"Sure you don't want some?" Suigetsu asked.
The silver-haired man stood unnecessarily close to him while he played with the rattling bottle of Tranylcypromine in his pocket. Sasuke finished washing his hands in the sink, ignoring the sounds of pleasure coming from the third stall down. He checked himself out in the mirror, squinting slightly due to the effect the light was having on his eyes. His pupils were dilated to nearly the size of a dime.
"Guess you started without me," Suigetsu mumbled. "Tch. And I just got this new prescription."
Sasuke glared at him in the mirror. "Why are you hanging all over me right now?"
"Jeez, Sasuke. You always act like you're on the rag when you're high." The other man leaned against the wall and stared in the direction of the occupied stall. "So. Your good-lookin' blond friend? Where'd he come from?"
"You're not his type," Sasuke answered distractedly. "I sent Karin his way. He should be preoccupied."
He turned on the faucet so that he could slap some water on his face. It was exceptionally warm in here and all of the drinking and smoking he'd done with Naruto earlier left his head feeling light and out of sorts.
"Why would you do that?" Suigetsu asked. "I heard Deidara say you two have been hangin' out all day, man. Don't tell me you're not interested. I can tell when you're into a guy."
"Shut up," Sasuke growled, grabbing for a paper towel.
"Yeah, but c'mon," Suigetsu complained and placed a hand on his shoulder, much to his annoyance, "Did you see the way he was sittin' with that guy at the bar? He even bought him a drink. He's in a fuckin' gay bar, Sasuke. Even if you say he's not interested. Get him enough drinks, and he could be convinced."
Sasuke turned to him. "Do whatever the fuck you want. Do you think I care?"
"Touchy." Suigetsu smirked. "You're not jealous, are you? I mean. You did look like you were about to shit your pants when you saw them out there. And now what? You're gonna hide in the bathroom all night like a teenage girl?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. Naruto expressed an interest in Karin. I gave him an opportunity."
"Uh huh." Suigetsu laughed. "I've been around you long enough to know how your head works."
"Don't act like you know me," Sasuke said coldly.
"Oh, I know you. I know your appetite at least. But, if you're not interested in pursuin' him, how 'bout you give me a shot, eh?"
Losing his patience, Sasuke shoved Suigetsu out of the way and left the bathroom. Suigetsu, as usual, had been on top of him since he entered the club despite the many attempts he'd made at getting rid of him. He wasn't in the mood to deal with all of the nagging questions, though maybe he should've expected it given he rarely went to the club with someone. Usually he came alone and left whenever he'd found who he was looking for. Speaking of, as he was walking down the hallway toward the dance floor, Sasuke spotted a relatively attractive man in his mid-20s with shoulder-length dark brown hair, dark eyes, and more stubble than he would've preferred. He was alone, leaning against the wall next to a poster of a man in his underwear being hog-tied onto the ground by another man.
Sasuke smirked as he strolled up to him confidently.
The man stared back as he approached, obviously interested.
"You... want a drink?" He asked Sasuke.
"I'll take yours," Sasuke answered.
The stranger handed it over immediately. He also placed his hand at Sasuke's waist and pulled him closer.
Sasuke allowed it, enjoying the warmth of another body against his.
"Did you want to dance?" He asked and slipped a hand underneath Sasuke's shirt.
Sasuke finished the rest of the drink, grabbed the man by the hand, and as he led him in the direction of the dance floor, dropped the glass on the nearest occupied table.
The both of them moved onto the floor, Sasuke's eyes skimming the crowd, half-searching for a couple of familiar faces. He knew he felt irritated, but he refused to think on why.
He needed this distraction. The man he was with led him to the middle of the floor and placed a hand against his chest. Sasuke, in turn, grabbed the man's hips to adjust the rhythm of their movements to something slower. More fitting to the beat of the song. He liked taking control.
While licking his lips, Sasuke saw the overt way the man's eyes darted to his mouth. He leaned in, and, for a fraction of a second, thought about pushing him away. But then he felt the hot fingers again. They burned his skin as they crept their way underneath the back of his shirt, touching the dip in his spine.
They kissed.
The music blared and the lights caused tiny dots of color to dance across his vision. He started to forget a lot of things, which made it feel even better. Gripping the back of the other man's neck, Sasuke pulled him closer, relishing in the rush he got when their tongues touched as their kiss plunged. Somewhere in the back of his mind... he wondered if Naruto was watching. Why had Naruto wanted to come tonight? The amount of mixed signals bordered on frustrating at times. Although, he knew better than to chase a straight man. It would've been beneath him. He couldn't decide if Naruto might hold some curiosity or was... an oblivious idiot. Both options seemed plausible.
Sasuke stopped thinking about it for a few seconds as a hand trailed toward the inside of his thigh and rubbed up against him. He responded by dragging his teeth across the side of the man's neck. He was good looking, but the chemistry was lacking. Sasuke had gotten hasty in approaching him. When he was bored enough, he'd simply walk away. Or, he could easily get a blowjob out of it considering the other guy was more into it than he was but apparently too ignorant to notice.
He made the mistake of letting his eyes wander from the nearby dancing couples over to the bar. The man Naruto had been talking to earlier was engaging in a conversation with someone else. Sasuke knew him. Quite well actually. Apparently, Naruto found it easy to converse with strangers, regardless of the situation. It irritated him somehow. That someone could be so reckless. When Sasuke met him in the bar last night, he should've left the instant he felt those first feelings of attraction.
Nevermind that. They'd already been here nearly an hour, and Naruto hadn't sought him out once. He'd just spent his time going back and forth to the bar with Karin attached at his hip. Normally she'd be fawning all over him.
Fine. While Naruto continued to do whatever it was he sought to do in coming out tonight, Sasuke would do his own thing, but, again, he couldn't keep his gaze from sliding across the room...
"You're distracted." The man currently groping him whispered into his ear before biting it. "Am I not keeping your attention?"
Sasuke's gaze slid back to his dance partner. "No. You're not."
He pushed the stranger away and left the floor with the intention of heading to the bar. It didn't take long until the bartender approached, telling him so-and-so was sending him a drink. Sasuke glanced in that direction and didn't see anyone he'd be interested in. He took the drink anyway. While he was making his way to the other side of the room, someone grabbed him by the wrist.
"Don't you know that perpetually scowling causes wrinkles?" Deidara jumped on him, wrapping an arm around his waist as he led him to some booth in the back corner, where several of the older man's friends had gathered.
There were already a lot of glasses littering the table. Deidara shoved him into the seat first and then slid in on the opposite side. It was loud, but somehow the group at the booth was even louder. Some were drag queens, some were just people he'd rather ignore.
"I see Naruto and Karin are getting to know each other," Deidara nearly shouted into his ear. "I told you she'd be the one to worry about. I swear I even saw the both of them go down to the basement earlier."
Sasuke glared. "Who says I'm worried? They're adults. They can do what they want."
Deidara laughed. "You're adorable, Sasuke. Let me pinch your cheeks like old times. By the way, who was that lovely gentleman you were dancing with earlier?"
"No one of interest," he replied and took one of the drinks Deidara pushed his way.
"Well, relax a little. I'm keeping an eye on Naruto just in case. I might have to cut in fairly soon. Everyone keeps asking me about him, did you know? But I told them he came with you."
Sasuke's gaze narrowed. "What are you trying to pull?"
"Nothing." Deidara took a strand of hair and curled it around his finger, trying to feign like he was innocent.
It never worked on Sasuke.
"I'm not interested in him," he told Deidara. "Just to be clear. So you can stop trying to be cute."
"Right." Deidara nodded. "Of course. Should we order another round of drinks then?"
"Do what you want," he said, and sipped some more at the drink Deidara had passed his way.
"Oh, I always do." Deidara pat him on the arm. "You usually do, too. That's why we make such a great pair."
"I am doing what I want," he replied. "But it'd be nice if you'd stay out of my business for once."
"Sure, Sasuke-sweetie. I will totally, definitely do that." Deidara, apparently finished with the conversation, returned to chatting with his friends.
Sasuke continued drinking, eyes wandering again to the dance floor. He could no longer see either Naruto or Karin. Well, good for them. With luck, maybe Suigetsu had bumped into the two of them, and they were both fighting over the blond. It wasn't his problem. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
He had a few texts. Oddly, one was from his brother.
Have a good night, Sasuke. Deidara said you have company. Call me next week.
Itachi should've just called. Even if they mostly fought when he did call, Sasuke just wanted to hear his voice.
With a scowl, Sasuke shoved his phone into his pocket. He'd kill for a cigarette right now, or maybe he should've taken Suigetsu up on his earlier offer. Or, maybe ask if he had anything better than prescription drugs. The crowd was lame tonight, he thought. They should've gone to Manhattan instead. He was in the mood for something else all of a sudden. If it wasn't for him feeling like he had to baby-sit Naruto, he probably would've gotten out of here. How long had it been since his last appointment?
Sasuke closed his eyes - only briefly - and when he opened them again, he was looking out at the dance floor -
Naruto was heading his way, smiling at Sasuke while carrying two drinks toward the table. Sasuke was fairly sure his expression should've been beyond frosty, but Naruto didn't seem to notice. Rather, he set the drinks on the edge of the table and shoved Sasuke over. The blond was clearly drunk and also very... sweaty. He hated to admit how good the blond looked in those pants and that shirt. Naruto's cheeks were red from whatever activities he'd just been up to.
"You don't look very happy to see me," Naruto said, incidentally pressing close against Sasuke's side in an attempt to make more room. "Even though I brought you a drink. Didn't you say earlier... you're used to other men buyin' you drinks?"
"So you're just paying me back from earlier?" He asked.
"What's up with you?"
"Where's Karin?"
Naruto glanced over his shoulder. "Oh. I dunno. Bathroom?" He threw his arm behind Sasuke and rested it on the back of the booth.
Sasuke sent him a glare.
"Why do you keep glarin' at me?" Naruto nudged him on the shoulder with his fingers. "Did I do somethin' wrong? I promise I didn't take advantage of your friend. It was just dancin'. I'm not even that good at it."
"I could care less, Naruto," he replied. "You can do what you want with her."
"Ah, well. She was nice enough, but I think you're right."
"About what?" He asked irritably, finishing off the rest of his first drink. Did Naruto have to sit so close?
"She's not my type." Naruto was staring, looking a little too serious for his liking.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "...What?"
Naruto only shrugged. "I met a guy at the bar when we first came in. Maybe he'd be your type? Seemed nice." He paused to wipe his hand across his forehead, "Though, I think he said somethin' about meetin' a friend. But not a boyfriend. I dunno how it works here, honestly. S'very confusing. I also ran into that guy again."
"What guy?" Sasuke asked.
"Y'know. Your friend. Suigetsu? He was in the bathroom. That was an experience in itself, I think. He wouldn't take 'no' for an answer." For a second, Naruto's head drooped, and Sasuke thought he might've passed out, but then Naruto looked up at him again.
"You're drunk," Sasuke told him, ignoring a slight pang of concern. "Just how much have you had since I saw you last?"
Naruto shrugged. "Dunno. Drank with that guy..." He pointed at the bar. "Karin got me somethin', then a couple of guys at the bar bought me some shots. I feel kinda... yeah."
Sasuke eyed him carefully. "Maybe you should slow down. Have some water." He searched around the table for anything. "I'll go get you some."
"Ah, but then I'll have to move again," Naruto whined.
"Just stay here. Introduce yourself to Deidara's friends." Then he muttered, "I know how much you enjoy hitting on strangers."
Gently, he pushed Naruto out of the way so that he could get up, but before he could leave the table, Naruto grabbed hold of his wrist.
"Sasuke?" He asked.
Sasuke fought the urge to move the bangs clinging to the blond's forehead. "What?"
"You seem like you're mad at me."
Sasuke stared at him, decided the other man was in earnest, and, so, let out a sigh. "Just stay here. Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone."
"Okay. Don't ditch me for some dude at the bar, alright?" Naruto said. "I mean, and then disappear for a couple of hours. Just..." The fingers on Sasuke's wrist tightened. "Don't forget I gotta fly back tomorrow, and we'll never see each other again. Ever."
Sasuke didn't know what to say to that so he simply dislodged Naruto's fingers from around his wrist. It was starting to hurt anyway. Naruto finally let him go, and Sasuke made his way to the bar, where he ordered a pitcher of water and some extra glasses. He could probably stand to drink some, too. When he returned to the booth, Naruto was apparently fine. He was in the middle of a very loud conversation with Deidara and his friends. It became extremely clear to him then just how much Naruto liked attention.
After sitting down again, he poured Naruto and himself some water. After all, he did owe Naruto for last night... as much as he didn't want to admit it and as much as he didn't want to be reminded of losing control in front of someone who might as well have been a stranger.
For a while, he listened to Naruto's story, which had something to do with a stolen motorcycle. Naruto always liked to gesture a lot with his hands as he talked. Or, well, the amount of gestures indicated his level of excitement.
At the end of the story, when everybody else was laughing, Sasuke caught himself smiling, too, but made sure it was gone by the time Naruto slid over to his side of the booth again.
"It's really hot in here," Naruto said to him.
"Is it?" Sasuke grabbed for the pitcher and poured the blond some water. "Drink this. You're sweating a lot. You're probably dehydrated."
"I guess." Naruto took the offered glass and drank it until it was gone. "So, did you get to dance yet?" He asked after setting the glass down on the table.
"I did," he answered. "Probably not as much as you, though."
Naruto sucked on his bottom lip while glancing toward the dance floor. He felt that pang of concern. Something about Naruto didn't look right, but considering all they'd had to drink today, it made sense that it was beginning to have an effect on him.
"You sure you're okay?" He asked again, and Naruto turned to him.
"Heh. Maybe someone tried to roofie me. That'd be hilarious."
"You realize that's entirely possible in a place like this. Do I really need to baby-sit you? Don't you have any common sense?"
"Sheesh. Y'know, I didn't complain when I had to drag you back to my hotel last night. I'm just sweaty and hot and had a lot to drink, and I told you weed and alcohol makes me weird, and then..."
Sasuke's eyebrow lifted. "'And then'?"
Naruto grabbed the pitcher and poured another glass of water. "Nothin'."
Sasuke sighed. He wasn't used to this, and why did Naruto insist on talking to him like they were... friends? They weren't friends. They were still strangers. People who'd only met the day before. If he'd only not left his phone there in the morning, then this would be like any other Saturday night for him. Instead, he was here... feeling... guilty. And for what reason?
When next he glanced at Naruto, the blond looked especially pensive, sad even.Great.
"I'm not mad, Naruto," he said while grabbing for Naruto's glass so that he could drink out of it. "I'm just..."
Naruto waited for him to finish.
"...Trying to figure you out," he said.
"I dunno what to tell you." Naruto shifted on the seat as if uncomfortable - his shoulder brushing against Sasuke's. "Are you... havin' any fun at all?"
"I don't usually go out 'to have fun'."
"Oh." Naruto looked disappointed. "Sorry. I thought I was stayin' out of your way by hangin' out with Karin. She said you sent her over... so. I figured you were tryin' to get rid of me."
"What?" He couldn't help but ask.
But, Naruto turned his head and started staring out at the dance floor again, looking uncharacteristically dejected. Sasuke didn't know what to do in situations like these. He'd never pretend to be good at giving comfort. However, there was an instinct to touch, maybe even to kiss him, but then he had to remind himself that Naruto was straight. That meant something, and, more than that... he liked Naruto. He'd liked hanging out with him today. Naruto was easy to talk to. He had a good sense of humor. He didn't say shit just to make Sasuke like him.
It's just that - for more than a year now - Sasuke hadn't been in a place where he wanted to consider other people's feelings. There was no room inside to worry about that, too, when most of his personal life had been a wreck ever since -
"You said you can't dance?" Sasuke asked, pulling Naruto's attention back to him. He attempted a smile. "Is it because no one's ever tried to teach you?"
Naruto stared back at him like he'd grown another head. "What?"
"I'm bored enough that I'd be willing to show you."
"Oh, so I'm borin' you now?" Naruto started pouting, bottom lip hanging out and...
"Put that away." Sasuke leaned in without thinking and pressed his fingertip to Naruto's lip. "Or I'm going to bite it."
Naruto's lips twitched into a smile, and he laughed.
"Ah, there's the Naruto I know," he said.
Naruto grinned. "You know me?"
"Maybe." Sasuke flashed a crooked smile.
"You're tryin' to seduce me again, aren't you?"
"Of course. You're a challenge, after all. Usually me being here is like shooting fish in a barrel."
"Heh. I know you're lyin', but... that's really nice of you to try and make me feel better."
Naruto started biting at his lip again, an action which, every time he did it, Sasuke received an impulse from his brain to act on it. Maybe he didn't hang around straight men enough anymore. The lines were beginning to blur when it came to what was appropriate between men and what wasn't.
"Are you rejecting me then?" Sasuke asked playfully, slipping a hand to Naruto's knee.
Naruto's eyes widened, and even in the dim light, Sasuke could tell they were blood shot. "What are you even askin' me right now?"
"Are you that stupid that I need to spell it out for you?"
"Uh, yeah. I guess. But that shouldn't be news to you."
Sasuke chuckled. "Dance with me. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience you should have before you return to Illinois and we never see each other again."
"Ahh." Naruto rubbed the back of his head, obviously embarrassed. "I dunno. It's weird, right?"
"Only for you. I'll keep my hands at 10 and 2 if that makes you feel any better."
Blushing, Naruto kept looking at him with this flustered, conflicted expression that wasn't in any way lessening Sasuke's desire to do this.
"What if I suck at it?" Naruto started to fidget beside him.
Sasuke removed his hand from the blond's knee. "Don't worry. My expectations aren't especially high."
"Asshole." Naruto knocked into him, sighed and, much to his surprise, pressed his forehead to Sasuke's shoulder.
He breathed in the blond's scent - the lingering smell of his shampoo on him. When Naruto raised his head and their eyes locked, Sasuke's heart skipped a beat. For some reason, he really wanted this to happen. He wanted an excuse to put his hands on Naruto's body, to have his full attention, and... to be touched by him, too.
"I see. I'll have to make the first move," he said, feeling the heat in his voice though it would've been too loud for Naruto to hear or take notice.
"Maybe I need just one more drink?" Naruto's eyes flicked back and forth as he searched Sasuke.
There was uncertainty there, but definitely curiosity, as well.
"I'll buy you one as a reward," said Sasuke. "If you do as I say, and you prove to me you're worthy of my instruction."
"Are we role playin' now? You can be the teacher, and I'm the student, eh? Maybe we really should've worked on those safewords." He chuckled at his own joke, gaze dropping down into his lap and then back up again.
Fucking flirt.
"Move." Sasuke nudged him out of the booth, and even with Naruto stumbling his way out, Sasuke latched onto his wrist and dragged him toward the floor.
He was aware of a strange urgency. It was a lot like picking up a guy who had the same intentions as him. Knowing they both wanted the same thing - to leave together and fuck. This felt like that. Like Sasuke had something to prove, something to get out of his system. Something he needed, wanted, and desired. He couldn't get that out of Naruto, but he could have this.
Sasuke dragged Naruto to the center of the floor, not particularly interested in having anyone he knew spying on them. He just wanted this one thing.
The music was fast, pop, techno, sexy vocals, and easy as hell to dance to. When he found a spot for them, he put one hand on Naruto's hip and an arm around his neck. Naruto looked uncertain at first, but all Sasuke had to do was use the hand on his hip to get him to move with the beat. He left enough space between them that Naruto wouldn't be too uncomfortable. Despite his good intentions, surrounding bodies started to press in on them, forcing them closer together. Sasuke had to use his eyes and hands to instruct Naruto on what he wanted from him.
At first, Naruto looked embarrassed and self-conscious, but half way through, when Sasuke wrapped both of his arms around the blond's neck - Naruto changed. He became more brazen, putting a hand at Sasuke's hip. As a sign of encouragement, Sasuke smirked a little. Naruto smirked back only to laugh, gaze shifting to the side so that he could watch everyone else while they danced with the music.
Sasuke touched Naruto's cheek and forced him to look only his way.
"What?" Naruto mouthed.
Sasuke shook his head but inched closer - to where their hips finally pressed together.
An odd, indistinguishable emotion flashed across Naruto's face. He began to bite his lip.
"Stop it," Sasuke told him.
Naruto's lips parted just slightly, and Sasuke felt a hot palm on his lower back. Almost instantly, his eyelids fell half-way shut. He had to restrain himself from attacking the blond's mouth. One of his arms slipped free from Naruto's neck, and he trailed his fingers down Naruto's chest and toward his side, where they started gliding across the mesh part of the shirt that was almost as good as touching skin.
He knew it would be best not to go any further, so he left it to Naruto to draw the boundaries for now. Sasuke pressed his palm flat to Naruto's chest and gave him a light push just to see how he'd react.
Naruto immediately grabbed the front of his shirt and drew Sasuke back against him. Tilting his head coyly to the side, Sasuke's gaze was set on Naruto's eyes as he attempted to read him. There were no traces of the usual humor on Naruto's face. No. It was something darker, something that pulled him in and made him want more. Losing most of the willpower he needed not to do anything stupid, he cupped Naruto's left cheek. He used the pad of his thumb to trace from the arch of the blond's cheekbone to his ear, which he brushed against with his knuckles.
That was apparently as far as Naruto would take it because he suddenly stopped dancing after taking hold of Sasuke's wrist. He stopped when Naruto did, unable to decide if he wanted to push for something more or if he was prepared for a rejection. Naruto's eyes looked strange, and he began blinking rapidly - as if trying to figure something out. With a short shake of his head, Naruto pushed away from him and rushed toward the back of the club.
Stupidly, Sasuke stood there, wondering at what this pain in his chest was... and it wasn't all about the annoyance or embarrassment of being rejected. But, for only asecond, he'd allowed himself to think that something could happen tonight - between them both. Though he was a man who'd sworn off getting close to anyone at this time in his life, he'd wanted...
Something.
What should he do now? Leave? Should he go after Naruto? Explain that it was all a joke?
Without any further hesitation, Sasuke - fists clenched in determination - slipped his way through the crowd and followed after Naruto, hoping he might be able to repair whatever damage he'd done.
As it got later, the club had really filled up, making it difficult for him to be able to pinpoint exactly where Naruto had gone. He knew there was a rear exit, but he didn't think Naruto would've just left like that, at least not without his coat and other belongings. While trying to get off of the dance floor, a few men tried to grab him to get his attention, but Sasuke brushed them off. He didn't see Naruto anywhere on the main floor, so he passed through the hallway where men were in various stages of getting to know each other.
Sasuke pushed open the door to the restroom and found a few men standing around the condom dispenser. He didn't see Naruto, and was just about to leave when he heard the sounds of someone getting sick inside the middle stall. He rushed to the door, placing his hand against it first before knocking.
"Naruto," he said, knocking again when no one answered the first time. "Are you in there?"
But, there was still no response, and the sounds of retching started all over again.
"Jesus," he muttered, attempting to rattle the handle.
Much to his surprise, someone nearby actually asked him what was wrong and did he need any help, but Sasuke told the man he had it under control. He knocked again.
"Naruto. It's Sasuke. Open the goddam door before I break it down." He leaned against it, waiting. A minute later, the door cracked open and Naruto was on his feet, skin clammy and pale.
"What's wrong with you?" Sasuke asked. He was starting to get worried.
Pushing the door open all the way, he forced Naruto backward into the stall and shut the door behind him.
"I dunno," Naruto said. He shut his eyes as if they were hurting him. "I think something's wrong. I don't feel right."
"Idiot," he said. "You drank too much."
"No." Naruto grimaced. "I think it's somethin' else." He shook his head and tried to crack open his eyes. "Like, my heart is racin', and..."
Sasuke touched his cheek and thought he was burning up. "It's probably the alcohol and the weed. Or, did you have something else?"
"I dunno. I don't think? Not on purpose anyway."
Sasuke searched his face. They'd drank a lot last night, too, and it hadn't seemed to affect Naruto as much as him. Even knowing Naruto had a lot tonight, it did make him wonder. Maybe someone really had slipped something into one of his drinks? That was certainly possible. He'd heard of it happening here before.
"Naruto," he said and grabbed his arm. "Suigetsu... when you ran into him earlier. Did he try to give you anything?"
"Huh? No...He just hit on me and tried to feel me up, but he didn't give me..." Naruto groaned. "I think m'gonna be sick again. It's startin' to feel like a bad trip."
"Do you want me to take you back to my place? Or, do you think you need to go to the emergency room?"
"No," Naruto nearly whined. "I'm fine. Honestly." He put a hand up as if shielding the light from his eyes. "Well, not fine, but - " The blond turned around quickly and threw up into the toilet.
Sasuke started to feel nauseated himself. "Fuck." He ran a hand through his hair, wondering what he should do. "We should go," he said. "I'll grab our stuff and hail a cab. Do you think you can meet me at the door in about five minutes?"
"Maybe," Naruto replied, wiping the side of his mouth. "If I can stop throwin' up for five seconds."
"I'll find you some water, too. If you're not out there, I'm sending Deidara in with his friends to drag you out."
"Alright, alright. Stop makin' such a big deal out of this. M'embarrassed enough as it is."
He almost told Naruto to stop being such a child, but it wasn't the right moment for a lecture. Instead, he did as he said he would, though he was reluctant to leave him behind. The man from earlier who'd offered help was still there and promised Sasuke he'd make sure to help Naruto if he needed it.
"Thanks," Sasuke said and, hurriedly, left the bathroom.
He fought his way through the crowd and was able to find his way to Deidara's booth. He pulled the older blond man aside and told him that Naruto might've been drugged and that they were headed to his hotel. Of course, Deidara immediately asked what he could do or how he could help. Sasuke told him he should be on his way to meet him at the exit, and if he hadn't, to go in there and carry him out.
"Okay, well... text me when you get to the hotel and let me know how he's doing."
When Sasuke started to walk away, Deidara grabbed him by the shoulder and kissed him on the cheek.
"Make sure you take care of him, Sasuke Uchiha."
"Okay." He felt his heart racing and, leaving the table, headed to the coatroom to gather his and Naruto's belongings.
Impatiently, he waited at the door, and just when he was about to return to the bathroom, he spotted Naruto walking his way. He wasn't moving especially fast, but at least he was upright. Quickly, Sasuke got him into his coat, hat, and scarf. He'd been able to get a bottled water, so he handed that to him, too.
They went outside. It was snowing heavily, and it was cold, but the fresh air seemed to have a positive effect on Naruto. Sasuke left his side long enough to wave down a cab. He opened the door for Naruto and helped him inside while telling the driver that they needed to go to Manhattan. After giving the man the name of Naruto's hotel, he was finally able to assess Naruto's condition. The blond was quiet, which unnerved him.
Sasuke held the back of his hand to Naruto's forehead. He was still warm to the touch and sweat kept breaking out on his skin. He'd checked his eyes earlier; they were dilated and bright red. Naruto also complained of them hurting. His head hurt, too, he said, and his heart rate was elevated. Despite not feeling well, Naruto was a lot more with it than earlier. It had likely helped that he threw up for a while. If Sasuke thought it was necessary, he would've taken him to the hospital. But it looked like whatever Naruto'd ingested just needed to get out of his system.
Once they hit the Brooklyn Bridge, Naruto passed out for a while (Sasuke stuck his finger under the blond's nose to make sure he was still breathing). He didn't wake up again until they were a couple of blocks away from the hotel and, by then, he was able to get out of the taxi on his own. Sasuke paid the fare and put an arm around Naruto as they went through the entrance and into the elevator.
"You don't really think someone would do that, do you?" Naruto asked as the elevator climbed its way to the 14th floor.
"I don't know," he replied.
When the elevator stopped and the doors slid open, Sasuke placed his hand to Naruto's lower back and ushered him out. He had Naruto's card key in hand and opened the door for him. Almost as soon as they walked inside the room, Naruto collapsed face-first onto the bed.
"Jesus, God, I'm never gonna drink again," he mumbled into the blankets.
"I'm going to fill your bottle up with some more water. You need to keep drinking it." Sasuke grabbed Naruto's empty bottle out of his hand and went into the bathroom to fill it up.
When he returned, Naruto was now on his back - a hand covering his eyes.
"Should I turn the lights off?" Sasuke asked him.
"Do you mind?"
Sasuke went to the switch and flipped it off. There was light coming through the blinds. He walked to the edge of the bed, looking down at Naruto.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" He asked quietly.
"Like what?" Naruto lifted his hand from his eyes.
"Nothing," he answered. "You should get out of those pants. Take a shower and then get back in bed."
"I don't think I can."
"Do you want help?" He put his knee up on the bed and grabbed for his arm. "Sit up."
Naruto stared at him and started to smirk. "You're just tryin' to get me out of my clothes."
"Believe me," he said. "There's nothing erotic about this."
"Heh. Fair enough."
The blond sat up for him, and Sasuke helped him out of his coat and shirt. He took the coat and hung it up in the closet. The shirt he folded and set on the nearby desk.
"Do you want me to find you something to wear?" He asked.
Naruto's suitcase sat on the floor of the closet, clothes spilling out everywhere.
"Just some boxers," Naruto answered. "I'm sure you'll find them in there somewhere."
They were hidden under a pair of jeans, but Sasuke did, indeed, find a pair of shorts that Naruto could slip on after he had a shower. He found a plain white t-shirt for him to wear, too.
Sasuke helped the blond to his feet and when Naruto wobbled, Sasuke kept him aright. He took hold of Naruto's wrist, checking his pulse to see if it was as fast as the blond had described earlier. Having some more water and taking a shower would help him relax, too. Or, if he wanted to throw up some more, that would be fine, as well.
Naruto started to play with the button of the leather pants. After he undid it, he looked up at Sasuke, who was also watching him.
"Do you need me to turn around?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto scowled at him. "No, but..."
"Yes?"
"M'gonna need some help gettin' out of these. They're stuck to me. Like glue. Pretty sure they're gonna take off skin when I try to pull 'em off."
"How about this," Sasuke suggested. "If you're worried about your modesty, I'll close my eyes."
Naruto frowned while continuing to play with the button.
"Tch." Sasuke shut his eyes. "Unzip them, and I'll pull them down."
"Mah. I don't care if you see my dick, Sasuke. I'm not a prude."
"Yes, well I don't want to listen to you bitch later about me taking advantage of you, so unzip your pants, idiot."
"Ah." Naruto chuckled. "Who knew my trip would end like this?"
Then Sasuke heard the sound of the zipper lowering.
Not exactly how he would've fantasized this happening, but he placed his hands on Naruto's hips and dropped to his knees. He helped pull the pants down to the floor until Naruto was able to step out of them.
Sasuke felt Naruto's hand on his shoulder.
"Try not to fall," he told him.
"Bastard," Naruto muttered. "M'gonna go have a shower."
Sasuke got to his feet, keeping his back to Naruto. Behind him, he heard the bathroom door open with a squeak.
"You're not... gonna go yet, are you?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke opened his eyes and slid a hand into a jean pocket. "Should I?"
"I'd rather you didn't." Naruto cleared his throat. "I mean. I'll be quick. But, don't go yet. Just wait."
"Okay," he said simply, smiling at Naruto's insistence.
"Good. Alright. I'll be right back."
"Take your time," he said. "I'll be here when you get out."
"Sasuke? Don't leave. Okay?"
He almost turned around. "I gave you my word. I'll be here, Naruto."
The door clicked shut, and a minute later, the shower turned on.
Sasuke ran a hand through his hair and remembered that he told Deidara he'd text him. He took out his phone and sent a brief text letting him know they were at the hotel and Naruto appeared to be feeling better. Then, he set his phone on the nightstand next to the bed. Making himself at home, he kicked his shoes off and hung his own coat in Naruto's closet. He thought about Naruto having to fly out tomorrow. His suitcase wasn't even packed. Sasuke's OCD nearly got the best of him. He wanted to fold everything, but he was way too tired.
With a sigh, he collapsed on top of the bed and shut his eyes. He thought about calling his brother, but he also wanted to be available in case Naruto became sick again. It was weird to him, or maybe it shouldn't have been, how easy it was to forget his own problems when forced to worry about someone else's well-being. He hadn't really felt this way for some time, maybe high school. Unfortunately, that led to him thinking about his parents.
That hurt.
He pushed those thoughts to the side and focused on the sound of the shower. He wondered if Naruto was feeling better. The blankets and pillows smelled like him. But, what did Naruto usually smell like... before he'd got the scent of Sasuke's shampoo and body wash all over him? Earthy, maybe. Like after a good rain in Seattle, when the grass and pavement was wet but everything smelled so fresh. The clouds would clear, and the sunlight would break through. He'd felt it almost the instant they'd begun talking at that bar last night.
Maybe that's why Sasuke had insulted him right off the bat by calling him a tourist. It was obvious Naruto didn't belong here, and yet...
There was a part of him that hadn't been able to be truly cruel to a person like Naruto. When he was younger, Sasuke saw the world a certain way, too. However, a lot had happened since then. He'd come to realize that it was easy for kids to remain such pure, white canvases - it was because the pain of adulthood hadn't completely clouded their vision yet. But, Naruto had lost a parent and still remained idealistic.
Although, in saying that - Sasuke stared up at the ceiling - there did seem to be something more to Naruto that he couldn't put his finger on.
Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened and Naruto walked out. After Naruto turned off the bathroom light, Sasuke could only make out his profile as he stood in the doorway. The snow falling outside was heavy and cast a white light across one corner of the bed
"Feel better?" Sasuke asked.
"Much," Naruto answered.
He approached the foot of the bed and, for a while, said nothing. Sasuke tried to read his expression.
"You stayed," the blond eventually said.
"I did," Sasuke replied. "You told me to."
"I wasn't so sure. Considering the last time you were here, you disappeared."
"Are you going to hold that against me forever?" Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow. "Besides, we're even now, aren't we?"
"Sure. The shower is free. If you wanna take one. You can borrow somethin' of mine."
"Why would I do that?" He asked, getting onto his elbows. "I should get going soon."
Naruto turned to look out the window. "But it's snowin' so hard. Will you even be able to get a cab?"
"Are you being coy right now, Naruto?" Sasuke sat up fully and smirked.
Naruto crossed his arms. "Fine."
"What's the problem? I thought you said you were feeling better."
Naruto let out a loud sigh. "Yeah, no. I am. I dunno what my problem is. Yeah, you should go if you want. It's late. Ah, and I left all my clothes at your place. Oh well. I won't have time to get them tomorrow."
"I... could always send them to you," he offered. "If you give me your address. You college students like your care packages, don't you? Maybe I'll send you some instant ramen."
Naruto chuckled, which was always a good sign. "Cheap bastard. Send me somethin' better than that."
"Come here," Sasuke said and beckoned with his hand.
Naruto, without arguing, crawled on top of the bed until he sat beside him on the blankets. He smelled fresh and clean. Just like how he'd been remembering earlier.
"What's up?" Naruto asked.
"I want you to ask me."
"You want me to ask you what?"
"Ask me..." He rubbed his lips together once. "To stay. If that's what you want."
"I didn't say that," Naruto argued. "I just thought it might not be safe."
"I could take the subway. It'll take a lot more snow before that stops. I can take another cab."
"Ah. I'll pay you back for that. I'm sure it was expensive." Naruto scratched the back of his head, which was a gesture Sasuke already knew meant that he was feeling embarrassed or uncertain.
Sasuke took hold of his wrist and tugged his hand down. "I'll add it to your tab, don't worry. Well?"
"I bet you're used to guys askin' you to spend the night, huh?"
"I suppose I can't pretend to be offended, but short answer? Yes."
"Hm." Naruto played with the hem of his boxer shorts. "I don't wanna say this 'cause I'm gonna sound so stupid, but... would it be weird if I said I didn't wanna be alone tonight?"
The corner of Sasuke's mouth twitched. "I had no intention of leaving you alone tonight."
"Really?" Naruto sounded so pleased that he couldn't help but be flattered.
"And are you going to sleep in the chair like last time?" Sasuke asked. "That didn't look very comfortable. Were you afraid I'd molest you?"
"No," Naruto said immediately. "I was more worried about how you'd feel if you woke up in bed with me."
Sasuke eyed him closely. "I don't think I would ever pose any complaints if that were to happen."
"It already happened," Naruto replied. "At your place."
"True," he said. "But an hour-long nap doesn't count. I didn't get the full effect of what it would be like to... share a bed with you."
"Are you flirtin' with me, Sasuke?" Naruto asked playfully.
Sasuke tilted his head as he regarded him. "Maybe."
"You're probably still drunk."
"If I was drunk there'd be no doubt as to my intentions."
"Cut it out, jerk. Don't be a tease."
"Who says I'm teasing?" He knocked into Naruto's shoulder. "If I'm going to stay the night, I suppose I have to borrow something of yours?"
"Mm. That's fine," said Naruto. "Take whatever you want."
Sasuke slid off of the bed. He didn't need to turn on the light to find something to wear. The idea that he was about to wear Naruto's clothes was... nice. He picked out a pair of shorts and another t-shirt.
"I'll take a quick shower," he said.
"Okay. I'll be here. And, Sasuke?"
He stopped in front of the bathroom door. "What is it?"
"Are you gonna wank in my shower? 'Cause, if you are. You better clean up after yourself."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, replying dryly, "You should only be so lucky."
While Naruto was laughing, Sasuke slipped inside the bathroom and shut the door after flipping on the light. The mirror was still steamed up. However, he noticed that Naruto had left him a message: Sasuke's gay. How mature. Obviously the blond already knew that Sasuke was going to be staying the night and would use the shower after him. With a smirk, Sasuke pressed his finger against the glass and, underneath Naruto's eloquent message, wrote the words: for Naruto.
He set the clothes on the counter and while he undressed, he was reminded again that being with Naruto felt so much like... being his old self again. Like, maybe they were two kids having a sleepover. Usually if Sasuke was staying the night with a man he had to keep up this image - one of aloofness, coolness, like he had his shit together. There was no need to learn about each other because both parties were there for one reason. He had to admit that he was a little out of his element here. Usually that would make him feel uneasy, but, in this case it felt very... comfortable.
Sasuke stripped off his clothes, trying not to think about Naruto being in here earlier, naked and wet and...
He turned on the water and stepped inside. The pressure wasn't especially strong, but it felt good to clean off all of the sweat. He let his head fall under the spray and caught himself smirking when he remembered the last thing Naruto had said to him. Sasuke should wank in this damn shower. If he wasn't going to be getting anywhere with Naruto, he could at least mark his territory... in his own way. Soon this weekend would be over and forgotten by both of them.
That made him a little sad, and it surprised him that he even felt this way.
Why would he 'miss' Naruto? They hardly knew each other.
Even so. He had to admit to himself that Naruto asking him to stay was something he'd wanted. He never would've invited himself. Being needed by someone like Naruto...
It was...
He didn't hate it.