a/n: Good news is I'm updating. Bad news is I've been creatively blocked for two months due to life stuff and this is the last of my pre-written chapters. I've been working on an interlude (Dream!Sasuke and dark!main!Naruto) as next chapter, but eh. Therefore, updating might be wonky for a while. I imagine there may be 3-4 chapters left after the interlude.

It was the day after Christmas, and Sasuke was in a foul mood. Christmas had been fine, but he'd woken up this morning with this pit in his stomach. He was frustrated, angry, and had no outlet for it all. Itachi had been getting on his nerves all day, too. He'd started talking to their mother about Naruto and how he was flying in today, so Sasuke retreated to his room where he could listen to music for a while. He was trying not to spread his bad mood around, but, for whatever reason, knowing Naruto was back made everything worse. The idea of running into him only made his anxiousness escalate. He grabbed his iPod and turned the music up even louder, hoping they'd drown out his thoughts. Since he'd been on his side with his back to the door, he nearly jumped out of skin when someone grabbed his shoulder.

"Jesus, Itachi," he shouted, ripping the earbuds out of his ear. "What do you want?"

"What was I supposed to do? You didn't answer when I knocked." He narrowed his eyes at Sasuke. "What's wrong with you lately? You're more testy than usual."

"Yeah, I wonder why."

"I don't know why since we've hardly spoken today, and yesterday you didn't seem to be in a good mood either."

"Does my bad mood truly concern you, or are you just being nosy?" He asked.

Itachi sat down on his bed without invitation. "Both. To be fair, I'm nosy because you're my little brother, and when you're in a bad mood, I do get worried. Not because I want to interfere, but because I'd like you to not be in a bad mood. Do you want to go somewhere?"

"Not particularly," he replied, scowling at him for no reason.

"We could see a movie. We don't have to go downtown. I'll even go with you to your gym if you'd like. You've been cooped up in the house a lot more than normal, wouldn't you like a change of scenery, perhaps?"

Sasuke set his iPod on the side table and sighed. "I just… haven't had the energy to do anything lately."

"Mother said you were invited to a party for New Year's Eve. Will you be going to that?" Itachi asked. "I only ask because you're also welcome to hang out with us that night."

"I haven't decided," he said. "Yagura also asked if I wanted to do something. Rin doesn't get along with him, so it's one or the other."

"I've yet to meet her, but I've heard very good things about her. I wish I could've seen your show that night, or you would've taped it for me."

"I don't think so. Singing was a one-time thing, so don't get your hopes up." He was surprised he wasn't going to bring up Naruto, but he hadn't mentioned to anyone outside of the concert that night that Naruto had even showed up. They would've asked too many annoying questions.

"I've heard you sing before," Itachi said softly. "I know you did well. If you're not interested in going out, then I think I'll make other plans tonight if you don't mind."

"That's fine." He pulled at a loose string on his comforter. "What is it you're thinking of doing?"

"You're curious?" Itachi asked.

"I asked, didn't I?"

"You did. Well, I'd rather not say because I don't want to upset you." Itachi tucked a stray piece of hair behind his hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail.

"Why, what are you doing?"

"I think I'll go hang out with everyone downtown, but first I need to drop by Naruto's." Itachi paused because Sasuke was most certainly making an unpleasant face. "Anyway. He wanted to know if I was in the area, could I pick something up before he heads out for the night."

"Heads out where?" Sasuke asked. "What are you picking up?"

"Presents," Itachi asked simply. "He says he has presents for the family. But, whatever will you do with the piece of coal he's going to give you?"

"Hilarious," he remarked. "Are you his errand boy now?"

"Now that you've given up the job, I suppose so. I volunteered, so no need to get your panties in a twist, Sasuke-chan. As for your other question, he only told me he was going to meet someone somewhere. Apparently he's brought a friend from home, but he didn't want to go out to tour the city tonight. Can you imagine that? Coming all this way and not wanting to go out? Is it possible to get jetlagged while flying Chicago to Seattle?"

"I'm sure it would be if you'd just spent the last week with Naruto," he replied sourly. "Fine. Do whatever you want. But could you stop mentioning him around me from now on?"

"I did try. You kept being nosy." Itachi smirked. "What if he's bought you a present?"

"Burn it," Sasuke said.

"I won't. What about you, do you have anything you'd like me to pass off to him?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke glared.

"I'll take that as a no." Itachi got to his feet. "If you change your mind, I'll be out and around. Otherwise, enjoy your night of sulking in your room."

"I will. Enjoy meeting with your underage boyfriend."

"I will," Itachi replied with a smile. "If I find out where he's going, are you sure you wouldn't like me to text you the details? You could accidentally run into him somewhere?"

"No. Knowing him he's going to meet Sai somewhere. Not that I care."

"Of course you don't," said his brother. "I'll see you tomorrow then. Let's try to spend some time together before I have to go back. Or, think about visiting me sometime soon. I think you could use a vacation."

"I'm on vacation right now." Sasuke frowned. "Which is why I'm enjoying lying around and doing nothing for once."

"I see." Itachi nodded. "Have a good night, Sasuke. Your brother loves you."

Sasuke picked up a pen from the side table and threw it at him. "Get out. Traitor."

"Oh, I'm a traitor for going to see Naruto?" Itachi asked, his hand on the doorknob. "Do I have to pick sides in this situation? It seemed to me you were happy texting him as me the other night."

"I was drunk," he lied. "I won't be making the same mistake ever again. Maybe Naruto's not as innocent in this situation as you make him out to be."

Itachi turned toward him again as if the comment had caught his interest. "These are interesting allegations. What do you mean by that exactly?"

"Wouldn't this all be over if Naruto already screwed around with someone else? Or began dating someone here? At what point do I stop being the bad guy?"

Itachi walked toward the bed. "Do you really believe this situation to be about who's bad or good, or who's right or wrong?"

"Isn't it?" He asked. "You and Yahiko and everyone else gave me a hard time over it, so clearly you thought I was in the wrong."

"You were in the wrong for the way you acted, not for your decision, although I don't understand that either since I happen to know you've been in love with Naruto since day one."

"You have no proof of that - "

"I don't need proof to know how you feel about Naruto, and clearly we know how he felt about you."

"'Felt'? Exactly," said Sasuke. "That was over a month ago. He's over it by now, and now he's just dragging it out so he can feel better about being rejected by me."

"Ah, yes. That sounds so much like Naruto. It doesn't sound at all as if you're making excuses for why you're feeling frustrated. Why? Because he was your best friend. Your only friend, Sasuke. Besides myself, of course. I know you're not asking for my advice, and I promise not to bring it up anymore after tonight, but you'll eventually want closure with this. I really do think Naruto wants to hear certain things from you so that he can have closure, too."

"What things?" Sasuke asked.

"You know."

"I'm tired of talking about this." He lay down on the bed and covered his eyes. "You better hurry, or he'll get mad at you for being late."

"I haven't called him yet to let him know I'm coming. I did ask you if you wanted to spend time with me first. Since you do not, I'll say hi to him and then be on my way. Unlike you, he has plans and is able to continue on with his life even without you around."

That stung. He knew his brother didn't mean it that way, and yet those were the exact thoughts he'd been having since the night he and his parents went to the mall. Or, really since the night he'd stupidly called Naruto thinking they could finally talk about some things.

"Sasuke?" Itachi asked. "I didn't mean it in a bad way. I just meant that even if you're upset, you should still go out and try to - "

"Enough," he said. "Please just go. You're making it worse, Itachi." Sasuke rolled onto his side, facing the bookshelf, his back to his brother.

Itachi didn't say anything further, but Sasuke heard him open and close the bedroom door. Everything was back to normal for everyone else, or maybe it'd always been that way. Naruto was home, and just like that, Itachi was going to go hang out with him. Naruto'd bought presents for his family because he never in his life had understood the the concept of shame and how to FEEL IT. Sasuke felt shame, for being the kind of idiot who would fall for someone like Naruto.

Then for being the type of person who couldn't fucking get over it.

At least he could laugh about Naruto's hillbilly friend he'd dragged over here not wanting to hang out with him. Maybe he and this visiting friend had something in common. Assuming it was a guy, Sasuke ought to bump into them and screw him in front of Naruto.

Or, he should just forget about all of it, pretend the last 10 months had never happened, and, next semester, continue to act as if Naruto Uzumaki didn't exist.

Naruto was on the bus headed uptown toward the University of Washington area. He had his earbuds in, lost in thought, having just seen Itachi all of 10 minutes ago. It was weird how much he'd missed talked about Christmas, and Naruto mentioned some of the stuff he'd been up to (leaving out the part about the police raid on that party). They'd met in the lobby since he was already on his way to Rin's. He was surprised she'd answered when he called from the luggage carousel. After he explained why he hadn't called her up until then, he'd asked if she wanted to grab a coffee downtown or wherever was convenient, but she ended up inviting him to her apartment, which was great until he realized most of his adrenaline had come from the plane ride, so once he got to the apartment, he kind of wanted to crash alongside Gaara. Then, when Itachi agreed to come by at the last minute to pick up the gifts, it was just… even more emotionally overwhelming when he was already so drained?

Seeing Itachi made him think about Sasuke, of course, but he was afraid to ask what Sasuke was up to. Naruto didn't want to know why he hadn't heard from him at all this past week, not even a text on Christmas. Itachi didn't mention him other than to say Sasuke would be staying in for the evening. He did ask Naruto who he was going to see, but for various reasons, he kept his answer vague, not wanting to cause drama between Sasuke and Rin if he could help it.

So, now that he was on the bus, he had time to reflect on this last week, last month, last year. He closed his eyes, indulging in some old alternative music that made him think of his younger years, like when he was 11 or 12. Weezer's "In the Garage" was playing. He used to have one of their posters on his bedroom wall. He wondered how likely it was he'd see Sasuke before break was over. He'd have Gaara for a week, so they'd be off doing touristy things. Although, Gaara was low-maintenance. What was funny about him is that he didn't have a problem telling Naruto the God's honest truth, including when he was tired of him. If he'd come back alone, it might've been a bummer what with his dad taking off again. There was always Sai, but Naruto felt like he took advantage of him sometimes. Like Sai might start to think they were only hanging out more because he wasn't hanging out with Sasuke.

While the bus passed by the university's campus, he started to get anxious. Would he and Rin get along like they did before? Would they have things to talk about? He thought so since he always had plenty of to say and was decent at small talk. She seemed as talkative as him, and she was the singer of a band. Clearly she was going to be an interesting person. Naruto checked his phone to make sure he was getting off at the right stop. He'd have to walk a ways to get to her place. Five minutes later, he hopped off the bus and began following the directions on his app. He didn't come out this way that often, but the bus he usually rode to Sasuke's went through this area. Naruto stuck his hands inside his coat pockets. It wasn't too cold, at least not compared to Chicago. The winters were far more mild here. He crossed paths with an older woman walking a wheezing pug that was wearing a Christmas sweater. They ended up striking up a brief conversation, which led to her pointing to where he needed to go (even though he already knew), but he loved when little old ladies were helpful. When he was a block away, he sent Rin a text to let her know he was at the front entrance to her building. The neighborhood looked upscale. He didn't wait long at the door, and when Rin popped out in a flour-covered apron, bright tights, and a short skirt that looked like a tutu, he thought he was going to die.

"See, I told you I was feeling domestic," she chirped, smiling at him. "There's a marathon on right now of a baking show I love, so I felt like baking cookies. Hi, by the way."

Naruto let out a laugh. "I mean… it's cute. It's a great look. You ought to wear it on stage. Is it too much to ask for a twirl?"

"It's never too much to ask for a twirl," she replied, and as Naruto held the door open for her, she did a little twirl, which was far more than he deserved. "Good?"

"Very good." He laughed again. "Did you have a good Christmas? Unless that's not a thing you celebrate, then ignore my ignorance, please."

"No, I do, but it was fine. Low-key. I hung out with some friends since my family doesn't live here, but I Skyped with them last night, so no big deal. What about you?"

"It was good. My dad and I went out to dinner and only opened a couple of presents. We're gonna open more tomorrow. Tonight he kinda crashed. I also brought a friend with me, but he didn't wanna play tourist tonight, so I just kind of… took a shot you'd wanna grab a coffee."

"Yes, yes. Grabbing coffee is very neutral, but I have coffee here, and I was really into this show, so I thought we could talk and chill for a while. That's cool you brought a friend back with you. By the way, do you want to come in, or should we stand out here all night talking?"

"No, yeah, we can go in. You don't even have a coat, but are you sure it's okay to let me in?"

"Only suspicious people say that," Rin scolded, smacking his arm. "Don't say that to a girl!"

"Well, sorry! I wanted you to feel safe and stuff," he argued. I'm practically a stranger."

"Yeah, but we have mutual friends - " She paused for a second, and he raised an eyebrow.

"It's okay. I know what you mean," he said. "I'm sure Sasuke can vouch for me. Maybe. I can only imagine what he might say when I think about it."

"Yes, well. We can talk about that, too." She grabbed Naruto by the hand and led him inside a hall where there were some mailboxes. There was an elevator, but they went up the stairs, which was only a flew flights, and they talked the entire way up. It was like they'd picked up from their last conversation at the concert. So much for worrying about whether they'd click.

As soon as Rin opened the door to her loft, they were immediately accosted by the tiniest, fucking cutest calico kitten in the world. It attacked the laces on his boots and then his pant leg.

"Holy shit," he said. "Is there anything cuter in this universe?"

"Ugh, she is such a little flirt, ignore her. She's my new addition. I hope you're not allergic."

"I'm not." Naruto scooped up the tiny thing and held it in the air. "You know, there's this record store in Ballard, and the older lady who runs it lets her cats run all over the place."

"Oh, is that the one Sasuke goes to?" Rin asked.

"Ah, yeah. I guess he's the one who introduced me to it. It has these British phone booths in the basement where you can listen to stuff. I love it." He held the kitten close to his face. Its eyes were blue. "Does it have a name? Ah, you said it's a girl?"

"Yep. I decided to call her Yoko."

"Yoko?" Naruto cradled her to his chest. "After Yoko Ono?"

"Is there any other?" She asked. "I found it funny."

"Ah, you consider the split up of the greatest band in the history of mankind to be funny?"

"Oh right, like a single Japanese woman could truly tear apart the Beatles. I blame Paul more than I blame John," she remarked passionately while setting a hand on her hip.

"Yeah, that's usually how I feel about any Beatles argument. I'm not sure I could blame John for anything. I hear there's a tour you can take in Liverpool and see all the houses they grew up in."

"I've heard about that. I went to London once, but we didn't stray too far from the city."

"Aw, man. I'd love to go to Europe some day," he said and set the cat on the floor. Apparently she didn't like that, though, because she tried to claw her way back up his leg.

"I think she likes you," Rin said, giggling. "You really are a ladykiller, huh?"

"Heh" He scratched the back of his head. "I see you've finally accepted I like girls. Last we talked, you were rather insistent on me havin' a boyfriend if I remember right."

"Yeah, but it was a joke at the time. Sort of." She threw her hands in the air. "I didn't expect it to be Sasuke Uchiha of all people you were talking about, you know?!"

Naruto cleared his throat, and since the kitten kept mewling at him, he picked her up again by the scruff and stared her down. "What is up with you, Yoko?" He cradled her against his chest to stop her crying. "Well, I hate to disappoint you, but Sasuke isn't and has never been my boyfriend. I'm sure he told you as much. If he even acknowledged knowin' me at all."

Rin tilted her head, and he could tell that they'd definitely spoken of him.

"Say it," he said. "Whatever's on your mind. I can take it."

"You didn't tell him you were coming here, did you?" She asked.

"No, why? Should I have? We aren't really on speakin' terms."

"I've heard." She took a step closer and scratched behind Yoko's ears while he held her. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I feel like I should say this upfront."

"I won't," he said. "Shoot."

"When you and I met at the show, I thought I'd get to talk to you afterward. I was ready to come and find you and ask if you wanted to hang out with us, but it didn't take Sasuke long to figure out it was you I'd met, and I know it's a crazy coincidence, but…"

He watched her face closely, able to tell she was uncomfortable about something (probably his relationship to Sasuke and her friendship with him), so he waited patiently.

"Go on," he encouraged her. "I'm all for honesty, and I figured this would come up"

She nodded, but was playing with the front of her apron. "I respect Sasuke, and I consider him a friend, so… I just, you know… I like you, and I think you're really cute, but you two seem to have some unresolved stuff to work out. So, I don't want to give you the wrong idea. I don't feel right bringing it up, and I know I asked you here, but I thought we could start with - "

"Being friends?" He finished.

She appeared relieved that he understood. "Yes. Is that okay? I don't want to get between the two of you - "

"You mean like Yoko here?" He asked.

Rin rolled her eyes. "No, I definitely don't want to do that, but I - " She sighed. "I have to go check on my cookies, want to join me in the kitchen?"

"Hell, yeah. I love cookies. What kind?" He followed her into the kitchen while the kitten continued to keep her death grip on his coat.

"Chocolate chip." Rin answered. "I know it's boring, but I had chocolate chips in my cabinet, and I wanted something sweet. Have you ever watched The Great British Baking Show?"

"I can't say I have." Naruto watched as she put on an oven mitt and removed a tray of lightly-browned cookies and set it on the stovetop.

"It's so much fun," she said, picking up a nearby metal spatula to move the cookies from the tray to a rack onto the counter. "It makes me wish I could bake, but I'm limited to store bought brownie mixes and simple cookie recipes. I was sort of tired from the holidays, so I wanted to relax today. It's bad for my voice, too, if I do too much. I had a couple of parties this past week, and I'm planning on having another one for New Year's, which you're totally invited to."

"Me? Already earning an invite to one of your parties?" He asked. "I'm touched."

"If you want, I'd love for you to come. You can bring your friend. It's mostly musicians. I suppose I should let you know that I invited Sasuke, but he acted like he had other plans."

"...Ah, well. I don't wanna be that guy, but it could get awkward."

"I've decided to try to stay out of the situation, but if there's anything I can do to help, I really would like to," she said, handing him one of her warm cookies.

Naruto took it. "I assume he's already talked to you about stuff?"

She didn't say anything, but he could tell by her silence that he had.

"Like how I confessed to him and he shot me down?" He asked.

"Not in a lot of detail, but yeah, I do know the general circumstances."

He took a bite of the cookie. "Mm. It's good. Like my mom used to make."

"Do you want some milk, too? It's skim." She was already headed to the refrigerator. "Is that okay?"

"Aaaah, skim?" He made a face. "Yeah, I can probably handle it."

She got them both a glass of milk and sat at the table with him. He was finally able to get the kitten to retract her claws long enough to set her on the floor. Naruto took off his coat, too, and set it on the back of his chair. They started devouring Rin's tray of cookies together.

"I'm touched that you called me as soon as you landed," said Rin. "Almost makes up for you ditching me last week. I didn't think you would ever call, but Sasuke said you were away."

"I wanted to. To tell you the truth, your number smeared that night, and I had to ask Sasuke for it."

"You did not!" Rin looked scandalized as she threw a crumb at him. "You asked your boyfriend for my number? That's terrible. Maybe he should be mad at you?"

"Tch, why?" Naruto picked up his glass of (yuck) skim milk. "Do you know where he went after your show that night? With fuckin' Yagura. God, I hate that guy. He's such a psycho."

"I don't like him either, he gives me creeper vibes." Rin tucked her hair behind an ear, and they both smiled at one another.

"At least we have that in common," he said.

"If you were able to ask Sasuke for my number, I guess that means you've spoken to him recently? I mean, since the concert. It was Yagura who told him you were there. I didn't mention your name at the time. It didn't occur to me the friend you were talking about was Sasuke."

"I figured," he said, offering a slight shrug. "I didn't know he was gonna be there the night of the show. Never seen him sing on stage in my life. He barely sings in front of me. Or, did sing. He never sang in front of me when we were friends, I should say."

Rin frowned. "You've already moved on to talking about him in the past tense?"

He grabbed for another cookie since they were really good. "What else is there to do? I didn't hear from him at all while I was out of town, and not that I wanna run my mouth about him, but I told the guy I loved him, and he straight up ignored me for the next few weeks because of it."

She reached over and pat him on the arm. "I kind of heard, sorry. He was over for one of those parties, and we did sort of talk about you a lot, which is why I'm hesitant to, um, pursue you?"

"Pursue me?" He repeated. "That's so forward, and such a cute way of puttin' it. I love it."

"Shut up. Now you're just teasing me. For that, I'm taking the last cookie."

He pushed the plate closer to her. "Fair enough, you were the chef."

"Can I tell you my honest thoughts on the situation?" Rin asked.

"Yeah, I told you I liked honesty, and I knew comin' here that we'd have to talk about it."

"Okay." Rin nodded. "I'm just going to say it then, but it's only my opinion. I think he does have feelings for you. So, the reason I'm uncomfortable about the two of us starting anything, or, you know, seeing each other behind his back… I think you need to try talking to him first."

This comment from her was extremely surprising and only served to make him curious. It was odd to imagine a Sasuke who opens his mouth and talks about personal business. Did he say something to her about his feelings? That didn't sound like Sasuke. She did say it was only her opinion, but he supposed even someone like Sasuke would need to vent. He didn't want to grill her about what he said, though. If Sasuke had something to say to him or about him, then he could say it to his face.

"You're not going to ask me about it? Not that I could tell you anything he said." She finished her milk. "For the record, I don't feel stuck in the middle. I'm actually kind of rooting for the two of you. Besides, would you even want to date a singer of a band? Or, are you more of a bassist kinda guy?"

He raised an eyebrow, knowing she meant Sasuke. In the end, she was right. He probably did have stuff to work out with him before he'd consider dating Rin. To tell the truth, he wasn't even interested in dating at all, but he'd come here for… what? Comfort?

"Are you askin' if I'm interested in Fuu?" He teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Rin smiled at him. "She is pretty cute, but she definitely only likes women."

Naruto smirked. "You know this because…?"

"Oh, gross." She threw another crumb at him. "Yes, I've made out with her, but is that all guys can think about when they're told a girl is bisexual?"

"Most straight guys, yeah. I think so. Bi guys, too, probably?"

"You don't consider yourself bi then?" She asked. "Just… Sasuke-sexual?"

He barked out a laugh. "Sasuke-sexual? Hm. I dunno. How do you know when you're bi? Am I bi 'cause I've been with one guy? Even if I'm not attracted to other guys? Believe me, I tested it out to be sure I was into Sasuke romantically or into guys in general. Spoiler, I found out I'm not gay. It's really just him. But, he turned me down. So. There you go."

"If you were fooling around with him before you confessed, weren't you already interested in Sasuke that way?" Rin set her elbow on the table, and leaned her cheek on her palm.

"Ah. You realize I've talked about this with, like, no one, right? Except Sasuke's brother. But, like I'd go into detail with him about what Sasuke and I've done," he said sarcastically.

"I understand. I'm not trying to label you like some people might, just trying to figure out how it works. I've definitely always felt attracted to girls and guys. Like, I've always looked at girls and wanted to kiss or touch them like I do with guys? I've been with both - "

He must've made a face.

Rin punched him in the arm. "Could you please stop picturing me with other women while I'm talking to you? What if while we talked I was imagining you making out with Sasuke?"

"I guess if that's what you're into," he said. "Is that somethin' girls really like?"

"Yes, definitely," she replied so emphatically it surprised him. "Don't you ever use the internet?"

"Not for those purposes apparently, but I guess it makes sense. If guys watch lesbian porn, women could watch gay porn. Even I've watched gay porn, but it was to - "

He stopped when he realized what he was about to confess.

"Not going to finish what you were getting ready to say?" She asked, laughing at him.

His cheeks flushing, he glanced away for a second. "Well, I mean. I only watched it for tips. To, uh… figure out stuff he might like."

"Uh huh."

When he looked at her again, her eyes were bright, but she seemed uncertain. If they'd known each other better, he might've asked if she was jealous? Then again, maybe she was picturing what she thought he and Sasuke got up to in the bedroom. Since girls were into that apparently.

Rin cleared her throat. "So, back to what we were talking about. You are only attracted to Sasuke, otherwise you're generally always attracted to women?"

"Yeah, that's how it feels to me. And Sasuke turned me down, so I guess I'm back to bein' full blown straight? Not sure how it works. I've missed out on all of the meetings, I guess."

Rin bit into her bottom lip as she traced a circle on the table with her finger. "The night of the party, when Sasuke was here, maybe it's because we'd been drinking, but he was surprisingly candid when I asked him about things. You know. Liking other boys. For someone who doesn't want to come out to their family, he seems comfortable with who he is. Plenty of my gay friends haven't told their families yet. I've seen situations where the family was fine with it, and then I've seen situations where they've been physically hurt by their own family or disowned. I don't know much about his family. What do you think? Would he be safe if he came out?"

"Sasuke's family?" Naruto tapped the side of his glass. "He's got an older brother who knows. His brother's friends also know 'cause a lot of them are gay or bi. Sometimes I think his mom knows… his dad definitely does not know and has proven to be kinda, uh, homophobic."

Rin looked concerned. "Do you think he'd do anything bad to Sasuke if he came out?"

Naruto, who had his hands clasped on the table, started cracking his knuckles. "I don't know what he'd do, but I know Itachi and Sasuke's mom wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to him. Do I think his dad would take it well? No, not really. Not at first. I don't see him kickin' Sasuke out, or hitting him, but to tell you the truth, I can't say for sure. He's reluctant 'cause he's afraid of what it'll do to his family. Part of the reason Sasuke flipped out was 'cause his dad got really sick on the morning after I confessed to him. I was, uh, actually sharing a bed with him. I got up to go to the bathroom, found out they'd taken his dad to a hospital, and they didn't want Sasuke to know, but I thought he should. He got really pissed and wouldn't let me drive him to the hospital, so he went himself, and when he came back, he was like a whole other person. He said a lot of things that didn't make me feel so great and said it would never happen between us. Then, when we were back at school the next day, he ignored me. It went on like that for weeks, and the first time I really spoke to him was after your show. All because Yagura kind of… anyway. Point is I had to call Sasuke. We talked. I told him some things that were on my mind. He stopped by my apartment the next day, and wanted me to go home with him to see his mom. I'm only half sure it was meant be a thoughtful gesture on his part. We fought again, and since then, haven't spoken to him at all, but he knows I'm home 'cause I saw his brother tonight."

"Wow, that really does sound intense," said Rin. "Should I offer you a drink? Something stronger than milk? Hearing your side of it definitely helps me put more of the pieces together."

"Heh, no. To be honest, I'm kinda wasted from travelin'. I'm not a good flier, so it wipes me out."

"You should've told me you were tired! Now, I feel bad!" She exclaimed and actually sounded mad at him. "You didn't have to come all the way up here when you just got back!"

"Nah, it's cool," he said, touched that she even cared. "I wanted to make it up to you for not callin'. The reason I didn't call… it wasn't about Sasuke, it was more 'cause I was goin' to Illinois for a week. Why I went is kinda personal. It's not somethin' I wanna bring up over cookies, so we can talk about it another time. If you want. I mean, if you wanna hang out again."

"Of course I do," she said. "That's why I invited you to the New Year's party. I know you're tired, and I know we're getting to know each other, so there's no reason to jump into heavy topics. So, what do you think, do you wanna watch the rest of my baking show with me?" Rin got to her feet and began picking up their plates and glasses. "It'll be like a girl's night in. Just you and me. I can even paint your nails if you'd like."

Naruto grinned, checking out his nails and giving it some thought. "Heh. I don't hate the idea, but can we do black? Like musicians do? I might be able to pull that off better than pink."

"You're serious?" She walked over to him and grabbed his hand. "I was kidding, but now I definitely want to paint your nails. Ah, I'd have to file them, but you have nice nail beds."

"Thank you?" He'd never been told that before.

"They look like little half moons," she said. "See?" Rin held his own fingers up for him to see, her thumb pressing into his palm, which he hoped wasn't too sweaty.

When they shared a look, it was… not what he'd call "friendly", but he didn't comment on it. She immediately dropped his hand afterward, so he'd say she felt it, too.

"This… are you sure this isn't too weird for you?" Rin asked, appearing anxious now. "I hope you don't think I'm a tease. If things were different, you know, with Sasuke - "

"It's fine." He tried to flash a reassuring smile. Naruto didn't think she, in any way, needed to explain to him her desire to be just friends. "I feel bad for you 'cause you're kind of stuck between us, and I don't wanna be unfair to you either. I guess…. I don't wanna lead you on, if maybe, possibly… I do still have feelings for Sasuke. Because… yeah, I do."

"Ah, you went and said it." She removed her hand from his. "I knew that. I'm glad you told me. But, I imagine it's pretty hard on you? To not have the closure you want?"

"Unrequited love always is hard," he said, meaning it to be a joke.

It left him thinking and wondering about Sasuke again. What should he do? What was there to talk about? How many times did he need to be rejected by him before he got the hint? It was weird, though. Because he did feel attracted to Rin, as he would any girl he liked. He'd felt attracted to the girl at that party, too. Naruto guessed it was easier for guys to let their hormones drive them, even if they were in love with someone else. He would never cheat on a significant other. He wasn't with Sasuke, so why did he keep feeling guilty about stuff? He wasn't doing anything wrong, hadn't planned to do anything with Rin, and he knew he had every right to move on. Maybe even Sasuke might be better off if he saw Naruto with someone else. If Naruto's feelings were a burden that is. But, Rin had hinted Sasuke might have other reasons for being cold.

He just didn't know anymore.

"You okay?" Rin asked. "You look sad."

"It's nothing." He smiled to show it wasn't worth worrying over. "Wanna go watch your show?"

"Yeah. If that's not too boring for you? I only have a TV in my bedroom."

"I'll try not to get any ideas," he said.

Before they went to Rin's room, Naruto got up and helped her with the dishes, and as he was drying the mixing bowl, Yoko began pawing at his leg again.

"You never did say, did you adopt Yoko, or where did you get her?" He asked Rin.

"Actually, it was Sasuke who found her. She stumbled in from the cold. I guess because people kept opening and closing that front door the night of the party."

"Sasuke did?" It was surprising to hear since he'd never known Sasuke to be an animal lover. "So, Sasuke actually took pity on a stray kitten and brought him into your apartment?"

"Is that so hard to believe?" Rin inquired before squirting some more dish soap into the water. "It was interesting at the time because he asked me an odd question, like: 'So, you're into strays'? He said it with such a serious expression. I thought there was some hidden meaning behind it, but I don't think so. Does he ever say cryptic things around you and not explain?"

Naruto shook his head. "No, not really, but he does say some weird shit on occasion. The guy's popular, but when he's socializing with people, uh, especially peers, he's just, I dunno. Awkward sometimes."

"Hm, really? He's so good with musicians, though," Rin commented thoughtfully. "He took really good care of me that night."

"When it comes to musicians, yeah. If they're talented, he treats them like Gods."

Rin laughed. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy? Maybe he should go into business music or music management. They have those courses at my university. I hope he considers applying."

Naruto kept his eyes down. "Well, I'm sure you have his ear when you want it, so you can let him know."

"Ah." Rin grabbed his arm. "Sorry, I didn't mean - "

He glanced at her, smiling. "It's fine. I'm glad you can be a friend to him."

"But I'm hoping maybe we can be friends, too?"

"Of course we can be friends. I didn't come here with any other intention. I was in a weird mood on the bus ride up here, but you've already made me feel better."

"Because I've made you help me with dishes?" She asked, looking so pretty right then, he was almost mad at himself for not being more decisive in life.

"You aren't makin' me do anything," Naruto told her. "I volunteered to help. Gets done faster with two people, plus you shared your cookies."

When they finished, Rin drained the sink. She looked deep in thought, so he stayed quiet for a while. Her mixed features were so interesting to him, and the shape of her eyes reminded him of Sasuke's. She suddenly looked over at him, and he felt like he'd been caught staring. It was just that there were similarities. Between her and Sasuke, and yet they had completely different personalities. Sasuke was complex, intelligent, and intense. While he'd seemed cold at first, Naruto quickly discovered that Sasuke was an incredibly warm person, funny, caring, and all these things that excited and thrilled him and made him feel alive. Rin, on the other hand, was bright, bubbly, outgoing, and easy to talk to. Everything Naruto liked in a girl.

"I hope you come to my party, Naruto. I hope he comes, too. And whether you fight or yell or punch each other or make out, I just… there's something there for Sasuke. Maybe he said mean things to push you away, or he's scared, but when he talks about you… it's part of the reason I'd feel guilty for even trying to look at you that way. I really like him. If I'd met you first, things would be different, so as it is, it's like… I'm rooting for the two of you to work it out."

Naruto blinked at her, unexpectedly moved by her words. "I'm not sure if I should thank you or not. But… thanks."

"Stop thinking so hard about it, you sad boy." She turned to him and, reaching for a piece of hair stuck to his cheek, tucked it into place behind his ear. "Let's go watch British people bake."

After grabbing his hand, she turned off all the lights in the kitchen (he wanted to ask about the photos on her fridge, but decided he would later), followed her into her bedroom, which was very bohemian, bright, and chic. There were soft colors: pinks, lavenders, light blues. It was girly, but it was also funky. It fit her personality so well. There was a hint of incense in the air. A flatscreen TV was mounted to the wall, and Rin turned it on with the remote. It was facing the bed, which is where she chose to sit. He wondered if he should sit in the chair, but when she gave the bed a pat, it was clear she wanted him to sit with her. Like he was going to complain.

But, before he could, Yoko jumped onto the covers first, settling next to Rin. The kitten began licking her paws and cleaning her face.

"Your favorite ladies are waiting for you to join them," Rin said, patting the bed again.

Naruto crawled onto the bed, his back to the headboard, which was made from a very old-looking door. Immediately, Yoko jumped into his lap, circled, and lay down on him.

"I think she likes you more than me," Rin said. "When Sasuke brought her in, he already knew she was a girl, so I made a dumb joke about him knowing more about pussy than I thought."

"Oh, God. Did you really?" Naruto laughed. "Yeah. As far as I know he's not kissed or touched a girl. Then again, who knows? Maybe to put up a show. Good joke, though. I bet he loved it."

"He thought it was funny. You're right, though. He really does have a good sense of humor once you get to know him. Is he a good kisser at least?"

"Yep." He looked over at her, his head tilted to the side. No point in lying.

She leaned in closer. "Really good?"

"I could be biased," he said. "But I can't think of anyone better. Except maybe his brother."

"You kissed his brother? That's - "

"I'm kidding. I did kiss the guy who was his first time, though. He didn't like that too much."

"What - Wow. Is this the guy you tried to see if - "

Naruto scratched Yoko behind her ears. "It was only a test. It was 'cause I knew he was bi and he knew Sasuke, and Sasuke accidentally caught us while we were, uh, yeah."

"That is horrible!" She laughed and shifted around on the bed so that she sat cross-legged next to him. "You realize if that upset him, it clearly meant he was jealous!"

"Yeah, but of me or the other guy? I know it sounds bad," Naruto tried to explain, "But that was also when I realized how I felt about him, and me bein' me, I had to tell him. It's not like I knew for sure how he felt, but I kinda hoped he could return my feelings. Guess I was wrong."

She frowned. "But you said it was in the morning that he turned you down?"

"Yep. We consummated the relationship a little too early." He shrugged. "What can you do?"

"So you have had sex then?"

"Um."

"Sorry, you don't have to tell me - "

"No, we haven't had sex. I didn't want to 'cause, I dunno. I wasn't really sure I'd be into it. I'm kinda glad we didn't now 'cause I think I'd feel worse somehow."

"I can understand that," said Rin. "You're not gay, but you're only into Sasuke, and you go out on a limb to confess to him, and he rejects you. I guess I would feel like I'd been used."

"Exactly!" Naruto scratched under Yoko's chin. "I should've figured it out after he slept with some guy at a party we were both at. Maybe that's all our relationship was about. Physical crap."

"I heard about that, as well. God, that makes me sound like such a gossip. But, I think if someone did that to me, I might question their motives for why they keep wanting to get with me. Especially if they did it on purpose, to make me jealous or angry. That's so childish."

"So, did he stay long at your party?" Naruto asked, wanting to change the subject to something other than his and Sasuke's sex lives. "Sasuke, I mean."

"Two hours?" She answered, but sounded uncertain. "He ended up leaving before most people and went to stay with someone downtown. I forget. Jiroubou maybe?"

He was happy to hear it wasn't Yagura. "Right, yeah. That's a friend of Itachi's."

"I haven't heard from him since then," said Rin. "He hasn't even posted on his Twitter. Usually he's so active on there about bands, but maybe he doesn't have any shows lined up. Lots of bands want him so badly, like to play or sub or even to manage their PR or social media."

"I know. He's really great at that stuff. His dad doesn't like it so much that Sasuke 'wastes his time on music', but I don't think his dad realizes Sasuke's a fuckin' genius at it, or how serious it is, or how good he is at everything. I don't think his parents have ever come to a single show, but I'm sure Sasuke doesn't talk to them about it much. Like, he's ashamed to? Or, figures they'll get upset about it. Not that his mom cares. She's cool as hell. I love her."

"Do you?" She asked. "Is she very pretty?"

"Hell, yeah, she is." Naruto grinned at her. "Mikoto's hot!"

"You say that so easily!" Rin smacked him.

"Why are you smackin' me. You said we were just gonna be friends!"

"Yes, and friends smack friends for saying someone's mother is hot!"

"But it's true! Sasuke has her face, which is probably a good thing. I mean his dad is a handsome guy, but in a very masculine way."

"I see. So you think Sasuke is pretty then?"

"I mean…" An image of Sasuke sprung to mind, first G-rated and then escalating straight to NC-17. "He's got a, um… good face… he makes good faces. Wait, that didn't sound right - "

Rin started cracking up. "If he could hear you now, I think he'd love it."

"I hope he's not secretly hiding under your bed and listening," he said.

She snorted. "I hope not either, because that mean's he's been under there all day."

"Yeah, that's not the case 'cause Itachi said he was home alone."

"Maybe he's brooding. Maybe he's upset you didn't call him when you got back?"

"Like he'd wanna hear from me. If he doesn't call or text me or contact me, why would I think he wants anything to do with me?"

"Because you know he's stubborn," Rin replied. "It's Sasuke. You did say he was socially awkward sometimes."

"Yeah, but not with me," Naruto argued. "He's usually very blunt and honest, and if he said he doesn't want a relationship, then he doesn't want a relationship. It's my fault our friendship is over. I freaked him out. Maybe all he wanted was to fuck around, and I kept comin' back, so why would he turn me away until I was like 'derp, be my boyfriend' and then he was all 'hell nah'."

Rin fell over onto his side and laughed at him until Naruto's pride couldn't take it anymore.

"It's not that funny," he told her. "Why are you laughin' at my tragic love life?"

"Sorry, maybe I was just imagining Sasuke saying 'hell nah'."

"He does it sometimes. He can be funny when you get him alone. Or drunk."

"I'm sure he can." Rin gave him a consoling pat on the shoulder. "I bet you know more about him than anyone else, and I bet he knows that, and for some people, Naruto. It's a very scary thing. To have that intimacy with someone."

"Yeah. I know. I've thought about it, but when you really wanna be with someone, when you really want somethin' in life, you go for it, don't you? Maybe that's easy for me to say. I mean, I'd have to tell my dad I was gonna date a guy, but I don't think he'd be that surprised. Sasuke was over all the damn time, and he and my dad have some weird vibe where they talk about news and politics, and all the things that would make me wanna jump out a window."

"Interesting," she said. "Okay, we don't have to talk about it anymore. You're getting upset."

Naruto pouted. "I am not. But I am a little tired."

"Already? Stamina issues?" Rin teased.

"Hardly. But a guy is allowed to get emotionally exhausted from time to time, isn't he?"

"Yes, absolutely. Then, I feel honored you decided to come to me despite being 'emotionally exhausted'. It's like I'm your safe space. It's really cute, and I'm glad we got to talk."

"You're a safe space," he mumbled, pulling at Yoko's tail, which had a bright white tip.

Rin giggled again. "You're silly, and your hair is weird." She brushed it back for him. "So blond. I love it. You're like a surfer boy or something."

"Gnarly, dude," he said, mocking her. "Do me a favor while we watch this, and I mean it in a very platonic kinda way, but I kinda maybe need it and there's no one else to ask."

"Okay, sure. What is it?" Rin asked, her brown eyes wide and full of concern.

"Spoon me?" He asked.

"Spoon you?" She repeated, and then smiled at him. "Hm… I can do that. That's cute."

"Just try not to grab my butt while you do it."

Naruto flopped onto his side so he could see the TV. He dragged the kitten to his chest, cuddling Yoko and unwilling to release her even if she tried to run away.

In the meantime, Rin got up to turn off most of the lights. He wasn't sure why he wanted her to spoon him, but… he was drained, talking about Sasuke had beaten him down even more, and if she didn't, maybe he'd have a minor freak out. So, when he felt her slide up behind him and put an arm around his waist, he felt relieved. Rin started to hum in his ear, and he wished she'd sing. Like Sasuke used to do sometimes. When he was too tired to be self-conscious about it.

"I'm sorry I didn't mention this earlier," he said. "But you sounded really amazing that night, Rin."

"Thanks," she whispered. "I'm glad you think so. I'm sorry you didn't stay for the whole show."

"You know about that?"

"I do. Yagura was the one who mentioned he saw you leave."

"That jackass." Naruto hugged Yoko tighter, but all she did was purr. "I like this show. It's relaxing. I have no idea what they're bakin'. Everything looks old-fashioned."

"I love it. It's so much better than the American baking shows, which are basically all the same."

"If I fall asleep, don't take offense, and wake me up 'cause otherwise my friend will kill me. Or not. He probably won't even notice, but I don't wanna miss the last bus."

"You can stop worrying," she said, giving him a slight squeeze around his middle. "You're allowed to take it easy, Naruto. I'll make sure you get home tonight."

"You realize if I wasn't gay for Sasuke, I'd be so into you right now?" He shut his eyes, finding it almost impossible to physically keep his eyelids open any longer.

"Then I think we're on the same page," she replied and hummed in his ear again. "But, I'd like for both of you to be happy, so don't give up just yet, Naruto."

"Tch." He nuzzled the top of Yoko's head and gave it a kiss. "Give up? That's not even in my vocabulary."

"Does that mean I might see you at my party? I really would like to see you again."

"Let me ask my friend," he said sleepily, "But, yeah. I'll come. Even if Sasuke doesn't. Or, even if he does."

"Promise?" She asked, and maybe he was imagining it, but it felt like her lips touched his ear.

"Mmhmm. Promise. And I never go back on my word, so I'll be here. New Year's Eve, and I'm gonna kiss little Yoko when the ball drops."

"You're so tired you're not making sense anymore." Rin's hand flattened against his stomach, and it almost felt protective. "It's really, really adorable."

"Don't hit on me," he said, unable to keep from smiling. "We're just friends."

"But you're being so cute I just want to molest you a little. To hell with Sasuke!

"No."

"Naruto," she whined, and he started laughing.

"Rin. No means no."

"Fine." She giggled. "I didn't get to paint your nails!"

"Next time," Naruto murmured. "You can paint them next time."

"Take a nap," she said. "I'll wake you in an hour."

"Alright. You're a good friend, and I like your cat."

"You can thank Sasuke later. He's the one who found her."

"We'll see. If I tell him I'm in love with his cat, he might run away from me again."

He felt Rin hit her head against his upper back. She was laughing so hard he could feel her body shaking against his.

"Don't laugh at me," he said. "You're bein' so rude."

"I'm sorry, but I'm totally going to molest you while you're sleeping. He'll never know."

"Oh," he said, almost delirious at this point. "He'll know. He's got a sixth sense for this kinda thing. I'm hopin' he doesn't show up at my apartment and smack me around for bein' here."

"A sixth sense?" She asked. "Doesn't that mean he sees dead people?"

Naruto snorted. "You're funny. I like you, Rin."

"Thanks," she said quietly. "I like you, too, Naruto."

He was drifting off, but for some reason, those words really hurt his heart.

See, Sasuke, he thought. It's not so hard to tell someone you like them.

TBC