They would never truly know it, but they saved him. His precious kids who showed him how to live again. Although he stumbled, making mistake after mistake.
One of those precious children looked at him with unconcealed hope pouring from him.
Kakashi absorbed the news with a neutral face, looking at his student, who looked like he had already made up his mind.
"You want to travel… with Sasuke-" He spoke slowly. "-for a year?"
His hopelessly in love student nodded vigorously, "I've been thinking- it'd be great to just take a break from all this. You can send missions our way, so it's not like I won't be working, and I have a teleportation mark in my apartment if things go wrong and you need me back soon-" Naruto spoke fast, as if he had a limited time to convince him of his plan. "-I can do a lot of good still while traveling. Besides, I feel like I need to see and understand the world outside of-"
"Naruto." The boy, well, he was more a man now, but Kakashi would always see him as a little kid, quietened at the sound of his name. "Has something changed? Between you and Sasuke?" He knew both Naruto and Sakura well. Knew their tells when they were hiding something. Naruto would always tug on his ear, shuffling from one side to the next.
"Why- why do you think that?" Red ears, and a slight tremble in his voice. Naruto was too honest in nature to lie.
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, "Did one of you finally confess?"
The blonde spluttered, cheeks red and eyes bulging, "What? Why- what, no." He gave him a long look until Naruto began shuffling uncomfortably again. "Okay fine!" He threw his hands up. "We're dating." He narrowed his eyes at Kakashi. "Why is it that almost everyone just knew we-" He cut himself off, clearly bashful.
It was adorable.
"If anyone spends more than ten minutes with you, they'll know."
"Okay, anyway, can I please get leave to go?"
"So, you want me to let you- my successor, travel the ninja world with your boyfriend- who the elders distrust, on some romantic journey?"
"It's not a roman-" He cut himself off. "-you know what? Yeah, that's exactly what I want."
Kakashi let the silence linger after that. He already knew his answer since the moment Naruto had asked him.
"Okay."
"Oka-wait what?"
He laughed, "Why are you so surprised?"
"What about me being the world's hero and the future Hokage and all that stuff you guys have been drilling into my head?"
Kakashi stood up, turning to the window, gesturing for Naruto to stand next to him, where they could look out on the entire village. The blonde obeyed, around Kakashi's height now. Time truly was fleeting. He blinked, and the little boy who yelled at him for being late was now an adult. A man who had so many characteristics of people he loved dearly. Minato, Kushina, Obito… Naruto appears to embody them all.
"Being a ninja is very different from being Hokage." Kakashi began with careful consideration, watching the light touch their village. Civilians making their living, children running the streets, and the ninja, protecting them. "A ninja just follows orders. The Hokage not only gives those orders but is responsible for whether or not it is successful." He could feel Naruto watching him. After all these years, despite everything, there were still moments like these. Moments where Naruto wanted his guidance. " This entire village will be your responsibility. Every person in it, every child as well. You will be its protector. And in turn, the entire Fire Country becomes yours to protect as well. It is…" What was the best way to describe it? "…very fragile. All of it. One mistake from you could cost hundreds of lives. Thousands too. Once you become Hokage, there is no undoing it. Years of your life will be dedicated to protecting this place." He opened the window to let in some air; it was windier than usual. "Even if you feel despondent at times."
A rustle of wind that carried fallen leaves.
"Konoha has done some really messed-up stuff," Naruto spoke, having caught a leaf. "There's a lot I don't know how to fully forgive." Twisting it between his fingertips. "But, I do know that there is so much worth protecting as well. So many good people who could genuinely make this place better. So many of my own friends are much better than those of the past. Children, who are bright-eyed and hold the key to the future." He let the wind steal back the greenery. "I will always want to protect that Kakashi-sensei. I want to make this place better. To create a village where children can be children." He let his words stew. "You don't need to worry about me becoming despondent as long-"
"As you have Sasuke?" Kakashi finished for him, quirking his lips up.
Naruto gave him a hopeless smile in return, "I can't give him up Sensei. I need him like I need air. All those years chasing him, all the nights I lay awake thinking of him, every time my chest constricted and I felt like I was dying because all I wanted was him… it was all because I was so desperately in love with him. I want to be Hokage. That hasn't changed. I want to change the world. I want to make it better. But, I need this."
His tone was sure, no second thoughts. Naruto was the will of fire.
"I understand Naruto. That's why I agree. Not too long ago, I may have said no, but… I think you need this too. Before you become Hokage and are forever rooted to this place." It was only fair. He has already done so much more than he should have. Taking on responsibilities normally only given to the Hokage. Preparing for this role in a manner none of the Hokages had done before. When he spoke next, he made sure to sound as gentle as possible. "What do you plan to do if Sasuke never wants to be rooted in this place? If he never calls Konoha home?"
He needed to probe Naruto on this. To ensure the blonde understood that there might never be a reality where the dark-haired man they all cared for stayed.
His young student made a thoughtful sound, staring ahead at the village he had sworn to lay his life down for.
"I'll just wait. Whenever he comes, I'll be here. And whenever he leaves, I'll still be here."
Clasping a hand on his shoulder, Kakashi turned him around, "And would you be happy, Naruto?" After leading such a lonely life.
A crack across the sunny persona, allowing him to see the vulnerability that lies beneath all the smiles.
"Happier than I would be if I didn't have him at all."
Sakura slammed a book on his counter, looking at him with steely eyes.
"What is going on?" He questioned after refilling Hotaru's bowl. It was still shocking how big she was. The scared kitten who was on the verge of death was now strong and healthy. Maybe time truly does heal all. He was really going to miss her once he had to leave again. He moved to the other side of the counter, becoming suspicious as she slid the book across to him.
"You need to read this." The pink-haired woman said, and he picked it up, reading the title with little interest. Until it registered to him, and his ears began burning.
Anatomy and Intimacy: A Medic's Guide to Intimacy between men.
"Sakura."
The slight tint to her cheeks did indicate her embarrassment, but her determination was stronger. Much to his despair.
"You need to read this now that you and Naruto are together-"
He refused to let his own shyness around the topic show, speaking through gritted teeth.
"I don't need you to teach me about sex, Sakura." It was a testament to how far they've come that she barely flinched at his harsh tone.
Rolling her green eyes, she just scoffed at him, "Don't take it so personally, Sasuke-kun. When Sai and Ino started dating, I made sure Ino knew everything she had to ensure safe se-"
"Please, please stop talking." His tone could almost be considered begging. Almost.
"I did the same with Hinata-" His mood soured. "-And Naruto. In fact, I gave him the talk again a few days ago since sex with a man is very diff-"
"You did what!?" He knew his face was a picture of absolute horror, and he failed to conceal the flush spreading to his face now.
"You're being really immature about this." She clicked her tongue. "Which I figured you would be… so that's why I got a book for you instead."
"And just why do you think it is your place to do this?"
"Because I am the only medic ninja, the only doctor amongst our friends? And as a doctor, I've seen and heard some awful stories, so yeah, I take it upon myself to ensure my idiot friends are educated."
"You are a very nosy person." He stated, but she just shrugged, a rueful smile accompanying it. He glared at the book as if it offended him. It was annoying to admit, but he didn't know much about sex between men and women, much less two men. With a sound of complete suffering, he took the book and made sure to hide it in his bedroom, where the moron would not find it. Sakura was clearly pleased with his cooperation. "I cannot believe you spoke to Naruto about this stuff."
"Trust me, he was worse than you. All embarrassed and gawking, but the two of you do a lot of acting without thinking, so it was a necessary evil."
They weren't doing much 'acting'. After the intense moment after their movie date, nothing on that scale has occurred; the sharp edge of their desire was placated briefly. He wasn't too sure if Naruto was regretting it now, knowing that they had never intended to escalate things like they did… All he knew was that his blonde idiot never went below the belt. Sasuke was surprised by how much it frustrated him.
"It's really weird you concern yourself so much with this." He pointed out.
"Again, it's my doctor brain. I just want to make sure the people I am close to are okay. And I have the expertise for it."
He considered her words. Sakura was always looking out for everyone. Him, Naruto, Ino, even Hinata… Looking at her now, he saw a woman at ease with herself. Confident and self-assured. He remembers a Sakura who cried easily, and was always dependant on them. A sense of pride blossomed inside him. She has come so far and achieved so much. Sasuke, next to Naruto and Sakura, who were so painfully bright, was a pale shadow. A looming stain. Still all twisted and sharp points.
"You would have made a good older sister."
The words surprised them both. He watched her startled expression morph into a soft understanding.
"Thank you… I kinda always wanted a younger sibling, but my parents struggled with conceiving. And my birth was actually difficult." Sakura confided. He never knew this information. Sometimes he forgot she had a life outside of Team Seven. A family. Had he ever met her family? Had Naruto? "Though Naruto more than makes up for it. He was like an annoying younger brother."
"If we ignore the massive crush he had on you."
She laughed, "How times have changed, huh? Now, he is stupidly in love with you." She teased, reaching over to poke him in the cheek, which he evaded.
"He is very stupid for that."
Her gaze softened into something more sincere. A gentle coaxing in them. He realized in that moment that Sakura was truly someone very dear to him. He always knew he cared. But now that they had moved on from her unrequited feelings, and they were able to be friends, he found great affection for her. After Naruto, she was probably the only other person he held so dearly.
"Don't hurt him, okay?"
He wanted to say he wouldn't. But he wasn't too sure himself. Knew that there were so many ways you could unintentionally hurt someone you loved. Itachi was the perfect example. He had held Sasuke so tenderly growing up, and with those same hands, broken him.
"Don't hurt yourself either. As long as you choose your own happiness, you won't hurt Naruto."
The meaning behind those words was crystal clear. Something he was still barely fathoming. Naruto's happiness depended on him. His happiness depended on Naruto.
Should anyone's happiness depend solely on one person?
His hands squeezed Sasuke's hips one last time before pulling away to breathe. The raven's chest heaved underneath him, and his heart could be felt from where he had pressed against him a few seconds ago. He loved when their chests pressed together, their heartbeats vibrating into one another. Each hard thump felt like a desperate attempt to tear out of his skin and reach Sasuke's heart.
He sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and then pressed gentle, chaste kisses on it before moving to pepper the rest of Sasuke's face with the affectionate touch. Stopping at the sensitive curve of Sasuke's neck, his tongue betrayed him, wanting to taste the man once more. He could not help but rejoice at how responsive his boyfriend was to this, his teeth wanting to sink into that flesh again. It scared him how much he got this urge to possess Sasuke. To bite and scratch and bruise until every inch of Sasuke's skin bore Naruto's love for him.
Pulling away, he sat up, Sasuke's one leg was slumped off the couch, while Naruto had tried his best to kneel on the cushiony surface without slipping off. He closed his eyes, trying to calm down, much too tempted by how inviting Sasuke looked, only opening them when Sasuke moved to sit up as well, eyes moving from Naruto's lips to his eyes. A hand twisted into his black shirt, tugging him forward so their lips molded together once more.
Temptation was the hardest thing to resist.
Mouths opening and tongues meeting, making that desire to devour stronger. Ever since he and Sasuke had rutted against each other after their date, he was more ravenous than ever. All the things he wanted to do to the man in his arms…
The last thing he wanted was to scare Sasuke away with all the ways in which he wanted to debauch him.
More than that, Sasuke was a virgin. Before, when he thought Sasuke had been with others, he felt pressured to live up to his past experiences. But this was much more anxiety-inducing. Making sure when they eventually crossed that line, that it would be perfect. It's what Sasuke deserved. Naruto wanted to make love to him.
It had him feeling nervous.
He moved back again, pressing one more sweet kiss, before getting up. Stretching until he heard a crack and smiling down at Sasuke.
"I am starved. Wanna go out to eat something?"
Sasuke watched him strangely, eyes slitted as he regarded him with such intensity, it had him squirming on the spot.
"Kissed you so good, you're still out of it, yeah?" It was his smart reply that got him a pillow thrown at him.
"I've had better."
He sputtered in disbelief, and maybe a tiny bit of jealousy, "You're lying!" He pushed Sasuke back down when the bastard tried to get back up. "You haven't even kissed anyone besides me and- and-" Saying his name was enough of a sour pill for Naruto.
"Arata? Well, he is older than us. Much more experienced too-"
When he kissed the dark-haired man again, it was more punishing. Retribution for those cruel words of his. Hand on his throat with the other one in those silky strands, he tugged Sasuke's head back and slid his tongue against his in a manner that had Sasuke gasping into his mouth.
They parted with lips all spit-slicked.
"You liked that?" Moved back up again, hand moving too- around to the nape of his neck. This was where the seal of oppression would have been, had he agreed to do it. With a wicked grin, he made sure Sasuke saw, and he leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "Learned that with Hinata."
He yelped as Sasuke jabbed him in the side sharply at the comment, jumping up when the jerk continued his assault, looking murderous.
"So, you're allowed to mention someone you've been with, but when I do it-"
"Sorry, I don't want to hear about your girlfriend of eight fucking months. A girl whom people theorized you would marry." Sasuke hissed, mood clearly ruined.
"Marry? We were definitely not anywhere close to marriage!" He defended himself.
"Society seemed to think you were."
"Yeah, well, since when do these people know anything!"
Sasuke's face screwed up in that angry expression he did when he was about to say something hurtful, but he let a breath out between his teeth, "Let's just go out to eat before I actually do murder you."
Naruto pouted while they walked, feeling very miffed at the double standards Sasuke held. The bastard was steaming beside him, glaring ahead. To his annoyance, he was actually starting to feel guilty, as if Sasuke had not started it. With August almost being over, summer was leaving, making the temperatures not as overwhelmingly hot.
Villagers smiled when they passed, most only giving Sasuke a wary look here and there. Not that Sasuke noticed with the fire burning in his eyes.
"Where are we going to eat?" He questioned, and then became pissed off when the jerk said nothing else. He stopped walking and let out an agitated sound when Sasuke continued, ignoring him. Naruto hated being ignored.
A few hurried steps forward, and he was yanking Sasuke back by the hand, making him almost stumble into Naruto. His dark-haired boyfriend snatched his hand back.
"We're in public, Naruto." He snapped. Naruto just smiled brightly at the people who shot them concerned glances.
"And? I am just tugging my best friend's hand. My best friend, who is being an asshole and ignoring me."
"If you wanted someone who would dote on you every second, maybe you should have stayed with Hinata."
Naruto gritted his teeth, temper rising. He gripped Sasuke's wrist harshly and began dragging him through Konoha's streets, uncaring of the people who looked their way. The bastard yanked a few times, trying to twist out of his hold, but soon figured out, Naruto was not letting him go. He always won against Sasuke when it came to brute strength.
They reached Ichiraku's- decided by him, which was thankfully empty except for one customer. It was even bigger now, having a few booths. Without wasting any more time, he pushed Sasuke into one of the more private booths, caging him in as he sat down too. Sasuke just glared at the wall, arms crossed and facing away from Naruto.
He was such a drama queen.
Naruto was so in love with this emotionally constipated idiot.
"I'm going to go put our orders through." He stated, getting that nostalgic 'hn' in response. With the patience that came with loving someone like Sasuke, he left it at that, putting their usual orders through while casually chatting to Ayame, and then going back to his brooding boyfriend.
At least now he would get food at the end of this conversation.
Slinking back beside him, he tried to figure out what to say. When they were friends, they would take jabs at each other all the time. Apologies were rarely needed. Now, everything was more sensitive. The romantic nature of their bond made it all the more heightened.
"You're being unfair, ya know." He said, triggering Sasuke to turn around, anger still present.
"Arata was a joke-"
"So was what I said about Hinata!"
"You dated her. It's different."
Naruto didn't think it was that much different until he thought of how much worse he'd feel if Sasuke had dated that bartender.
"Maybe, but mentioning Arata still fucking sucked. You know how I reacted to that situation."
They were arguing in shouted whispers. The bite mark on Sasuke was fading more and more now, but still a present reminder. Both of them needed to learn where the boundary lies now. Where they were still allowed to push and where they needed to relent.
"And you with Hinata for months sucked."
"Sasuke." He all but whined, shuffling closer to him and physically turning the man to face him. His boyfriend's hair was down, covering his ears and resulting in more bangs covering his face. Naruto pushed it out of the way, loving it when he could see his face properly. All the sharp angles and carefully constructed beauty. He knew Sasuke had no idea of the magnitude of his beauty. Naruto was weak to it and unable to stay angry for long.
"Do not kiss me." His face heated at Sasuke's clear warning. "You look like you're about to kiss me."
"I really want to."
"We're in-"
"-Public, yes, yes." That didn't stop him from tucking the jerk's hair behind his ears, fingers tracing the piercings.
"Naruto."
"I'm sorry, okay? Hinata is-" Sasuke glowered. "-clearly a sensitive topic for you…which-" that last word was higher in volume due to the way the man before him twisted his face. "-is fine! Because I am sensitive about Arata, too! We just gotta learn how to deal with it…"
Their friendship may be strong, their love even stronger, but a new relationship was a delicate thing. They needed to tread lightly. To learn who they were as romantic partners to one another. While his friendship with Sasuke had just as much value, there was an obsessive intensity that came with giving your heart to someone. A vulnerability, when you choose to share half of your life with another person. Because this was for life, they both knew this. Their souls had bonded years ago, and that kiss in the rain had entangled them even more. The way in which he loved Sasuke was all-consuming. It was an affection that felt more like another need that he needed to fulfill. A part of him knew that the blind devotion he felt towards Sasuke was far from normal. But he found that he did not care. He would jump into the pits of hell for Sasuke without hesitation.
Even if he knew Sasuke had gone there willingly.
Even when he was being a pain in the ass.
"I'm…" Sasuke began, then seemed to redirect his thoughts. "…I shouldn't have goaded you with Arata." His lips pulled into a pout now. Not that Sasuke would ever admit it. Naruto felt endeared. He leaned closer, the space between them another temptation.
"So, we're all good now?" He poked Sasuke in the side, grinning when he got the usual reaction.
"Yes, Naruto. We're all good."
"Yes!" He exclaimed loudly. "I really didn't wanna eat Ichiraku's while we were fighting. It'd ruin the taste, ya know." Their legs were pressed closely together.
"I feel like I should be upset by that, but I am not surprised, so whatever, I guess."
"Your lack of appreciation for Ichiraku's cuts me deeply."
"With how devoted you are, I don't think they need anyone else."
"It's not about that. It's about taste!"
Sasuke made sure to give him a long look, "I suppose I do have questionable taste."
"Hey!" He yelled, tickling the bastard's sides, wanting to kiss him when he laughed in response.
What a view it was. To see Sasuke like this. Sometimes he woke up from a nightmare where he was still chasing Sasuke, forgetting he was no longer missing. It would feel so real. That gripping anxiety that he would never save Sasuke. That all his best friend would ever know was a life of suffering. That Naruto had failed him. If Naruto was asked to describe the extent of his affection for Sasuke, it was like he had another heart. Except this time, it was outside of him. But it wasn't supposed to be. Which was why whenever they were apart, it felt wrong. Unnatural. His body yearned for the other part of his soul to return to him.
There was a reason Sakura had given him calming medication and teas when Sasuke left again. He had an onslaught of panic attacks; the separation had felt like he was being torn in half. It was more than just missing someone. The word was much too small to encapsulate what he felt when Sasuke was not at his side. A more accurate description would be the world tilting on its axis, stealing his balance and his sanity.
Hence, going with Sasuke was the only conclusion. They needed this time together. Naruto needed it.
He just needed to find the right time to approach Sasuke with it.
Sasuke snuck into the dungeons. Very similar to the prison he had been kept in. Similar to the room he had been tortured in. The scars on his ankle and elbow ached.
Bypassing their security was tricky but within his capabilities. Cloaking his chakra was easily done to pass the outer barrier. The Anbu under his genjutsu, illusions protecting him. There was another barrier on a massive door. Channeling a precise burst of chakra to momentarily disrupt the seal but not break it- as to not set off the alarm- he entered. Finally, at the end of a long corridor with empty cells, he reached his old mentor.
It took time for the man to realize someone was before him, snakelike golden eyes looking up to meet him. Blinking slowly as if he was uncertain whether or not this was real. When he deemed the vision before him not a figment of his imagination, that familiar smirk curled on the slimy bastard's face.
"Sasuke-kun."
Orochimaru took in the body before him. Tall, lean, and very beautiful. His stature alone spoke of the power that ran through his body.
It left a bitter taste in his mouth. He had almost had that power. That perfection. The things he would have been capable of, still an ugly, unhealed wound. Immortality would have been closer to him, and with that, more knowledge of all the world's jutsus.
Sasuke had stolen it from him, but, was also his key to it. Despite the fact that the teenage version of the man before him had killed him and then resurrected him, a twisted affection flickered inside him. Seeing how truly powerful he had become. How strong his wind blew.
He would still steal his body without a second thought. Memories of how close he had been to having this boy be his. Of all the work he had put into making that thirteen-year-old body stronger, which had been much smaller than the man before him. Sasuke had screamed at first. Being as young as he was. But true to his Uchiha name, he learned quickly, and the screaming stopped even when his blade dug deep into porcelain skin.
The absolute rush that, mimicking pleasure, would course through him when he'd experiment on the boy, visions of the power he'd gain once his body was his. It was an ecstasy he missed.
What a nice dream. To gain his freedom and take back all that he lost. Sasuke would only deserve it, being his downfall.
A split second, and Sasuke was before him, in the cell without opening the cell gates.
"That rinnengun of yours truly comes in handy." The rinengun, a key to the immortality he craved. Sasuke stood before him while he was slumped on a metal bed, skinnier than he's ever been. A shadow of his former self. One of the sannin. And now? At the mercy of the man before him, whose eyes glowed red and purple.
"I have questions for you, Orochimaru."
He laughed. Loudly.
The dark-haired man's chokuto was at his throat within a second.
"Do not think I won't hesitate to cut this pathetic life of yours short."
There was once a time Orochimaru was the terrifying snake that coiled around his enemy.
"Such temper, Sasuke-kun. Who said I would not answer?" He smiled up at him, hissing when Sasuke drew back his blade but made sure to nick his skin as he did so. The cell was cold and damp. Too small. Suffocating him. The last time he spoke to someone was years ago, when Tsunade had visited him. He was uncertain as to why, as there was no affection between them. Just cold indifference from his once teammate from a lifetime ago.
This was the only human contact he had had in years, and despite how he mutated his own body, he remained pathetically human.
"Answer truthfully or I'll cut that tongue of yours." He knew the man would do it. Could see it in the frost that covered any humanity in his eyes.
Hiding behind a sly smirk with words that came out as a hiss, he spoke, "I am all yours, Sasuke-kun. Why have you visited my humble abode?"
"Did you make a deal with Danzou Shimura and create that arm that held my clan's eyes?"
Ah. So that's what this was about. He was surprised he was still breathing. Sasuke was unforgiving when it came to his clan. You could hurt him, break his body, his soul, but he does not forgive if you hurt the people he considers his own.
"I am sure you already know the answer to that."
"I want you to say it."
He moved, trying to get more comfortable on this iron bed, hating that he was reduced to a shadow of himself, the feeling of fear beating in his heart.
"Yes."
His jaw clenched, "And you experimented on my parents?"
This felt much like signing his own death warrant.
"Yes."
"Where are their bodies?"
"Disposed of."
Thrown away, where vultures would peck at their eye sockets and skin, maggots and all sorts of decomposers eating away at flesh that had once been alive. Flesh that had meant something to the man before him.
His hand gripped the chokuto, tightly, but he did not attack.
"Who knew of this?"
A chuckle escaped his weathered body. The sound was painful as it made its way out. Uchihas truly were unflinching in their inability to let things go.
"If you are referring to the two elders, yes they knew. They wanted to transplant the sharingun into one of their own bodyguards, but the attempts were unsuccessful. The ninja died."
"What were their names?"
"Jiro Tatsumi and Sayuri Hanekawa."
"They worked for Homura and Koharu?"
"Jiro for Homura. Sayuri for Koharu."
"There are records of this?"
"Of course. These kinds of transactions hold power."
There was a tense stillness as Sasuke considered his words.
"You know where it is."
Orochimaru smirked, "I do."
"You want me to break you out." It was obvious. The only thing he would want.
"I already gave you too much information for free." A bargain to spare his life.
"I could force it out."
"You could, but it would scar my mind, incapacitate me, requiring Tsunade's help, which would let the elders know you are hot on their trail." There was a moment of hesitation. A consideration. He jumped onto it. "You were always a filial son." A reminder of his obligation.
His heart thrashed violently within his chest when Sasuke's chokuto swished through the air, millimeters before his face.
"I am not twelve anymore, Orochimaru. Those tactics no longer work on me." He pressed forward, chokuto sliding up to dig into his cheekbone. "You will shut up about my visit, or I will definitely kill you this time and make sure you stay dead."
Then, he was gone, leaving him with a fear he had not felt in a long time. Hair clinging to his body as he gasped out, knowing that Sasuke would make true on his threat. Once upon a time, a young boy had come to him in search of power, but still refused to kill. An innate gentleness Orochimaru had been unable to snuff out.
Where had that boy gone?
He almost missed him.
Almost.
Sweat stuck like a second skin as he used Amaterasu to dispel the horde of Naruto clones coming his way. Agile movements met forceful ones. Pain pulsed through him, his shoulder, hip, and right leg. Naruto has not made one attempt at getting Sasuke in the face.
Another three clones charged at him, and he jumped up, kicking two of them in the face and jamming a Chidori straight into the one below him. A signature move of his.
Naruto's real body appeared behind, as fast as lightning. He spun around, chokuto meeting the kunai that had been aimed for his throat. That didn't stop the force of the blonde's attack; his footing was too loose. Any other ninja would have crumbled. But not him. He steadied himself as he met each of Naruto's solid punches with his palms, ducking low at the last one, making to sweep him off his feet, only to change his trajectory and land a fist in Naruto's chest. Not to push him back. But to knock the wind out of him, allowing Sasuke to sweep him off his feet now. But clones appeared with hand movements from Naruto, attacking on all fronts.
The match continued.
Naruto got Sasuke on his back, a stone digging into his skin, making him arch, but when their eyes met, his boyfriend's laser focus faltered, eyes widening. He was distracted. Sasuke was an opportunist. He shoved Naruto with all his body weight, slamming his fist hard into the ground so the blonde would release the kunai and sending electricity to shock him.
Their fights always ended this way. A blade to someone's throat. A body on top of another's.
They panted. When Sasuke dug his blade deeper, he watched Naruto's eyes glaze over. Hyperaware of the blonde's sides pressed to his inner thighs. Moisture beaded at his temples, and it all should be gross, but Naruto's scent was more intoxicating than anything else. With heat crackling in the air, a kiss would push them over that edge again. The promise of a repeat of that night lingered.
-Naruto pressing his clothed length against-
"We need to talk." Said the blonde, and Sasuke watched his nodobotoke move against his blade as he swallowed, breathing through his mouth with dilated pupils. He wanted to-
"About what?" He rolled off him, Naruto sitting up immediately, crossing his legs. A light breeze cooled them down as the loser before him struggled to produce sound. Sasuke let him struggle. Feeling vindictive. He knew he should just ask. Why was Naruto limiting their more intimate interactions to just kissing when they had grounded against each other not too long ago? But he couldn't. He much preferred just doing. But he could only do so when he was feeding off of Naruto's desire. Which was still there. But concealed for whatever reason.
"I know…" The blonde said over a gulp. "…you're leaving at the end of the month, right?"
Some painful lurches in his chest.
"Yes." He confirmed.
"I was thinking…" Although he was nervous, determined blue eyes searched his own with such care that it had his throat closing up. "…I could come with you." He rushed the last words out.
The training field, which they sparred at, was slightly worn down from their attacks. They did try to hold back, but the thrill of fighting each other was not having to do that. It was quiet besides the rustling of animals, birds flying ahead. There was a certain peace in these moments. The hourglass slowed down, the sand levitating, gifting them moments of tranquility. Fighting was the easiest form of expression for Sasuke. When their fists met and they blew up the world around them, honesty bled in every single movement.
His boyfriend was taking advantage of that.
"Naruto…" Being careful with his words was something he was unused to doing.
"I just think, we just started dating, and it'd be nice just to find our footing, so I thought we could travel together for a few months or a year! Kakashi-sensei already gave me leave. With Shikamaru at his side, they will be able to cover the workload I did and-"
He got up, knowing his irritation was showing. Naruto followed, looking like a kicked puppy.
"You think that the elders and council will just be okay with this?"
Naruto made a face, "I'm not Hokage yet, ya know! Look at what Granny Tsunade was doing before she became the fifth, literally gambling and shit. Kakashi was just an ordinary jounin too, reading porn all day! I am going to be Hokage, but I'm not Hokage yet, so they have no right to dictate my life! I should be able to travel if I want!"
"You're right. But not with a former criminal."
"I want to be with you!" Naruto yelled, but it was more a plea than anything else. "Don't-" It sounded watery. "-Don't you wanna be with me?"
"That's not it!" He forced out, unable to move forward and comfort Naruto as those ocean eyes pooled. So much emotion. It was strangling him. "I keep telling you-"
"It's my decision, Sasuke! Not yours! Stop worrying about my life and let me choose what makes me happy! If you don't want me to come, that's a different thing, but…" He took a calming breath and moved forward because Sasuke was always too pathetic to take the first step. "…but if you want me with you too, then please stop fighting this." He cupped Sasuke's face. His tanned hands were so hot against his cheeks. Big and soft. He held Sasuke as if he were something to be treasured. Something locked away behind rusty doors throbbed.
He should say no. But he couldn't. When he tried to produce that one syllable, his tongue became heavy. Sakura's words echoed in his head.
Don't hurt yourself either. As long as you choose your own happiness, you won't hurt Naruto.
Maybe he could be selfish. At least for a little while.
"Can… can I think about it?" He inquired and hurried to add more when he saw Naruto's face crumble. "I want you… to come." Why was talking so hard? "I just need to look at this from all angles."
He did not deserve the brightness that beamed for me. It's light reached into Sasuke, chasing away the darkness that ran into him. So bright that it hid all the blood etched into his skin.
"Of course, yeah. Just don't leave without-"
"Saying goodbye. I already promised I wouldn't."
To ensure there would be no more talking, he kissed Naruto, firm closed-mouth kisses, tilting his head to the side to make it more tantalizing.
"Let's get back." He said, after pulling away, smirking when Naruto leaned forward to capture his lips again. His blonde boyfriend scowled when Sasuke slithered away, probably realizing Sasuke had purposefully distracted him. "Race?" he inquired, already running ahead.
"You're on!" Naruto yelled loudly.
They cut through the air with terrifying speed, footsteps landing on rooftops as they tried to get the upper hand. The infrastructure was much steadier than before, allowing them some freedom. It didn't take long to reach the apartment.
"I won!" declared the blonde, shoving his way through the door first, spinning around in triumph.
"You had the key." Sasuke reminded. "I arrived outside first."
"All I hear is excuses." Naruto slumped on the couch.
"Get your ears checked then." He appreciated how Naruto looked after a sparring session. Rugged and flushed. Sweat was clinging to his skin, with his clothes clinging too. It was a good look on him. The prolonged eye contact was making him want things.
Could he just initiate?
Properly?
Analysing the different ways he could get a reaction out of Naruto that led to more than just swapping spit, he got some water for them both, sitting next to the blonde as they drank it, cooling themselves down.
Should he speak?
Ask?
That felt humiliating. Maybe he should straddle Naruto again. That had certainly done the trick.
He was lost in his musings, so he did not expect the hand that nudged his face upwards. Their knees touched.
"Hi," Naruto said, but his eyes were on Sasuke's lips. He ran his tongue over his lower lip, deliberately. That same white-hot desire that coiled inside him was present in the blonde's gaze, drawing them closer, tying the knot tighter until his boyfriend was caressing his tongue with his own. The feeling, wet and warm, with their scents intermingling. They clung onto one another, hands pulling in an attempt to get closer. Sasuke sighed into Naruto when his hands burned its' way along the ridges of his spine to hold the nape of his neck. The action was possessive. Sasuke liked it.
He wanted more.
Slipping his hands under Naruto's top and tracing the toned stomach and muscles he found there, he dug his nails into it and scratched down.
The loser pulled away. Again.
"You're so…" He rested their foreheads together. A few breaths, as if to calm himself down while his hands held Sasuke with a firmness that said he didn't want to let go. He did not want Naruto to calm down.
Ducking, he placed a kiss on the blonde's throat, with his hands resuming their attack. Naruto took his wrists and pulled his hands out, looking at him with such hunger that it left Sasuke confused as to why he kept stopping.
"If you keep doing that, we'll have a repeat of…"
It clicked instantly, "You don't want a repeat of that?" He pulled his hands to himself. As always, Naruto picked up on his mood change with embarrassing ease. Able to hear the offense and hurt that nobody else would have.
"No, that's not what I-" A groan, so low that it had that heat in his stomach spiking. "-I really, really want to, but I'm just…I don't want to go too fast and mess this up. You've never even been in a relationship, and then, I find out you're a virgin-"
"You're a virgin too." He countered his rambling defensively.
"Yeah, which makes me more nervous because I'm inexperienced and I want our first everything to be amazing, your first everything to be perfect, and I just…" By the time his words evolved into nothing, Naruto was looking at the couch with his ears burning red. Normally, Sasuke would tease.
So, you're scared.
Then Naruto would get all fired up.
But this time, he didn't want to. He understood what he meant. There was still a lot Sasuke was apprehensive about. The vulnerability that came with engaging in such acts with someone had him on edge, too. Were they going too fast? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that ever since Naruto had begun touching him, he had begun craving it more and more. Yet unable to ask.
Placing a hand on Naruto's thigh, he called his name to gain his full attention.
"I trust you, Naruto." He said instead. Still not brave enough to let his desire be known. Naruto looked at him so openly. He could see every emotion in the dark blue flecks scattered in his iris. The way those three little words had an instant effect. He guessed sometimes it really was as simple as talking. Patting his leg one more time for comfort, he started moving away before the blonde captured his wrist, dragging it up to his face and then, kissing the inside of it, a sweet touch. All the while, their eyes remained fixed on one another.
A tongue darted out and pressed against his pulse point. He barely held back whatever shameful sound wanted to leave his mouth. But he was an open book to Naruto like this, and the loser's confident demeanor was making a comeback with that knowing smirk on his lips before their mouths were sealed together again. Naruto maneuvered him into his lap, and Sasuke draped his arms over his shoulders. Feeling the smoothness of the blonde's lips glide against his own had him breathless quickly. The competition still in their veins from earlier, it quickly became another rivalry.
Every groan from Naruto when he raked his nails across his skin was a victory for him; every breathy gasp that left his own mouth, a defeat. The kiss was messy, rough, as if they were trying to merge together through this act alone. Sasuke has realised that his neck is very, very sensitive. So, when the blonde pulled away with a pop and licked along his neck, his hips twitched involuntarily forward, allowing him to feel just how hard Naruto was. The next time his hips moved, it was purposeful.
Naruto's breathing became uneven.
"No marks." Sasuke warned, twisting blonde strands sharply when he bit him lightly.
"Fine-" A deep vibration. "-no marks…"
At least now he knew how to get Naruto to listen to him. He moved harder against him, feeling their erections press together, the friction making it difficult to think. Tanned hands moved his hips faster, pulling, pushing, pulling, pushing…
That heat burned hotter, like a volcano about to boil over. The tight space of their pants made them all the more desperate.
He really did not want to mess his pants again.
With much restraint, he had to push Naruto back, who was lost in a frenzy, pulling his hips roughly against his cock, although Sasuke had stopped moving. The press against his shoulder got his attention, and he stopped the movement, but his hips still rotated under Sasuke, making his hard length press against his balls.
He shuddered at the new sensation, all his blood pulsating in his lower regions.
"I don't-" the rotation didn't stop. "-wanna cum in my pants." His hands covered Naruto's hands, which were on his hips, gripping it harshly in an attempt to anchor himself to avoid throwing sensibility out the window and rutting against Naruto until he came again.
Naruto blinked a few times, arousal apparently making his brain slower, before that haze cleared up. Their hips stopped, but Naruto throbbed beneath him a few times.
"Oh…" He was short-circuiting. Blue eyes wide, and mouth gaping. Sasuke decided to take action by slipping off Naruto to stand, peeling the blonde's hands off him when they clenched to hold him tighter.
His heart beat thudded loudly in his ears. Thumbing the waist of his pants, he was struck by the vulnerability of this act. Of exposing himself like this to another person. It had his hands feeling more clammy. More nerves because Naruto's experience before this was with a woman, and his only other crush, also a girl.
Sasuke hated this sudden insecurity.
He opened his eyes at the touch of a hand on his own. Naruto leaned slightly forward from where he sat on the couch, watching Sasuke with such tenderness, it had his eyes burning.
"You said you trust me, right?" He whispered, stroking his thumb across his skin.
He nodded, afraid his words may fail him.
Careful, tanned hands ran their fingers across before he hooked his fingers into the waistband of his pants. Naruto gulped, and then he peeled Sasuke's pants off with him. An embarrassed flush dotted his cheeks at the wet spot on his underwear. But Naruto said nothing, just helped Sasuke take each foot out, allowing him to lean on his shoulders for support. Then tanned hands stroked up his legs, from his ankles, past his bony knees, and across his thighs.
"I really love your legs." The praise had him feeling shy as Naruto licked his inner thigh, hot breath hitting the wetness his tongue left. Every little action just seemed to arouse him more.
He gently pushed Naruto's head away, hooking his thumbs into his underwear before taking the plunge and discarding the black material. His cock sprang free, all hard and aching. He resisted the urge to cover up.
"Woah." Naruto's hand reached out, touching an intimate area nobody but himself had ever. "Even this part of you is all pretty." The fingers grazing had Sasuke's legs trembling, wanting to give in. His boyfriend suddenly glared up at him, "That is just unfair."
"Shut up." He heaved, pushing the blonde's hand away, eyeing the prominent bulge in his pants. With confidence he didn't actually have, he lifted his foot up, between Naruto's legs to press against his cock. Naruto groaned loudly, head knocking against the back of the couch, gripping his ankle. He tortured him like that for a few moments, circular movements as he stepped a little harder on Naruto's dick, watching with faint amusement as the blonde desperately bucked up into it. When it pulsed against his foot again, Sasuke gave a command, "Take your pants off." At first, Naruto did not want to let his ankle go, but eventually released it, fingers curling.
Hurriedly, Naruto lifted his hips off the couch and in one smooth motion removed his pants… and underwear. Sasuke had not expected that. More unexpectedly was…
"What the fuck." He cursed, eyes widening at the length before him.
"What?" Naruto panted up, worried.
"You…" His eyes were glued to Naruto's cock. Naruto looked down to his own length and then back to Sasuke and down again.
"Uh, what… is there something wrong with it?" He asked, sounding nervous.
Sasuke's eyes snapped up, and he glared, "Yes, why is it so-" he gestured vaguely. "-big." If he wasn't already flushed head to toe, he would have flushed more. Naruto's own face seemed to twist in embarrassment.
"Is it?" He asked. "Well, I haven't really been to the hot springs with the guys since I was a teenager… so I don't know…"
"No, it is big." In every sense. Thick and long, very much above average, with its purplish head twitching angrily under Sasuke's glare.
Naruto, being the idiot that he was, seemed offended, "Well, maybe yours is just small."
It was Sasuke's turn to be offended, "What did you say?" He moved closer now, threatening.
"I'm just saying maybe mine seems big because-"
"I'm not small. I'm average. Five inches is normal. Your goddamn eight-" He got a vivid image of that thickness filling him, which had his thoughts cutting off. An arm wrapped around his waist, jerking him back into Naruto's lap, their cocks grazing together, making them both groan. Naruto was so unbearably hot against him, a prominent vein running up it. Another lewd thought of running his tongue down it entered his mind. They were touching so intimately. It had Sasuke feeling all cracked open.
Naruto nipped at his collarbone, "Want me to put my pants back on?" He asked, but the sly tone told Sasuke he had figured out exactly why his size had shocked Sasuke so. Scoffing at the question, he tangled their tongues again, kissing him in a way that felt too lewd. His eyes trailed down to Naruto's length, and with their cocks so close together, the size difference was more apparent.
Why was that turning him on?
Sai, that fucking liar.
Their hips grinded against each other, making them slide aimlessly. They helped each other out of their tops, chucking them somewhere. A little laugh had left him when Naruto's top stuck around his shoulders. Bated breaths and traveling eyes with only the sound of breathing occurred as they both took in each other's naked form. Naruto was all sun-kissed, skin golden, and body toned. Being a child soldier did that to you.
Nevertheless, Naruto was beautiful. Blonde hair bringing out his blue eyes even more. And Sasuke got this, all to himself.
A large hand wrapped around both their lengths, squeezing them between his hands.
"Oh." Left his mouth in a moan, accompanied by Naruto's harsh grunt.
Their flesh throbbed together, the way they were both dripping, making the slide slick. Sasuke's hands curled around Naruto's biceps, watching how his hand tightened around them both, and then he was jerking them both off. Moving his hand up and down, lighting up the sensitive nerves that ran along both their lengths, focusing on Sasuke's cockhead, thumbing it.
"Nngh"
"Fucking hell." Naruto moved his hand faster, while Sasuke struggled to keep his eyes open and began thrusting into the tightness of his hand, the blonde's other hand steadying him by his lower back. Before long, they were both fucking into Naruto's fist, enjoying the intimacy of their cocks sliding together.
Repeatedly.
"Sasuke." Growling. "Eyes up here."
He forced his eyes open and met the absolute filthy desire that swarmed in Naruto's eyes, choking him. He scratched into Naruto's skin, thrusting more wildly while the blonde placed open-mouth kisses against his collarbone, biting too hard at some points.
The heat that pulsed from his cock multiplied tenfold when Naruto pulled him even closer, the electricity in his eyes shocking him, "Come on, pretty boy, cum for me."
He tumbled over the edge, body spasming, everything inside him curling as his cum shot out, all over them, trickling down both their cocks. Naruto held him through it, stroking up and down to continue the stimulation. An undignified whimper left him as he slumped over onto Naruto's chest, panting. A twitch from Naruto's member brought him back, placing his hands on Naruto's chest to look at the angry length.
Then, in a sinful movement, Naruto took his hand covered in Sasuke's cum, wrapping it around himself and moving his hand up and down.
Up and down.
Pleasuring himself while Sasuke watched.
He squirmed, transfixed whenever Naruto's fist came up to the thickness of his cockhead, loud groans falling from his boyfriend. Sasuke gasped when Naruto thrusted into his fist with his weight still on the world's perfect little hero. Reaching out, he joined Naruto, squeezing and feeling a dizzying pleasure at how absolutely hot, smooth, and hard the flesh was. It felt so good. He wanted it inside his mouth. Inside him. He wanted Naruto to fuck him with it.
The blonde's thrusts became rapid, urging Sasuke to move his hand faster.
"Just like that." His eyes looked at Naruto's wrecked expression at the words. "Your hands are so perfect."
He leaned forward, his earlier thoughts of tasting clouding his mind, his boyfriend's eyes widening at the motion.
"Oh fuck." But then Naruto came, hard and fast, and on Sasuke's face. Pulses shot out, staining his cheeks, nose, and lips. Some got him in the eye as well. Not knowing what to do, he righted himself again, while Naruto heaved as he came down from the feeling of pleasure.
"Okay." He said more to himself than anyone else. The man before him gained awareness, jostling Sasuke as he sat up.
"Oh god. I am so fucking sorry." Sasuke watched him panic through his one open eye, "I just- you, you did that like you were gonna, and I just couldn't think."
"Clearly." He said dryly, but if he thought the blonde was going to help him get rid of it, his gaze darkened again, and then he was swiping at the mess on Sasuke's face and pushing towards his parted lips. And well, he must be more of a pervert than he thought, because it only made him moan, allowing Naruto to do this to him. The taste was strange, salty, but knowing it was Naruto on his tongue had him wanting to go for another round. He sucked around the thumb in his mouth, never breaking eye contact.
"If you knew the thoughts going on in my head right now." The blonde pressed down on his tongue before removing his thumb from Sasuke's mouth, wrapping his arms around him and resting his forehead on his shoulder.
It can't be any worse than imagining your cock inside me.
Sasuke chose not to say that.
It was quite a mission to clean the couch after that.
…
Sasuke's decision was made, by yet another argument sprang up between them. Except this time, he was certain he was right. Naruto had forced him to come to a little get-together with Sakura, Ino, Sai, Shikamaru, and Choji. He knew things were still tense. Sakura and Ino, with all their support, made it clear they would prioritize Hinata's comfort. This led to Naruto avoiding any friend get-togethers when Hinata was there, wanting her to feel comfortable.
Because he is oh so chivalrous.
They were at the bar; Arata was thankfully not working, together at a banquette again. Only this time, it was he at Naruto's side. Their hands linked underneath the table, providing Sasuke with a sense of security.
"Chug chug chug chug!" Naruto whooped, egging Sakura on, who, for all her shit about being a doctor, seemed like quite the alcohol lover. She slumped into Ino when she sat, who helped Sakura pin her hair back. Sai was unaffected, apparently accustomed to the women being all over each other. They were all talking about something that he didn't particularly care for. He was slightly buzzed, his limbs looser, and his actions less careful. The only thing he did was watch Naruto talk. About what, he didn't know. But he loved seeing every expression that flittered across his face. The way his blue eyes quite literally seemed to sparkle, or how his lips stretched into a wide, carefree smile. When someone said something that annoyed him, his eyebrows would furrow, and the urge to smooth it away with his thumb would tingle. But there was a reason their hands were under the table. He gestured with his other hand, the same one that had been wrapped around their-
Naruto's eyes met his when, for a very brief moment, he was not the center of the conversation. The blonde leaned over, breath touching his ear, "You're staring." It was hard to listen to Naruto's voice and not think of the dirty mouth he had.
"I'm not."
A chuckle against his sensitive skin.
"If you don't want the whole of Konoha to know we're together, you gotta stop." That same hand that had held his own, slithered to squeeze his thigh. Part of Sasuke wanted him to do exactly that. Show everyone who Naruto belonged to. That the man who bathed everyone in his angelic light was his. He wondered if they knew. If anyone knew just how deranged he could make Naruto. He could strip away the golden boy persona and reveal the raging fire that he hid so well.
"I'm going out for a smoke. Do you want to join me?" Shikamaru asked Sasuke, drawing both their attentions.
Naruto and Sasuke shared glances.
He knew Shikamaru was close to Naruto. Important.
"Eh, Sasuke doesn't really smoke-"
"I smoke sometimes." He intervened.
"Yeah, well, you shouldn't!"
"Relax, Naruto, I will return him in one piece."
"It's bad for your health!" His boyfriend stated, glaring seriously at him. The same old argument.
He tilted his head to the side before leaning in closer to whisper, "Are you going to be the controlling boyfriend type?" It was teasing, said with humour and mirth.
"No…" Mumbled bashfully.
Sasuke gave Naruto the closest thing he could to a reassuring smile before getting up to follow the Nara clan head outside. The cool night air hit them, buildings lit by street lamps but with enough shadows to hide from those who enjoyed when daylight bled away. Accepting the cigarette from Shikamaru, he lit it and enjoyed the familiarity of it. He hadn't smoked since he came to Konoha. Instantly, he found himself even more relaxed than before, booze and smoke mixing together pleasantly.
When Nara still said nothing, he decided to just get it over with, "Go ahead- tell me how bad our relationship would be politically."
"I don't think you need me to tell you that."
His head thumped against the wall. The worst part of it all was that there were still so many violent, cruel things he did that he did not regret. On nights when every mistake haunted his thoughts and made him feel undeserving of life, he wondered if he could have done anything differently. Knowing what he knew now, would he really choose to stay in Konoha instead of going to Orochimaru? Risk never finding out the truth? What was the right choice all those years ago? Stay by his comrades' side, in blissful ignorance? See, he didn't know. Would he really rewind the wreck that was his life and choose differently if it meant never truly understanding how deep the blight of this village ran? And if he wouldn't, that meant he would choose to hurt Naruto again.
What did that make him? A good son? A bad friend? An awful person?
"I wanted to apologize." The words were so unexpected, if he were more expressive, his head would snap up.
"Why?"
"For our conversation, before you left. I realize now…that it was not my place to meddle."
Smoke lingered in the air around them.
"You didn't say anything untrue."
"No, I didn't, but I should stop viewing you as Naruto's weakness."
But I am. If Naruto becomes Hokage, and I remain at his side, I will be the blight he keeps hidden.
"What brought this on?"
Shikamaru turned to him before blowing the smoke out in circular puffs.
"Do you know what a wreck Naruto was after you left?" A long drag that could only be done with years of experience. "I bet he and Sakura didn't tell you. He had panic attacks. Was anxious. Depressed. They had to prescribe him meds to calm down."
This information was news to him. A sick feeling started growing in his stomach. He killed his cigarette, head much too fuzzy.
"You are telling me this, why?"
The man flicked his wrist, allowing the ash to fall, "His happier than I've ever seen him." His breath hitched. "I've come to accept that you're a package deal with Naruto. You are still his greatest weakness, but… ironically enough, you are also the source of his strength."
He never got to answer before Naruto appeared, eyes sliding between the two of them, wrinkling his nose at the smell of smoke.
"Whatcha talking about?"
"Wouldn't you like to know."
"I really would."
"Well, it's none of your business."
"You know, a sixth sense is kinda telling me it is."
"Your sixth sense also told you that there was a ghost following you three days after we watched that movie."
"There was! I could sense demonic energy!"
"I can't believe I'm dating you."
"You know, I think I know where the demonic energy was coming from now-"
A low chuckle interrupted their bantering. The other person with them crushed his cigarette with his shoe.
"I'm going to leave you to your flirting."
"We're not flirting." They spoke in unison.
Strategic and calculating eyes met his before it smoothed around the edges, more gentle.
"We should play shogi again sometime. Maybe get a drink."
He left that offer in the air, leaving him alone with Naruto, whose eyes were shining.
"I'm with you for a few weeks, and people already assume I am more social."
His boyfriend could not contain his excitement, arms wrapping around Sasuke's body, squishing his arms to his side, swaying them. This ball of sunshine was the same one who pushed his cum into Sasuke's mouth.
He was getting whiplash.
"I am so glad you're getting along."
"Barely." He scoffed, wiggling in Naruto's grasp and breaking free, thankful they were at the back of the bar where it was more discreet, especially when Naruto nuzzled his cheek with his nose.
"You smell of smoke."
"So, stop sniffing me."
"I normally hate it, but somehow on you…" His nose slid from his cheek to touch the tip of Sasuke's. They were too close to be considered platonic. Both flushed and riding the courage alcohol gave. Before he could feel the softness of Naruto's lips, he pushed off the wall and away from him.
"Your friends are probably waiting for you." Walking inside, Naruto trailed after him, the temperature warmer inside. The blonde walked close to him, the energy between them galvanizing.
Unfortunately, they never made it back to their table. A man, who looked to be in his late fifties, intercepted them.
"Excuse me-" the man's words were slightly slurred. "-I've always tried to catch you-" He was talking to Naruto. Sasuke was at his side, noting the tension in his boyfriend's shoulders. "-don't know if you remember me, but my fifteen-year-old daughter is a huge fan! My entire family really…"
"Oh-" a factitious smile and strained eyes. "-that's nice." His tone was insincere. Any remnant of the easy-going atmosphere from earlier was gone. He remained quiet, observing for a moment more.
"You really grew up into such a great kid, besides being such a troublemaker at the orphanage." The man laughed as if it were an inside joke. But Naruto's fists clenched tightly, and he was visibly struggling. Unbeknownst to the ignorant fool before them. All at once, Sasuke understood. The truth was in the slight tremor that nobody else would have noticed. The dull look despite the forced cheery laughter. Mostly, it was how Naruto looked, just like the boy who had always been too loud, fighting for the right to be. He wasn't sure what else was being said, but his ribcage constricted with an anger that made his chest burn.
"Have you apologized?" He interrupted whatever the man was saying as Naruto nodded along. He felt him freeze beside him.
"What?" The man seemed bewildered.
"You're speaking to him so casually, but something tells me you were far from kind to him." His tongue lashed out, and when the man looked at Naruto, as if for help, he moved before him. He did not deserve to look at him.
Fear flashed in his eyes, very much aware of just how dangerous Sasuke is.
"I have no idea-"
The willful ignorance. The lack of accountability. The pretense.
His anger tore through him, "Oh, but you fucking do, you piece of-" A hand on his arm pulled him back.
"Sasuke, you're making a scene." Naruto intervened, a pleading tone. Others were glancing at them, but all he could think of was how this man was one of the many villagers who treated Naruto like crap and then dared to come before him as if they were sinless.
"Good. Let everyone know that this filth is someone who would scorn a child."
"I did no such thing! I was responsible for him in the orphanage, and he misbehaved a lot! In fact, without my intervention, he may have turned out to be quite the rascal. I disciplined him."
Disciplined.
It reminded him of all the times Orochimaru disciplined him.
He wanted to tear into the man. Shred him into pieces because there was no justification in the world for harming a child. But he didn't get to do that. Because Naruto had inhaled sharply and then left. In a hurry.
So, Sasuke left the man with a threat instead, leaning in close to whisper, "If you come near him again, I will break your fucking legs. Understand?"
The man recoiled, and others flinched as he turned on his heel to follow Naruto.
He worked on calming himself down, already knowing Naruto would be upset with him. And he supposes that he should, for once, be the more rational one. But the urge to maim that man was strong. To make him suffer. Bleed for his crimes. These villagers were still so clueless. Still so full of many fucking people who had abused Naruto. Only the youth of this place were truly innocent. Everyone else? Complicit in Konoha's decision to sacrifice a child and make him the center of its hatred.
Just like they did to the Uchiha.
And they couldn't even fucking apologise for it.
But this was the people they were meant to protect. Meant to lay their life down for.
Why?
What made these people's lives more important than Naruto's? Why was their happiness valued more? Who decided who got to be a child and who was forced to grow up quickly?
Reaching Naruto's apartment, he opened the front door, took his shoes off, and shut it behind him. The lights were still off. His eyes adjusted to the darkness. To the deep shadows and corners that appeared like an abyss. The night served as protection in a way. Nobody wanted to cry in broad daylight. These late hours were a pause in time. When you woke in the morning, the illusion of night allowed you to pretend the words and actions of the night never happened.
Maybe that's why Naruto lay on his bed, curtains drawn to hide even the moonlight, feet on the ground, and forearms thrown over his eyes. Still tense though.
He sat down next to him, not missing the sharp inhale. Hand resting near the blonde's side.
"You're upset." It was a statement. A fact.
"No."
Stubbornness was something they both shared.
"He needed to be held accounta-"
Naruto shot up fast, twisting his body to face Sasuke.
"You don't think I know that?" Anger and hurt stitched into every letter. "Don't think it doesn't gets to me? But if I were to hold every person who shunned me as a kid accountable, who knows how many would be left!"
"So, that's it then? You still need these people's acknowledgement." It came out much crueler than he intended. Naruto got up, walked a few steps forward, and turned around again. A ball of static.
"No. But, I'm their hero. And I've forgiven this place…"
"Forgiving doesn't mean you need to endure their insincerity."
"What would you have me do, Sasuke? Create a scene? Like how you did?" He stepped towards him, looking down with a piercing look.
"Is it really such a bad thing?" He asked, standing up now, feeling his agitation rise. "You always tell me that I have the right to still feel angry. Well, guess what! So do you! And I'm not going to apologize for standing up for you when you were clearly uncomfortable!"
"And you think I wasn't uncomfortable when you called that guy out in front of everyone-"
"At least now, he won't bother you. So, to me it's fucking worth it!" Sasuke snapped, hating that they were fighting again.
"I was handling it fine!"
"No you weren't!" He closed the little distance between them, twisting Naruto's shirt in his hand. "Are you really that mad about me saying something? Really?"
If his eyes had not adapted to the darkness, he would not have realized when tears had started falling. Any anger evaporated, his hands immediately cupping Naruto's face to wipe it away, feeling panicked. Naruto gasped, arms coming around as he tucked his face into Sasuke's neck, wetting it. He breathed in and out. But other than that, he cried quietly, crushing Sasuke to him. Sasuke settled his hands in Naruto's hair, combing through it. Not knowing how to comfort with words.
"I'm sorry…" He whispered. Apologizing with the lights off was easier, too. They stood like that, with Naruto holding onto him as if he were a lifeline. His heart raced anxiously against Sasuke's chest. He held his boyfriend, allowing him to unravel with the promise that he'd help put him back together. Naruto cried until his heart slowed to a normal speed, syncing with Sasuke's. He was uncertain how much time had passed once Naruto pulled away, rubbing at his eyes and nose.
"I'm not mad at you." Sasuke hated that those eyes that brought him such happiness were laced with pain. "You're right, I-" He licked his lips, trailing off with a distant look before refocusing. "-truth is, nobody has really noticed before… Or stood up for me like that."
It hurt him. Knowing Naruto needed him. Knowing he wasn't there. How many times had Naruto sat in a crowd, surrounded by artificial niceties? Had he looked for Sasuke in those moments?
"You should rinse your face." He suggested, brushing his spiky hair. Nodding mutely, Naruto followed his orders while Sasuke prepared the bed for them, slipping into Naruto's pajamas and settling in, eyes being drawn to the Sasuke plant. He screwed his eyes shut. The Sasuke plant. Sasu-chan the crow. One hundred and seven letters.
Why.
What did he do to deserve such love?
Naruto entered, and there was some rustling before the bed dipped. He opened his arms, and he immediately wrapped himself around Sasuke, pressing his forehead to Sasuke's collarbone. His sweet, sensitive, sunshine boy.
Did he know just how much Sasuke loved him?
"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked, the words feeling strange coming from his mouth. Naruto moved so his cheek rested against him instead.
"It's not a happy story."
"I want to listen. To everything you have to say. Good, bad, unimportant." He pushed Naruto away a little so he could look into those glowing orbs. "Everything."
A smile, the first genuine one since the encounter, "I still can't believe this is real. I know I keep saying this… but I feel like I'm dreaming."
"It's not a dream. This is-" He pinched Naruto's cheek. "-reality."
"Ow."
He soothed the spot with his thumb.
"Speak." It may have sounded like a command, but he waited patiently until Naruto steadied himself. And then he spoke. Everything sad and awful he locked away in order to be the hero everyone wanted came tumbling out. About the orphanage, and how they beat him when he didn't 'listen'. Then feared him when he would get angry, locking him up in the antic. When he started the academy, they threw him out. That man from earlier, the one to physically escort Naruto outside. How the Third Hokage had set him up in this apartment, with no manual on how to take care of himself. He spoke of his limited allowance, days gone hungry, and being thrown with stones and shoved out of stores.
Sasuke just listened, humming at certain parts to show it. Running his fingers through blonde hair to offer comfort. His blonde rival, best friend, boyfriend, and one and only.
That night, in the privacy of the shadows, Naruto was once again- seven, ten, twelve.
Each time he spoke, he looked so innocent and young, fragile in Sasuke's arms. It made a protectiveness swell within him.
His decision was made.
Most of his stuff was packed the night before, Sasuke making sure he would not rush at the last minute.
Kakashi-sensei, Shikamaru, and Sakura would be seeing them off at the gate. First, he would go fetch Sasuke at his house. Last night had been difficult because they had to drop Hotaru off at Ino's. Both women had argued over who would be looking after her until they decided to share the responsibility. He felt so guilty leaving their little princess behind, but Sakura promised they'd take good care of her. Sasu-chan would be with Iruka-sensei.
His duties had been reassigned, but if any major issue occurred, Naruto would have to return.
The aim was a year.
A full year.
Of traveling with Sasuke. Outside of Konoha, not needing to look over their shoulder every time.
The thought was exhilarating. It was the first time he would travel for leisure.
The first time, he would not feel like he was fighting for something every step of the way.
Because the person he had always wanted would be with him.
He needed to hurry, knowing he'd get an earful if he was late.
'This is why you shouldn't have stayed so late at Sasuke's.'
'I wouldn't have if the jerk had let me sleep over.'
He snuck some more instant ramen in his backpack, shoving it wherever he found space. He was going to miss Ichiraku's.
He wondered what the rest of the world looks like when you have the love of your life by your side.
Digging through his drawers, he was looking for something specific. He felt something pointed, and he knew he had found what he wanted. The hairpin. A shining silver with the curve of the moon on top. And with the hairpin, the letter.
The unsent one.
If only Sasuke knew, he had answered this forgotten letter without ever reading it.