A/N: Formerly "Cheap Thrills" to y-gal peeps. Thank you to lilangel171 for sending me this first chapter as I could not find it within my disorganized filing system.

It was the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Minato had just left for a weekend trip to Portland. Usually, Naruto would be hanging out with Sasuke right about now, but Itachi was on break for the holiday. He'd go over there tomorrow to say hello after they got in their family bonding. In the meantime, Sai was coming over to spend the night. The other teen always wanted to go to some club whenever they got together. He'd kind of wanted to stay home tonight, but the empty apartment felt lonely. He wondered what Sasuke was up to, and if he'd run into Yahiko yet. A month ago, after he'd decided to draw some boundaries between them, Naruto realized that meant he didn't have any right to lecture Sasuke about what he did with other guys, including that Yahiko-bastard.

Well, none of his business. He closed his laptop and, grabbing for his phone, threw himself across the bed. He started reading through the feeds on his Snapchat and Twitter - nothing from Sasuke, of course, as he was too cool for social media. He only commented on Naruto's stuff when he was out with other people. Naruto did tend to get in more trouble if Sasuke wasn't there to remind him how to not act like a teenager.

His phone buzzed when he received a text from Sai.

In the lobby now. Should be up in five minutes.

He got off the bed, attempting to kick clothing and sneakers beneath it. Naruto replied as he picked up his baseball mitt from off the floor and put it on top of his bookshelf.

This time we're eating first before you drag me out to some gay club.

I hope your dancing has improved since last time. It's embarrassing for me to be seen with you.

He snorted. You're just jealous that all your gay friends love me more than you.

They want to fuck you, so there's no way they'll tell you that you suck at dancing.

Ah, hm. When he put it that way. He thought that he got along pretty well with Sai's group of friends. They were all from other schools. Sai didn't have many friends who went to their school besides himself. Even Sasuke wouldn't have much to do with him other than a certain level of polite civility. Naruto always felt that if they actually gave it a try, they might realize they have things in common. Yet, while Sai was out and proud… Sasuke was - well, Sasuke was Sasuke.

With Sai, it was what you see is what you get, and Naruto liked that about him. He wasn't afraid to be himself. It sometimes meant that he shared a little too much information about his sex life, but it was alright. On the other hand, Naruto never told Sai about his forays into homosexuality with Sasuke. He teased Naruto occasionally, even suggesting stuff that wasn't entirely inaccurate, and Naruto didn't have the heart to outright lie about it. He would've admitted to it if asked directly, but it was pretty obvious Sasuke wouldn't be too happy about anyone from their school knowing.

There was this one thing he hadn't mentioned to Sasuke because it would only cause unnecessary drama, and Naruto took care of the situation swiftly. Sai confessed he had feelings for him over the summer. It was awkward, but Naruto managed to tell him he only saw Sai as a friend. He'd just broken up with the first girl he'd been dating, and he'd already been putting up with some attitude from Sasuke. But, Sai had taken it really well, and, after that, they were still friends. Sai never treated him any differently, and they went out just as much. If anything, it seemed to ramp up Sai's love life now that he wasn't focused on Naruto.

Usually the guys he "dated" were pretty cool. One even knew Sasuke because he was also in a band that played around Seattle. Not that Naruto didn't already know, but Sasuke was a pretty popular person in that whole scene. Bands always wanted him to play with them because he was proficient on several instruments and more mature and responsible than a lot of the other musicians his age. He'd also started doing the bookings for his band, and, because he was so fucking good at that stuff, other bands had tried to recruit him to manage their bookings, fees, and a whole lot of other crap Naruto didn't even understand.

Sasuke was so damn talented it should've been annoying, but, actually, Naruto - as usual - was very proud of him. He only wished Fugaku shared his feelings about it.

It was a few minutes after Sai's last text that he heard a knock at the door. Naruto dropped his phone on the bed and went to let his friend into the apartment.

"Yo," he said with a big smile.

"Hey." Sai gave him a disgruntled look. "Is that what you're wearing tonight?"

"No. I wanna have dinner first, and then I'll change. I hope Thanksgiving leftovers are okay?"

"That's fine. I'm not picky." He followed Naruto in and threw his leather jacket over the back of the couch. "What's Sasuke up to tonight?"

"He's hanging out with his brother and his brother's friends would be my guess."

"Are any of them good looking?" Sai went to the fridge and started pulling out tupperware tubs without waiting for him.

"Uh. I mean... yeah. I'd say so. I don't think any of them are as good looking as Itachi, though." He hopped up on the counter, watching Sai make himself at home in his kitchen.

"Sasuke's not bad looking, so it makes sense his brother would be attractive, too."

Naruto nodded. "His whole family is good looking."

"Your family is, too," Sai replied, plating some turkey and mashed potatoes for him.

He jumped down. "Ah, I can do that!"

"It's okay. It's faster if I do it. You'd get it all over the floors and walls."

"I wouldn't."

"Would you say Itachi or Sasuke is more good looking?" Sai asked casually. "In your opinion."

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Just curious."

"I guess I'd say they're both good looking guys in different ways. Itachi's got long hair and is more of that quiet, dry wit type of guy you know could probably be some kind of trained assassin for a government agency. Sasuke is..."

Sai turned around. "'Sasuke is'?"

"Sasuke's... cool, right?"

"The girls in our class seem to think so." He put the first plate in the microwave. "Some of the boys, too, I'm sure."

That wouldn't surprise him at all.

"Heh. Maybe so." He scratched the back of his neck as Sai turned around to face him. "Sasuke's got a lot of great qualities. It's why he's one of my best friends."

"Uh huh." Sai cocked his head slowly and gave him an unsettling smirk. "Well, you're mine for tonight, so forget all about Sasuke Uchiha for a while. If you can."

Naruto frowned. "Tch. You act like he and I broke up or somethin'."

"You two have been acting oddly at school lately. Oh, for the past month I'd say."

"We have?" Naruto rubbed at his chin. He didn't think they'd been interacting any differently than normal. They got along fine. They just hadn't fooled around since that one night after the party. In fact, Sasuke had been pretty subdued as of late, but he figured it was because exams were coming up. Most of Sasuke's free time was spent at the library or performing on the weekends. Naruto had gone to a couple of his shows, and they still hung out when they had time. He'd say they talked on the phone about every night. So, what exactly was different?

"Lovers' quarrel," Sai said gleefully as the microwave dinged.

"Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about."

"Keep lying to yourself, Naruto. It's written all over your face how much you adore him. I'm over it. I hardly get jealous anymore."

He shook his head. "You realize we're hangin' out tonight, right? Just you and me?"

"I realize," said Sai as he put in the other plate and brought him over his so they could eat at the island counter. "I'm grateful he's so willing to lend you out to me."

Naruto rolled his eyes and picked up the fork Sai set in front of him. "So, moving on from that exciting topic. Where are we goin' tonight?"

"A club."

"Yeah, I know, but which one?"

"We're meeting my friends at R."

"Didn't we go there two weeks ago?"

"No, that was a different one. After this, I'll pick you out something to wear. You'd think Sasuke would dress you better. Doesn't he take you shopping?"

Naruto almost dropped his fork. "Why would he take me out shopping?"

"Are you kidding?" Sai crossed his arms. "Isn't it obvious?"

Crap. Had he given it away? "Um... no?"

"Haven't you seen the way he dresses outside of school? He's got style. Unlike you. Unless your style is sloppy jock."

"Hey, I know how to dress well when the occasion calls for it!"

"True. I wanted to bend you over at prom." Sai took his plate out of the microwave and joined him at the counter. They sat close enough for him to be able to smell Sai's cologne.

"I wonder how my date would've felt about that," Naruto replied.

"Maybe she would've wanted to join in," said Sai. "Ever think about having a threesome?"

He started choking on his potatoes. Sai slapped him on the back.

"I prefer to give my attention to one person at a time," he wheezed.

"You say that now, but there may come a time when the opportunity presents itself. And, you don't seem like having another dude on the other side of the girl would put you off."

He wondered what would give Sai that impression. "I don't think we should talk about this while I'm eating."

"Why? Isn't that what teenage boys are supposed to talk about? Sex? By the way, when was the last time you got any?"

"That's none of your business."

Besides his own hand, that would be a month ago, with Sasuke.

"Well, if it makes you feel better," Sai was saying, "Even though you broke up with that little cheerleader, she's been telling the other girls how talented you are in bed."

"Shut up."

"You should be proud. I wish someone would spread that kind of rumor about me." Sai let out a heavy exhale. "Lucky bitch."

"I didn't realize she was telling other people," he mumbled, unable to help a slight blush. "Although, I guess girls talk about that stuff, huh?"

"They do." Sai rapped his knuckles next to his plate. "Even more than guys. It's strange I never hear rumors about Sasuke. You'd think he'd be getting tons of action."

"Sasuke's not into high school girls," he said somewhat defensively.

Sai shot him an amused look. "I bet."

Naruto glared. "Knock it off. Sasuke's tastes are mature. You don't have to worry about him. I went to see him play this one time, and the singer kissed him in front of the audience."

Oh shit. He shouldn't have mentioned that.

"Oh, really?" Sai asked. "An older woman? I suppose I could see that about him. Funny, I always figured he was holding out for you. Was she hot at least?"

"Very funny." Naruto remembered that situation clearly since that asshole Yagura had pissed him off. "Er... I dunno. The singer was... kind of... not very nice."

"Hm. Makes sense. Girls can be real bitches sometimes. But, so can I."

Naruto cleared his throat. "You're alright. I like you just the way you are."

"Keep saying stuff like that, and I'll fall in love with you again. Now. Hurry up and eat so I can go out and grind on some pretty twinks who are willing to return my affections."

"I said I was sorry." He poked Sai in the arm. "If I was gay, I'd consider it."

"Then, try to be bisexual at least. I know you like girls, but there's a lot men have to offer, too."

Naruto felt his cheeks heat up again. "Yeah, yeah. You really do have a one track mind, don't you?"

Sai offered a crooked grin. "I just don't want you to miss out on a wild youth. When you first came to this school, you were so rebellious and anti-establishment, but now it's like Uchiha had you neutered. You look at that guy, and he's got to have something going on we don't know about. The fact that he plays with all kinds of bands in bars that none of us underage peasants can get into makes me think he leads some kind of double life."

"You're overthinking it, dude. Sasuke's a good guy. You can trust me on that." Naruto picked at his turkey, not as hungry as he was 10 minutes ago. "Well, I'm done, so if you wanna finish yours, I'll go find somethin' decent to wear."

"Are you sure you don't want help undressing?" Sai asked.

"Maybe after a few drinks," he replied.

Sai snickered. "Call me in when you're ready so that I can style your hair."

"Sure, sure," he said, getting up from the stool and heading to his bedroom. "I wouldn't want you to be embarrassed in front of your gay buddies because of all my flyaways."

Sasuke was sitting on the deck, guitar in his lap as he strummed along with some of the other guys. Today, several of Itachi's friends had gathered at the house. The weather was crisp but not too cold considering it was almost December. He continued playing as Hidan, a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, began to sing, "Wise men say. It looks like rain today. It crackled on the speakers. And trickled down the sleepy subway trains."

Kimimaro, sitting at Sasuke's left, picked up where he left off, "For heavy eyes could hardly hold us. Aching legs that often told us. It's all worth it. We all fall in love sometimes."

The two men sang together in tones that were quiet and somber, "The full moon's bright. And starlight filled the evening. We wrote it, and I played it. Something happened. It's so strange, this feeling. Naive notions that were childish. Simple tunes that tried to hide it. But when it comes… we all fall in love sometimes."

Their singing stopped, but Sasuke played through the song, the melancholy melody caught in his mind as his eyes flicked to the corner where Itachi sat with Yahiko. They were talking together. Itachi was smiling, and then Yahiko laughed - that wonderful and free rumble that almost made him miss a note. He looked as attractive as Sasuke remembered with his wild hair and piercings, dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt and a worn out pair of old jeans.

Hidan nudged him. "Where's your boyfriend tonight?"

"Where is Naruto?" Kimimaro asked. "I thought you two were attached at the hip."

"Don't know," he replied, leaning his guitar against the table. "How long does it take for one man to make hot chocolate?"

"You know Deidara," said Hidan, "He's easily distracted. Hey, you two in the corner. Are you conspiring? You act like you haven't seen each other in ages even though you both go to the same damn college."

"Are you feeling left out?" Yahiko asked, his smile widening as he stood up from the chair and walked toward them.

"Yeah. Sasuke's not as fun without his partner in crime," Hidan replied. "He's mopin'."

"Shut up," Sasuke grumbled.

"I keep hearing about this Naruto," Yahiko said to him. "I wouldn't mind meeting the kind of guy that catches your eye, Sasuke."

Sasuke's gaze lifted slowly until it met the older man's.

"He's a classmate, and he's straight."

"Pretty sure he's more flexible than that," Kimimaro added with a chuckle. "I remember the first night we all hung out here. It made me nostalgic, watching the two of you kiss."

"Yeah, good thing Deidara still has it on video." Hidan punched him lightly in the shoulder. "What's the problem? We all approve of him."

"Now, now. Let's not all gang up on Sasuke," said Itachi, as he got up and walked their way, too. He stood beside Yahiko. "You'll like him, Yahiko."

"Ah, if you like him, Itachi, then I wouldn't mind meeting him. I've heard you talk about him enough that my interest is piqued."

"Just don't fall for him," said Hidan, "Or you'll have Sasuke to deal with."

"Aren't you guys a little too old to be playing matchmaker?" Sasuke asked, feeling irritated at being ganged up on. Not to mention, the idea of Naruto meeting Yahiko didn't sound very appealing.

For the past month, they hadn't exactly got into any raging fights, but there was a certain tension. Or, maybe that's because he'd been more focused on his studies lately. What else was he supposed to do when stuff between them kept building up? He needed to redirect his attention elsewhere so that he didn't make the same mistake he did a month ago.

Itachi placed a hand on his shoulder. "We're going into the city. You're more than welcome to go with us."

He looked up at his brother. "Where are you going?"

"Usual places," he answered. "Jirōbō and Kisame are meeting us."

"You should come," said Yahiko. "It wouldn't be the same without Itachi's little brother hanging out with us old folks and keepin' us from causing too much trouble."

He smiled at Sasuke, and the offer was very tempting.

"Not tonight," he said. "But you can call me if you need a designated driver."

"That's what Uber is for," Hidan interjected. "No need for you to get out of your cozy bed."

The back door slid open, and out came Deidara in the North Face jacket he'd borrowed from Itachi.

"Why are we all crowding around Sasuke?" Deidara asked. "Did I miss something? Are we picking on him because he's so adorable?"

"We aren't picking on Sasuke," said Yahiko as he put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "We're gettin' ready to go out, Dei."

"At least let me finish my hot chocolate," complained the blond. "Where's Naruto, Sasuke? I feel slighted that he hasn't shown up."

"Who knows?" He wondered why he was Naruto's designated keeper. "You may bump into him when you're downtown. He's usually out partying since his father is hardly home."

"I see, I see." Deidara nodded his head vigorously. "That explains the look on your face. If you come with, I'm sure you can text your beloved and have him meet us somewhere downtown."

"We can go one night without seeing each other," said Sasuke. "But if you do run into him, make sure he doesn't get arrested."

Itachi chuckled. "Is that the kind of trouble he gets into when you aren't around to keep an eye on him?"

"I wouldn't know. I don't keep track of what he does when he's hanging out with other friends."

"Of course."

He'd been doing enough reckless things over the past few months to feel like he'd be better off staying at home. He could get some more studying in before he went to bed. There were other things he should be working on, too. This was the first weekend he hadn't had a show in a while. It felt good to have some time off from the other guys in the band. Yagura could be overbearing, and his advances had only become more frequent. At first, it used to be a joke, a way for him to get under Sasuke's skin. Now it felt as though he was being seriously pursued. He hadn't mentioned it to Naruto since he had the tendency to try and play bodyguard, but Sasuke could handle the singer on his own.

"Well, if you're sure," said Yahiko. "We won't force you."

The rest of the guys got up and started shuffling inside. It must've been around 11 p.m. Both of their parents were in bed. Sasuke grabbed his guitar and followed behind Kimimaro. It would be good for Itachi to spend time alone with all of his friends. No need for him to tag along. They'd always been good enough to let him, but he knew how he would feel if he was Itachi.

By the time he returned his guitar to the room upstairs, everyone had their jackets on and were lingering near the hallway by the kitchen.

"I'll be home late," said Itachi. "Make sure you tell Naruto I expect to see him tomorrow."

"I will." He leaned against the wall, eyes straying to Yahiko as he slipped on his sneakers.

As if on cue, he turned and looked up, eyes locking with Sasuke's.

He smiled. "Have a good night, Sasuke. See you tomorrow."

Sasuke's cheeks grew hot. "Have fun."

"Bye, kiddo," said Hidan.

"See you, Sasuke," said Kimimaro.

Deidara, his hair in two braids that fell over his shoulders, came up to him while the others began piling out the front door. "You alright?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"You seem... kind of down."

"I'm fine." He stood a little straighter.

"You know. I may look like this and act like a goof sometimes, but... if you're having any problems - especially when it comes to boys - you can always talk to me. There's not much I haven't been through already. You have my number if you want to talk."

"...Okay." He didn't know what to say, especially when Deidara put both arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Goodnight."

Just like that, Deidara bounced his way down the hallway, his heels clicking on the hardwood floor as he left to join everyone else.

Sasuke went to the door and watched from behind the screen as the group got into Itachi's SUV and started heading down the long driveway.

Naruto was laughing as he walked into the lobby of the apartment complex with Sai. The other teen was dancing around like an idiot, trying to get him to play along. He drank enough tonight that he took Sai's offered hand and let himself be twirled a couple of times while stumbling toward the elevator. As they waited for the elevator, Sai slipped an arm around his waist.

"You had fun tonight?" He asked Naruto.

"Yeah, it was fun. I have to admit. Gay clubs are always more fun than the other ones."

"Sorry there weren't very many girls for you to hit on," Sai said, removing his arm long enough to push Naruto through the elevator doors.

"S'okay. I wasn't really lookin' for anything like that tonight."

"Pretty sure that if you swung the other way you could've had a lot of options."

"Heh." He slid up against the wall, keeping upright thanks to a metal bar. "Nah. Not one of your friends even tried anything."

"Did you want them to?" Sai leaned against him and rested his head on Naruto's shoulder. "I don't suppose you want to share a bed tonight?"

"Sai."

"Do you make Sasuke sleep on the couch when he stays the night?"

Naruto rubbed his lips together. "Yeah. Sometimes. If you want, you can sleep with me. You don't usually 'cause you say I kick and move around too much."

"You do." Sai picked his head up. "It's like you're epileptic once you fall asleep."

He shrugged. "Sasuke never complains."

The elevator doors opened.

"So you do sleep with Sasuke when he comes over!" Sai pushed him through the doors and down the hallway. "Traitor."

"I told you he sleeps in my bed some of the time," he argued as he searched for the key in his back pocket. "And stop - stop makin' so much noise. Neighbors are gonna complain."

"Give me that." He took the key out of Naruto's hand. "It'll take you forever to get into the hole. Ah, wait. That didn't come out right."

Naruto snickered as he slumped against the wall, watching Sai open the door to the apartment. "Never had any complaints before."

"So I've heard," Sai muttered. When he had the door open, he waited for Naruto to go in first before closing it behind them.

They took off their shoes, and Naruto immediately went to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. "Want one?"

"I'm good," said Sai. "Mind if I take first shower?"

"Nope. Don't mind. Help yourself."

"I'll crash on the couch. It's cool."

"Whatever you want." Naruto waved him off and took a few sips of water to cool himself down. He was in shape, but five hours of dancing had worn him out. Not to mention it was hot as hell in there, and everyone liked to pack in nice and tight.

He brought his water with him as he headed for his room just in time to hear the shower turn on. Naruto ripped off his shirt and threw it into the corner somewhere. He collapsed on the bed with his pants still on, eventually crawling toward the pillows. Even after closing his eyes, he couldn't seem to fall asleep. He flopped around a couple of times until, with a huff, he got off the bed to remove his jeans. As he pulled them down, his phone fell out of his back pocket.

Naruto picked it up and stared at the screen. No messages. He wondered if Sasuke went out with all of his brother's friends? As he slipped back under the covers, he debated sending him a text - but he also didn't want to wake Sasuke up if he'd gone to bed. While he was staring at the screen, there was a quiet knock at the door.

"Come in."

"I'm done in there if you want the shower," said Sai, "Although it looks like you're ready for bed. Are you naked under there?"

"Nope. Got my boxers on."

"Damn. Just my luck. Make me breakfast tomorrow?"

"Yep. You got it. Wake me up if I'm still sleepin'."

"Oh, I will. You can count on it. Goodnight, Naruto. Give my regards to Sasuke."

"Hey - "

Sai closed the door before Naruto could throw something at him. Jeez. Sometimes he couldn't tell if Sai was that perceptive or if he was only jealous of Sasuke. Or both. Or neither, who knows? He wasn't sober enough to figure it out. Hm. He did want to text him, though.

He pressed on Sasuke's name and stared at the blinking cursor before typing.

You awake?

There wasn't any response even after a whole minute.

"Fine then," he said aloud and left his phone on his chest. Two seconds later it started vibrating. Smiling, he picked it up and read.

I am now, idiot. Are you in jail?

Naruto chuckled. Not this time. I'm in bed, so no need to come bail me out

As if I would. You still owe me for pizza last week.

Did you have fun with Itachi and his friends?

I did. They left me behind. Went out to the clubs.

Ah, did they? I was out there all night. Why didn't Itachi text me?

He probably thought you already had plans. Did you go by yourself like a loser?

Nah, went with Sai. He's staying the night.

Cool

He couldn't help a grin. On the couch

His phone started to ring, so he answered and held it to his ear.

"I didn't say anything."

Naruto had to laugh. "You didn't have to. He says hi, by the way."

"I thought you said he was on the couch."

"He is... but a few minutes ago he saw I was on my phone and apparently figured I was going to talk to you."

"And why would you want to talk to me at," there was a pause, "It's after 2 in the morning, Naruto."

"That's why I texted." He rolled over, pulling the covers up to his chest. "Tell me what you did today?"

"Why should I?"

"Curious, and I wanna hear a story before I go to sleep."

"Hm. The family went out last night for dinner. Neither of my parents are that big on Thanksgiving being Japanese and all, so we went out somewhere nice."

"That's not very patriotic," said Naruto. He smiled when he heard Sasuke's soft laughter. "Then what?"

"Itachi and I hung out. We played some video games, listened to records, talked. The usual things we do when he comes home."

"Was it nice to see your brother?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad." He buried his face into the pillow, still smiling.

"What about you? What did you do with Sai tonight?"

"More like what didn't I do, am I right?"

"I'm hanging up now - "

"No, stop! I'm kidding. Uh. Dad and I had Thanksgiving dinner last night. He left for Portland today, so I moped around the apartment until Sai came over. We ate leftovers, and then he took me to R to meet up with his friends. Went to a couple more clubs, danced and drank too much, then we came back."

"Did you get anyone's number?"

"Heh. Nah. When I go with Sai and his friends, it's like they act as a barrier. No guys really come up to me. Or, were you askin' for yourself?"

"Hardly. I think I can do better than some stranger in a club."

"I think you can, too," he said without thinking.

There was a short silence on Sasuke's end.

"So, was he there?" Naruto asked.

"He? You'll have to be more specific. It was a literal sausage fest this evening."

"Yahiko." Naruto squinted through the dark at the wall in front of him. "Did he show up?"

"Yes. He's been here since this morning."

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Dunno. Does that... make you happy? Did you get to talk to him much? Is he still dating that chick?"

Sasuke sighed. "Naruto."

"I'm not askin' for any reason other than I...I'm cool with it. I mean. You're 17 now, and if, you know - "

"Nothing's happened," said Sasuke. "He's mostly avoiding me and sticking close to Itachi."

"That bastard is avoiding you?" Naruto abruptly sat up. "How can he do that?"

"Think about it. I'm sure it's awkward for him. It's awkward for me."

"Hm. Still."

"What's he going to do? Bend me over with my brother five feet away?"

Naruto took in a deep breath. "Do you want him to bend you over, Sasuke?"

"It was a joke, Naruto."

"I mean... do you feel, y'know, an attraction to him would you say?"

"Like I'm going to answer that," Sasuke replied, which Naruto could easily take as an affirmative.

"I kind of figured you would be." Naruto lay down again, on his back, and stared up at the ceiling. "This might be the only time I say this, but if you wanna, uh, hit that or whatever, I guess... you have my support."

"What exactly does that mean?" Sasuke asked.

"It means I don't wanna be a cockblock."

"What makes you think I was expecting something to happen?"

"Because." He rubbed at his eye. "I think you have feelings for him still. So, maybe you should talk to him. Maybe he's interested?"

"I don't know why you're saying any of this. You've always acted as if you hate his guts."

"I'm not super impressed with his judgment or the fact he's Itachi's best friend, but I thought I'd try to have your back."

"No offense, but I'd rather not talk about this."

"Okay," he said, stifling a yawn. "I'm not picking a fight. Just want you to talk to me about stuff. Didn't mean anything by it, Sas'."

"...Did you just call me 'Sas'?"

"Sorry. M'really tired. Too tired to finish your name."

"It's okay. Not you calling me that, but that you're tired. Your voice sounds - " He stopped whatever he was going to say.

"Finish," he said, only able to keep one eye open.

"Boundaries prevent me," Sasuke replied, lowering his voice.

"Hmm."

"You shouldn't make that sound either."

"So I can't talk, and I can't hum?"

"You promise Sai didn't try to molest you tonight?"

"Nope. Thought he was well-behaved. We had fun, too. One night, you'll go with us. Although, I guess that might blow your cover. Or, maybe not. He still seems to think you're straight."

"The two of you talk about me?"

"Yeah. Sometimes."

"I don't know how I feel about that."

"I only said good things, don't worry."

"It's not you I'm worried about," said Sasuke.

"Sai's just... I think he's under the impression you and I are havin' some big affair right under his nose."

"Naruto. We sort of are. Or, were, I should say."

He bit his lip and then let out a sigh. "I have a confession."

"If you tell me you made out with him, I will hang up. You can do anything you want except make out with Sai."

"Woah, I didn't know we had stipulations? Didn't I even just say you could hit that again with Yahiko?"

"Do I need your permission to sleep with Yahiko?"

"No, of course not. That's not what I - "

"I know. I'm kidding."

"Oh. I knew that."

"So?"

"So, what?"

"Your confession."

"Ah. I forgot. Nevermind. I don't remember why I was gonna tell you. Probably 'cause I was feelin' some kind of Catholic guilt."

"I don't think you're Catholic, idiot."

"Nah. M'not gonna tell ya 'cause... I'm tryin' to think of why I would."

"I won't press you, but it's annoying when you do things like that."

"Promise you won't get mad or take it the wrong way or make it into a big deal?"

"Now you have me worried. No, I won't get mad or make a big deal about it."

"Over the summer, like, right after I broke up with Kayla - " He almost winced saying her name since it was a sore subject between them, "Sai happened to, uh, confess that he had some feelings. For me. At the time, I didn't tell you because I was thinkin' of Sai. And you and I had been fighting more than usual, so I thought that'd make it worse. But, I guess... I don't wanna hide things from you."

"...Okay."

"You mad?"

"I don't think 'mad' is what I'm feeling. How am I supposed to react to that anyway?"

Naruto rolled to his left side. "In case it wasn't obvious, I did turn him down."

"Good to know that you two weren't having your own secret affair under my nose." Sasuke, though he didn't sound happy, let out a heavy sigh. "Alright. Thanks for telling me, I guess. It - "

"Mm?"

"It's none of my business, you're right. That's between you and him. Do you talk to him about what we say to each other? What we do?"

"No, of course not."

"Then you don't need to tell me what goes on between the two of you. Even if you do suddenly develop feelings for him and decide you're into guys - "

"I told you because... our friendship isn't normal. Or, no. That's not it. It's... I want to tell you everything that's on my mind. I want you to feel like you can do the same, so if you thought Yahiko looked hot with his hair pushed back, you can... tell me these things."

"He did look hot in his hooded sweatshirt and tight jeans."

"Oh, well. Okay. There you go."

"He's got a nice laugh and a great smile, and when he looks at me, I feel like I'm some - school girl."

"But, you're not a school girl," said Naruto, feeling a strange pang in his chest that he had to rub. "No big deal. You've got a crush on him. What's wrong with that?"

"Lots of things. Everything you've always said - you're right. He's my brother's friend. I don't regret what happened between us, but I know it wasn't the smartest decision I've ever made. I put him in an awkward situation."

"Sasuke, you were drunk, and he's five years older than you - "

"That's not really an excuse. I wanted him. I'd wanted him for a while, and I set it up so that I would get what I want. You, out of all people, should know I'm capable of something like that."

Naruto swallowed hard.

"I don't think anything will happen," Sasuke told him. "Plus, everyone wants you to come over tomorrow, especially my brother. There's no opportunity for anything to happen."

"Why not?"

"Because he's only here until Sunday, and I figured you'd be staying the night tomorrow."

"You and I both know, and don't take this the wrong way, that me bein' in that house might not stop you from goin' after somethin', if you really want it."

"Naruto." Sasuke sighed again. "I know we haven't talked about this since that night, but I didn't really want that to happen. I was attracted to the guy, I guess, but I was mad and frustrated and lonely. I agree that we shouldn't restrict each other, but there was more going on with that than simple sex. We both know that, and... I am sorry."

"I know. Maybe... maybe it was kinda meant to be? A sign that the stuff that we'd been doing wasn't healthy for either of us. If you were feeling that angry and frustrated, then, I'm still glad we've decided to - yeah. It doesn't bother me too much if it's you hurting me, but the idea that I'm makin' you feel that way - "

"It shouldn't be like that," said Sasuke. "You can't just let me hurt you because you 'don't mind it'. You make it sound like you're some kind of masochist, which I know you're not. Even if you used to go around putting your fist through windows. Who are you, Holden Caulfield?"

Naruto chuckled. "Ah. You know, besides my hand, I haven't gotten any action since that night."

"That surprises me considering the rumors going around about you. I wanted to add to them, but I didn't think it was my place."

He groaned. "Yeah, I heard. Sai mentioned it to me tonight. Apparently no one at school felt like tellin' me to my face. It's kind of embarrassing."

"To have people think you're good in bed? I would've liked to have been spared the details. I heard enough in the locker room on a couple of occasions. However, I have to agree. From what I remember, you're very skilled at," Sasuke paused as if to smile, "Going down on your partner?"

"Shut up."

"They say you're very giving. Like a sexual saint."

"Okay, now you're just bein' an asshole. I don't even wanna date right now. It's too weird and complicated."

"I'm sure."

"I feel like you're enjoying this somehow."

"Yes, I do so love to think about what you do with your girlfriends."

"Sasuke - "

"It's fine. You can have your crushes, and I'll have mine."

Naruto lost his smile. "Yeah..."

"As good as it's been to have this conversation and hear your voice, I'm about to fall asleep on you."

Why did he feel a little bit sad hearing Sasuke had his own crushes and was even still attracted to Yahiko? He genuinely wanted Sasuke to be open with him about these things because he thought it would be good for him, and that's how their friendship should be. This was a step in the right direction, for sure. They were doing their own things but could still talk about stuff openly.

But, it made him feel lonely. He was always waiting for Sasuke to move on. Why did it sit heavy with him that what he felt for the girls he dated seemed insignificant compared to -

It didn't matter.

"Naruto?"

He closed his eyes. "Ah, sorry. I almost fell asleep on you first."

"Should I come and get you tomorrow?"

"Nah. I can get there on my own. You should keep hangin' out with Itachi and everyone else. Was Deidara there?"

"He was."

"Did he ask about me?"

"Everyone asked about you, attention whore. You won't be lonely tomorrow. I doubt I'll have you to myself at any point. I do ask that you not punch Yahiko in the face as that would give it away."

"I can be subtle," Naruto said. "I'll be well-behaved. As long as - "

"As long as what?"

"Just don't do it in front of me. Is that okay to request?"

"Why would I have sex in front of you?"

"I meant kissing and touching, Jesus. Not sex! No, don't have sex in front of me. Please."

"Fine, if you're going to be that adamant about it." Sasuke snorted. "Jealous boyfriend."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. If that's what you wanna call it. I doubt you'd want me to do that in front of you."

"No, I really wouldn't, but I have seen you with girls, Naruto. So, you can handle it."

He didn't know what to say to that.

"Don't come too late," said Sasuke. "I'll let you go to sleep."

"I promised Sai breakfast, but then he'll probably take off."

"I see. You promised him breakfast, did you?"

He pulled at his bedsheet. "I know you're not jealous of him, so don't try to be cute."

"I don't think he's your type."

"No, what is my type?"

"Cute cheerleader is what it seems so far," Sasuke replied. "Way to be a walking cliche."

"I'm sorry I'm not into guys with tattoos and piercings."

"Go to bed, Naruto. You're not making sense."

"Aren't I?"

"No."

"M'not tired anymore."

"Oh? Well, I am. Go jerk off. Maybe that'll help."

He smirked. "I guess I could, but that would suck if Sai changed his mind and decided to walk into my room while I was masturbating."

"Lock the door then."

"Sounds like too much work."

"Then ask him to do it for you."

Naruto frowned at his alarm clock. "Ass."

"Why?"

"I'm goin' to bed."

"Don't go to bed mad at me for making a dumb joke. What is your deal?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? Probably sexually frustrated. You're right. I'll go jerk off. I shoulda done it before I went out. I didn't take a shower yet anyway. Alright then. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Naruto..."

"What is it?"

"Enjoy your shower. I won't say anything about boundaries if I happen to cross your mind once or twice. Goodnight."

It took a second for him to reply, but all he could say was, "Goodnight, Sasuke."