Naruto was flipping through the channels when Sasuke returned with a can of Coke and a bottle of water. "You're the best," he said, smiling as he threw back the blankets so that Sasuke could get in with him.

After handing Naruto the Coke, Sasuke set his water on the bedside table and climbed underneath the covers.

"What are we watching?" He asked as he settled in beside him.

Naruto passed him the remote. "Whatever you want."

"Oh, so now you're going to be agreeable?"

"I'm always agreeable," he replied, turning over so that he could set his Coke on the floor. Then he rolled to his stomach, his head on the pillow while Sasuke was leaning against the headboard. "Sasuke?"

Sasuke glanced at him. "So help me if you ask me to rub your head."

"Ha ha, only if you want to." Naruto inched closer. "Do you really have to go home tomorrow?"

"I should, yes."

"It's kind of cruel when you think about it. You fly out here and give me one night. At least I gave you a few days."

"I know," said Sasuke. "And now look where we are. If I stayed through Sunday, then I'd want to stay through to next Sunday, and then I might not ever leave."

"So?"

"'So'?" Sasuke mocked him. "Do you not recall how five minutes ago you basically said to let whatever happens happen? You even told me to go whore myself out across Europe."

"Only because I can't tell you not to."

"On principle?"

"Exactly." Naruto looked up at him, his mouth drawn into a frown. He knew he was being stubborn, but coming from a relationship where his girlfriend had been possessive and jealous, he didn't want to ever do that to anyone else, especially when he and Sasuke weren't even romantically involved. Hell, who knew if they'd even be compatible that way?

"Would you be happier if I did have sex with other men while in Europe?"

"Happy? No. But you aren't mine to get jealous over either. I mean, you already said you didn't have a plan when comin' here. I haven't talked to you or seen you in so long and when I do, it's like... okay we're kinda sorta on the same page, but now you're leavin' again and all I can think about is how I'll never hear from you again."

"You don't trust me."

"Argh. Just... forget I said anything." He rolled on his back and pulled the pillow over his face, but Sasuke lifted it off.

"You're overcomplicating things."

"Am I?"

"Yes. I told you that I'm fine not having sex with other men. That I'm okay with waiting until I get back to figure out what we want to do. I'm willing to do that."

"If you're willing to do that much, then cool, but I can't ask you to do it. Think about it. I'd be actin' just like Shion would do. It's about me not wantin' to tell you what to do or control what you do. Like, what if you don't get this job? And, so, you come back from Europe and... stay in New York? Look how that worked out for us this past year and a half."

"I know. You're not telling me anything I haven't already thought about," said Sasuke. "I have the same fears as you, but I'm willing to figure it out."

"Just - " He didn't know how to ask for what he wanted.

"Naruto," said Sasuke as he set the pillow to the side and lay next to him, "When I come back, it will be for you, regardless of whether I get that job. If anything, I should be worried about whether you really want me in your life, if you'd want me here, or if I'd be a bother to you. I've never really dated anyone before so I can't guarantee that I'll be any good at it. I have nothing to offer you in the way of experience with romance or being a couple, but you have to know that in me wanting to be with you, that is a significant step for me."

"I know that." He pulled at the front of Sasuke's shirt. "It's got nothin' to do with you other than that whole fear of you disappearin'. It's me. Maybe I'm nervous about gettin' in another relationship. You bein' a guy is also a thing, but it's not really. Just like you've never been in a relationship, I'll... God, I can't believe we're actually talkin' as if this is really gonna happen."

"I know that I'm not giving you much time to absorb all of this," Sasuke said and slipped an arm around Naruto's waist, "But I thought I was going to go crazy if I didn't come and see you, talk to you, try to figure out how you felt. It was the first time I didn't really plan something. I told myself I'd know what to do when I saw you again."

"Okay." Naruto tucked his head underneath Sasuke's chin and shut his eyes. "I guess we let whatever happen. You'll know about the job by Sunday?"

"Maybe even tomorrow."

"Then you go to Europe."

"Yes. Only for a few months."

"Yeah, what's a few months after - "

"I know, Naruto. I fucked up. But I will make it up to you."

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I know. Sorry."

"Don't apologize." Sasuke kissed the top of his head. "I won't have much time while I'm over there, but there are such things as phones and Skype and FaceTime."

"I don't have an iPhone."

"I'll buy you one then." Sasuke kissed his forehead this time, and Naruto looked up at him.

"Maybe I could come visit?"

"Yes. Yes, you could."

"Grah! I just got confused again. Thinkin' that I'd come to visit but you'd rather go out. Just like at the club when we were in Brooklyn. Do you know how bad I felt for fuckin' up your night?"

"You didn't fuck up my night," said Sasuke. "And I wasn't enjoying myself anyway."

"You weren't? Why?"

"Why do you think? You immediately bought some man who wasn't me a drink almost as soon as we walked in, and then you spent an entire hour with Karin, dancing and letting her hang all over you - "

"What?" Naruto actually laughed as he raised up on his elbow. "You never even acted like you were jealous!"

"When would I have been able to? You were with Karin, and then when I finally had you to myself, you ran off of the dance floor."

"Uh, yeah, because I was about to vomit all over the place."

"Well, I didn't know that at the time."

"Heh. I feel kinda dumb lookin' back. How dramatic stuff seemed then."

"To be fair, dramatic things happened."

"They did, didn't they?"

"Mmhmm. Now, lay on your stomach again."

"Why?" Naruto gave him a suspicious look.

"We're trust building," said Sasuke. "Just do as I say."

So, Naruto lay on his stomach, and once Sasuke put the pillow under his head, he combed his fingers through Naruto's hair.

"This is so relaxin'. Is this what it'd be like? You? Me?"

"I think so, yes," Sasuke answered. "Once we work through some of our insecurities, I think you'll find... it'll be as good as this, and I will have plenty of time to open your mind to other more intimate activities we could participate in together."

"Maybe I'll watch some gay porn while you're gone and figure out all the... angles and... yeah."

"I can teach you about all of those when I'm home."

"Date first, Sasuke. Then we'll go from there."

"Of course. Since I'm going to be celibate this summer, I'll be looking forward to it."

Naruto lifted his head. "You don't have to."

"I want to. I don't need your permission to not have sex with other people."

Naruto started to smile. "That is probably the craziest thing I've ever heard anyone say."

"It feels crazy to say it, believe me."

"What about me?"

"I feel how you do about it. I can't ask you for anything. Part of me thinks that maybe you should date and do whatever so that you know you're sure."

"That would make me a jerk 'cause all I'll be thinkin' about this summer is you and what you're up to."

"Hn. And I won't have the time to think about you at all, I'll be so busy."

"Asshole!" Naruto swatted him, but afterward, Sasuke took hold of his wrist and rolled him over to where he was on his back.

"I've thought of you plenty, Naruto. Whether we spoke or not. Even when I tried to push thoughts of you out of my head, I still couldn't entirely control it. Toward the end, it seemed like the more I tried to not think about you, the more I would hear you in my head. Yelling at me and telling me what a bastard I am."

"Oh, okay. So you talked to the me inside your head but couldn't find time to pick up the phone and call me?"

Sasuke looked shocked for a second and then began to laugh.

Naruto poked him in the shoulder. "Don't laugh at me!"

"You just admitted being jealous... of not even yourself but the imaginary version of you that lives inside my head?"

"And?"

Sasuke sighed. "I'm going to kiss you one more time, and then I think we should get some sleep. Or, I should, rather. I am exhausted."

"...Okay."

"Very agreeable," murmured Sasuke.

He gazed at Naruto affectionately, cupped his cheek, and brushed his thumb back and forth. Leaning down to meet his lips, they kissed, and Naruto began to feel more of that hurt and anger from before disappear.

"Now," said Sasuke. "Turn on the sleep timer and roll onto your side."

"I'm startin' to remember that very bossy side of yours."

"You don't want to?" Sasuke asked and reached over to smooth out Naruto's eyebrow.

Naruto bit his lip. "I will."

He searched for the remote and set the timer for about 45 minutes. Then, after one last look at Sasuke, he rolled on his side. Sasuke slid behind him and snuck an arm around his waist, his hand firmly resting on Naruto's stomach. A strange feeling overcame him as they lay together like that, something he couldn't have put into words if he tried.

"Goodnight, Naruto," Sasuke said softly.

Naruto covered Sasuke's hand with his and waited to feel a brush of lips across the back of his neck. When it happened, he shut his eyes and let out a sigh of contentment.

"Goodnight, Sasuke."

xxx

Sasuke woke up in the morning when his phone buzzed from somewhere nearby. He'd meant to turn it off before they went to bed, but he'd totally forgotten about it. Naruto was still passed out, and Sasuke didn't really want to move at all. He had Naruto in his arms, which was... the strangest feeling. Never would he have guessed that things would've turned out this way. If their positions had been reversed, But not only had Naruto let him in, he'd given Sasuke this feeling of hope. Never had he felt as though he was ready to be in a relationship, but now he wanted it so badly that he was still afraid of fucking everything up.

While Naruto continued to sleep, Sasuke pretended this is what it could feel like to be with someone who felt the same as he did, someone who could return his feelings. He knew that Naruto remained conflicted, that he would take convincing when Sasuke returned, but he was willing to do all of that. He'd be willing to take it slow and to do whatever Naruto wanted..

Sasuke did worry about Naruto finding someone else while he was gone. Obviously it would be a lot easier for him to date a woman than to consider a relationship with a man. He knew he could trust Naruto, though. If he had feelings for Sasuke at all, he wouldn't do anything. So, if he came back and Naruto was engaged to that yoga instructor then he would know that Naruto didn't feel the same as he did. Sasuke, on the other hand, had not gone more than a few weeks without sex since he'd moved to New York. Going three months without it would be... interesting.

It didn't help that Naruto had been so damn sexy last night either. He already knew they could have a lot of fun together if Naruto could get over the whole... him having a penis thing. Sasuke had never been with a woman sexually, and he was very aware that it just wasn't something that would arouse him. Hopefully Naruto would feel differently when the time came.

After another 10 minutes of lying there, knowing he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, Sasuke rolled out of bed as quietly as possible and searched for his phone, which was tucked inside one of his backpack pockets. He saw that it was text and quickly scanned the message. Frowning, he looked over at Naruto, dropped the phone in the bag, and crawled on top of the bed. He gave Naruto a shake. Surprisingly, it took him several minutes of doing that before Naruto finally woke up with a swear. He sat up in bed and, after rubbing his eyes, stared at Sasuke.

"What's wrong?" He asked. "You look upset."

"I... got the job. In Chicago."

"What? Are you serious?" Naruto's grin was huge as he tackled Sasuke onto the bed and hugged him. "That's awesome, Sasuke. Good for you."

"You're happy for me?" He asked, wrapping his arms around Naruto.

"Duh, of course! I should've said it yesterday that there's no way someone deserved a promotion more than you. I know that you work your ass off."

"Thank you," he said.

"And I'm the first you told? Did you just find out?"

"Yes, about 30 seconds ago." He pushed Naruto off of him and brushed his hair back. "So, that's that."

"Yeah. I guess... you're going to take it?"

"I want to take it," he said. "Do you want me to take it?"

"I certainly wouldn't stop you."

"That's not much of an answer."

"Yeah. When we were at the bar I thought it would be cool for you to be close 'cause we could hang out like that. I like hangin' out with you. And, yeah. For other obvious reasons, that definitely puts things we talked about last night into perspective."

"Meaning?"

"Meanin' that... when you come back from Europe and you move out here... that would definitely make seein' each other a lot easier."

"You'll wait for me?" He asked, sparing a smile.

"Yeah," said Naruto. "I'll wait for you. I mean... y'know. But don't feel like - "

"Shut up, Naruto." He kissed him on the mouth.

Naruto, grabbing for his hand, rolled off of him and let out a sigh. "Kinda feels weird to promise to, y'know, not do stuff for that long. Like we might as well just say we're together."

Instantly, Sasuke turned to him with wide eyes. "That's something I'm very open to."

"Heh." Naruto chuckled. "Just...don't pressure yourself to be somethin' you're not. It's unlikely I'll get up to anything, I'm sure, but that's gotta be engrained in your DNA by now."

"Things are different," he said. "I don't want to be that version of myself anymore, and I want to earn your trust. You don't want to tell me what to do, but you also can't tell me what I can't do."

"I know, I know. I just... I don't want you to make promises you can't keep."

"When you were in my apartment that last day, I didn't promise you anything. I specifically told you to keep your expectations low," he argued.

"Yeah, you did. Still sucked, though."

"So, get your revenge if you must. Fuck a truck-load of beautiful blonde women. Get it out of your system. But you told me one date. And you've always said you never go back on your word."

"Didn't I say I was ready for a change?" Naruto smirked at him and made an attempt at poking him in the eye, but Sasuke swatted his hand away.

"I'll have a phone. I can call you when I have time. If I get desperate, can I at least beg for phone sex?"

Naruto's look was thoughtful. "Phone sex, eh?"

"Or does that go against the rule of waiting until the first date?"

"It does seem that when we talk, dirty things happen to come up anyway."

"Tell me about it," Sasuke muttered, remembering the way Naruto talked last night. "Just do what you did last night and it shouldn't be a very long phone call."

"Well, I already knew that you liked bein' told what to do based on your pastinterests. We'll have to work up to you whippin' me with a belt or vice versa, though."

"Yes, that is," Sasuke dabbed his tongue across his lip, savoring that particular image. "Definitely something I could be talked into."

"Jerk." Naruto punched him in the arm. "How can you beat up on someone you like?"

"What are you talking about, idiot? You just punched me in the arm."

"Yeah, but it was a love tap - " Naruto shut his mouth quickly.

Sasuke raised a brow. "Love tap?"

"You know what I mean." Naruto shook his head. "As if I could ever grow to love a bastard like you."

"When I turn it on," said Sasuke, "There isn't anyone who would refuse me."

"Tch. Now I'm picturin' you with that guy at the club. You probably don't even remember him, but I do."

"You're right," he said. "I don't remember him, but if I danced with anyone besides you it was because I was feeling frustrated."

"Oh?"

"Why were you spying on me anyway?" He sat up on the bed, crossed his legs, and leaned back on his arms so that he could keep pushing at Naruto with his foot.

Naruto sat there and took it. "Honestly? I dunno. I guess I was curious. I didn't think you'd kiss the guy, and really it was Karin who pointed the two of you out... so, y'know. I... shut up." He grabbed Sasuke's foot and held onto it.

Sasuke studied his face, wondering what he was thinking. He really regretted having to go back to New York and having so little time between now and traveling to Europe. Otherwise he could've flown back here or maybe Naruto could've come out to New York.

"So, where are the best places to live out here?" He asked.

"Out here?" Naruto asked. "Joliet, of course."

"Hn. I would have to commute every day, although I do that now."

"You could find a place in downtown Chicago. There are tons of good neighborhoods. If you had more time, I could drive you up and show you."

"I'll have time when I'm back from Europe. You'll be the first person I call."

"Me? Really?" Naruto grinned in this goofy way that made the corner of Sasuke's lip curl.

"I'll bring you souvenirs. Anything you want?"

"A sweatshirt maybe? But I want you to wear it first or sleep in it or somethin', even if it's a million degrees."

"That's... kind of gross and also... very gay."

"I don't care. Bring me a sweatshirt!" He shook Sasuke's leg excitedly. "One with a hood. I like hoodies."

"Okay. I think I can do that much. Maybe you should come for the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh."

"Scotland could be cool," said Naruto. "We'll see. I might have it in my savings for a really expensive plane ticket."

"I could always buy it for you, Naruto."

"Hey. I don't want you to think I'm interested in you for your money."

"Frankly, I can't think of another reason why you would be interested in me."

Naruto sat up all of the sudden. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"For bein' so smart, you sure are dumb." Naruto got on his knees and placed both hands on his shoulders. "If I was 100% gay, like, I'm sure we would be bonin' each other right now. If you'd given me more than about 12 hours to mentally prepare myself for bein' with a guy..."

"It's fine. I understand. I think it's pretty clear that when I get home tonight I am going to think about you. And jerk off."

"Jesus." Naruto snorted and smacked him in the shoulder.

"Well, I am. And you love honesty so much that I don't have a problem telling you."

"I'm flattered, I guess." Naruto rubbed the back of his head. His cheeks were bright red, and he looked embarrassed. "I suppose I'll... think about you thinkin' about me tonight?"

"Yeah?" Sasuke bit into his lip.

"Um, so how does this work from now on... are you gonna call me maybe? Let me know you got home okay?"

"Yes. I'll call you as much as you want me to from now until I leave."

"I think it would be good," said Naruto. "To be able to talk to you. I think I'd be more calm about stuff if I could hear your voice... or whatever."

"Hn."

"Although, so far you seem pretty lousy on the phone."

"It's not as if I was going to flirt with you over the phone when you had a girlfriend."

"True," he said. "Fair enough. Well, when is your flight?"

"Six thirty."

Naruto nodded and pushed a hand through his hair so that his bangs were pinned underneath. "I'd kinda like to go with you."

"To the airport? That's fine with me."

"Good... for some reason I thought you were gonna fight me on that."

"Why would I? I'm sorry that I can't spend another night."

"I'll survive. Now that I know you have the job and that you're gonna call and three or four months isn't that long. Not that we're married to each other, but I liked hangin' out with you."

"Next time we won't have to fight as much. We can just hang out like we did at the bar last night."

"Yeah, and... knowin' that you're gonna take the job in Chicago, it doesn't feel as, I dunno, dire as it did?"

"Dire? Who says dire anymore?" He teased.

"I felt really worked up last night. I'm not usually so tightly wound. I guess I was holdin' on to more stuff than I realized. With Shion and then... with you."

"I understand. We can both think about what we want while I'm gone."

"Yeah." Naruto nodded. "And don't forget my sweatshirt."

"I won't."

This time, Naruto leaned down, using Sasuke's spread knees for balance, and kissed him on the mouth. It was slow and tender.

"So," Naruto spoke against his lips, "What do you wanna do before we go to the airport?"

"We can go out or just stay in your apartment. It's you I came to see, so anything is fine. I'd almost prefer to stay here."

"But I could show you some cool things."

"Then that's fine, too, and no offense to Ino or Kiba, but just you and me. I want you to myself for as long as I can have you."

The corner of Naruto's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "If you keep sayin' stuff like that, you may just charm your way into my pants."

"I told you," he said. "All I have to do is turn it on. I'm trying to be fair, though. I don't want to overwhelm you with my game."

"Ha ha, yeah. I bet your game is scary as shit. I've got game, too, y'know."

"Oh, I know it. Don't worry. I'm terrified of your game and what it could do to me."

"Is that 'cause your stamina is so lousy?"

"It's... my stamina isn't bad." He made a face. "I've never had any complaints. You seem to be the exception."

"Yeah?"

"Yes. I'm obviously attracted to you. I was in New York, and I am now."

"Okay. We are definitely gonna make out some more, heh. It'll make lettin' you go a little easier."

"I may need a few 5-minute breaks every once in awhile."

"Five?" Naruto laughed. "I bet all you need is three."

"With you, I can see how that may end up being the case."

"I'm sorry all I can offer is makin' out and ... y'know. I feel like such a cocktease."

"I wouldn't apologize. I can understand how the transition from having sex with only women your whole life to experimenting with a man might be difficult for you."

"Would you be able to have sex with a woman after always havin' sex with guys?" Naruto asked.

"I thought about that earlier. And no. I hate to say it, but just no."

"Hm."

"I'm not taking your willingness to even try for granted, Naruto."

"Thanks. But, yeah. I guess that's another reason I didn't like the idea of tellin' you not to get any this summer. It's, like, if I'm unsure about the whole sex thing, then why should you not be able to do whatever you need to do?"

"I told you. Maybe it's best I try to find other ways of preoccupying my time, and I'll be busy with work."

"Yeah, but British guys dress nicely and they have accents and make great music."

"This is true."

"Asshole!" He knocked Sasuke's knee with his fist. "Show a little more patriotism."

Sasuke smirked "We'll figure it all out as it happens. If you find a woman you want to have sex with, okay. Unless you were mine, I wouldn't have a reason to be possessive."

"I want to say the same, but I think I'm more selfish than you," said Naruto. "But if it's just sex? Ah. I don't wanna talk about it anymore. It makes my head hurt."

"Yes, I can see where thinking too much might do that for you."

"Yeah, thanks." He tugged at Sasuke's pant leg. "I could make us breakfast? Or I could run to McDonald's to get an Egg McMuffin."

"You actually eat that garbage?"

"Uh, yeah? Is there anything better than makin' it to McDonald's before breakfast ends at 10.30?"

"Yes. Sex."

"We already ruled that out, but yeah I agree that sex is fantastic."

"How about French toast?" Sasuke suggested.

"I could definitely handle that. I'll make it, and you can sit here and watch TV. Or, oh. You should call Itachi and let him know maybe?"

"I haven't spoken with my brother lately. He's been difficult to reach, so I haven't bothered. I don't even think I told him I'd be going to Europe."

"But, Sasuke. He's your brother."

"Yes. He is," he replied dryly. "That is a factual statement."

Naruto poked him in the arm. "Sounds like you two had a fight."

Sasuke shrugged, not wanting to talk about it. "I can help you with the French toast."

"If you want. I don't mind."

"I'd like to keep you company," he said.

"Sounds good." He nodded. "Maybe we can just stay in bed all day? Watch some movies? Hang out until we have to go."

"I'd like that." He smiled at Naruto, took hold of his chin, and placed a kiss to his cheek. "Shall we?" He grabbed for Naruto's hand and started pulling him off of the bed.

"Who knew you could be domesticated like this?" Naruto asked, smiling at him, too, as they made their way to the kitchen. "How does it feel to actually stay the night rather than gettin' up and goin' home?"

"Not as strange as you'd think," he answered and gave Naruto a shove toward the fridge. "Now, make me some breakfast, wench."

Naruto snickered. "Yeah, this is gonna be awesome. I hope the summer goes by quick."

"Me, too," he said, watching as Naruto began pulling ingredients out of the refrigerator. He wanted this to be one of those things he remembered while he was in England.

It amazed him that there was a possibility that this could become his life. To see Naruto every day, to laugh with him, and talk about things that actually mattered. He liked the idea of all of the good things Naruto could continue to bring out of him. Sasuke was ready to care about more than himself from now on. He wanted to think about the things that might make Naruto happy. He wanted to finally put someone else's feelings and hopes in front of his own for once. Naruto had already changed the way he'd been looking at life, so what could Sasuke offer him exactly?

He wanted to find out.

"Hey, you gonna help or just stand there starin' at my ass?" Naruto asked as he set a giant red mixing bowl on the counter.

Sasuke smirked. "Can't I do both?"

"Might as well. It'll be a while before you see this ass again." He gave his own butt a smack.

Sasuke came up behind him, half-leaning against his shoulder and waited until Naruto looked over at him before catching his lips in kiss.

"Thank you," he said to Naruto. "For giving me a chance."

"Sure." Naruto smiled broadly at him. "I'm actually startin' to get excited about the idea of you movin' here."

"Yeah?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah."

"Maybe it wouldn't be impossible to reschedule my flight for tomorrow?"

Naruto chuckled. "You sound like me when I was in New York."

"We'll see. It depends on how well you make French Toast."

"Ah, you're definitely stayin' then 'cause I've been told I make the best French toast in the world."

"Oh, really? By whom?"

"Uh. Kiba? Ino? My dad?"

"Well, I won't argue with that then. I'll see if I can make some calls and change a few things around on my schedule."

"Cool." Naruto looked genuinely happy that he'd be staying. "Now that we got that outta the way, crack those eggs, bitch, and let's make some French toast."

xxx

After they finished breakfast and Naruto was washing the dishes, Sasuke made a couple of calls from the bedroom. When he came back maybe five minutes later, it was to let him know that he'd changed his flight to tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. It wasn't a lot of extra time to hang out, but at least it meant he was staying the night again.

Naruto, once he put away the last pan, leaned against the counter and rubbed the back of his head. "I wanna say I feel bad that you might've had somethin' important goin' on, but I think I'm too glad you're stayin' to even lie."

Sasuke snickered. "It's not a huge deal. I'll be home before 3 my time, so it's fine. I had a meeting tomorrow morning with someone, but he agreed to meet me for dinner, instead."

"Oh?" Naruto frowned. "Did he?"

"One of my supervisors," Sasuke said. "He's straight and married."

"Well, I'm straight, and I was sort of seein' someone when I met you."

"True. But he's not my type. He's older. Receding hairline. And he doesn't get my references like you do."

"Hmph. I wasn't worried." Naruto walked over to him.

"No?" Sasuke asked.

"Nope. So, what would you like to do? I'm not opposed to just layin' around the apartment, but there's not much to do here except maybe video games."

"Video games?" Sasuke smirked. "I suppose now that you're willing to give me a shot I don't have to play nice anymore."

"You can't be that great," he said. "I didn't see a console in your apartment when I was there."

"Do you think I'd leave my gaming systems out in the open for Deidara to destroy? Every time I let him play, I had to replace the controllers."

Naruto laughed. "Why, what did he do? Wear the batteries down?"

"No." Sasuke made a face. "They were... sticky. I didn't ask questions."

"That'd piss me off. Those things aren't cheap. What guy doesn't know that you can't use game controllers for sexual purposes?"

"While I believe just about any object can be used for sexual purposes, I agree that gaming controllers should be off limits."

"There's so much we agree on, Sasuke." Naruto grinned. "Can you believe it?"

"Hn." Sasuke reached for the front of his shirt, dragged him closer, and put an arm around his neck. "You're the tour guide. I'll follow your lead."

"Y'know. I was thinkin'. I just put the boat in a couple of weeks ago. It's gonna be, like, 80-somethin' degrees today, so why don't we go out on the lake?"

"Ah, right," said Sasuke. "The boat shop. It's interesting to think of you driving a boat."

"Yeah, I've been doin' that since I was a kid. Have you ever drivin' a boat before?"

"No, I haven't. Or, maybe once, when I was a teenager and Itachi's friends who had a pontoon boat were too drunk to get it back to the dock."

"This is a way better boat than a pontoon boat. It's fast."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Should I admit that I'm nervous?" He brought Naruto in for one-armed hug and shook him around a bit. "Do I want to put my life in your hands?"

"Don't be overdramatic, Uchiha." He smiled when Sasuke made another face at his use of the man's surname. "Plus, I'm gonna teach you how to drive it, so I'm the one who should be worried. I have two babies. One is my truck, and one is that boat."

"Oh, so you're one of those guys?" Sasuke asked. "I suppose that kind of machismo can be sexy, too. Just like the side of you that's an utter slob."

"What do you know about that?" Naruto put a hand to his chest and pressed him to the wall. "You only know what you've heard from Kiba and Ino."

"It's easy to judge when your platonic girlfriend cleaned your place up for you."

"That again?" Naruto rolled his eyes and folded his arms to his chest. "I know you said just you and me, which is fine, but it might be more fun if we invited them. Maybe later? After you and I go out for a while?"

"I can see where boating would be an activity that's better with more people."

"Yeah, not to mention we can ask them to pick up some food and beer and water."

"Ah, now I see how your mind works." Sasuke smiled and grabbed a piece of his hair, which he tucked behind Naruto's ear. "I didn't bring any swim trunks."

"You can borrow a pair of mine."

"Won't there be too much room in the ass?" Sasuke asked.

"Bastard." Naruto punched him lightly in the shoulder. "Then you can go buy a pair at Walmart or Target."

"Walmart?" Sasuke cringed. "I forgot they had those out here."

"Yep. One on every corner. Just like Starbuck's. So do you wanna borrow a pair of trunks or not?"

"Only if they're ones you've already used."

"Yeah, I'll make sure you get one I've peed in already," he said. "How does that sound?"

Sasuke opened his mouth, shut it, and then replied, "I'm not as turned off by that as you'd think."

Naruto laughed and started pushing him down the hallway and into his bedroom. "You can find a pair you want, should be in the bottom drawer somewhere. I think I have even more in the closet. Find me a pair, too, would you?"

"What am I, your wife?" Sasuke asked, sending Naruto a glare as he threw himself onto the bed, where he lay horizontally across all of the covers, head cradled on top of his hand.

"Not legal in this state yet, but I support your people's rights."

"You may become 'my people' in the not too distant future, you realize."

"Hey. Don't go gettin' ahead of yourself, Sasuke. I gotta see how you drive my baby first."

"Are we talking about the boat, the truck, or something else?"

"Oh yeah, that reminds me. Do you even have a car? You're gonna need one if you move here, right? Unless you live in Chicago, I guess. I can always drive up to see you."

"I've thought about it," said Sasuke as he searched through a few different pair of swim trunks. He threw a pair of dark blue ones toward Naruto. "I'll get one when I come back. Something electric, I think. A Prius."

"Wait, are you jokin'? I don't know if I can hang out or even drive inside an electric car. It might be against my religion."

"Seriously?" Sasuke asked and sent him a glare. "Do you know how terrible your truck is for the environment?"

"Oh God, you're a hippie? What the hell? I thought - Oh, right. Seattle. I keep forgettin' that you're from the West Coast where everyone eats granola and smokes pot and - "

"I didn't hear you complaining when you and I smoked pot at my apartment." Sasuke finally picked out a pair of black and red trunks, which he held up to his waist.

"Tell me, Sasuke," said Naruto. "Do you even shave your armpits?"

Sasuke snorted. "Am I a hippie now, or a feminist? Make up your mind."

"Maybe both for all I know. You did basically call me a misogynist for lettin' Ino help me clean the apartment."

"I consider myself an equal rights supporter," said Sasuke. He made his way to the bed and, leaning over Naruto, gave his shoulder a push.

Naruto ended up on his back. "Domestic abuse," he sing-songed.

"You wish." Sasuke crawled on top of the sheets and Naruto grabbed hold of his arm and gave him a pull that caused Sasuke to fall on top of him.

Naruto held him in his arms. "I'm gonna sing to you again, I think."

"Please don't." Sasuke's voice was muffled because Naruto'd put a hand on the back of his head and pressed his face into his chest.

"I wish I was speciaaaal. So fuckin' special. But I'm a creeeeep. I'm a weirdo. What the hell am I doin' heeeere? I don't belong heeere."

Sasuke squirmed around until he had Naruto suddenly pinned beneath him, both of his wrists above his head. "You're special alright. Why are you ruining such a great song?"

"Like you're the only one who can enjoy music. Actin' like music is some fine wine that us peons can't appreciate."

"What a terrifically deep analogy for someone so special-minded," Sasuke said and used his legs to keep Naruto's pinned down.

"Ah, crap, I forgot about your super secret martial arts trainin'," Naruto complained as he struggled against Sasuke's grip.

"Don't act like you don't want this." Sasuke leaned down until their faces were only a couple of inches apart.

"Where's my rape whistle when I need it?" Naruto stopped struggling but cracked a grin.

"Like I said." Sasuke smirked. "Just about any object can be used for sexual purposes."

"Ah hah! And just where are you gonna be stickin' that whistle exactly?"

"Wouldn't you like to know." Sasuke released his arms, and Naruto grabbed at the front of his shirt to pull him down again.

"Say somethin' nice to me, bastard."

"You have good taste in bands. Radiohead is one of my favorites."

"That's it? Really? The best you can do?" Naruto pouted.

"You have a nice ass?"

"Tch." Naruto smacked him. "Tell me somethin' I don't know."

Sasuke didn't hesitate any longer in kissing him. Naruto, meanwhile, wound his fingers through Sasuke's hair and kept him from moving away, but as Sasuke tried to stretch his legs out between Naruto's, he ended up brushing his thigh up against Naruto's crotch.

He let out a gasp against Sasuke's lips at the contact.

"That wasn't on purpose," said Sasuke. "Just so we're clear."

"It's not like it felt bad." He bit his lip, still feeling Sasuke's thigh there and mulling over the urge he had to rub against it. If he thought of how long it had been since the last time he got any action from anything other than his right hand, it would be...way too long. "I suppose humpin' your leg wouldn't exactly live up to your expectations of a possible first time between us?"

Sasuke's eyes darkened and he didn't laugh at him like Naruto'd expected. "Obviously I wouldn't let you resort to that. I do have two hands, and apparently being ambidextrous runs in my family."

Naruto chuckled although the offer wasn't unappealing, especially when Sasuke snaked a hand under his t-shirt to touch his stomach.

"Sasuke," he said.

"Yes, Naruto?" Sasuke's hand traveled further up his torso, fingers stopping just below a nipple, and then he used his thumb to brush right under it, stroking it to life. They kept eye contact while he did it, too.

"I could be convinced."

"Could you."

He wet his lips, and Sasuke's fingers moved up, over his nipple, catching it between two fingers.

"Don't look at me like that," Naruto said in a low voice.

"How am I looking at you?"

"You know."

"Tell me." He shifted up the length of Naruto's body and moved his thigh against him again.

"Goddammit."

"Should I push up your shirt and suck on it, too?" He gave Naruto's nipple a pinch.

"I'm a follow-through sort of guy, so if we start this, I'm not stoppin' 'til we finish."

"I'm fairly sure that's the worst threat I've heard in my life," Sasuke replied as he moved lower, slid Naruto's shirt up, and kissed across his abs. Then, with a sigh, he pulled Naruto's shirt all the way down. "I can be patient."

Naruto, on the other hand, wasn't sure if he was grateful for Sasuke's control or not. He shut his eyes for a second and inhaled deeply and let it out through his nose. He opened his eyes and looked at Sasuke as he moved off of him and sat at his side. He grabbed for the other man's hand.

"I like you," he said.

Sasuke smirked. "I know."

"Thanks, Han."

"Hn. I wonder if maybe I need a cold shower."

"Me, too. No point, though. We're just gonna go jump in a lake. By the way, do you ski or wanna tube or somethin'? I have both. Ino's a great skier actually."

"I do ski. I haven't for years now, but I would when we went out with Itachi's friends."

"sounds like you hung out and did a lot of interestin' things with your brother's friends."

"Yes, I did. And?"

Naruto shook his head and brushed his thumb across the back of Sasuke's hand. "Nothin'. Didn't you have any of your own friends to hang out with?"

"Not really. There were maybe one or two guys I could tolerate in high school. I had more girlfriends than I did guy friends except for the ones I played with sometimes."

"Played with?" He repeated.

"In a band, idiot."

"Wait, you were in a band?"

"Didn't I tell you that?"

"No, you ass!" Naruto punched him hard in the leg.

"Hm. Maybe that was Kiba I told that to."

"You JACKASS! I asked you a thousand times in New York if you played."

"And I always lied," he said.

"But, you, uh - !"

"How very eloquent." Sasuke got up from the bed. "I'm going to change into your shorts. Are we still being modest? Should I change in the bathroom?"

"Oh, you can change here. I've seen you naked, y'know."

"Fine." Sasuke pulled his shirt over his head, folded it, and while eyeing Naruto, proceeded to untie his pants.

"Well now I feel like the pervert for just starin'."

"So watch TV then."

"Tch." Naruto rolled over to the side of the bed to pick up the control from the side table. As he flipped on the TV, he glanced at Sasuke once he was down to his boxer briefs.

Sasuke caught his eye. "Should I keep going?"

Naruto rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to the TV. "Jerk," he muttered.

When he looked again, Sasuke had the swim trunks on and was searching his bag for something. A comb apparently. He left the room for the bathroom since there wasn't a mirror in there, and after he returned, looked ready to go.

"Are you going to get dressed or not?" He asked Naruto. "I'm ready for my driving lessons."

"Fine." He and Sasuke traded places as he got up. Naruto wasn't going to go hide or anything. It was kind of awkward. Not like changing in the locker room in high school awkward but... still kind of weird for him. Then again, it wasn't that he was a prude, but yeah.

So, he stripped off his shirt and threw it in the hamper. Sasuke didn't seem to be paying attention, though, so Naruto took off his pants, too. He folded them and set them on the corner of the bed, leaving him in just his boxers.

Sasuke glanced his way, eyes traveling from his stomach up to his face. "I'm glad we're not having sex then, since it takes you 20 minutes to remove two articles of clothing."

"Shut up, asshole." He hooked his thumbs under the waistband of his boxers while Sasuke watched him with a smirk and two raised eyebrows. Naruto started to peel them down his hips but paused just before he revealed everything.

"Fine," said Sasuke. "I'll give you a break." He returned to watching whatever was on the TV.

Naruto hesitated a second, thinking he was making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. He almost wanted to jump on the bed and do it in front of Sasuke's face as a matter of pride. But. He just wasn't... quite there yet. He still changed right by the bed, though, stripping down and slowly pulling on his swim shorts. Whether Sasuke snuck a peek, he didn't know, and it didn't matter. They were both guys at the end of the day. It was just that Sasuke was a bit more lecherous in the way he stared at him than say, Kiba.

With good reason. Thinking about Kiba leering at him just sort of grossed him out. Once he had his shorts on, he jumped on top of the bed, bouncing as he stood there trying not to hit his head on the ceiling.

"And brush your teeth," said Sasuke. "I hope this isn't something I'll have to remind you of every day."

"Maybe," he replied and grinned down at him.

"Lovely."

"Heh." He jumped off the bed and went to brush his teeth in a hurry. He also paid some attention to his hair and grabbed a small bottle of sunscreen that was underneath the sink.

Naruto was applying some as he went into the bedroom.

"Want some of this?" He asked. "I think someone as pale as you is gonna need it."

"Sure."

"Shall I put it on you?" He hopped onto the bed, this time sitting next to him while leaning against the headboard.

"Sure." Sasuke seemed preoccupied with whatever CNN interview was going on at the moment.

"After all, I'm just your servant," he mumbled and squirted out some of the suntan lotion so that he could rub it all over Sasuke's back and shoulders. Since Sasuke still wasn't paying him any attention, he reached around and applied it to his nipples, rubbing the white cream around in circles.

"You're such a child," Sasuke told him.

"I wouldn't want them to get burned."

"Just give me the bottle." Sasuke took it from him, ignoring Naruto's pout (usually that worked on him, too!)

"Is international news more important than boatin' with me?" He put his chin on Sasuke's shoulder.

"I suppose the world will still be there tomorrow."

"Harsh." He wrinkled his nose.

"That's not - " Sasuke frowned. "I didn't mean it that way."

"It's fine. But you're a douche."

"If I could take you with me tomorrow, I would," said Sasuke. "If it's any consolation."

Naruto eyed him warily.

"What?" Sasuke asked.

"Nothin'. Well, I'm ready to go if you are. I'll get us some towels on the way out."

"I need to grab a shirt and wallet."

Naruto needed a shirt, as well, so he got up and pulled something from his drawer and slipped it over his head. While Sasuke was playing with his phone, Naruto went into the hallway to grab a couple of beach towels from the closet. Oddly, it reminded him of when he and Shion used to get ready to go out somewhere.

"On the way, I'll stop and we can pick up some water, beer, and ice. I have a cooler in my truck."

"I thought we were going to leave that to Kiba and Ino?"

"Well, we'll see if we even want them around, huh?"

Sasuke appeared in the bedroom doorway, his sunglasses on top of his head and he had on a pair of sandals.

"Ah, right. Shoes." He ran into the bedroom, past Sasuke, and also found a pair of sandals and some sunglasses even though he was sure he'd left them in the truck.

Sasuke was looking at him like a crazy person by the time he came out of the bedroom.

"Anything else?" Sasuke asked.

"Are you callin' me high-maintenance?"

"Did I say anything?" Sasuke smirked.

Naruto shook his head. "You never have to. Alright, jackass. Let's go."

"Want me to carry one of those?" Sasuke didn't wait and, instead, grabbed a towel from his arms.

Naruto smiled at him as he opened the door.

"Thanks," Sasuke said as he went out and waited nearby for Naruto to lock up.

When Naruto was done he stopped for a second and just stared at Sasuke, grinning ear to ear.

"What?" Sasuke asked.

"Nothin'," he said and grabbed for the other man's hand to lead him down the hallway. "Nothin' at all."