Nearly two hours later, Kiba, Naruto, and Sasuke sat at the bar, where they'd been drinking beer and taking shots at a fairly steady pace since their arrival. Pauly's had always been one of his favorite places to drink. Even before he was 21, Naruto managed to sneak in (thanks to Gaara and his older brother). Not that they really drank or anything. They'd shoot pool and hustle the occasional drunken college students who came home for break. It was just this small hole in the wall by the railroad tracks that only locals knew about.

"See, at least we found somethin' that Sasuke's not perfect at," Naruto was saying as he smirked at the dark-haired man sitting on his right. "You're not so hot at darts."

"I still did better than Kiba," Sasuke remarked coolly as he spun the pint of beer around in a circle. "And I can't even remember the last time I played."

"Yeah, yeah," said Naruto. "Means Kiba's got the next round."

"Fuck you," replied Kiba as he threw a crumpled up napkin at him. "I bought the last round."

"It's alright, you'll make it up when we play pool. Dunno what we'll do about odd numbers. I'm sure I can team up with one of those guys back there."

"I don't know," said Sasuke. "I may not be proficient at darts, but I'm fairly skilled at pool."

"Uh huh, sure." Naruto nudged Sasuke's beer glass, getting him to stop moving it around. "Keep drinkin', Maverick."

"Wait, why is he Maverick?" Kiba complained, leaning in front of Naruto just so that he could point a finger at Sasuke.

"No matter who's Maverick," Naruto replied with a huge grin, "You'll always be Goose."

"I dunno why you always act like I'm the sidekick," Kiba grumbled.

"'Cause you make a great wingman," Naruto told him and threw an arm around his friend's shoulders.

"I think I'll head to the restroom." Sasuke suddenly got up.

Naruto watched him as he left, an eyebrow drawn up slightly. A table of five women next to the bar abruptly went silent as Sasuke passed them. When he was out of sight, they broke into a flurry of conversation, and it was pretty obvious what they were going on about.

"Told you," Kiba said. "So, when you two were in New York, did, y'know, you have a bunch of girls all over you when the two of you went out?"

"I would say no," Naruto replied, "Oh. I guess I forgot. We went to a club and Sasuke sent one of his female groupies after me."

"Was she hot?" Kiba asked.

"I dunno, dude, that was a long time ago. She was alright. Not my type."

"Hm." Kiba looked as though he wanted to ask more, but thankfully the bartender arrived with their next order of shots. "Ah, do we wait for Sasuke?"

"Nah. He won't mind. We can order more by the time he gets back anyway." They picked up their Slippery Nipples and downed them.

"Alright, now it's my turn t'take a piss, order some more, would ya?" Kiba left him alone, but it was only a minute later that Sasuke returned to his seat.

"Here's yours," Naruto pushed the shot glass Sasuke's way and placed an elbow on the bar. "This feels familiar."

"Does it?" Sasuke threw the shot back and squinted at him.

"Mm. That first night, when we went to the bar after the Empire State Building. You were wasted."

"I'm happy to be able to say I can't remember it very well, other than what you told me."

"It was pretty bad."

Sasuke turned on the stool, enough that their knees brushed. "At least I'm smart enough not to let anyone stick something in my drink."

"Hey," Naruto murmured, "We didn't ever confirm that was the cause."

"Maybe the cause is that you just can't hold your liquor."

Naruto pressed his teeth into his bottom lip.

"Stop it," Sasuke scolded, his gaze falling to Naruto's mouth.

"Don't tell me what to do." Naruto pouted and, with a sigh, placed his arm along the back of Sasuke's chair. "You know, if you end up takin' that job, we can hang out like this..."

"Could we?"

"We could."

"Maybe that's a reason not to take it. I'll go poor always picking up your bar tab. You and Kiba seem to have a lot of experience drinking your weight in alcohol."

"We do." Naruto smiled just thinking about all of the good times they had in college.

"Why are you smiling?" Sasuke asked, settling his elbow on the bar.

"Just thinkin' about old times. Y'know, this entire table of women right there keeps starin' at you. Does that happen a lot?"

Sasuke moved his shot glass to the side and returned to drinking his beer. "Not as much as you'd think."

Naruto chuckled. "I gotta ask, okay. So... we both know you're a good lookin' guy - "

"You think so?" Sasuke smirked.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Anyway, so. Ah, crap." He ran a hand through his hair. "I forgot what I was gonna say." Playfully, he punched Sasuke in the shoulder. "You distracted me and made me forget."

"My good looks are distracting you?" Sasuke asked casually as he leaned against his chair and into Naruto's arm.

Naruto didn't bother moving it. "I remember you as bein' a lot more humble."

"I'm sure that since you're straight, my looks shouldn't matter to you one way or the other."

They shared a long look that was interrupted when Kiba dumped himself in the seat next to Sasuke.

"You two kids look cozy, am I interruptin'?" Kiba asked.

"No," Naruto said quickly. "Just talkin' about old times."

"Old times?" Kiba cocked his head. "You mean that one time you guys hung out in New York?"

"I was jokin', asshole, but yeah. We have some catchin' up to do, and Sasuke's leavin' tomorrow."

"Wait...," Kiba reached across Sasuke to poke Naruto in the chest, "Are you tryin' to get rid of me?"

"Do you have to be right on top of me?" Sasuke asked.

"Tch, you should only be so lucky," Kiba replied.

"Right, like you'd be Sasuke's type," said Naruto.

Sasuke cleared his throat, and, amused, Naruto glanced his way.

"What?" He asked innocently.

"Maybe we should grab the pool table now that it's open," Sasuke suggested.

Naruto ended up laughing. He'd already drank enough to be slightly giddy and maybe a bit reckless, too. It's not like Kiba had any clue, and they were just messing around, weren't they?

"What's so funny?" Kiba asked. "You're bein' weird tonight, Naruto. Actin' more like a spaz than usual."

"Sorry." Naruto swallowed the rest of his beer. "I'm just happy to be hangin' out with two good friends."

"Maybe we'll cut you off for a while," said Sasuke.

He started to get out of his chair. Kiba slid off of his, too, and stretched his arms above his head.

"I'll go rack 'em," Kiba informed them before heading to the pool table.

For a few seconds after he stood, Naruto felt the press of Sasuke's hand on his lower back as they cruised through the tables to join up with Kiba.

"Smooth," Naruto said to him under his breath.

Sasuke smirked at the comment and left his side to choose his pool cue from the rack. Naruto, while watching him go, became aware that his gaze kept being drawn to him all night. That definitely wasn't normal for him - to be paying attention to the firm slope of another man's shoulders, the definition of his arms from under his t-shirt, and the bit of pale skin revealed as Sasuke bent over to draw the cue from its hole. He bit his lip, fighting this odd but familiar urge he had to go over there and bump into him, just to have the contact.

"What the hell are you starin' at?" Kiba said as he knocked into Naruto, totally throwing him off balance and nearly sending him into a nearby table. "Wow, Jesus, dude. I barely tapped you. Are you okay? It almost looked like you were checkin' out Sasuke's ass."

"Asshole." Naruto gave him a shove. "Are we gonna play somethin' with the three of us, or should I maybe ask someone else to play?"

"I bet you could go get one of those chicks at that table to play."

"Shut up, don't be a dick. Sasuke doesn't want a bunch of chicks hangin' all over him."

"How do you know?" Kiba asked. "But you're right, they weren't that hot. What about that chick over there?" He pointed at a woman with short dark hair standing next to the jukebox. She was with a friend
who was choosing the songs. "She keeps checkin' you out."

"Really?" Naruto asked, giving her another once over.

Sasuke, apparently wondering why they were taking so long, walked over. "What's up?"

Kiba slapped him on the arm. "I was tellin' Naruto that he should let me go ask this chick over by the jukebox to be his partner. She was checkin' him out."

Sasuke glanced to where the woman was standing. "She's cute."

"See!" Kiba grabbed onto Sasuke's cue and used it to make an obscene gesture with his hand as he moved it up and down along its length. "Even Sasuke thinks you should go for it."

Naruto's gaze shifted from the woman, who was now looking in their direction, to Sasuke. "...You think I should go for it?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Or do you still prefer blondes?"

"Maybe I'm ready for a change," he replied with a shrug.

"Ah ha." Kiba punched him in the shoulder, drawing his attention away. "He's right. Shion and, that one chick, and Temari. Shit. Does that mean you secretly have a thing for Ino?"

"Don't be an idiot," Naruto groaned. "If I was interested in datin' some chick, I'd just have Ino set me up with one of her friends."

"Yeah, dude, you should. She told me about the yoga instructor."

"The yoga instructor?" Sasuke asked.

"I hear she's super flexible," Kiba added helpfully.

"How about you guys just play," he told them, trying to keep his voice casual. "I think m'gonna grab another drink first. I'll play the winner."

Before either Kiba or Sasuke could reply, Naruto went back to the bar to order something stronger than a beer. Kiba wouldn't follow him, and he was pretty sure Sasuke was cool enough to let him blow off some steam for a while. There was only the one chair left when he walked up to the bar, so he squeezed into it and ordered a shot.

xxx

Sasuke leaned over the pool table, aligning his pool stick so that the last two remaining solids would slide neatly into the back corner pocket. He called it, made the shot, and after a not especially strenuous game on his part, had won.

"Fuckin' bastard, man," Kiba said through a wide grin. "And I thought I was a pool shark."

"I hung out at a lot of bars from an early age," Sasuke replied, placing his cue stick back in the rack.

"That so?" Kiba picked up the cue ball from off of the table and rolled it around in his hand. "Is there a story to go with that or should I assume you were a punk like Naruto?"

"No." Sasuke slid his fingers along the roughly-textured wood near one of the pockets. "I imagine he and I grew up quite differently. I..." He almost hesitated since he wasn't yet used to being open about his personal life, especially his childhood. "Used to play in some bands, and I have an older brother, so his friends were always getting me into places. They liked to play pool, and when they were drunk, I'd take advantage of them."

"Heh." Kiba laughed and dropped the ball onto the table. "That's exactly how I got Ino to go out with me for the first time."

Sasuke smirked. "You, Naruto, and Ino all seem close."

"Well, we are." Kiba scratched the back of his head, and Sasuke raised an eyebrow since the gesture was so similar to Naruto's. "We're good friends. We've been good friends for a long time. I know Ino thinks of Naruto as a brother she can beat up on occasion. Although she beats up on me, too, sometimes."

"I'm sure Naruto needs keeping in line on occasion," Sasuke murmured and glanced toward the bar where Naruto was sitting.

At first Sasuke had left him alone in case Naruto wanted his space, but now he seemed to be deep in conversation with the woman sitting next to him.

"He can meet people anywhere," Kiba remarked, noticing where Sasuke's attention was being drawn. "Guess you'd know all about that, eh? You met at a bar, right?"

"We did," Sasuke answered, recalling at least the first part of that evening. He'd had a long, shitty day and wanted to unwind at one of his favorite lower Manhattan haunts. "I made the mistake of sitting close to him, and then he had to go and start a conversation."

"Sounds like him. Hmm. Didn't he act like he didn't wanna get to know anyone tonight? Yet he seems like he's gettin' pretty close to that chick."

Sasuke observed Naruto and the woman who sat next to him. He couldn't tell much from here, only that she had long, light auburn hair and that she was wearing a short red sundress.

"He's always liked girly-girls, I can tell you that much." He and Kiba had ordered pitcher of beer earlier, so Kiba picked up his glass and drank.

"Shion?" Sasuke tried to squash a stab of jealousy he was experiencing watching Naruto interact with that woman. "What was she like?"

Kiba made a gesturing motion and the both of them went to stand around the round high-top table that held their pitcher. "What can I say? I think the appeal was that she was an older woman. Naruto met her our sophomore year at a party. I dunno what I was doin' that night that I let it happen, then next I knew she was showin' up everywhere I invited him."

Sasuke made no comment about how it seemed normal for new couples to spend time together.

"She was pretty, I'll give her that." Kiba licked his lips and set his glass heavily on the table. "Hot, I guess you'd say. Real pretty blonde, nice body, pretty face. She was smart. Can't say much for her sense of humor. She was nice to your face, but, y'know, I think she talked crap about us behind our backs. She didn't like Ino so much. Ino thinks she was jealous. If Naruto and I were together, she'd call and text and ask where he was and who he was with. Naruto always defended her, though. He's a loyal guy. I should know."

"I see," Sasuke said softly. "And when Naruto decided to get back with her after New York?"

Kiba shrugged. "Dunno. I thought it was over, but I know Naruto said he didn't wanna just give up after two years. They were still attracted to each other, I think."

Sasuke shifted against the table, remembering when Naruto called him a week after leaving. Apparently Naruto only wanted to let him know that he was sending the pants back since he'd forgotten to leave them at the apartment. To be honest, if Naruto hadn't called, Sasuke wouldn't have ever picked up the phone. It was difficult to hear Naruto's voice and not be able to see him or have his company and, at the time, he couldn't really get himself to ask about Shion.

Then it wasn't very long until he heard from Deidara about Naruto getting back with her. Of course, that came with its own lecture about letting Naruto get away. However, he didn't know what Deidara expected him to do. Sasuke wasn't going to drop his life and give chase, and Naruto didn't seem too torn up about it given that he was quick to rekindle his relationship with his ex.

"Should we bother lettin' him know that you won and it's his turn to play?" asked Kiba.

Now, Sasuke had his back to the bar, which was probably a good thing. "Maybe we should just leave him alone."

"Leave who alone?"

He nearly jumped when he heard Naruto's husky voice next to his ear. Clearly not in a sober state, the blond man put an arm around his shoulder.

"What happened to your friend?" Sasuke asked, trying not to let the warmth of Naruto's body distract him.

"What friend?" He asked with a shit-eating grin.

"Don't be a dumbfuck," Kiba said. "Who was the chick you were talkin' to?"

"No one you know," said Naruto. "She's visitin' from St. Louis. Apparently it's her grandmother's 86th birthday, so she's here for a family party-thing. They all just took off for another bar, though. This place is gettin' hella crowded, or haven't you noticed?"

"We've noticed," Kiba said. "Just 'cause you abandoned us, doesn't mean we weren't payin' attention to what you were up to. Right, Sasuke?"

"Something like that," he replied. "We wouldn't want anyone to try and slip something into your drink."

"Ah, well." Naruto squeezed his shoulder. "Good to know now that you've shown up you're lookin' out for me."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Are you looking for a fight?"

He kept his tone playful, but he remembered this feeling. He knew when Naruto was picking a fight and the idea... excited him.

"Did you win?" Naruto asked and did that thing that almost caused Sasuke to lean in and kiss him - he bit his lip while his blue eyes filled with laughter.

"Of course I won," he said in a low voice. "Would you expect anything less?"

"You didn't win at darts."

"I lost on purpose," he said.

"Did you?" Naruto asked raising an eyebrow, obviously taking him at his word.

"My competitive side can be... very ugly."

Kiba cleared his throat. "Uh, guys?"

Sasuke glanced at Kiba, and so did Naruto. He didn't do it immediately, but Naruto eventually withdrew his arm from around Sasuke's shoulders in order to grab Kiba's glass of beer he'd filled two seconds ago.

"Hey!" Kiba shouted. "Why don't y'take your boyfriend's beer over there!" He pointed at Sasuke's glass.

"Because," Naruto wiped his hand across his mouth, "It'd be rude if I stole Sasuke's beer."

"And it's not rude to steal mine?" He snatched his back as Naruto pushed it across the table.

"And stop callin' Sasuke my boyfriend," Naruto grumbled. He turned to Sasuke. "He's just jealous. Sometimes Ino calls Kiba my boyfriend when she wants to piss 'em off."

"Yes," Sasuke said drolly. "Wouldn't be a tragedy if someone thought he was gay?"

Naruto rolled his eyes and knocked into him. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Are people on the East Coast all crazy politically correct?" Kiba asked curiously.

"Shut up, Kiba," said Naruto.

"Why? I'm curious. I got nothin' against that lifestyle, but people seem to really get their panties in a twist about that stuff. Everything's racist or sexist or homophobic."

"That might be because all of those things still exist," Sasuke remarked, not entirely bothered. He wouldn't call himself the poster boy for gay pride, but he was certainly comfortable with that aspect of his life. Maybe he hadn't been so much as a teenager, but remembering how he felt then certainly stirred his desire to be open and firm about his sexual orientation and people just like him.

"I'm not sayin' they don't," Kiba argued. "What do you think, Naruto?"

"Don't ask me," he said. "People are people, they should get to love and have sex with who they want barring its all consensual and of age. If anything, Ino does that 'cause she knows he and I spend a lotta time together. I take it as a compliment. Just means you and I are close." He glanced fondly at Kiba and grinned.

"Smile at me like that again and I may turn a bit gay for you," Kiba said with a laugh.

"Yeah? I'm pretty hot, eh? What do you think, Sasuke?"

Sasuke couldn't decide if he wanted to smack him or kiss him. "Are you seriously asking me if you're 'hot'?"

"Kiba can say it, why can't you?"

"Wait." Kiba thumped the table with his fist. "When did I say you were hot exactly?"

"He did say your ex-girlfriend was hot while you weren't here," Sasuke interjected helpfully.

He preferred when it was Kiba and Naruto going at it, and Naruto's flirtatiousness needed to be curbed or Sasuke would do something stupid soon, like pin him to the wall.

"God, are you still goin' on about Shion?" Naruto moaned. "Do I need to go back to the bar?"

"Hey, it was Sasuke that brought her up!"

"Yeah, because he knew it would distract you, idiot!"

"Tch. I don't need this abuse. Maybe I'll go to the bar and sit next to some hot chick and drink beer and then be all 'I'm Naruto, I don't want a relationship but I'm more than happy to flirt with anything that moves!'"

"Really? Are we really goin' there?" Naruto asked while gesturing at him with his arms.

"You do seem to be a natural flirt," Sasuke told him.

"You, too, Sasuke?"

Naruto turned to him with such a distraught expression that Sasuke couldn't help but smile.

"Are you laughin' at me?" He asked Sasuke. "Jerk." But then he smiled at him crookedly.

"Oh fuck all this foreplay," Kiba grumbled. "M'gonna go to the bar. Let me know when the two of you have babies, and just fuckin' name your first born after me."

Surprising both of them, Kiba stormed off to the bar.

"Should I follow him?" Naruto asked, appearing as concerned as he was amused.

"How should I know?" Sasuke asked. "He's your friend."

"Yeah, but what's he gettin' so worked up about?"

"Think about it."

Naruto shook his head. "I have no idea."

Sasuke sighed. "Now I remember what things were like back then."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You," he turned so that the both of them were facing each other. "Are a master of oblivious. Sometimes I think you know exactly what you're doing, other times I just think you're an idiot."

"I figured you always thought I was an idiot." Naruto smirked.

Fuck. There it was again. He wanted to kiss him. It even almost came out of his mouth to tell Naruto as much, but considering Naruto had been flirting with that woman earlier, maybe he really was just a... natural flirt. Sasuke was usually a lot better about gauging things, and normally he'd prefer someone more direct and clear about their intentions. But there was also something very alluring and sexy about not knowing what was going on inside Naruto's head.

Sasuke wasn't stupid. He was pretty sure there was still some kind of physical draw between them, but Naruto was hesitating.

"You're not denyin' it," said Naruto, "So it must be true." He touched Sasuke's forearm, momentarily squeezed it, and then let his hand drop to his side.

Sasuke dabbed his tongue across his lower lip, forgetting all about Kiba's jealous tantrum.

"How do you feel about making a bet?" Sasuke asked.

"Seriously?" Naruto went back to leaning with his elbow on the table. The way he stood, the collar of his shirt loosened and Sasuke got a clear view of his collarbone. He tried to remember, did he ever have a chance to put his lips or tongue there? If he didn't, he wanted to now.

"Sure. Unless you're... chicken."

"Ha. I can't believe you're sayin' somethin' like that to me. Are you really tryin' to goad me into it?"

"Not if you're scared of losing." Sasuke shrugged and slipped his hands into his jean pockets.

"I'm pretty good just to let you know," Naruto said, with a hint of challenge to his voice. "I used to hustle people like you who were so cocky, and then I'd take them for a couple hundred bucks."

"I'm not looking for you to hustle me," said Sasuke. "When I can get it for free."

"Oh? That so, eh? From what I remember of last time, that wasn't the case. Or am I wrong?"

Sasuke's smile waned. "It's been quite a while. Do you really think I've paid for anything since then?"

"I wouldn't know about all that, now would I?" Naruto asked, his expression also losing its humor.

"Do you want to know?" He asked and, since his glass was empty, reached across the table for Naruto's, purposely brushing his hand against the blond's as he did it.

Naruto dragged his teeth across his lip before answering quietly, "Not really."

"Then I don't want to know about you and your ex-girlfriend either."

"Sasuke..." Naruto's gaze lowered; he appeared conflicted, but if Sasuke just pushed, he could've easily gotten the reaction he wanted. He just didn't want it to happen that way. Naruto would have to figure out on his own what he wanted or if he wanted anything at all.

Sasuke withdrew his hand so as not to confuse him further. "Are we playing or what?"

"What are we playing for?" Naruto asked.

"What do you think?"

Naruto squinted at him. "I know it's not that."

"Hn."

"Bastard." Naruto shot a quick glance over his shoulder, toward Kiba, who was now sitting at the end of the bar. He looked back at Sasuke. "If I win..."

"Impossible," Sasuke told him confidently.

Naruto smirked. "God, you really are cocky."

"If I have a reason to be, I am."

"Fine, so if you win, what do you want?"

"If I win," he said, "...You take the bed."

"What? Is that all? Why?"

"Because."

Naruto moved closer to him, his leg nearly touching Sasuke's. He fought it as long as he could, but then he had to take in a quick intake of breath to adjust to the heavy pull he felt.

"You seem nervous," Naruto observed.

"Nervous isn't the right word," he replied, gaze drawn to Naruto's mouth and, in particular, his tongue, which he kept using to wet his lips. "So, what do you want if you win?"

"You're acknowledging I might actually win?"

"You're playing me right now, aren't you?" He asked in a low voice.

"I dunno what you're talkin' about," Naruto answered, although his eyes darkened.

He knew what he was doing, and he knew what he was doing to Sasuke. Before all of this, Sasuke would've become angry at being toyed with, but, instead, he let the attraction wash over him.

"What do you want, Naruto?"

"I dunno yet. But by the time the game's over I'll think of somethin' I want from you."

"Oh?" Brazenly, he placed his hand on the front of Naruto's tight-fitting shirt and gave it a tug before letting his hand slide down the man's firm stomach. "Maybe I'll lose on purpose again."

"I'm still curious as to why you want me to take the bed."

"And I think you're still... just curious." He smirked.

Instead of taking it as a joke, Naruto blinked at him once or twice and then glanced about the room. Sasuke, sensing his unease, removed his hand. Well, it's not like Naruto was going to jump him in the middle of a bar. He knew that. When they were together in New York, Naruto hadn't initiated much, but he'd certainly been very... responsive.

Sasuke touched the back of his neck, holding his hand there for a second.

"Somethin' wrong?" Naruto asked.

"Not at all," he replied tonelessly and walked toward the pool table only to come to a stop when he felt a tug at his shirt.

Looking over his shoulder, he found Naruto standing there with an expression of surprise. He quickly let go of Sasuke's shirt.

"Sorry," he muttered. "I don't know why I did that."

"Do you want to break, or do you want me to?" Sasuke asked casually.

Naruto shook his head. "Uh, I'll break. If that's cool."

Naruto slid his hands along the side of his jeans and then walked past him. Sasuke followed behind, taking his time as he picked out his preferred stick. Naruto already had his, which he leaned against the table as he inserted the quarters.

Sasuke didn't know how much longer he could restrain himself from making a move. He wanted to walk over there and put his arms around him as he bent over the table. When Naruto finished racking all of the balls, he grabbed the cue ball and rolled it around in his hand before setting it down again. Sasuke eyed him as he leaned over, squared up his shot, and made contact. The balls clanked together sharply, separating to all different ends of the table. Two solids rolled into either side pockets.

Naruto, standing up straight, glanced over and smirked. "Guess I'll take solids?"

"Beginner's luck," Sasuke commented dryly, and Naruto laughed.

"Oh, yeah. I bet you make a sore loser. I'm definitely gonna win this." Naruto continued with his next shot, a look of concentration on his face that Sasuke found very appealing.

He was left to imagine a teenage version of Naruto hustling older men for money. He would've killed to have seen that, and he was now also curious about this Gaara person who seemed to have such an interesting influence over Naruto.

Although he planned to play him seriously, Sasuke supposed he wouldn't mind being at Naruto's mercy even if he somehow lost. It was just a matter of could he deal with Naruto hanging this over his head forever? Sasuke, after all, did have his pride to consider.

xxx

Fifteen minutes into the game and all that remained on the pool table was Naruto's 5 and 7 balls, and Sasuke's 9, 12, and 15. Naruto, for some reason, was taking their competition especially serious. Maybe because engaging in competitive activities with Sasuke brought out the alpha male in him. It made him wonder what would happen if they played video games together. He leaned over the table, angling the stick so that it would hit the bottom of the cue ball. It knocked the 5 into the corner pocket and then rolled back toward him so that he'd have a fairly easy shot at the 7, which was next to Sasuke's 12.

"Are you gettin' worried yet?" Naruto asked, feeling the other man's eyes on him as he strolled around the table.

"Not entirely," answered Sasuke. "Maybe you're the type who buckles under pressure."

He broke into a grin. "Hardly. If anything, I perform even better when the pressure's on."

"Let's hope so. I wouldn't want to think you're all talk."

Naruto smirked as he leaned over the table. Sasuke was only a couple of feet behind him, but he'd done this a thousand times before, so when he made his shot and called it in the opposite side pocket, it sunk in smoothly without so much as knocking into any of Sasuke's balls.

"What do you think about that?" He stopped long enough to grab the chalk square and use it on his stick. "Or do you wanna say you lost on purpose this time, too?"

All he had to do was sink the 8-ball into the far corner pocket, but one of Sasuke's balls was in the way. Even though he sucked at math and physics in high school, he had a pretty good instinct for making shots. He'd kept his eyes on some of the better players when he was younger and developed his own technique for shooting tricks.

"Did you figure out what you want from me if you win?" Sasuke asked, suddenly close enough that he felt like it was right in his ear.

The hairs at the back of his neck stood up as he turned, slowly, to look at the other man. He bit his lip. "Maybe. We'll see."

"Go on then," said Sasuke. "Put me out of my misery."

He gave a faint smile as he made his way over to the opposite side of the table and surveyed the set up.

It should bounce off the edge and snap back to knock the 8-ball in the pocket. Naruto called it, angled the cue so it would strike the middle of the cue ball, and made a clean shot. It knocked against the edge and bounced back toward the pocket where it hesitated before dropping in.

"See that?" Naruto glanced over his shoulder.

"It figures a punk like you would be good at these hoodlum activities," Sasuke said, but he didn't seem too bothered about losing.

"Yeah, well." He went to put his stick away, grabbing Sasuke's from him, too, and returning it to the rack. "Maybe we should go check on Kiba? It worries me that he's basically been sittin' at the bar this entire time."

"Don't worry," said Sasuke, "I've kept my eye on him. He's been on the phone for the last five minutes."

"Oh, really?" Naruto snuck a peek. Indeed, Kiba was on the phone, which actually meant he was on the phone with Ino. "Hm."

"Does he… normally get jealous?" Sasuke asked.

"Ah." Naruto shoved a hand into his back pocket. "Only with Shion, I think. It's kinda weird to see him like this to be honest. Somethin' else might be botherin' him, though. Um, would you mind goin' to see what he's up to? M'gonna hit the toilet."

"Okay," Sasuke agreed eyeing him curiously.

Naruto walked away, feeling awkward but not knowing why. He didn't know what his deal was tonight. Having Sasuke show up had really thrown him off his game - well, not his pool game apparently. He couldn't tell if he was disappointed by Sasuke's hands-off approach this evening, or if he should feel relieved. All night he'd felt the occasional spark he'd experienced in New York, but back then, he knew everything was limited by the time he had left in the city.

Sasuke showing up now and the possibility of him living nearby was really... distracting.

On the one hand, the thought of Sasuke moving to Chicago thrilled him. He'd love to hang out, but on the other hand, what the fuck was going on between them?

Naruto went into the restroom, mind kind of fuzzy thanks to all of the beer and liquor. What the hell was he going to do with Kiba, too? He hadn't seen him jealous like this since Shion was around. Usually Kiba didn't make a big deal about it if Naruto hung out with other guys. Finishing his business, he went to wash his hands and take a look at himself in the mirror. He adjusted his hair, noticing that he looked slightly drunk so he splashed some water on his face.

When he left the bathroom and headed for the bar, he saw that one extra person had joined their party. He started to smile as he went up behind their newest arrival and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

"Ino," he said. "What the hell are you doin' here?"

She turned around in the chair, smiling at him happily. Ino looked hot. She wore a low-cut sky blue dress that only came to maybe half way down her thigh. Her hair was done in a French braid that hung over her left shoulder. Naruto didn't care much about makeup, but what she was wearing looked great, too. Her lips were a pale pink and the liner around her eyes really made them stand out. Maybe he really did have a thing for blondes.

"You can stop oglin' my girlfriend now," Kiba said, punching him in the shoulder.

Naruto punched him right back. "I wasn't oglin', I was appreciatin' how pretty my best friend is."

"I don't mind," said Ino. "It's nice to have the attention. But Sasuke hasn't said anything yet."

They all looked at Sasuke, who was on Ino's left side, an empty chair next to him.

"You look very beautiful," Sasuke said sincerely. "Although I think you could stab someone with those heels."

"Who says I haven't?" Ino asked.

"That's m'girl," said Kiba while putting an arm around her shoulder.

Naruto, after placing a kiss to Ino's cheek, took up the seat next to Sasuke. He had to lean over him in order to talk to Ino.

"So what's up?" He asked. "I thought you had a girls' night out."

"We did," replied Ino. "We had dinner and some drinks and then everyone had to go somewhere except the single girls, who decided to go to some club in Chicago. I feel like I'm just too old for that."

Naruto laughed. "That's ridiculous."

"I tried to get the yoga instructor to stop by, but she was one of the ones who went to Chicago. Maybe she's not right for you, after all, Naruto. Aren't you done with party girls?"

"So this chick goes out once to a club, and she's a party girl?" Naruto asked. "Girls are so harsh with each other."

"I have her number if you want it," Ino said, and by then, she was also practically leaning on top of Sasuke.

Naruto glanced at him before looking at Ino again. "Uh. I dunno. I'll trust your judgment. If you don't think she's my type, then that's that."

"I don't even know what your type is anymore," Ino proclaimed with a heavy sigh. "Sasuke, what's your type? What do you look for in a girl?"

"Ah," Naruto interjected. "Isn't that kind of personal, Ino? Sheesh."

"I don't mind," said Sasuke. "If you want to know my type, I could tell you."

"Yeah, what is your type, man?" Kiba asked. "If you're gonna move here, maybe we can find someone to set you up with."

Naruto shifted in his seat. It wouldn't be a big deal if Sasuke told them he was gay or whatever, but he also didn't want to make Sasuke uncomfortable either.

"My type," said Sasuke. "I suppose that would be... someone who can be spontaneous, is loyal, has a good sense of humor, can keep a decent conversation, and, he glanced at Naruto, "has a tattoo." He smirked.

"Has a tattoo?" Naruto asked with a scowl. "What the hell does that matter?"

Sasuke laughed at him while the other two gave him twin looks of amusement.

"So what if Sasuke likes a chick with tattoos?" asked Kiba. "I think that's hot."

Ino turned and smacked him. "Since when?"

"Why are you smackin' me? You have one, dammit!"

"Do you have tattoos, Sasuke?" Ino asked.

"I don't," he answered, pulling his gaze away from Naruto's.

Naruto decided to bury his nerves in alcohol. He grabbed the pitcher as well as Sasuke's empty glass and poured himself a drink.

"What's your tattoo?" Sasuke asked Ino.

"Oh, it's just this little pink flower - a Dahlia - I have on my hip. Want to see?"

"Jesus, Ino!" Kiba cried. "I'm right here!"

Sasuke smiled. "Maybe another time."

"So what happened with the game?" Kiba asked. "Did you give Naruto a sound beatin'?"

"Actually, Naruto won," Sasuke answered.

"I did." Naruto leaned over the bar again, forgetting his earlier embarrassing outburst. "He was good, though. I'll give 'em that. I don't think he played me as seriously as he could, though."

"Is that so?" Sasuke asked.

"Ha ha, yeah." Kiba laughed. "Maybe he took pity on you, Naruto. He creamed my ass."

"'Creamed his ass'? Ugh. Kiba, do you have to be so crass?" Ino smacked him in the arm.

"It's not like I meant it literally!" Kiba flailed.

Naruto suddenly burst out laughing. He just couldn't help it.

"Find something amusing?" Sasuke asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"As good lookin' as he is, I doubt I'd let Sasuke cream my ass," said Kiba.

"I doubt he'd want to," replied Ino, which sent those two into one of their usual bickering matches.

"How you doin'?" Naruto knocked his elbow into Sasuke's side while Kiba and Ino argued. "Are they gettin' on your nerves yet?"

"No," he answered. "They're about exactly what I expected." Sasuke smiled at him, so, of course, Naruto smiled back.

"Don't feel like you have to hold back on my account. I mean. If y'wanna just say it."

Sasuke shrugged. "It's not a big deal. If it comes up, I'll mention it. If not, we're all just talking."

"About the tattoo thing..." He licked his tongue across his bottom lip, "Is that for real? You did have that photo of that guy."

"What guy?" Sasuke asked, though it was clear he was fucking with him.

"You know what guy. The guy you were makin' eyes at in that picture."

"I don't make eyes at any guy," Sasuke said in a low voice. "Guys make eyes at me."

"I've noticed."

"What happened to the woman at the jukebox?"

Naruto didn't know to whom he was referring at first. "Oh... yeah. I dunno. Wasn't payin' attention. Probably left."

"She was attractive."

"Then you should've asked for her number," he said and set his elbow on the bar. He started absently running his thumb along the side of his beer glass, wiping away the condensation.

"Very cute," said Sasuke. "So, did you decide what you want yet?"

"What I want...?"

"The bet."

"Oh. Yeah. Heh." He rubbed the back of his neck. "First tell me why you wanted me to take the bed?"

Sasuke turned toward him and put an arm across his chair. "What does it matter? Maybe I just wanted you to be comfortable. I'm fine with taking the couch."

"You're the guest," he said. "You gave me your bed."

"I didn't give you my bed. You were in it with me. Don't... bite your lip. Dammit, Naruto."

"How'd y'know I was gonna do that?" He held a hand over his mouth so Sasuke couldn't see. "Better?"

"You're such an idiot."

He grabbed Sasuke's arm. "Tell me."

"You're begging?" Sasuke glanced at his hand and up again.

"You wish."

"...Fantasized is more like."

Naruto's eyes widened.

"Don't look so surprised," Sasuke murmured. "Are you going to move that?"

"Uh, oh sure." Naruto let go of Sasuke's arm. "Um, what were we talkin' about?"

"The bet," said Sasuke. "You were going to tell me what you want from me."

"What if I still need time to think about it?"

"You don't have much time. I'll be gone tomorrow night."

"Why does it have to be tomorrow night?" Naruto almost whined.

"Then I guess you should've bet that I stay longer if you win."

"Hey, you two," Kiba cut in on their conversation. "Ino says she's tired, so if we wanna ride home, we need to go soon."

"I'm sober, don't worry," said Ino. "I had one glass of wine earlier and judging by the empty glasses on the counter, I'd say none of you should be driving."

"S'fine with me," said Naruto. "Kiba drove us here."

"Jackass," Kiba muttered. "Ino can drive me back in the mornin'. Hey, though. Do you guys wanna get in one more round of darts first? I'm tired of everyone beatin' me tonight."

"I will," agreed Naruto.

"I'll pass," said Ino.

"Then I'll stay here with Ino," Sasuke replied.

"You sure?" Naruto asked.

"I'll keep her company. I'm sure Kiba wouldn't mind if it was just the two of you this time."

"Hm. If you say so. Shouldn't take long. I'll be right back, okay?"

"Alright," said Sasuke.

Naruto and Kiba slid out of their chairs, leaving Sasuke and Ino alone. He was surprised Sasuke wanted to stay, but it was nice of him to hang back with Ino. As he and Kiba were walking to the back room again to see if the dart board was available, he had to wonder about Sasuke's words. He was clearly kidding with him, right? He wouldn't just stay an extra day if Naruto asked. Or would he?

Hm.

When he'd agreed to that bet, he didn't have anything in particular in mind if he won. He just knew he wanted to win in case something sprang to mind, but the only things that he'd thought of so far seemed... strange. Like, he couldn't help wanting to drag Sasuke off and ask him why he wasn't touching enough. All he got was a hand to his lower back. Didn't Sasuke feel that same connection he did? Or was Sasuke totally over it after 18 months of not seeing each other?

Or maybe the question should be, why wasn't he over it? Why was he still thinking of Sasuke like that? There had to be something wrong with him.

Suddenly, the idea of the two of them being alone at his apartment made him very nervous. Maybe Sasuke had this idea in his head that Naruto thought they would do the same things they did in New York, so in order to let him down easy, Sasuke wanted to insist that they sleep in separate places.

Now that he thought about it, Sasuke didn't exactly answer his question about whether he was seeing someone or not. Sasuke, he'd thought, had been a little flirtatious, but nothing over the top at all. Maybe Naruto was the only one feeling anything and hoping for something to happen even if he didn't know what it was.

It was selfish, he knew, but it would've been a lie to say he hadn't thought about it at least once or twice tonight. Kissing Sasuke, holding him, just being alone with him...

Fuck, what the hell was wrong with him?

Maybe he should let Sasuke take the couch until he was sober enough to not be thinking about another guy the way he kept thinking about Sasuke.

xxx

Sasuke decided to make an attempt at sobering up, so he refused the bartender the next time the older man came around to ask if he wanted something else. Of course, Ino was only sipping at a glass of water since she would be the one driving them home.

"So when do you hear whether you got the job?" Ino asked, her tone friendly and her curiosity sincere.

"I imagine I should hear before the weekend's over," he answered. "I was the last one to be interviewed."

"Why would you wanna move all the way from New York to Chicago, though? Isn't that like a step back?"

"Not especially," he said. "There's more room for growth there, and I'll have more responsibility. Plus, I wouldn't mind a change in location."

"Ah, I see." She sipped through her straw and tossed her braid over her shoulder. "Change is good. It's a shame you're only in town until tomorrow, though. I'm sure Naruto would've preferred if you could stay longer."

"I wouldn't want to be in the way. Not to mention I wasn't sure if he'd appreciate my unexpected visit."

"Well." Ino turned in her chair and propped her elbow on the bar. "I think Naruto's feelings were hurt when he didn't hear from you. But, he's not the type to hold a grudge, or at least he wouldn't if you made the effort to come all the way here." She pressed her lips together in thought. "But, I'm curious. Why didn't you call him? I thought you two got along really well in New York? Naruto even thought you might eventually come for a visit, so he was excited for us to meet you."

"That's... a complicated story," he said.

"Oh? How complicated can it be?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Complicated."

Ino squinted at him. "I feel like there's something I'm missing. Did anything happen that weekend?"

Sasuke studied her features. She really was attractive, in that very wholesome, girl-next-door kind of way. He could understand what Kiba saw in her, but he could also imagine why Naruto might be half-in love with her, too. Even after only being with her a very short amount of time, Sasuke found himself fond of her. She wasn't anything like Karin. Sure, they were both outgoing, but Ino's personality was very similar to Naruto's. They were both kind, funny, polite, smart, empathetic, and easy to talk to. He wondered what would've happened had Naruto become interested in her instead of Shion?

He didn't think he could compete with Ino in that regard. She was a much better person than him, even after the strides he'd made this past year and a half or so.

"I'll take it that something did happen then?" Ino asked. "Since you're being quiet."

"It was an eventful weekend," he told her, fairly sure Naruto would've given out only limited details. "Naruto and I met by chance. And when he was stranded... there was no reason not to let him stay at my place."

Her gaze flicked somewhere else for an instant before returning to him. "Do you... have any questions for me about Naruto?"

"What do you mean." He started playing with the edge of the napkin on which Ino's water was set.

Ino just shrugged.

"Do you have something you want to ask me?" Sasuke could tell something was on her mind, and he might have an idea as to what it was.

"I don't want to be rude, but..." She shifted closer to him, creating a space that felt intimate. Sasuke could've backed off, but he did not.

"Go for it."

"You..." Ino closed her mouth and then opened it again. "You like him."

Sasuke searched her face, her pretty pale blue eyes, and already knew he had no intent on lying or playing dumb. However, he wasn't entirely sure that she was completely confident in her apparent assumptions.

"How do you mean? I assume we're talking about Naruto."

"Well, it's not like I'd be talking about Kiba," she said with a smile, "It's just... I think every single guy in this bar checked me out when I walked in here, including Naruto. And you didn't give me a second glance. Now, I'm not extremely self-absorbed, but I look good tonight."

"You do," he said. "I told you that you looked beautiful."

"Sasuke," she said. "You can totally stop me if I'm heading down the wrong path, and I don't mean to offend you - "

"I'm not offended. I'm just not entirely sure what you're asking me. Do I like Naruto? Yes, of course. Why else would I be here?"

"When he came back... there was something different about him. He talked about you a lot, which wasn't unusual for him. To talk about people. Maybe I'm really off base with this."

"Even if he did enjoy the weekend he spent in New York it didn't stop him from reconciling with Shion."

"He did," Ino replied with a sigh of disgust. "We were so disappointed. She was such a brat."

"But, she was hot," he said, his tone slightly mocking.

"Yeah, she was as much as I hate to admit it. I don't think it was just that, but, if you're wondering whether they had chemistry - "

"I'm not."

Ino looked shocked, but then she smiled warmly and laughed. "You would've preferred that... he date you, instead?"

Sasuke didn't answer her though it was clear she wasn't joking or making fun of him.

"I wouldn't have put it that way," he said, tearing off the corner of the napkin. "If you're wondering whether I prefer men, then I think you might already have an answer."

She nodded. "I was fairly sure."

"Since when?" He asked out of simple curiosity.

"Um, from about the moment you came to Naruto's apartment. The way you and Naruto looked at each other. I had my suspicions, but then I wondered if maybe something else had happened between the two of you and it was just awkward because you hadn't talked in so long. There's... some kind of vibe with you guys. I... should be surprised, I think. You know," Ino touched his forearm and left her hand there, "I've... clearly never seen or heard Naruto show interest in a man, but when he's around you... it feels like I'm watching a couple on a first date."

"Should I be offended?" He asked softly.

Ino shook her head. "No. I wasn't sure until now, but it's starting to make sense."

"Let's say I was mildly interested in Naruto that way, but he's straight. There's no guarantee he could ever return my feelings."

"I wouldn't say that," she told him, giving his arm another squeeze. "He can be very open-minded, but every time we've tried to set him up on a date, he's refused. He's just not ready."

"That's fair. Why would he want to jump into something after a two-year relationship? I heard it didn't end well."

"No." Ino slapped his arm lightly. "That crazy bitch up and moved to Europe. I meanwho does that? She changed her number and deleted her Facebook, and Naruto had to hear about where she went from some friend of the family. It was fucked up. Even if Naruto wasn't in love with her anymore, she didn't have to go that far!"

"Hm."

"By the way, I should give you a harder time since you pretty much abandoned him, too!"

"I know," he said. "I don't want to make an excuse for why that happened, but I thought it would be best to leave him alone."

"Because of Shion?"

He chewed his lip and glanced down at the bar top. "It was a reason but not the entire reason. When Naruto and I met, I wasn't in a particularly good place in life. I'm not sure how much Naruto imparted to you about - "

Ino held up her hand. "No." She shook her head again. "He didn't tell us anything personal about you, not really. Not anything bad anyway."

Sasuke sighed. He felt some relief in having someone to talk to about this, especially someone who knew Naruto.

"Even if I was interested in Naruto at that time, I wouldn't have thought I was good enough for him. Also, a part of me wanted to believe that Naruto was the type of person not to give up on a relationship."

"That makes sense," Ino commented as she propped her chin in her hand and played with the end of her braid. "I don't know if that's true or whatever, and we could spend all night playing the 'what if' game. If you'd said something before Naruto got together with Shion again? Would it have made a difference? Would it have been the right thing to do?"

"He's straight," Sasuke pointed out. "Let's not forget that."

"No, I know. But... if you only have until tomorrow. Wait. You didn't decide to interview for this job with the intent that maybe you and Naruto...?"

Both of Sasuke's eyebrows drew up. "Whether Naruto was nearby or not, I would've accepted an interview for the job."

"Oh." Ino sounded disappointed.

"But," he continued. "The fact that Naruto would be close... it is something that stayed in my mind."

"God, you two would make the fucking hottest couple!" She fanned herself. "But. I don't know how Naruto feels about any of this. I know that he thought highly of you."

"Past tense, I see."

"I'm only considering it now, like I said." Ino drummed her fingers over the bar top; Sasuke eyed her manicured nails and wondered if the pink shade was the same as her hidden tattoo.

"Why a flower?" He asked suddenly. "For your tattoo," he clarified when she didn't seem to follow.

"Oh. I like flowers," she said. "My parents own a flower shop. A dahlia is supposed to symbolize inner strength and enduring grace. It's a very pretty flower. Wait a second, so when you were talking about your type... oh, boy! That perfectly described Naruto. Except for the tattoo? Oh my God, did he get a tattoo while in New York and didn't tell me?"

Sasuke laughed quietly and unconsciously glanced toward the back room where Kiba and Naruto were playing darts.

"No, he didn't get a tattoo. But there's a story. He would've known to what I was referring."

"I was wondering why he got so upset about you saying that." Ino's lips formed a rather adorable pout.

"That was amusing, wasn't it?"

"Should I... find out how he feels? Should I ask him anything? Do you want me to help?"

"Shouldn't you be on Naruto's side?" He asked. "I didn't come here with expectations, Ino. I just wanted to find out if he'd see me."

"But he didn't kick you out," she whispered as if they were conspiring together.

"He said it was in return for me letting him stay at my apartment."

"Did he? Why that stubborn - "

"It's fine," he said. "It's more than I deserve. May I ask, though. What makes you think I'd be a better match for him than Shion? Dating another man... that wouldn't be easy for him."

"I don't know how Naruto feels about all that... but I can tell you that Shion never would've come all this way just to see if Naruto would let her in through the front door."

"I'm guessing he would have, though," he muttered.

"Maybe before... I'm not sure about now." Ino picked up her cell phone and checked the time. "I wonder if those two are about done."

"There's no rush," he said. "Unless you're tired. If you want to go, I can pay for a cab for all of us."

"No, that's fine. I'll go smack Kiba upside the head if I can't wait any longer, and also... you're not here that long, so I'd like for you to have some time to talk. The sooner the better, I think. Don't you?" She placed a hand on his knee and grinned. "By the way, you would totally tell me if you two already did stuff, right? Just a kiss maybe?"

Sasuke smirked. "When did it suddenly happen that women became so curious about what happens when two men are together?"

"Uh, when the opportunity to imagine you and Naruto making out became a real possibility?"

Sasuke laughed. She really did sound like Naruto sometimes. They both spoke their mind without thinking of the repercussions.

"It is pretty hot," he said. "But to answer your question: no comment."

"Tease." She punched him in the shoulder. "Okay, I'm going to round them up whether they're done or not. I don't know about you but I am so ready to get into bed."

"I was planning on taking the couch actually," he said.

Ino scoffed. "Sure, that's totally how that's gonna go down."

As she got up she pat him on the shoulder consolingly and laughed some more.

"Naruto better not be stingy. I want details after you leave."

"I'll be sure to let him know," he said.

Before Ino left to round up her boys, she leaned in and placed a kiss to his cheek. "Good luck, Sasuke. I'll be cheering for you!"

xxx

After finishing his game of darts with Kiba, Ino came and rounded them up, which was okay by him as he was fairly tired. He imagined Sasuke probably was, too, with all of his traveling. Naruto was walking beside Sasuke and trailing behind Kiba and Ino on their way to her little red Mazda. Sasuke seemed quiet for some reason, and Naruto was half-envious as Ino slipped her arm through Kiba's. He missed that kind of stuff.

They waited by the car while Ino sorted through her large purse to find her keys. Kiba started horsing around with him and since he wasn't entirely in the mood, he put him in a headlock.

"It wasn't enough that I humiliated you in pool and darts all night?" Naruto asked as he drug him around in a circle until they ended up bumping into Sasuke.

"Sasuke, m'gonna tag you in, alright?" Kiba shouted, which led to Sasuke snagging Naruto by the arm and pulling him off of Kiba.

"I can't take you anywhere," said Sasuke, separating the two of them. He held Naruto in place by the back of his shirt, and Naruto found he wanted to lean into him.

"Kiba, would you stop being a butt?" Ino yelled. "I found my keys, so you guys get in!"

Ino got in on the driver's side, of course, but for whatever reason, Kiba attempted to sit in the back, where it should've just been Naruto and Sasuke.

"Kiba! I am not your chauffeur so you get your ass in the front seat! Naruto and Sasuke don't want you back there either!"

"It's not that big of a deal," said Naruto, wondering if Ino was in a bad mood. He slid into the seat, next to Sasuke, and buckled up.

"Why are you bein' such a grouch, Ino?" Kiba asked. "I know it's not your time - "

"Finish that sentence, I dare you," she said, setting her purse in his lap.

Naruto snickered and glanced toward Sasuke, but the other man was looking out the window.

"You tired?" Naruto asked him.

Sasuke turned to him. "A little."

"Still want the couch?" He tilted his head to the side and smiled.

"At this point, I think I could sleep anywhere."

"Don't say that," said Kiba. "He'll make you sleep in the tub. He's done it to me before!"

"Oh, shut up," said Ino. "He wouldn't do that to Sasuke."

"Why not? Why does he get special treatment?" Kiba pouted.

Naruto snorted.

"Are you dating Naruto or me?" Ino asked.

Kiba looked back over his shoulder at Naruto and grinned.

Ino thwacked him again. "You have to think about it? Should I just drop you off at Naruto's place and you can have a sleepover?"

"I mean when you put it that way - "

"I was joking! Besides, Sasuke came all this way to see Naruto. You can play with Naruto tomorrow night when Sasuke leaves."

"Why'd you have to phrase it like that, eh?" Naruto asked. "Sasuke's gonna get the wrong idea."

"I am starting to wonder," murmured Sasuke.

"Ah, now Sasuke's jealous!" Kiba reached between the front seats and slapped Sasuke on the knee. "If you feel that strongly about it, I guess I'll go home and give you crazy kids some time to catch up. Just don't take advantage of him, Sasuke, it has been a while, hasn't it, Naruto?"

"Ugh, just shut up." Ino punched him in the arm. "Now turn around. You're distracting the driver."

Naruto, with a smile on his face, set his arm against the window. He looked out at the passing scenery for a while - just residential area - until his gaze started to be slowly drawn to Sasuke again.

As if sensing he was being stared at, Sasuke glanced at him sharply. "Yes?"

"Uh, nothin'." He bit into his lower lip. "If there's anything you want, there's grocery store on the way. We could get somethin'."

"I'm fine. I'm sure you at least have the bare minimum of necessities at your place."

"True, and thanks to Ino, it's all clean now. I'm still gonna force you to take the bed."

Sasuke simply stared. "You won the game, so I am at your command."

"I get to tell you what to do?"

"Sounds kinky," Kiba interjected.

"Would you stop eavesdroppin' already?" Naruto told him.

"What else am I supposed to do, I'm, like, three inches away from you."

"Naruto, Sasuke," said Ino. "Just ignore him. He gets like this whenever he's had too much to drink."

"Duh," said Naruto. "I think we've seen him in way worse conditions."

"Yeah, and we've seen you in pretty bad shape before, too," replied Kiba.

"I didn't say otherwise, jackass."

"Tch."

"Shut up!" Ino yelled at them again. "I'm turning on the radio!" True to her word, Ino turned on the radio and changed around the stations until she found something she apparently liked. "I love this song."

With the music on, Naruto didn't feel as inclined to pick a fight anymore and Kiba finally decided to sit there and be quiet. While Naruto was staring out the window at a stop light, he felt the brush of something against his hand. When he looked down - in between the seats - he found Sasuke's hand lying next to his. But Sasuke was staring out the window. Naruto kept looking from the hand to Sasuke, willing him to turn around but he didn't.

He chewed his lip for a second before sliding his own hand on top of Sasuke's.

After a second or two, Sasuke glanced his way and fully grabbed hold of his hand, interlacing their fingers.

Naruto's heart skipped a few beats, partially because he'd been wanting some form of physical contact between them all night and partially because he knew Kiba and Ino could turn around at any moment and see them holding hands.

Sasuke squeezed his hand as if reading his thoughts or sensing his hesitation. It was dark anyway. They were maybe a mile away from his apartment. Naruto felt that same jittery anxiousness from earlier when he thought about the two of them being alone. He couldn't decide if he wanted to go run around the block a few times to relax himself or drag Sasuke inside and throw him down on the bed. The restlessness inside of him bordered on lethal frustration. What should he do? What did Sasuke want? What did he want?

Another couple of minutes passed and Sasuke started to pull his hand away, but Naruto grabbed for it again and wouldn't let go.

They shared a look, one that made Naruto more excited than nervous.

For a brief instant, he thought that just maybe... maybe Sasuke felt the same way. Like it would be easy to pick up exactly where they left things in New York. What that meant, though, for both of them... Naruto really had no idea, but he was confident that by the time Sasuke left tomorrow, they'd probably have it figured out. For better or for worse.