A/N: This chapter was particularly hard to write since I had all these ideas that I wanted to put together, but then when I did they just got all messed up. I had so many plans and still these characters are so damn stubborn they just had to do things their own way.

Thank you to my lovely beta chase3136! Also, thank you to those who reviewed! You are all made of awesomeness!

Chapter three: Making Out, Making Up

The next few days, after Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuuga Neji made out in the middle of the street; were surprising, to say the least. While Sasuke had been only slightly concerned about what the Hyuuga family would say once they knew about their relationship, Neji was simply wondering how both their friends and the other teams would react when they heard the news from other people rather than from their mouths.

Accidentally, things did not go the way they thought it would, either because there were many misunderstandings as people told each other about it, or because the two passersby did not fully understand what they were seeing.

Sasuke, actually, found himself laughing about the whole situation when people he barely knew wanted to know who the "beautiful girl" he was dating, was. The brunet was even more amused that people kept asking him about the traits he found attractive in a woman. Apparently, according to the rumors, he liked women with long hair who were taller than him. Afterward, came questions of who "she" was, where "she" came from and what kind of special abilities did "she" have that made "her" so special in Sasuke's eyes.

Some said "she" was blond and a princess from another country. Some said "she" was one of the daimyo priestess. Others said "she" was just a common girl who had done nothing to gain his affections, thus captivating him.

For the first time, instead of feeling tormented, the Uchiha was having too much fun picking on Neji to care.

The Hyuuga, however, was much luckier since he had not been fully seen that night. Apart from Sasuke's nagging, he had no-one to ask him personal questions about his private life.

Still, it was rather funny because, even though the two boys did nothing particular to show they were dating in public, they did nothing to hide it either. If people took the time to look at them more attentively, they would notice that the way they interacted was not exactly normal for two males. Nevertheless, people were either too ignorant or too oblivious.

As his birthday approached, however, Sasuke became restless. It was not that he worried about what people would think once it became official; it was more about the weight of responsibility that came with it. Telling everyone would make it real. Soon, rumors would be more accurate. Soon, people would look at them and wonder about homosexuality; what they did behind closed doors, what got them together, how they managed to get along. Soon, Neji would have to face his family and be confronted with the values and traditions that came with his name. Soon, they would have to face the brutal reality of how society looked at what they were doing, forcing them to either finally grow apart, or become stronger together.

Sasuke feared both possibilities. Not "fear" per se, more like he was anxious; expectant. He had the feeling something like this could change his entire world, if he allowed it. He did not fear the words or the looks people might throw at them, or Hiashi's rage. He feared himself at how far he would be willing to go if Neji had the same thoughts. At the same time, he wondered how his own life would be if they broke up for some stupid Hyuuga ideals. Sasuke was passionate about Neji, but he wasn't in love even though he sometimes thought about what it would be like to care for him that way. He respected him, lusted after him, admired him even, and enjoyed his company. He liked the beautiful Hyuuga to the point where he needed to know how far they would go for each other, and if it was worth it. If after everything, Neji threw them away, the Uchiha would never forgive him. Thinking about something like that enraged him.

It also enraged him to think about vivid blue eyes that resembled the sky on a bright summer day, as they looked at him in horror. Ever since that day, when he had confessed to be dating a guy, the expression lying in those eyes had tormented him daily.

Stupid.

Selfish.

Big mouthed.

Idiot.

Naruto…

Of all the people Sasuke knew would be there for him no matter what, he had thought that Naruto would be the first one to jump forward and be supportive of his decision. Even if he refused to admit it, the younger boy was, in fact, the only person he cherished enough to consider family. The loud blond had saved him many times from the darkness he lived in as he forced him to remember that he was loved, and had a whole life of amazing things ahead of him. Naruto had understood him, defended him, supported him, and had smiled even when Sasuke had mistreated him. The blond had been the bridge that helped him cross the never ending rivers of hatred and uncertainty resting in his heart. He had demanded that onyx gaze fixed solely on him, and took care of him without even noticing it. Or maybe, he did but pretended it had all been natural between them.

The bond they shared was strong but oscillated dangerously once in a while.

In a way, it hurt.

Sasuke wanted Naruto to be happy for him, or at least try, just like Sakura did. The raven had never thought of her as very mature, and yet, she had been mature enough to let him know that her love for him implied that she would be happy enough if he was happy, even if with someone other than her. For that, the brunet was thankful.

Sasuke was aware that Naruto was impulsive and said things without thinking, but that did not mean he could simply let go of the offensive things the Uzumaki said. They were both to blame, now they just had to find a way – the gods only knew how – to apologize and be humble about it.

Sasuke only hoped that the younger man had the decency of realizing that as well, so they could get along again.

000

The Hokage's office was brightly illuminated by the morning sunlight coming in through the large windows behind her wide desk.

Joining the tips of her fingers together, Tsunade's golden gaze scanned the young man in front of her, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and abnormal paleness of his skin. He did not seem like he was in a bad mood despite how abnormally quiet he had been ever since he got there.

"You seem tired." She pointed out gently, causing the blond in front of her to shift ever so slightly and smile, letting her know that something was upsetting him, which worried her.

"I'm fine, Baa-chan," he assured her with a dismissive gesture of his hand. "It's just that it's been so hot lately, it's kind of hard to sleep properly. Other than that I'm as healthy as I could be."

"Alright," The busty woman nodded, coming to the immediate conclusion that if Naruto wasn't opening his mouth to tell whatever was going on inside his heart, it meant he did not want to talk about it and it was best to let it go for now. "But if you need some time off, don't hesitate in letting me know."

"Yeah, yeah, I just told you I'm more than fine," Naruto grumbled. "Why did you send for me? I'm a busy man, you know!"

"Watch your tone, brat," she threatened, happier now that one of her favorite people was being more like himself with his impatience. "And I am aware of that. I happen to have a job for you, a week from today."

Blond eyebrows rose in interest and excitement at her words.

"Really? Like…a mission?" He asked, hopefully, taking a step closer to Tsunade's desk.

"Yes, something like that," The elder blond confirmed. "Apparently, the Kages of Sunagakure and Kirigakure both have some business to discuss with me. On another occasion, I wouldn't be willing to meet them both at the same time, but I have been terribly busy lately with internal problems that keep me from leaving Konoha, so I think it's for the best."

Naruto frowned deeply while looking thoughtful.

"Don't we still have a grudge with Kirigakure after that incident with the Hyuuga clan?" He asked, hesitantly.

"Yes, that is why both the Mizukage and myself think it's a good time to settle for peace," The Hokage explained. "The Shinobi world has been relatively quiet for the past few years, there is no need to hold grudges if we want this stability to last for the sake of all Shinobi villages."

"What about Suna?" Naruto asked, not too convinced of Tsunade's words despite not knowing or understanding a single thing about politics. "What business do we have with them?"

Tsunade allowed her cherry lips to form a mysterious smile.

"The election of the new Kazekage, of course," she said, sweetly, surprising the young male. "There are, always, all sorts of bureaucracies to be dealt with and new rules to be established since every Kage has their own way of dealing with their village's policies. Hopefully, we'll be able to form a stronger alliance this time, and one that's beneficial for both parts."

"New… Kazekage?" Naruto mumbled, blue eyes shooting open with a new gleam of excitement. Tsunade rolled her eyes, sure that the boy had not heard a single word.

"Yes; and a pretty young one at that. I believe you are acquainted with him since he requested for your exclusive escort."

Tsunade could tell her young protégé was growing more curious and enthusiastic by the second.

"Who is he?" Naruto demanded, impatiently taping his foot on the floor.

"You'll see when you get there," The older one said, causing Naruto to grunt in frustration, which did not upset her as she proceeded. "I'll be sending both you and Hyuuga Neji to pick up both Kages at the entrance to the fire country in a week, as I just told you."

Naruto's jaw almost fell to the floor.

"Neji? Are you turning gaga or something?" He gasped as if she was completely crazy. "You can't send him to meet the ones who attacked his clan! I mean, sending any Hyuuga is a bad, bad idea!"

"I know Neji enough to know that he has the maturity to not let his personal feelings interfere with Konoha's affairs," Tsunade then sighed. "It's exactly because he's a Hyuuga that I think he should go. It's a proof of good faith, forgiveness and trust on our part. As it is, I expect you to be as professional as I'm sure he will be."

"But…"

At that precise moment, there was firm knock on the door, cutting through Naruto's sentence. At Tsunade's permission, the door creaked open and a bluish set of hair made his appearance. Naruto had looked over his shoulder out of curiosity but as soon as he saw who it was, he looked immediately away with a stubborn frown, pretending he did not see the man that was walking towards her desk.

Those two were fighting again, the Hokage concluded, rolling her eyes.

"Sasuke, I'm so glad you could come," she said, opting for a warm tone, immediately accepting the scroll that the young man handed to her. "I'm sorry for making you re-write this on your vacation, but you know how Kitano is – great with weapons, terrible with paperwork."

"No problem, it's not like I had anything to do anyway." The Uchiha mumbled, shrugging a little and making such a great act of not acknowledging his blond friend.

"I expect your last paycheck suited your needs," she said, smiling softly. "You definitely earned it for your hard work. Neji told me you did a great job on your last mission."

"I always try my best." was the stoic brunet's reply.

Tsunade noticed how Naruto avoided eye contact with Sasuke at all costs, even though he sometimes glanced at him from the corner of his eye.

"I won't be bothering you with work for the next few days," she proceeded in a more formal tone, putting away the scroll in one of her drawers. "However, I have been considering that proposal you wrote to me about. I will see what can be done, and if you are still interested, please do come talk to me in a few days."

"Thank you. I will."

"That would be all. Thank you for your hard work."

"Good afternoon, Hokage-sama."

"To you too," Tsunade said, with a mysterious grin. "Happy birthday, and have a nice date with your boyfriend."

Tsunade secretly enjoyed the knowing, thankful, handsome smile Sasuke gave her before turning his back on them and exiting the room without another word, leaving a gaping, horrified Naruto behind throwing daggers in her direction.

Her assumption had been right – Naruto already knew Sasuke had a lover. Now the bomb would drop and it could all be terribly funny – like it was – if she had the time and the patience to deal with Naruto's outbursts.

"You knew?" He yelled, coming closer before she should even blink, and slamming his hands on her desk. "You…you betrayed me! You knew it all along and you didn't even tell me? How could you? When Sakura-chan finds out she'll freak out! You're supposed to be our accomplice!"

"Accomplice?" Tsunade asked, raising her eyebrows in false outrage. "I am the Hokage; I'm no one's accomplice. And of course I knew, kid, I know everything. All Shinobi that work under me have my respect and they know they can confide in me; Sasuke is no exception. If he didn't tell you about his affair, it won't be me who will."

"I…" Naruto stuttered, shaking his head from side to side in exasperation. "But…do you know who he is? His boyfriend?"

"Of course I know."

"And you won't tell me?"

"You'll find out sooner or later, they're not that discrete about it. I'm actually surprised they weren't found out yet."

Naruto blinked a few times as if he did not understand the statement before brushing it aside.

"How long have they been together?" He persisted.

Tsunade would have a big day ahead of her, filled with paper work, meetings and some medical reports to write, so she just had to make full use of some of Jiraya's influence to press the boy's buttons, even if just a little.

"That depends; are you referring to the 'just sex' part or the actual 'settle down'?"

Just as she expected, Naruto screeched in rage and gave up, cursing at her under his breath as he defiantly jumped to go out through the window, despite how many times she told him not to do it. He was probably doing it purpose to get her back, which he couldn't since the beautiful woman was in a much too good a mood to be disturbed by such trivialities.

The Hokage knew that, while Sasuke may be too oblivious for his own good, it was to be expected since he was so emotionally unbalanced. However, it was inexcusable that Naruto, who was much more sensible to feelings, became as thick as a rock when it came to his own emotions, especially when it concerned his teammate and rival. They were like two idiots crashing against each other and falling back over and over again, and it was becoming tiresome to watch.

They would have to be the ones to find it within themselves to fix things for better or worse. Someday, it would have to happen.

000

"I'm sorry, I just can't believe it," Ino said from across the elegant rectangular table, shaking her head negatively with a disbelieving look. "Sasuke-kun would never go out with a guy! He's not…, I mean, he has all these ideals about marriage and family! I just don't see it happening."

"Are you calling me a liar?" Naruto asked in a bad mood, throwing his arm roughly around a blushing Hinata's shoulders. "He told me himself! Sakura-chan was there, she heard him, and so did Kakashi-sensei."

Sakura, who was sitting between Ino and Lee, winced at Naruto's words, holding her boyfriend's hand more firmly so as to fight the nervousness lying within her. Lee was listening attentively to the conversation with growing interest but did not notice her momentary need for attention.

"He must have been messing with your heads," Kiba said, frowning deeply and stealing some appetizers from Chouji's plate. "People say he was seen with a woman, maybe she's much older than him and he was embarrassed to let you know."

"That doesn't make any sense, silly," Tenten intervened, rolling her eyes. "What man would prefer telling people he was gay instead of confessing he's with a much older woman?"

"It doesn't matter," Naruto pouted, shrugging. "It's his own birthday, and the bastard's late."

"Are you sure he said he would come?" Ino insisted, nudging Sakura's side to perk her up, causing the pink haired girl to whine a little.

"I already told you a million times he said he would come!" She exclaimed, more than exasperated. "Besides, it's still early; Neji-san, Shikamaru and Shino aren't here yet."

"Well, Neji didn't say if he was coming for sure, you know how he hates to have fun." TenTen joked easily.

"Yeah, that one is another stuck up, moody bastard," Kiba agreed, laughing. "We do have way too many unpleasant people in our group."

"We do not!" Ino defended heatedly.

"We so do!" Kiba emphasized. "There's Shino, Sasuke, Neji and Shikamaru; they're all fucking genius and still they can bore the hell out of our meetings."

"Shikamaru is not boring!" This time, it was Chouji who found the need to speak.

"Shikamaru is cool," Naruto nodded, now smiling. "He's just too lazy to know how to enjoy himself."

"And is Sasuke-san bringing the lover?" Lee asked enthusiastically, oblivious to Sakura and Naruto's sudden shifting movements.

"He said he might, but I'm not sure he will." Sakura said, in a low, heavy tone.

The restaurant Ino had chosen was one of the best in Konoha, providing a variety of well-known dishes, including some of the most famous all around the fire country. It was not traditional, as the decoration was a mixture between modern Japanese and western styled furniture in gold, black, and blood red; it was not cheap and had an air of austerity and finesse that constrained Naruto, but it was Sasuke's favorite so they all had to suck it up and deal with it.

Naruto looked to the side to face Hinata's pretty profile. The little reserved Hyuuga was listening to the anxious banter going on between all of her friends, her fingers stroking softly the hand that dangled from her shoulder. Naruto had not noticed it until he looked, but a small tickling feeling burned deep inside his heart at the sight. Hinata's fingers were soft and her caresses where always gentle and light as if she was afraid she might hurt him. The blond found it endearing.

"Is everything alright, Hina-chan?" He asked in a whisper, noticing how her pale eyes once in a while searched the entrance to the restaurant.

She turned slightly to look at him, a worried smile appearing on her thin lips.

"It's nothing," she said, apologetically. Ever since she and Naruto got together, she became more at ease around him and even her stuttering had stopped. "I'm just a little concerned about Neji-nii-san. He had a fight with my father this morning and I'm not sure he'll be able to go out tonight. My father's word is not to be taken lightly and Nii-san has such a bad temper..."

"What did they fight about?" Naruto asked, more to keep himself and his girlfriend entertained than out of curiosity.

"I don't know… something about Neji-nii-san not fulfilling his duties," She sighed, biting her lip adorably. "I heard his servants commenting on how he has been spending the nights away from home. But please, don't mention this to anyone; I'm not supposed to let anyone know what goes on inside the Hyuuga family."

"Don't worry," Naruto assured her, giving her a light kiss on the temple. "I promise I…"

"OH, MY FUCKING GOD!"

All the table's occupants jumped at the same time as if electrified at Ino's dramatic yell. Other customers were startled as well, and started throwing disapproving looks at her that she promptly ignored by standing up on weak knees.

Naruto watched her with amusement as she paled considerably before turning his head towards where the blond girl was staring. As Naruto felt all the color drain from his face, he wondered if Ino was feeling as sick as he was or even more.

Sasuke had just arrived and was heading their way. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a black sweater that complimented his toned body in such an indecent way that many heads turned his way, as he walked through the other tables without noticing the attention. It wasn't as if he had dressed up to be there, but the casual clothes contrasted with his fair skin and made him look incredibly hot anyways. If this had not been enough to make everybody quiet down and stare at him wide eyed and gaping, the man following him definitely was.

"Fucking…shit…how…why…" Ino stammered, horrified, slumping back down on her chair as the two approached them.

"Shikamaru!" Chouji yelped pointing his greasy finger at his pony tailed friend. "You! You're Sasuke's lover?"

"What?" Both newcomers said, at the same time. They stopped dead in their tracks to look at all their friends who appeared to be on the verge of a heart attack.

"What is this nonsense about?" Shikamaru asked, frowning disapprovingly at Ino, who was grabbing her chest as if she could not breathe.

"You're…you're Sasuke-kun's…for all the gods in the…" She gasped, shaking her head, disbelievingly.

Sasuke's dark eyes scanned the table, a new found nerve making his left eyebrow twitch as comprehension dawned on him.

"Fucking idiots, that's just sick." He said, coolly, taking a seat next to Kiba since there would be an empty chair on his other side. Growling, he eyed Naruto menacingly. "You just had to open your big mouth beforehand, didn't you, Naruto?"

"Hey, if you hadn't been eating your boyfriend's face out in the middle of the street, they wouldn't even dream…"

"Uh? What boyfriend?" A confused Shikamaru asked, taking a seat beside Lee.

"These morons think you're my lover." Sasuke said, not bothering to hide his disgust.

"What? No way, guys, that's just sick!"

"My point, exactly." Sasuke agreed.

"We just met on our way here, geez." Shikamaru explained, huffing in dismay.

Collective sighs of relief were heard from every single occupant of the largest table in the restaurant, and soon enough, the atmosphere lightened and everyone was directing their attention towards the birthday boy with their congratulations, presents, and questions. Naruto let out an unexpected cackle that only Sakura seemed to notice since she felt as relieved as he was. Emerald eyes met sapphire. Thinking that Shikamaru was Sasuke's boyfriend had not been a nice experience for either of them.

The blond Jounin's heart was still stuck in his throat as he immediately changed his demeanor and tried his best to act as carefree and happy as ever. Sasuke was turning nineteen. He was going to introduce them to his lover. The moment he had the chance, Naruto would get the Uchiha alone and finally talk to him to make things right. There was still time, the night was still young and Sasuke still had the time to get in a good mood.

Naruto noticed that he was feeling incredibly faithful and positive about the whole issue, despite how harshly Sasuke had treated him as soon as he got there.

I still don't know who his goddamn boyfriend is…

Breathe…slowly…smile…it's okay.

You can definitely do this. Don't freak out. You are happy for him. Whoever his lover is, he'll be welcomed to our group, we'll be friends and we'll all be one big, happy family.

Breathing turned out to be a much more difficult task than Naruto had expected for various reasons. Firstly, he was more than unnerved about his friend's casual attitude, like he had not a care in the world, nor minded that everyone was dying to know exactly who the guy he was dating was – he kept to himself and did not answer to Ino's pleading questions. Secondly…the blond was finding it hard to look away from his best friend because…well, somehow Naruto understood exactly why most people thought Sasuke was gorgeous, and that definitely was not a good thing in Naruto's book.

Naruto swallowed hard, removing his arm from Hinata's shoulders. He had always known Sasuke was attractive – he had even envied him for it – yet, somehow, it was affecting him for the first time. Not knowing why, sent shivers down his spine. Not being able to stop looking made him panic ever so slightly as dozens of thoughts invaded his mind.

I wonder if those bluish locks he has are real. I can see them from here.

No way, how can he manage to keep his nails so clean and pretty? Now that I think about it, I should've noticed he was gay; he always takes such good care of himself.

Stop thinking about him as gay, he is not gay! He'll strangle you if you call him that again.

Well, he is…ok, he's Bisexual…or something…right? Does he like women then?

He looks so straight, though. How can someone so manly be with another guy? I can see why men would be attracted to him, though.

What the fuck are you thinking?

How does he…do it with another guy?

He has such a pretty neck. I supposeit could be called sexy.

Stupid Sasuke! He dressed up on purpose! Such a bastard…

Sakura seemed to be equally enticed since she could barely open her mouth to speak to Sasuke at all, even though she smiled shyly once in a while whenever he spoke.

How can she do it? Naruto wondered, examining his pink haired friend and forgetting all about trying to act cheerful. She's always been in love with him. How can she just pretend it's alright?

"What, he isn't coming?" Kiba was saying, stretching his neck impatiently to look at the door. "Come on, man, tell us who he is!"

"He will come," Sasuke sighed tiredly as if he was seriously regretting his decision. "Would you just shut up about it already?"

"I only hope he's hot, though," Ino said, crossing her arms over her chest resentfully. "He has to be for Sasuke-kun to choose him over a girl."

For some reason, Sasuke smiled naughtily at that and Naruto raised an eyebrow.

That cocky asshole.

"Oh, Neji's coming," Shikamaru noted in his usual bored tone, causing everyone to turn their heads to look at the Hyuuga's tall figure.

Kiba whistled as soon as he took in Neji's appearance.

"Someone really took his time to dress up today." he said, leaning in to whisper conspiratorially to his mates.

Indeed, as Naruto noticed, the stern Hyuuga seemed to have taken an extra thought on what to wear that evening since most of the times when they all met; he simply showed up – when he showed up – with his clan's usual outfit.

Surprisingly, that night he had decided to put on a pair of very classic black trousers that complimented his figure, and a white silk shirt. His hair was tied in the usual loose ponytail. He looked as casual as anybody, but in a very fine way. The fact that he rarely ever dressed casual might have added to the amazement.

"Neji! You actually came!" Tenten exclaimed, waving at him cheerfully as he approached the table and unceremoniously nodded to everyone who was greeting him.

"Hello." He said, in a way that was polite but utterly devoid of enthusiasm as he took the seat next to Sasuke, who was eyeing him from head to toe with something akin to approval.

The cheerful chatter took its place among the young Shinobi, but this particular look was unknown to the Uchiha's features, and only the blond young man sitting in front of him from across the table seemed to notice it and question himself about it. Actually, Naruto was absolutely sure no one was taking any notice of how, completely out of the blue, Neji decided to put his arm over the back of Sasuke's chair and lean closer. Only when the raven tilted his head ever so slightly to accept the sudden invasion of privacy did other heads begin to turn quickly to look at the two.

"Oh my…" Hinata muttered, bringing her hands to her redden cheeks.

'Oh My' was way too simple of a sentence to describe the many things Naruto thought at the moment.

The silence that fell over the table was filled with shock, tension and confusion as every single pair of eyes focused on the two attractive men who were now kissing –on the fucking mouth!, as Naruto's brain screamed while trying to process the information – in a rather intense way that showed exactly the level of intimacy they shared.

It's Neji. Neji, who is dating Sasuke. Neji, who is sharing his bed. Neji, who by the looks of it, knows his body from inside out…

Some people in the surrounding tables stopped talking or eating – or doing whatever it was that they were doing – to watch in amazement. After all, it's not every day they get see a Hyuuga and an Uchiha making out in public.

Naruto did not bother to see the reactions on his friends' faces. He did not care if someone was about to have a stroke or throw up in disgust, or if someone was heartbroken. He did not care about Sakura's feelings at that particular moment.

All he could think about was that, for the first time, he was watching his best friend kiss someone, and it was both arousing and unnerving.

They weren't hugging or even touching. They were just kissing, slowly and expertly with tongues and everything, and clearly enjoying it.

What fazed Naruto the most though, was the palpable chemistry between them. Despite knowing Sasuke would never be with someone unless he was somehow attracted to that person, he had never expected said person to be Neji. Considering how the both of them were such cold, lonesome, selfish bastards, nothing good could come out of even thinking about them together. Naruto wouldn't even dream of it in his most absurd nightmares.

And yet, there they were, and the energy they emanated was contagious. It was more than obvious they got along just fine and that there was something between them that just connected.

They were clearly infatuated with each other. They were attracted to each other. They fitted. As much as it hurt to admit, Neji was probably one of the few people that were, in fact, worthy enough to walk beside Sasuke; maybe the only person who could handle him just had to be someone equally intelligent, strong and emotionally bruised. Maybe, only they could end up fixing each other.

And for some reason, this realization made Naruto feel empty like never before as his stomach ached painfully with an unpleasant feeling he could not describe.

This is it. He really is drifting away from me.

The fact that the Uchiha was absolutely beautiful when he kissed did nothing to improve Naruto's sadness. Did he look like that because he was kissing Neji?

What kind of twisted joke was fate planning on, joining him and his best friend with Hyuugas?

"For all the gods that protect and cherish this earth!" came the overly excited voice of Lee, startling everyone – including Neji and Sasuke, who broke up the contact almost immediately – when he stood with his fists in front of his face and tears in his eyes. "Gai-sensei would be so touched if he witnessed these two unbalanced souls working their way towards true youthful happiness! I am so overjoyed for you, Neji!"

The brown haired man straightened up and stared at his teammate with a mix of incredulity and disapproval but did nothing except clear his throat while licking his lips. Naruto's mouth ran dry at that.

"Just shut up and sit down Lee!" muttered Tenten, embarrassed, pushing him downwards to make him sit down again.

"Well, I guess this has answered any questions we had," said Kiba, instantly recovered, wearing a twisted, sarcastic smile on his lips, sadistically pleased by the common reaction the group had, despite the fact that he, himself had initially felt a little sick to the stomach. "Good for you guys. I noticed how horny you two are, but next time, spare our sensitive eyes to your public displays of affection, please. A simple 'Oh, by the way, we're dating' would've done the trick."

"You're in such a good mood; I would almost say you enjoyed it, Inuzuka." Sasuke mocked, throwing him a dirty but incredibly sexy grin.

"Fuck you, Uchiha!"

"I'm sure you'd love that, but I wouldn't give my ass to you for all the money in the world."

"Okaaay, too much information," Shikamaru groaned, sighing. "You guys are so bothersome sometimes."

"We should start ordering before the owners kick us out." Neji said, grabbing the red menu from the center of the table as if nothing had happened.

"Did I miss something?" Asked Shino, who had just arrived and noticed the diverging expressions on his friends' faces.

"Nope, just, Sasuke and Neji slurping each other's tongues out, no big deal." Kiba said sarcastically, patting the last unoccupied seat on his right.

"It was unexpectedly hot too!" Everyone stared at the only long haired, blond girl at the same time with equal dismayed looking faces. "What? It really was; I take back everything I said, Sasuke-kun should totally date as many guys as he wants."

"Excuse me?" hissed Neji, turning cool, white eyes in Ino's direction and making her blush.

"I didn't mean it like that!" She apologized, laughing nervously and elbowing Sakura. "You guys are totally hot enough to be with each other, right, Sakura?"

"Uh? Y-yeah, sure…" Sakura muttered, forcing a smile and managing to capture Naruto's attention away from Sasuke for the first time. Only then, did the whiskered boy notice how wrecked she was and how no one else did.

If I feel like shit, I can't even imagine how she must feel. But we have to manage…for the sake of team seven, we have to keep the balance.

Besides, aren't we both being selfish? Sasuke deserves happiness too. He deserves to find his own home.

I just thought that his home was…would always be…

Naruto sighed and leaned back, slumping against his seat. As if feeling the weight of his thoughts, Sasuke's eyes turned to meet his. He was clearly standing his ground as if defying Naruto to object to his choice of partner. However, there was also a hint of uncertainty surrounding him.

I don't care what you think, his eyes said.

But…are you disappointed?

Are you mad?

Even if you are, you should know me enough to know I'm not giving in.

You either accept or you don't. Make your choice.

But don't make this hard on both of us.

Naruto sighed once more, shrugged and nodded his consent slowly, forcing the left corner of his mouth to lift up.

He's good for you.

I'm here, no matter what.

Sorry for being an ass, but now I understand.

They stared at each other in silence until Sasuke smiled genuinely for the briefest of moments, before turning to Neji to read the menu he was holding.

It was one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever given Naruto, and for that smile, the Uzumaki felt like he could endure everything.

The younger boy felt too tired to object to anything, even himself. What did he have to object to? His own jealousy? His own envy? His fear? None of this concerned Sasuke; he had done nothing wrong except concealing important details of his private life. It was his own heart who was betraying him. He had no right to be mad.

I am fighting my own internal battle and it sucks.

He is happy isn't it? He has that…thing…with Neji. That thing neither Sakura-chan nor I have with fuzzy eyebrows and Hinata. Maybe that's why it's so hard to watch him go, because even now, he has something that we're still lacking.

Shit.

"Please, let's just order, I'm starving!" Chouji complained.

"No way, I wanna know how Sasuke-kun and Neji-san got together!" Ino protested. "Dear Amaterasu, you never noticed anything, Tenten?"

Naruto breathed in deeply and mustered up all his determination in order to form a big, wide grin in his mouth.

"I'm with Chouji; I'll kill myself if we keep insisting on this soap opera shit!" he exclaimed, regaining his usual exuberant personality and slamming his hand on the table. "Where's the damn food?"

"Keep it down, you fool, or I'll kick you out myself!" Kiba joked, faking annoyance.

"Ha, just try me!"

"You're so on for a drinking contest, Blondie."

"I'll just beat you at it, as usual."

"I'm not dragging your drunken sorry ass home again, moron." Sasuke said causally, lifting with that sentence some of the weight Naruto carried on his shoulders. At least it seemed that they still had a chance to be alright. Alright was the best he could hope for, at least for now.

"Hey, do you want me to remind you how many times I dragged your alcoholic corpse across Konoha?" Naruto returned, sticking out his tongue at Sasuke, who just huffed. "Oh, but don't worry, I'll give Neji the undying pleasure of seeing you heaving your guts out."

"Don't even remind me of that!" Kiba laughed, clutching his belly with both arms. "Damn it, Uchiha, you're so fucking funny when you're wasted! You should've seen yourself that time when you completely ruined…"

Making sure everyone was in a good mood and having fun was an easy thing for Naruto, who always knew what to say and do to put a smile on people's faces. Seeing Sasuke's calm demeanor and feeling his lighter aura made it all worth it. He was finally enjoying himself and Naruto managed to feel happy that he had been the cause. Everyone was taking it lightly; he just had to do the same. If only he could, in some way, keep close to Sasuke, maybe they wouldn't draw apart so much. If only he could make Sasuke smile like that more often…

He glanced at his other teammate. She was making small, courteous conversation with Neji while trying to disguise her paleness as fatigue. Sasuke was impassive but Naruto knew he was pleased with her, which was just what she wanted from him.

We'll make it through this, Sakura-chan.

Green eyes met his as pink lips curved upwards and both their thoughts clashed.

Yep. Two can play this game.