The missed call tally must have been close to a million by the end of semester. Sasuke had moved out after that night at Sakura's house and no one knew where he was. It was the end of semester and Sasuke had been gone for a couple of months, and Naruto knew if he didn't see him before school ended, he probably wouldn't see him ever again.

Even Akamaru had offered to help find him. Naruto didn't bother asking why, but being desperate, Naruto had jumped at the chance. Akamaru didn't want anything in return, and Naruto had waited eagerly each day for any news.

Nothing.

Nada.

No deal.

Naruto's eagerness and anticipation for the forensic student's outcome faded a little more each day Akamaru had nothing to show. He'd gotten Naruto's hopes up, made him look like a desperate fool and all for nothing. Naruto gave up asking if there was anything new. He gave up looking for Sasuke. He just gave up in general.

Now it was Saturday. Naruto had finished his last exam for the year and was celebrating with a ramen cup which was taking it's sweet time heating up. He also was on the phone, but was not listening to Sakara and her stupid whining.

'No.'

'Why not?'

Naruto smashed shaking fingers through his hair. Sakura didn't get it; he wasn't in the mood to socialise. He hadn't been in the mood to socialise since that night he'd visited her house all those weeks ago. Going to an end of year party, pretending that everything was fine to people he cared about, blatantly lying to their faces, and dragging all those same feelings he'd fought to push to the back of his mind back to the surface was not what he thought of as a good night out.

The microwave beeped, signalling that the ramen cup was ready. Naruto pulled the cup from the box, burning his fingers on the hot surface. He ripped the lid open; a puff of steam billowing from the noodles. Naruto searched for chopsticks, but couldn't find any. He began rummaging through the drawers and dishwasher and anywhere else they would be hiding.

'Are you listening to me? Naruto?'

'I'm not going. But, you guys have a great time okay.' Naruto ended the call and threw his phone on the counter. It rang again, but Naruto ignored it. He couldn't bring himself to face them. No. He couldn't bring himself to face them, and pretend that everything was fine and dandy. He was just starting to feel normal again, and dealing with his friends was not high on his priority list. Once this week was over, once he finished his final exam, he was getting on the plane to France and he wasn't coming back until the start of next semester. He wasn't living here though, he couldn't. It reminded him of Sasuke way too much. He tried desperately to ignore the empty room as he went about his daily routine. Tried to ignore the fact that he couldn't bare to look in the door, and could barely stand being in the same place as Sasuke's room.

He never thought how much he looked after other people before. He was always willing and ready to do anything and everything for his friends. He considered them more like his family, but it was time he looked after himself. He wanted to see Gaara, the one person who wouldn't pry, who wouldn't ask questions. He needed to forget, and he needed to get back to being himself. It wasn't that he didn't want to see his friends, it was more knowing that the one person he wanted to see wasn't going to be there.

There was a knock on the door, loud and insistent. Naruto shook his head; he wasn't going to answer it. He wasn't in the mood to talk, or have people look at him with pity. He wasn't in the mood for their plans to get over it, and he wasn't in the mood for them to not get what his problem was. Another knock, louder this time, nearly shook the wall to pieces.

'Let me in, Naruto.'

Naruto paused, finishing his ramen. He threw the cup near the bin. It clattered and rolled on the tiles. Naruto sat down on the couch and turned the TV on as another knock banged through the door.

'Fine. If you won't let me in, I'll break the door down.'

'Fuck off,' Naruto said under his breath as he idly switched through the channels. He just wanted to be left alone. He just wanted to disappear for awhile and not be bothered by anyone. Was it really too much to ask? Really?

'If you don't open the door in two seconds, I'm coming in.'

'Go away, Sakura,' Naruto shouted, dropping the remote on the floor. 'I'm not home.'

'Stop being an idiot and let me in!'

Naruto glared at the door. She was serious, and knowing how strong she was she would break the door down, and then Naruto would have to front cash for repairs. Cash he didn't have as he'd spent everything he had on his trip to France. With a loud frustrated huff, Naruto stormed to the door and opened it. Sakura just stood in the doorway fuming. Her fists were bunched at her sides and her eyes shone dangerously.

'Good choice,' she snarled and pushed past him. She gasped as she took in the sight before her. The place looked like a bomb had gone off. There were dirty clothes and plates and cups and everything else all over the floors and chairs and tables. Naruto had got behind in the housework without Sasuke there to bite him in the ass every time he left a mug on the coffee table.

Sakura bent slowly and picked up a large shard of a broken mug. She fingered the orange porcelain and turned to Naruto.

'You're coming tonight,' she whispered dangerously. 'So, get dressed. Don't worry, I'll wait.'

Naruto wanted to argue, he wanted to scream and shout and shove her out of the dorm, but he knew it wouldn't happen. Sakura was determined, and when she got like that, Naruto knew she got what she wanted. Naruto stormed to his room and slammed the door. Maybe he could make a quick get away out the window? Maybe he could run now, forget about his last exam and just change his tickets for tonight? Maybe ... just maybe, he could get away without anyone noticing? But he knew Sakura would find him and kick his ass, and that thought was enough to motivate him to sigh, scrub his face, and grab some clean clothes out of the closet.

Twenty minutes later, he was showered, dressed and standing in front of Sakura. She had her arms crossed over her chest as she looked him up and down.

'Good.' She nodded.

Naruto rolled his eyes and headed into the kitchen. He was looking for a drink, his mouth was dry and gummy. He was trying so hard not to start screaming. He knew it would feel good to start and not stop until he starved his lungs of oxygen and accepted the consequences of that little venture. But he didn't. He gulped the water and threw the glass in the sink. It clinked loudly, but disappointingly didn't smash.

He flinched as warm strong arms snaked their way around his waist. Sakura rested her head on his back. He felt light lips on his skin as he stood shaking, hunched over the sink.

'It doesn't get better,' Sakura whispered and let him go. Naruto squeezed his eyes shut, willing the fuzzy hot ball of emotion choking him to slide back down his throat. 'It doesn't, you know. But ...' She rubbed his back. 'You are not alone, Naruto. Don't push me away. Don't push any of us away.'

Naruto turned slowly from the sink. The genuine pain and frustration in Sakura's eyes threatened to make the ball of emotion spill out on the floor. He couldn't look at her and shoved past her.

'Are we going or not?' he growled.

'Naruto –'

'Come on. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can get back out again.'

Naruto didn't wait for Sakura as he left the dorm. He didn't actually know where the party was, but he knew Sakura would catch up to him soon. He stormed down the hall, ignoring all the looks from people he passed. What did they know anyway? He was allowed to be angry and frustrated. Who were they? His mother? Oh right, she decided it was better to die than to be there to look after him ... Naruto froze, knowing his mouth had fallen open. He had never ... ever ... thought something like that before. He pushed the anger to the back of his mind and continued as he heard soft tapping coming up beside him. He didn't look at Sakura, but followed her to her car. Half an hour later they had arrived at their destination.

MoMo hadn't changed much in the months since Naruto had been there last. And now realising the party was here, he froze in the door with the overwhelming urge, not in a spiteful way, to run. This place, the last real place he had been with Sasuke ...

Cool fingers brushed his wrist and tightened around his own fingers. 'I'm right here,' Sakura whispered to him. 'I won't leave you, Naruto.'

There were so many people inside. Naruto recognised his friends who were split up into a few different groups, chatting and drinking with people he didn't know. More people to judge him, more people to stare. More people to give him dirty looks.

'Sakura ...' but his throat tightened on the rest of the words. He squeezed her hand as she pulled him into the room. Akamaru looked up from his conversation with Hinata and stood, beaming at Naruto. He made his way over and clapped Naruto on the back.

'You made it, man! That's awesome!' he glanced at Sakura who smiled and pulled Naruto over to a table. Akamaru went off to get drinks and returned a few minutes later with some full glasses. He handed them around and sat, waving Hinata and Shikamaru, who looked decidedly bored at this point, over to the table. They sat and smiled at Naruto too, but didn't say anything, knowing that he would probably just bite their heads off if they did.

Naruto stared at the red tablecloth and Sakura squeezed his hand.

'I have to go make a few intros and a speech,' she said apologetically, 'but these guys will be here, and I'm just over there,' she said pointing to the stage. 'An hour tops, okay?'

Naruto barely took in what she said, but nodded vaguely anyway. He didn't care. He really didn't. He didn't need her to look after him.

The night wore on. People came over and pretended like nothing was wrong with Naruto, and ignored the fact that he seemed completely out of it. The only saving grace of the night was that people kept offering him drinks. The party wove and shimmered together in a sea of colours and sounds and blurs that Naruto was quickly forgetting. He reached for his glass and gulped the remainder of the contents, having lost all taste awhile back, as Sakura returned to the table for the fifth time.

'I'm sorry,' she said quietly. 'The board can really talk when they want to. Can I get you another drink?'

Naruto nodded and held out his glass to her. She took it reluctantly, noticing the shaking in his hand and the glassy eyes, but stood and disappeared among the crowd.

Akamaru elbowed Naruto and leaned closer to him.

'Lighten up, man, the world isn't ending you know.' He slapped Naruto on the back and was met with a glare and tense shoulders.

'Don't fucking touch me,' Naruto growled, bunching his fists. 'You're not what I would call my favourite person at the moment.'

Akamaru held up his hands. 'Whoa. What did I do?'

Naruto turned his glare to him, Akamaru reeled from the heat in his eyes. 'You know what.'

'Sorry, I really don't.'

Naruto sneered. 'I'll take care of it for you, leave everything to me.' Naruto bunched his fists on the table. Hinata looked from the blonde to Akamaru and back.

'Hey, come on man, I tried. I fucking tried, but when you're dealing with Uchiha, you gotta be in the right place at the right time.' Akamaru leaned over and put his arm around Naruto's shoulders. 'I'm sorry,' he said seriously. 'I did try for you. I wish I had found him, okay. I'd do anything for you, you know –'

Naruto stood suddenly and shoved Akamaru roughly, upturning him on his chair.

'I don't give a fuck about trying!' Naruto yelled. A hush came over their part of the party as eyes turned toward their table. Naruto, as always, ignored the stares. Hinata gasped and looked from one to the other. Akamaru got up off the floor, straightening his jacket.

'Hey, fuck you, Naruto. It's not my fault your fucking boyfriend poofed into oblivion. Don't blame me for your fucked up relationship.'

The warm dribble of anger Naruto had been trying to rein in all night, suddenly became a torrent, threatening to burst its banks. He advanced on Akamaru, bunching the collar of his dress shirt in his fists and slamming him into the table. Plates and glasses shattered on the floor as Hinata jumped out of her seat in surprise.

'Don't fucking talk about him like that,' Naruto snarled. 'You have no idea what you're talking about.'

Akamaru screamed his derision in Naruto's face. 'Look at you. You're pathetic, Uzumaki, blaming everyone else because you couldn't handle rejection. I have more of a clue than you will ever have.' He laughed again, and it was the final straw for Naruto. Without thinking about it, he pulled back his fist, ready to pummel the arrogant turd into the table. It's good the cloth was red ... the stains wouldn't show up. He went to throw the first punch but his fist was stopped. His glare snapped to Shikamaru who was holding his fist mid-strike. Shikamaru shook his head in warning. Naruto growled and tried to pull his fist free, all the while, Akamaru was smirking.

'See, can't even handle your own – oomph.'

Naruto snarled and kneed Akamaru in the gut; he bent forward holding his abdomen. His clear blue eyes snapped to Naruto's darkened glazed glare.

'Fuck you!' he screamed and lunged forward, barrelling Naruto to the floor. Shikamaru managed to pull Akamaru off Naruto, and hold him back. Naruto got to his feet, wiping blood from his lip, where Akamaru's fist had connected. With a guttural growl, Naruto rushed at him again but someone stopped him, pulling him back by the waist. Naruto fought against whoever was holding him back, but they were strong. His gaze was locked on Akamaru as he clawed and pulled at the arms holding him from bastard.

'Naruto, stop.'

Naruto, about to execute a barrage of pain on Akamaru, froze. No. He had heard wrong. It couldn't be ... Naruto shook his head, dismissing it as his imagination. He screamed and pulled at the arms again, almost breaking free. Whoever it was pulled him closer; their breath brushed against the back of his neck and ear, causing the hair to stand up as they whispered in his ear.

'Stop.'

Naruto froze again. The voice shattered his rage and it melted away to nothing. His muscles relaxed as he looked at Akamaru and Shikamaru. Akamaru was rolling his eyes and Shikamaru was smirking as he looked at the one who had stopped Naruto. Naruto shook his head.

The hands around his waist tightened. 'Come with me.' Naruto was tugged away from Akamaru and Shikamaru, and the glares and disapproving looks and sideways glances. As he was dragged across the floor, people slowly returned to their conversations and drinks. Naruto stared at the floor, refusing to look at the one who had stopped him. He wasn't going to fall for this shit ... he wasn't even going to play this game.

The guy dragged him by the hand out into the relative quiet of the reception lobby, but didn't stop. He led him all the way out onto the street to the waiting night and freezing air. Naruto's breath came in quick puffs as he followed the one who had saved Akamaru down the street. In a moment of anger he stopped and pulled his hand out of the guy's grip, shoving against him. He saw running shoes stop and turn to point at his own feet.

'Look at me.'

No fucking way. Naruto had gone through hell to forget him, he wasn't about to put himself through the same hell all over again. Slender fingers pulled his jaw upward, but Naruto still stared at their feet. The running shoes stepped closer, and Naruto closed his eyes, his whole body tense to the point of breaking. He wasn't going to put himself through it again ...

'Fuck off,' Naruto growled. The words were nearly inaudible. 'I can't –'

'Naruto. I am sorry,' the words were quiet, sincere, almost pleading. 'I know –'

'You don't. And you never will.' Naruto finally looked up and his heart froze in his chest as he forgot to breathe for a moment. The pain in Sasuke's eyes was unbearably tangible. The shine of the deep black conveyed more emotion than words could ever express. Naruto knew if he looked in the mirror, his own eyes would reflect the same darkness.

'I wanted to pick up.' Sasuke shrugged, the gesture was small, resigned, like it was an explanation. 'In the end, I didn't know what I would say to you.'

'I don't care. You made your choice. You think you can come back here after all these months and I would just be happy to see you? You made me cry, you bastard! I didn't know if you were alive, for fuck's sake! Nah, fuck you, you bastard, you don't care about anyone but yourself. You weren't thinking of me when you fucked off, you were only thinking about yourself and your fucking precious reputation. Don't fucking tell me you've come back to say sorry, or whatever –'

'I already said sorry.'

'-Because I'm not fucking listening to it. I'm done,' Naruto said and took a step back. He raised his hand, defeated, and took a few quick strides away from the one who had caused him to spiral into the darkness.

'I love you.'

Naruto paused. No he didn't. If he did, he wouldn't have put him through this fucking torture for all this time. He would have answered his calls, he wouldn't have left. He knew what he was doing, the calculating bastard, he knew exactly what he was doing. He couldn't stand to be around Naruto, and Naruto, judging by the red hot anger boiling somewhere in his chest couldn't stand to look at him, let alone be anywhere near him.

'Naruto –'

'Fuck you, Sasuke.'

Naruto took off. He couldn't bear to look back, he couldn't bear to even think that Sasuke was even here. Naruto shook his head as the shock set in. His heart was hammering in his chest, beating so fast it hurt. Naruto wiped a shaking hand through his hair as he tried to come to terms with the fact that he couldn't even bear to look at the bastard. He had hurt him. He had broken him to the point where Naruto had actually considered ... Naruto shook his head. The bastard had driven him to the edge of sanity, and now he was expecting ... what? What did he want? He must have got great pleasure out of seeing the result of his selfishness. He must have loved seeing Naruto lose control like that in front of everyone. Sasuke should be proud of himself. He had corrupted Naruto to the point where he didn't care anymore.

Quick footsteps beat against the ground behind Naruto, and unconsciously moved faster. He didn't want to hear what the bastard had to say for himself. He wasn't curious to know why Sasuke had left in the first place. He didn't want to know what he got out of being so damn spiteful. He just wanted to forget that he saw him. He just wanted to forget that he ever entertained the stupid thought of them ... just of them at all. He gasped in frustration and embarrassment as his feelings slammed back to the surface. Sasuke had humiliated him, had torn his last shred of hope from his heart. He had beat him down and laughed at his suffering, he had shown who held the power. Naruto shook his head as the footsteps quickened behind him. Naruto rounded the corner, the campus coming into view. And suddenly, he wasn't running anymore.

Sasuke tackled him and pressed him against a building. Naruto fought against him, finally shoving him hard enough he stumbled back, tripped and nearly fell on his butt. Sasuke straightened, but Naruto was already out of there. Sasuke grabbed at his wrist, Naruto spun around, putting Sasuke off balance again.

'What do you want?' Naruto whispered. His throat clenched to the point the words almost came out in a squeak. 'What?'

Sasuke's deep dark eyes played over Naruto's face. He was shaking his head slightly as he tried to suck in as much air as he could. He grasped Naruto's collar in tight fists, pleading with him to listen.

'Let me go,' Naruto whispered. Hopefully Sasuke would understand that he wasn't talking about his collar. Hopefully Sasuke was astute enough to realise Naruto was tired and unable to continue with this stupid game any longer. 'Please.'

Sasuke's brow furrowed and his gaze flicked to the side and back to Naruto.

'Sasuke ... let me –'

Sasuke pushed himself onto Naruto and pressed their lips together. Naruto yelped in surprise and tried to fight Sasuke off him. Sasuke roughly kissed him, collapsing slightly against him, breathing heavily against Naruto's cheek. Naruto unconsciously grappled with Sasuke, his hands pulling him closer, melding their bodies together. He screamed as his brain succumbed to Sasuke's will, responding to the kiss with a groan. And then ... in a moment of confusion, he whipped Sasuke around so he was pinned against the wall and pushed his full weight into him, smashing his lips down on Sasuke's. They kissed and grappled and groped until both of them were breathless and lightheaded. Naruto collapsed over Sasuke, resting his head against the wall next to Sasuke's head.

'I hate you, you bastard,' Naruto whispered.

'I know,' Sasuke panted. He brushed his fingers down Naruto's back. Naruto's heart pounded in his chest and the heat rising even more in his body was making him overwhelmingly compliant as Sasuke pulled his lips to his again.

Naruto realised he was awake, but didn't want to open his eyes. The orange glow of morning filtered through his eyelids as he groaned and stretched luxuriously. He buried his head further into the pillows and yawned, hoping to go back to sleep for a little bit longer. But, the light was too bright, and his brain was already stirring. Naruto groaned again, wishing ... but he blinked a few times and looked up at the ceiling.

The smell of something enticing wafted into the room; Naruto hadn't even noticed the door opening. He turned over and grinned; his gut pounded from the sexy sight before him. Sasuke, in tight black undershorts and one of Naruto's own hooded sweatshirts (the zipper only done up to his navel, and it sort of hung off his shoulder, and was too long in the arms, and came down to just above the hem of his shorts), held onto a large brown bag as he sauntered toward the bed. His hair was messed up, ruffled, falling over the side of his face and eyes.

'You went out in public like that?'

Sasuke smirked. The pounding exploded in Naruto's gut at the mental image of Sasuke walking down the street like that. Sasuke crawled over the bed, straddling Naruto's lap, wrapping himself around him like a cat. He opened the bag, producing a large red cup. He presented it delicately to Naruto whose grin threatened to snap on his face.

'Whoa. You know me too well,' Naruto said and took the cup, taking a long gulp. Sasuke held out the opened bag to Naruto so he could see inside. Chocolate Danishes. Way too many. Naruto eyed Sasuke suspiciously. 'Hey, this isn't just some ploy to get into my pants or something is it?'

Sasuke smirked and leaned forward, the heat of his breath brushing against Naruto's ear.

'Is it working?'

Naruto pulled him closer; Sasuke purred in his ear.

'A little. Yeah.'

Sasuke nibbled at Naruto's ear. The sensation sent pleasant shivers through Naruto's body, welling somewhere south of his hemline. He pulled his head away and grinned at the surprised glint in Sasuke's eyes. Naruto held up the cup.

'I know. I'm a dick, but ... we,' Naruto gestured to himself and the cup, 'have been together for a lot longer than you and me. My first love comes first,' he said in playful resignation and took another long gulp of the coffee. He yelped out as Sasuke slapped him in the chest. He laughed and put the coffee down.

'Okay, okay, sheesh. Jealous much?'

'I love that sound,' Sasuke mumbled, looking to nowhere in particular behind Naruto.

'Eh?' Naruto asked and twirled the cup in his palms. Sasuke shook his head, dismissing Naruto's question. He slid off Naruto and stepped off the bed. 'Hey, where you going?'

'Unlike you,' Sasuke began, almost to the door. 'I prefer not smelling like a barn. Shower,' he finished, shrugging toward the bathroom.

'Sasuke ...' Naruto gestured for him to come back. Sasuke stepped over to the bed. Naruto looked up at him, taking in the sexy image before him. His breath caught in his chest for a second, but then he remembered to breathe. Sasuke yelped in surprise as Naruto suddenly pulled him down on the bed. He laughed again at Sasuke's expense and the look of indignation in his dark eyes. He pushed Sasuke's hair from his face as the laughter died away.

'You are fucking beautiful, man.'

Sasuke rolled his eyes and pushed against Naruto's chest, trying to get up. 'Shut up, you idiot.'

Naruto smiled and locked his gaze with Sasuke's. They were very ... very close ...

Sasuke's dark gaze disappeared as his eyelids slipped closed. Their lips parted a moment later, and Sasuke licked his lips.

'Shower,' he whispered, not knowing what he was saying. Naruto frowned thoughtfully.

'Well, I dunno, the bed's more comfortable, but I guess I'm up for a change of scenery, you kinky little bastard, you.'

Sasuke could not control the burst of quiet laughter as Naruto wiggled his eyebrows, pouting seductively. Naruto pulled him down until their noses touched. 'I love that sound,' he murmured against Sasuke's lips. 'You don't do it enough.' He kissed Sasuke slowly; parting breathless. Sasuke slipped away and left the room. A minute later, Naruto could hear the rush of the shower faintly from the bathroom.

He could go in there ... he could ... or he could just wait to see if Sasuke came back in butt naked and dripping wet? Naruto grinned and bound from the bedroom, stripping from his slacks as he went to the bathroom. He tiptoed over to the shower; steam billowed into the room, he could just about make out Sasuke's silhouette behind the almost opaque shower door. Naruto pulled it open and stepped into the shower behind Sasuke, letting the hot water wash over his body. Beads of water dripped from Sasuke's body, his soaked hair hung limp over the sides of his face and down his neck. His eyes were closed as he spread his body wash over his chest and rubbed with his palms. He paused and opened his eyes, but he didn't look at Naruto.

'What are you doing?'

'You said I smelled like a barn.'

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, turning slightly toward Naruto. 'And you couldn't wait a minute because ...' he waited expectantly, but Naruto, taking in the sight fully in front of him couldn't actually find any words. Naruto slid his hands around Sasuke's sides and pushed his hips forward while pulling Sasuke back into him. Sasuke smirked as Naruto's reason pressed against his butt.

'That's why,' Naruto whispered.

Sasuke leaned back against Naruto, pressing into Naruto's hands as Naruto brushed his palms over his lower abdomen. Sasuke raised his chin, resting the back of his head against Naruto's shoulder. Naruto nipped at Sasuke's neck, swaying against him. As Sasuke reached up and tangled his fingers in the hair at Naruto's neck, Naruto sucked and nibbled his nape and ran his palms over his sides and down his thighs. He loved touching Sasuke, loved the feel of his skin and the contour of his shape. He loved the warmth and the softness and the tautness in his tone. Naruto involuntarily growled and accidentally bucked into Sasuke. Sasuke dug his fingertips into Naruto's scalp as he stepped back, pressing further into him.

Naruto stepped forward, wrapping his thigh around the front of Sasuke's leg. He trailed a finger down Sasuke's back, he purred and shivered, slowly, gently Naruto slid his finger down between Sasuke's butt cheeks. Sasuke tensed and leaned forward slightly, and Naruto brushed his lips over the back of Sasuke's shoulders and neck. Sasuke unconsciously spread his legs slightly and Naruto kissed his neck.

Sasuke's eyes were dark, clouded with want and ... Naruto couldn't place the mixture of emotion but it was directed at him. Sasuke stared at him with those eyes, half lidded as he looked up from under his lashes. A small pout parted his lips as he trailed his fingertips down Naruto's chest. Naruto's heart pounded, responding immediately to the touch as Sasuke leaned closer to him and angled his chin upward. Naruto paused; every time Sasuke looked at him like that, every time they were about to ... Naruto shook his head, hoping the movement would rattle the reluctance out of his mind. He pounced on Sasuke's lips, tasting and savouring every inch of his mouth. Sasuke moaned into Naruto's mouth as their tongues danced together, and their hands unconsciously explored each other's bodies.

Naruto turned off the water, and Sasuke panted against his chest, resting his forehead against his shoulder. Naruto wrapped him in his arms for a minute and closed his eyes, patting his dripping wet hair and taking in the scent of Sasuke's bodywash.

'What's wrong?' Sasuke whispered, his voice tainted with their makeout session.

Naruto shook his head and stroked Sasuke's back. 'Nothing.'

Sasuke stood up and looked at Naruto. 'I thought –'

'Yeah,' Naruto said. 'Yeah. I know. But ...' he shrugged. They had talked all night. Relived their entire history until last night. They'd talked about nothing and everything. They'd eaten sushi and watched a movie and fallen asleep together in Naruto's bed. It had been the best night of Naruto's life, now that they were on the same level. It was like wiping the slate clean and starting afresh, but something was still plaguing the back of Naruto's mind. He hadn't asked Sasuke, because he didn't want to push him away again, and even now, he didn't think it was the right time. 'Come on,' Naruto whispered, opening the shower and pushing Sasuke forward with his hips. He kissed Sasuke's neck making him purr.

They fell onto the bed and Naruto was fully aware that Sasuke was naked down there as he, for the second time that morning, straddled his lap. Naruto cupped under Sasuke's butt and pushed him higher into his lap and kissed him softly.

'We're cool, right?' Sasuke said.

Naruto frowned. 'Hmm?'

Sasuke shrugged. 'You seem a bit ...' he shrugged again. Naruto pulled him down into another soft but deep kiss and ran his fingers up Sasuke's back. 'Reluctant?' Sasuke said, biting his lips when they parted.

'I'm not,' Naruto whispered back. 'I just want to do this right.'

Sasuke smirked and ground his hips, pressing down on Naruto. He kissed him and pushed him down gently onto his back. He ground his crotch into Naruto's again, Naruto groaned and captured Sasuke's lips in his own.

'Mm, I can see why that Kakashi guy likes you,' Naruto joked. Sasuke gasped and slapped him, but he smirked a second later and continued his assault of Naruto's lips.

'Well, I can see why Sai was always hanging off you,' Sasuke retorted. Naruto laughed and flipped Sasuke over, earning an indignant yet aroused groan from him. Naruto raked his fingers through Sasuke's hair and captured his gaze, locking on and not wanting to pull away.

'You're so ...' he shook his head in sudden disbelief. 'I don't know. But, fuck, you have no idea what you do to me,' he finished, surprised his voice was so thick and low. Together, their lips met and for the next few minutes were lost in their own world. When they parted, the cloud of arousal in Sasuke's eyes was almost too much for Naruto; it captivated him, hypnotised him, he couldn't look away even if he wanted to. Sasuke leant down over him, his lips brushing against Naruto's ear.

'I need you,' he whispered breathlessly. 'I've always needed you.'

Naruto looked at him with eyes he would never admit were wide in shock. He searched Sasuke's face, searching for any trace of insincerity. He found none. He pulled Sasuke to him and their lips met again, their bodies moulded to one another, entwined inseparable, as one entity.

'Sasuke ...' Naruto whispered, brushing his raw bruised lips against the sweat-slick skin of Sasuke's chest. He could feel the deep heavy rise and fall of Sasuke's chest beneath him, hear his ragged rapid breathing hollowly reverberating from within, and felt Sasuke's fingers tickling warmly across his scalp. 'Sasuke ...'

'Hmm ...' Sasuke panted. He arched up under Naruto's weight and repositioned himself.

'Why did you leave?' Naruto knew his words were a frightened whisper, barely audible, but he wasn't going to repeat them if Sasuke hadn't heard him.

Sasuke's fingers fell from Naruto's scalp. After a minute, Naruto relaxed; Sasuke hadn't heard him. Good. Very good. But he had asked. Naruto was fighting his heavy eyelids as he yawned and rested his hot cheek against Sasuke's chest.

Sasuke circled his fingertip lightly over Naruto's upper back. 'I guess I was scared.' With effort, Naruto forced himself to look up at him, but Sasuke's eyes were closed. 'I told myself ...' Sasuke trailed off as he sighed and turned his head to the side. His fingers trailed up and down Naruto's back, up and down ... up his neck ... down to his lower back, up again. 'I complicated things that didn't need to be complicated. I didn't mean to put you through that.'

'Why did you come back?' Naruto suddenly asked; he didn't even make the decision. Another silence followed.

'Go to sleep,' Sasuke said finally and stroked Naruto's hair. Naruto didn't really need to be told that, he was almost there already.

'Sasuke?'

'Hmm?'

Naruto's eyelids were winning the fight. He yawned again. 'I'm glad you did, you know.'

AN: And that's a wrap :) I wanted to do more with this, but in the end it just didn't feel right. I hope you all enjoy/ed it. Thanks for the lovely reviews :) On to the next story ...