Work Text:
Naruto’s Pov
Naruto woke up in a fright, the rays of sun already stroking his skin warmly. He looked at the alarm clock, he was late—again. He didn’t remember having turned it off and he certainly didn’t remember dozing back to sleep but here he was.
He jumped out of bed, put on the first shirt he could find and the most clean-looking pair of pants. Before running out the door he grabbed a slice of bread with one hand and slung his bag over his shoulder with the other hand.
He slammed the door of his apartment behind him and jumped over the stairs, before running down the street. It was already the third time this week that he had been late to class and Iruka sensei had been on his back since the beginning of the year.
Naruto sprinted through the school gates, still chewing on his slice of bread when he slammed straight into someone at the entrance.
“Oi, watch it!“ A familiar low voice muttered.
Naruto looked up and nearly choked on his toast “Sasuke! Good morning!“
Sasuke raised a brow, immaculate as always, with his perfect ironed shirt that suits him like no one else and his hair looking so effortlessly pretty. Naruto used to be jealous of his style and charisma back in middle school but now he had learned just to appreciate the view.
“You’re late.“
“not my fault,“ Naruto defended himself even though it absolutely was. “My alarm betrayed me, it’s a conspiracy.“ He explained quickly with his hand as if it was any clearer.
“Hm“Sasuke didn’t smile but Naruto could see the faint ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, how cute. “Iruka is gonna kill you“
“worth it.“ Naruto winked at him and started running again in the direction of his own class but he could feel Sasuke’s eyes on his back the whole way down the corridor.
Naruto fell into his usual seat next to Shikamaru, still slightly out of breath.
“You're late…Again.“ Shikamaru mumbled, not bothering to raise his head from his folded arms.
“Sorry, I ran into sasuke“
“That explains the stupid smile on your face“. Naruto blushed at the remark.
“What smile?“
Shikamaru finally looked at him, his eyes flat. “you didn’t ask him yet?“
“Ask him what?“
“nevemind, I’m too tired to argue with this imbecile…“ and returned to using his arms as a pillow. Naruto raises a brow and
“what he fuck does that even mean?“ But before he could argue further, Iruka sensei walked into the room.
Class dragged on, boring as usual and Naruto spent most of the time glancing through the window, spying on the people asking past the street or drawing on the corner of the table.
At the break, Ino walked into the room, her high ponytail swaying from left to right. She stops in front of the boy's desk, putting her hands on Shikamaru’s table.
“Hi guys, how is it going?“
“Good morning Ino, what’s bringing you here?“ Choji greeted.
“Funny you ask, actually I’m having a party tomorrow night, you’re all invited!“ She said, putting a menacing finger in their faces.
“Really?!“Naruto beamed.
“Yeah really, bring your girlfriends or whatever"
“Thanks Ino, see you there!“ Naruto called as she was already leaving, she flashed him a smile before going back in the hallway.
“I’m too lazy… Go without me“ Shikamaru said.
Kiba shoved Shikamaru, “You don’t have a choice, I’m sure Temari will go.“
This seemed to not make him feel better because he frowned as if he had tasted something sour.
“Don’t complain, at least you have someone, unlike us.“ Naruto observed.
“Actually, I think I’m going with Hinata,“ Kiba said as he scratched the back of his head shyly.
“Yeah, I’m going with Karui, I think it’s getting serious.“ Choji said.
Naruto froze. Shikamaru burst out laughing. “It appears you’re the only one not bringing anyone Naruto.“
Naruto brightened a crimson red and shoved his face in his arms on the table. “Since when do you all have a girl!“
“It’s not that serious Naruto, you can still go with us.“ Choji reassured him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Naruto straightened immediately. “No! I’ll find somebody to go with me!“
Naruto tried to act casual but something twisted in his chest.
Everyone was going with someone.
Everyone had someone. and Naruto had no one. He never had realised how everyone had relationships, situationships or whatever ended in ships. Shikamaru had Temari. Kiba was planning on going with Hinata, Choji with Karui, Neiji with tenten, and all of the other people probably had someone.
Naruto… didn’t. And there weren’t any girls he wanted to ask, he quickly thought about every girls he knew but either they had someone or they would never go with him to the party. But… going alone felt kinda embarrassing. He needed someone to hang out with when everybody would be making out with their girlfriends, boyfriends.
Sasuke’s Pov
Sasuke was sitting in the classroom trying to disappear under the window when a girl with a pink cardigan walked by. she double checked and let out a long sigh, “Who are you hiding from?“ She says, lifting a brow.
He sighs and lets his head fall back on the back of the chair, “you know who I’m hiding from…“
“Again?“ Sakura asked a bit too loud.
“Yes again, he hasn’t backed down now, it’s been weeks.“ Sasuke explained, while motioning to her to lower her voice.
“month actually.“
“Thanks, it’s not helping.“
Sakura laughs, and sits backward on the chair in front of him.
“And what are you going to do about it?“
“Nothing, obviously.“
“Obviously“ she mocks, rolling her eyes which made her laugh even more, “seriously Sasuke, he’s obviously into you…“ She insisted.
“We don’t know that“. He said, raising a finger in her face.
“Omg stop being a prick and just admit it!“ She pleads
“No! I mean, he may have been following me around a bit but there is nothing between us.“
“Cut the bullshit sasuke! Admit it, you wish there was something.“
Sasuke felt his cheeks reddening, maybe he did but no way Naruto felt the same way as him.
“Of course!“ He said a bit too loud, making a few head turn to look at him, “but there’s no way that guy is one of us.“ He said in a low whisper.
“careful there, you’re making the gays sound like a cult.“
Sasuke laughed at her poor attempt at humor.
“I’m serious, just ask him, she said more seriously, "what's the worst that could happen? Him being homophobic and he stops talking to you? Do you really think he is homophobic?“ Sasuke shook his head, but still not meeting her gaze. “Of course he isn't, he has been an ally to me and Ino since we’ve been public, he would never do something like that.“
“You're mad, I’m not gonna come up to him and just ask him!“
Sasuke wasn’t afraid Naruto would reject him. I mean, he was afraid of rejection because when your long-time crush rejects you it obviously hurts but the worst is not what he would probably say. Because Naruto is. Good guy, he would probably feel bad for rejecting Sasuke, what he was afraid of was everything he wouldn’t say, everything he would think. The way every time they’d talk, Naruto would see him differently. And then everything would change: the easy conversations, the accidental touches, the chasing in the halls. It would all become awkward, careful, distant.
Sasuke could survive rejection.
He wasn’t sure he could survive losing him. They had been friends for so long now.
Naruto’s pov
When lunch time finally arrived, Naruto looked around the cafeteria without even thinking about it, when Shikamaru sat beside him he asked:
“Why don’t you just eat?“
Naruto finally stops looking around and shrugs at Shikamaru’s remark,“What do you mean? I am eating.“ He said, planting a mouthful of his lunch in his mouth.
“Then why are you looking around?“
“I’m not!“
“Of course you are and it’s getting ridiculous.“
“I just wanted… Never mind.“
“What?“
“I just wanted to see sasuke.“
“Why? You can live without him for a few hours can’t you?“
“Yes of course.“ He said grimacing at Shikamaru who laughed at him.
When they arrived back in their classroom, Kiba and Naruto decided to go to the vending machine to get drinks. The summer dragged on and the humid air of Konoha wasn’t helping anyone.
“Just go without me, I think I’m just gonna take a nap,“ Shikamaru said, waving his hand to make them leave as he put his head on the table.
Naruto rolled his eyes while Kiba laughed at the laziness of their friend.
"You're sure you don’t want anything?“ Naruto asked before leaving, but their friend only waved him off.
When they crossed the field to find the right building, Naruto found Sasuke leaning on the school wall, his black hair covering his eyes in this mysterious way. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned because of the weather, he always looked so cool.
“speak of the devil“, sakura said as she left sasuke with a Pat on the shoulder. Sasuke let her go with a wave of his hand.
“Hi sasuke!“
“hello.“
The silence sat gently between them. Naruto didn’t mind it at all.
Sasuke, on the other hand, felt every second loud inside his chest.
“So uh…Ino’s party“ Naruto started, he didn't know why but he had trouble pronouncing the words out of his mouth. “Are you going?“
Sasuke shrugged, “Sakura told me to, but, it’ll be just me standing there…“
“Me too!“ Naruto brightened, “We should go together then! What do you think?“
Sasuke froze, keeping eye contact with Naruto.
“Together?“ Sasuke asked unsure.
“Yeah, we both don’t have someone to go with, why not? “
“So you want to go with me?“ Sasuke asked again, and Naruto blinked. Why did Sasuke look like this was a question with consequences?
“Of course, I’d like to go together!“
If Naruto was honest he’d say that he saw Sasuke’s cheeks reddened. “Then yes, I’ll go with you.“
“Nice!“ Naruto beamed. “Ok then we just have to meet… At the park?“
“Yeah, it sounds good, at the park.“ Sasuke called as he returned to the school hall, waving at Naruto from behind his back.
Kiba stared at him for a moment, like he just witnessed something crazy.
“What? Is there something on my face?“ Naruto asked, as they started to walk in the direction of the vending machine.
“Bro… you know that you just asked him on a date, right?“ Kiba asked.
“What?“ Naruto laughed at the absurdity of Kiba’s words. “Of course I didn’t! I asked him out as a friend.“ Naruto explained, putting his cash in the machine.
“Did you tell him that?“
“Well,no… But—“
“Then he thinks it’s a date.“
Naruto suddenly felt his heartbeat in his ears. Like his body knew before his brain did.“Fuck…“ He inally said, letting his head fell against the glass of the machine.
“Come on… Don’t tell me you mind“
“Of course I mind? Why wouldn’t I?!“
“Because you just asked out the guy you’ve been obsessing over for two months, duh?“ Kiba said, as if it was common knowledge.
“I haven’t been… I mean I… What?!“
“Naruto.“ Kiba said, holding his friend's shoulders in place. “You like him.
“Do I?“ Naruto asked, his voice hoarse like it went from the back of his throat.
“Don’t tell me you were that oblivious“
Naruto stared at him in shock and everything he spent chasing after Sasuke, calling him when they passed near each other, trying to engage conversation etc passed through his mind.
“Oh…“ He finally said Kiba handed him his bottle before walking back to their class.
Sasuke’s pov
Sasuke’s mind is spinning as he hurries in the corridor, he looks around every corner in the search of a pink set of hair. he needed to tell her about what had just happened, about the fact that Naruto had just asked him out, but mostly he needed to talk about the fact that he wasn’t sure whether it was a date or not. He had quickly escaped the situation with Naruto because it was way to kward, especially with his friend there.
He finally finds Sakura with Karin in a heated conversation. He stops behind them, a bit out of breath. Sakura turns around and raises a brow at the sudden appearance of her friend.
“What happened?“
“He did.“ Sasuke said
“Who— Oh my God!“ She beamed. “He did?!“
Karin stood there a bit confused at the interaction and took this as a sign to leave.
“I’ll contact you later Haruno,“ She said.
“Yeah, don’t worry, thanks again!“ she waved.
“Sorry“ Sasuke said, realising that he had interrupted their discussion.
“Don’t be, you actually saved me from party organization.“ She waved him off. “Now tell me everything.“
“Well, he asked me to go to the party together—“
“Really!? I never thought he’d dared!“
“But the thing is…“
“Of course there’s a but…“ she pleaded defeated.
“I don’t think he meant it as a date…“
Sakura groaned loudly, and fell back against the wall.
Naruto’s Pov
Naruto didn’t even realize his feet were moving until he found himself outside by the courtyard benches, where Sakura was sitting, her nose in her book.
She looked up as he approached, eyes narrowing.
“You look like you just discovered something life-altering or incredibly stupid.”
“Both,” Naruto said, dropping down next to her.
Sakura stared. “…Oh my god. You finally realized it, don’t you?”
Naruto groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Don’t tell me you knew too!“
Sakura laughed at his stupidity. “Of course everyone knows you like him! Except Sasuke maybe.“
“Is it really that obvious?“
“It is,” Sakura said, as she flicked his forehead, “you trail after him like a lost dog and blush every time he looks at you for more than three seconds.”
Naruto opened his mouth to argue but then stopped, he couldn’t deny any of this.
“Okay! But, what am I supposed to do? I don’t know how to date someone!”
Sakura softened. “Naruto. You don’t have to do anything. You just… show up as you. I’m sure he already likes that version.”
Naruto felt something warm bloom in his chest.
“Really?”
“Really.“ She said, “But stop being so oblivious and tell him clearly what you think before I lock you both!“ she yelled as she punched his arm.
Sometimes Naruto forgot how strong she was— until she hit him again obviously.
Sasuke’s pov
As Sasuke left his apartment in the direction of the park, he started to discuss his decision. What if Naruto had really asked him out as a friend. He didn’t know if he would succeed to stay for all the time of the party if it was the case.
At least he had Sakura if something happened.
The sun was already starting to set, blasting a pink light in the sky.
When Sasuke arrived at the park, he found Naruto already balancing on one of the barriers, humming.
When he noticed Sasuke, his face broke into a smile.
“Hiya!“ He beamed, falling into step next to him.
“Hi.“
“Are you ready?“
“I guess, are you?“
“To party? Always!“
Sasuke turns to hide a smile crawling on his lips.
When they arrived in front of Ino’s apartment, Naruto glanced at Sasuke to make sure he was ready. Sasuke nodded at him, and Narut finally rang the bell. Ino opened the door and greeted them in a thighs hug before letting them in. She seemed already fully intoxicated and the music was blasting through the apartment.
The apartment was packed, heat and music and laughter thick in the air. Colored lights flickered across the walls, making everything feel unreal.
Naruto drifted through the crowd with Sasuke beside him—not close enough to touch, but close enough that their shoulders brushed every once in a while. Every time they did, something sparked under Sasuke’s skin.
When they arrived at the bar, Naruto handed him a drink, before taking one for himself. He said hello to Choji next to him and waved at Shikamaru who only sent back a shy wave because he was being yelled at by Temari.
Sasuke felt a bit overwhelmed by all the people around him, so he took a big gulp of his drink. The cold beer was refreshing on this hot summer night.
At one point Naruto got dragged away by Kiba and Lee who insisted he had to try the weird and disgusting looking energy drink someone had mixed with vodka. Naruto shouted a quick “Wait for me!” over his shoulder with an apologetic smile, and Sasuke nodded before he disappeared in the crowd.
Sasuke stayed at the bar for a moment, fingers curling a bit harder around his cup. He could still feel the warmth Naruto left at his side, or maybe it was just the alcohol already having the better of him.
He took another sip, trying to erase the feeling that he didn’t belong there.
“Sasuke!” Sakura’s voice cut through the chaos as she squeezed between a group of people dancing, their hands intertwined. Her cheeks were flushed from the heat, but her eyes were clear. “I’ve been looking for you, how’s it going?“ she asked.
“Good,“ he said,“I think.“ He looked down at his reflection in his drink before taking another gulp.
“You’re in love.“ Sakura sang as she squeezed his arm and sat on the other stool next to him.
“I’m drunk“ he corrected.
“One does not preclude the other“ She laughed and sasuke realised that she was drunk too.
“Okay, okay“ he laughed quietly.
"You're allowed to want things Sasuke you know…“ she said looking straight at him, “you don't have to pretend this doesn’t mean something to you“
“Right.“ He finished his glass and rose from his seat, “I need some air, I’ll be back“
Sakura blew him a kiss and then she was already back chatting with some people he didn’t know.
Sasuke finds his way to the balcony, as he pushed the door open, he was glad to find that the air was fresher than inside the apartment.
The music faded through the glass door as he crossed the balcony to lean against the railing. His head was pounding and his ears were ringing from the loud music.
The late wind found him well, stroking his hair gently. He closed his eyes and let the atmosphere envelope him.
“You always find me don’t you?“
“Yeah…“Naruto laughs. “Are you okay?“He asked as he closed the distance between them, leaning against the metal.
“Yeah, I just needed some air“ When Sasuke looked back he noticed Sakura in the appartement, showing him two encouraging thumbs up. He couldn’t fight back the smile that crept unto his lips.
Naruto nodded, there was a long silence between them, but it was comforting, the music was still blasting a few meters away and the dim light illuminated them just enough to see each other.
Finally Sasuke asked, “Is this a date, Naruto?“
“What?“
“Did you ask me out on a date? “
“I…I yeah—I mean….“ He let out an anxious laugh, “Do you want it to be?“
Sasuke didn’t answer right away, he just looked at the city submerged in darkness, except for the lights coming from the few apartment windows still on in front of him. He felt so tiny next to the rest of the world.
“Yeah… I’d like to.“ Sasuke finally admit, maybe the alcohol was helping.
“Then, it’s a date.“
When Sasuke turned his head he noticed that Naruto had been looking right at him. A sheepish smile on his lips and Sasuke could see the faint blush across his face.
Naruto reached out, his hand hovering for half a second, then rested it over Sasuke’s on the railing.
Sasuke didn’t pull away. His eyes are still on Naruto’s face.
Instead, his fingers curled slowly, shyly around Naruto’s.
“Would you…“ Naruto started, his face even redder than before “want to do that again?” He asked softly.
Sasuke didn’t look away from him this time. He looked at every detail of his face. The light of the apartment reflected green lights on his tan skin, showing off his freckles on the bridge of his nose, the blue light in his eyes. Sasuke wished he could freeze the moment.
“Yeah,” he said. “I really would.”
“Cool…“ Naruto said before resting his head against Sasuke’s shoulder.
When they left the crowded apartment, it almost felt unreal. The alcohol was still having a strong hold of them and the dark sky plunged them in a dim darkness.
Naruto and Sasuke both walked next to each other, so close that they were touching. It felt like they were magnets, both drawn by the other. Attracted to the other’s warmth, as the temperature had dropped at night.
Sasuke looked at the sky covered in stars, they were so visible that it was almost difficult to identify the constellation, even if sober he would have easily. Naruto raised his gaze to do the same as sasuke, but his steps were so clumsy that Sasuke had to catch him and placed an arm around him to help him walk in a straight line. Naruto mumbled a quick “thanks“ before placing his head on Sasuke’s shoulder and looking at the stars.
"They're really pretty,“ he said. And Sasuke was surprised by his voice so close to his ear.
“They are.“
“hank you for tonight Sasuke.“ Naruto said, breaking the silence that sat between them.
“Why are you thanking me?“
“I don’t know…Beause you came with me? Because you said yes to another date?“
Sasuke felt his stomach flutter as Naruto mentioned another date.
“You're welcome.“ Sasuke laughed.
“Don’t laugh at me!“ Naruto said, but he was giggling too.
“I’m not!“ he said, still laughing quietly, “I’m not.“
At one point, Sasuke couldn’t resist the closeness between them and reached out for Naruto’s hand, stopping right as it brushed the back of his hand. Naruto looked at him then, then at his hand and took Sasuke’s in his. Sasuke tightened the grip and when he looked up he met Naruto’s eyes smiling at him.
The walk home was long but Sasuke wished it would last even longer, but at one point he had to go their separate ways.
Naruto looked up at Sasuke who was a few inches taller than him, still wearing a big grin on his face.
“I’ll see you on Monday then.“ Naruto said.
“If all that booze didn’t kill me before that—then yes.“
Naruto laughed and Sasuke couldn’t help but smile.
When Naruto left to go on his own way, Sasuke stood there a minute watching him go as he waved during the whole path until he turned behind a building. Sasuke could feel his cheeks burning. He walked in the dark for a few more minutes and when he kicked his shoes off he heard his phone buzz. He fell back on his bed and opened it to see a message notification from Naruto.
Naruto: Did you get home okay?
Sasuke stared at the screen, the letter jumping in front of his eyes.
Sasuke: yes
A few seconds later, his phone buzzed again.
Naruto: okaaaay good
Naruto: drink water btw
Sasuke: you too idiot.
He tapped fast.
Naruto: wow. affectionate.
Sasuke: shut up.
Naruto: :)
Sasuke: :)
When Sasuke turned off his phone, he was smiling. He fell asleep almost immediately.
Naruto’s Pov
This morning at school, Naruto was on time. Actually he had woken up before his alarm for the first ime of the year. He had walked to school more lightly than usual, like his heart was much lighter than usual.
He spotted Sasuke by the lockers. No hesitation this time, he walked straight up and took Sasuke’s hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Sasuke’s ears went pink, but he didn’t let go. He finished taking his belongings from his locker and closed it before turning to Naruto who was plastering that stupid grin on his face.
“hi“ Sasuke muttered.
“HI“ Naruto responded.
“Did you have a nice weekend?“ He asked as he put his bag on his shoulder.
“I did but I mostly missed—“
Suddenly, Kiba saw them from across the hall, stopped dead in his tracks, and threw both hands in the air.
“FINALLY!! I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU STUPID IDIOTS!!!”
Naruto turned bright red while Sasuke smirked at his shy face and laced their fingers tighter as he led them across the hall to their respective classrooms.
Sasuke leaned a bit closer to Naruto’s ear only to whisper “I missed you too, you know,”
Naruto didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. But a smile even bigger grew on his face.
His hand tightened around Sasuke’s
And he realized that this—this exact moment, was all he had been chasing from the very beginning.