After they finished eating, Itachi and Yahiko made a run to the store to pick up some alcohol for tonight's bonfire. He was surprised Naruto didn't want to tag along as attached as he'd become to Yahiko. Instead, the two of them were hanging out in his room. Sasuke was on the computer trying to book some shows for next month. He'd even started being paid by other bands since he'd built a lot of relationships with different bar and venue owners over the past couple of years. Naruto was sprawled across his bed, probably talking to his other boyfriend, Sai. It was unnerving to have him around and yet he was being incredibly quiet. It almost made him nervous.
"Naruto," he said, turning in his chair, "Why don't you go downstairs and play video games by yourself until they get back?"
"Huh? Why would I do that?" He didn't even look up from his phone.
"Because. You're being so quiet that it's irritating me."
"I thought I'd be nice and let you work!"
"What are you doing?" He got up from the chair and strolled over to the foot of the bed.
"It's called social networking," Naruto replied dryly, "It involves networking... socially?"
He climbed on top of the duvet and plucked the phone from his fingers without trying to look at the screen. Turning the power button off, he set it on one of the side tables.
"What's that about?" Naruto asked. "You acted like you had things to do."
"When did you start becoming so thoughtful of other people?"
Since Naruto was laying the wrong way across his bed, Sasuke flipped onto his back and rested his head on Naruto's side, legs hanging over the edge. He clasped his fingers together on his stomach and let out a contented sigh.
"Comfortable?" Naruto asked, reaching for one of the pillows and stuffing it under his head.
Sasuke made a small noise of discontent as he was jostled with the movement.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," said Naruto. "What's up?"
"How did Sai confess to you? I mean, what were the circumstances?"
"I really shouldn't have told you about that."
"I won't say anything." He made a face. "I'm only curious."
"If you want dating advice, why don't you just ask him."
"Like hell," he murmured, closing his eyes. "Tell me."
"Well, like I said. It was after Kayla and I broke up, and, since you weren't really in the mood to console me, Sai offered to take me out. We ended up havin' a pretty good time hangin' out with his friends and goin' to dinner near the pier and then some coffee shop that was doin' an open mic thing–"
"This sounds like a date already, you realize?" He could only imagine Sai planning an evening where he tried to set the mood and then ask Naruto out or whatever his intentions were.
"I didn't think much of it at the time 'cause he and I usually do stuff like that, though it's not very often we go out to dinner. Probably shoulda known better when he paid for it."
"I pay for your dinner all the time," Sasuke muttered.
"Do you wanna hear this story or not, you ass? Also, up until a month ago, you were gettin' somethin' out of buyin' me dinner, so shut it."
He chuckled despite himself. "Carry on."
"Where was I?"
Likely, Naruto didn't realize when he started petting Sasuke's head. It felt too good and familiar for him to say anything about it. He hoped the idiot wouldn't notice.
"Open mic night at the coffee shop," he reminded him.
"Right, yeah. So we went there, and it was a lot of fun. I remember thinkin' the girl playin' guitar on stage was pretty hot."
"Poor Sai. He didn't have a chance, did he?"
Naruto stopped playing with his hair. "Sorry," he mumbled. "Force of habit."
"No worries. Continue."
"Don't laugh, but I wanted to take a ferry ride. So, we got on the ferry and went over to Bainbridge Island, got some ice cream, and headed back. On the way, we were up on the top deck, near the front. We were sittin' on a bench together when he just... said he'd basically had feelings for me since early on and that he didn't expect anything, but he wanted me to know."
"That's admirable," Sasuke replied.
"It was. I remember bein' really flattered. I didn't wanna hurt his feelings, but I felt like... if I was honest, then he could try to move on, and we could keep bein' friends."
"He didn't try to kiss you, did he?"
"If he did," said Naruto, shifting onto his elbows to look at him, "Would that be any of your business?"
"It definitely would've clued me into you being a little more heteroflexible than previously stipulated."
"What's that mean?"
"The actual words I used or the meaning behind them?" He rolled away from him since Naruto kept moving around.
"I have never kissed Sai if that's what you're asking."
"That's not what I was asking," he replied calmly. "I know you, Naruto. Even if you didn't mention the confession–you would've told me if something like that happened. Not because you were obligated to, but because we typically tell each other everything. Don't we?"
The expression on Naruto's face changed from annoyance to... well, he wasn't sure, but the sudden smile on his face made Sasuke's heart skip.
"Yeah," said Naruto. "We do. I'm sorry for not tellin' you about Sai, but I guess the timing seemed off, and I took care of it."
"It wasn't my business. It was a private moment between you and Sai."
"Why are you...?" Naruto started to ask, but when his cheeks turned red, he glanced away while rubbing at the side of his nose.
How many times had he seen that gesture exactly? It made Sasuke want to tackle him.
He shifted around so that he could sit cross legged in front of him. He always got the best answers when he was firm and direct with Naruto.
"Why am I what?" He reached for the end of the teen's pant leg and tugged.
"Why are you," Naruto searched his face, "... saying all the right things?"
He smiled, albeit lop-sidedly. "What did you say earlier? It's called 'being considerate'."
Naruto continued to look at him like he was speaking in Japanese.
"Are you at a loss for words without your new boyfriend?" He teased.
"I was only being nice, Sasuke. Here I thought you were bein' so charming for a second. I thought maybe an alien had taken over your body."
"Is that something you'd be into?" He asked, leaving Naruto's pant leg alone in order to lean back on his arms.
"Maybe if you had tentacles for arms. Aren't the Japanese really into that kind of thing?"
"Racist," he remarked flippantly and smirked.
"Seriously." Naruto went to lean against the headboard. He crossed his legs at the ankles; Sasuke saw that he was wearing mismatched socks today. "Are you flirting with me or just fucking with me right now?"
"Mostly the latter," he replied, "But only because you won't let me do the former."
He shook his head. "Do you think it's possible your brother thought it would be funny to drug your pizza? Like, maybe he put roofies in it. Is that possible?"
"Anything is possible when it comes to my brother," he said.
Naruto hummed, eyeing him suspiciously the entire time.
"What?"
"You. You're weird. I can't tell if you really want me to cockblock you from Yahiko, or you're so annoyed that I was talkin' with him earlier that you're jerking me around, and I'm too dumb to even realize what you're doing."
"I told you," he replied, very close to reaching for that piece of hair in front of Naruto's left eye. "I'm not interested in doing anything with him so long as you're here."
"But, why?"
"Because I gave my word."
"You don't owe me anything, and I already said that I liked the guy. I thought he'd be more... perverty. But he's not at all. I dunno what you did to get him to sleep with you, but I'm leaning toward witchcraft or, again, the drugs."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You act like every time you go out someone tries to drug you. You're awfully paranoid. Should I be worried?"
"Do you or don't you wanna have some alone time with him? 'Cause if you do, then I could at least stay in the spare room upstairs, and maybe he could sneak–"
"Naruto," he said, getting frustrated. "Shut up."
Naruto did shut up, but that didn't stop him from glaring.
"He and I are still friendly," Sasuke attempted to explain. "Also, think about it. How thrilled would my brother be if the two of us were flirting in front of him? I'm sure Yahiko doesn't want Itachi to know what happened, so I really don't think he'd be that interested."
"Okay... if you say so then. I just... don't wanna get in the way of somethin' you might want."
Sasuke felt a little guilty for making him worry. "Besides, he seems to have taken a liking to you."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "He's nice, and he's easy to talk to. He's different than Itachi's other friends. You must've thought so, too, since he's the one you wanted to lose your virginity to."
Sasuke regarded him quietly until Naruto slid off of the bed to stretch. He kept his eyes on Sasuke, too. In their shared look, he felt some kind of unspoken tension.
When was this feeling of wanting to spontaneously hold or kiss him going to go away? Sometimes it wasn't all that easy to abide by Naruto's new rules. They didn't touch, but the desire to remained. All Naruto would have to do was call it off, and Sasuke would be on him in a heartbeat. It was both thrilling and terrifying to know someone evoked this in him. He was always so composed, but in this moment of stillness and silence between them, he felt that passion stirring to life. The kind that was unpredictable and even dangerous.
Did Naruto know? When Naruto looked at him, did he know that he could flip him on like a switch?
Sasuke would give him everything if he asked, but Naruto never would. He was too self-sacrificing and principled. Sure, they both had their moments of weakness, but he knew Naruto was committed to making sure nothing happened. There was no one to blame but himself for where they were now in their friendship; if he wouldn't have slept with the DJ, then would things be different right now? Could he push Naruto down on the bed, feel his body heat up underneath him, and let his hands roam all over?
Naruto, who was particular with the people he chose to be with like that–how many others wanted him the way Sasuke did? Besides the girls in their school, besides Sai. How many people looked at Naruto when he went out to the clubs, talked to him and learned how funny and charming he could be, or had the opportunity to see one of those smiles that made Sasuke wish he had the balls to do what Sai did? How many of them wanted what Sasuke lost the privilege to?
What about Yahiko? Sasuke thought the older man was mostly being polite, but after listening to their conversation in the car, he could tell that he was not unaware or even immune to Naruto's charms. He also knew that the way Naruto spoke and the interest he showed in other people could easily be construed as flirting. But, it wasn't very realistic to think Yahiko would try anything, and even less believable that Naruto had any awareness of what he was doing.
When neither of them said anything for a while, Naruto picked up his phone and slid it into his back pocket without turning it on. He was watching Sasuke the way Sasuke was watching him.
Then, there was a knock on his door.
"Yeah?" Naruto answered.
"Are you and Sasuke decent?" Itachi asked.
Naruto walked around the bed to go open the door. "What is it you think we're doin' all the time?"
"I'd rather not describe it exactly," Itachi replied. "They're both dressed, so it's okay to come in."
Yahiko stood behind his brother and, gently, gave Itachi a push forward.
"You act like every time they have an opportunity, they're goin' at it like rabbits," said Yahiko.
The both of them came into his room. Itachi ruffled Naruto's hair.
"Is that my brother's sweatshirt?" He asked. "I didn't notice it before."
"It is. I couldn't fit one into my bag," said Naruto. "So I stole it."
"It looks good on you," said Yahiko.
"Yeah?" Naruto burst into a grin, and Sasuke groaned internally.
Maybe he was wrong. Maybe he should be worried. He'd definitely have to make sure to keep Naruto away from the alcohol tonight.
"The guys should be here in about 10 minutes," Itachi announced. "So, if the two of you would like to assist us outside. Naruto, I know how much you like to start fires."
"Ah, that's the part I enjoy, too," said Yahiko.
"We can do it together." Naruto folded his arms behind his head. "But I get to squirt the lighter fluid on the pile."
"Deal." Yahiko was smiling at him and, eventually, put a hand to Naruto's lower back to usher him out of the room. "Should we get to it then?"
Sasuke watched but without realizing how transparent he was being.
"Sasuke."
He'd almost forgotten that his brother was there.
"What's going on inside your head that you have such a scary look on your face?"
"I'm not crazy," Sasuke insisted. "There's definitely something going on with those two."
"I seriously doubt it. Don't you think you're being paranoid? Naruto's straight, after all."
Sasuke gave him a look.
"You're obviously the exception," Itachi corrected quickly. "There's no way Yahiko would try anything. You know him better than that."
"I'm not so sure."
Itachi put a hand on his shoulder. "You do realize Naruto is his own person. You two aren't dating underneath my nose, are you?"
"No," he said, almost regretfully. "We're not dating."
"Naruto's been dating girls from your school."
It wasn't quite a statement or question, so Sasuke narrowed his eyes at his brother.
"I realize... it seems strange." Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, frustrated because he knew he only sounded jealous and paranoid. "But I can't shake this feeling that–"
He trailed off, touching two fingers to his lips as he experienced something akin to wonder. Like maybe he didn't know Naruto as well as he thought.
"Do you want me to have a word with Yahiko?" Itachi offered. "If you're that concerned, I could at least ask him what his intentions are. Personally, I think they're both friendly people, Sasuke. Unlike us. There are people like that who share a certain energy and are attracted to one another. It doesn't have to be sexual. Unless, of course, it's not Yahiko you're jealous of... but Naruto."
Sasuke's eyes moved quickly to his brother's face, but Itachi's expression was neutral.
"If you really don't want to leave the two of them alone," Itachi suggested, "Perhaps we should join them."
"I'm not really worried." Sasuke got to his feet. "I trust Naruto."
"Trust him to what?"
That was a valid question. Naruto wasn't obligated to do anything. He didn't belong to Sasuke. Why was the thought of losing him to another man so much worse than Naruto dating pretty little cheerleaders? He didn't quite understand it, but really… it was more like a gut feeling than paranoia. It's like when he could just tell another man was gay without the usual signs.
"Whatever happens," he said decidedly, brushing past Itachi. "It's fine."
"Good," replied his brother, "Then let's all just have a good time without any unnecessary drama, shall we?"
He and Yahiko had teamed up to get the firepit and seating all prepared. After everyone arrived, there was a lot of hugging and catching up. Mostly Naruto tackling everybody even though he saw them once in a while when he was bumming around downtown or going with Sasuke to one of his shows. There were a couple coolers, too, all filled with beer and other alcohol. After last night, he decided to take it easy by starting with a Bud Light. He was sitting in between Yahiko and Kimimaro, both of whom were having a conversation about the process of tattooing since Yahiko had a license. Naruto already knew that he'd been the one to pierce Deidara's belly-button. In fact, he'd already seen the piercing twice tonight thanks to the blond man's enthusiasm for revealing skin at any and every opportunity.
"What about you, Naruto?" Kimimaro nudged him. "Ever thought about getting a tattoo?"
"Once or twice," he replied. "My dad would kill me, though. Even if he was cool with it, I dunno what I'd get. How do you decide what you want?"
"Hm." Yahiko scratched at his chin. "In my experience it's either something of sentimental value or something they saw on the internet that they thought was cool. I have a few that ask me for some custom designs, but I usually only do that for friends."
"How many tattoos do you have at this point?" Kimimaro asked.
Naruto was curious, too. He'd seen the sleeve on his right arm while they were eating pizza, but who knew how many were under his clothes. Well, Sasuke, he supposed, since he'd seen him naked and all. He shook his head, not wanting to think about it.
"At this point?" Yahiko adjusted one of the cuffs on his sweatshirt. "Besides my arm... five."
"Five?" Naruto asked. "Where are they?"
"If I'd known you were so curious," he responded slyly, "I would've shown you before we came out here. I have one on my chest, one near my hip, two on my back, and a small one on my ankle. I thought about getting one on the back of my neck, but Konan told me to wait. I guess there's nothing stopping me now, eh?"
"I heard a rumor that she and you broke up," said Kimimaro. "I'm sorry to hear it's true."
"Yeah, but it sounds like the two of you are gonna get back together." Naruto gave Yahiko a friendly nudge in case this topic was too depressing.
"I'm sure we will." Yahiko gazed up at the sky. "I'm not worried. I think having some time to consider what you want is a good thing in a relationship."
"I wouldn't know," said Naruto. "I think I'm pretty bad with commitment. Not, like, being loyal or whatever, but... I dunno. I start to wonder–okay, where is this going? It's obviously not gonna last since we're both in high school."
"I take it you aren't talking about Sasuke." Kimimaro gave him a pat on his knee. "How did he handle it? When you told him you'd be dating girls from your school?"
"How did he handle it?" Naruto repeated. "Why does everyone always act as if he and I are in a relationship?"
"Because sometimes it seems like you are. I've seen how the two of you are when you're together. I get your circumstances, but I'm just saying. I know how I would feel if I was in Sasuke's position."
"How would you feel?" Naruto asked thoughtfully.
"I'm sure Yahiko can back me up on this, but when you're a man who likes other men, there comes a time when you find someone that becomes worth the trouble. It's common with us–gay men in particular–to use and abuse. When we're younger, we're not always looking for something serious, but when you find someone who you'd like to sleep with more than once... well. Not that I'm saying you and Sasuke have that sort of relationship–" He gave Naruto a look, but he made sure to keep his face from giving anything away, "I think he cares about you. A man wouldn't have to be in love with his straight friend to feel jealous or hurt. I think it... just comes with the territory sometimes."
"And Sasuke is a very complex kid," Yahiko added. "I think we can relate to the fact that he's not ready to come out to Fugaku and Mikoto, or everyone at school, but he's intense and mature for only being 17. I'm sure he feels things and thinks about things more deeply than the average teenager."
Kimimaro nodded. "Definitely. If he was older and wasn't Itachi's younger brother, I can't say I'd be able to resist. I'd at least buy him a drink if we were at a bar and I spotted him out. When he gets older, that kid's definitely going to be a heartbreaker."
Yahiko chuckled. "I completely agree."
Naruto listened to the two of them talking about Sasuke and could never deny how amazing Sasuke was as a person. Over the summer, he'd been more than sensitive to Sasuke's moods while he was dating those girls. Sasuke was as polite as he could be to them, and he never complained to Naruto about it. There were just times he knew that Sasuke wasn't exactly ecstatic. They did argue more than usual during those times, but it was never actually about him dating anyone. It would always be about something else, even small, stupid things.
"Well," Yahiko said, putting an arm around Naruto's shoulders. "You shouldn't feel like you have to ask his permission to do what's natural for boys your age."
"Can I ask you guys somethin' personal? Or, I guess this is more directed at you," he said to Yahiko. "How did you... when did you realize that you liked girls and guys?"
Yahiko chuckled and, removing his arm, scratched the back of his head. "Freshman year in high school. Maybe before I had a couple of thoughts about certain classmates. The weird experimentation shit you do with your friends that no one talks about. But by then I knew for sure that I was physically attracted to boys. I hung with a group of pretty emo skater kids, so it was... not uncommon for us to hang out on the weekend, drink, get high, and experiment."
"It was that easy?" He asked. "Did you, y'know, is there even a comin' out process for bisexuals?"
Kimimaro laughed this time and drank from the red solo cup in his hand. Naruto wondered if it was a dumb question to ask, but no one ever really made a big deal about being bisexual, at least not compared to coming out as gay.
"I didn't really come out as bisexual. I guess I mentioned it to my mom–I never knew my real dad–but it was sort of like: I'm going on a date with, Jonathan. See you later, Mom."
"That's kinda cool," said Naruto. "That your mom was chill about it."
"We're close. I think she prefers when I'm with women, but she's never said anything bad about any boyfriend I've had, or if she sees some picture of me kissing another man. She only cares about whether I'm a good person or not or whether I'm happy."
Kimimaro nodded. "I'm one of the few in this group that didn't have much issue with coming out. No one in my family was even surprised."
"I think Fugaku will be hella surprised," said Naruto, "But, honestly, I dunno how."
"What about you?" Yahiko asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Your two best friends are gay. You go to gay clubs. You hang out with us. I was just wondering if you'd ever been curious about it?"
"I've been wondering that, too," said Kimimaro. "None of us are very sure about the extent of your friendship with Sasuke. It's none of our business, Naruto, if you don't want to talk about it. And anything you say stays with us. Obviously we'd be able to help you with any advice if you had questions. If not about your own interests, but about Sasuke. We were that age once, so we know what it's like and how confusing things can be."
"I appreciate it," he said, feeling a little uncomfortable to say the least. "I... wouldn't feel great about talking about it with Sasuke not here."
"Why? What are you talking about?"
Sasuke approached from the other side of the fire without any of them noticing. He'd been talking to Itachi, Jirōbō, Deidara, and Hidan earlier, and they were all over by the shed.
"Growing pains," Yahiko told him with a smile.
Sasuke glanced at Naruto. "Whatever they're trying to get out of you, best not to tell them or everyone will end up knowing."
"That's not true," Kimimaro argued. "He can trust Yahiko. And me. It's only guy talk. Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. You're welcome to join us if you feel so inclined."
"Thanks. I'll pass. Last time that topic came up with all of you here, I got a lecture from Itachi."
"What kind of lecture?" Yahiko asked.
Naruto watched Sasuke, wondering what he'd say considering it had all come about thanks to Deidara revealing Sasuke had lost his virginity. Supposedly, Naruto was the only one who knew the truth.
Sasuke shook his head. "It wasn't anything. Just Deidara opening his big mouth."
"It was about Sasuke losing his virginity as I recall," Kimimaro commented.
The air got a little tense. With Yahiko sitting next to him, Naruto felt him shift just the slightest bit. He and Sasuke appeared to be avoiding making eye contact, so Naruto wanted to help diffuse the situation.
"It's no one any of you guys would know anyway," he said, almost feeling bad about lying to Kimimaro, "Some douche from our school. He graduated last year."
"Douche?" Kimimaro repeated. "I'm disappointed, Sasuke. I would've thought you had better taste than that. Were you in a rush to get it over with?"
Sasuke was looking at him, but then his gaze strayed to Kimimaro.
"I don't think my sex life is anybody's business but my own."
"That's true," said Kimimaro. "We think of you as a little brother is all. We only worry about you. As long as you're being smart, it's all good."
"Well," said Sasuke. "I'll leave you to your conversation." He abruptly turned away and went back to the other group.
"Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up?" Kimimaro asked, addressing them both. "Why didn't you say anything, Yahiko? He always listens to whatever you say."
"Ah, well." Yahiko smiled, but it was strained as he stared into the fire. "I don't think I'd be the best person to advise him about that kind of thing."
"Sasuke's smart," said Naruto. "He might do some dumb things on occasion, but considering how much thought he puts into everything he does, I'm not worried about him."
Yahiko glanced his way and, this time, spared him a more genuine smile. "I like to hear you talk about him."
"You do?" He asked. "Why?"
The older man shook his head and played with one of the piercings in his ear. "Because. I know I would've loved to have had someone talk about me that way at your guys' age. I almost wish you weren't straight, Naruto, because I think you'd be a perfect match for someone like Sasuke."
"It is a shame," said Kimimaro. "I've thought the same. But, at least you two both really care about each other. Sometimes it's better to just be friends than lovers. That can overcomplicate things."
"No kidding," he muttered under his breath and got to his feet. "I think m'gonna go grab another drink. You want anything?"
"No," they both declined.
They waved him off, and Naruto walked closer to the shed where the others had gathered in lawn chairs. From what he could hear, they were talking about some bill that had recently passed through the House that would–well, he stopped paying attention. Politics wasn't really his thing, so he made a beeline for one of the coolers. He grabbed a cup and poured a variety of liquors into it. By the time he was done, he felt as if someone was staring at the back of his head.
"Want something?" He asked, knowing it was Sasuke without having to turn around.
"Are you bartender for the evening?"
Naruto finished putting away the vodka, closed the cooler, and turned to face him.
"That conversation got a little too intense, so I thought I'd make a drink," he said.
"How exactly did my sex life come up in conversation?"
He tilted his head, looking toward the fire where Yahiko and Kimimaro sat. "We were talkin' about tattoos, and then we were talkin' about bein' gay, and then they kept askin' me stuff about you."
"I'm not sure I follow how one led to the other, but... you didn't have to lie, you know. I know you don't like to."
"Yeah, well. It seemed easier than you or Yahiko havin' to give it away or have you make up some weird story. They'd already thought it was someone from school, so I just bought you more time if you ever really want them to know the truth."
"Why would I want them to know?" Sasuke asked. "It's none of their business anyway."
"Well, I know that, jerk. I'm just sayin'."
Sasuke grabbed the cup from his hand and drank out of it. "Mm. Not bad."
He handed it back to Naruto.
"Sai's been teachin' me," he said.
"Ah. Makes sense. I'm glad he's been able to teach you so many things."
"He's even been tryin' to teach me to dance since I suck at it and embarrass him when we go out."
Sasuke arched a brow. "He's been... teaching you to dance? Private lessons, I assume?"
"You know, you're bein' so not cute right now."
"Sorry, it's because I only know how to associate with douches apparently."
He frowned. "I hope you don't mean me."
"Of course not." Sasuke smirked. "I mean my imaginary lover who graduated last year. What was his name again?"
"I doubt you took the time to ask," he muttered.
Sasuke laughed and started to reach for a piece of Naruto's hair only to retract his hand. His arm fell to his side and the corners of his mouth turned down into a frown.
"It's not as if I'm gonna smack you if you do it," Naruto assured him.
"It's a hard habit to break, but I'm... trying."
"I know you are." He bit his lip.
"You still bite your lip."
Naruto rubbed them together instead. "Force of habit."
For a second, he started to think back to the things Kimimaro and Yahiko said about Sasuke earlier. How complex and enigmatic he was. Often times he hoped for someone to come along that would be perfect for him. Sasuke had a lot to offer a partner, though it never felt to him as if a relationship was something he was ready for. It always felt as if Sasuke was resigned to wait until college before he'd come out and try to date anyone for real.
It made him understand all the more why one-night stands might become appealing to his friend. He didn't really want that for Sasuke, but it wasn't his choice to make. Now that he'd been able to get to know Yahiko, he felt more at ease. Sasuke had wanted to sleep with him of all people, and he wasn't a dick. He was a nice guy. Naruto wouldn't have guessed he'd be the type to bang his best friend's little brother, but he wasn't there when it happened and didn't know the circumstances. Yahiko obviously didn't want others to find out and seemed uncomfortable when the topic came up, but it was also apparent that he cared about and thought highly of Sasuke, so... as first time goes, Naruto didn't have any right to complain. If that night at the house party had been Sasuke's first time–now that might've pissed him off even if it was hypocritical on his part. Sasuke was his friend. He wanted what was best for him. If he was going to be sleeping with guys, maybe Naruto should ask to be able to cross-examine them thoroughly beforehand?
"Naruto," said Sasuke, waving a hand in front of his face. "You spaced out."
"I did?"
"Don't drink too much tonight, alright? I don't want to have to hold your hair back when you throw up. Although, I'm sure that's something Sai would be happy to do. We can always give him a call and invite him over."
"Tch. You've always been so jealous of Sai, I swear." He smiled anyway. "You know, you have other friends besides me, too. You're always playin' with different bands. I don't even ask about that Yagura guy anymore since you swore that he was harmless."
"Ah." Sasuke looked off guiltily.
"Jesus. If you tell me he tried something–"
"If he tried something," both of Sasuke's eyebrows went up, "What? What would you do?"
"Beat the shit out of him obviously and then slap you around for letting an asshole like that anywhere near you."
"Hn."
"Don't look so cocky," Naruto told him, "I'm your friend. Of course I'd prefer you not hang around guys like that."
"That only makes me not want to tell you anything." Sasuke took the cup from him again and drank most of what was left.
"That's your choice to make, but I thought we talked about this earlier. Things are always better when we're honest with each other."
"Most of the time," Sasuke replied in a reflective tone. "I know what you mean, but I think some things are best kept secret."
"Like what? Did something really happen with that guy? If you like him, then whatever, but if he did anything weird, I'd like you to tell me."
"He hits on me a lot is all," said Sasuke. "It's nothing I can't handle, and I am not interested."
"Alright, well." Naruto glanced off to the side. He hated the idea of that scumbag hitting on Sasuke or even laying a finger on him, but it wasn't his place to say anything.
A few leaves crackled under his foot as Sasuke took a step closer. Naruto turned his head, looking at him. They were standing within less than a foot of one another.
"This should be okay," said Sasuke, "As it's only meant in a friendly way." He–while handing Naruto back his drink–leaned in, paused when Naruto could feel his breath on his jaw, and then kissed him on the cheek.
When he leaned back, Sasuke was smiling as he slipped his hands into his pockets and walked away.
Naruto watched his back, his heart still racing from when Sasuke'd started to lean in like that. He touched his cheek. What was that for... and why was he a little disappointed that it had only been that much?
He gave a sigh. Okay, time to quit lying to himself. With a sudden burst of determination, he returned to the bonfire despite Deidara's plea for him to join them. Yahiko and Kimimaro had been quietly talking but looked up when he approached.
"Did you make yourself somethin' good there, Naruto?" Yahiko asked.
"Uh, actually I was kinda wondering if I could ask you for a favor."
"Sure, what's up?"
"Kimimaro." Naruto gave him an apologetic look, but he thought this was something only Yahiko could help with. "Do you mind if I borrow Yahiko for a little while?"
He looked surprised by the request but nodded. "Okay. I'll see what everyone else is up to. No problem." After he got up, he gave Naruto a pat on the back.
"Did you have somethin' you wanted to talk about?" Yahiko asked, looking at him curiously.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. I do, but it's kinda personal, so I was hoping maybe… we could take a walk?"
Yahiko nodded. "Of course."
Naruto waited while he got to his feet.
"Alright," said Yahiko, "Where are you taking me on this little date of ours?"
"Er. It's funny you mention that since I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask about that."
They started walking in the direction of the koi pond where he thought they might have more privacy.
"If you want dating advice, there are better people to ask than me. Like Itachi."
"I don't think he can, though," Naruto articulated slowly. "I kinda wanted to ask you more about…what it's like when you know you're attracted to women, but then… you also realize you find yourself feeling similar things for… a guy."
"Oh." He stopped walking; Naruto stopped, too. "We can talk about that." He put a hand to Naruto's back. "Like before, I hope you know you can speak to me in confidence."
"I know," he said. "I think I just realized… there's a small possibility that I'm…" He swallowed hard. "Not as straight as I think?"
Sasuke was sitting next to his brother, engaged in another political debate when Kimimaro decided to join their circle. He glanced toward the fire, wondering if Yahiko and Naruto were coming, too–only to see two figures walking toward the house.
"Don't I feel like a third wheel," Kimimaro said while taking a seat in one of the chairs.
"Huh. What are ya talking about?" Hidan asked.
Sasuke looked but could no longer even see them anymore. "Where are Naruto and Yahiko going?"
"Naruto just asked if he could talk to Yahiko in private. I'm sure they'll be back, but it makes me feel like I got kicked out of squad by the popular kids."
He wasn't exactly sure what those two would have to talk about, but, not wanting the others to hear, he spoke to his brother in Japanese. "Dakara itta daro?"
Itachi glanced at him, but he seemed calm. "Taishita kotojanai."
"Oh ho, they've broken out the Japanese," said Hidan. "Must be serious."
"Why would those to be wandering off together in the dark, I wonder?" Deidara asked. "What would he have to talk to Yahiko about in private? That makes me a little jealous." He sighed and flipped one of his braids over his shoulder. "Figures. Yahiko always attracts the good looking ones."
Jirōbō cleared his throat. "Whatever it is, they wanted privacy, so let's at least give them that."
Hidan gave a sharp whistle and grinned wolfishly. "That brat! Never woulda thought Naruto had it in him to go after an older guy. Or, a guy in general. Except maybe Sasuke."
At that point, everyone looked over at him. What was he supposed to say? He'd just spoken with Naruto less than five minutes ago. Had that kiss on the cheek pissed him off? Had he misread the mood and fucked up again by crossing a line after Naruto'd told him not to anymore?
"Sasuke." Itachi leaned closer, his voice low. "Do you want me to see what they're up to?"
The others fell into their own stupid chatter about what Yahiko and Naruto were up to. It was all a little too juvenile for his tastes. He honestly couldn't figure out what Naruto would have to talk to Yahiko about unless–
But that seemed impossible. He shook his head.
"Like I said earlier," he replied. "Whatever happens is fine. I trust Naruto."
"Hm. Now I'm starting to wonder if I can trust Yahiko." Itachi rubbed at his chin and then reached for his ponytail holder. He let his hair fall free. "What's he thinking?"
"You're actually worried? You just told me it wasn't a big deal."
"Ochitsuke," he murmured. "Maybe they went to get something from the house."
"Or maybe they went to go make out somewhere." Hidan laughed. "Aah. Youth. Yahiko is a very pretty guy. Does Naruto like 'em wild, Sasuke?"
"How should I know?" He barked. "Naruto's 17. He can do what he wants, but whatever you're imagining, I'm sure that's not the case, so leave it alone."
"Look at that. Personally, If I knew someone was sniffin' around the person I liked, I think I'd do something about it," said Hidan.
"Naruto and I aren't dating," he replied. "As much as everyone wants to pretend otherwise. He's straight. I'm gay. We're in high school, and he's my best friend. That's all there is to it."
The fire crackled when a piece of wood rolled off the pile. Everyone was quiet. He wished someone would say something to break the tension, and so he'd stop wondering what the hell was going on over there.
"Yahiko and Naruto have become buddies since they met," said Itachi. "That's all. They're very similar people, so I'm sure they're having a friendly chat."
"That's true," said Kimimaro. "We were talking about tattoos earlier, so maybe he wanted to ask Yahiko about that."
"Or, maybe he wanted to see the rest of Yahiko's tattoos up close and personal." Hidan started laughing at his own joke, but a couple of the others did, too.
"Leave poor Sasuke alone," said Deidara. "If Naruto's going to go after any of us, it'd obviously be me. Everyone knows blonds have the most fun. Out of all of you, I'm the one who could show him the funnest time, so I'm definitely not going to lose to Yahiko."
"You are the most feminine of the bunch," Jirōbō teased.
"I take that as a compliment," Deidara replied, raising his chin. "More importantly, shouldn't we talking about what are plans are for Christmas and what Itachi is going to be buying me this year?"
"Why me?" Itachi asked.
"Because I'm your favorite."
Thus, began a rather ridiculous conversation that Sasuke immediately tuned out. While glad they were talking about something other than Naruto and Yahiko, his mind began to wander back to earlier today. The worst case scenario was that those two were... doing exactly what Sasuke did when he had the chance to be alone with him more than a year ago. The best case scenario was... like Itachi'd said. They were running a quick errand to get something from inside of the house.
If they were back soon, there shouldn't be a problem, so he decided not to make a big deal about it because, after all... he knew Naruto, and he wouldn't do anything out of character no matter how his paranoia continued to grow.
He could hear laughter coming from over by the fire as Yahiko sat beside him on the grass, next to the pond. All of the fish were being stored somewhere else for the winter.
"Wonder what they're laughin' about," he mumbled.
"Hard to say," Yahiko answered. "There are some characters in that group."
"I feel bad for askin' Kimimaro to give us privacy. After all, the both of you offered to help me earlier, but I kinda thought–"
"He'll understand. But, I am curious. Why you think I can help you? Is it simply because I like men and women?"
"Kinda, yeah," he answered with a nod and leaned back on his arms. Naruto looked up at the sky. He figured by now Sasuke would've noticed the two of them were gone and hoped he wouldn't start thinking anything weird in his head.
"Okay, I'm here to listen. Tell me what's going on, and I'll see if I can walk you through it."
Naruto took a deep breath. "By the way, this is super embarrassing."
"No need to be embarrassed. I'm surprised it hasn't come up before. Or, has it?"
"I... Sasuke and I–" He sighed again, unsure if he should talk about what their relationship was like, but he also trusted Yahiko and out of anyone else he knew, it just felt like he was the only one who could talk Naruto through this sexual identity crisis he was having.
"So, there is something going on with you and Sasuke?" Yahiko asked in a neutral way.
"I don't know."
"Has anything ever happened between the two of you?"
To be honest, it wasn't something he'd ever told anyone or even hinted at. He figured Itachi knew, but wondered if he even knew the extent of how physical their relationship was. There'd only been Sasuke, and any thoughts he'd ever had about "What are we to each other?" or "What does it mean that I'm doing this with a guy?"... there'd never been anyone for him to talk to. He wasn't as oblivious as Sasuke liked to think. He'd done his research on the internet. Hell, he'd even watched gay porn to figure out if maybe two guys together did something for him. But besides giving him ideas to use on Sasuke, it didn't really turn him on. Sai was his good friend who'd had those feelings for him, but Naruto knew he didn't like him that way. He didn't know why he sometimes felt attracted to Sasuke, though.
"I guess... do you think it's possible to be attracted to one person of the same sex without it meaning you're, you know, bisexual?"
"Definitely," said Yahiko. "None of us fit in a box, Naruto. The queer community goes out of the way to label a broad spectrum of orientations, but when it comes down to it, you can't always help who you're drawn to. Some people are straight without ever having sexual or romantic feelings toward the same sex, some of us only like the same sex, some of us like both, some of us have no preference at all, and some people aren't even interested in sex."
"So, how do I know whether I'm one of those people who might only be attracted to just one guy or... maybe I really am attracted to women and men, but I don't know it?"
"I see," said Yahiko. "So that's why you asked me earlier about how I knew?"
"I was curious, but then when I went to get a drink and Sasuke came up to me, I got this feeling. One I keep havin' a lot lately. I dated girls over the summer because, I guess I wanted to, but also I thought it would give Sasuke an opportunity to do his own thing. He doesn't date because he's afraid of his parents finding out. I thought I was gettin' in the way of it, and there's something else."
"First, can I ask you something?" Yahiko turned to him, the smell of his cologne reminding him of Sasuke's. He absently wondered if they wore the same kind.
"Sure."
"You and Sasuke... have you ever talked about this kind of thing?"
"Yeah. Sort of. I've never told him I've had moments where I wondered if I was bi or whatever 'cause I thought he'd freak out on me, or–"
"You'd give him false hope? I'm guessing that if he knew you felt this way, he wouldn't hold back, Naruto."
"I dunno about that. He's pretty adamant about not coming out, and while I'd like him to 'cause I think he'd be happier, it's obviously not my call."
"If he did come out," said Yahiko, "Would you consider a relationship with him?"
Naruto let out a sigh. "That's the thing, isn't it?" He plucked at a piece of grass. "I've always told him that I ... can't be with someone who isn't honest."
"You think him being in the closet makes him dishonest?"
"No. Not exactly. It's more like I wanna be with someone who's okay with being himself. I don't wanna sneak around when I'm with someone like that, you know? I want people to know we're together. I wanna go on dates. I don't wanna hide it."
"And you'd be okay with people knowing you were dating a guy? Even with people thinking you're straight. They might not think that anymore, even if you're only attracted to this one person."
"I'm fine with that. I don't mean to say that so easily, but I've already put up with a bunch of shit the last couple of years, so I'm not afraid. Sasuke, on the other hand–I know he's doing it because he loves his dad, but it sucks."
Yahiko nodded. "And all of this has been on your mind for some time, hm?"
"Yeah."
"That must be tough. To feel like you have no one to talk to. Do you want to know how I think Sasuke feels?"
Naruto glanced at him, feeling his heart begin to race. Their eyes met in the dark, and Yahiko's expression was almost too serious for him to handle.
"Since we're talking in confidence," Yahiko said, "I suppose it's safe to assume, given how close you are to Sasuke, that you know about the two of us."
"Oh. Uh–"
Yahiko smiled. "I figured you did since you didn't seem to be too happy with me at first."
"Er, sorry. I didn't mean–"
Yahiko waved it off. "I get it. I've thought about that night many times since then. I don't want to say it was a mistake because I know what it meant for Sasuke, but it's not something I'm super proud of. I could make excuses for why I let it happen, but it did. Sasuke was a good kid. He used to visit Itachi often, and we'd talked on the phone, emailed, texted, chatted on video a few times just because he was Itachi's cute kid brother. I'll just say that I had a moment of weakness, and I started to think things like, well, he's telling me he wants to lose his virginity to someone he trusts, so maybe it's not such a bad idea because what if he finds someone who's too rough or treats him like shit afterward? There are guys like that... Alcohol was a factor, too. I hope you understand that I did give it some thought. I don't know if it was the right decision, and Itachi... the guilt I feel... it's hard not to tell him, but I worry about fucking up his relationship with Sasuke. So, I just bite my tongue and hope that Sasuke understands. Why I can't return the feelings he had. I think he understood when I began dating Konan, but I knew how he felt. Honestly, if he was older, I would consider it. I'd even put up with Itachi's ire, but it's not going to happen." He gave Naruto a very intense look. "And I love Konan."
Naruto listened to all of this somberly. He felt for Sasuke, and he felt for Yahiko.
"Thanks for tellin' me all this," he said. "I think I get it, and maybe I'm glad 'cause when he talks about it, he always says he never regrets it and that he's glad it was you."
Yahiko smiled, though he looked off, straight ahead, and then lowered his head.
"That's a relief, Naruto," he said. "You have no idea."
They were quiet for a few minutes until Yahiko took in a deep breath and let it out.
"Now that we have that out of the way, let's get back to your dilemma," said Yahiko. "Your relationship with Sasuke, is it physical?"
"Wow, we're gettin' right down to that one, huh?"
"I thought if I shared first, you might feel more inclined to trust me."
"Yeah." He sat forward and started cracking his knuckles. "We haven't... had sex or anything, but we've pretty much done everything else. Not when I'm dating someone, of course, and, actually, last month I kind of told him we couldn't do that anymore."
"May I ask why?"
"We went to a party together, and for a while, I couldn't find him. Turns out he was upstairs fucking some guy."
"While you were there?" Yahiko asked. "That surprises me."
"I think he was mad. You know, 'cause I'd been seein' other people. Maybe frustrated is a better word? He told me so last night on the phone. That he felt lonely and frustrated, so I guess I get it, and we've never said we couldn't see other people. The only thing is, I was shocked and my dumb feelings got hurt. I'd talked to him about the girls I wanted to ask out 'cause I didn't want things to get too weird. But, he just sort of–yeah."
"So you two had a fight and then you decided it was best not to continue a physical relationship?"
"Er." He blushed rather hard. "Not exactly."
"Oh...?"
"We went back to my place, and I..." Naruto cleared his throat. "I kinda lost my head and was ready to go all the way, but Sasuke was smart enough to not let it happen. The next morning, after I'd thought about it, I decided we shouldn't anymore." He looked over at Yahiko. "'Cause things were starting to get confusing... for me."
"Because you love him?"
"Yeah." He bit his lip. "I do. I don't know if it's in the 'let's get married' kind of way. I also, when I'm having sex, I don't want it to be casual. Sasuke... it felt like he was okay with having casual sex, and I can't–I can't treat him casually when we do stuff. I can't not think about what it all means even though–"
This conversation was starting to work him up. He was getting too emotional about it. It already felt like a betrayal to Sasuke to be blabbering about all of this to Yahiko. But, who else could he turn to, and things were beginning to get worse because even with the ground rules he still had thoughts of doing stuff with Sasuke. He missed it, and he knew Sasuke did, too. But how could they keep going on like this without destroying their friendship?
It was so stupid to realize how naive he'd been that first time they hooked up. The week they met, Naruto had been drawn to him, even attracted to him. He knew he got jealous when other guys flirted with Sasuke, but he always assumed that it was because they were friends. Yet. He knew after dating those girls that there was something wrong with him. He'd tried to rationalize why he cared more about Sasuke's feelings than theirs, why everything with Sasuke was more intense and exciting and left him feeling not only fulfilled but wanting more.
"Okay, Naruto. Here's what I think."
Since he didn't think he could talk without his voice cracking like he was going through puberty, he only nodded.
"You love Sasuke. It might be more than friendship, but you aren't sure because it doesn't make sense to you to be attracted to another man when you've always believed that you were straight. Even knowing that it's possible to be with another man and still not be attracted to any other man but him, you're not sure how Sasuke feels because, for the first time, he decided to be with someone else in a casual situation and probably didn't think twice about it other than when it upset you enough to cut off your physical relationship with him. You're afraid because he's not ready to commit to an actual relationship and that your physical relationship doesn't mean as much to him as it does you."
Naruto thought that was mostly all accurate, so he gave a brief nod. "Yeah. Basically."
"But the thing is," he moved closer and put an arm around Naruto's shoulders. "Sasuke loves you, too. I think you know that much, and everyone else makes jokes about it because they know, too."
"He cares about me as a friend, yeah. I know that."
"I don't know if it's my place to say this, but Naruto," Yahiko's fingers squeezed at his shoulder, "Sasuke may very well be in love with you. Except, he knows it's impossible for anything to happen since he's not ready to come out. I don't know exactly why he chose to do that while you were in the house and could've very easily have walked in on them–"
Naruto actually shuddered at the thought. It already sucked knowing that when he'd been standing outside the door, those two were probably going at it. He'd put more thought into realizing that lately than the night it happened. He remembered being too shocked to fully process all of his feelings at the time.
"But I'm guessing he might've done it to test you or even hurt you. Not because he doesn't care about you but because he does."
"He shows he cares by sleeping with someone else?" Naruto asked.
"Weren't you trying to think of his best interests by dating other people?"
"Yeah, but–" He wanted to argue but he really couldn't. His excuse was always that he'd kept Sasuke in the loop with everything so as not to hurt his feelings. Yet, he knew that more than really being head over heels for those girls, it was a lot about this fear he had of the two of them getting used to what they had and then not only would he be unable to date, Sasuke wouldn't be able to either. He couldn't take this.
Naruto covered his face with both hands. "This is so fucking confusing! I don't know what to do anymore."
Yahiko pulled him closer, holding him as he shook under his arm.
"I forgot how tough it can be to be a teenager," Yahiko remarked. "There's nothin' weird about you or your relationship with Sasuke. I know it's hard, but maybe you two need to have a real heart-to-heart about your feelings. If it's a friendly love you share or if it's something more, if either of you want more, if more can actually happen, or what can be done so that you can both move on if it's unrealistic to keep things at the 'just friends' level."
"What if we can't figure it out?" He asked. "What if we just keep hurting each other? What if I lose him as a friend because of all this? I can live with him sleeping with guys and not giving a shit about that kind of thing because that's his choice, but I–" He clenched a fist. "I don't wanna imagine what it would be like to have him shut me out. To have us not be friends, or to live a life where Sasuke's not by my side."
Yahiko rested his head against Naruto's. "What can I do for you? Do you want me to talk to him?"
"Maybe if I knew if what I feel for him is more than friendship... maybe all the sexual stuff has just confused me because I'm so much more emotional than him. What if me getting so attached to him because of that makes me a nuisance to him?"
"You can't really think that," said Yahiko. "I already told you I think the kid is head over heels for you."
"I think he thinks he is, but I–do you know what I really think?"
"What?"
"I think he likes the idea of havin' me in his pocket. Like, I'm almost an excuse for him not to go after other guys or come out to his dad. He can look at me and think, ah, I have Naruto, and we hook up sometimes, so this is fine for me, and now I don't have to make any attempt at dealing with the fact that I'm fuckin' gay!"
Wow, had he really said that aloud? He'd only ever thought about it, and it always hurt him so much. That, while Sasuke thought he might have feelings for him, all Naruto really was to him... was an ideal. How could Sasuke love him like that but fuck with other guys and act like it was no big deal? Even if he regretted it or apologized, this was a thing Sasuke was capable of when he didn't get his way. Did Naruto want to consider being with someone who could do that? It either meant it's not what Sasuke truly wanted or, even if they got together, that Sasuke might hurt him.
He didn't want their friendship to change. He didn't want to lose Sasuke. Things were fine as they were, weren't they? Except... things weren't fine. At all. He felt like he was going crazy trying to figure this all out.
"Do me a favor?" He asked suddenly, looking at Yahiko.
"Sure, Naruto. Anything."
"Would you kiss me?"
Yahiko blinked at him. "Pardon?"
"I want you to kiss me. You're an attractive guy. You're a good person. You've been with men. More than anyone else I've met, if I kiss you and feel somethin', won't that mean maybe I really might be interested in guys?"
"What would that prove?" Yahiko asked.
"That, I dunno, maybe it's not just Sasuke I'm into but other guys. So, then... maybe there wouldn't be all this pressure or confusion all the damn time?"
"I'm not sure this is the best thing to do."
"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate," he insisted.
Yahiko let out a quiet laugh. "Not sure that's the kind of thing to say to get me in the mood."
"Ah, sorry."
He moved back a ways so they weren't so close but were at least looking at one another. Naruto searched Yahiko's face, trying to determine if those same feelings he felt with Sasuke might come up if he at least could think of Yahiko in that way.
"Are you sure about this?" Yahiko asked. "Sasuke might, literally, kill me. Itachi, too."
"Jesus, like I'd tell Sasuke."
Yahiko studied him for some time before letting out a long exhale of breath.
"Alright. One kiss." He scratched the back of his neck. "This is a lot of pressure to put on a guy, you know? I feel like I'm determining your sexuality here."
"You kind of are, aren't you?" Naruto's lips pulled into a smile, and he let out a nervous laugh.
"God, I really do feel bad doin' this to Sasuke. It goes against the bro code, kissing a guy you know your friend likes."
"For the record," Naruto said, "Sasuke and I aren't dating."
"True. And he did screw a random guy while you weren't very far away."
"Right?" He laughed, feeling the nervousness fade. "Guess he had it comin', huh?"
"At least you're not bad to look at." Smirking, Yahiko turned more to him and, leaning in, held a hand to his left cheek.
Out of reflex, his eyes lowered to the other man's lips and then he wet his own. "I'm the one who asked for this. I wonder if I should've made the first move?"
"You did ask for me to kiss you, so that's how it goes."
Naruto chuckled, and that's when Yahiko moved in. He closed his eyes and waited.
Yahiko's lips were surprisingly soft as they pressed to his firmly, and then he tilted Naruto's head and deepened the kiss. He didn't know what he was reaching for, but he found his hand landing on the other man's knee; Yahiko's hand snuck to the back of his neck and pulled him even closer. As kisses go, it was nice, and obviously the man had experience.
Naruto did feel a little something, but as those butterflies in his stomach started to come to life–he began to picture dark hair, dark eyes and that pull he only ever felt when Sasuke was nearby.
After it ended, his lids fluttered open, and he stared at Yahiko.
"Well? Experience any new revelations?" Yahiko asked, his voice more gruff than before.
Naruto grinned. "Kind of."
"Care to share?" Yahiko's hand was still on the back of his neck.
"I think–"
A twig snapped nearby. Naruto looked behind them only to discover Sasuke standing less than 10 feet away.
"Sasuke," he said, and realizing where his hand was, removed it from Yahiko's knee.
"I thought you two had been gone for a while," Sasuke said in a deadly quiet voice.
Naruto felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest. He scrambled to his feet.
"This isn't what it looks like–"
"Oh? Because it looks like you were kissing Yahiko."
"Yeah, but Sasuke–"
"It's fine," Sasuke said and turned around. "I'll leave you to your privacy. Come back when you're finished. Everyone was beginning to worry."
Naruto watched him walk away and was about to chase after him when Yahiko pulled at his ankle. "Give him some space."
"Huh? How can I? He's gonna get the wrong idea!"
"Do you really think that?"
"Of course I do. He saw me kissing you."
Yahiko got to his feet and brushed his hands over his jeans. "He's surprised, but I doubt he thinks you and I are going to begin some kind of fling. Let him think, and then have your talk later when it's just the two of you. Tell him what you told me. If he can't understand, you might have your answer, after all."
Naruto remained uncertain but didn't see the point in causing a scene by chasing after him.
"Alright," he said, "I guess we should head back."
"Before the rumors really get started," Yahiko replied sarcastically.
"Sorry to drag you into this."
"It'll work out how it's meant to, and in the end, I got to learn you're a pretty good kisser."
Folding his arms behind his head, he smirked. "Only 'pretty' good?"
"If I praise you any more than that, Sasuke really will have it out for me."
"Mah. I'll make sure he knows it was my idea. Thanks, Yahiko. For helping me with all this when we don't even know each other that well."
"We might have only just met, but any friend of Itachi and Sasuke is a friend of mine."
Naruto laughed. "That's pretty, um…"
"Gay?" Yahiko smirked. "Nah. I'm only gay at least half the time. But I'm guessing that's somethin' you won't have to worry about experiencing anymore."