. Loosen up, will you?"

The genius scowled at Kiba and slumped back on the cushion. Shino arrived bringing their drinks. He took the seat beside Shikamaru and asked the blond. "So what's this all about? Shouldn't you be at home with Neji?"

Naruto frowned at the name. "That jerk's still working. He's not coming tonight so it won't hurt if I decided to go out and enjoy myself right?"

"You're just sulking."

The tan guy snapped. "No, I'm not! I'm just really upset. Neji is always busy, always working. He was that way before but now that we're married I don't think he'll ever put any effort to make things work out. Just because we're together now, he thinks it's fine to do as he wants without thinking of my feelings."

Shikamaru sighed. "You two clearly needed to talk and set your rules. You have to start compromising; otherwise you'll end up being strangers to each other. A simple misunderstanding can be fatal to married couples."

"Shikamaru's right blondie. You have to put your foot down and have a long serious talk with Neji." Kiba clapped a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"How can I talk to him? I barely see him in our place." Naruto mumbled as he holds his bottle of beer.

The loud brunette laughed which earned him a glare. "See? Shino's right. You're just sulking. Tomorrow, make sure you talk with your husband."

Shino and Shikamaru both raised their drinks as if agreeing with Kiba. Naruto shakes his head. Was it really that easy? Wasn't this the same like before? And after he talked with Neji, will his husband change? Will this marriage work? Perhaps their love wasn't really enough for Neji to commit his whole self in their relationship. Not enough to make their marriage and Naruto his top priorities. But wasn't Neji the one who proposed? That should mean he's ready enough for responsibilities but why isn't that showing? He continued gulping down his drink while his friends gave him concerned looks. He ignored them and focused his attention to the gyrating bodies on the dance floor, not giving a damn that he was drinking too fast. He and Neji have never been in the said place. Their dates were mostly on fancy restaurants, watching plays, sometimes movies but none were trips to aquariums or bars. Neji was too prim and proper for those.

He put his fourth bottle down and exclaimed, "Well fuck, let's just dance Kiba!"

The brunette was taken aback but decided to indulge him. The two squeezed through the crowd, passing the pressed bodies until they stopped at almost the middle. Kiba was chuckling as his blond friend enjoyed the beat. Naruto must need that right now. So he stayed there, swaying as well, taking in all the eyes that were eyeing the blond's graceful body. Naruto has been a great dancer. His movements were flawless and exciting. It wasn't surprising that he caught most eyes, especially most men. There's something about Naruto that appeals to same sex. Kiba was thankful that he's as straight as he can wish for or he might be falling to that charm as well.

...

Sasuke saw him took a table. He saw him frowned at something. He saw him being talked by a man who looks bored and someone who looks stupid. He saw him being handed a drink by a man who wears shaded glasses on the evenings. He saw him mumbling, frowning as he gulps down his drink. He saw him thinking, like he was in deep thoughts, thoughts that weren't pleasant. He saw him slam his bottle down and drag the stupid brunette on the dance floor. He saw him dance, he saw his alluring body, he saw even the beads of sweat forming on his temple, running down to the side of his face, down to his tan neck. He saw him being left by his friend but continued dancing anyway, alone. He was him move his body with the music as if he was on his own world. He saw him glower as one man braved to touch him and Sasuke saw red after that. He wasn't fully conscious that he growled at the thought of someone touching the blond.

"Sasuke, you're gonna dance?"

The voice of Obito brought him back to reality. He found himself standing on his seat, aiming to the blond's direction.

"I am." He replied tersely. He didn't give the man a chance to taunt him as he carried himself to the dance floor, where Naruto was dancing to himself, eyes closed. As he was taking step after step, he was wondering why the blond is here. Neji was still at the office and his husband was partying? It was none of his business, but he can't help but think, it's fate that they meet up here. Of course he won't be doing anything unnecessary. He wanted to merely be close to him.

"Mind if I dance with you?"

Ocean blue eyes snapped open. It met the darkest pair of orbs that it ever laid sight with. His body stopped moving as he recognized the man in front of him.

"Mr. Uchiha." Naruto chirped in monotone.

Sasuke was taken aback with the cold response. He supposed that was just what to expect.

"Sasuke is fine. You're not my employee. So, what's your answer?"

With his mind slightly hazy, he gave a jerk of his head to say that it's fine. The raven's face broke into a small smile and the two of them started enjoying the music, unaware of stares from all direction. It wasn't unusual for two guys to dance, but for two hot and good-looking men, it was almost a sin. When a body bumped at Sasuke's back, he collided with Naruto's as his hands automatically found their rightful place on the slender hips. The blond looked back at him but the raven just shrugged, not making any attempt to remove his hands.

Naruto can smell him. The musk and mint, totally manly. While Neji smells good, Sasuke smells sinful, just like of danger and something really sexy. Their close proximity wasn't helping his already muddled mind and when he felt the warm hands on him, even with cloth, he almost sighed. He must really be aching for physical contact. He and Neji had never had sex since their honeymoon and it was torture. Naruto never wanted to resort on pleasuring himself when he has a husband but he's already sleeping when the man joins him in bed. He looked up at the dark orbs. It was so easy to look at the Uchiha and suddenly the images of the kisses they shared flowed in his mind. He blushed at the thought and shied his eyes away. Here he was, dancing with a man who clearly has feelings for him and he was quite enjoying it. He must really be drunk. But wasn't it his purpose in the first place? To somehow forget the pain? He decided to hell with it. Neji's not here and it's not as if he was doing anything bad. He's just dancing. It was then that his phone vibrated in his pocket. He quickly made a move to get it but with Sasuke's hands on the way, it was difficult.

"Mind moving your hands?"

Sasuke reluctantly removed both hands from his hips. Naruto was surprised to see a message from Neji. Maybe the man went home and is waiting for him. The idea made him smile a bit but it vanishes as soon as he read the content. His heart clenched with pain and his eyes started to water while still looking over his phone. He gulped until a hand landed on his shoulder. He forgot where he was and who was in front of him at the moment.

"Are you alright?" The raven's voice was soft and worried.

Naruto nodded meekly. "I have to grab a drink." He quickly exited the dance floor to go over the bar. He ordered a drink and gulped the liquid down, already asking for seconds when Sasuke appeared on the seat beside him.

"What's wrong?"

The blond harshly turn to him. "Why is Neji working this late? Why are you even here when your employee is still working his ass off?!"

The Uchiha was shocked. He thought it was strange for the blond to be here while his husband was still working. So, they were having a fight. He relaxed his stance. "I saw Neji before I left the company. I told him to continue doing what he's working on tomorrow but he said he wanted to finish it. I don't hold my subordinates time. He's not a regular employee as you know. He has his own responsibilities with the company and it's all his choice how to manage it. If your marriage is suffering, I don't have anything to say to that. Neji is the one you should be talking to about this."

Naruto glared at him but he didn't retort. It must be wrong of him to lash off like that. He remained silent, swirling the small glass on his hands.

"Naruto, you have to understand Neji's position as well. He's working really hard and although I praise his dedication I think it's better if he balance his time well between you and his work."

The blond looked at him in utter surprise. Sasuke smirked and enjoy the reaction on the tan face. "I am not a slave driver, I told you before. Neji has already proven himself. Talk to him and make him understand your pain."

"I might just do that." Naruto mumbled, still quite taken aback by Sasuke's words.

"I can see your friend coming here. Don't drink too much." With that, a pale hand snatched his glass and gulped down his liquor. Sasuke left a bill on the counter and left Naruto a smile. He then left the blond alone.

"Hey blondie, who was that?" Kiba was already beside him, his eyes following the back of the retreating man.

Naruto's finger traced the rim of the glass, just where Sasuke's lips have been. "Sasuke Uchiha."

He didn't hear Kiba exclaimed his surprise nor when he was guided back to their table. He even forgot Shikamaru and Shino's assessing gazes at him and the bottles of beer waiting for him to devour. His mind simply drifted off somewhere. Sasuke wasn't so bad at all. No, Sasuke was really nice. The night changes his outlook for a certain handsome, sexy-smelling raven and as much as he hated to admit it, it wasn't only his husband's face swimming on his mind as he sleep on the bed that night.

...

His phone rang. Neji was too absorbed on reading that he didn't register the sound until it rang for the seventh time. He frowned and grabbed his cell. His eyes widened when he saw whose calling. Should he even answer this call? He contemplated for a few more seconds and pressed the answer button.

"Hyuuga."

"Hello Neji."

His name was slightly purred from the voice at the other line. Neji closed his eyes tightly and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He leaned back on his swivel chair.

"Miss Nanami. Why are you calling?"

"Are you free tomorrow night?"

"I'm not sure. There might be a couple of things I need to work on tomorrow. My apologies."

"Aren't you just avoiding me? I told you I don't mean any harm. I know you're already married but it won't hurt to have dinner with me right? Treat it as a business meeting. I'd like to discuss something about my father's investment anyway."

Neji almost sighed. The woman is the daughter of Mr. Kishimoto who turned out to have taken a liking to him. Neji doesn't know if it's only because the father was pushing the daughter to him or the man was feeding ideas to her. Either way, it's wearisome for him. The offer still stands and while he hasn't given an answer yet, the old man was playing his cards well. Neji has been working mostly of Mr. Kishimoto's dealings with the Uchiha Corporation.

"Fine. Send me the details."

Neji heard a laugh. "You're always too formal when it comes to me Neji. I'm about to think you don't want me anywhere near you."

"That's not the case and you know it Miss Nanami."

"I told you to call me Nanami. You're almost a family anyway, with the way my father fuss over you."

Neji grimaced at the thought. That just suggests so many things, all at once. "If you insist Nanami. If you don't have any matter to discuss, I'll have to end this call."

"How cold. Well, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye."

"Goodbye then."

The brunette ended the call right away and he was surprised to see he has a message from Naruto. There was a bitter taste left on his mouth after he finished reading the short text. He gripped the device tighter. Why is his husband being so difficult? Can't Naruto understand that he's busy with work? They have dealt with worse things and Naruto chose to be rebellious now? If Naruto was a woman he might blame it on hormones but the blond is not. It was merely a few weeks after their marriage and it's already crumbling. Neji is not putting all the blame to Naruto because he knew it's partly his fault too. But why can't Naruto bear with it for a little more? It's the drawback of someone who isn't in the business field. His position in a huge company isn't like most office jobs. He has to deal with clients most of the time. If such can't already be bear by his husband, what more if ever he made another promotion. It wasn't impossible with his performance even if the company is family-owned.

Neji rubbed his temple. A headache is already forming. He read Naruto's message again and decided to hell with it. His reply was short and cold.

Do what you want.

...

Just in the same city, the husbands just engaged in conversations with people who are about to bring changes in their relationship.

To be continued...