Fanfiction
Author: th0rns_n_r0ses
Title: Everything's Better With Zombies
Fandom: Naruto
Pairings: Naruto/Sasuke
Ratings: R for language and masturbation
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Really, I don't.
Author's note: Written for naruverse
“I really don’t think this is a good idea,” Naruto tried again, for at least the fifteenth time in the past thirty minutes. “He’s only giving me this award because Tsunade is making him, not because he wants me to have it. I think I’d be better off just staying home.”
“Nonsense,” Sakura replied, holding up two suits to inspect critically. “You saved all those people‘s lives, one of which was the dean‘s own son! And because of your description, the police caught the asshole who was responsible. You deserve to be recognized.”
“It was just dumb luck,” Naruto muttered. “Anyone could have been walking through that alley that night.” It was true, it had been dumb luck. Dumb luck that he’d been at Sasuke’s so late, dumb luck that his car was in the shop so he’d had to take the bus, dumb luck that he’d taken the shortcut from the bus stop to his apartment that ran right next to the abandoned warehouse, dumb luck he’d seen the guy slinking around the alley, and dumb luck he’d heard the cries for help. For whatever reason, some asshole with a grudge had decided to take out the college’s entire football team - by tying them all up in the old building and burning it to the ground. Naruto had managed to put out the fire before it barely got started, freed everyone in the building, and given the police the description that had lead to the guy’s eventual arrest. Turned out it wasn’t the first building on campus he’d lit up, but it had been the first time he’d tried to burn one with people inside.
Naruto was glad the psycho was off the streets, and that nobody had been hurt. He’d thought the whole fiasco was over; he didn’t want any special recognition for something he didn’t see as such a big deal, and he’d been relieved when it looked like there wasn’t going to be any. Then Tsunade hit him with the freaking award out of nowhere.
“Tsunade, the dean doesn’t even like me. The only reason I still go to this school is because you donate so much money, and he doesn’t want to risk pissing you off. Why do I have to accept an award I don’t want, from a man who can’t stand me?”
Tsunade snickered. “Because I said so, brat. Now get out and go practice being grateful.”
“It might have been luck you were there, but you chose to help those people. You deserve to be recognized,” Sakura repeated.
“But Sakura, I’ve never been to any fancy parties before,” Naruto protested.
“It’s a banquet,” Sai supplied helpfully.
“Party, banquet, whatever. It’s still going to be boring and dull, and you know what happens when I get bored. ”
Ino rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you make a fool of yourself.”
Sakura looked at him threateningly. “Naruto. Tsunade wants you to have it, therefore, you are going, you are accepting, and you will be gracious about it.” She set one suit aside, grabbed another one, and compared it to the first. “Ino, what do you think?”
Ino glanced up from the rack of suits she was paging through and shook her head. “Nah, neither one of those is right for him.” She pulled one out, showing it to Sakura. “How about this?”
“No purple,” Naruto said quickly.
“May I suggest this one?” Sai interjected, holding up a suit made out of the ugliest bright green material Naruto had ever seen.
“I don’t think so,” Naruto said hastily. “It’s a bit - loud?” he offered.
Sakura reached out and took the hanger and offending clothes from Sai. “This coming from the guy who wears nothing but orange.”
“Ah, Sakura, I really don’t think that suit will work. Maybe I should just go for a nice plain black one,” Naruto suggested hopefully.
“Green is the new black,” Sakura said absently, peering at the stitching on the hideous suit. She looked up to see Naruto and Ino both gawking at her.
“Where did you hear that?” Ino demanded.
Sakura mumbled a barely audible “Lee.” Ino and Naruto both stared at each other for half a moment before breaking out into uproarious laughter. “Hey, it’s not that funny,” she protested, unheard, over her friends’ guffaws.
“Oh, Sakura,” Ino said breathlessly, between chuckles, “just because your boyfriend wears nothing but green, does not make it ‘the new black’. Seriously, I think all that green spandex is frying your brain.”
“Here,” came a monotone voice from behind them. “This is the one he should wear.” All four of them turned to see Sasuke, holding out a suit in a peculiar shade of blue. “Can we leave now?”
“Uh, Sasuke, I don’t think that’s a good color for Naruto,” Sakura began.
“Like green is,” Ino muttered, sending her and Naruto into another fit of giggles. Sakura ignored them.
“I just don’t think it will look very good on him,” Sakura explained, smiling.
Sasuke made a sound that coming from anyone else would have been called ‘exasperation’. (Uchihas, however, do not get exasperated.) “Of course it will. Look.” He took the suit and held it up in front of Naruto. “It compliments his hair and accentuates the gold highlights. The blue makes his eyes seem even bluer, and sets off his skin tone. It’s a stylish cut, and it’s not too expensive. This is what he should wear.” He handed the suit to Sakura, ignoring the stares the others were giving him. “I’m going to the coffee shop on the corner. If you’re not there in half an hour, I’m going home.” He turned around and headed for the front door, leaving a group of dumbfounded college kids in his wake.
“You know,” Ino said slowly, shaking everyone from their daze, “He does have a point.” She laid one of the coat sleeves across Naruto’s bare arm. “It really does look good with his skin tone.”
“Hmm. Your eyes do seem brighter against this fabric, Naruto,” Sakura mused. “And your hair does seem a bit shinier.” She held the suit up and looked Naruto up and down. “I do believe Sasuke’s right. This is it.”
“As much as I hate to say it, I think I have to agree. Sasuke made a good choice,” Ino allowed.
“Who could have guessed Sasuke knew so much about clothes?” Sai piped up. “Is this a secret Uchiha family trait?” Sakura looked thoughtful, but didn’t say anything.
“I don’t know much about the rest of the Uchihas, but the only traits Sasuke has are being a genius and being a bastard,” Naruto answered. “Can we get this and get out of here? I’ve had enough shopping for one day. I want to get to the coffee shop before Sasuke ditches us.”
* * *
“This is stupid,” Naruto muttered, tugging at his shirt collar. “Look at him! He’s been glaring daggers at me all night. He doesn’t want me here!” Indeed, it did look like the dean would have gladly sunk a few knives into Naruto on the spot.
“It’s okay,” Ino said soothingly, rubbing Naruto’s arm. “You eat, accept your award, and we leave. You can do this.”
“And where the hell is Sasuke? He’s late! Sasuke’s never late for anything,” Naruto complained. Right then a man with oddly colored silver hair walked through the door, his nose buried in a book. “Even Kakashi’s here! Kakashi’s never on time! Where the hell is he?”
“Quiet, dobe. I’m right here.” The whole group turned to see one stunning Sasuke Uchiha standing behind them.
“Sasuke!” Ino exclaimed. “You look fantastic! Doesn’t he, Sakura?”
“You do look rather nice, Sasuke,” Sakura said, an amused smile on her lips. “Who knew purple would look so good on you?”
Sasuke shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. His suit was a very dark, almost black, purple that seemed to bring out bluish highlights in his jet-black hair.
“That’s not fair! This is supposed to be my banquet! How come he gets to look better than I do?” Naruto yelled.
“Naruto, hush! You’re making a scene!” Ino scolded. Sasuke shrugged again.
“You look fine, Naruto. The blue suits you. Now quit whining and let’s go sit down.” Sasuke turned and walked off, once again leaving a group of very confused college students behind him. Naruto followed half a second later, then Sai, leaving Ino and Sakura alone.
“Did Sasuke just compliment Naruto?” Ino whispered.
“Yes, I believe he did.” Sakura smiled.
* * *
“God, am I glad that’s over.” Naruto stepped out into the cool night air, immediately trying to pull his tie off. He fumbled with it for a minute, only succeeding in making it tighter. “Gah, get this thing off of me!”
Sasuke stepped up, batting Naruto’s hands away. “Hold still.” He deftly untied the offending piece of silk, folding it neatly and handing it to Naruto. “Be careful or it will wrinkle.”
Naruto rolled his eyes. “Whatever, teme. Hey, who wants to get something to eat? I’m starving!”
“We just left a banquet,” Ino pointed out. “How could you possibly be hungry?”
“Because that food sucked! And I need a beer. Seriously.”
“Finnegan’s?” Sai said, naming a favorite off-campus bar. They were known for good food, cheap beer, and having a clean restaurant. It was mostly patronized by upperclassmen and grad students, because it was far enough off campus you needed a car, and unlike most of the on-campus bars, they were very strict about IDs, which eliminated the drunken freshman assholes who seemed to run around puking their guts out most Friday and Saturday nights.
“Sounds good to me,” Ino said, Naruto nodding in agreement.
“Sasuke, you coming?” Before Sasuke could answer, Sakura piped up. “Oh, I think I left my purse inside. Sasuke, would you come in and help me find it?” Sasuke tilted his head to the side slightly, then nodded.
“I’ll help you, Sakura,” Naruto started, but she cut him off.
“No, don’t bother. You go ahead with Ino and Sai, and I’ll ride over with Sasuke. We‘ll be right behind you, okay?” Sakura flashed a brilliant smile, wordlessly encouraging Naruto to go ahead with this new plan.
Finally, he shrugged. “Okay. I guess we’ll see you there, then.” He, Ino and Sai walked off in the direction of Naruto’s car, an old beat up Nissan that spent more time in the shop than out. Once they had disappeared around the corner, Sasuke turned to Sakura.
“You didn’t bring a purse.”
“You’re right, I didn’t. I wanted to talk to you.” Sakura sat down on a low wall, gesturing for Sasuke to sit next to her.
“About?”
“When are you going to tell Naruto how you feel about him?” Sakura asked.
Sasuke shook his head and stood back up. “Come on, if we hurry, we can catch up with them.” Sakura grabbed his sleeve and tugged him back down to the wall.
“Sasuke, you’re going to have to tell him. Point blank. You know how Naruto is - if you don’t shove it in his face, he doesn’t notice.”
Sasuke looked sideways at Sakura, a look of resignation on his face. “How did you know?”
“You complimented him. A few times. Naruto was so nervous, he didn’t notice, but I did. You spent the entire banquet hovering over his shoulder, going out of you way to ensure he was relaxed and comfortable.”
“I could have just been helping my best friend,” Sasuke pointed out. Sakura smiled a little, shaking her head.
“It was more than that. It was the way you looked at him, the way you touched his arm. You hate touching people, Sasuke. I hadn’t noticed before tonight, but Naruto seems to be the only person you ever touch voluntarily. If I didn’t know better, I’d have sworn you two were on a date.” She giggled. “Besides, name one straight guy who knows that much about clothes."
"Itachi."
She waved her hand. "Itachi doesn't count, he's good at everything."
"Neji."
"Fine, we know straight guys who know clothes, too. Still. I never would have chosen that shade of blue for him.”
One corner of Sasuke’s mouth curled slightly. “I always knew that color would look fantastic on him.“ He tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and sighed. “Was I really that obvious?”
“Not to Naruto. He’s so oblivious sometimes.” Sakura paused. “Sasuke, I know communication, especially about something this personal, is not your strong point. But if you want to get anywhere with Naruto, you’re going to have to talk to him. Tell him. Because he’s never going to figure it out on his own.”
* * *
“Zombies!” Naruto said, louder than usual. “Every movie is better with zombies!” He gestured wildly, nearly knocking Sasuke’s glass over. “Every thing is made better by adding zombies!”
“Oh, come on, Naruto. All you watch is horror movies,” Ino said. “Of course you’d say that.”
“No, really! You ever read Pride and Prejudice?”
“By Jane Austen?” Sakura asked, confused. “What does that have to do with zombies?”
“It was made better by adding zombies! It’s called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane what’s her name and some other guy.”
“Really,” Sakura said, sounding doubtful.
“Oh, yeah, they’re all “If a zombie has brains, they want more brains. Because zombies eat brains,” Naruto added helpfully.
“Naruto, you’re drunk,” Sasuke pronounced. “I think it’s time to get you home.”
“I’m not drunk!” Naruto said. “I’m a little tipsy, but not drunk.”
“Then maybe you should go home before you do get drunk,” Sakura suggested. “As it is, you definitely shouldn’t be driving. How about I take your car, and you ride home with Sasuke?”
“But my apartment’s all the way on the other side of campus! That’s like a forty five minute drive!” Naruto said.
"Naruto, quit whining. It's only about a half hour, no matter who's driving, so you might as well ride with Sasuke and make it home in one piece."
“You can crash at my place,” Sasuke said, standing up. “At least then I won't have to make an hour round trip. Sakura, take his keys from him. I’ll be right back.” He headed towards the bathroom, pleased to find it empty. He used the bathroom and washed his hands slowly, methodically. The drive to his apartment would be the perfect time to speak to Naruto. Naruto was a bit tipsy, but not too drunk, and the quiet intimacy of the car would make it easier. If the first part went well, they could go back to Sasuke’s place; if not, he could always make the drive out to Naruto’s. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and returned to the table, finding Naruto had put his suit jacket back on and the others standing and ready to go.
“We already paid the tab,“ Sakura told him. “I’ll drop Ino and Sai off, and take Naruto’s car back to my place. He can pick it up tomorrow.” Sakura leaned in, giving Sasuke a rare hug. He really wasn‘t a fan of too much bodily contact - well, with most people. “Talk to him,” she whispered in his ear before backing off. She turned and gave Naruto a hug as well. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” Naruto nodded, waving goodbye to the rest of his friends before turning to Sasuke.
“You ready?” He smiled brightly, making Sasuke’s breath catch. That color blue really did make his eyes sparkle.
Sasuke nodded. They walked outside, Naruto stumbling a little once they hit the sidewalk. “Man,” he said, chuckling. “Maybe I’m drunker than I thought.”
“Which is why Sakura said you shouldn’t drive. Come on, my car’s this way.” He gestured down the street with one hand, holding Naruto’s arm - just to steady him, Sasuke thought - with the other.
“Wait, are you okay to drive?” Naruto asked, worried. “If you’re drunk, you shouldn’t be driving either, bastard!”
“Relax, I’m fine. I only had one beer when we first arrived. I drank water the rest of the night.”
Naruto frowned. “Really?” Sasuke nodded.
“Really. I knew I’d be driving, so I stopped at one drink. And that was two hours ago.” He pulled gently on Naruto’s arm, urging him down the sidewalk. He did not want to stand outside of Finnegan’s all night.
Once in the car, all of Sasuke’s resolve disappeared. In the short drive to his apartment, he started to tell Naruto how he really felt a half a dozen times, only to have the words get caught in his throat. They spent most of the ride in silence, which for Naruto was an accomplishment. “Are you okay?” Sasuke asked at last, unable to bear a quiet Naruto any longer. What if he was upset? Or mad at Sasuke? He needed to know these things before he started confessing… well, whatever it was he was trying to confess.
“Eh? Oh, I’m fine.” Naruto grinned. “Just thinking about something Sakura said before we left.”
Sasuke threw him a puzzled glance. “She said she’d see you tomorrow.”
“Nah, while you were in the bathroom. She said I was lucky to have a friend as good as you, ‘cause you’d do anything for me. Which is stupid, because I already knew that.” Naruto shook his head and chuckled. “But I was sitting here thinking about it anyways, about how you’re always making sure I’m okay, like letting me crash at your place so I didn’t have to ride all the way out to my apartment.” He shrugged. “Like I said, stupid stuff.”
“Hn.” Sasuke thought about that the rest of the way to his complex, as they got out of the car, on the way up the stairs, and as they walked through his front door. Why was Sakura putting ideas into Naruto’s head? He was glad Naruto seemed to know he was important to him, but he didn’t want Naruto thinking ‘friend’ thoughts - he wanted ‘more than friends’ thoughts.
Naruto pushed passed him, immediately crossing the room to collapse on the couch. “I love coming over here. You have the most comfortable couch in the world.”
“Anything would be more comfortable than that busted up thing you have in your place,” Sasuke pointed out. “Springs sticking out everywhere, and your cushions are flatter than pancakes.”
“Pancakes would probably be more comfortable,” Naruto added. “Can I have a soda?”
“No. You should drink water. Otherwise you’re going to be dehydrated.” Sasuke moved into the kitchen, made a glass of water, and grabbed a couple aspirin for good measure. He took everything back to the living room and handed them to Naruto. “Here, take these. They’ll help stave off a hangover.”
“Thanks, Sasuke. You always seem to know what I need.” Naruto smiled up at him, making Sasuke’s insides quiver.
“I’m going to go take a shower,” Sasuke said quickly, turning towards his bedroom. “You know where the other one is if you want to take one, too.”
“Mm-hmm,” Naruto sighed, burrowing into the cushions. “Maybe. Your couch is awfully comfy.”
Sasuke closed his bedroom door behind him, leaning against it to catch his breath, willing himself to calm down. What was it about Naruto that made him so fucking antsy? He didn’t think he’d ever work up the nerve to actually talk to him, no matter what Sakura said. So Naruto would never know how he felt. He’d deal with it.
He stripped, leaving his expensive suit and shirt in an uncharacteristic pile on the floor. It would get wrinkled, possibly ruined; he couldn’t bring himself to care. His lips quirked at the earlier scene with Naruto’s tie, at his fastidiousness, at the ridiculous notion that Naruto would care whether it got wrinkled or not.
He walked into the master bathroom, one of the main reasons he had rented this apartment. The sprawling three-bedroom layout was much too big for him, but they were the only ones that came with a separate master bath. He liked having his own bathroom, one that company would have no reason to enter. And it was huge, and gorgeous, and it had a freaking skylight in it. It was worth the extra rent he paid every month.
He turned the water on to just shy of “boiled like a lobster” and stepped in, reveling in the heat and steam, trying like hell to let the water wash away his doubts, and concerns, and goddamn complicated feelings. He hated feelings. They made him feel weak, and useless, and human. He wasn’t raised to be human. He was raised to be a hard-as-steel Uchiha.
Damn Naruto! Making him feel things, want things, making him want that damn blond hair, and tan skin, and those eyes. Those fucking bluer-than-blue eyes that always seemed to fucking sparkle.
He had to admit, he’d done a fantastic job with that suit. Naruto looked like a walking advertisement for sex in that color blue. Thinking about Naruto in that suit - or even better, out of it - made him rock hard. He pressed his forehead into the wall, cursing his inability to control his body’s reactions. He let himself run his fingers over his erection tentatively, feeling vaguely disloyal. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d jerked off to thoughts of Naruto, but this time he was in the next room. That had to break some kind of best friend code. Thou shall not jerk off to your best friend while said best friend is in the same building, or some shit. But it felt so damn good…
Resigned, Sasuke grasped himself, using sure, even strokes. The quicker he got this over with, the better. Eyes closed, moaning, he pictured Naruto in that suit, Naruto in the bar, Naruto asleep on his couch, Naruto naked…
Click.
Sasuke froze. What the hell was that? Cautiously, he peered out from behind the shower curtain. His bathroom was completely empty, just as it had been when he’d gotten into the shower. Huh.
Too weirded out to finish what he’d started, Sasuke quickly finished his shower and dried off, wrapping his favorite towel around his waist before retreating to his bedroom for pajamas. Once dressed, he decided to go check on Naruto, who he figured was probably passed out on the couch.
He was wrong, though; Naruto was very much awake, sitting upright in the middle of the couch, staring at the wall. His hair was damp, and he was wearing Sasuke’s clothes.
“You took a shower,” Sasuke noted, frowning when Naruto didn’t answer. “Are you alright?”
“Hmmmm? Oh, Sasuke! Hey, you’re done. I took a shower, I borrowed some of your clothes, I hope you don’t mind.” The words rushed out of Naruto’s mouth, and the grin plastered to his face was unnatural.
“Of course I don‘t mind.” Sasuke sat in the chair across from the couch, watching his friend intently. “Did something happen? You seem a bit out of it.”
“No, no, nothing happened, I’m fine, just hanging out, took a shower, I’m cool,” Naruto babbled, waving his hands around to prove his point.
Sasuke shrugged and stood up. “I’m going to bed. Help yourself to anything you want. If you decide you want to talk, you know where to find me.” He made it as far as his bedroom door when a hand on his arm stopped him. The feel of Naruto’s fingers on his skin made his stomach flutter, but he kept his expression carefully blank when he turned around.
“Anything I want?” Naruto asked softly. Sasuke looked at him, puzzled.
“Well, yes. You know you are more than-” The rest of the sentence was cut off by Naruto’s lips on his, sending his brain into overload.
Naruto pulled away after - seconds? Minutes? Sasuke was too stunned to tell or care. Naruto stepped back, looking down at the floor.
“I - uh - well, I kinda have a confession to make.” Naruto glanced up, almost fearfully, as if he expected Sasuke to start yelling at any moment. Sasuke’s silence - honestly, he didn’t think he could speak right now if he wanted to - seemed to bolster him, giving him the courage to continue.
“IcameintoyourbathroomearlierandIwasjustlookingforatowelbutIheardyouandI’msorrybutIthoughtitwaskindahotandIwantedtofindoutwhatitwouldbelike,” Naruto blurted out, all in one breath. Sasuke blinked, slowly, confusion spreading across his face.
“I’m sorry, I did not understand a word you just said.”
Naruto scuffed his feet on the floor like a kid being scolded by his parents. “I said-” he started, then stopped. He brought his head up, looking Sasuke squarely in the eye. “I came into your bathroom. While you were in the shower.” He waited, giving Sasuke time to process this bit of information.
Sasuke, unnaturally pale as it was, went even whiter as he registered what Naruto had just said. He’d come into the bathroom? That was what he’d heard - Naruto closing the bathroom door. So that meant…
“You heard me,” he whispered hoarsely. He knew he had moaned Naruto’s name at least twice. He didn't think he had ever been so afraid in his life. What if Naruto declared him disgusting? Said he never wanted to see him again? How could they possibly continue to be friends after this? “Naruto, I can explain, just-”
“You don’t have to explain anything, Sasuke. I’ve been thinking about it, and it should have been obvious.” Naruto shook his head to himself, almost sadly. “I can be pretty damn oblivious sometimes, can’t I?” he asked, echoing Sakura’s earlier comments. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“I was scared,” Sasuke admitted after a long silence. “You’re my best friend. That was more important to me than any crush. I didn’t want to lose you.”
“Silly Sasuke,” Naruto smiled, punching him lightly on the arm. “You can’t get rid of me that easy.”
Sasuke slid down the wall to sit on the floor, breathing a sigh of relief. Naruto wasn’t going anywhere, Naruto was still his, Naruto had kissed him…
“Wait a minute! You kissed me!” Sasuke exclaimed, looking up at Naruto in surprise. “What was that all about?”
Naruto sat down across from him, pulling his knees to his chest and resting his chin on them. “I was curious.”
“About what?” Sasuke asked cautiously. To his surprise, Naruto blushed.
“Listening to you…well, it was kinda hot. Knowing you were in there, getting off to me, of all people…honestly, it turned me on. A lot. And it made me wonder if, maybe, I might feel the same way about you.”
“So what did you decide?” Sasuke asked softly.
Naruto sighed. “That I’d like to give it a try. I like you Sasuke, a lot. I always have. I always thought it was just a “best friend” thing, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that our relationship isn’t a normal best friend relationship. Seriously, we almost act as if we’re dating anyways. Why not try making it official?”
“And if it doesn’t work out?” Sasuke whispered. “What then?”
“Then we figure something else out. But I’m not going anywhere. I don’t want to lose you, either.” Naruto grinned. “I told you, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes. “I don’t know what to say,” Sasuke admitted finally. “You just handed me everything I wanted on a silver platter, and I don’t even know how to respond.”
Naruto cocked his head to the side, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “How about you start by kissing me? Then maybe we can go to bed and take it from there."
Title: Everything's Better With Zombies
Fandom: Naruto
Pairings: Naruto/Sasuke
Ratings: R for language and masturbation
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Really, I don't.
Author's note: Written for naruverse
“I really don’t think this is a good idea,” Naruto tried again, for at least the fifteenth time in the past thirty minutes. “He’s only giving me this award because Tsunade is making him, not because he wants me to have it. I think I’d be better off just staying home.”
“Nonsense,” Sakura replied, holding up two suits to inspect critically. “You saved all those people‘s lives, one of which was the dean‘s own son! And because of your description, the police caught the asshole who was responsible. You deserve to be recognized.”
“It was just dumb luck,” Naruto muttered. “Anyone could have been walking through that alley that night.” It was true, it had been dumb luck. Dumb luck that he’d been at Sasuke’s so late, dumb luck that his car was in the shop so he’d had to take the bus, dumb luck that he’d taken the shortcut from the bus stop to his apartment that ran right next to the abandoned warehouse, dumb luck he’d seen the guy slinking around the alley, and dumb luck he’d heard the cries for help. For whatever reason, some asshole with a grudge had decided to take out the college’s entire football team - by tying them all up in the old building and burning it to the ground. Naruto had managed to put out the fire before it barely got started, freed everyone in the building, and given the police the description that had lead to the guy’s eventual arrest. Turned out it wasn’t the first building on campus he’d lit up, but it had been the first time he’d tried to burn one with people inside.
Naruto was glad the psycho was off the streets, and that nobody had been hurt. He’d thought the whole fiasco was over; he didn’t want any special recognition for something he didn’t see as such a big deal, and he’d been relieved when it looked like there wasn’t going to be any. Then Tsunade hit him with the freaking award out of nowhere.
“Tsunade, the dean doesn’t even like me. The only reason I still go to this school is because you donate so much money, and he doesn’t want to risk pissing you off. Why do I have to accept an award I don’t want, from a man who can’t stand me?”
Tsunade snickered. “Because I said so, brat. Now get out and go practice being grateful.”
“It might have been luck you were there, but you chose to help those people. You deserve to be recognized,” Sakura repeated.
“But Sakura, I’ve never been to any fancy parties before,” Naruto protested.
“It’s a banquet,” Sai supplied helpfully.
“Party, banquet, whatever. It’s still going to be boring and dull, and you know what happens when I get bored. ”
Ino rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you make a fool of yourself.”
Sakura looked at him threateningly. “Naruto. Tsunade wants you to have it, therefore, you are going, you are accepting, and you will be gracious about it.” She set one suit aside, grabbed another one, and compared it to the first. “Ino, what do you think?”
Ino glanced up from the rack of suits she was paging through and shook her head. “Nah, neither one of those is right for him.” She pulled one out, showing it to Sakura. “How about this?”
“No purple,” Naruto said quickly.
“May I suggest this one?” Sai interjected, holding up a suit made out of the ugliest bright green material Naruto had ever seen.
“I don’t think so,” Naruto said hastily. “It’s a bit - loud?” he offered.
Sakura reached out and took the hanger and offending clothes from Sai. “This coming from the guy who wears nothing but orange.”
“Ah, Sakura, I really don’t think that suit will work. Maybe I should just go for a nice plain black one,” Naruto suggested hopefully.
“Green is the new black,” Sakura said absently, peering at the stitching on the hideous suit. She looked up to see Naruto and Ino both gawking at her.
“Where did you hear that?” Ino demanded.
Sakura mumbled a barely audible “Lee.” Ino and Naruto both stared at each other for half a moment before breaking out into uproarious laughter. “Hey, it’s not that funny,” she protested, unheard, over her friends’ guffaws.
“Oh, Sakura,” Ino said breathlessly, between chuckles, “just because your boyfriend wears nothing but green, does not make it ‘the new black’. Seriously, I think all that green spandex is frying your brain.”
“Here,” came a monotone voice from behind them. “This is the one he should wear.” All four of them turned to see Sasuke, holding out a suit in a peculiar shade of blue. “Can we leave now?”
“Uh, Sasuke, I don’t think that’s a good color for Naruto,” Sakura began.
“Like green is,” Ino muttered, sending her and Naruto into another fit of giggles. Sakura ignored them.
“I just don’t think it will look very good on him,” Sakura explained, smiling.
Sasuke made a sound that coming from anyone else would have been called ‘exasperation’. (Uchihas, however, do not get exasperated.) “Of course it will. Look.” He took the suit and held it up in front of Naruto. “It compliments his hair and accentuates the gold highlights. The blue makes his eyes seem even bluer, and sets off his skin tone. It’s a stylish cut, and it’s not too expensive. This is what he should wear.” He handed the suit to Sakura, ignoring the stares the others were giving him. “I’m going to the coffee shop on the corner. If you’re not there in half an hour, I’m going home.” He turned around and headed for the front door, leaving a group of dumbfounded college kids in his wake.
“You know,” Ino said slowly, shaking everyone from their daze, “He does have a point.” She laid one of the coat sleeves across Naruto’s bare arm. “It really does look good with his skin tone.”
“Hmm. Your eyes do seem brighter against this fabric, Naruto,” Sakura mused. “And your hair does seem a bit shinier.” She held the suit up and looked Naruto up and down. “I do believe Sasuke’s right. This is it.”
“As much as I hate to say it, I think I have to agree. Sasuke made a good choice,” Ino allowed.
“Who could have guessed Sasuke knew so much about clothes?” Sai piped up. “Is this a secret Uchiha family trait?” Sakura looked thoughtful, but didn’t say anything.
“I don’t know much about the rest of the Uchihas, but the only traits Sasuke has are being a genius and being a bastard,” Naruto answered. “Can we get this and get out of here? I’ve had enough shopping for one day. I want to get to the coffee shop before Sasuke ditches us.”
* * *
“This is stupid,” Naruto muttered, tugging at his shirt collar. “Look at him! He’s been glaring daggers at me all night. He doesn’t want me here!” Indeed, it did look like the dean would have gladly sunk a few knives into Naruto on the spot.
“It’s okay,” Ino said soothingly, rubbing Naruto’s arm. “You eat, accept your award, and we leave. You can do this.”
“And where the hell is Sasuke? He’s late! Sasuke’s never late for anything,” Naruto complained. Right then a man with oddly colored silver hair walked through the door, his nose buried in a book. “Even Kakashi’s here! Kakashi’s never on time! Where the hell is he?”
“Quiet, dobe. I’m right here.” The whole group turned to see one stunning Sasuke Uchiha standing behind them.
“Sasuke!” Ino exclaimed. “You look fantastic! Doesn’t he, Sakura?”
“You do look rather nice, Sasuke,” Sakura said, an amused smile on her lips. “Who knew purple would look so good on you?”
Sasuke shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. His suit was a very dark, almost black, purple that seemed to bring out bluish highlights in his jet-black hair.
“That’s not fair! This is supposed to be my banquet! How come he gets to look better than I do?” Naruto yelled.
“Naruto, hush! You’re making a scene!” Ino scolded. Sasuke shrugged again.
“You look fine, Naruto. The blue suits you. Now quit whining and let’s go sit down.” Sasuke turned and walked off, once again leaving a group of very confused college students behind him. Naruto followed half a second later, then Sai, leaving Ino and Sakura alone.
“Did Sasuke just compliment Naruto?” Ino whispered.
“Yes, I believe he did.” Sakura smiled.
* * *
“God, am I glad that’s over.” Naruto stepped out into the cool night air, immediately trying to pull his tie off. He fumbled with it for a minute, only succeeding in making it tighter. “Gah, get this thing off of me!”
Sasuke stepped up, batting Naruto’s hands away. “Hold still.” He deftly untied the offending piece of silk, folding it neatly and handing it to Naruto. “Be careful or it will wrinkle.”
Naruto rolled his eyes. “Whatever, teme. Hey, who wants to get something to eat? I’m starving!”
“We just left a banquet,” Ino pointed out. “How could you possibly be hungry?”
“Because that food sucked! And I need a beer. Seriously.”
“Finnegan’s?” Sai said, naming a favorite off-campus bar. They were known for good food, cheap beer, and having a clean restaurant. It was mostly patronized by upperclassmen and grad students, because it was far enough off campus you needed a car, and unlike most of the on-campus bars, they were very strict about IDs, which eliminated the drunken freshman assholes who seemed to run around puking their guts out most Friday and Saturday nights.
“Sounds good to me,” Ino said, Naruto nodding in agreement.
“Sasuke, you coming?” Before Sasuke could answer, Sakura piped up. “Oh, I think I left my purse inside. Sasuke, would you come in and help me find it?” Sasuke tilted his head to the side slightly, then nodded.
“I’ll help you, Sakura,” Naruto started, but she cut him off.
“No, don’t bother. You go ahead with Ino and Sai, and I’ll ride over with Sasuke. We‘ll be right behind you, okay?” Sakura flashed a brilliant smile, wordlessly encouraging Naruto to go ahead with this new plan.
Finally, he shrugged. “Okay. I guess we’ll see you there, then.” He, Ino and Sai walked off in the direction of Naruto’s car, an old beat up Nissan that spent more time in the shop than out. Once they had disappeared around the corner, Sasuke turned to Sakura.
“You didn’t bring a purse.”
“You’re right, I didn’t. I wanted to talk to you.” Sakura sat down on a low wall, gesturing for Sasuke to sit next to her.
“About?”
“When are you going to tell Naruto how you feel about him?” Sakura asked.
Sasuke shook his head and stood back up. “Come on, if we hurry, we can catch up with them.” Sakura grabbed his sleeve and tugged him back down to the wall.
“Sasuke, you’re going to have to tell him. Point blank. You know how Naruto is - if you don’t shove it in his face, he doesn’t notice.”
Sasuke looked sideways at Sakura, a look of resignation on his face. “How did you know?”
“You complimented him. A few times. Naruto was so nervous, he didn’t notice, but I did. You spent the entire banquet hovering over his shoulder, going out of you way to ensure he was relaxed and comfortable.”
“I could have just been helping my best friend,” Sasuke pointed out. Sakura smiled a little, shaking her head.
“It was more than that. It was the way you looked at him, the way you touched his arm. You hate touching people, Sasuke. I hadn’t noticed before tonight, but Naruto seems to be the only person you ever touch voluntarily. If I didn’t know better, I’d have sworn you two were on a date.” She giggled. “Besides, name one straight guy who knows that much about clothes."
"Itachi."
She waved her hand. "Itachi doesn't count, he's good at everything."
"Neji."
"Fine, we know straight guys who know clothes, too. Still. I never would have chosen that shade of blue for him.”
One corner of Sasuke’s mouth curled slightly. “I always knew that color would look fantastic on him.“ He tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and sighed. “Was I really that obvious?”
“Not to Naruto. He’s so oblivious sometimes.” Sakura paused. “Sasuke, I know communication, especially about something this personal, is not your strong point. But if you want to get anywhere with Naruto, you’re going to have to talk to him. Tell him. Because he’s never going to figure it out on his own.”
* * *
“Zombies!” Naruto said, louder than usual. “Every movie is better with zombies!” He gestured wildly, nearly knocking Sasuke’s glass over. “Every thing is made better by adding zombies!”
“Oh, come on, Naruto. All you watch is horror movies,” Ino said. “Of course you’d say that.”
“No, really! You ever read Pride and Prejudice?”
“By Jane Austen?” Sakura asked, confused. “What does that have to do with zombies?”
“It was made better by adding zombies! It’s called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane what’s her name and some other guy.”
“Really,” Sakura said, sounding doubtful.
“Oh, yeah, they’re all “If a zombie has brains, they want more brains. Because zombies eat brains,” Naruto added helpfully.
“Naruto, you’re drunk,” Sasuke pronounced. “I think it’s time to get you home.”
“I’m not drunk!” Naruto said. “I’m a little tipsy, but not drunk.”
“Then maybe you should go home before you do get drunk,” Sakura suggested. “As it is, you definitely shouldn’t be driving. How about I take your car, and you ride home with Sasuke?”
“But my apartment’s all the way on the other side of campus! That’s like a forty five minute drive!” Naruto said.
"Naruto, quit whining. It's only about a half hour, no matter who's driving, so you might as well ride with Sasuke and make it home in one piece."
“You can crash at my place,” Sasuke said, standing up. “At least then I won't have to make an hour round trip. Sakura, take his keys from him. I’ll be right back.” He headed towards the bathroom, pleased to find it empty. He used the bathroom and washed his hands slowly, methodically. The drive to his apartment would be the perfect time to speak to Naruto. Naruto was a bit tipsy, but not too drunk, and the quiet intimacy of the car would make it easier. If the first part went well, they could go back to Sasuke’s place; if not, he could always make the drive out to Naruto’s. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and returned to the table, finding Naruto had put his suit jacket back on and the others standing and ready to go.
“We already paid the tab,“ Sakura told him. “I’ll drop Ino and Sai off, and take Naruto’s car back to my place. He can pick it up tomorrow.” Sakura leaned in, giving Sasuke a rare hug. He really wasn‘t a fan of too much bodily contact - well, with most people. “Talk to him,” she whispered in his ear before backing off. She turned and gave Naruto a hug as well. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” Naruto nodded, waving goodbye to the rest of his friends before turning to Sasuke.
“You ready?” He smiled brightly, making Sasuke’s breath catch. That color blue really did make his eyes sparkle.
Sasuke nodded. They walked outside, Naruto stumbling a little once they hit the sidewalk. “Man,” he said, chuckling. “Maybe I’m drunker than I thought.”
“Which is why Sakura said you shouldn’t drive. Come on, my car’s this way.” He gestured down the street with one hand, holding Naruto’s arm - just to steady him, Sasuke thought - with the other.
“Wait, are you okay to drive?” Naruto asked, worried. “If you’re drunk, you shouldn’t be driving either, bastard!”
“Relax, I’m fine. I only had one beer when we first arrived. I drank water the rest of the night.”
Naruto frowned. “Really?” Sasuke nodded.
“Really. I knew I’d be driving, so I stopped at one drink. And that was two hours ago.” He pulled gently on Naruto’s arm, urging him down the sidewalk. He did not want to stand outside of Finnegan’s all night.
Once in the car, all of Sasuke’s resolve disappeared. In the short drive to his apartment, he started to tell Naruto how he really felt a half a dozen times, only to have the words get caught in his throat. They spent most of the ride in silence, which for Naruto was an accomplishment. “Are you okay?” Sasuke asked at last, unable to bear a quiet Naruto any longer. What if he was upset? Or mad at Sasuke? He needed to know these things before he started confessing… well, whatever it was he was trying to confess.
“Eh? Oh, I’m fine.” Naruto grinned. “Just thinking about something Sakura said before we left.”
Sasuke threw him a puzzled glance. “She said she’d see you tomorrow.”
“Nah, while you were in the bathroom. She said I was lucky to have a friend as good as you, ‘cause you’d do anything for me. Which is stupid, because I already knew that.” Naruto shook his head and chuckled. “But I was sitting here thinking about it anyways, about how you’re always making sure I’m okay, like letting me crash at your place so I didn’t have to ride all the way out to my apartment.” He shrugged. “Like I said, stupid stuff.”
“Hn.” Sasuke thought about that the rest of the way to his complex, as they got out of the car, on the way up the stairs, and as they walked through his front door. Why was Sakura putting ideas into Naruto’s head? He was glad Naruto seemed to know he was important to him, but he didn’t want Naruto thinking ‘friend’ thoughts - he wanted ‘more than friends’ thoughts.
Naruto pushed passed him, immediately crossing the room to collapse on the couch. “I love coming over here. You have the most comfortable couch in the world.”
“Anything would be more comfortable than that busted up thing you have in your place,” Sasuke pointed out. “Springs sticking out everywhere, and your cushions are flatter than pancakes.”
“Pancakes would probably be more comfortable,” Naruto added. “Can I have a soda?”
“No. You should drink water. Otherwise you’re going to be dehydrated.” Sasuke moved into the kitchen, made a glass of water, and grabbed a couple aspirin for good measure. He took everything back to the living room and handed them to Naruto. “Here, take these. They’ll help stave off a hangover.”
“Thanks, Sasuke. You always seem to know what I need.” Naruto smiled up at him, making Sasuke’s insides quiver.
“I’m going to go take a shower,” Sasuke said quickly, turning towards his bedroom. “You know where the other one is if you want to take one, too.”
“Mm-hmm,” Naruto sighed, burrowing into the cushions. “Maybe. Your couch is awfully comfy.”
Sasuke closed his bedroom door behind him, leaning against it to catch his breath, willing himself to calm down. What was it about Naruto that made him so fucking antsy? He didn’t think he’d ever work up the nerve to actually talk to him, no matter what Sakura said. So Naruto would never know how he felt. He’d deal with it.
He stripped, leaving his expensive suit and shirt in an uncharacteristic pile on the floor. It would get wrinkled, possibly ruined; he couldn’t bring himself to care. His lips quirked at the earlier scene with Naruto’s tie, at his fastidiousness, at the ridiculous notion that Naruto would care whether it got wrinkled or not.
He walked into the master bathroom, one of the main reasons he had rented this apartment. The sprawling three-bedroom layout was much too big for him, but they were the only ones that came with a separate master bath. He liked having his own bathroom, one that company would have no reason to enter. And it was huge, and gorgeous, and it had a freaking skylight in it. It was worth the extra rent he paid every month.
He turned the water on to just shy of “boiled like a lobster” and stepped in, reveling in the heat and steam, trying like hell to let the water wash away his doubts, and concerns, and goddamn complicated feelings. He hated feelings. They made him feel weak, and useless, and human. He wasn’t raised to be human. He was raised to be a hard-as-steel Uchiha.
Damn Naruto! Making him feel things, want things, making him want that damn blond hair, and tan skin, and those eyes. Those fucking bluer-than-blue eyes that always seemed to fucking sparkle.
He had to admit, he’d done a fantastic job with that suit. Naruto looked like a walking advertisement for sex in that color blue. Thinking about Naruto in that suit - or even better, out of it - made him rock hard. He pressed his forehead into the wall, cursing his inability to control his body’s reactions. He let himself run his fingers over his erection tentatively, feeling vaguely disloyal. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d jerked off to thoughts of Naruto, but this time he was in the next room. That had to break some kind of best friend code. Thou shall not jerk off to your best friend while said best friend is in the same building, or some shit. But it felt so damn good…
Resigned, Sasuke grasped himself, using sure, even strokes. The quicker he got this over with, the better. Eyes closed, moaning, he pictured Naruto in that suit, Naruto in the bar, Naruto asleep on his couch, Naruto naked…
Click.
Sasuke froze. What the hell was that? Cautiously, he peered out from behind the shower curtain. His bathroom was completely empty, just as it had been when he’d gotten into the shower. Huh.
Too weirded out to finish what he’d started, Sasuke quickly finished his shower and dried off, wrapping his favorite towel around his waist before retreating to his bedroom for pajamas. Once dressed, he decided to go check on Naruto, who he figured was probably passed out on the couch.
He was wrong, though; Naruto was very much awake, sitting upright in the middle of the couch, staring at the wall. His hair was damp, and he was wearing Sasuke’s clothes.
“You took a shower,” Sasuke noted, frowning when Naruto didn’t answer. “Are you alright?”
“Hmmmm? Oh, Sasuke! Hey, you’re done. I took a shower, I borrowed some of your clothes, I hope you don’t mind.” The words rushed out of Naruto’s mouth, and the grin plastered to his face was unnatural.
“Of course I don‘t mind.” Sasuke sat in the chair across from the couch, watching his friend intently. “Did something happen? You seem a bit out of it.”
“No, no, nothing happened, I’m fine, just hanging out, took a shower, I’m cool,” Naruto babbled, waving his hands around to prove his point.
Sasuke shrugged and stood up. “I’m going to bed. Help yourself to anything you want. If you decide you want to talk, you know where to find me.” He made it as far as his bedroom door when a hand on his arm stopped him. The feel of Naruto’s fingers on his skin made his stomach flutter, but he kept his expression carefully blank when he turned around.
“Anything I want?” Naruto asked softly. Sasuke looked at him, puzzled.
“Well, yes. You know you are more than-” The rest of the sentence was cut off by Naruto’s lips on his, sending his brain into overload.
Naruto pulled away after - seconds? Minutes? Sasuke was too stunned to tell or care. Naruto stepped back, looking down at the floor.
“I - uh - well, I kinda have a confession to make.” Naruto glanced up, almost fearfully, as if he expected Sasuke to start yelling at any moment. Sasuke’s silence - honestly, he didn’t think he could speak right now if he wanted to - seemed to bolster him, giving him the courage to continue.
“IcameintoyourbathroomearlierandIwasjustlookingforatowelbutIheardyouandI’msorrybutIthoughtitwaskindahotandIwantedtofindoutwhatitwouldbelike,” Naruto blurted out, all in one breath. Sasuke blinked, slowly, confusion spreading across his face.
“I’m sorry, I did not understand a word you just said.”
Naruto scuffed his feet on the floor like a kid being scolded by his parents. “I said-” he started, then stopped. He brought his head up, looking Sasuke squarely in the eye. “I came into your bathroom. While you were in the shower.” He waited, giving Sasuke time to process this bit of information.
Sasuke, unnaturally pale as it was, went even whiter as he registered what Naruto had just said. He’d come into the bathroom? That was what he’d heard - Naruto closing the bathroom door. So that meant…
“You heard me,” he whispered hoarsely. He knew he had moaned Naruto’s name at least twice. He didn't think he had ever been so afraid in his life. What if Naruto declared him disgusting? Said he never wanted to see him again? How could they possibly continue to be friends after this? “Naruto, I can explain, just-”
“You don’t have to explain anything, Sasuke. I’ve been thinking about it, and it should have been obvious.” Naruto shook his head to himself, almost sadly. “I can be pretty damn oblivious sometimes, can’t I?” he asked, echoing Sakura’s earlier comments. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“I was scared,” Sasuke admitted after a long silence. “You’re my best friend. That was more important to me than any crush. I didn’t want to lose you.”
“Silly Sasuke,” Naruto smiled, punching him lightly on the arm. “You can’t get rid of me that easy.”
Sasuke slid down the wall to sit on the floor, breathing a sigh of relief. Naruto wasn’t going anywhere, Naruto was still his, Naruto had kissed him…
“Wait a minute! You kissed me!” Sasuke exclaimed, looking up at Naruto in surprise. “What was that all about?”
Naruto sat down across from him, pulling his knees to his chest and resting his chin on them. “I was curious.”
“About what?” Sasuke asked cautiously. To his surprise, Naruto blushed.
“Listening to you…well, it was kinda hot. Knowing you were in there, getting off to me, of all people…honestly, it turned me on. A lot. And it made me wonder if, maybe, I might feel the same way about you.”
“So what did you decide?” Sasuke asked softly.
Naruto sighed. “That I’d like to give it a try. I like you Sasuke, a lot. I always have. I always thought it was just a “best friend” thing, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that our relationship isn’t a normal best friend relationship. Seriously, we almost act as if we’re dating anyways. Why not try making it official?”
“And if it doesn’t work out?” Sasuke whispered. “What then?”
“Then we figure something else out. But I’m not going anywhere. I don’t want to lose you, either.” Naruto grinned. “I told you, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes. “I don’t know what to say,” Sasuke admitted finally. “You just handed me everything I wanted on a silver platter, and I don’t even know how to respond.”
Naruto cocked his head to the side, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “How about you start by kissing me? Then maybe we can go to bed and take it from there."