A/N: LAST PART MY LOVELIES! It's LONG but don't expect much, it's just… normal and nothing all that interesting.
Anyways, I hope you still like it!
No warnings this time, because the smut is barely there.
Not betaed.
Further notes at the end of the chapter!
Unleashed Fantasies
Part IV: The Final Step
Naruto was hurting all over, his muscles sore and the wounds from Sasuke's cuts aching and stinging, but fuck did it feel good.
He was in cloud nine, there was no other way of putting it. Not only did he feel sexually liberated and fulfilled for the first time in his life, but the gods had smiled down upon him by proving to him that he and Sasuke were completely compatible. It had been a risk, and a rather crazy experience, yes, but intense in every sense of the word, and Naruto didn't regret a single second of it if he tried.
It was true that, beyond sexual attraction and some sort of fucked up blind trust, he and Sasuke really had nothing else going for them for the time being. They were different people, that much was a given, and they clashed strongly. Naruto was both drawn to and annoyed by Sasuke's arrogance, his bossy attitude and sharp tongue, and surely, this would give them trouble, but it wasn't something that he could claim to not cherish and feel endeared by. Besides, just as Sasuke could be an asshole, he could be kind, caring and very passionate. Naruto wasn't a saint by any means, so they were certainly on even ground. Not to mention they could handle each other well, and that was beyond thrilling.
As Sasuke led him to the bathroom so they could shower, helping him walk and steadying him – because Naruto's legs were a bit uncooperative after the physical and emotional exhaustion – Naruto felt like he really, really enjoyed him as person.
They showered together and Sasuke carefully washed and rinsed him, his hands gentle and caring on his body. It had been far too long since Naruto had been touched in such a way, without solely the interest of sex, and while, yes, they had already fucked three times in just a few hours, after the brutal moment they had shared, the sexual part seemed to have toned down a little to give place to other things as well, equally strong and positive.
After personally taking care of disinfecting and patching up Naruto's wounds, Sasuke lent a set of dark blue PJs for him to wear. Together, they thoroughly cleaned up the sheet they had used for their savage fucking and removed it, folding it neatly and putting it back inside the closet. They put away the stuff they had used – Sasuke meticulously cleaned the dagger he had used, and it was with a bit of affectionate nostalgia that Naruto watched him putting it back in the box of wonders that Sasuke owned. Naruto had been curious to see what else was in the box, but he hoped that he would have time for that, someday.
Sasuke made a couple of sandwiches for them and they ate together as they made easy, small talk about trivial things. There was no tension in the air, and no ominous feelings of sadness and fear of loss. Naruto didn't know why or how, but he could see in Sasuke's eyes the same feelings that he possessed. Walls had been torn down, and what had been a question mark before, now had a definite answer.
It was no longer about whether they would ever see each other again anymore, so they didn't bring it up at all, both knowing that, if there would ever be a 'last time', it would certainly not be because of their fetishes or sexual differences.
They watched a horror movie on Sasuke's laptop, side by side under the covers of Sasuke's comfortable bed. They didn't cuddle or anything like that, because Sasuke was clearly not the type, but their sides were intimately pressed together and their hands touched many times, and during every single one of them, Naruto felt his body catch fire with that strange pull that was still so new to him. If he didn't feel like he had been hit by a truck, he would've definitely gone for another round, or maybe a couple more.
Before falling asleep, lying on his side with his back pressed to Sasuke's, he contemplated on how many crazy things he had done in less than 24 hours and how much his life had seemingly taken such a violent turn for the better.
He still couldn't believe that he had met someone like Sasuke, who not only was crazy good-looking, with a captivating and witty personality that moved him in all the bad and good ways, but was also an excellent lover, compatible and accepting of his darkest kinks.
It was like a dream come true. A gift from the gods.
He had truly been given something he thought he'd never have, and the feeling of gratitude he had wasn't something he knew how to deal with.
Sasuke was his devil with angel wings, a supernatural being that had come for him.
He couldn't help but wonder if Sasuke thought of him in a similar way – like a divine existence that he didn't ever want to lose.
They had a long way to go, but as with everything between them, Naruto wasn't ready to go down without a fight. And he would if he had to. He truly believed that what they had experienced together had happened for a reason, and it had connected them for life.
He couldn't possibly guess what path they'd take after this. Would they become sex buddies who fucked once in a while? Would they fuck other people and then go to each other for the heavier stuff?
Somehow, Naruto had no desire to be with other people right now, he was sure that, compared to Sasuke, they would all seem boring and lifeless. But, of course, they were strangers and he couldn't possibly ask the other man to feel the same way and have the same attitude, even if he knew that, in Sasuke's eyes, he was someone highly valuable. What they had was something they wouldn't find anywhere else, and they both had suffered for years in unsatisfied loneliness as proof. How they felt when they were together was mutually acknowledged, and that gave Naruto comfort.
Regardless of what would happen to them in the future, he didn't want to lose Sasuke. Be it as a random person he knew and barely saw, as a friend, as a fuck buddy or as a boyfriend…
Sasuke would always be one in a million to him.
But it would be what it had to be, in due time, and there was no point stressing about it at such an early stage. It was stupid of him to think too far ahead when he should just enjoy what he had now.
And right now, he loved the heat coming from the body next to him and just the thought of waking up next to Sasuke the next day was enough to make him feel thankful and overwhelmingly happy.
000
"We'll keep in touch right?" Naruto said hopefully, clutching his mobile phone in his hand and pressing it close to his chest as if it was worth a million bucks. Well, to him it was, since it now carried Sasuke's phone number in it. "We can totally hook up whenever you're free, just give me a call and we'll arrange something."
They were standing in front of each other in front of the entrance door of Sasuke's apartment's building, the handsome man having been courteous enough to escort him out even though, unlike Naruto, he didn't have to be at work for another couple of hours. He was wearing a pair of black sweatpants and a grey t-shirt and hadn't even bothered to remove his slippers and put on some shoes. Naruto found it rather endearing that he was so carefree.
Naruto and Sasuke were abnormally close to each other as they talked, and even though the street was busy at that time of the morning, Naruto didn't really care. He just wanted to be all over Sasuke's space as much as possible, and just the thought of having to part with him after that amazing night was painful to him.
"Sure," Sasuke replied easily, arms crossed over his chest, his back leaning against the glass door of the building. Even in such casual clothes he looked terribly attractive and Naruto wanted nothing more than to be closer. "How about later tonight?"
"Tonight?" Naruto repeated, his heart speeding up in earnest at the prospect.
"For dinner," Sasuke clarified, with a small, knowing smirk. "We could go eat somewhere relatively nice and not too expensive and have a chat. Get to know each other and all that."
"Like a date?" Naruto inquired, unable to stop a broad smile from forming on his lips.
"If you'd like to call it that, sure," the other said, with a shrug. "I'll call it 'hanging out' so it doesn't sound as romantic as you implied. That's far too soon, I think."
Putting the phone away inside the pocket of his pants, Naruto chewed on his lower lip, excitement filling him. He couldn't believe Sasuke actually wanted to see him again and this soon. Even if what they had shared had been very intense and intimate, somehow, he knew they had both exposed each other too much. Not that he thought that he needed time for himself to cope with what they had done, but he figured Sasuke would be the type to, and that would be fine. But it seemed like he was wrong. It seemed like he and Sasuke shared the same feelings after all.
That's right, I really don't know anything about him…
Although, it was easy to forget that fact.
"Will this 'hanging out' thing lead to at least a proper good-night kiss by the end?" Naruto joked, reaching out to tug a bit at Sasuke's t-shirt over his chest.
"You might get a bit more than that if dinner goes well," Sasuke said, in a rather suggestive voice. He reached out a hand to touch the side of Naruto's neck with his fingertips, where a wide bandage covered the brutal bite bruise there. "But definitely not this."
When Sasuke's hand was gently placed over the curve of Naruto's neck, the blond felt small shivers of pleasure run down his spine, and he had to supress a sigh. "Why not?"
"Because mutilation can cause addiction," Sasuke explained casually, his thumb rubbing carefully at the spot beneath Naruto's Adam's apple. "For both you and me. And while I have enjoyed myself thoroughly, we need to keep things calm for a while, until you are completely healed. I don't want you looking like chopped beef, and to be very honest, I sincerely don't trust myself to do something this extreme anytime soon."
Naruto smiled, in spite of feeling slightly disappointed. He had hoped that they could do it again as soon as possible, but maybe this train of thought was what made Sasuke cautious, and he had every reason to.
It had been true that he had realized that Sasuke had been on the verge of losing it, but somehow, in his actions, in the way he clung to his care and concern for Naruto's well-being, Naruto knew that he would keep his shit together, somehow. They had been in it together, and they had been there for each other from start to finish. It had been horrifying and beautiful and Naruto craved for it once more, but he realized that they had to treat these dangerous fetishes of theirs carefully.
They could always do their other kinks in the time being, anyway.
"Don't make that face," Sasuke said, with a small frown, as if reading his thoughts. "We'll try it again in a couple of months or so."
"Okay…" Naruto muttered, perking up immediately at Sasuke's prospect that they'd still be seeing each other in two months. His smile became rather devious. "You're a decent fuck, I guess I'll settle for that for the time being."
One of Sasuke's eyebrows was lifted.
"A decent fuck?" he asked, looking falsely offended. "Excuse me, you came twice in less than ten minutes."
Naruto's hand came to grab for Sasuke's wrist and give him a light teasing squeeze. "Yeah, yeah, that was just pure luck."
Sasuke's eyes instantly darkened. "Keep provoking me and I'll be forced to show the definition of 'luck' in my dictionary," he whispered, taking a small step so their chests were pressed together, their faces inches away from each other.
Naruto's heart skipped a pleasant beat as he felt the sudden, now familiar thrill of the other man's proximity.
"I'm not sure what you mean by that, but it sounded unbelievably sexy all the same," he whispered back. He licked at his lips unconsciously, noticing how dark grey eyes lowered to watch the action.
With anticipation, he felt Sasuke's hand slowly moving from the curve of his neck to the back of his head, fingers curling around strands of rebel hair possessively. His breathing became considerably more elaborate, and it excited every cell in Naruto's body.
"Come here," Sasuke panted, and pulled him for an open mouthed kiss that he was more than ready to receive.
Naruto's chest swelled at once as his lips easily and wetly slid over Sasuke's, their tongues seeking for contact as he let go of Sasuke's wrist. Arms encircled his neck and pulled him close and Naruto didn't hesitate in putting his own arms around the other's waist and deepening the kiss. Next thing he knew, he was pushing Sasuke back until he collided with the glass door of the building once more.
They gasped against each other as they kissed, and somehow both of Naruto's hands found their way to the inside of Sasuke's sweat pants and underwear as he took a firm grasp of his ass cheeks, just as one of Sasuke's legs came up to hook itself behind Naruto's thigh, making it easier for them to press their lower parts together.
Clawing at Sasuke's ass cheeks, Naruto pressed himself more to the other man desperately, feeling both their cocks gradually swelling as they ground together in seek for much wanted friction.
But things were escalating far too quickly, and Naruto had to remind himself that they were in the middle of the fucking street, in broad daylight, with people passing by. Pulling away slightly, he broke the kiss to gain some semblance of control, dropping his forehead over Sasuke's shoulder.
"Ah, I should've fucked you when we woke up," he whined regretfully, breathing hard. They had spent so much time just making small talk and basically rubbing up against each other that they hadn't really gone further because of how sore Naruto was. "Fuck…"
"Are you going to fuck me now, in the middle of the street where I live?" Sasuke inquired in his ear breathlessly, his tone more hopeful than exactly teasing. "Just so you know, I wouldn't be opposed to that at all."
Biting on his lower lip, Naruto forced himself to take a few steadying breaths as he slowly removed his hands from the inside of Sasuke's pants. What the hell was he doing, behaving so shamelessly in the middle of the street? Sasuke was a bad influence, but he couldn't be bothered if he tried.
He pushed himself slightly away from the other man so he could look at him.
"We'll definitely try something like that some time," he said, putting his hands on Sasuke's hips with a small smile, enjoying the way Sasuke's fingers absently fumbled with the skin at the back of his neck. "I have to go."
Sasuke swallowed hard and heaved a displeased sigh. "Alright."
"I'll pick you up at seven, then?"
"Yes."
Leaning in for one last peck to Sasuke's lips, Naruto resignedly took a step back to let go of the body in his arms, resenting the emptiness he felt once Sasuke released him. It had been so long since had such an intimate moment with another person, almost as if they were a couple, and it made him feel a sense of belonging that he thought he had forgotten. He liked Sasuke, and for the first time in a long time, he felt like he didn't have to be afraid of parting ways. In fact, the sense of security was peaceful.
"See ya later, Sasuke," he muttered, poking Sasuke's chin playfully with his index finger, and making him smirk slightly.
"Until tonight Naruto."
000
Sasuke closed the door of his refrigerator with the sole of his foot while he twisted open the cap of a bottle of water. Leaning against the counter of his kitchen, he took a couple of sips before lowering the bottle and heaving a sigh.
Boy, that had been one hell of a night. He had to admit that he felt empty now that Naruto was gone, and even though the emotional burden of what they had done and shared had left him exhausted, there was no denying that he was feeling invigorated and… alive.
In fact, he was in a wonderful mood. It was as if the restlessness of his soul had vanished after last night.
Having spoken to Naruto on Tinder was the best thing he had done. Once they had fucked and gone their separate ways, he had thought about the blond in an almost obsessive way, easily getting hard every time he remembered their fucking. And that had been the only thing they had done, just two days ago – fucking. While he had been reluctant to go to Naruto again because of his issues, he had craved it with everything he had because they had been compatible and even just the sex had been amazing. Even with that sickening feeling that he'd regret fucking Naruto a second day because he'd be left hanging, again, with urges and desires no-one could fulfil, he had wanted him.
Never in a million years, after their talk at the café, would Sasuke have guessed that they'd actually both be hard-core fetishists and that they would actually have such a wonderful, breath-taking chemistry that would allow them to adapt and complement each other.
But Sasuke was thankful. And relieved. And… infatuated. He was so infatuated with Naruto, with what they had done and with the idea of what they could do and be together that it was…
Well, it was all too much and too soon. He couldn't afford to daydream about the future. He had already suffered enough, been humiliated enough, and hoped enough. He was tired and bitter and had been through too much to believe in fairy tales anymore.
But Naruto gave him hope when he had tried so hard not to have any hope in him. So… was it wrong of him to hope now?
Looking around at his now empty apartment, his eyes landed on the plastic bag innocently resting on the counter not too far from him – the bag Naruto had brought in with him.
Putting his bottle of water down, he moved towards the bag and wasn't shy in exploring its contents only to see a plastic transparent box filled with…
He carefully put his hands inside the bag and removed the lid. The contents were already cold but the smell was very distinct.
Was that… ramen? It certainly looked like it. Why had Naruto purchased it? He had claimed to want to try something with it, but after the blood play they hadn't gotten around to doing anything else.
What kind of weird kink could involve ramen of all things?
With his lips pursed together to stop a dirty smirk, Sasuke wondered if he should put it on his fridge and bring it to Naruto later, but then thought against it. At least now he had something to eat for lunch.
Six Months Later
Naruto released a loud groan, landing on his back on his family sized couch and stretching his limbs irritably. With a loud huff, he looked up at the grey ceiling of his living room, frowning heavily.
He couldn't believe that Sasuke hadn't texted him yet. It was almost seven in the evening and that damned bastard hadn't said a thing about whether they could meet that night or not. He said that he would let him know in advance if he was busy, and yet it was this late and Naruto was left hanging.
"I mean, it's not like we have to fuck every single time, you know?" he said out loud to his roommate, who was slouched in the armchair next to him, lazily zapping through the channels on the TV. "We do go out just to hang out and stuff. He could just tell me to go meet him somewhere so we could grab a coffee. I could even go to his place if he's tired and I'd bring dinner. Like, at least he could just say something."
"The guy doesn't text you for one single day and you're already freaking out," Kiba, his friend, muttered, disinterestedly. "Didn't you say he was doing an internship?"
"Yeah, he's gonna become a dentist," Naruto muttered, with a pout. "Still, it's fucking eight in the evening!"
"Dude, he's not even your boyfriend," Kiba dismissed, exasperatedly. "He doesn't have to text you every time he takes a dump, you know."
Putting one arm behind his head and a hand over his belly, Naruto pressed his lips together irritably, and not without a bit of frustration.
Kiba was right, of course. It had been three months since he had met Sasuke, and while they still fucked (correction, they were now 'fuck buddies'), it wasn't like they were in a relationship or anything like that. They had become friends, who more often than not hung out and, also more often than not, happened to have a very healthy sexual life together, as well. Or, well, healthy for their standards, at least. So they were currently 'friends with benefits'.
He and Sasuke actually got along pretty well. They did bicker a lot and both enjoyed to push each other's buttons, but their dynamics were good even outside of sex since they were very different people, but also very similar in the most surprising things. Even though they were just at the beginning, it felt like they had known each other for years.
Sasuke had met a few of his friends, and Naruto had met Sasuke's brother, Itachi. Apart from Itachi and Kiba, no-one really knew about the 'sex' part of their relationship, and still, the only person who knew about the fact that they were fetishists was actually Sasuke's brother. Who, just for the record, seemed very convinced that they were dating for some reason. Sasuke didn't bother enough to confirm neither deny it, which left Naruto confused.
They weren't dating at all. Sure, Naruto and Sasuke saw each other almost every day – or at least talked over the phone or texted each other every day. Also, it wasn't like they always fucked when they were together since they actually could go out and have fun just the two of them without any kind of sexual involvement. Well, most of the times they ended up being somewhat intimate, even if it just consisted of making out. Sometimes they did end up having sex. Most of the times, to be honest. It wasn't like they kept a schedule for when they fucked, for fuck's sake, it just happened when or where it had to. But this to say that even when they didn't fuck, they were usually intimate in an almost couple-like way if they weren't around people they knew.
Naruto hadn't been with anyone else since Sasuke had appeared in his life. He sincerely doubted that he could ever replicate what he and Sasuke had with someone else, and besides, compared to that handsome bastard, everyone had started to seem dull and unappealing to him. He liked Sasuke more than just friends, and definitely even more than just fuck buddies, and he was more than happy with what they did together. They were passionate, intense together, and it was mind blowing.
Naruto had been head over heels after the first couple of weeks of him and Sasuke relating to each other in ways other than sex. He couldn't help it if he felt drawn to the other man's every gesture, word or action. Truth was, he didn't think he had ever felt this at ease and this enraptured with another person before, ever, so he was sure it had to be love. But… he had no idea if Sasuke was seeing other people or not, or even if he felt the same way. Back then had been a little too soon to bring it up, and even now, Naruto could rationalize that it was still too early to talk about 'love' or 'dating', or even making demands.
He preferred to believe that Sasuke was still 'single'. Sasuke himself had said that he'd rather have a steady sexual partner than fooling around consecutively, but… while he and Naruto had 'a thing' they weren't 'a thing'. They just… were.
They had sex, slept over each other's places, and went out together on what could most definitely be considered dates. It wasn't like they were lovey-dovey or anything, but who needed that anyway? Their connection was good, and they were touchy-feely whenever they felt like it and the other accepted it. They had an easy relationship and a very steady attraction that didn't seem to fade with time at all. And the heavens knew they had fucked so many times already that he was sure there had to be some kind of law against it.
If anything, the more Naruto got to know Sasuke the more he liked him and the more he wanted him and the more he wanted to know about him.
The desire to have Sasuke, to be with him, was all-consuming.
Which was why, for Naruto, 'a thing' was becoming insufficient.
"When, exactly are you planning on telling him you're in love with him?" Kiba asked dryly.
"I can't just say it like that," Naruto mumbled. "We're just friends. I can't just go over to him and say 'hey Sasuke, I like ya, let's date!'"
"I don't see why not," Kiba interjected, and Naruto was sure he was rolling his eyes. "You've fucked, you've gone on dates, and you already talk every day. Turning it into an official relationship is just putting a more decent label on it. Plus, he can finally introduce you to his mom."
"His parents are dead," Naruto said bluntly, feeling a bit sad. "Just like mine."
"Sorry to hear about that," Kiba said, apologetically.
"It's just…" Taking a deep breath, Naruto scratched his nose anxiously. "What if he doesn't want to date? I mean, I know we have… feelings for each other, but maybe it stops at really good sex for him and a good friendship with benefits? Maybe he prefers to be casual?"
"You'll never know until you ask, man," Kiba pointed out, his voice now sounding amused. "Fuck, Naruto, I didn't know you were such a pussy."
Naruto grabbed a pillow from underneath him and twisted his body to throw it at his friend, who all but laughed as he grabbed for it. "Shut up, I'm not a fucking pussy!"
At that same moment, Naruto's cell phone – that was on the old low centre table between the couches and the TV – vibrated. At once, Naruto jumped and sat down, immediately reaching out for it to see who was calling, his heart hammering inside his chest. "Shit, it's Sasuke!"
"Look at you, all fired up," Kiba teased, watching him with a stupid grin. "See, your boyfriend cares."
"Shhh!" Naruto hissed, before picking up the call and brining the cell phone to his ear. "Yeah?"
"Hey, idiot, how's it going?"
"It's going fine, jackass," Naruto replied automatically, his heart lighting up almost instantly at the casual greet. "How about you?"
"Same," Sasuke said. There was a lot of noise coming from his side of the line, and he sounded a little breathless, as if he was walking at a fast pace down a busy street. "Sorry I couldn't talk to you before. I just got out of the clinic; it was terribly busy today."
"It's pretty late," Naruto pointed out, leaning back on the sofa and looking at this lap. He could feel Kiba watching him, but he didn't look back.
"Yeah, it is. I was thinking, maybe we could skip tonight's plans? I'm really tired, I think I just want to go home and have something quick to eat and then I'll head off to bed."
Well, whatever good feelings of joy he had when he picked up Sasuke's call were sinking down at a rather too fast pace.
"I could come over and cook us something, if you like?" Naruto suggested, feeling a little sheepish and uncomfortable with the feeling of rejection he was experiencing. "You wouldn't have to move a muscle."
"That won't be necessary, I'll just have sandwich and go to sleep, I think it's what I'll do," came Sasuke's casual reply, followed but a small sigh. Naruto bit hard on his lower lip, uncertainty bubbling inside of him. "But how about I pick you up tomorrow morning and we'll go out for breakfast?"
"That's… fine… I guess…" the blond muttered, closing his eyes. Anticipation filled him, as well as sadness. He didn't like feeling excluded like this, and it was a stupid feeling, he knew. He was jealous. Of what or whom he didn't know, he just didn't like it. It wasn't as though they saw each other every day, and Sasuke owed him nothing. But not knowing where they stood, what to expect or not to expect… being in this stupid limbo was driving him crazy. "Say, Sasuke?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you like… seeing someone else?"
The silence that followed the question almost gave Naruto a heart attack.
After a while, Sasuke replied, his voice low. He sounded both confused and annoyed. "Huh?"
"I mean, I totally understand if you are, it's not like we're dating or anything like that." The words had left Naruto's mouth like a hurricane before he could stop them and Naruto almost slapped himself for his stupidity. "Like… if you have someone else or… if you're fucking other people, I'm totally cool with that, but I think that you should tell me so I know that you'll be busy sometimes and give you space."
"You total moron," Kiba whispered, and when Naruto turned his head to look at him he was shaking his head from side to side, to which Naruto shrugged helplessly.
"Are you asking me this because I said I wanted to go to sleep today instead of meeting up with you?" Sasuke's words were slow and calculating and brought an unpleasant chill to Naruto's spine. Was he stepping the line? Was Sasuke getting angry?
"No, I… I just… we never talked about it, and I think that it would…"
"If you've been keeping this bottled up, then just spit it out, Naruto," Sasuke snapped, now clearly impatient.
"I don't know, okay?" Naruto retorted, tensing up and look at Kiba for help, but his friend was gesticulating and mouthing things at him that he was too nervous to understand. "I mean, you used to be a Dom, and maybe there are other things you need to satisfy that I'm not exactly into, like humiliating people and beating them up and having them licking your ass, figuratively speaking…"
"Naruto…" Sasuke hissed.
But Naruto kept going. "… and that you can probably get out of your system with other people, and that's just fine, you're in your right and all that, so if I'm getting in the middle of something…"
Kiba slapped his own forehead before making a completely shocked expression, his brown eyes open wide.
Well, I'm screwing up badly aren't I? Naruto thought desperately.
Sasuke was silent. He seemed to still be walking. Naruto heard the click of a lighter and a deep inhale.
"Do you know why I became a Dom in the first place?" Sasuke's voice was now a little breathless still, but the irritation and barely controlled coolness in it left no doubts as to what he was feeling. "Because I had sexual needs that were above regular sex and I was constantly upset and unsatisfied. Being a Dom allowed me to understand myself better and express myself sexually, yes, and I did enjoy it, but it didn't give me exactly what I needed. While I do like bossing people around and dominating, I don't need to beat anyone up and humiliating them and making them worship me for me to be happy. I can do that in my daily life just fine. That's what I realized after three years as a Dom, and that's why I left."
"Okay…" Naruto muttered, hesitantly.
"Did you forget what I told you that day? On the day we tested each other?" Sasuke inquired authoritatively.
Naruto's mind recalled their conversation at the café.
I don't mind having a steady lover, you see. I just can't seem to find anyone willing to stay.
Naruto had stayed, and often did he show Sasuke that he didn't want to let go or lose him in any way.
If they were even in this situation was because of Naruto's initial desire to be together.
How could he ever forget those feelings he had had, those sensations, and those desires? How could he ever forget what they shared every time they touched and fucked?
How could he forget those feelings when he still had them, after all these months?
"No, I haven't…"
"Do you need to fuck other people?" Now, Sasuke raised his voice and Naruto could only cringe. "Is this why you're giving me shit?"
"That's not what this is about!" Naruto defended, helplessly. "I just…"
"I'm not in the mood for this."
Oh. This wasn't going well at all.
"Sasuke, just listen…"
"I can't believe you actually think my past as a Dom makes me some sort of sex addict who can't keep my dick inside my pants! What the fuck, Naruto!"
"I didn't fucking say that!" Naruto yelled, desperately wanting to take back his phrasing of things but knowing it was too late. Fuck, he was so screwed. "Stop twisting my words, damn it! The only thing I said was that we're not exactly a thing, and that if you wanted to fuck other people, and I didn't say that they were a hundred, or if you wanted to date someone or anything, maybe you should tell me so I don't get in your way and know what to expect! We should make these things clear between us because I don't know what our boundaries are and it's fucking complicated inside my head and I don't know what to do!"
To his horror, Sasuke laughed. They rarely fought, and when they did, it was small bickering over something they didn't agree about, but this particular laughter was bone chilling and unlike anything Naruto had ever heard coming from him. It tore at his very soul.
Sasuke's laughter died as quickly as it had been born. "You don't know what our boundaries are," he hissed venomously. There was even a slight shake to his enraged voice. "Maybe that's because there are none between us, you fucking retard!"
"Sas…"
The line went dead. Sasuke had hung up.
"Fuck!" Naruto groaned, clenching his mobile phone in his hand and resisting the urge to throw it across the room. Now he had done it. "He hung up on me! I'm so screwed, Kiba!"
He didn't think he had done anything wrong – he had simply expressed his doubts and feelings. Well, not exactly his feelings per se but… why did Sasuke become so offended and angry all of a sudden? It wasn't like they had established anything, wasn't it normal that Naruto wanted to know where they stood and whether or not he was getting in Sasuke's way?
No, I shouldn't have expressed myself like that at all.
He should've done what Kiba had told him to do and told Sasuke how he felt, what he wanted.
But instead, he hadn't been very tactful, not even very straightforward and Sasuke had gotten mad. With reason.
Still… what exactly had Sasuke said to ease his mind? Were his words an answer? Did he mean to say that he wasn't fucking other people? Did he mean to say that he hadn't fucked anyone since they had met?
Had he… settled for Naruto as his exclusive partner? Maybe Sasuke had simply… assumed that Naruto would get it?
What should I do now?
He looked back at Kiba, tears in his eyes only to see his friend still gaping at him.
"Sasuke was a Dom?!"
Naruto rolled his eyes. Him and his fucking big mouth.
000
"Are you feeling better?" Itachi's voice muttered behind him. Sasuke looked away from the view of the city in front of him to look over his shoulder at his older brother, who was extending a crystal glass of what looked like scotch to him. Sasuke accepted it with a grateful nod before looking out the window again, his eyes stuck on the tall buildings bathed by the darkness of the night, several colourful dots illuminating it.
Itachi's apartment did have one of the best views in town, he considered absently, but then again, he made a lot more money, and Sasuke was just starting up his life, finishing his internship and still eagerly anticipating his future with a steady income. Not that Itachi didn't offer to help with his expenses, but Sasuke had faired off well enough on his own so far, and his brother had already done enough bringing him up on his own. Sasuke's past career as a Dom for a high classed club had definitely not been of Itachi's approval, but Itachi knew Sasuke had different needs from other people, and at the time, Sasuke had been relieved by his profession and had even been passionate about it, dedicating himself wholeheartedly by studying and becoming one of the best and most solicited Doms. He had made a lot of money, too, reason why he had been able to have a good amount to offer in advance for his apartment and was able to afford college and get by with just a part-time at small bookstore.
He would never speak to Itachi of the things he did at the club or the things he had seen, but he supposed his brother had a fairly good idea. Sasuke had told him about most of his kinks, and they had talked about it in a serious tone, touching more on Sasuke's psychological need than the actual sexual part. Apart from Naruto, Itachi was the only person who knew of Sasuke's fetishist streak or past as a Dom (no counting the people he had dominated, of course).
Upset at Naruto's rather stupid and uncalled for conversation, Sasuke had headed to his brother's place to vent instead of going to his own and, as usual, Itachi received him with open arms.
With silent, graceful steps, Itachi moved to lean on the window in front of Sasuke, also holding his own glass of scotch. Sasuke could feel his brother eyeing him attentively.
"He's in love with you, you know," Itachi commented casually, before bringing the glass to his lips and taking a small sip. He lowered the glass. "I even dare say that it's not recent at all."
With a sigh, Sasuke also took a sip on his own drink. The alcohol burnt his tongue and its way down his throat, but it was soothing. "I know he is," he said after a while, in a careful tone.
Itachi was silent for a few seconds. "You don't feel the same way about him?" he eventually asked, smoothly.
In spite of himself, Sasuke tensed, his irritation resurfacing all of a sudden as he looked at the handsome face of his brother.
"Does it matter?" he snapped before he could control himself. "He knows everything about me. He's seen things, sides of me no-one has before, and we've done things together that no-one would even dream about, let alone actually go through with. We hang out, we fuck, we share our kinks, we sleep together, I've introduced him to you, and he still asks me if I'm seeing other people?! I don't have time for other people! Why would I even want to be with other people in the first place if they're all boring as fuck, both as people and in sex? If I want a regular fuck I'll go to him and even then it'll always be more interesting than…"
"Sasuke, you're just talking about 'fucking'," Itachi interrupted gently, but with a small frown of disapproval because it always upset him to hear Sasuke talk about his personal sex life regardless of how much he liked knowing everything about his little brother. "Yes, you 'hang out', but isn't it all about 'fucking' all the same? You're friends, but you have sex and you share things that you don't share with others, but even so, you are still on the 'just friends with benefits' zone and that's all you're telling him. How can you expect him to take it as something else if you don't openly state what you two are?"
"He was supposed to know," Sasuke hissed, clenching his fingers around the glass in his hand.
"Supposed to know you see him as exclusive?" Itachi mocked, with smirk. "Has it ever crossed your mind that he might be fucking other people?"
This forced Sasuke to stop and his anger to subside considerably.
"I… no," he admitted, a little disturbed by the thought. "But I know he isn't."
"How?"
"I just do, okay?" Sasuke retorted, firmly. "He's just not that kind of person."
"Okay, but since you're the stoic one, maybe he thinks you are the type," Itachi suggested, with an elegant shrug of his shoulders. "After all, from what you've told me, while you have stated that you'd be content with a single partner, you have nothing established between the two of you. A single partner often involves some kind of relationship, does it not? And still, all you do is fucking and being friends, regardless of how either of you feel for each other."
Looking away, Sasuke bit on his lower lip hard. He really had no words to counter that kind of reasoning.
For six months he and Naruto had been together. They had become good friends, and the more time passed the more it felt like they had known each other since forever. In spite of not always seeing eye to eye, their relationship was an easy and well-balanced one. They complemented each other not only in sex, but in many other things as well and everything just flowed naturally between them.
Sasuke had gotten so used to it all that he had never felt the need to label it regardless of his constantly shifting feelings for the boisterous blond. It was more than just the sex and more than just friendship, he knew it. He had been with many people during his short life and had attempted to date another unholy number of individuals, male and female, and never had he met someone who pulled him in and made him feel quite like Naruto did – free, happy, fulfilled and just… himself. He was himself when he was around Naruto, and he didn't fear anything, or feel the need to hold anything back. He would say and do whatever he would feel like and the other would always know how to react. Naruto was the same with him.
Would he ever find something like this in his life again if he lost Naruto? Sasuke had experienced enough to know that he wouldn't. Neither of them would.
He knew very well that they were… infatuated with each other. 'Love' seemed like a strange concept to him, but Sasuke knew that it was probably the best word to describe the emotions they shared when they were together.
But he just… didn't really know how to do relationships since the ones he'd been in had failed miserably, be it because of his personality or because of his fetishist side. People had expectations when they got into a relationship, and Sasuke didn't know how to abide to them, so simply being with someone without labelling it was easier and no-one had expectations to live up to.
But then again… wasn't he… expecting Naruto to be just his? Wasn't he expecting Naruto to be happy with what they had? Wasn't he expecting that this was going to last without anything being demanded?
Wasn't he expecting Naruto to always be there for him?
Bringing the glass to his lips, Sasuke took a healthier swig on his scotch, and cringed.
"Maybe Naruto wasn't exactly sensible in the way he exposed things to you," Itachi proceeded. "But look at it this way: if you haven't established where the two of you stand, he has reasons to wonder, doesn't it? And if you say he isn't seeing other people, then that certainly makes him even more uneasy."
"I know that," Sasuke admitted, feeling oddly guilty and uncomfortable.
"Also, he probably wants a label," Itachi's voice became a little harsher this time, but not less compassionate. "He's the type of person who gets attached and who wants to be in a relationship."
Well, that was definitely accurate, Sasuke thought, frowning frustratingly at Itachi. He would bet his life in how Naruto hadn't been seeing anyone or even thought about fucking other people even though they weren't a couple. He knew it as well as he knew that he wasn't interested in others at all. Naruto was definitely the kind of guy who craved stability and a 'normal' relationship and just the normal things lovers did together.
Sasuke had tried for a long time not to think about those times when they'd hung out with Naruto's friends and the blond had thrown him furtive glances of longing – a longing for his public affection, for him to be able to tell his friends that they were together, for… something more. Sasuke had seen it but turned away from it. Not intentionally, he just… didn't really understand what he wanted to do. Things were simple when it was just the two of them, weren't they?
"Besides, Sasuke, if you don't manifest your interest in him, he probably won't say a thing about how he feels for you," Itachi pointed out sensibly. "Because he's currently thinking you're the type to have other needs that surpass him. And if he thinks you won't even want to be with him for good… he might start going after something more realistic with someone who is willing to be more than just a 'fuck buddy'."
For some reason, this made Sasuke feel irrationally scared. "He knows how hard that will be," he muttered, feeling his breathing quicken. "You don't understand, Itachi. You can't possibly understand what we found in each other…"
"You're right, I can't," Itachi admitted, reaching out his free hand to tug at a strand of Sasuke's bangs, gently. "But if you feel like he's one of a kind... you weren't afraid to try and see if you two were sexually compatible, and you weren't afraid to delve deeper in a relationship with him, even if it was just friendship. If you don't want to lose him, you can't be afraid of being in a real relationship. You're already lovers and you already have couple dynamics. Making it official should not be an issue."
"I… I just…"
"Do you love him?"
In spite of himself, Sasuke felt a wave of heat flooding him from the tip of his toes all the way up to his head, his cheeks catching fire. He really didn't know how to deal with this. "Do you have to phrase it like that?"
Itachi's fingers raked through the hair at the top of Sasuke's head fondly, a knowing smile appearing on his lips.
"You've been a Dom for years and looking down on people for not being able to handle you, and yet, you blush at the mention of love towards someone who is a good match to you," he said gently. "I think you have your answer, Sasuke."
The tip of Sasuke's tongue traced his lower lip hesitantly, his heart squeezing with that all too familiar feeling that assaulted him every time he so much as thought at Naruto. It took his breath away, it made him feel happy and it made him feel complete. After so long of keeping his guard up and not trusting his feelings to others, this was something he was still getting used to and while he appreciated it, it was hard just opening up and embracing it. Even though he wanted to. He really did. He just needed to learn how to think about what a 'long term relationship' would mean. But he and Naruto could work it out together, couldn't they? As Itachi had said, they had already gone so far together.
But… if this was what 'love' was… it felt good. Thinking about 'love' with Naruto seemed oddly fitting. And safe. And comfortable. And… it made him feel content.
He felt… terribly stupid all of a sudden. Because thinking about Naruto made him feel like this. Thinking about losing him or being without him at this stage made him fearful and unbalanced as if the word had been turned upside down. Naruto made his days better. His existence gave Sasuke's life meaning and made him feel normal again, made him feel like he was worthy of all the things that once had seemed impossible to achieve.
"'Love'," he whispered, looking down at his glass. "Is that what this is?"
"Sometimes love is complicated, true," his brother muttered. "But sometimes, it just is. It just happens and it's there and you don't know how or when it happened and it's simple and comfortable and it. If love fell into your lap just that easily, you have no reason to turn it into something complicated. You and Naruto have removed all complications from what could be a potentially chaotic relationship, and yet, you two have been more than fine. It can only get better from here on."
Sasuke smiled a little. Itachi sure knew how to make everything better. If he had to be honest with himself, the fact that Itachi like Naruto and highly approved of him had always warmed his heart and made him feel more than at ease with Naruto. But just letting time go by wouldn't be enough anymore. If he wanted Naruto, if he wanted them to be together always he had to take some action and hope that all misunderstanding could be fixed.
And then… they would be able to live on without fears, enjoying life together for as long as they could endure it.
When did I become this hopelessly infatuated and dependant on a single vision of a future?
A future with you, you dumbass…
"I suppose you're right."
000
They hadn't spoken since that disastrous phone call. They had texted each other and exchanged some form of small talk that had-sort-of-but-not-really pacified Naruto's heart about the future of his relationship with Sasuke. It was something that made him know they weren't going to suddenly stop talking to each other, but it wasn't exactly reassuring enough to guarantee that they'd go back to the way they had always been. Naruto had apologized, but Sasuke had neither accepted nor declined the apologies. He had tried to avoid the desperate need to see the other man and go to him, but he supposed Sasuke needed space. After all, it had been their first fight and misunderstanding.
Which was why Naruto found himself more than a little shocked by seeing Sasuke at his apartment's doorstep on that late afternoon, a plastic bag lifted to his eyelevel.
"Sa-Sasuke?" The blond asked, both excited and confused by the unexpected visit. He looked at the bag that his lover seemed a little cocky to show off. "What's that?"
"Ramen," Sasuke said, as it was obvious. "Back then, on the day after we met, you purchased it, remember? You said you had plans for it, and yet we never got to carry them."
How in the name of earth had Sasuke remembered such a thing Naruto had no idea, but then again, Sasuke had always been perceptive about the simplest of things concerning Naruto, and that was one of the many attractive assets he had.
What a random thing to go back to, he thought, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had considered using ramen for something, but after all the stuff they had done, he had completely forgotten about it to this very day.
It didn't mean it didn't excite him anyway.
"O-kay?" he muttered, a little sheepishly, trying not to look too hopeful. He moved away from the entrance so Sasuke could get inside the small apartment. "Come in."
"Let's do it now," Sasuke said in his definite, authoritative tone, once Naruto had closed the door behind them and making Naruto choke a little on his own saliva.
"N-now?" he gasped, surprised. "But… Kiba's here!"
"It never stopped us from fucking before," Sasuke pointed out, making a small, but rather seductive smirk that was deviously attractive. Naruto couldn't help but feel a little infatuated by it, a familiar stirring in the pit of his stomach making his heart race.
In spite of how much he just wanted to kiss the smirk off Sasuke face, he shook his head from side to side to clear it and lowered his voice so his friend, who was currently making a sandwich in the kitchen, wouldn't be able to hear. "But…. We've never done kinks with him in the house before!"
"Let's do it now and I'll answer your question from yesterday," Sasuke said without a trace of hesitation, and for a moment, his attitude reminded Naruto why, exactly, he loved the bastard in spite of often feeling pissed about his arrogance. "You want answers, I'll give them to you. But we're doing this."
"Okay, ramen and Sasuke in the same room?" Kiba suddenly emerged from the kitchen, a large sandwich in his hand. "I know that's my queue to leave. Just give me a moment to get my shit."
A little bewildered, Naruto watched his friend causally go to the living room to fetch his wallet, keys and mobile phone (that he always left on top of the centre table).
"And where the fuck do you think you're going?" Naruto asked, once Kiba had made his way towards them and unceremoniously passed the sandwich to him while he put on his shoes. Sasuke seemed mildly amused.
"I'm off to Hinata's place," Kiba said, as if it were obvious. "I'm going to spare myself the awkwardness. You guys can screw each other as much as you want, just make sure you don't make a mess, or if you do, fucking clean it up, afterwards. And no fucking on the kitchen table."
"Jesus Christ, Kiba!" Naruto hissed, feeling his cheeks catch fire at his best friend's ruthless straightforwardness.
Straightening up, Kiba accepted the sandwich back with a nasty grin.
"Oh, and by the way," he said, patting Naruto's shoulder knowingly while making a gesture with his head towards Sasuke. "See if you finally grow some balls, dude."
"Kiba," Naruto sighed. "Go fuck yourself, why don't you?"
Kiba laughed. He turned to Sasuke and looked at him from up and down (Naruto prayed that he wouldn't mention his knew knowledge of Sasuke's former profession) before extending his hand, that Sasuke took, and shaking it. "Nice seeing ya, Sasuke."
"You, too," Sasuke said, in a rather pleasant voice.
Happily munching on his sandwich, Kiba left the apartment in an apparent good mood, leaving the two of them alone in the middle of the narrow hall.
In spite of himself, Naruto felt terribly embarrassed all of a sudden, as he peeked at Sasuke from the corner of his eyes. It had been a while since they had stood face to face like this, and still, there Sasuke was, eyeing him peacefully, patiently, carrying a portion of ramen so Naruto could fulfil one of his kinks and promising to give him answers.
But… did Sasuke even understand what Naruto truly wanted to know? Did he understand what Naruto truly needed?
He was happy. Just having Sasuke there, so close, so… normal… it gave him tremendous joy and all he wanted was to reach out and touch him, be held by those arms that he knew to be powerful and unhesitant. But those were things they only did when sex was involved. Outside of it – outside of the desire to make out occasionally – these things seemed like a taboo and were very rare.
It was rather funny that they did such atrocious things when they fucked, and yet, Naruto was always waiting for Sasuke's move so they could be intimate outside their own little world. Sometimes Sasuke indulged, others he didn't.
He wished that Sasuke knew how much he craved for that. He wished he knew Sasuke knew how much his heart ached for a simple gesture of affection coming from him. Naruto was usually too proud to just reach out if Sasuke didn't give him the green signal. After all, they were just 'friends with benefits'.
He wished Sasuke knew how exclusive he was to his body and his very soul and how much those feelings of empathy had grown and shaped into this all-consuming love that barely allowed him to function.
Isn't this what a Sub feels like? He wondered, with irony. It wasn't like he felt submissive to Sasuke in any way, but, and neither did Sasuke ever try to subjugate him in any way unless he asked for it, but…
He didn't expect anyone to understand the devotion he had towards that one single individual. He didn't even expect Sasuke to understand it.
But he wished he did.
But then again, if Sasuke wasn't aware of his feelings… how could he know this?
Kiba's right. I should talk to him and be honest.
But it seemed so hard…
He could feel dark eyes on him, assessing him intelligently, and it made him feel both captivated and a little intimidated because he couldn't understand what that intense gaze was trying to express. Sometimes, Sasuke closed himself off, and it hurt.
"I brought the sheet, if you're worried about your bed," Sasuke said calmly.
Naruto almost laughed. His bed was literally the least of his problems.
000
He couldn't help but moan at the indescribable sensations he was feeling. God help him he felt so grateful he could barely speak, his mind too focused on what he was experiencing and the joy of it all to really think about anything else but on how much he was enjoying himself at that very moment.
His bed wasn't as big as Sasuke's, nor as comfy, but just having Sasuke there made Naruto feel a sense of relief and perfection he just couldn't explain.
And of course, his beloved Sasuke was, once again, the perfect gentleman while being the receptacle of his weirdest desires.
And he had to admit that, even to himself, this one was one weird as fuck kink, and it didn't even make sense in his head, but more than ever, it turned him on.
Because he loved ramen. And he loved Sasuke. So how could he not be turned on by this vision of Sasuke covered in ramen, lying on his back beneath him? It was simply impossible.
They had indeed used Sasuke's famous sheet not to make a mess on Naruto's bed. The plastic box that Sasuke had brought was now only half filled with ramen, sitting not too far from them, alongside a few square packs of condoms (one already ripped open and empty) and a tube of lube. There was already a mess of broth and noodles and other stuff that coated both their bodies now, as well as the sheet beneath them. It was slimy, and sticky, but Naruto couldn't care less – he loved the feeling of it and the smell of it, and he loved it even more because it was all over Sasuke.
Sasuke wasn't exactly pleased by the turn of events, but he wasn't complaining, least of all with Naruto slowly riding him just the way he liked, which suited Naruto pretty well since he was sure that eating while subjecting his body to hard physical efforts would not bring good results.
Still, even if this wasn't exactly Sasuke's cup of tea, the man was eying Naruto almost unblinkingly with an attentive gleam, his hands running up and down Naruto's thighs before stopping at his waist. Those sharp, intense eyes made chills run down Naruto's spine. In other circumstances, he would've laughed at a noodle that had somehow gotten stuck on the locks of Sasuke's bangs, but Naruto could only look at his lover with fascination.
He heaved a long sigh as he rotated his hips, feeling Sasuke's cock deep inside of him, rubbing against his walls in the most delicious way and he loved it. He loved being with Sasuke like this, it felt so different from all his many previous lovers, so unique. He loved times like these, when they could just fuck this slowly and just enjoy every single second of it with lucid minds. Not that he didn't like the emotional, horny as hell fucking, but this was equally nice. It almost felt like making love, minus the mess of food. But… well, even with the food…
Naruto released a small moan as Sasuke started thrusting upwards in an equally languid pace, matching his movements with Naruto's, who held on to his lover's wrists in a silent gesture of approval before leaning forward slightly so he could rub his hands over Sasuke's chest, smearing bits of broth already there all over it. Then, he leaned further down and ran his tongue between Sasuke's pecks, catching a bit of the broth there as well as a few neatly chopped vegetables. He knew his face was all dirty, but he had stopped feeling embarrassed about how he behaved during sex or what he looked like long ago, especially since Sasuke never complained and seemed to be turned on by Naruto's carefree nature – he liked seeing Naruto at his nastiest, always.
Naruto loved the smell of ramen on Sasuke's skin, and as he chewed, he didn't hesitate in taking a small whiff, feeling his lover's familiar and particular scent along with the scent of the food.
He felt hands moving from his waist to the back of his neck before fingers slowly wrapped around the hairs at the top is his head and tugged. He got the message across and dragged himself up while he swallowed, so he could join his lips to the parted ones already waiting for him.
But, as he and Sasuke kissed, the taste of them and the saltiness of the ramen traveling between their tongues, Naruto noticed something was off.
It wasn't like they were kissing any differently from how they usually did it – Sasuke still had the same technique, the same passion and the same undertone of longing as usual, and yet…
Naruto noticed a desperation in it, just the smallest trace of hesitance that was very unlike him.
Suddenly, they both stopped moving and broke the kiss to look at each other. There was a look in Sasuke's eyes that Naruto couldn't identify at all and it made his heartbeat speed up considerably with an indefinable emotion. They were both panting for some reason, which seemed absurd since they hadn't been pushing themselves.
Naruto's eyes scanned Sasuke's gorgeous features a bit dirtied by the food, his dark hair a rampant mess that made him look all the more glorious. Naruto often wondered if the people he had slept with, or even his subs, had ever felt this same immense fascination and devotion Naruto had.
Sasuke's hands moved to cup Naruto's face and his lips parted as he took in a breath. When he spoke, his voice was oddly low and constricted.
"There is no way I'm seeing other people, Naruto," he said. "Not when I'm in love with you enough to be covered in fucking ramen."
And Naruto stopped breathing altogether. He blinked a few times, his eyes never leaving Sasuke's lucid ones.
"What…" he muttered, shakily, unsure if he had heard his lover correctly or if his ears had deceived him. "What did you say? Sasuke, what did you…."
"I said I'm in love with you," Sasuke repeated, now with a small frown, clearly annoyed that he had to repeat himself with something that embarrassed him. "And unless you want to be with other people, which I will respect but not be pleased by, I don't intend to go back to sleeping around. Ever. I haven't fucked anyone but you since the day we met."
"I…" Naruto didn't know if he should laugh or cry or not take those words for granted. Was this a dream? Was he dreaming about things he wished Sasuke would say to him, in such a scenario?
"I'm not good with this kind of relationship stuff," Sasuke proceeded, a bit awkwardly, tugging at a strand of Naruto's hair. He seemed to still be hesitating, especially since Naruto wasn't really saying anything. "I just… I assumed we were together from the beginning, I guess, and that you were aware of it. It wasn't the boyfriends' kind of relationship, but we were steady, weren't we? I don't deal well with public displays of affection and I still have a few trust issues with intimacy that does not involve sex but… it's different with you. It's always been different with you. I thought you knew that."
Naruto leaned away slightly, supporting his weight on the slippery sheet with one had on either side of Sasuke's shoulders as he looked down at him with wide eyes. There was so much he wanted to say, but his heart was beating so fast and his slightly sadistic side wanted to hear Sasuke saying more, saying what he needed to hear, saying that…
"If you want a relationship…" Sasuke proceeded, before swallowing hard and caressing Naruto's cheeks gently, but his resolute eyes never leaving Naruto's. "An official relationship… I'm alright with it. I don't ever want to lose what we have, not only because of the sex, but because of you. It's you who complement me, Naruto, and if there is someone I see myself with for a long time… that's you." Sasuke chewed on his lower lip. "So… please be with me and whatever stuff that's messed up between us, we can work it over, together. I don't want to see you in pain anymore."
For a few seconds, Naruto couldn't do a single thing but to stare at his lover. His mind was filled with thoughts, with memories of them, with the constant pain, love, joy and longing that he had always thought to be one-sided in spite of the intensity and complicity between them.
But… Sasuke was in love with him, too. Like him, Sasuke didn't want to lose what they had. Sasuke was…
"You knew how I felt for you?" Naruto whispered, releasing a weak laughter that he couldn't control. "You… you knew I'm in love with you? For how long?"
"For a while," Sasuke admitted, with a look of guilt. "And I've felt… something similar for you, as well for a long time. But I thought that just the friends with benefits part was simpler for us, both people who had been emotionally bruised. As I said, I'm not good with these things and I was scared that real romance would complicate and ruin what we had. But it can't go on like this if you're hurting. I want you more than I ever did and I don't want you to doubt me, or us. I don't want my lack of emotional skills to tear us apart. Because I…"
Not allowing him to say anything else, Naruto fell on top of Sasuke and hugged him as he could, kissing his neck and behind his ears repeatedly while he laughed in between euphoric sobs as tears filled his eyes. Yet, he didn't cry. But he was happy. He was so happy that his feelings had reached Sasuke, that Sasuke felt the same way, wanted him the same way…
"I don't want anybody else, you ass!" he laughed in Sasuke's ear, relieved and content as Sasuke's arms surrounded him in a tight hug, filled with the same longing Naruto felt. "God, I just wanted you, since the beginning! I'm not letting you out of my sight, ever! I love you… You have no idea what you mean to me… "
It felt so good to say it out loud.
He felt Sasuke smile and make a soft relieved sound next to his ear. "That's good," he said gently, planting a small kiss on Naruto's temple. "You should live up to your words since now I consider you as officially mine."
Naruto laughed and sniffed a bit, nuzzling his nose on the curve of his lover's neck, ignoring the wetness of the ramen broth there. "It goes both ways, Sasuke. Make sure you fight for us with everything you have, right beside me."
Sasuke made a sound that made Naruto sure he was smirking. "I don't see us needing to fight for something that was destined to work from the start."
Sasuke has felt it, too, Naruto thought, overwhelmed by the feelings he was experiencing in that moment. Have his feeling grown alongside with mine? Have we become each other's at the same time, without even noticing?
When has it started? Since when did I began to feel this way about him?
But it didn't matter.
In the middle of their own mess they lay, simply holding each other because now they could. Oddly enough, the will to proceed with the sex vanished and neither seemed to mind, both content in just appreciating the simple, purer intimacy of the touching and being in each other's presence in such a way without needing to resort to sex to do it. It felt… unbelievably good and all Naruto wished for was for this perfection to be replicated over and over again for as long as they both could take it.
And he wished they would, for the rest of their lives.
Because they loved each other, no matter what, they could make it work. They had already seen the good and the bad in each other. They both knew they had issues, they both understood the pain in each other's hearts from dramatic pasts and broken hearts and trust. They both knew there were things no-one but the other could deal with and accept and embrace. No matter what, he truly believed that they were made for each other. They filled each other's loneliness like no-one before.
In the middle of both their darkness and that all-consuming fear, some holy entity was rooting for them and deemed them worthy of happiness.
And there was no doubt in his mind that their future together would be blessed.
THE END
FINAL AUTHOR'S NOTES AND THANKYOUS:
Okay guys, I know it sort of sucked but it's how it came out. I kind of feel like this ending didn't make the rest of the story justice at all because it was so conflicting, but somehow I felt like Naruto and Sasuke had to struggle with their emotions for a bit? I don't know if I can explain it, but this is how it turned out.
Anyway, thank you all for reading this far, I truly and dearly appreciate all the love this fic has received! I'm so thankful that you guys have read it with an open mind and embraced the different themes and different fetishes. I also appreciate all the readers who have let me know how much they identify with certain things in here, you have no idea how much it meant to me.
This fic required a lot of research and an emotional deliverance in my part since I have never come across such things in real life. But I'm really glad that I have learnt so much and that, thanks to it, I have once more, opened my heart and mind to the acceptance of the human nature.
I am very happy that I have managed to finish another fic of mine, so this is a wonderful day for me!
I am deeply sorry that I haven't been able to reply to everyone's reviews, but please bear with me for a while longer! I've been very busy and tired, and it's becoming really hard to keep up with reviews and PMs from all of the website where my fics are, but please know that I read every single one of them and I deeply appreciate the feedback and that it gives me life and the will to write more. If it weren't for you guys and all the support, I would've stopped writing a long time ago.
I will come back in a few days and reply to anon reviews and put them here on the chapter page and all the upcoming reviews this chapter might get, so come back to check them out ;)
Again, a huge thank you for following me and my fics!
Lots of Love,
UchihanoChidori
REVIEW?