The wonder years-Naruto chp13

Disclaimer: No I don't own Naruto. Sasuke won't let me…

Warnings: More teen yaoi and language…drinking, smoking also violence approaching.


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The reverence within

So much Later

Naruto held on tight as Sasuke zoomed through the darkened streets of Konoha. The area looked different from when Naruto first arrived there. The green on the trees had turned to yellow and brown hues and the temperature had began to drop signifying the approaching winter. Naruto nuzzled closer to Sasuke as he tried to keep the chilled air from getting between them. Sasuke felt his body temperature rise as Naruto squeezed harder; he wasn't supposed to, but he liked the closeness. Pulling to an abrupt stop in front of a dimly lit house, Naruto climbed off Sasuke's bike. Sasuke followed closely as Naruto walked to the basement entrance. Standing in the door way neither boy was too sure of what to say.

Naruto was still shocked by the kiss the raven had planted on him. Naruto knew the attraction he felt for the other boy was growing daily but had no idea if it was mutual. Sure they were friends but that kiss was something else. Now what?

"About before..." Naruto began bashfully as his cheeks reddened.

Sasuke looked on a bit puzzled by the thinking blonde. Naruto's brain was working overtime. Sasuke almost cursed his self for that kiss. It was way too reckless. He had obviously opened up a bag of worms he couldn't close. He would have to tell Naruto the truth. The very thought scared Uchiha to death. Sasuke felt way uneasy. He didn't want to discuss those feelings. Not right now. Maybe not ever.

"Yeah well, I had to do something to shut you up." Sasuke said dryly turning to leave.

"So that's it? You're just going?" Naruto asked baffled by the ravens nonchalant disposition.

Sasuke looked over Naruto for a moment. He was annoyed that he had gotten himself into this situation but it wasn't Naruto's fault. "What do you want me to say dobe?"

Naruto paused. He knew exactly what he wanted to hear however he wanted to know what Sasuke was feeling inside. "Say something. Say what you're feeling. You write all these things in your music. Just talk to me…" Naruto requested of the black haired boy who was almost having a meltdown before his eyes.

Sasuke deepened his dark gaze into the two blue pools staring back at him suggestively. He looked away.

"Why'd you kiss me?" Naruto asked getting right to the point. There's no way Sasuke could get outta this one. He thought noting Sasuke's emotional arrest.

Sasuke thought hard. He was not about to confess to anything. It just wasn't his style. Not his M O. Instead he decided to allow his hormones to lead again. His libido was raging, it was something about the pout Naruto had on his face, the way his eyes begged for honesty, the way his jeans fit. Leaning in, Uchiha ran his tongue along Naruto's lips outlining them with moisture. He was absolutely smitten with the blonde haired boy but he had no idea how to tell him. He did use music to express his feelings, but so what? He had no idea how to be intimate and truthful like Naruto was asking. At least not face to face. He couldn't bring himself to let down his wall. He would be far too vulnerable if he did.

Instead of telling Naruto what he was feeling, Sasuke decided to show him. The previous kiss was just a prelude to what he really wanted to do. Moving his hand along the length of Naruto's body, Sasuke pushed his self onto the boy harder and harder. Naruto didn't mind the pressure, he leaned his head back against the door frame in order to allow the raven full access. Sasuke licked from the base of Naruto's neck to his ear and back. Breathing heavily, the raven introduced his tongue to the oral cavity before his and prodded deep within the willing participant.

Naruto had a chance to join in the fun this time. He didn't understand what this attraction was he had going on with Sasuke but he was loving it. Raising his leg he wrapped it around the body that was pressed so tightly against his own. Naruto felt the bulge of Uchiha's erection against his leg and moved his hips forward in a thrusting motion. Sasuke stopped to bask in the pleasure he was feeling. It had been a long time since he felt that way. No sooner than the slightly taller male leaned his head back in bliss, did Naruto go for his neck. Sucking on the area behind his ear, Naruto noticed he'd hit a sensitive spot when he explored the ravens soft skin.

"Is this what you want?" Sasuke whispered into the ear of the male beneath him as he ran his hands under Naruto's shirt exposing most of his chest.

This was the most natural feeling connection Naruto had ever experienced with another person. "Y-yes, Sasuke..." Naruto breathed in ecstasy as Sasuke's tongue found its way to his nipple. Naruto arched his back off the door way. "Mmmhm..." He moaned as Sasuke skillfully continued to map his body.

Noting the blonde's more tender areas, Sasuke moved his lips back to Naruto's. "Let's go...inside." Sasuke managed between kisses as bits and pieces of reality started to recur to him. Fuck, I can't be out here like this... He thought as he came up for air. They were moving so fast, so in tune, that they forgot they were outside.

Just as Naruto went to get his key out.

Vummmmmm, vummmmmm.

Sasuke's phone rang. Or vibrated rather.

The Uchiha heir closed his eyes in frustration as he stopped in his tracks. He cursed you know who. "I have to go." He half spoke, half whispered.

Naruto stood dumbfounded as the door swung open behind him. "Wha?" He huffed.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Sasuke said moving away from the blonde. He looked over at Naruto still in his same spot, mouth slightly agape.

"But..." Naruto began as he noticed Sasuke stepping further and further away. "...Teme."

Fuck… Sasuke thought as he mounted his bike and pulled off.

Naruto pulled off his shirt and sat on the edge of his bed. His mind raced. What the hell was happening between him and Sasuke? Naruto realized that ever since his arrival in Konoha, he was intrigued by the dark heir. There was no denying the bond he felt to the raven. Something was surely drawing the two together and whatever it was left Naruto's body craving more.

Ring, ring...

Before Naruto could answer his proposed question he searched his pants for his cell phone. "Hello."

"Naruto, it's me, Neji." Said a unsteady voice.

"Oh right Neji, I'm sorry for bailing like that man..." Naruto said realizing he had come to the Dungeon with Neji and totally dissed him by skipping out with Sasuke without saying a word.

"I guess it's fine. I just wanted to make sure you got home ok. The others told me you left with Sasuke, and well to mind my business or something." Neji said as he remembered wanting to bitch slap Kiba as he spoke with his nose in the air. Hmph, the nerve.

"Yeah, it's really crazy how it happened bro, but again my bad. Sasuke, I mean, I kinda needed to talk to him and..." Naruto trailed knowing they did more than talk.

"Oh I see." Neji asked with a twitch to his eye.

"Thanks for understanding. Hey, I owe you." Naruto proclaimed laying back on the bed.

"You owe me huh? How about lunch then, Thursday. We are out of school that day." Neji bartered.

"Lunch? Sure Neji that sounds great." Naruto said with a smile.

"Okay then, I'll let you get your rest for tomorrow. Good night Naruto."

"Night Neji."

Click

Early Tuesday morning

"Long time no ssee..." Orochimaru commented as he let Sasuke in the door.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and moved in silence throwing his jacket down anywhere.

Orochimaru's slit eyes watched Sasuke move as he made his way to the bedroom. "Ssomething the matter?" He asked following the raven.

"He's back..." Sasuke retorted.

"Humm, is he now?" Orochimaru questioned already know who he was. "So is that your excuse then? I'm to believe you were off stressing about your older brother?" Orochimaru asked standing directly in front of Sasuke.

"Then don't..." Sasuke retorted narrowing his eyes.

Orochimaru looked over the boy. At this point he didn't even care. All he wanted to do was get him undressed. "I'll help you with that..." He said lifting the shirt over Sasuke's head. Slowly he kissed the nape of his neck and continued down the length of his chest. Sasuke tensed up. This wasn't the warm, soft, inviting touch he was receiving earlier. Disregarding the older male, Sasuke stood perfectly still as Orochimaru riffled his body.

"I've got something for you..." Orochimaru hissed as he rubbed Sasuke's back. "It'll help loosen you up and get your mind off your brother and back to where it sshould be." Orochimaru promised as he hoped it would render Sasuke back to the drug fanatic zombie he used to be. Back to the old Sasuke, the one who was at Orochimaru's everyday because his supply always ran out too soon, yeah that Sasuke.

As Orochimaru moved Sasuke watched him suspiciously from the corner of his eye. When Orochimaru returned he held a syringe in his hand and a sickening grin on his face. Sasuke became nervous as he eyed the object in the pale hand before his. He waited.

"Aren't you going to take it, it's for you." Orochimaru said as if he were offering candy to a child.

"I don't want to anymore." Sasuke spoke lowly as he recalled old times.

"Just one more time then. To make you feel good. To get you relaxed." Orochimaru recommended. He knew what he was doing. With Sasuke there was no 'just one more time'. One time always turned into obsessive behavior with the teen.

Sasuke slowly retrieved the item and sat down on the edge of the bed. It was in a different form this time. Tightening his belt around his arm he hesitated as he placed the tip of the needle to his skin. It had taken him so long to stop shooting up before, just the thought of the ordeal made his head hurt. Then again, there was the instant gratification he got from the immediate burst of substance into his blood flow. Sasuke felt compelled. After the initial prick, he pushed the mix into his vein and dropped the needle to the floor. Gripping his forearm, he hunched over in a world of panic. His heart rate doubled.

"W-what was that?" He breathed heavily looking up at Orochimaru who still held his leer of crazed passion.

"Speedball Sasuke, a mixture of two of your favorite things in life." Orochimaru stated with pleasure.

Sasuke swallowed hard. Feeling the concoction taking affect, he was overcome with energy. The cocaine in the mixture was working its magic and stimulating Sasuke to no end. Orochimaru approached and stripped the boy of his pants taking full advantage of the situation. Sasuke had gotten to the point where he would normally lay still and leave Orochimaru to have his way, but the drug in his system caused the raven to sprung into action and pounce on Orochimaru before the taller male had a chance to even remove his own clothing. That night, Sasuke almost enjoyed himself.

Finally, the heroine in Sasuke's being calmed his nerves allowing him to sleep easily, something he didn't do too often. As said raven rested his weary body, Orochimaru held a meeting in the basement of his high rise. He stood in front of the normal crew: Kabuto, Sasori, Zabuza but one was missing.

"So the product was cut and distributed today. You should see a larger intake this time because we've almost doubled in clients since we began to use this more potent mixture." Kabuto explained as he sifted white powder through his fingers.

Orochimaru held his usual devious face. His pasty skin looked even more gaunt due to the poorly lit space they occupied. He called the meeting down stairs not wanting to bother Sasuke. The raven was downright grumpy when he was awaken, and Orochimaru wanted to make sure he stayed put. "Thank you Kabuto for the update. Things-" Orochimaru spoke before stopping short as the missing member of his posse interrupted with his late entrance. Orochimaru looked the boy up and down. He knew what time the meeting was to start; how dare he be late.

"Sorry boss..." Mizuki said breaking eye contact with the snake just as he noticed the look of death he was receiving.

"Anyway, make sure to be on your p's and q's since my lead informs me they've added additional muscle to the narcotics task force. I absolutely do not want to lose any merchandise to this movement. We are well aware of their presence. Don't screw this up." Orochimaru warned. If it was one thing he hated, it was falling prey to ignorance. "If there is nothing else then you're dismissed."

As Sasori and Zabuza left the room, Orochimaru noticed that Mizuki stayed behind.

"Uhhh, Orochimaru-sama, I have information on Sasuke's whereabouts for you sir." Mizuki stated as he felt pressure from slit olive colored eyes.

"Is that sso?" Hissed the tall slender male thinking of said boy who was upstairs.

"After his show tonight, he took the blonde boy home." Mizuki began.

"Uhmmm, hummm." Orochimaru nodded almost passively.

"Well, it looked cool till he hugged and kissed him, sir. I mean like really going at it making out. Sir." Mizuki stated as he lowered his head.

Kabuto immediately looked away from Orochimaru. He had warned him.

"Really...that seems interesting being that Sasuke is upstairs sound asleep." Orochimaru stated.

"Well, this was earlier. Like around, 11pm."

"Right. And what time is it now?" Orochimaru asked feeling all patience leave his body.

"Now it's like 3am." Mizuki answered without eye contact. He knew he blew it big time.

Without warning Orochimaru moved and had Mizuki suspended in the air by the throat. The teen wrapped his hands around Orochimaru's slender but powerful arm in an attempt to lessen the pain. Orochimaru sunk his nails deep into the boys skin making sure to draw blood.

"I find it annoying that you decided to hold this information for hours, instead of delivering it to me promptly like instructed."

"I-I'm s-sorry..." Mizuki struggled against the pale mans grip.

"If I ever have to wait for this type of information from you again...I will kill you." Orochimaru threatened with a smirk. He then dropped the boy to the floor. As Mizuki gasped for air and held his bleeding neck, Orochimaru bristled silently with anger. He was somewhat relieved by the pain he caused to Mizuki but still Sasuke disobeying the sanctity of their 'relationship' had him pissed beyond belief.

"Get out." Orochimaru commanded.

Mizuki scrambled to his feet.

Two stood.

"I'm glad to have at least one competent person around." Orochimaru said moving closer to Kabuto.

Kabuto adjusted his frames. "What are we gonna do about Uchiha?" He asked wanting to get down to business.

"What do you suggest we do?" Orochimaru asked knowing well in advance what the bifocal wearing boy would say.

"You know what I'd like to do to him, but you probably want to keep him in one piece though, right?" Kabuto asked imagining the pleasure he'd take in dismembering Sasuke.

"Yes Kabuto. I would prefer to keep him whole. He works a lot better that way after all." Orochimaru said. "I'll have a talk with him."

Kabuto pushed his glasses up on his nose and inwardly assassinated Sasuke for being the only person ever able to pull the stings of Orochimaru's black heart.

Later that day

"Okay so I'm freaking cause Kakashi gave us another week for that stupid report. Hahaha...Thank Kami dude cause I still haven't started mine yet." Kiba said as he and Naruto wandered down the hall. They decided to skip Math. Who needs that stuff anyway?

"Yeah...that's something else huh?" Naruto commented even though he was preoccupied. Sasuke hadn't showed up for school yet and it was already 1 o'clock. Clearly he wasn't coming.

"So anyway, what the hell was Sasuke's problem last night?" Kiba asked as the two took a seat behind the school.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"Duh! Dude he ripped up the whole back stage. He was obviously pissed about something!" Kiba near yelled not sure why Naruto had his head in the clouds all day. "I almost had to kick Suigetsu's ass last night man. He was all bent outta shape over the shit Sasuke busted up." Kiba continued as he lit a cigarette.

"Well, it was something about Neji..." Naruto stated simply. He didn't want to get into details.

"What! I told you! See I knew it. He was flipping cause you bought Neji!" Kiba said pointing a finger in Naruto's face.

"Just calm down will ya!" Naruto yelled slapping Kiba's hand down. "I already talked to him about it. It's cool now."

"No it's not cool. Sasuke and Neji? Not cool man. They totally hate each other! I thought I warned you about that before." Kiba said folding his arms over his chest.

"I know, I know." Naruto said getting tired of talking about the situation.

"Fine as long as you know what you're getting yourself into." Kiba stated behind closed eyes as he exhaled smoke from his nostrils.

Naruto looked over at Kiba. "So what's the story anyways?"

"Heh, well since day one they've been rivals. Neji trying to outdo Sasuke and vice versa. Neji is the prodigy of his family and like I mentioned before, he has one hell of a superiority complex."

"Neji's not like that. He's nice. And he's considerate of others." Naruto said with a puzzled face. He was really not getting this.

"Are you serious? Fuck man...you're clueless." Kiba said stepping on his cigarette. "He's pulled the wool over your eyes big time. And it's only cause he wants to screw you."

"What?" Naruto questioned nearly falling off his seat. "What are you talkin about?"

"Dude, we all know. Well, not everyone but we do. It's totally cool though. It's whatever no big deal." Kiba said removing his cell phone from his book bag.

Naruto looked puzzled. He could only assume Kiba meant his crush on Sasuke and Neji's crush on him.

Before Kiba could comment any further he stuck the phone to his ear. "Naruto, it's my sister, gotta take this."

Naruto sat thinking about what Kiba said. Was it that obvious?

After school

"Hey Naruto wait up!" A voice sounded from behind as Naruto was headed down the hall for the exit.

Spinning around he noticed a grey haired teen jogging towards him.

"Hey, how's everything going?" Asked the boy adjusting his frames.

"Uh, good." Naruto commented forgetting what the kids name was.

"Kabuto, the names, Kabuto. We met briefly when you first arrived in Konoha remember?"

Naruto furrowed his brow. He did remember walking into a buff dude and Kabuto intervening: in that respect Naruto figured he was cool peoples.

"So how have you been adjusting to the new school?" Kabuto asked.

"Fine I guess." Naruto answered wondering why Kabuto cared. He had a total different circle of friends, why would he care about his 'adjusting'?

"Sounds good. I see you have Iruka for homeroom teacher." Kabuto said looking down at Naruto's binder. "Nice."

"Yeah, he's awesome. I was just coming from his class now." Naruto commented as the two headed for the front door.

"Right. Hey Naruto, you're friends with Sasuke aren't you?" Kabuto inquired out of left field throwing Naruto way off.

Naruto was trying to keep his mind off Sasuke. Sasuke didn't answer his phone nor return his calls. Ever. Obviously he didn't want to be bothered. "I guess we are." Naruto remained tight lipped for the most part. He felt some type of way about Sasuke dissing him after what happened between them. He didn't know if they were friends or what.

"So you two are close then?" Kabuto questioned further.

"Why would you think that?" Naruto asked back still perplexed by Kabuto's inquiries. Naruto felt like he was in a bad after school special or something.

Kabuto stopped in his tracks. "No reason. Well I need to head back in." He said abruptly with a smile before he began to fade away.

"Wait, is he in some kind of trouble?" Naruto asked getting worried about the illusive raven.

"No. I'll see you around." Kabuto stated before disappearing into the stairwell.

That was weird… Naruto thought as he dug out his cell and proceeded to call Sasuke. Again.

Wednesday

Orochimaru sat and went through Sasuke's call log. There were about 6 missed calls and 4 of them were from Naruto and 2 from a unknown caller. He became aggravated. If it was one thing he hated, it was persistence. Sasuke stirred in his sleep as Orochimaru accessed the text message feature on the cell phone in hand.

Sasuke, this is Naruto. Call me when you get a chance. Orochimaru read to himself as he mocked Naruto's probable annoying voice in his mind.

"I have to go." Sasuke grumbled removing his self from the bed. His body was sore, he moved at a snail's pace. "I have practice…" He stated shortly as he forgot the rest of his sentence.

Orochimaru placed the cell phone on the table. "Sasuke, tell them you'll be out due to a business related matter. I'm sure they won't mind." Orochimaru commented from the small table in the corner as he placed the cell phone face down.

Sasuke struggled to keep his eyes open. He was still feeling tired even though he had just woke up from a 13 plus hour sleep. "No, I messed up already. I-" he stopped short again as he pulled on his pants.

Orochimaru's cold blood began to boil. "There is a matter I meant to bring up with you Sasuke. Ssomething that's very seriouss and needs to be addressed."

Sasuke stood shirtless messing around with the button on his pants. Reaching down for his shoes, he glanced up at Orochimaru. "What?" He asked roughly hating to be lectured.

"Word of mouth is that you have a new friend. That'ss fine and all, but you need to realize home is home Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke paused. He couldn't have known… "What are you talking about?" Sasuke questioned to be sure.

"My Sasuke, you can't be that naïve can you?" Orochimaru began with a snicker. "I know everything that goes on everywhere in Konoha. Just because I don't leave these walls doesn't mean I am oblivious to your or anyone else's actionss. You can just call me, all knowing."

This was getting old quick. "So what? You've been spying on me?" Sasuke asked getting a little irritated. Orochimaru loved to beat around the bush instead of saying what he meant right out. Annoying.

"Call it what you like but I have a lot vested in you boy and I tend to keep what's mine."

Sasuke's skin crawled. He approached the table and picked up his phone. "Let's get one thing straight, you don't own me."

"But on the contrary, I hold something that does." Oro said holding up what appeared to be several vials of a cloudy substance.

"I don't need you. I'm outta here." Sasuke steamed as he headed for the door.

"Now, now…don't be in such a hurry." Orochimaru said moving in front of Sasuke and blocking the door with his body. "You made a promise to me. You asked for control and I gave it to you. Now I look for you to uphold your end Sasuke."

Sasuke took a long hard look at Orochimaru. How could he be so stupid? To trade control of his body. At one point, the drug was the only thing he had control over. He used when he wanted and he could stop when he felt like it. That was before. Soon after, things spiraled out of control. The drug took charge and Sasuke was just along for the ride. All the while Orochimaru was the only person still getting what he wanted from the deal.

"Don't do it Sasuke-kun. Don't get that cute little, innocent blonde caught up in your world. I'd hate to see him get hurt over you…it would be a shame. It sshould remain you and I, Sasuke, as agreed."

Usually good with comebacks, Sasuke totally shut down. He didn't have a response. Orochimaru had just put everything out there. He would never let the agreement go, he planned to keep him forever. Orochimaru was right about one thing, Sasuke couldn't let Naruto get caught up in his messy lifestyle. The threat Orochimaru gave wasn't to be taken lightly; Sasuke knew Orochimaru would do anything to eliminate the competition.

Moving to the side Orochimaru placed the contents of his hand into Sasuke's pocket. "Shall we say, Friday, Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke drew a blank as he exited the apartment.

Orochimaru smiled.

Later

"So, anyone heard from Sasuke?" Kiba asked as he took a seat at the normal lunch table.

"Nah, haven't seen 'em since Monday night." Shikamaru stated.

"You Naruto?" Asked Kiba waving his hand in front of the blondes face.

Naruto looked up. "Huh?"

"Yeahhh, you're like creeping me out…you've been all zoney and crazy today." Kiba said as he began to eat his lunch from home and the one from school.

"Oh yeah, sorry. Pervy came home last night and I was just thinking of the stories he told me…" Naruto lied as he tried to clear Sasuke from his thoughts.

"Oh sure. Road trip stories? So do tell, did he get some buns or what?" Kiba asked obnoxiously in Kiba fashion.

"Jeeezzz, I think you're the perve." Shikamaru said yawning and adding his head to the table top.

Kiba laughed. "Yea, I am…"

Later still

Sasuke stood outside the Uchiha building downtown Konoha as he smoked on a Newport 100. It was his ritual. Before each practice, he'd stand around, smoke and debate on whether or not to enter the building. This week would be even worse than the week before because of his Monday night anger management fit. Sasuke was getting mentally prepared for Suigetsu's shit storm as he entered the building and pressed the elevator button.

Releasing a deep sigh and questioning his plagued existence on earth, the bad-tempered raven strutted into the practice room expecting utter chaos. Sasuke looked from point A to point B. "Where are Karin and Suigetsu?" He asked of Jugo, the only other member in the space.

Jugo gave him the 'I told you so face'. "They aren't coming Sasuke."

Sasuke's jaw tightened. "Fine with me." He said approaching the door again.

"Wait, don't you wanna know why?" Jugo questioned after Sasuke.

"No, not really." Sasuke said stopping. Nothing Jugo could say would surprise him. Sasuke lowered his brows. He almost felt bad for destroying the crews personal belongings. Almost.

"Well, yea, they're still pretty pissed with you. Suigetsu mostly. Karin is just worried. She's been crying all day the last two days."

Sasuke cut his eyes to Jugo. "Crying?" He asked as if he didn't believe.

"Yea. Look man, we know you're using heavy again. We know that's why you did what you did...why you're so temperamental all the time."

Sasuke grunted and rolled his eyes.

"It's clear you have a lot of pressure on you. We want nothing more but to be in the band with you, but we want you to get help first."

Sasuke had heard enough. "We? Hn. I don't need your pity. I am an Uchiha; I can take care of myself, I've been alone for years now and that's how it's gonna stay. I don't need help, not now or ever."

"But Sasuke, half the time you're not even on planet earth when you get on stage. It's like we barely see you sober anymore." Jugo pleaded.

"Jugo! What the fuck! That shit is irrelevant! It has nothing to do with how I play. I want to pay for the things I busted. I can't change the fact that they're gone but I gave you all money to get new shit. That wasn't enough? I have more." Sasuke tried to bargain the best way he knew how, with money.

"It's not the money Sasuke. It's not about replacing items." Jugo said shaking his head out of frustration. "It's about saving you. I don't want to see you turn out like last time..."

Sasuke was tired of this back and forth guilt trip. He'd been through it with Orochimaru already and now he wasn't in the mood to go through it again. He was beyond ready to leave. His actions were his actions. If this was about more than money, he didn't understand it. "Since you guys wanna play like social workers, you can tell Karin and Suigetsu the band is done." Sasuke said approaching the door.

"Sasuke, wait-" Jugo called out as the door slammed shut.

Thursday

Naruto had had it. If he called Sasuke one more time, he was going to scream. Not only did Sasuke not answer his phone, but he also never bothered to return a text. Naruto was almost livid. Good thing Neji was due any minute now. They were going to lunch. Naruto didn't want to spend one more minute thinking of Sasuke.

Ding, ding.

Naruto opened the door and smiled.

"Hey Naruto." Neji said with a nervous smile. He stepped in as Naruto moved to the side.

"What's up. Sorry to make you wait around but Pervy just had to have help with this book signing thingy. I mean seriously, it's not significant if it isn't the authors hand writing!" Naruto complained loudly as he and Neji walked up the stairs towards Jiraiya's study.

"It's cool. I'm just glad to help out." Neji said as he entered the tightly cluttered space that was littered with books, markers and tape.

"Listen brat, you know that mall you like to go to with your lil friends? Well that place takes money and you ain't got a job, so these 'insignificant signatures' are bill payers!" Jiraiya said shaking a book towards Naruto.

"Pervy, this is Neji, Neji Pervy." Naruto said sitting down at the book jumbled desk.

"Not Pervy! Geeezz...I'm Jiraiya." Jiraiya threatened extending his hand.

Neji received a hardy shake. "Right. My uncle enjoys your books...a lot." Neji said catching a chill.

"Ha ha ha, is that so?" Jiraiya asked proudly with that perverted sparkle to his eye.

"So any ways, Neji, just help me get done with these books here and we can go already." Naruto said pointing to a stack as Neji took a seat.

"I'll be down stairs." Jiraiya said exiting the room.

"So you two get along well huh?" Neji asked as he opened book #1 and added the name 'Jiraiya the toad sage'.

"Yeah, he's really awesome but still a pervert though." Naruto laughed. "Thanks again for helping out. I didn't want to cancel our date."

Neji's eyes darted up to Naruto's face. That word again, date. Neji thought as a smile appeared on his face. "It's no problem at all. I'm glad you didn't cancel as well. It just gives us more time together anyway." Neji said drawing Naruto's attention.

Naruto looked down at the blank first page for a moment before he plopped the marker down and scribbled. "So how was your week? We didn't get a chance to talk a lot."

"Yea it was okay. I have plenty of work to get through this weekend and of course taijutsu practice, studying, the usual. How about you?" Neji responded and asked at the same time.

Naruto furrowed his brow. He thought of what he actually did with his week. He couldn't very well admit that he sat around half depressed all week waiting for Sasuke to show. "Uhm, just the normal. And helping Pervy sage but nothing out the ordinary."

"I see." Neji said focused on the task at hand.

After finally finishing with all the books the two went to an eatery downtown. Neji ordered a salad and soup while Naruto ordered ramen. The two got very familiar. They laughed, talked and joked.

"How's your food?" Neji asked.

Naruto was feeling way too comfortable. "It's okay."

"Just okay? This is my favorite restaurant. Their food is normally extraordinary. "

"Well its good but I've had better. Sasuke took me to this ramen shop clear across town...it was the best ramen ever." Naruto lost steam as he boasted realizing what he was doing.

"Oh well if you would have told me, we could have gone there instead." Neji said trying to conceal his contempt at the very thought of underachieving next to Uchiha.

"No Neji, this is good, really. I just I don't know… I've kinda been worried about Sasuke is all." Naruto admitted feeling like he could talk to Neji honestly.

"Is that so?" Neji inquired quietly as he sipped his cooling soup. "You know, Naruto, Sasuke isn't exactly the most savory person to associate yourself with. You are really nice after all and I don't want to see you get –involved."

"What do you mean involved?" Naruto asked twisting his chopsticks around in his third bowl of ramen.

Neji paused for a second for dramatic effect. "Well to be quite blunt; he has a filthy drug problem and I'm sure you wouldn't want to be hooked into any of that mess." Neji said proudly as he placed his soup dish beside his beverage.

"He has a wha?" Naruto asked again in shock; he wanted to make sure he heard right the first time around.

"Drugs. You know, the illegal kind." Neji reprised. He took great joy in discrediting the brilliant Sasuke when ever possible.

Naruto couldn't believe his ears. He began to revisit Sasuke's behaviors in his mind. He put two and two and two together and it all made perfect sense. The secrets, the nose bleed, the disappearances. "Why…why would he?" Naruto began to question. As far as he could see Sasuke had it all. Why ruin such a good thing?

"Naruto…" Neji called for the fourth time.

"Huh?" Naruto asked looking up from his trance.

"Your food, are you done?" Neji asked referring to the bowl of mush Naruto was playing with mindlessly.

"Oh yeah, I'm done." Naruto said pushing his bowl away. He had lost his appetite, and that was saying a lot cause he never lost his appetite.

Neji called over the waitress as he went to remove his American Express card from his wallet.

"Here, Neji…" Naruto said with a hand full of singles. "My share."

"No, it's fine Naruto." Neji said looking at the extended hand of crumpled money.

"Well I'll leave the tip then." Naruto said counting out dollar bills.

"Okay." Neji said with a smile.

"Hey, next movie is on me." Naruto said wondering why everyone always wanted to treat him. He was not used to this type of stuff.

Neji smiled in agreement. He was more than happy to spend his money on Naruto but the fact that Naruto didn't like that, was a turn on.

...

"So Naruto did you enjoy yourself?" Neji asked as he followed Naruto into the house.

"Huh?" Naruto asked setting his keys down on his dresser. He was still a little off since Neji had told him about Sasuke's issue.

"Lunch? Did you enjoy?" Neji repeated the question. He wished he'd never opened his mouth about Sasuke. It was said to make Naruto disassociate himself from the raven however Naruto had clearly been thinking about him nonstop now.

"Oh, yea I'm sorry Neji. I had a great time." Naruto said realizing he was being super rude to Neji who actually wanted to be bothered with him; unlike Sasuke. He knew it wasn't fair. "What do you wanna do now? If you don't have anything to do we can just hang here." He offered.

"Yeah that sounds great actually." Neji said as Naruto broke out the Wii fit.

Two hours and one shirtless blonde later…

"Hahahah!" Naruto laughed as he toppled over. "Yeah so you beat me…" He said from the floor lying on his back chuckling. He had worked up a sweat trying to outdo Neji who was clearly pretty athletic himself.

Neji stepped over the semi-nude boy and smiled. "I'll let you win next time." He said as he extended his hand.

Naruto reached up to grasp Neji's hand. Instead of being lifted to his feet, he pulled the other young man down to the carpeted floor and pinned him by his shoulders. "HA! I beat in wresting." Naruto proclaimed triumphantly.

Neji smirked at how adorable Naruto was. He had such a sweet smile, a nice body and beautiful eyes. Seeing that he was pinned under his sexual interest, Neji decided to take advantage of the situation. Leaning upward Neji connected his lips to Naruto's. Unlike being met with surprise like last time, he was met with reverence when Naruto kissed back.