Disclaimers: I did not create Naruto nor did I make Beauty & The Beast- a sad fact, but still a fact. This is purely a SasuNaru fanfic using someone else's characters.

Beauty & The Beast: A D-Rank Mission

Chapter 13

D~,'~~~

"You.. actually brought in a tub."

The director smiled. "The play should feel authentic to the audience and to the actors. That is how we get the most dazzling performances!"

The man leapt with a twirl and a flourish of his handkerchief, a dramatic half-laugh fell from open lips. A small group applauded from seemingly no where.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the display, then went back to what he was saying.

"Ok.. but you actually want me to be in a bath.. with water."

"Is there another way to take a bath?"

Sasuke deadpanned. "Why wouldn't we just pretend? Doesn't that mean everything I'm wearing will get soaking wet?"

"We'll dry you off." The director looked over his shoulder, "Belle!"

Naruto looked up. "Hmm?"

"You are on drying duty."

Sasuke stared at him, horrified.

"Drying duty?" Naruto tilted his head. "So what- you want me to rub something down? Or make something hot?"

Sasuke choked. The director smirked.

"Let's say both."

"Ok! On it! What am I rubbing?"

"Sasuke."

"Ehhh?!"

D~,'~~~

"I'm not sure I can do this", Sasuke mumbled.

The director had won, and now he was sitting in a tub of warm water, completely clothed in his beast costume, feeling ridiculous. It didn't help that Naruto kept snickering at him from the side of the stage.

Why is it that I only ever want to kiss him or kill him?

.. ok, and maybe a few other things in between.

"You don't have time to be timid!" the candelabra exclaimed with his best French accent. "You must be bold. Daring."

"Bold. Daring." Sasuke repeated.

He lifted himself from the tub, and leaned his head back as he ran his fingers through his wet hair. All of the women in the crew, and a handful of the men, squealed at the sight of him.

Sakura's squeals were immediately recognizable, because as usual they were the loudest. Oh my GOD!! Look at him! His clothes clinging to that muscular body, dripping wet! Eeeeeee!! He's so dreamy!

Kakashi walked by and very casually lifted Naruto's chin up, closing his mouth for him. Naruto blinked, then turned to look at him.

"I wonder what was so captivating to you, Naruto."

He glanced over at Sasuke, then blushed a deep shade of red, much to his sensei's delight. "No! I was just- well I was-"

"Drooling. Yes, I noticed."

Naruto looked overwhelmingly embarrassed and a little horrified. "No! That's not-"

"Don't worry, Naruto. It's not a big deal. After all.." Kakashi smiled, his devilish grin obscured behind his mask. "-he stares too."

Naruto eyes shot over to him, wider than ever. "What? What are you saying..?"

Kakashi tilted his head. "Aren't you supposed to be on drying duty?"

"Oh shit!"

Kakashi watched the blonde run off, stumbling over his robe as he went.

Off to warm up the Beast. Though, I have a feeling it won't take much to do that..

The silver-haired jonin/ match-maker grinned and walked off, on the lookout for a better spot to watch from.

D~,'~~~

"Naruto- stop."

"But I'm supposed to-"

"Hey! Will you just- hey! Stop that!"

"Old Man Director said I'm on drying duty!"

"Dobe- he was freaking messing with you! Just-" he tried to wrench the towel out of the blonde's stubborn hands, "give me the damn towel!"

Naruto pulled it away from him, then rubbed it against Sasuke's chest again, trying to dry off the fur vest he was wearing.

He paused. "This doesn't make sense."

"Jesus- finally. The dobe sees reason."

Naruto nodded. "You're probably wet under the vest too."

Completely focused on the task at hand, he reached out and unzipped the vest, exposing Sasuke's naked torso. Dark eyes widened as Naruto pulled the vest back and started drying off his chest.

"What the hell are you doing?!!"

Naruto ignored him, now moving to dry off his stomach.

Sasuke's hand snapped out and grabbed the blonde's wrist, forcing him to stop.

"Sasuke, would you just-"

"Naruto." Sasuke's voice was low and husky, and Naruto froze at the sound of it. "Stop."

"What did I-"

"If you don't stop I won't be able to-" Sasuke clenched his jaw tight, forcing back the impulse to shove Naruto to the ground and mount him.

"Ahh! Sasuke, let go!"

He hadn't realized how hard he had been holding onto him. Sasuke quickly released Naruto, and watched the blonde massage his wrist.

"I- uhh- I've got to.. go." Sasuke pushed away from him and raced across the stage and out the door.

Naruto stared after him, trying to figure out what he did wrong.

Ok, yeah- it was a little awkward, he admitted. But I was just doing what the Old Man Director asked me to.

It wasn't.. I didn't..

Naruto bit his lip.

But.. maybe part of me wanted to.. he shook his head. No.. no. I was just doing my job. It wasn't because I..

He stared after the door Sasuke had run out of.

.. Was it?

D~,'~~~

Author Note:

I know- another short chapter. Aren't I just the worst? ;) I hope you continue to come back for more though- and that are enjoying what I have come up with so far.

Ok, onto chapter 14~