a/n: These next two chapters take place in the October after they met.

Netamashii on tumblr (izayamilk on Twitter) has done beautiful art for this chapter. Go find her. She's amazing!

After a couple of weeks of not being able to hang out much, Naruto had somehow managed to convince Sasuke to go along with him to a party, where a few of the varsity morons got together with their cheerleader girlfriends, drank themselves stupid, and exchanged STDs with one another. It was the fall of their junior year, only two weeks after Homecoming, and Sasuke's parents were out of town. Though he would've preferred they hang out at his house, Naruto insisted that either Sasuke come with him or he would stubbornly go alone. Whenever Naruto went by himself to these parties, he never came home in good shape. So, he decided to go with him in the hopes of keeping him out of trouble.

Big mistake.

Sasuke hated parties for a reason. They were at a house party, but he had no idea whose house it actually was. Most of the people here weren't even high schoolers, they were students from the University of Washington. Because Naruto was in one of his more self-destructive moods, he kept wandering off on his own, and every time he stumbled back to Sasuke's side, he was that much more drunk. Not to mention when Naruto drank he became extremely flirty. Unfortunately, the object of his advances was not Sasuke but basically anyone walking around who also happened to have breasts.

It's not to say that he hadn't seen Naruto flirting with girls before, and since they'd met last spring, Naruto had chosen to date girls from their school. At first it sucked, but the relationships didn't last especially long, and if he wasn't dating someone, Naruto was mostly with him. He knew he didn't have any right to keep Naruto from seeing other people. He could pretend that all Naruto did with those girls was hold hands, but he knew that wasn't the case. Thankfully, Naruto never brought it up in front of him Sasuke could get laid, too, if he wanted.

That still didn't keep him from grinding his teeth and shooting glares every time a girl pawed at Naruto or vice versa.

In order to put some distance between them, Sasuke made his way to the kitchen where all of the alcohol was spread out. There were so many bottles of liquor that at least a couple of people were going to die of alcohol poisoning tonight. Two girls in incredibly tight-fitting dresses tried to catch his eye, but he ignored them as he filled a red solo cup with whatever was closest - tequila, rum, and some Coke. From the first sip, he could tell this was going to be a mistake. He weaved his way through the crowd, drawn to wherever the music was coming from.

Thankfully, it wasn't any terrible rap or pop music, but some chill stuff that he wouldn't be ashamed to listen to. In the living room, there was a relatively attractive guy playing DJ. He was wearing a tanktop with a lot of tattoos showing on his arms and chest. In a way, he reminded Sasuke of Yahiko. His heart skipped a beat when the DJ glanced up and met his gaze. If Sasuke didn't know better, he'd say he was being checked out. Was it that obvious he'd been staring? It unnerved him to be exposed like that, so he turned around and walked out of the room with the intent of wandering upstairs.

It was a big house, owned by some rich kid's parents. Lots of unnecessary rooms with fancy antiques and breakables that were just asking to be stolen or destroyed. He sipped at his drink, humming with the music as he observed all of the family photos. They must do a lot of traveling, which explained the out of control house party happening in their mansion while they were probably away in Europe somewhere.

Sasuke sighed. He shouldn't have come here.

"You look bored."

At first, he thought it was Naruto, which is why he turned around. It ended up being the DJ. It was particularly hard for Sasuke not to let his eyes wander - all over.

"It's tolerable," he replied. "At least there's free alcohol."

"True. You're into music?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, either you were interested in the music, or you were checking me out."

"That's rather presumptuous, don't you think?" He didn't like the idea of being outed here when he knew there were people from school around.

"Yeah. I was taking a shot. I couldn't say that I was sure, but now I am."

"Oh?" He scowled.

The other man took a couple of steps toward him, keeping eye contact, and then he pressed a hand to Sasuke's chest.

"Are you here alone?"

"No." Unfortunately, Sasuke's hormones were reacting to the touch and the look in the other man's eyes. "I'm... with a friend."

"A guy?"

"Yes."

He nodded. "Is this guy... really just a friend?"

That was a fair question.

"Is there any other type of friend?" Sasuke asked, taking hold of the man's wrist and forcing him to let go of his shirt.

"I think we both know the answer to that."

It wouldn't be impossible to hide away in one of these rooms without getting caught. Damn hormones. Sasuke was so tempted.

"You're hesitating. If you're not interested, I'll go back to what I was doing, but if you're even the slightest bit interested," he smirked, "Or curious. I'd love to - " His eyes dropped to Sasuke's lips. "Get to know you better?"

"Is that the best you can do?" Sasuke asked.

There was something about the way this guy kept looking at him. He had that glint of humor and confidence in his eyes that Naruto always did... ah, Naruto... what was it that he should do here? Naruto always got with whom he pleased. Sasuke should do the same. But, could he do that knowing Naruto was downstairs? Not that Naruto had even noticed he was gone apparently.

"Is that a challenge?" The man asked and, touching Sasuke's cheek, leaned in for a kiss.

Knowing that there was no one else up here, Sasuke let it happen. It wasn't affectionate, but it was enough to gauge the level of interest.

The DJ pulled away. "How's that?"

"Not bad."

"I'd be happy to show you more of what I can do. If you're... open to it."

Even the cologne he wore reminded him of Yahiko. Again, he thought of Naruto flirting with all of those busty sorority girls earlier in the evening. It was normal for them to do these things, and if Sasuke could get away with it, he should have some fun, too.

"Fine," he said. "But not here."

"Sure. I know the house pretty well." The DJ took him by the hand and led him down the hallway to one of the rooms. "I can be discreet, and I'm not looking for any attachments."

"Good," said Sasuke. "Neither am I."

Naruto had totally lost track of time. Just how long had he been down in the basement? He'd made the mistake of taking a joint someone offered, and after several beers and a handful of shots, he barely knew which way was up. In the back of his mind, he kept wondering where Sasuke had wandered off to. He should get up off of this couch and find him, but... his body felt heavy. Or could it be all of these people on top of him? Maybe he'd passed out for a few minutes, but there were a couple of girls sitting on top of his sprawled out body. They didn't seem to notice he was there, but he found himself listening to their conversation. Normally, he wouldn't have eavesdropped but he was so high off his ass that he couldn't help but listen. They weren't discussing boys or college; one of the girls was talking to the other about her twin sister who'd died when they were 8 years old.

The way he listened to her talk was the same as listening to a sad record. He wasn't supposed to hear all of this, was he? It made him think of his mother. When he couldn't take it anymore, he shifted until they got the hint. Without even breaking their conversation, they moved to the side so that Naruto could get out from under them. Instead of walking away, though, he paused and turned to the girl who'd been talking.

"Can I hug you?" He asked.

"What?"

"I'm sorry that I was eavesdropping, but... I lost my mom recently. I wanted to hug you. If that's not weird."

The girl looked at her friend, who just shrugged.

"Okay..."

She stood up and Naruto put his arms around her.

"How old were you?" She asked.

"Just turned 16 at the time."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry about your sister," he said. "I'm glad you have someone to talk about her to."

Naruto left her alone. Both of the girls sort of stared at him, but then he walked away. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, feeling like the world was spinning and his mood had suddenly taken a dark turn. Normally, he would've gone to find Sasuke and cried on his shoulder, but, instead, he headed to the kitchen to pour himself a drink. He did look around, though, trying to find Sasuke's spiky dark hair amidst the crowd. It seemed there were at least twice as many people as when he'd first arrived. He could've sworn there'd been music playing the last time he was up here, too. Sasuke wouldn't have left him already, would he?

Nah, he would. Naruto knew he hated these types of parties, but for some reason, he'd agreed to come tonight. He could call him, he supposed, but if Sasuke wanted to find him, Naruto knew they would've bumped into each other by now.

An attractive (older) blond chick suddenly grabbed him by the arm, stopping Naruto in his tracks.

"Hey," she said flirtatiously.

"Hey," he replied.

"You're cute. Do you have a girlfriend? You go to school here, right?"

"I do go to school here, yeah." She probably meant college, but, hey, at least he wasn't lying.

"What about a girlfriend? Do you have one?"

"If I did," he said. "I doubt she'd let me come here by myself."

The blond laughed. "You're funny."

"Funny and cute?" He said. "Sounds like I got a lot goin' for me."

"You don't... have any weed, do you?"

"I don't," he said. "But some people downstairs do."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Mm. I'd suggest starting there. Sorry." He walked past, even knowing she wanted to continue the conversation, but he wasn't in the mood.

Naruto entered the living room where there'd been a DJ earlier. He thought maybe Sasuke would've been around here. No matter where they went, at least if there was music, Sasuke would gravitate toward it. He decided to check his phone, but there were no messages from Sasuke telling him he'd left.

Naruto shot him a text.

Where you at? You still at the party or did you leave me?

He waited about half a minute for a reply, but nothing came. Frowning, he slipped his phone into his pocket again, found an empty seat, and decided to nurse his drink for a while.

They'd locked the door and turned off the lights. Sasuke lay on the bed with the DJ. They'd spent the last five minutes making out in a room that, judging by the décor, belonged to a pre-teen girl. He and Naruto hadn't done anything for two and a half weeks, so his body was quick to react to the older man's touches when his fingers skimmed the inside of Sasuke's thigh, teasing him.

The text notification on his phone went off.

"Don't even think about checking that," said the other man as he sucked and bit at Sasuke's neck.

Sasuke knew there were only two people who'd be texting him: Naruto or Itachi. He wasn't inclined to answer either of them. Naruto'd had his chance before abandoning him, and Itachi, well, obviously whatever his brother needed could wait.

"I wasn't," he replied and let out a quiet gasp as the DJ cupped his crotch and rubbed him.

"I don't even know your name." The man's lips brushed across his cheek.

"You don't need to know it."

"You talk cold, but your body's on fire. I hope this isn't your first time."

"Even if it was, you shouldn't worry about it," he replied. "And I never said we were going that far. But I won't leave you dissatisfied."

"I bet you won't."

Sasuke kissed him. Mostly because he wanted the conversation to end. At this point, he only wanted to feel good for a little while.

He liked feeling wanted.

It was unfortunate that every time he closed his eyes he imagined Naruto touching or kissing him. If he wasn't thinking about that, he was thinking what Naruto would do differently or how it would've been better.

It almost felt like he was cheating, which didn't make sense. They'd always agreed that they were free to do what they wanted. Naruto certainly did, and, if anything, that blond idiot was the one who dragged him here in the first place, so if he ended up sulking, he only had himself to blame.

Not to say that the thought of Naruto being jealous didn't thrill him.

That it didn't just send a pleasurable jolt from his spine all the way to his toes.

"Like that, do you?" The man asked, his hot breath ghosting across Sasuke's jaw as he rubbed a thigh against him.

Sasuke didn't answer. He only closed his eyes.

Blond hair. Blue eyes. Tanned skin. Passion in every touch or kiss. Affection. Laughter. Lust. Anger. Friendship. Attraction.

All of those feelings lay just underneath the surface, fanning his sexual desire. He tempted himself with images of Naruto. It's not like he needed to know what Sasuke thought about when he was with another guy. How smug would Naruto be knowing that Sasuke would probably always compare lovers to him? Was that so wrong?

Somewhere in the dark, he moaned as a hand snuck beneath the waistband of his jeans and underwear to touch his aching erection.

"Feel good?" That strange voice asked.

Not Naruto's.

"No more talking from now on," he said. "Only this." Sasuke rocked up into the hand.

Unlike that other person on his mind, this man gave no argument. He obediently did as Sasuke told him. Maybe that's why it took him a little longer than expected to get what he needed out of this.

When it had been more than 20 minutes and he still hadn't received a reply from Sasuke, Naruto started to worry. He was a little annoyed that Sasuke might be throwing a tantrum because he'd gone off and done his own thing tonight after bringing him here. Was it so wrong that he thought Sasuke should make at least some attempt at socializing with others? How was he ever going to survive college if he had no interest in meeting new people or partaking in normal high school debauchery? Not to say he didn't appreciate Sasuke's independence or rebelliousness. Rather, those were things he loved about his best friend, but Naruto wouldn't be around forever. Wouldn't it look weird if they clung to each other all night? Not that he minded, but it was always Sasuke who got paranoid about that stuff in public.

Naruto wandered outside briefly to see if Sasuke was among a group playing guitars out on the back porch. He did stay to listen for a few minutes before heading back inside. He went down to the basement in case he was there, and they just kept missing each other. This time, those girls from before waved at him, and he waved back on reflex.

They might've even wanted to chat with him because of earlier, but he was more interested in finding his friend and making sure he wasn't either 1.) passed out somewhere 2.) being swamped by fangirls.

After the basement, he checked the kitchen. Not finding him there, Naruto went upstairs to the second floor. He hadn't explored that area of the house yet. A few of the rooms were closed off, and understanding perfectly what could be happening inside, he only ventured into the ones where the doors were open.

Naruto took out his phone and instead of messaging Sasuke, this time he called.

It was odd, but he could've sworn that he heard a phone ringing from behind one of the doors. He clicked 'end' and the ringing stopped. It could've been a coincidence, so he called again.

The ringing started once more.

To be honest, his first reaction was confusion. Stupidly, he considered that someone might have stolen Sasuke's phone. He knew that wasn't the case, but the reality of the situation...

Naruto immediately felt ill.

But… why? Sasuke did not pick up guys. Sure, Naruto had watched men hit on him at clubs before, or when he played with his band. However, he couldn't imagine Sasuke risking being 'outed' by getting it on with some dude at a stupid party. And, it's not as if he'd suddenly gone all bi-curious on him and decided to hook up with a chick.

There was the off-chance that Sasuke had passed out in one of these bedrooms, but... Sasuke didn't drink to get drunk very often. He was up here, and he was definitely with someone who wasn't him.

Naruto hadn't moved for a few minutes, but he started to walk toward the door where he'd heard the phone ring.

It's not as if he was going to barge in...

He didn't want to hear anything. He thought if he heard Sasuke's voice, Sasuke moaning -

He would've broken down the door and committed double homicide.

Best to walk away.

Sasuke didn't owe him anything. They weren't dating. Hell, Naruto had dated a couple of girls over the summer, and Sasuke hadn't said a word even though it got awkward as hell at times. Even though Naruto felt guilty at times. But, he'd also thought Sasuke could use those as opportunities to do... his own thing.

God, what was this feeling?

He knew it. It was jealousy, and it was burning him up inside.

Slowly, Naruto backed away, not wanting to make any noise that would draw attention. He turned around and made his way downstairs. He guessed he'd just have to wait for Sasuke to finish up... whatever it was... whoever it was... that he was doing.

After it was all over, Sasuke remembered looking up at the ceiling for a long time, trying to categorize this feeling.

"I should get back down there. This kid is actually paying me, so..."

"It's fine," he remarked in a raspy voice. "I don't need any hand-holding."

"I suppose I shouldn't ask if you want to call me sometime?"

Sasuke snorted as he adjusted himself and pulled up his pants.

"See you around then. Come and find me if you change your mind." Looking disappointed, the DJ left the room and shut the door.

It had been okay. Sort of like itching a scratch.

But what was this feeling nagging him?

The end result was hollow, and he felt angry with himself. Although the anger seemed to be a blend of a few other emotions he didn't want to analyze right now. The phone ringing in the middle of it had been rather distracting. He knew who it was. Naruto was looking for him. What should he say when they ran into each other? Should he tell him the truth? Should he wait until Naruto asked? Should he not bother mentioning anything?

Why did this tiny part of him want to flaunt it?

It disgusted and excited him.

Would Naruto get angry? Jealous? Would he be indifferent, shrug it off, and laugh? Would he high five Sasuke for getting laid?

Or...

Would Naruto be disappointed in him?

Sasuke reached for his phone, which he'd set nearby after removing his clothes. He saw the two missed calls and read Naruto's text.

He hit the reply button.

If you're ready to go, I'll meet you on the front porch

It didn't take long for Naruto to text back, and the notification sound made Sasuke's heartbeat skip for some reason.

Okay

That's all he had to say?

Well, he wasn't going to read too much into it. He got up slowly and then sat on the side of the bed for a while, staring at his shirt, shoes, and socks on the floor.

This empty feeling was becoming almost unbearable, but, somehow, he felt this might be preferable to what was going to happen the instant he saw Naruto's face.

Sasuke got off of the bed, body feeling a little tender in certain areas.

He finished getting dressed and, after making sure that the bed was neatly made and nothing was amiss, headed down the stairs to meet Naruto.

Naruto's mind was somewhere far off as he waited on the porch for Sasuke. There was a full moon out tonight.

He couldn't say he was feeling much of anything right now, although if there was a nearby window that he could break, he might've put his fist through it already. He shouldn't feel this way. He didn't own Sasuke. Sasuke was not his possession. He had no right to be angry or jealous.

If Sasuke didn't bring it up, he'd pretend that he didn't know anything, and if Sasuke did bring it up, well... Naruto would try to be cool and supportive about it.

He was staring up at the moon when he felt a presence behind him. Naruto closed his eyes.

"Ready to go?" He asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

Naruto heard Sasuke's footsteps as he approached. He didn't say anything for a while, so Naruto turned around to face him. Sasuke's expression would've been pretty unreadable to most people, but he wasn't most people. Well, Naruto didn't have to guess any longer. Sasuke had definitely -

Don't show it, Naruto. Don't fucking let it show on your face. Don't make him feel bad for what he should've been doing all along.

It took a lot of willpower, especially after noticing the dark marks on Sasuke's neck, but he managed a smile.

"I hope you're sober enough to drive us," he said cheerfully.

"I'm fine," Sasuke replied, "I've... definitely sobered up."

Naruto nodded and since he was unable to keep the smile on his face any longer, turned around and started walking toward the car. "Let's go, party pooper. I'll make sure to get you home so you can get your beauty rest."

He tucked his hands into his jacket pockets, biting his lip. Sasuke trailed behind him by a few steps, completely silent, though Naruto could feel his eyes on his back.

What, did Sasuke think he couldn't handle it if he told him?

How pathetic he must be. Getting fucking jealous over his gay best friend being able to get laid. Naruto felt ashamed. Until he was able to process this new aspect of their already fucked up friendship, he'd continue to act as if he didn't know. If he was skilled at anything, it was knowing how to pretend he was happy when, inside, he wanted to turn the whole world upside down.

Because he was driving, Sasuke had something else to focus on. He thought Naruto seemed quieter than usual, but when he asked if anything was wrong, Naruto told him he'd had too much to drink. Right now, Naruto had his head resting against the window and appeared to be sleeping. Before this all happened, he'd had every intention of spending the night at Naruto's place. Minato wasn't going to be there, as was the norm. He was on a business trip pretty much every other weekend. Was it right to stay there, or should he drive back home after dropping him off? On the other hand, if Naruto wasn't feeling well, maybe he should stick close to him. The idea of Naruto relying on him, needing him... it made him want to stay. It was so selfish, he knew, but he couldn't help himself. He wanted to have his cake and eat it, too.

And if Naruto had no idea what Sasuke had done, then who's to say he couldn't?

It would be terrible to touch Naruto after doing all of that with someone else.

But, he didn't feel satisfied either. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to throw Naruto on the bed and make him moan. He wanted Naruto to cry his name as he came. He wanted to fill his brain with images of Naruto's face while he was in ecstasy. Shit. He was such a terrible person. He was getting hard just thinking about it.

"Naruto," he said, unsure if the other teen was awake.

"...Yeah?"

"Is it still okay if I stay at your place tonight?"

"Uh...sure. I guess. Why wouldn't it be?"

Sasuke glanced at him. "Unless you don't want me to."

"...Whatever you want."

"That's what I want."

"Then...okay."

Sasuke set his eyes back on the road, feeling a thrill comparable to a man who's been able to get away with a crime. It's not as if he ever claimed to be a good person. That was Naruto's job. So, if there were times Sasuke wanted to take what he could get, it would be naïve to let the opportunity go to waste. What Naruto didn't know wouldn't hurt him... right?

Especially after Sasuke had watched him be with other people. While at school, Naruto held hands with, embraced, and kissed girls. It's not like Sasuke didn't know what else went on either. For putting up with that, he deserved this one tiny thing. This one, twisted desire to hurt Naruto and then to love him unconditionally. That's what Naruto deserved for being drawn to a twisted person like himself. If he knew Sasuke at all, he would've seen this coming.

When they arrived at the apartment, the first thing Sasuke did was head for the shower. Alone and sulking, Naruto sat in front of the TV, trying not to think about the reason why he needed a shower in the first place.

Naruto flipped through the channels mindlessly, finally ending up on some documentary about Tibet on the History channel. It made him remember this weird thing from his childhood when he thought being a monk might be cool. It was probably the orange robes they wore that he liked. Well, not really. It was the solitude and peace that fascinated him. What would it be like to be that content and to not really care about things or be weighed down by selfish and shallow emotions?

It didn't feel like it was very long before Sasuke rejoined him. He took a seat on the couch, still drying his hair with a towel. He'd borrowed a pair of sweatpants from Naruto's dresser. Naruto could smell his soap and shampoo all over him. The marks on his neck were pretty fucking obvious.

Had he not given any thought at all to Naruto noticing them, or was it that Sasuke wanted him to know? He started to feel sick to his stomach again.

"Shower's free if you want it," Sasuke said.

"Ah."

"What are you watching?"

"TV."

"Naruto."

Naruto tore his eyes away from the television to look at him.

"What's up with you?"

He wondered how Sasuke could be this cool about it and guessed that what went on between the two of them didn't matter much, after all. What were they? What was their relationship to one another? Was he just a way for Sasuke to gain sexual experience?

"I think I'm gonna go to bed," Naruto said, getting to his feet. He needed to be anywhere but here right now.

As he attempted his escape, Sasuke caught him by the wrist.

"Naruto."

"Don't - " He started to say Don't say my name like that.

Naruto took in a breath and smiled as convincingly as he could.

"I guess I'm more tired than I realized. Heh."

"Should I sleep on the couch?"

That hurt. Why did that hurt?

"Uh, if you want." He scratched the back of his head. "If you wanna stay up and watch TV. Just... do whatever."

"You're acting strange."

"I think it's the pot," he lied. "It didn't seem right."

"You smoked pot?"

"Er, yeah. There were these people in the basement. I would've told you about it, but it sort of knocked me on my ass for a while."

"You should be more careful." Sasuke let go of his wrist, and Naruto started rubbing where he still felt heat from the touch. "You never know what some people put in that stuff."

"Don't worry," he said. "I can take care of myself."

"I've seen evidence that proves otherwise."

"Maybe you should," he said, "Sleep on the couch tonight. I might get sick in the middle of the night, so I wouldn't wanna barf on you."

"No." Sasuke made a face. "I suppose that wouldn't be very pleasant. Well, if you're sure."

He wasn't sure. He wanted Sasuke to fight him on it.

"Okay, well. ...Goodnight."

Naruto waved, knowing he sounded awkward as fuck. He walked with a hurried step to his bedroom. He wasn't feeling up to taking a shower, so he stripped down to his boxers and collapsed on the felt so foolish as he pulled one of the pillows to him and bit back a frustrated growl. It wasn't so much the jealousy, though that continued to pulse and throb in the background of everything. It was... this fear of abandonment. That Sasuke was tired of him, or that he didn't want to be friends anymore. Naruto couldn't help thinking about it even knowing from where those fears stemmed. It hurt. It hurt so much. It hurt like -

Great. He was about to cry now. How much more lame could he get tonight? Jealous his own best friend was getting what was due him, and then selfishly wanting to keep him chained to his side so that he wouldn't be left alone. If anything, he deserved to feel miserable. Maybe half a year ago he never should've let them cross that line to begin with. After all, it was Naruto who'd boldly declared it wasn't a big deal and that he was going with the flow and doing what he wanted.

But what did Sasuke want?

Maybe he really was keeping Sasuke from doing what a gay teenage boy should be doing. If he was only making it harder for Sasuke to be who he needed to be, he should seriously consider stepping aside. At least it solidified the need for Naruto to go to college somewhere else. What if he was more dependent upon their friendship than Sasuke was? Maybe he already thought Naruto was too clingy and co-dependent.

"Tch." Naruto clenched his fist as he buried his face in the pillow. "You're pathetic. You selfish, pathetic, needy prick."

He hated himself... so much.

Yet, at the same time, he wanted so badly for Sasuke to come in here and tell him it was all okay. He wanted Sasuke's reassurance. Naruto wanted to feel needed by someone. He wanted to feel needed by someone so his existence in this world mattered… went noticed, and so that he didn't have to feel like once you died, there was nothing and no trace of that person anymore.

Being with Sasuke... could make him feel alive and special.

Had whoever Sasuke was with felt that way, too? Did they have any idea what they had in being allowed to do that with him? Did they appreciate Sasuke's touch or the way he kissed? Did they feel that power and passion that shifted below the surface? That Sasuke was this wonderful enigma who could draw you in and burn you if you so much as -

What the hell was wrong with him?

Why was he pining over his best friend like a lovesick teenage girl?

Sick.

Naruto took in a deep breath. He just needed to put it out of his mind. He should go to sleep and stop thinking about it. Sasuke was probably feeling pretty damn good about it, too. That he'd been able to get some action tonight without having to wait on Naruto.

He just needed to stop feeling sorry for himself and start feeling happy that Sasuke's love life was evolving without his interference.

Sasuke watched the TV for a while but grew restless as time went on. He thought when he offered to take the couch that Naruto would argue with him like he usually did. Something was definitely up with him. Or, maybe Naruto really wasn't feeling well. In that case, he should check on him. He turned off the TV and walked toward the hall. Naruto's bedroom door was open, though it was dark inside. He stood in the doorway, unable to summon that conviction he'd felt in the car. Instead, the guilt was beginning to creep its way in until he became paranoid. What if Naruto could tell? What if he already knew?

He drew closer to the bed. Naruto was curled up on one side, and Sasuke crawled onto the other. He sat next to Naruto's prone form, trying to figure out whether he was really asleep. Normally, Sasuke wouldn't hesitate, but he couldn't get himself to do what he really wanted, which was to get under the covers with Naruto, touch him, hold him, and talk like they always did. It occurred to him what tonight's experimentation had lacked: intimacy. He had that with Naruto even without them being in a romantic relationship.

Is that why he felt guilty? It's true that they didn't impose rules on one another. To be fair, Naruto had always been clear that if he was to date, he wouldn't do anything with Sasuke during that time. Naruto held fast to that, and Sasuke just had to find a way to deal with it. But when Naruto wasn't dating anyone, he messed around only with Sasuke.

So, in a way, Sasuke was the first one to break that unspoken rule. Or was he overthinking it, and Naruto never looked at things that way? No, he knew. Naruto was loyal. It's why he refused to screw around with Sasuke while he had a girlfriend. So, when Naruto didn't have a girlfriend, he was, basically, loyal to Sasuke. And Sasuke had just fucked around with someone else during the time that was meant to be theirs. If Naruto did know, how did he feel about it? If he knew, why hadn't he said anything?

Sasuke touched Naruto on the shoulder. "Naruto."

He didn't wake or respond, so he shook him harder this time until he began to feel desperate for Naruto to wake.

"Wh-what is it?" Naruto asked, halfway up in the bed and squinting at him. "Sasuke? What's wrong?"

"I cheated," he blurted.

"Huh?"

"I cheated."

Naruto rubbed at his eyes, sitting up all the way. "What the hell are you talkin' about?"

"You don't know?

"I don't know what you're talkin' about, no. You cheated at what?"

So, Naruto didn't know?

He looked away, disappointed somehow. "Nevermind."

Some time passed before the sheets rustled, gaining his attention, and causing him to glance at Naruto again.

"Is this about… tonight?" Naruto asked quietly as he drew his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. "You don't have to explain."

Sasuke's heart began to pound. "So, you do know?"

"I - " Naruto, with a sigh, scratched the back of his head. "I mean… yeah. Sorry. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to say anything, but when I went to find you, and I was callin' you, I heard your ringtone comin' from one of the occupied bedrooms. So. Yeah."

"You don't… have any questions?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "What do you want me to say?"

"I…" What did he want Naruto to say? "Tell me it doesn't bother you."

"Okay." Naruto pressed his lips together. "It doesn't bother me."

"You're lying."

"Listen, if you got me up just to tell me that you fucked around with another guy, it's none of my business. We aren't dating. In fact, I should be happy for you. I'm surprised, that's all, that you didn't care about hookin' up with some random dude at a house party when you're always so paranoid about bein' caught."

"I'm not paranoid," he argued.

He was worried about the annoyance in Naruto's tone. He also felt a rising panic that Naruto had been outside the door at the time.

"Do you want me to congratulate you, or what? Congratulations on getting laid. Good for you. Now, can I go back to sleep?"

"You're angry."

"I'm not angry. I'm tired." Naruto flopped back down in his bed.

"I want to talk about this."

"That's unusual for you, isn't it?" Naruto mumbled. "Besides, I don't want to talk about it. I'm happy for you, but I'd rather you spare me the details."

"Naruto," he said and reached for his shoulder, but Naruto jerked away.

That… scared him. Was Naruto that mad? He didn't seem jealous. He seemed pissed.

"You're disappointed in me," he said.

"Sasuke. You're a big boy. You're free to do what you want."

"Is that so?" Sasuke grabbed Naruto and rolled him over so that he would actually look at him. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"I won't. It doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters. It always matters to me what you think."

"Does it? Well, it shouldn't."

"Why are you being an asshole?"

"Because I don't wanna hear about the details of your sex life!" Naruto shouted.

Sasuke searched his face. "Are you… jealous? Naruto, you dated other people this summer. You can't - "

"I know, okay! That's why I'm not sayin' anything. I guess I figured - " But, he stopped and shook his head.

"You figured what?"

Naruto averted his gaze. "Nothing. Could you just - leave me alone? We can talk about this in the morning if you really want, but I don't wanna talk about it now."

"Why does everything always have to be on your terms?"

Naruto snorted. "You can really say that after tonight? You're such a dick. I'm goin' to bed. You can sleep on the couch."

"Are you punishing me for sleeping with someone else?"

"Ah, okay. So you went that far? That's good. Good for you. I'm goin' to bed now." Naruto rolled over and dragged one of the pillows on top of his head.

Sasuke snatched it off and threw it across the room. "What does it matter how far I went with him? It's not like you and I ever go that far."

"Oh, so now this is my fault? I don't put out, so you're cool with fucking another guy while I'm in the same house?"

"I had to be cool with you fucking your little girlfriends and then flaunting that shit in front of me at school while knowing how I feel!"

"What?" Naruto sounded surprised, which irritated him.

"You heard me. You're right. I'll give you what you want. I'd rather go sleep on the couch than share this bed with you."

He got up and left, angry and frustrated. Sasuke made it as far as the door before he was yanked by the arm and shoved back toward the bed. The next thing he knew, Naruto was on all fours above him.

"Go ahead then," Naruto said, sounding a little threatening. "You wanna talk about it we'll talk. Tell me all the details."

"You don't mean that."

"Sure I do. Who was it? Anyone I'd know?"

"It's doubtful."

"What did he look like?"

"Naruto - "

"Shut up. This is what you said you wanted, Sasuke. I'll act like I'm interested, so let's do this. What did he look like?"

Sasuke attempted a glare even though this was making his blood rush. Naruto brought his face even closer. He could smell the alcohol on his breath.

"I'd rather not say," he replied.

"Are you scared to tell me?"

"No, I - " Sasuke turned his head to the side, trying to avoid that accusatory look of Naruto's. "He looked like Yahiko, I guess."

"Why tonight? I don't get it."

"Because…" He looked up at Naruto, searching him. What could he say?

Because you weren't paying enough attention to me lately? Because you were flirting with girls in front of me tonight? Because I was horny and knew I couldn't have that with you, so I got it from someone else who was willing? Because having sex with another guy meant I could imagine what it would feel like if I was with you?

"Not going to finish what you were saying?" Naruto nearly growled.

It was fucked up, but he was starting to get excited being pinned down by Naruto when he was this furious. Not to mention a part of him wanted to believe there was some jealousy mixed in with all of that anger. Even though his mind was saying Then claim me, what came out was:

"You don't own me."

Naruto glared. "I know that. You think I don't know that?"

"Then why are you so mad?"

"Because you lied to me."

"I didn't lie to you."

"You had no intention of telling me, did you? Did you figure I'd be too stupid to notice? Do you think after all of the times that we've fucked around that I wouldn't know? Even if I hadn't heard your phone, I would've figured it out by that look on your face. Although those bruises on your neck gave it away pretty damn fast. You're not nearly as sneaky as you think, Sasuke, you bastard."

Sasuke felt the spot on his neck that was already sore and tender. It didn't make him feel great, knowing he had someone else's mark on him. If their positions were reversed, he wouldn't be handling this nearly as calmly as Naruto and Naruto was not calm.

"I guess like with you," he said, knowing it was a half-lie, "I wanted to spare your feelings. You never talked about what you did with your girlfriends, so I thought I'd offer you the same courtesy."

"Well, then you fucked up because you just came into my bed to tell me you cheated. And what the hell is that supposed to mean anyway? We're not dating, so if you have it in your head that you cheated on me then you need a fucking reality check!"

Sasuke pushed him off, and when Naruto was on his back, scrambled on top of him. He pinned Naruto's wrists to the mattress so that he would stop moving.

"What is it you really want to hear, Naruto? Would it make you feel better to know that I thought of you the entire time? That I constantly compared him to you and how it was a million times better when it's just the two of us? So, what? It's not like you thought of me when you were with those girls this summer!"

"I told you before I started dating them that I would stay loyal to the person I'm with at the time," Naruto argued, struggling beneath his weight. "We talked about it several times. Don't act like I wasn't aware of how it could make you feel. You've always been free to do what you want. I've never tried to hold you back."

"Fine, then maybe from now on I shouldn't hold back at all."

"Great," said Naruto. "Get a boyfriend then. Fuck his brains out. I don't care."

"Clearly you do care. By the way." Sasuke, with a smirk, leaned over him so that he could rest his elbows on either side of Naruto's head. "Why are you getting excited at a time like this, hm? You think I can't feel that? That's pretty twisted, Naruto. Telling me to go fuck a whole truckload of whoever I want while you're getting hard underneath me. Talk about mixed signals."

"Shut up," Naruto spat. "And I never told you to go fuck a whole truckload of guys. Jesus, Sasuke. Stop bein' such a goddam baby all of the time. How the hell are you gonna have a boyfriend if you don't even have the balls to come out to anyone but me, your brother, and all his gay friends?"

"I'm tired of having that conversation with you."

"Well maybe I'm tired of - " Naruto shut his mouth before finishing.

"Say it. What? You're tired of me?"

Naruto glared in place of an answer.

"If that's how you feel, then I'm gone." Sasuke got off of him in a hurry. If Naruto didn't want him around, then fine.

He made it to the living room before Naruto took him by surprise by tackling him from behind. It was dark, and they both lost their footing. They ended up on the floor, rolling around on top of each other until he ended up beneath Naruto on the rug, arms forcibly restrained.

"What do you want?" Naruto growled. "Should we go at it right here? Will that satisfy you? Then let's have sex."

"I don't want to have sex with you."

They both knew that was a lie. Sasuke was rock hard from the mere suggestion.

Naruto started to undo the tie on his sweatpants with one hand. "Let's do it. You want to top someone? Assuming you didn't fuck this guy tonight, then I'll be your first."

"Stop it."

"I know you can go more than once tonight. We've done that plenty. I've made you come multiple times in less than an hour, so I know you can get it up." Naruto slid a hand beneath the waistband of his underwear and wrapped his hot fingers around him.

This was it. What he'd been hoping would happen if Naruto found out. This was what he'd wanted all along. He wanted Naruto so badly, any way that he could get him.

"You're leaking all over my fingers, Sasuke," Naruto said, so close to him that their breath mingled. "I hope you can hold out long enough to get inside of me."

Fuck.

His eyes nearly rolled back into his head.

"Naruto," he said without much conviction, "Stop it."

Naruto attached his lips to that spot on his neck, over the bruise. He sucked hard until Sasuke cried out.

"Touch me already."

At Naruto's command, he threw his arms around him and kissed him with everything he had. Sasuke slid his hands inside Naruto's boxers, grabbing hold of his ass as he pressed their hips together. He didn't waste time in separating him and sliding a finger along his crack. Using the tip, he circled Naruto's hole. The hand stroking him started to slow as the anticipation built. They hadn't done anything like this before. Naruto held his breath; Sasuke did, too. He watched the look on Naruto's face as he pushed the finger inside of him. Naruto opened his mouth in a silent moan while sliding down on it. He could feel Naruto clenching around him. It was hard not to think about having this tight grip around his cock. All he could imagine was being inside Naruto, deep in him, having him all to himself, bringing him off, and making him his and his alone.

At this rate, he wouldn't last. This little bit of progress was enough to make all coherent thought fly out of his brain. It was a gamble, but Sasuke didn't ask permission when he started to insert a second finger. Naruto didn't protest, though he let out a grunt from Sasuke stretching him. He shifted around in Sasuke's lap and then forced himself all of the way down onto the two fingers.

"Ride me," Sasuke whispered, his desire reaching desperate levels.

With his eyes shut, Naruto took his fingers like it wasn't his first time. Sasuke grabbed hold of his bouncing cock and stroked it for him in the quick and dirty way he knew Naruto liked.

"Sasuke," Naruto moaned. "Sasuke," he said again, squeezing around his fingers. "Say something."

Sasuke lifted himself up on his elbows, watching the way his fingers disappeared into him. "If this is the closest I can get to you coming with me inside you, I want it."

Naruto groaned again, his body twisting erotically on top of him, driving down on his fingers while rocking into Sasuke's fist.

"Kiss me, Naruto," he demanded.

Naruto kissed him wetly, both of their mouths wide open so that their tongues could touch for the first time. While he worked Naruto over with his hands, he felt the first spurt of cum between his fingers. Naruto shouted out so loudly there was no way he didn't wake the neighbors.

"Jesus, Naruto, keep quiet," Sasuke hushed him, but by then it was over.

Naruto buried his face in Sasuke's neck, hips shifting up and down a few more times before he finally came to a stop and his body slumped on top of him. His weight was heavy, but so warm against his body. Sasuke, rather blown away by what just happened, remained in a rather precarious state of arousal. If Naruto so much as breathed on him, he'd come without even being touched. He pulled his two fingers out and wrapped his arms around Naruto, holding him.

"I…," how badly did he want to say this, I love you, Naruto.

He couldn't get out the words even though his heart and thoughts were filled with Naruto.

The hurt was almost physical as he ached for this.

Naruto, meanwhile, nuzzled at his neck and kissed at his throat. He wasn't in any hurry to get out of Sasuke's arms.

Sasuke gazed at the ceiling. He could die right now. He could die a very happy man. What happened earlier tonight at the party couldn't even compare to the satisfaction this brought him.

"Fuck," he said, knowing this was bad.

"I guess we didn't make it to that part," Naruto replied.

Sasuke rubbed his back, for once thankful about his friend's tendency toward obliviousness. "I wouldn't have been able to last."

"You're still hard." Naruto began moving down his body. "I'll take care of it."

Sasuke pulled him back up. "No."

He was already struggling to fight off a premature finish from having Naruto on top of him like this. It didn't help that he kept replaying that look on Naruto's face in his mind, or recalling the feel of him riding his fingers.

"Don't move or I'll lose it right now. Let me calm down first."

"Okay." Naruto remained obediently still. "Let me know when I can move. Not that I'm in any better shape. That one almost hurt, I came so hard."

"Yeah." He smirked. "Don't be surprised if your neighbors call and complain tomorrow."

"Like I care."

"You will if your dad hears about it."

"Hmm." Naruto's lips pressed to one side of his throat - over that bruise - and then he licked a wet stripe up Sasuke's neck.

He shuddered beneath him. "Don't."

"That would be hot," Naruto said in that sexy bedroom voice of his. "If I could make you come without even touching you."

"I'd rather come while being able to touch you."

"Fine. I'll give you a few minutes, and then I'm gonna do what I want."

Naruto attempted to remain still, but it was difficult for him. What they'd just done - how he'd let Sasuke fuck him with his fingers like that - it made him wonder why they didn't go all the way at this point. The arguing from before had excited him, and now that they'd come this far and Sasuke was this hard, he had an urge to satisfy him. Or, did he feel like he needed to compete with the unknown man from earlier who'd touched Sasuke this way? Every time he thought about it, it pissed him off all over again even if that didn't make any rational sense.

"Sasuke," he said, breathing heavily against his neck. "Do you want to do more? ...With me?"

Sasuke's hand moved along the line of his spine. He sighed next to Naruto's ear. "That's a stupid question."

"You're hard, and I'm... I've gotta be a little ready to go, right? Back there?"

Sasuke snorted at him, but then he pressed his hand to Naruto's cheek and guided him into a long, passionate kiss that, as it deepened, started to make the thoughts and feelings he was having toward Sasuke and their messed up friendship blur even more. When Sasuke grabbed his asscheeks and squeezed them apart, he let out a low moan.

"Stop it." Sasuke broke their kiss to bite his bottom lip.

"I can't help it," Naruto murmured against his jaw. "I'm feeling slutty."

"Please." Sasuke let his head drop on the rug. "Stop talking."

He couldn't stop, though. He was feeling… territorial and strange.

"Why did you really hook up with someone else tonight?" Naruto sat up so that he could yank his boxers past his knees, and then lay on top of him again. "Don't stop touching me."

"I'm wondering that very same thing right now." Sasuke began running his hands over him again - down his back and sides, over his ass and thighs... and then he strayed to Naruto's crack, tracing it with his finger.

Naruto found he liked the way Sasuke's face looked as he struggled to keep his desire at bay. Even though he liked it even more when Sasuke let himself go. Only he, at least up until tonight, really got to see this side of his best friend.

"Do you think things would change that much between us if we went all the way?"

Sasuke opened his eyes to regard him. "Don't you?"

"I'm feeling weird right now... so I don't know for sure."

"Hm."

"What do you want, Sasuke?"

He felt the tip of Sasuke's finger at his hole.

"You," Sasuke answered. "I've always wanted you."

"What if for tonight we pretended - "

"I don't want to pretend," Sasuke said before he could finish.

"I don't want us to play games like this."

"Games?"

"You," Naruto stared at the mark on his neck, "Fucking other guys in front of me and making me feel this way."

"What way?"

He pressed his lips to Sasuke's skin. "Jealous."

"I didn't fuck anybody in front of you," Sasuke replied calmly. "Don't you think it's fair that if you've been having sex, that I should be able to? I didn't know him. I'll never see him again. I didn't ask his name, and I didn't give him mine. It was just sex."

"Isn't that all we do… but without the, you know?"

"No." Sasuke didn't elaborate, which left him wondering all kinds of things.

Naruto started having odd thoughts as he considered what happened tonight. Even this, the way Sasuke was touching him now, felt too intimate. He thought maybe for one night they could put aside all of their hang-ups about having sex. What would be the big deal? When they'd first met, Naruto had carelessly offered to be a part of Sasuke's first experience topping another guy, especially if it meant he wasn't hooking up with Itachi's friends.

He knew why they hadn't crossed that line, though. They'd be in the same situation as before. Naruto wasn't gay, he knew he was attracted to women, but he cared about Sasuke. He's the only guy he'd ever felt feelings of attraction toward. Still. Naruto liked the idea of being with someone who would go all in when it came to a relationship, so the idea of thinking about Sasuke that way wasn't possible until he was ready to come out. Naruto didn't know exactly how Sasuke felt about it, but if all he wanted was sex (with other people), maybe he should put an end to stuff like this that made it confusing and difficult for either of them to move on to a real relationship.

"What is it we're doing, Sasuke? If you want to have sex with men because you can't do it with me, maybe we shouldn't be doing this stuff anymore. Maybe this should be the last time."

"Is that some kind of ultimatum?" Sasuke sat up and repositioned Naruto in his lap.

"Things are getting blurry." Naruto put both arms around Sasuke's neck.

He gave Naruto a long look he couldn't place before unexpectedly grabbing him by the arms and rolling them over so that Sasuke was the one on top now. "Things were already blurry."

Without warning, he hooked his arms under Naruto's knees and pushed his legs and ass into the air. "Are you doing that thing you do, Naruto? When you leave it to me to decide what's best for the both of us? Or, should I say... for you?"

"I don't know what I'm doing," he confessed.

Sasuke looked so serious as Naruto re-settled his arms around the boy's neck. He almost felt guilty that he didn't want this to stop, whatever it was they had going on between them. He loved Sasuke as a friend, but if they kept doing this, one or both of them was going to end up getting hurt. If Sasuke came to him one day and confided that he'd finally topped someone, would he be jealous? Would he be envious of that person? Naruto was cynical when it came to love, but having sex with Sasuke might end up being confusing for a whole list of reasons. He didn't know for sure if Sasuke felt the same because clearly he was fine doing it with just about anybody.

"What are you thinking, Naruto?" Sasuke gently threaded his fingers through his hair. "You look worried."

All he could do was shake his head. "I don't know what I'm thinking."

"You're so useless," Sasuke breathed against his skin. "Why are you tempting me?"

"Because. I want you to be happy." He said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I am happy." Sasuke kissed across his collarbone. "If you told me not to get with anyone else, I wouldn't. I'd even put up with your occasional girlfriends. You'd only have to say the word."

He pressed a hand to Sasuke's chest, not entirely sure if he could believe him. "You're teasing me. Don't say things like that."

"I'm not teasing." Sasuke placed a kiss to his chin. "I'm serious." He started tracing the line of Naruto's jaw with his tongue.

Why was it always so hard to say no to him?

Since things had already progressed this far, they both reached for Sasuke's sweatpants at the same time and pulled them down. The pants got thrown off to the side, and then Sasuke was on him again, slipping his arms under his knees and bending his body so that Naruto could feel his erection sliding between his asscheeks. He must've made a face because Sasuke smirked.

"I have some restraint," he told Naruto. "Don't worry. I won't put it in, as much as I want to."

Maybe it was because of tonight, but being under Sasuke in this particular position made him feel uncertain and even submissive. As Sasuke proceeded to rub against him, Naruto wound an arm around his waist to keep him in place. He'd leave it up to Sasuke to decide since he trusted him.

"On a scale of 1 to 10," Sasuke murmured near his ear, "How jealous were you?"

"Twenty. Easily," he replied.

Slowing their pace, Sasuke cupped his cheek. There was such a soft look in his eyes, too. "I suppose it would be too much to ask it's because you've finally fallen in love with me?"

Naruto's eyes widened. "Sasuke..."

"Don't give me that look. I'm only kidding."

Naruto wasn't so sure, but before he could question him, he buried his face in Naruto's neck and started thrusting faster. It was funny to think that if Sasuke pushed in instead of sliding through, that everything between them would change forever. Honestly, if their positions were reversed, Naruto didn't think he could restrain himself like this.

In order to clear his head, he closed his eyes for a second. When he opened them, he caught Sasuke watching himself - moving, rubbing, and sliding between his asscheeks.

"Sasuke," he said, understanding that feeling of wanting to be inside the other person, "If you want to - "

"I'm fine," Sasuke growled and, almost as a reprimand, bit him hard on the neck.

Naruto cried out. "Dammit, Sasuke."

"I'm close," Sasuke whispered near his ear.

He barely had time to register his words before Sasuke sat back on his knees and dragged Naruto with him. Leaning over his body, Sasuke took his own cock in hand and fisted it. Naruto kept his eyes trained on him while Sasuke jerked himself off over his stomach. Seeing how Sasuke looked as he was about to come was always such a fucking turn-on for him. Naruto motioned for him to come closer, and when he did, was able to hook his thumb inside the corner of Sasuke's mouth. Their eyes locked as he sucked on it like he would Naruto's cock and started to come. Before he finished, he took hold of Naruto and stroked them off together. Naruto squirmed beneath him, not having realized how close he was just from watching Sasuke get off.

"Don't hold back, Naruto. Let me hear you."

Sasuke, moving on top of him, latched onto his neck, and Naruto moaned, not caring that there was a possibility his dad could come home early and walk in on two naked teenage boys writhing and rubbing against each other on the living room floor.

"Make me come," he panted. "Make me come, Sasuke. Right now."

Sasuke grunted. "I was planning on it."

He searched out Naruto's mouth, and while they kissed, Naruto came for the second time. He rocked savagely into his best friend's tight grip, and gave himself up at the last second to thoughts of Sasuke owning him, possessing him, demanding his pleasure -

"Sasuke," he moaned loudly as his climax hit.

Sasuke held him tightly, body trembling against his. "Naruto."

After a few minutes of trying to catch their breath, Sasuke began to drop kisses on his chest and neck. He was feeling emotionally drained and physically exhausted. All he wanted to do was get into bed and maybe cuddle a little if Sasuke would let him get away with it.

"I get to be the big spoon tonight," said Sasuke.

Naruto chuckled tiredly. "Mind reader."

"Mmm. Time to get up." Sasuke moved off of him and got to his feet. He held out his hand.

Naruto took it and let himself be pulled up. "Your hair's bein' weird."

Sasuke pointed. "You have cum all over your stomach."

He slapped his hand away. "S'not polite to point, bastard. You should've licked it off."

"More like I should've taken a picture."

"Ha, no. Your brother would find them for sure."

He grabbed Sasuke's hand and led him to the bathroom. They were about a foot away from the door when Sasuke abruptly stopped and pinned him to the wall.

"What's this?" Naruto asked.

Sasuke gave him a rather intense look.

"Sasuke?"

"If I - "

Sasuke stopped to search him again only to shake his head.

"Nevermind. You stink. Let's go."

He took Naruto's hand and dragged him the rest of the way. Once they were in the bathroom, Naruto wondered what he'd been about to say. He brushed his teeth while Sasuke turned on the shower and found them some towels.

"It's ready," said Sasuke. "And since I'm here, you won't do anything dumb like pass out and get pneumonia."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Shut up. That happened that one time, and it was because - Wait. Now that I think about it, that's one more time you fooled around on me. You let that guy kiss you while you were on stage."

"What are you doing, Naruto?" Sasuke pulled him into the shower and under the hot spray of water. "You're acting like a jealous boyfriend."

He gave Naruto this look that made his heart start to pound and then, taking his face in his hands, leaned in for a kiss that had him doubting his sexuality for the millionth time.

"Sasuke," he said, reaching for his hand and holding onto it. "I love you. You know?"

Sasuke's eyes widened the slightest bit, and then he smirked. "I know. But, you're still the little spoon tonight. No amount of smooth talking is going to change my mind."

Naruto snorted at his arrogance. "God, you're such an asshole."

"So you love an asshole. What does that make you?"

"All things considered, I'd say I'm lucky to have met you. Even if you cheat on me from time to time."

Sasuke traced his top lip with a finger. "You really are acting like a jealous boyfriend. If you keep it up, I might have to make you come a third time."

"No way." He smiled, though. "Fine. I'm not jealous. I'm simply concerned for your well-being. I hope you were at least safe about it."

"Safe enough."

Naruto made a face. "I'm being serious."

"Don't be serious." He slid his fingers through Naruto's hair. "That's going to turn me on again, too."

"Does everything I do turn you on?" He asked, meaning it as a joke.

"I wonder." Sasuke leaned in and gave him another kiss that felt incredibly tender and affectionate. Even after so much exertion, it still sent jolts of pleasure throughout his body.

After kissing and touching for a while, they finally got around to cleaning up. Sasuke even used the shampoo on him and lathered his hair. It felt so good to have his fingers massaging his head. He could've fallen asleep right there

"Alright," said Sasuke. "Let's get you into bed before you pass out and I have to carry your sorry ass."

Only because he was sleepy, he let Sasuke boss him around as they dried off. They also needed to make sure to remove all evidence of their activities from the living room. When they were back in Naruto's room they each put on a pair of his boxers and got into bed. He was lying on his right side as Sasuke shuffled up behind him and slipped an arm around his waist.

"Now this feels like how it should be," Sasuke said in his ear.

"I have this strange feeling," Naruto replied, "That you somehow meant for this to happen. If I wasn't so tired, I'd beat up on you a little."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Sasuke's hand shifted on his stomach, raising the hairs at the back of his neck.

"What am I gonna do with you?"

Sasuke's lips pressed to the back of his neck. He started humming something, low and soft.

He meant to ask him what the song was, but he was so tired.

Sasuke's hold on him tightened. "Goodnight, Naruto."

Naruto closed his eyes, knowing that this could be the calm before the storm but not caring. "G'night... Sasuke."