fic: A Battle of Mediums [for DJ_Rena] - 2/2

[flypaw]

“You promise you won’t laugh?” Itachi asked as he unlocked the door to his apartment. It had been three weeks since their first date and kiss in the parking lot, not the most romantic but Itachi was certain it could’ve been worse. But since then, there had been several more dates and Itachi was often at the shop so he could see the younger male.

His visits also served as a way to meet the people he hired properly and get to know them better. Before, everyone in the business had been nothing more than a piece of paper and a portfolio, now they were faces and personalities. In getting to know them, Itachi found himself becoming more involved with his business once more.

It wasn’t just a side project that could be left to run on its own, now it was something that Itachi was very much aware of and was something that he enjoyed. Visiting everyday helped to take the stress off from the workday and had helped to spark the creativeness that had been missing months prior.

Of course, Naruto could also be the reason behind that. The blond had inspired Itachi to paint again and the night after their first kiss, Itachi had sat down and painted an apple. It wasn’t much and the apple was lumpy in some spots but it still felt right. The next day, another small creation came to life under Itachi’s hands and since then, he hadn’t stopped.

It was almost as though Naruto was his muse and Itachi felt a happiness that he hadn’t felt since he stopped painting. Everything that he loved about the art was coming back to him and Itachi welcomed the feeling with open arms. It had been far too long since Itachi had felt this way and he never wanted to let it go.

Never wanted to let go of Naruto.

It was amazing how close they had grown within the span of a month, after they first met that hot summer day. But Itachi was quickly realizing that he couldn’t picture his day without hearing or seeing Naruto at least once. Somewhere in that months’ time, Itachi had fallen hard for the younger male and Itachi found that he didn’t regret the feeling.

“I won’t laugh, Itachi, I promise,” Naruto said, a wide smile already on his face, clearly amused at how Itachi was acting. “I’m sure it’s not as horrible as you make it out to be. I mean, it’s just a painting of your brother, right?”

Itachi grunted as he shut the door behind him and kicked off his shoes. “But I struggle with proportions and they always end up looking odd. My father said my art sucks, to put it lightly.”

Naruto chuckled. “I’m sure he means that with love.” He moved further into the apartment, looking around and taking everything in. “So where is your art room that you were telling me so much about?”

“Back here,” Itachi answered and walked down the short hallway to the back room. “It’s out of the way so no one can disturb it when they come over.”

“That’s a good idea. Don’t want someone coming in and destroying your work, either on purpose or accident,” Naruto stated as the door was opened and the scent of paint assaulted his senses. “But I hope you keep the window open at times to air out the place or the paint fumes might get to your brain. Or is it too late for that,” he teased.

Itachi gave him a good natured shove. “Oh hush,” he said and moved into the room where his current project was propped up on the easel. He glanced at it before looking back at Naruto nervously. “Well, what do you think?”

Naruto hummed and looked over the painting, taking in the details and color while Itachi watched him anxiously. As an artist, he wasn’t going to say that something looked good when it didn’t but at the same time, he wasn’t going to tear apart Itachi’s painting. It was impossible to learn that way and bad had to be accompanied with good.

“The colors are nice,” Naruto finally started. “You have a real eye for picking the right colors along with mixing them, that’s something a lot of people struggle with.”

Itachi’s eyes slid over to Naruto. “But,” he prompted, knowing that there was more.

Naruto gestured to the painting. “It’s as you said, the proportions are off. The shoulders are a bit too wide set and it throws the rest of the body off,” he turned from the painting to look at Itachi. “But that comes with practice and finding your own style. It takes years to get proportions down and you have to study the human body quite a bit.”

“So it sucks,” Itachi finished.

The younger male shook his head. “I didn’t say that. It’s decent. I’ve seen better and I’ve seen worse.” The painting was looked over again. “You’re right in the middle, which is better to be than down at the bottom.”

Itachi frowned, debating the words and knowing that Naruto was right, but it was never fun to have someone critic your work. It was always going to hurt to some degree.

“But I didn’t laugh,” Naruto pointed out, poking Itachi lightly in the side. “Smile ‘Tachi. It’s not horrible and it doesn’t suck. Considering you just dabble, you should be very proud of this.”

A smile worked its way onto Itachi’s face at the words and he dragged Naruto closer to him, ignoring the painting for the time being. “How is it that you know so much about traditional works despite all the time you spend on the computer?” He asked, nipping at Naruto’s ear and rocking them back and forth to a song in his head. “You said you dabble too, when do I get to see your other works?”

Naruto hummed lowly. “In time, I suppose. You never asked,” he pointed out and took a step back from Itachi’s arms. “But this is the first time you’ve invited me over and you didn’t give me the grand tour of your place. I demand a tour.”

Itachi laughed lightly. “Maybe I didn’t want to show you the rest of the place because it would’ve ruined the dinner I had planned for us.”

“Dinner huh,” Naruto questioned and bumped his hip into Itachi. “And then what?”

“So many choices,” Itachi purred and leaned down, his lips brushing against Naruto’s. “A movie, maybe a walk under the stars, or is there something else you were thinking about?”

Naruto moaned. “You tell me,” he whispered and leaned in the rest of the way, sealing their lips together.

A soft groan left Itachi’s mouth at the feeling. He would never grow tired of kissing Naruto, it was like tasting fire; hot and searing, a heat that seemed to suck all the air from Itachi’s lungs until he couldn’t breathe and the only thing left to do was cling to Naruto. The saying ‘you take my breath away’ didn’t do their kisses justice.

“If we don’t stop now, I fear we’ll never leave this room and dinner will grow cold,” Itachi murmured when they broke apart. But despite the words, he couldn’t stop from placing small kisses on Naruto’s cheek and forehead.

One last kiss was placed on the very tip of Naruto’s nose, Itachi’s lips lingering for a moment before Naruto turned his head to the side. “Not yet,” he murmured and took a step back. “Too soon,” he finished softly.

Itachi nodded in understanding before he tugged on Naruto’s hand. “Let’s go eat before the food truly does grow cold. The last thing I want is for the ice sculpture I bought to melt in this heat.”

Naruto stared at him. “You bought what for dinner?” He asked dumbfounded.

“I tease,” Itachi answered, laughing lightly, the unease that had filled the air earlier vanishing as they both laughed. They left the art room, Itachi closing the door behind them and casting a wistful glance at the closed bedroom door before reminding himself that it was indeed too soon for such things. They had only been dating a month and Naruto had already hinted that he didn’t want to rush things.

It was different compared to past dates where they had been in bed a few weeks after meeting, but then again, Naruto was vastly different. Itachi had never felt such strong emotions before in his past dates and found that despite all of Naruto’s quirks; and the younger male had plenty mind you, he wouldn’t trade him for the world.

All of Itachi’s past dates had been founded on sex and lust, and had never lasted very long. But with Naruto, Itachi was willing to take things slow and explore everything that had to be offered. Because he wanted everything that Naruto had to offer, the good and bad parts, along with everything in between. For once, he wasn’t thinking with his libido and instead his heart.

And Itachi found that he liked that feeling all the more.

.:|A Battle of Mediums|:.

Itachi leaned against the wall, listening to the music that floated around the room as Naruto worked. A quick glance at the screen showed that it wasn’t the project for his mother and Itachi clicked his tongue. “When are you going to let me see the project I commissioned?” He asked. “Surely you’ve started on it by now.”

Blue eyes looked over the computer monitor, gazing at Itachi briefly before focusing on his work once more. “I’ve started it,” Naruto stated but didn’t bother to elaborate any further than that.

“And?” Itachi pressed.

“And you’ll see it when it’s done,” Naruto answered, eyes narrowing in concentration as he worked. “Change of subject and not that I mind, but what do you do here before you come see me?” He asked.

Itachi cocked his head. “What do you mean?” He questioned, trying to remain calm.

The younger male was silent as he finished working on a layer before answering. “Well, you usually get here at twelve-thirty and when I say here, I mean here as in the shop. But you don’t come to my office until one or so.” Naruto shrugged slightly. “I was just curious to know what you were doing for those first thirty minutes or so that you’re here.”

“I like to look at the other mediums that are offered,” Itachi answered honestly. “I enjoy art, all styles of it and I like to see what else is being offered. Then I come here so I can debate with you about your medium compared to the other mediums I just looked at.”

Naruto huffed slightly, finding little humor in the words. “I still can’t believe that after all this time; you still don’t think my medium is true art work.” He shook his head. “I’m hurt. You’ve seen all my work and yet you still deny it.”

Itachi smirked and pushed away from the wall. “I haven’t seen all your work just yet,” he answered and moved over to Naruto’s side, resting his chin on a blond head. “You still haven’t shown me your paintings that you claim to have back at your place. I would very much like to see those,” he murmured.

“Oh?” Naruto questioned and reached up to loop his arms around Itachi’s neck. “I haven’t taken you home yet? Even though we’ve been dating for close to two months? You must think I’m a horrible boyfriend,” he stated.

A soft kiss was pressed to the underside of Naruto’s jaw. “You’re not a horrible boyfriend,” Itachi reassured. “Maybe an annoying one at times, one that likes to push my buttons but other than that, you’re a great boyfriend.”

“Your words flatter me,” Naruto said, leaning his head to the side and giving Itachi more room to work. Kisses littered the side of his neck while curious hands trailed down his chest, rubbing through the fabric of his shirt until Naruto was arching into the touch. He hissed as Itachi’s fingers teased his nipple, rubbing and tweaking them through the material until Naruto was trembling in the chair.

“Can I?” Itachi murmured lowly, his hand moving down further to rub against the growing bulge in Naruto’s pants.

There was a moment’s hesitation before Naruto nodded quickly, his eyes closed in pleasure as Itachi kept rubbing at the sensitive spot. “Yes,” he panted. “Don’t stop.”

Itachi sucked on a patch of skin on Naruto’s neck until a bright red spot was visible, claiming Naruto for his own. He moved slowly, touching Naruto as much as he could to keep the younger male calm. Naruto had never mentioned any past relationships but swore he was clean no matter what, making Itachi wonder if Naruto’s hesitation was due to being a virgin or a bad past experience. He didn’t push though, knowing that Naruto would tell him in time.

His hand moved away from the covered length and Itachi slipped around the chair until he was kneeling in front of Naruto. Slowly, the button on Naruto’s pants was popped and Itachi glanced up at the younger male again, silently asking if everything was okay. Naruto nodded at him and the pants were pulled down until they pooled at Naruto’s ankles.

“I’m flattered,” Itachi teased, eyeing the tent in Naruto’s boxers.

“Hush,” Naruto puffed and bucked his hips up slightly.

Itachi chuckled lowly and settled himself in between Naruto’s thighs, feeling hazy blue eyes watching his every move. As much as Itachi wanted to draw things out and tease Naruto until he was squirming on the chair and begging for more, they didn’t have all the time in the world. Itachi’s lunch break was only so long and already, there was a chance that someone could walk in on them.

Without another thought, the boxers were pulled down and a soft kiss was placed to the exposed skin. Tan thighs trembled slightly as Itachi’s fingers slowly moved up to Naruto’s erection, lightly brushing over it. The action made Naruto’s eyes flutter shut and his hands gripped the armrests tightly.

“More,” he breathed, feeling Itachi hesitate.

Itachi nodded and leaned forward, his tongue coming out to lick a hot trail from the base of the erection to the tip. Naruto shuddered and Itachi smirked at the action before swirling his head around the swollen head, cleaning away the beading precum. Fingers curled around the base of the throbbing erection and tan hips bucked at the simple touch.

Dark eyes darted up; catching Naruto’s eyes before Itachi slowly lowered his head, taking in the hard cock. Naruto’s hand instantly flew to Itachi’s head, fingers lacing through black locks while his other covered his mouth, trying to keep the loud moans from escaping his mouth. Itachi hummed lowly, pleased at the reaction from the younger male.

He started to bob his head, pressing his tongue against the underside of Naruto’s cock as he moved up and down. Naruto’s fingers tightened in his hair in silent encouragement and Itachi smirked around the thick length. His fingers rubbed at the base of Naruto’s cock, rubbing the remaining part that he couldn’t wrap his lips around.

A harsh buck from Naruto made Itachi gag and he heard Naruto moan an apology before trying to still his trembling hips. Chuckling lowly, Itachi held down Naruto’s hips and lowered his head once more. He swallowed around the hard cock in his mouth and felt Naruto jerk in the chair at the new action.

With a low hum, Itachi started to bob his head and Naruto nearly yelled at the feelings. “Oh fuck, Itachi,” he panted heavily, the words muffled behind his hand. “I’m gonna…oh…,”

Itachi smirked and continued, determined to push Naruto over the edge. He pulled back slightly and loosened his grip around Naruto’s hips, letting the younger male thrust into his mouth. His cheeks hollowed out as Naruto’s hips bucked, providing more pleasure for the younger male while Naruto’s fingers tightened in his hair.

Above him, Naruto babbled mindlessly and was a panting mess; his movements were erratic and jerky. Itachi’s hand trailed down and his fingers pressed against the spot behind Naruto’s sac, making Naruto stiffen in the chair before he came with a choked cry. Muffled curse words fell from Naruto’s mouth as his hips bucked without rhythm while he rode out his orgasm.

Slowly, Itachi pulled away from the softening length and gave it one last lick before releasing it with a soft pop. He licked his lips, cleaning off any remaining come from his mouth and looked up at Naruto, pleased to see the younger male slumped against the chair. With a smile, he pulled Naruto’s boxers and pants back up, making Naruto look presentable once more.

Blue eyes fluttered, trying to stay open as Itachi started to press soft kisses to Naruto’s stomach once he was done dressing him. “Friday night,” Naruto murmured. “I’ll let you come by Friday night and see my paintings.”

Itachi smiled and moved up Naruto’s chest, giving him one last kiss on the lips. “Thank you. I would like that very much and I look forward to it.” His fingers ran through blond locks. “Will you be able to work the rest of the day?” He asked, finding amusement in how sleepy Naruto looked already.

Naruto nodded. “I have a thing of five hour energy in the drawer that’ll get me through the rest of the day. Although a quick nap sounds nice.” He trailed off as though he was debating it before shaking his head. “No, I have a meeting in a few hours.”

“Don’t say that word,” Itachi grunted and stood up, adjusting his pants. He would need to take care of this problem before he went back to work. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he murmured.

“Have fun with your hand,” Naruto called as Itachi walked away, snickering as the older male flicked him off.

.:|A Battle of Mediums|:.

Friday afternoon had Itachi waiting patiently at the park for Naruto to show up. It was still nice out, the summer heat slowly ebbing away as the sun set and Itachi had his eye on a nearby ice cream vendor. His musings were broken when Naruto trotted up to him, looking happy and content in his shorts and shirt.

“You’re looking far more relaxed than normal,” Itachi stated as they started to walk.

Naruto nodded. “I took the afternoon off to enjoy the weather. My apartment has a nice balcony and I ended up taking a nap out there before coming to get you.”

Itachi shook his head. “You know, I could’ve just showed up at your apartment. I think that would’ve been easier than you coming out here to meet me in the middle of the park during summer.”

The younger male shook his head. “But you took me to your place and I wanted to return the favor. It wouldn’t be fair if I just expected you to find the place by yourself.” He held out his arms. “Everyone knows about the park, so I can take you there from here. That and I figured it would give us more time together.”

Itachi smiled and reached for Naruto’s hand, lacing their fingers together. The younger male could be a little romantic at times but Itachi found the trait endearing. “Let’s go then,” he said, tugging at Naruto’s hand, curious to see a part of Naruto that the younger male hadn’t shown him yet. Ever since Naruto told him that he dabbled in acrylics, Itachi had wanted to see the paintings.

“I tried to clean up before you came by, but I think the apartment is still messy,” Naruto said, looking sheepish as they walked up to an apartment building that backed up to the park. “I get distracted at times when it comes to cleaning or I tend to ignore it all together when I’m working at home.”

Dark eyes rolled and Itachi found the statement to be very Naruto in nature. There were times when Naruto would get into his work so much that he tended to forget that Itachi was in the room. More than once, Itachi had stopped by to see the younger male only to wait several minutes before Naruto noticed him. “Somehow I’m not surprised,” he said finally as they walked up the steps. “You’re lucky that you’re so close to the park.”

Naruto nodded. “Good inspiration and I can afford it thanks to my jobs.” He cocked his head. “The boss man pays well and just last week we all received a bonus as a ‘thanks for working so hard’ gesture.”

Itachi chuckled. “See, he’s not all that bad, is he?”

“Suppose not,” Naruto answered with a smile. “Wouldn’t mind if he stopped by to visit at least once a month or so, but I suppose this is a good start.” He stopped in front of the correct door and unlocked it. “I apologize again for the mess.”

“It can’t be that bad,” Itachi stated as they walked into the apartment and Itachi found that he had to take back his words. The apartment mirrored the messy state in Naruto’s office almost perfectly, with various papers littering the floor along with books and binders stacked up in random places. “I’ve seen worse,” he finally said after a moment of silence.

Naruto chuckled at the words and closed the door behind him. “I suppose you want to see my paintings now, seeing as that’s the only reason you wanted to come over,” he teased.

Itachi feigned looking hurt. “You mean you didn’t make dinner? I made you dinner when you came over to visit.”

“Keep that up and there really won’t be any dinner,” Naruto stated as they walked further into the apartment. They turned down the hallway and Naruto opened a door, revealing a small studio where an easel was set up. “My art room,” he said and gestured to the room.

Dark eyes looked around, taking in the small tubes of paint that covered a table along with a few paintings that leaned against the wall. Without a word, Itachi made his way over to the canvases, carefully tilting them back and looking at the images on the surface. Sunrises were the first thing that met him and Itachi found himself appreciating the brushwork along with the panting itself.

More paintings were looked at and Itachi gazed at the works of art, noting the different styles and pictures, finding each one well designed and beautifully painted. “These are amazing,” he murmured and set them back carefully before moving to the painting that was currently resting against the easel. “How do you do this?” He asked, looking at the picture of a baby fox that was curled up and sound asleep in a nest of leaves.

“Practice, patience, and perseverance,” Naruto answered and moved to stand beside Itachi. “I took classes and have been practicing for years. So don’t you even start to compare my paintings to your paintings. I will slap you across the back of your head if you do and kick you out of this room.”

Itachi chuckled lowly. “So violent to me,” he answered, amusement lacing his voice as he looped an arm around Naruto’s waist, pulling him closer. “I could call you in for domestic abuse,” he teased, the comment earning him a backhanded hit on his stomach.

“Let’s go eat dinner before you call the cops to haul me away.” Blue eyes danced. “What would you do if I was carted off to jail? You wouldn’t be able to see me and I’m sure you know what happens in those cells at night.”

Itachi shivered and pressed a kiss to Naruto’s temple. “Don’t say things like that. I wouldn’t wish that on you at all. Besides, I’d have you under house arrest, at my house,” he smirked. “And I would make you pose for me each day so I could practice painting your body. Practice makes perfect after all.”

Naruto’s eyes lowered and he reached behind him for a nearby brush. “And how would you have me posing for you?” He murmured. “Clothed or all natural?”

“I’ll keep that a secret,” Itachi answered, letting Naruto draw him closer. A soft kiss was placed on the tip of Naruto’s nose before Itachi jerked away at a light, almost tickling touch that brushed over the skin on his back. “What was that?” He asked, feeling it move again.

“A paintbrush,” Naruto answered, letting the brush trail down and trace against the waistband of Itachi’s pants. “You’re shivering, does that mean you like it, ‘Tachi?” He purred and continued to tease the older male, finding great delight in the tremors that moved throughout Itachi’s body.

Itachi shivered and he moaned softly. “Tease,” he finally answered but didn’t pull away. “What about dinner?” He questioned instead, hoping that it was something that could be put off until later.

Naruto hummed and slipped his arms up Itachi’s back, trailing the paintbrush along with him. “Our dinner reservations aren’t until later, we have time,” he murmured, nipping Itachi’s earlobe. “Is there something you want to do until then?”

“I have a few ideas,” Itachi answered, pulling Naruto closer until their bodies were flush against each other and he was looking down into blue eyes that danced with mischief. “How about I show you.”

No complaint was given as Itachi slowly lowered them to the floor, his hands already coming up to strip Naruto of his shirt before his mouth pressed open kisses against the tan skin. Nothing new would be done tonight, at least not in here, but Itachi found it was something he was content with and that he wanted to wait.

Wanted to wait until he could say those few words to Naruto.

.:|A Battle of Mediums|:.

Dark eyes darted over the still body that was stretched out on the couch before him, tracing over every slope and dip. It wasn’t the first time Itachi had seen Naruto naked, but it was the first time Itachi had really, honestly, looked at it. He knew from past sessions with the younger male that Naruto had an attractive body, one that boasted a tribal tattoo on the small of his back.

But looking at Naruto now, in an artistic sense, he could see all the flaws and perfections that made up Naruto and it was as if Itachi was seeing Naruto for the first time again. His brush hesitated over the canvas and for a moment, Itachi didn’t want to tear his eyes off the body that was being presented before him.

“Stop thinking, ‘Tachi,” Naruto cooed from the couch and his eyes closed for a moment, savoring the soft blanket under his skin. “You’re only going to mess yourself up.”

Itachi shook his head, pushing the thoughts from his mind and focused on Naruto once more. “I was just thinking how sexy you look, spread out and naked on my couch for only me to see.” His eyes darted back to his canvas. “Makes me realize how lucky I am right now.”

Naruto chuckled and his eyes slipped shut. “You weren’t saying that yesterday during our debate about art mediums. I do believe that’s how we ended up like this today.”

Pale shoulders shrugged as Itachi slowly traced a line on the canvas, painting over the rough sketch he had worked on earlier. “I don’t know why you’re so insistent on making a digital picture for me when you can paint something instead,” he stated. “I want something from you that’s in a real medium.”

A small huff left Naruto’s mouth. “And that’s why you won’t get anything from me. Until you admit that the digital work that I create is art and an acceptable art medium, you won’t get any paintings from me.” Blue eyes fluttered open. “I’ll just keep shoving digital art down your throat until you admit it.”

“That’s not all you shoved down my throat,” Itachi teased and was pleased to see a faint blush cross Naruto’s face at the words. “You were very eager last night.”

“Hush,” Naruto snapped, the words lacking any real bite. “If you didn’t like it, you shouldn’t have teased me that way.”

Itachi shook his head. “Oh no, I liked it. And if that teasing was enough to make you come undone, I’ll have to remember that for next time,” he stated and smirked as Naruto moaned lowly. It was interesting that in the two and a half months that they had dated, the farthest they had gone was sucking each other off.

Any other time, Itachi would’ve already taken Naruto for his own and it made him realize that past relationships had been based almost entirely on sex, especially when he was younger and in school. His studies were important yes, but Itachi wasn’t about to deny his libido in favor of focusing fully on school. He was a healthy male at the time and knew what he wanted.

But with Naruto, Itachi found that he was willing to wait, he wanted to wait. Taking things slow with the younger male gave him a sense of pleasure that Itachi hadn’t experienced before with a date and it had him falling that much more for Naruto. It made Itachi wonder though about Naruto’s past relationships and Itachi slowly set the paintbrush down.

“Am I your first boyfriend, Naruto?” He asked carefully, reaching for a tube of paint while keeping a close eye on the younger male.

Naruto stiffened slightly. “Why do you ask?”

Itachi hummed and went back to painting, the action keeping them both calm. “You haven’t mentioned anything about your past in terms of relationships since we started dating and you know about mine. I was just wondering, that’s all. If you don’t want to talk about it now, I understand, but I would like to know eventually.” He paused. “I do care for you.”

“I know,” Naruto murmured and glanced at Itachi. “Let’s just say that after my first relationship, I’m more cautious about who I date and what their intentions are. It seems that all anyone wants anymore is sex.”

“But you don’t,” Itachi answered and his grip tightened around the paintbrush, the action keeping him anchored. “You’re looking for a relationship first before doing anything further.”

Naruto’s eyes darted up to look at Itachi. “Do you have a problem with that?” He asked coolly, voice low and guarded.

Itachi shook his head. “I don’t. I can admit that I’ve never moved this slowly in a relationship before but I don’t regret anything.” He stepped away from the canvas, noting that Naruto was still tense on the couch. “I like how our relationship is progressing and I wouldn’t change anything between us, nor do I want to rush what he have,” he stated and stopped next to the edge of the couch.

“It doesn’t bother you?” Naruto murmured, reaching for Itachi and pulling him close. “That I’m stubborn as a mule on this.”

A low chuckle left Itachi’s throat. “You’re stubborn as a mule on everything, art mediums, how the pasta should be cooked, and whether cats or dogs are better,” he teased and leaned down to press a light kiss on Naruto’s nose. “But I like that about you. Every little quirk and headache that you give me. I treasure each one and it makes me press closer to you. So long as that doesn’t bother you,” he said carefully.

Itachi was rewarded with a wide smile before he was dragged down for a tender but passionate kiss that had Itachi’s toes curling against the carpet. His eyes slipped shut as he pressed back into the touch, wanting to taste all that Naruto had to offer. Yes, their relationship wasn’t perfect and at times it could be frustrating but it wasn’t something that Itachi would change or leave. Because at the end of the day, when everyone else was gone, Naruto was the one who remained at his side and Itachi wanted to be that person to Naruto. No matter how infuriating things could get between them.

.:|A Battle of Mediums|:.

Itachi moved through the hallways, two canvases tucked under his arm as he made his way to Naruto’s office. Today was the day of reckoning and Itachi was more than willing to collect on a bet that had been made three months ago. It was hard to believe that three months ago, Itachi had first met Naruto; it seemed like a lifetime ago.

The months had gone by in the blink of an eye, yet each day Itachi had spent with Naruto was pleasantly burned into his mind and was something he wouldn’t be forgetting. Nor would he be letting Naruto go just because the bet was due to be determined today. No, there were plenty more memories to make in the future, something Itachi planned on doing. Naruto wouldn’t be getting rid of him that easily.

He paused to knock on the door before entering a moment later, taking in the familiar office as he walked through the door. “Look what I have for you here,” Itachi stated, stopping in front of the desk and looking far too pleased with himself.

Naruto glanced up at him and an eyebrow arched slightly. “Two canvases?” He asked. “I was under the impression that if I lost, which I won’t, I would only have to paint one picture.”

Itachi nodded his head. “You’re correct. This canvas is for you,” he stated, setting the blank one on the desk before Naruto. “And the other one is the painting that I finished after your last modeling session for me.”

“Oh?” Naruto murmured and reached for it. “Why don’t you show me then?”

Dark locks swayed back and forth as Itachi shook his head. “I’ll show you after my mother makes her choice. She’s waiting out in the meeting room right now for you two and I’ve been waiting patiently to see what you created. You haven’t shown me anything in the past three months, not even a scrap but Sai was kind enough to show me some progress.” He smirked teasingly as Naruto stood up. “Don’t tell me you didn’t make anything because you knew you wouldn’t win in the end.”

Naruto gave a small shove to Itachi before grabbing a covered picture. “You’re always so mean to me. Putting me down and mocking my work.” His smile turned into a pleased smirk, one that looked as though he was a cat that ate the canary. “But after today, I’ll have you admitting that my work is an art medium. Because I will win.”

“You’re so confident,” Itachi stated as they walked through the hallway. He tried to glance at the picture, but it was wrapped protectively in brown wrapping paper and in the end, Itachi couldn’t get a snippet of what was hiding behind the paper. It had been a small but persistent thought on Itachi’s mind ever since Naruto started the commissioned work. He wanted to see what Naruto was planning but the younger male was mum on the subject and Itachi never saw Naruto working on the project when he was around.

Now that today was the day of the big reveal, Itachi couldn’t wait to see what Naruto had created and he was curious to see the outcome. Part of him wanted Naruto to win and the other part didn’t, if only so he could make Naruto paint something for him. Sai met them in the hallway, a covered canvas in his arms and Itachi nodded at the man, happy to see that he was finished with his work and ready to present it.

“Shall we?” Itachi asked, gesturing to the door that led out into the meeting room. “My mother is waiting.”

“Will Naruto get extra points because he’s dating you?” Sai asked, a small smile on his face. “Or do I have to suck your tiny dick to get a fair shot as well?”

Naruto smacked Sai on the back of his head. “Please. First, I’m certain Itachi wants you to win so he doesn’t have to admit that my medium is an art form, and second, I can say with the utmost honesty, that Itachi isn’t tiny.”

Sai turned to look at Naruto, smile still in place. “Then he must be making up for yours.”

A low growl left Naruto’s mouth. “If I didn’t have a picture in my hand, so help me Sai, I would shove my foot up your ass and punch that stupid smile right off your face.”

“You would only say that if you were compensating for something,” Sai teased as they stopped in front of the room.

“Enough you two,” Itachi stated. “There are no favor points in this just because Naruto is my boyfriend. In the end, it’s my mother who will make the choice, not me. And she won’t pick Naruto’s just because he’s dating me. She’ll pick the winning piece based on what she likes and that’s that.”

He gave them one last nod before opening the door, letting the two artists pass first before walking in himself. Kakashi was already sitting at the table next to Mikoto, looking excited for the upcoming reveal. Itachi stepped away from Naruto and Sai, moving over to his mother’s side to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Hello mother,” he murmured. “I have your present right here, but you need to pick the one you like the best.”

Mikoto nodded and stood up, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress. “What if I like them both?” She asked as she walked over to the two covered pictures.

Naruto smiled slightly. “You can only pick one. And know that neither one of us will be insulted if you don’t pick ours.” He looked at Sai as the older male nodded his agreement. “You can’t help what you like and don’t like in a picture.”

“That makes me feel better,” Mikoto said with a soft smile of her own. “I’m sure that both of you created lovely works, no matter what.”

Kakashi stood up and cleared his throat. “If you two will,” he said, gesturing to the covered pictures. “I think it’s time that we see the end product of this bet.”

Without a word, both Naruto and Sai started to peel back the wrappings that covered the pictures, slowly revealing piece by piece, the hidden art that they had worked on for so long. Itachi watched Sai first, wanting to save Naruto’s for last as he ignored the anxiety churning in his stomach. Soft and muted colors were revealed, detailing the painting that Sai had painted over the months.

The artist had picked a picture from when Itachi and Sasuke were younger, one where they were both smiling openly at the camera. Something neither one of them had done in years. It was beautiful and Sai had managed to capture the emotions in the picture, giving light to their eyes in a way that Itachi hadn’t expected or thought possible in a painting.

“Wonderful,” Mikoto breathed. “You have magnificent brushwork.”

Sai dipped his head in thanks and Itachi let her admire the painting while he turned to look at Naruto’s painting, which had been kept hidden from him for so long. Dark eyes widened as hundreds of pictures looked back at him and Itachi found that he wasn’t sure what to look at first. His eyes darted around, trying to take everything in at once but found that he had to stop and take in each detail at a time, starting with the largest and working down from there.

A snippet of camera film made up the picture, with several smaller pictures in the films edge that had been faded out to make them look like an old fashioned picture. But it was the picture inside the large square that made up the camera film that drew Itachi’s attention next and it was where all the pictures sat.

In a way, it was one picture but at the same time, it was hundreds. Hundreds of smaller pictures worked together, blending and meshing to make the large picture a reality. From a distance, it was hard to tell that the large picture was made up of hundreds of smaller ones but the closer Itachi drew, the more he could see.

They were all pictures of him and Sasuke; of Fugaku and Mikoto. Of their family and everything between; family trips and parties, school pictures and old pictures from when Itachi’s parents were younger. Everything had been used to make the larger picture a reality and Itachi could only stare at the picture in awe.

“You did all this?” Itachi asked, still staring at the picture.

Naruto nodded. “It took a while and several late nights, but yeah, I made this.” He looked down at it with a proud expression, knowing that no matter what, win or lose; it was still something he was proud of.

Itachi blinked. “I didn’t give you all these pictures though. How did you get them?”

“I told you I had meetings that I needed to go to,” Naruto answered, a smirk on his face. “All those times, I was meeting with your mother to get her opinion and to pick up the pictures she wanted in the picture. You never said that we couldn’t talk to her and I like to make sure that my clients get what they want.”

Itachi opened his mouth to state that Naruto had cheated, only to close it again. Naruto didn’t cheat, Itachi knew that. He just went above and beyond what was asked of him. While it was true that Itachi had commissioned Naruto, he wasn’t the one that the picture was going to and it hadn’t been a secret to Mikoto. Therefore there was nothing stopping Naruto from asking her what she wanted and going from there.

“Very cunning,” Itachi murmured before Mikoto stepped up to look at the picture herself.

She smiled at Naruto. “After hearing your plans for this, I’m glad to finally see it for myself. I had a picture of it in my mind but it pales in comparison to what I had pictured.”

Naruto inclined his head. “I’m glad that you liked how it came out and for providing all the pictures for me. They had to be scanned into the computer so I saved them on a memory disk for you just as a backup in case something happens to the originals.” The device in question was passed off. “I have no need to keep them, but it seemed like a waste to simply delete them from my computer.”

“Suck up,” Itachi coughed behind his hand.

Kakashi laughed lightly. “You would think that but he does this for everyone. He learned the hard way once before that when a picture is gone, it’s gone for good. It’s just his way of keeping that from happening to other people.”

Itachi glanced at Naruto. “What happened?”

The younger male sniffed. “I had a picture of a family pet with me as a baby but it was damaged when some squirrels decided to make a nest up in our attic out of my childhood memories.” Naruto sniffed again. “My poor Kyuubi was lost to me forever,” he cried.

A small chuckle left Itachi’s mouth despite everything and he patted Naruto on the head. “Somehow I should’ve seen that one coming. It was a very…Naruto answer.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Naruto exclaimed, sounding offended but the smile on his face gave him away.

A soft clearing of the throat drew their attention away and back to Mikoto who was watching them with an amused smile. “Sorry to break up this argument, but I believe I’ve decided which picture I like the most.” She looked between Naruto and Sai. “Sai, your painting is beautiful and I know that you put a lot of work into it. It pains me that I can’t choose both, but I must choose Naruto’s picture.”

Sai nodded and gave a small smile. “I understand,” he said honestly. “People like different mediums and it was the reason why this business was founded. I’m glad that you enjoyed my creation though.”

“If I may,” Mikoto started. “I know that Itachi’s uncle has been looking for a picture of his nephews and would like to take the painting off your hands. He likes the softer tones in paintings and I feel yours would be a wonderful addition to his house.”

“It would be my honor,” Sai answered and reached for the wrapping again, preparing it for the journey home. The painting was picked up and carried out of the room with one last wave to everyone before turning around to Naruto. “Looks like you win this round, dickless.

Naruto sputtered as the door shut and started to chase after the other male but was stopped as Itachi placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s annoying,” Naruto huffed and turned around to look at Itachi. “But not as annoying as I’m about to get, because you lost, ‘Tachi. Now you have to say it, come on, let me hear those words.”

Itachi grunted. “Digital art is a style of art and is considered a medium for the use of art,” he said, voice slightly flat.

Blue eyes rolled. “You say that but you don’t mean it,” he grumbled. “Maybe one day I’ll make you see the light.”

Next to him, Mikoto clicked her tongue. “I don’t understand how you can say this isn’t art, Itachi. It’s beautifully designed and not everyone has the imagination and skills to create such a thing.”

Naruto beamed. “I like you Mrs. Uchiha,” he said happily, a wide smile on his face while Mikoto waved a hand, telling him to call her Mikoto.

Itachi grumbled at the two of them, clearly not pleased that they were both ganging up on him. The action only served to make Naruto and Mikoto laugh all the more until Itachi looked as though he was about to do something very un-Uchiha like and pout. He listened to them laugh a little longer before realization struck and he stood up straighter, body tense and on edge.

“Naruto,” he murmured, drawing their attention. “What did you call my mother?” He asked.

“Mikoto?” Naruto questioned, sounding confused.

Itachi shook his head. “No, before that. What did you say before that?”

Blue eyes furrowed slightly in concentration. “Mrs. Uchiha?”

Swallowing hard, Itachi nodded and hoped that Naruto hadn’t made the connection with his last name. To everyone working at the business, his name was just that, a name. Everyone knew that the founder and owner of the shop was one ‘Mr. Uchiha’ but there were plenty of Uchiha’s out there and it could be any of them.

But if Naruto had talked to his mother, there was a chance that she could’ve said something or that the younger male had figured things out for himself. And the fact that Itachi was the boss was something he had been hoping to keep secret for a while until the proper time that he could tell Naruto. Now though, things could blow back in his face.

Perhaps it was better to come clean now before troubles could arise further down the road.

“Naruto, I…there’s something I need to tell you,” he stated, trying to keep his voice calm but a small hint of fear was trickling through his body at telling Naruto the truth. He had technically lied to the younger male for the three months that they had been dating and now he was about to tell Naruto that he had been dating the boss the whole time. “I’m…I’m Itachi Uchiha, the founder and owner of this company.”

The smile that crossed Naruto’s lips caught Itachi off guard and for a moment, he found himself keeping his guards up until he realized that Naruto didn’t look or seem mad. If anything, the younger male seemed amused and Itachi could only stare at Naruto, waiting for him to say something.

“I was wondering when you were going to tell me that,” Naruto stated with a smirk and glanced at Mikoto. “I didn’t know it at first but after I went to see your mom, I pieced things together. We were already dating by then and I figured you would tell me of your own accord.”

“But I’m your boss,” Itachi sputtered, feeling as though logic was slipping through his fingers. “Doesn’t that bother you?”

Naruto frowned slightly. “You obviously didn’t think it was a big deal seeing as you were the one who asked me out in the first place. I figured that if you were fine with it, I had no reason to be worried either.” He shrugged. “Besides, you’re never here and it’s hard to think of you as the boss when no one really knows who you are. If I was dating Kakashi though, that would be a different story and tongues would wag all around the shop.”

“Your words wound me,” Itachi said flatly at Naruto’s not so gentle reminder about his absence from the company.

“And your insecurities amuse me,” Naruto answered with a smile and he reached for Itachi, pulling him closer. “I understand why you did what you did, but your fears are for naught. We work on commission here and dating you wouldn’t get me any more favors than the next person.”

Itachi wrapped his arms around Naruto and pressed a soft kiss to his head. “I lied to you though,” he stated, admitting it for the first time. “And I shouldn’t have.”

Naruto buried his face into Itachi’s chest. “Yes, you did. But you had your reasons. So for this time and this time only, I’ll let it slide. But only because you’re so insecure to believe certain things.” He chuckled. “But I accept you for all your flaws, in which you have plenty.”

Itachi lowered his head to nip at Naruto’s ear. “And that’s why I love you,” he murmured softly, feeling Naruto tense in his arms and hands gripped tightly at his shirt.

“Again,” Naruto whispered, wanting to hear those words that had been spoken so gently in his ear just moments before.

“I love you, Naruto,” Itachi muttered against Naruto’s lips before pressing their mouths together, treasuring the feeling of Naruto’s body against his. For a brief moment, Itachi had feared that the truth he had kept from Naruto would result in losing the younger male but knew and understood his feelings, and still wanted to stay by his side. And Itachi never wanted to let him go.

“I love you too,” Naruto said, voice shaky as they broke apart. “So much. Even though you drive me up the wall at times,” he finished, a soft laugh falling from his lips.

Itachi chuckled lowly and shook his head before resting his chin on Naruto’s head, pointedly ignoring his mother and Kakashi. It had been easy to forget that they were in the room and now a part of Itachi was scared to see his mother’s reaction to such a display of emotion. It was obvious that she already had a soft spot for Naruto and seeing them together would only add fuel to the fire.

Sure enough, Mikoto cleared her throat and took a step towards them, a smile on her face. “I expect that you two will come to dinner this weekend,” she stated. “I would love to show Naruto where his picture is going to hang and have him meet the rest of the family. You know, just in case,” she teased. A quick kiss was given to Itachi’s cheek before she moved to the door, humming a wedding tune as she left.

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into,” Kakashi stated as the door shut behind her, laughter present in his voice. “They’re a crazy lot, just so you know.”

Naruto smiled and pressed a kiss to Itachi’s lips. “I know that,” he stated boldly. “I’ve always known that.”

Kakashi looked amused. “And you still won’t leave him? That’s dedication right there,” he pointed out.

Itachi grunted and shook his head. “No,” he answered. “It’s something else,” he murmured and leaned down once more to capture Naruto’s lips in a searing kiss that had the younger male arching against him. Unspoken words and emotions passed between them, their actions conveying what words alone couldn’t say.

It wasn’t dedication, it was love.