I really wanted to post this on the 5th but I fell asleep watching the Video Game Awards. It was also our anniversary yesterday and so this chapter is dedicated to my fiancé, who read every single word of it. And it was international ninja day too! I'm late but here's my dedication for that.

Disclaimer: Nothing

-=Chapter 4 – The First Act=-

Wednesday afternoon. The forecast called for light showers in the early evening but the sun was still bright in the sky. Not a single cloud. Naruto looked from the azure depths above to Sasuke beside him and even though the Uchiha was speaking, he had not heard a single word of it. He was too focused on the male beside him, almost scrutinizing him even.

My best friend likes me. When did it happen? How did he realize…

Sasuke Uchiha.

There he was, the boy with the endless eyes, Naruto had once said. They often used to hold staring matches to see who would first break concentration. Now, as he looked over to his friend, he was reminded of those times he spent analyzing every feature on that pale face.

His cocky smirk. The way his nostrils flare when he shows his teeth. The tiny scar on his left cheek, near the edge of his eye.

Yet again, Naruto finds himself lured in by those eyes that seemed soulless, like infinite pits of darkness…

When those eyes caught his gaze though, they did not look empty. The night color of his irises were glowing a reddish hue. He had seen that before…

''Hey genius, are you there? Two minutes in and you're already-''

''Sorry, I just… I looked at you and I suddenly remembered our old staring matches…and yea, heh.''

''I forgot how weird you are sometimes…'' Sasuke said, shaking his head. He always dismissed Naruto's strange quirks.

''So what did you ask then?'' Naruto bounced back immediately, followed by a slightly nervous laugh, as if to transition their conversation.

''It wasn't a question. I said that I wouldn't be at practice tomorrow morning because I have to do my team project with Karin.''

''Ahhhh, I see. No problem. I may just sleep in then. I am doing my assignment with Shino Thursday night, after school. He's busy this week, so hopefully we won't be too long that night, finishing this damn thing.''

Both teenagers lived through hectic schedules now that their tournament qualifications loomed weeks away. Typically, after school, every Tuesdays and Thursdays they were required to stay and teach the underclassmen their stances and poses, but for this week and the next, they were relieved of their duties for the competition. Kakashi taught in their place, allowing them time to study as well, before subjecting them to an intense week of training day and night. Their morning practices were optional all week but both of them preferred to keep routine. They both dreaded the week to come though, even before their story began.

''At least, as of Friday 3pm, no more homework, only three days of school, mornings and nights of intense days of Kakashi training, then a weekend of competition.''

''Yea, well you make it sound so nice and neat Sasuke. Kakashi is going to run us ragged again. I keep trying not to think about the tournament.''

''I know, but once it's over, we'll have lots of time before the real deal.''

''How about tonight we don't mention it.'' Naruto suggested, ''The idea of dating, to me, is a nice distraction from the hype of our competition.'' Although Sasuke agreed, he did not know that Naruto was reminded of his prior date with Hinata and how uncomfortable he became. That was his secret.

Once the image of Hinata resurfaced in his thoughts, Naruto felt uneasy. She had not been present in class that morning and it disturbed him greatly. Guilt. Naruto instantly sought out Sakura but she had not heard of any reason for the absence. After their second period, he texted his female classmate. No response. This thought lingered in his mind but it was not something that he wanted to discuss with Sasuke. His conversation with Hinata would have to wait.

They arrived at the black vehicle but instead of moving in first, Sasuke held open the door and ushered for Naruto to do so. His gesture earned a very amused laugh from Naruto.

''Such a gentleman.''

Naruto's laughter erupted even louder as Sasuke rolled his eyes and groaned.

The moment ended with smiles, nonetheless. This reassured both friends that they felt comfortable in one another's presence.

There was a box on the seat in front of them, which made Naruto ridiculously curious, but Sasuke warned him not to ruin the surprise. The blonde felt flattered and stopped his prying, until they arrived at the large building complex and walked inside. Hundreds of times before Sasuke had offered Naruto rides home after school and hung out him with casually, but even though this moment appeared normal to those around them, in the elevator, as they remained silent, Naruto could not stop fumbling with his keys.

''Are you okay, Naruto?'' Sasuke asked, as he stood beside Naruto in the hallway before the front door. They had been quiet for a while now.

''Yes!'' Naruto said rather quickly, as he finally unlocked the door and let them inside. He even tried to fake a nervous smile to Sasuke but his friend merely frowned. All of his panic came out in a long shaky sigh. ''Sorry Sasuke, I'm just super nervous right now. We got here and my mind just started racing; my heart is beating wildly in my chest. I feel like I want to ask you a million things but then I can't find any words when I go to talk. It just hit me, you know…''

Sasuke listened almost painfully to every word that Naruto spoke. He stood there nervously expecting Naruto to call the whole thing off; there he was, zoning out, living in his own head, fidgeting – all ominous signs to the young Uchiha. The dread began early in his mind as well, creeping up into his thoughts the second Naruto smiled at him. He wanted to love that smile but sometimes it was deceiving. Things between them could go horribly wrong. Was it too much, too soon?

''You probably have one question that is driving you crazy, right – start there.''

''Well… I really want to know what made you want to cross the line of friendship between us and come tell me how you really feel.''

That was very straight to the point. A direct hit. Sasuke felt his chest clench unbearably tight and his breathing almost stopped altogether. He knew that the first answer would be the hardest. It took him a moment to speak, carefully choosing his words. They sounded so faint, like a whisper that barely escaped his lips, ''Your smile.''

Naruto was not expecting such a simple answer. He wanted to smile just then and laugh uneasily like always, but hesitated. Sasuke saw that trepidation and tried to reassure his best friend.

''Naruto, I can't exactly explain this. I wrote you a note…and even that I don't think I'm quite ready to read to you. But I do want you to know that I like the way you smile at me. It's so confident and challenging at the same time. I know that you're always grinning, because you're a genuinely happy person, and as your rival, I see that more than others. I like it. You may never agree with me and yet you always smile at me regardless of what's being said.''

As soon as their morning practice had ended, Sasuke began to mentally prepare himself for the conversation they were now destined to have. He understood that only his words could leave the desired impact. Naruto needed to hear him speak honestly. Often, his best friend chided him for not expressing himself enough and retreating within. Now, there was no turning back. He wanted to tell Naruto everything.

There was silence for another moment, then a jingling sound resonated from Naruto's hand and he realized that he was fidgeting with his keys again. It was hard not to feel flattered by the justification and look at Sasuke objectively. This was his goal – to understand. ''I wasn't expecting that kind of answer, honestly.'' He stopped there, before deciding on his next words, ''But that's how you see it though. Maybe I smile like that to everyone.''

Sasuke frowned at Naruto's comment, ''You only smile genuinely to those you love or respect and share that bond with you. Like Kakashi. Your family. Your closest friends. Like Sakura. Your smile is loving. You do accept everyone for who they are. People feel appreciated by you. You smile to them like it was second nature. I feel honored to be respected by you as your best friend and rival, and so, your smile for me is exactly… like the one you show Sakura. Like the one I showed her and now only show you. I just want you to see that love and respect should coexist in any relationship. I respect you likewise, so much, that to me…'' He felt his heart begin to race and his cheeks darken profusely. ''You're perfect.''

This time Naruto remained silent in the wake of those words. He was humbled by his best friend, who was genuine and true to his own feelings. Even under pressure, Sasuke always knew what to say. His words were reassuring and Naruto felt like he understood Sasuke better. The wisdom and values he spoke of were incredibly meaningful and harmonious with his own. Now, it was Naruto who needed to figure out what his feelings truly were.

''Thank you, Sasuke. You're a really amazing person.''

They were both blushing, promptly avoiding each other's gazes, as they awkwardly stood in the kitchen's entrance. That was, by far, the hardest thing Sasuke had ever done. His mind was clear; felt happy. And he knew that the rest of Naruto's questions would become easier to answer now that he had confidence.

''Oh yea, I have ice cream that needs to go in the freezer.'' Sasuke remembered, as he held up the bag in his hand. He was so utterly focused on Naruto that he forgot the dead weight hanging there, probably somewhat melted by now.

''I guess I know what dessert is,'' The blonde laughed; he stepped into the kitchen and headed for the refrigerator, ''Care to help me cut veggies for the ramen, while that actually becomes ice cream again.''

Naruto Uzumaki was far from being proficient in the kitchen. He needed to be supervised or left instructions and it amused Sasuke to no end that there was a detailed ramen recipe. Iruka had prepared the basics of the meal the night before; Naruto was indulging in leftovers that he knew were in the fridge. They just needed a few more ingredients to add flavor to yesterday's batch. Everything was laid out on the counter; they each had a cutting board and several pieces to dice.

''So I figured that tonight would be more like a way for us to talk about everything. I was hoping that might help me get my own thoughts together and which is why I wanted us to just hang out, like before. I know that my uncle and sensei are gay but are you really sure, or just curious?''

Sasuke was surprised at how frank Naruto sounded; no doubt his relatives knew of their situation now and had helped him figure out his next steps.

''Are you asking if I'm only ever going to date men from now on? Or if I'm solely attracted to you, as a guy?''

''I don't know,'' Naruto tried not to just bust out laughing – it already seemed strange to be discussing these things so earnestly. ''Well, am I the only person you're attracted to?''

Sasuke set the ingredients aside and put his knife in the sink. ''Yes, you are. And Naruto, I believe that people shouldn't let gender interfere with how they may feel about love. If it happens that I fall in love with a woman, one day, then so be it. I live in the now and determine things when they come at me.''

Naruto found himself nodding the entire time. Those were his thoughts exactly. The night before, lying in bed, he became determined to always live life by those principles. Only then did Naruto truly understand how serious his best friend was.

''I completely agree with you, Sasuke.''

After a minute, the soup was reheating and Naruto set the table. ''Make sure it doesn't boil over, keep stirring. Ramen should always be perfect. And we should have tea.'' He added another pot to the stove.

''So, ask me another question.'' Sasuke proposed, as his host prepared their meal.

''Okay. I have lots. When did you first start liking me. Actually, you know, having a crush and acknowledging it.''

Sasuke took his time piecing together the various triggers that lead him to this decision. It was not a straightforward answer but a series of unfurling events that had occurred.

''About a month before I broke up with Sakura, she got sunstroke in gym class and you rushed her to the nurse. Well, you were all she could talk about and it kinda made me jealous. I knew how much you liked her. I felt like maybe she had a better connection with you and that it was unfair of me to keep her, when I didn't feel like I loved her anymore. So I thought about it. I figured that you would be her knight in shining armor, after it happened – instead, you came to me and asked me how I was. How I felt. No one really did. You did though. Every day in practice for a week. I got mad at you and when you told me that "you just wanted to make sure you're really alright" I was extremely happy to have a great friend like you. Then suddenly you were showing up at my place and eating my mom's brownies while we played games all night.''

''What are friends for.'' Naruto chimed in happily.

''That's something I never want to lose Naruto. Above all else, you're my closest friend. I appreciated everything you did for me, even if I didn't need it. A part of me felt like I was trying to give you Sakura, but that was wrong of me. I fucked that up. So I really don't want to mess this up. I knew that I liked you because, well – Itachi is, at least, was gay. My father prohibited him – he fell in love with his best friend and it all fell apart. So a lot of my understanding of my feelings comes from Itachi conveying his experiences with me. So I knew that I liked you the night you came over after dinner, and you told me that my mom was amazing and you missed yours. Since you were over at least once a week, my mom started asking me what meals you liked – she did that for Sakura too. She really likes you and I know it makes you happy too – I just want to make you happy like that all the time.''

During the conversation, Naruto had begun to set the table and as he poured their tea, the last words to escape the Uchiha's almost caused him to spill the entire saucer with the kettle. He stopped pouring, set it aside, and sat at the table, almost dumbstruck from the declaration still echoing in his head. It hit him hard – the power in Sasuke's voice sent a chill up his spine. Thoughts of his parents swelled up and their nostalgia mixed with his memories of that night. Naruto remembered it as well; it was the first time he genuinely missed his mother, enough to shed a few tears in that moment, with his best friend.

''Wow,'' He simply said and looked to Sasuke, not at all embarrassed by the blush across the bridge of his nose, as the other strolled over and sat across from him.

There was a lot for him to grasp, as the monologue settled on his soul and weighed down his thoughts. Sakura. Hinata. Now Sasuke. Naruto realized that he had many things left unresolved. Did he really want a relationship and a significant other? The mention of Sakura unsettled his heart. Did he still love her? Did she love him, or would she ever? Could he actually love Sasuke? Would Sasuke really make him happy?

''I really don't know what to say to that…I guess it's not really fair, I ask you all these things then I can't even think of what I should say.''

''It's okay, don't worry about it Naruto. It was liberating to say for me but I'm sure that it confuses a lot of things for you.''

With nothing to respond with, Naruto tried yet another inquiry – one that would require a careful but honest approach and thus far, Sasuke had impressed him with his patient and thoughtful side.

''How would we even be together though? It's not like we can be public about this…or us. And your father, you said that Itachi did exactly what you're doing right now…''

These were the hard questions they would have to face together, if they chose that path. So he asked them.

''I won't lie Naruto, it will be difficult for us. And yes, it amuses me to think that I am almost exactly like my brother. But he never regretted any of it and neither will I. We're at the prime of our competitive careers now. Great things are expected of us. And we're rivals. These are all things I've considered thoroughly and I can still sit here and tell you that I'm willing to keep us a secret from my entire family and still fight you in the championship ring without flinching.''

That was something new for Naruto to consider – if they became a couple, would he then possess Sasuke's resolve and fight his lover? How can you love and fight the same person?

''You could still take on this challenge? You still want to beat me and date me too?''

It sounded silly – competing against your rival, whom you also dated – none of it seemed possible when they would require the utmost secrecy as well. Until when? Would they even last, as a couple, until the tournament? So many people would shun them. Publically. Would they lose out on scholarships and endorsements? What about their friends and family? It seemed almost impossible to predict how certain individuals would react.

''Yes. I respect you enough not to let my emotions confuse how I feel about kendo. So even if we don't get anywhere with this, in a few months' time, I will still be able to face you in the finals just like we promised last year.''

The former world champion was none other than Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke's elder brother. Before him, Kakashi Hatake was champion, whom Jiraiya Uzumaki trained to precede him after holding the title for ten consecutive years. The depth of their families' roots in this sport was extensive. Fugaku Uchiha was keener on marital arts than kendo and so both of his children were properly trained to achieve their maximum potential. Naruto's education came from his studies abroad with his grandfather, who brought him, every summer, to elite temples and dojos across the world, where they would study diverse fighting techniques.

''I don't want to break that promise either. You and me in the finals.'' Naruto raised his cup in accordance with his statement and they toasted to the bond of their friendship and rivalry – the championship final. This would never be broken until they fought in the ring.

''How about I leave you alone with the questions then and we eat dinner before the broth gets cold.''

''Cheers to that too.'' Sasuke jeered and they were able to enjoy the meal peacefully.

Half way through his bowl, Naruto was already up and reaching for a second helping. ''More for you?'' he asked from the stove and Sasuke quickly finished the contents of his bowl, only to burp ''Yes, please.''

It contented Naruto that Sasuke agreed to more – he had not even realized this until he sat in his chair, pleasantly full, staring across at Sasuke who had not finished.

''That was fantastic, thanks for dinner.'' Sasuke's compliment added to Naruto's elated feeling and the blonde tried to wave it off bashfully.

''Well, before dessert, I do kinda have one last thing to ask,'' Naruto began, as he cleared the table and brought the dishes to the sink.

''Go for it,'' Sasuke replied; he took in a deep breath to help keep himself calm and collected. Every question, earlier, caused a heavy thud in his chest or butterflies in his stomach because each one could potentially determine the outcome of his decision.

''What do you want from a relationship… I mean, my only relationship was short lived in middle school – we broke up when I left to train that summer. But you and Sakura had a system – you could be open in public, hold hands, hug, and not a single person would care…''

''I want someone to hold again – someone to talk to that isn't related to me – I want a companion that will play video games with me and accept that I have a hectic schedule and lifestyle. I want someone to work with me – and I know that you're the person I want to try with. You already have all of the above qualifications. So to me, you will always be my brother, my best friend, my rival, and now, I want a partner to stand beside me. I can't really tell you about all the other…stuff…because I don't know either. That's something you learn together, as a couple. We couldn't be open all the time, I know, but I won't lie either – I like the idea of a secret.''

From all these questions, the information he requested was all genuinely delivered, leaving Naruto to decipher if his own feelings could mingle harmoniously with Sasuke's. This was his decision now.

''You gonna start sending me dirty texts then in private?'' Naruto jested – it was his only resort; his laughter helped ease their tension and pulled away from the intensity of their conversation.

''…maybe.'' Sasuke replied, almost inaudibly and instantly changed the subject; Naruto had a knack apparently for bringing up awkward subjects. ''How about some ice cream then.''

Sasuke retrieved the container from the freezer and Naruto procured cones. The ice cream was left wrapped in its brown cardboard box on the counter and Sasuke gestured for Naruto to reveal the flavor inside. His blue eyes instantly lit up and he grinned sheepishly.

''Thanks Sasuke, you got my favorite!'' He excitedly made a ridiculous cone for himself and Sasuke insisted on making himself a moderately sized one.

It surprised him when Naruto said, ''Let's go watch the sunset from my balcony,'' between mouthfuls of ice cream and Sasuke was glad that Naruto was not paying enough attention to notice that his cheeks were darkening. ''Sure.''

Sasuke had visited the balcony before; the same two lounge chairs were set up to overlook some of the city. It was warm under the setting sun. They stood there for several moments, simply enjoying their dessert in silence.

Naruto distracted himself with the passerby's down below – for now, his thoughts could wait, or he would internally drown in them. He was thankful for Sasuke, who had taken a seat and stretched out comfortably.

''Do you remember the first time we ever actually hung out together, outside of class? After that fight, we were both at the beach birthday party for Shikamaru and I remember Jiraiya dropped you off. But your dad was late to pick you up. My mom, Itachi, and I waited with you. We were dueling with sticks when Itachi wanted ice cream from the vendor. So we had ice cream cones in the park just as Minato and Jiraiya arrived for you.''

''I know,'' Naruto smiled fondly as he savored the last bite of his cone. ''I remember that day because that was the day I decided mango ice cream was my favorite. ''

Naruto joined him and relaxed in the opposite chair, as they reminisced. The light breeze was refreshing; it slowly began to cool down the temperature. The sun, almost fully set, cast a last dying golden hue on the balcony. The soft light still on Naruto's face made him beautiful. He looked incredibly handsome to Sasuke in that moment. The Uchiha wanted to reach out and touch his warm cheek. His revelation meant a lot to Sasuke, who was proud to remember so much about his best friend.

''You wrote my mom a thank you note the next day.''

''Oh yea, I did. My mom told me too. That was when she was sick and couldn't leave the house anymore. She said that your mom was a very nice person and deserved a nice note of appreciation.'' It took him a moment but the memory came back to his mind, in a rush of gentle warmth that reminded him of his mother.

''Your mom sounded like a very wise woman.''

''Thanks, Sasuke. I appreciate that.''

''Can I get that on paper?'' The Uchiha quipped instantly and they both began to laugh.

''Nice one,'' Naruto retorted and puzzled Sasuke as he stood up and dashed off inside his bedroom. ''Be right back,'' his date shouted from the adjoining piece.

Naruto sauntered back over to Sasuke, much to the other's amusement, and gave him a small, folded piece of paper. Dark eyes read over the words, you will always have my appreciation, with his name below and the quick sketch of a smiley face.

''Now you have one just like your mom's,'' Naruto said and earned another chuckle from his friend.

''Thanks.'' Sasuke lightly blushed.

They both realized then that the sunset was over, as the unwelcomed darkness of the evening invaded the private balcony.

''So, movie time?''

Sasuke nodded and rose to his feet. Naruto lead him inside again, through his bedroom and to the entertainment room. They decided on an action film rather quickly, Naruto had a massive collection of martial arts movies. When Naruto sat back down though, he did not turn off the lights or press play. He stared down at the remote, fidgeting with the rubber buttons.

''This is going to sound…well… instead of it being awkward and us hesitating…Sasuke,'' Naruto trailed off as he laughed nervously. He had not looked up yet. He could not. Another one of these moments. Why were they so hard to articulate? He fixated his hands. This question was staining his cheeks too dark of a red to face Sasuke.

''Can we kiss?''

Naruto declared, as he braced himself, almost in anticipation but mostly in fear, as his statement was left unanswered. Finally, his azure eyes peeped open and glanced up and across the couch.

Once he caught Naruto's eyes, Sasuke never let him break contact. ''Why do you want to kiss me – how about we start with that.''

''You would rather talk about kissing, than actually kiss? That's a first.'' Naruto avoided the question. Sasuke snorted at the dodgy comment and his scowl forced the blonde to frown, as he decided to think over the appropriate response.

''I just…I don't know, okay. I figured that since we're already best friends, we have these great talks, and on the balcony just now… being gay, to me, means kissing you and seeing if I like it. How else will I know if there's chemistry? I have to see if I really am attracted to you in that way, so I can try and understand the rest.''

''You have to feel it though. This is more than just desire even. I like you enough to want…well…us.''

''That's a lot right there for me to even think about again…the idea of us together like that. I mean, I know that you're an attractive person, but you're a guy and that still seems strange to me. I just feel like I'll know more if we do now. So then I'll know if I'm forcing it to be there for you or if it really is there…''

Sasuke hesitated. He did not want their first kiss to be an experiment. His imagination drew something more natural and momentous. Perhaps spontaneous. This was forced and judged. It upset his own feelings but he recognized that if Naruto needed a kiss, in order to align his emotions behind it, then he could accept one free kiss. On one condition.

''Naruto, I will only do this if you promise me that the next time we kiss, if there even is a next time, that you won't kiss me until you're absolutely serious about me and us.''

The blonde stared at Sasuke silently and the blush that appeared across the bridge of his best friend's nose was adorable to him. He sounded absolutely stern but his cheeks betrayed his serious face. Naruto smiled at him and his audacious grin and quirked eyebrow could only mean one thing.

''Okay Sasuke, I can agree to your term.''

This was important to him. He did not want to hurt his best friend and mislead him. The idea only struck him because sitting outside with Sasuke, in that wonderfully romantic moment made him want to reach out and…

Naruto slid over on the couch until their knees touched; he decided that there was no point in awkwardly shuffling around anymore. He asked for this. His lips curled into a confident smile – and Sasuke thought, in that moment – there it is, that beautiful smile – but as he finished blinking, Naruto was right there, a breath away from him, ready to steal a kiss from his unsuspecting mouth. His eyes settled on the intense blue pair for a second before Naruto closed his and kissed him.

The sudden darkness and newfound lips were overwhelmingly warm, like a heatwave tingling all of his senses. Time almost stopped. Breathing felt impossible. Sasuke pressed into the embrace fully, leaving Naruto almost just as numb.

As they parted, Naruto realized that he was lingering in the moment, close enough to Sasuke to hear his uneven breathing. He instantly wanted to do it again. There was nothing different about it. Kissing a guy… his heart was pounding wildly in his ears. He bit his lip, knowing that his face was on fire but it was so hard to pull away and actually look at his best friend now that it was over.

''Your ears get really red when you're embarrassed Naruto.''

The words hung in the air for a moment before Naruto's brain could even register them. He understood that Sasuke was trying to relieve the after tension of such a brazen idea, but he sounded so smug.

''Don't poke fun at me.'' He stuck his tongue out, which did not earn him a frown, as he expected; something he had never seen on Sasuke face before surfaced and he knew it had to be desire.

Naruto could only laugh as he tugged on his warm earlobes. It did not happen often for him to feel so shy and embarrassed suddenly. Sasuke had a habit of bringing that out in him. Not since his last year before high school had his whole face burned such a bright crimson red.

''I'll tell you the first time I blushed like this if you tell me something embarrassing about yourself too.''

Sasuke smirked and shook his head, ''Sure, why not.'' He thought about it for a second. ''In second grade, I was supposed to be a samurai king, in our class play, and the minute I got up on stage, I forgot all my lines, panicked, and…'' He trailed off, leaving Naruto in suspense. ''And threw up all over Ino Yamanaka, who was my queen.''

''As if I've never heard of this…'' Naruto burst out into peals of laughter. ''Ino, of all people! She practically worships you now! So priceless. Did someone film this? Please tell me someone has this for me to see.''

''That's not part of the deal.'' Sasuke said irately. Just telling Naruto was enough. He did not need to see Sakura's parents' home video of his awful performance that day.

''But now I know it exists!'' There was a maniacal undertone to Naruto's evil chuckles, but Sasuke's glare reminded him that it was now his turn to provide a story. ''Okay, okay.'' The blonde sighed and began to sulk, before he even recited the memory. ''In 4th grade, I had a girlfriend named Shion. Well, I had finally built up the courage to ask her for a kiss, my first kiss, and she said yes, so we did – but then the teacher caught us, behind the trees in the school yard and we both got detention for it. So I turned really red and so did Shion, as we were paraded in front of our classmates.''

''Detention for kissing.'' Sasuke began to laugh, ''It has a nice ring to it.''

''At least I don't puke on people.'' Naruto said smugly; his retort, however, was matched with equal wit from Sasuke, ''this from the person who threw up all over the track after chugging expired milk last year before gym class.''

''Please don't remind me of that. Gai sensei still does, every single time he sees me drinking milk in the cafeteria.''

They sat in the silence, after their laughter expired, serenely realizing that there were still things they did not know about each other. ''Anything else I should know about you, Naruto? I guess I'm not your first kiss.''

''Nope, third.'' He smirked.

''Ha, funny. You're my third too.''

''Oh really?'' Naruto's eyebrow quirked high above the curious azure orbs. ''Who else, other than Sakura?''

Sasuke sighed. There was no point hiding this shameful secret. ''Karin.''

''Why am I not surprised?''

''Your sarcasm is not appreciated Naruto.'' Sasuke's expression hardened. His story was not finished.

''Okay, okay. I get it. Not very good, was it?''

''Not at all. Even before I was with Sakura, after our first graduation ceremony, Karin jumped into my arms and kissed me. No one saw, but I refused her all that summer before high school until she stopped asking.''

''I'm sure Sakura must have been nicer to kiss than Karin, or even Shion.''

There it was – another awkward moment – Sasuke could feel it. He did not want to talk about Sakura, not to Naruto, who adored her and pined for her over two years. But then again, his next question made Naruto uneasy as well.

''Who is your second?''

''Hinata.'' Naruto said.

It had only happened just yesterday. Another subject they had yet to discuss. Naruto himself had not yet even resolved the issue.

Although it seemed utterly natural to sit and share past stories with Sasuke, there was still some uncharted and uneasy territory between them.

Sasuke refused to let the information bother him but his mood darkened, nonetheless. He knew that regardless of the night before, this morning Naruto agreed to their date. Even if they had just kissed…

''Her father told her she had to leave early, so as she finished talking to him, she just sorta did what Karin did and we kissed.'' Naruto tried to reassure him, and without even realizing it, reached for Sasuke's hand to hold. ''I'm sorry that that bothers you and I get it. I'm not going to hurt anyone, okay? I promise.'' He really did not want to ruin the end of their date with confessions and Sasuke appreciated the sentiment. ''I know.'' He said, staring at Naruto's hand. He laced their fingers together and he pressed the play button for their movie. ''I think we've said enough for one night…''

Naruto smiled at the bold gesture and sat there, blushing again, enjoying the first martial art scenes, with their hands resting between them. This he could do. Holding hands was simple. It was his way of returning the favor for the kiss. Sasuke would sometimes brush his thumb along the top of Naruto's hand and the tanned digit would return the caress, but Naruto always squeezed their fingers together hard when he got excited. Even so, once the ending credits began to roll, it felt strange to disconnect their meshing, as it left them cold. It was nice…Naruto mused to himself.

As they walked down the hallway, towards the front door, they discussed martial arts, but both were really thinking of how the night would end. There was no way he could kiss Sasuke again, not now. He already knew that he would spend half the night just thinking about what happened. The question still remained; should they schedule another date – a proper one without the discussion of the intense implications of their actions.

''Hey Naruto, I was just thinking that…well, I don't want to rush this. I want you to take all the time you need to think about it. Then, if you want to try again, we can go out on an actual date.''

The blonde sighed in relief as he replied, ''Thanks. I know that I'm going to need some time, so I appreciate your patience yet again.'' His smile was genuine and that helped provide comfort for Sasuke as well.

''So we're good then?'' The Uchiha asked. He was standing in the door way now, ready to depart.

''Of course. Thanks for a great night.'' Again, Naruto tried not to blush, but could not help it. His sheepish look made Sasuke laugh. ''Good night Sasuke.''

Naruto stepped up to Sasuke with open arms; only as he hugged him, did he say quietly, ''We haven't hugged it out like this since our mothers made us do it that day, you know.''

His response was an even tighter embrace; Sasuke wrapped his arms around his best friend and breathed in the moment deeply. Everything felt right for him – almost perfect.

''There are a lot of things I would still like to say to you, but for now, I'm just going to say good night Naruto.''

As the embrace ended, Naruto watched Sasuke walk out through the apartment door. A part of him wanted to look out into the hall and see him again for one last second and it genuinely surprised him that as he did, Sasuke was looking back as well.

-=TBC=-

Now don't you all feel really spoiled? I know I loved it. Review and show me love too.