Work Text:
They're not hideous.
They're not. They're just a bit odd.
The flowers perched up on the communal table are quite…oodly paired together. The random colours and flowers that usually wouldn't clash well together are entwined in a vase, looking directly at Sasuke quite menacingly.
The question is, where did Naruto acquire this oddity from? They're staring at him, almost taunting him. The pure appearance of them is making Sasuke actually throw up.
It’s not the flowers themselves that spark this sickness inside him. It's the pure jealousy that makes his mind spiral. Where, or should he say whom, gave these to Naruto?
“You like them?” Naruto is leaning against the kitchen doorframe. Speaking of the devil…
“They’re.. interesting,” he settles on, brushing the flowers and his nonsense thoughts away.
The truth is Naruto is a well loved guy. Everyone who bumps into him somehow, for good reason, gets enamored by his presence and gets whisked up in his charm. It’s only natural.
“I hope it's a good interesting.”
Sasuke just shrugs, indifference is key. If he accepts that Naruto is off the market, the heartbreak will just hurt less. Valentine's day is just a couple of days away now… and maybe, whoever Naruto is dating is starting early.
“It’s lively,” he settles with. It’s not a lie. It’s hard to call an orange flower obnoxious but Sasuke swears it looks like it’s been drinking orange food-dye with how pigmented and atrocious it looks.
Naruto smiles though like it’s a compliment. “I thought we could do this from now on.” Don't tell him Naruto is trying to implement more neon orange into their shared apartment now.
“Uh, sure,” he’s slightly confused, but alas. Sasuke’s phone pings as he clicks open his phone. It’s his school project partner spiralling about losing some files.
“I gotta get to campus,” he mutters, as he knows Naruto’s face will shine with those puppy dog eyes. He knows Naruto wanted to talk more but fuck, he he’s still in his pyjamas. “Have you seen my hoodie?”
“It’s in the other room,” Naruto looks a bit frantic, “I’ll be uh, right back!” The other room? Sasuke never leaves his clothes lying around.
He can't even imagine what's going through that idiot's head. Sasuke’s making his way over to his room and pulling on some jeans and before he knows it the blond is back.
“Here,” and he’s throwing him a hoodie. That definitely isn't Sasuke’s. It feels warm like it was laying in Naruto’s bed right against the gentle sunlight. It’s just a dark blue hoodie. It’s no harm. It’s no harm Sasuke thinks as heart jumps and he feels his cheeks heat up.
“It’s uh, your favorite colour?” Naruto is almost shy, and Sasuke realized he’s been silent for too long.
“But it’s yours,” he says simply, yet tugs it on as he sees a shy blush fester over Naruto's cheeks. Cute.
Sasuke’s pulling it on top of his shirt and the smell of Naruto just engulfs him. Naruto’s cologne is just perfect. It’s just so him.
The pings on his phone are long forgotten in his eyes, he can stay and talk to Naruto. His project partners and assignments be damned.
“Goodluck on your project,” Naruto leans against the wall. He’s so broad. Sasuke can even feel it in the hoodie he’s wearing that feels oversized on him.
“Thanks,” shyness usually doesn't strike him, but this time he feels observed, “don’t let the flowers drown or something while I'm gone, idiot.”
Naruto seems to like his answer as his laugh fills the room. “Maybe I should walk you over, make sure you're not the one drowning in a puddle.”
It’s a joke, but it’s not like Sasuke would really mind. “Sure.”
They both made it out of the apartment, he brought an umbrella because it might rain. He’s not sure why Naruto is volunteering to join him in this cloudy weather. Is he that bored?
It’s chiller then anticipated outside, but the walk over isn't long and Sasuke isn't the one to complain.
Naruto, though, runs his hand against Sasuke’s arm, as if he’s reminding himself of the thickness of the material, even though it’s Naruto’s own hoodie he’s wearing.
“Ugh,” he looks worrisome, “you should've worn something warmer.”
“It’s fine, it’s only a short walk.” After some comfortable silence, “what are you going to do on campus anyways?”
“Just going to the gym, yunno?” Naruto laughs, playfully shrugging Sasuke to the side. “Need to level up.”
“Mhm,” Sasuke rolls his eyes at this but he’s not unamused, “trying to break any records, sometime soon?” he teases back.
“Just trying to bench your body weight,” it’s a joke, but Naruto sounds way too honest and Sasuke can't wrap his head around it.
“Are you saying I'm hard to lift up?”
“Uh,” Naruto seems flustered now, “just need to be prepared.”
“For what?” Sasuke would be narrowing his eyes but he knows Naruto is just digging himself into a hole, with his intention of what was a joke. Yet, when he turns over, Naruto is blushing.
“Shut up Sasuke,” he’s scratching the back of his head now, flustered. “Anyways, uh, what time will you be done?”
“I don't know, my group members are idiots and if it was up to me we’d be done days ago,” he’s picking at his nails with a sigh. “Either super early or ridiculously late, no inbetween.”
“Sasuke! You shouldn't say that, what if they hear?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
The library is nearing and Naruto keeps following suit, as Sasuke pinpoints his group members location over text, the blond hovers over his shoulder. “Oh that's close to the gym, nice.”
Sasuke’s swimming in Naruto’s hoodie. It’s not like there’s much of a size difference between them but Naruto is a bit more built than him. It’s probably the most comfortable Sasuke felt in clothing before.
He can spot his group sitting across from where they’re currently standing.
Honestly, his group members are kind of nice. And they have been asking to hang out outside of school hours, it’s just sometimes…this one guy is a tad bit too nice. Almost too into Sasuke’s personal space. Tanaka or whatever his name is, is being way too friendly.
“Okay, I'll cya later then, okay Sasuke?” It’s coming out of his mouth almost regrettably. “Text me when you're done, maybe?” He gives him a little playful push.
“Yeah, okay,” it feels like he wants to say more, but there’s nothing really to say, “Have a nice workout.”
“I will,” but he’s not moving any further away, Sasuke can swear he still feels Naruto’s body heat from the proximity.
“Bye,” and God, does he wanna kiss him goodbye. It’s so stupid, but he feels the need bubbling in his chest
“Bye,” Sasuke has to turn around and face his group. There’s no point in continuing to stand and just gawk at Naruto so he slides his hands into his pockets and starts to get a move on.
The walk over is simple. The library itself is quite nice, it’s modern but still with a rustic ambience that showcases the university's history. Ugh. Here he is trying to distract himself from just thinking about that stupid blond–
“Sasuke!”
“Finally man, we’ve been stumped on what to do next,” yeah, no shit. This project is a disaster. Sasuke finished his part a long time ago.
He’s about to take the nearest seat open, Tanaka, the annoying guy who’s probably allured by Sasuke, speaks out again, “I saved you a seat.”
“I’m good here, thanks,” it’s simple and effective but Tanaka seems a bit unhappy with that response. It’s like he’s itching to be near Sasuke.
Hinata, one of the actual decent project partners has a sweet smile, “If you were hanging out with your friend, you didn't need to come. We’re almost done.”
Didn't Tanaka text him saying they had missing files? If that was the case, everyone from the group would've been here and not just some people wrapping up.
He really needs to get this dude off his back. An idea strikes him. Just a little white lie, nothing more and nothing less.
His mind automatically brings him to Naruto. He feels the texture of Naruto’s hoodie brushing against his skin. Friends wouldn't do that, right? At least not the way Naruto did… Now that he thinks of it, Naruto has been acting like his boyfriend, really…
“It’s okay, my boyfriend was going to the gym anyways,” he drops casually as he reaches for his laptop, “anything I could help with?” Calling Naruto his boyfriend, even if they aren't dating yet, makes him warm inside. He can't help but smile.
He can feel like glaring from Tanaka’s direction but maybe, just maybe, this would get him off his case.
Coming to help with the product just resulted in Sasuke doing more additional work, but he manages to quicken and lighten the work load so he texts Naruto that he’s almost done.
Naruto quickly responds telling him he’ll meet him soon with some bizarre happy emojis.
At this point he’s ready to go home but he’s dreading stepping outside. The weather seems worse than ever as the rain splashes against the window.
He’s drumming his fingernails against his phone, there’s nothing that needs to be urgently done and his group members are softly chitchatting in the area.
Somehow, Valentine's Day has gathered the interest of conversation, Sasuke’s tuning out before Tanaka singles him out. “How about you Sasuke, any plans for Valentine's Day?”
“Spending it with my boyfriend,” he says simply, no hesitation behind his words. Gosh. Is this guy serious? He just said he had a boyfriend and now he's being invasive asking about his actual plans.
He hears a little bit of a stumble behind him and then suddenly he’s met with Naruto's uneasy expression. “Uh, hey Sasuke!” there’s a bit of confusion in his voice, “Hey Sasuke’s classmates.”
“Okay, uh, good teamwork guys. See you Thursday,” Sasuke cuts off any extra conversation and stands up. He doesn't stick around longer as he puts his backpack on.
He doesn't even care that Naruto heard, yeah so what if they're not officially dating yet. Naruto is probably trying to confess before Valentine's Day.
Naruto hovers in his space. There’s only about a moment of silence as they head out towards the exit. “Did you get a lot of work done?”
“Somewhat,” Sasuke is indifferent, genuinely this project is a bit of a mess and why make it due on a Friday? At least he’ll be able to celebrate with Naruto and have some kind of cutesy escapade..
“So are you uh, going to do anything on, uh Saturday once you're free?”
With Saturday being Valentine's Day, that he’s spending with the blond, there’s only one real confident response to that, “Yeah, I’m busy,” he looks at Naruto with a gentle smile.
“Oh, uh,” and he’s scratching the back of his head, Naruto looks a bit stressed. Maybe, he worked up too much of a sweat at the gym and his heart is palpitating too much for comfort, “with someone special?”
“Mhm,” Naruto really doesn't have to have his ego fed more, so Sasuke gently shoves him, “sure,” and then because he loves to tease he bounces the question back at him, “and you?”
“Uh,” He’s a bit flustered with his words, as Sasuke watches him, “it depends.” Hmh, ominous answer, but it seems like Naruto hasn't figured out all the logistics of their date. And he’s simply teasing.
He doesn't end up catching how Naruto keeps staring at him with a calculated expression.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
“Sasukeeee,” Naruto whines, the pleading has started. Yet again. “Please!” His boyish charm and charisma can only get Naruto so far, Sasuke will say no. “I’ll be so bored.”
Sasuke doesn't understand why Naruto is so invested in him coming to the grand opening of some cafe. Allegedly, according to Naruto, visitors will be getting freebies and discounts so he guesses it makes sense..
“You would not be,” his voice follows indifferently in a monotone manner. “You make friends with everyone you see, I'm sure you’ll be fine.” Naruto does look a little defeated at that, and Naruto’s saddened expression actually does sway him.
He just doesn't know why Naruto is so persistent, “I can make you breakfast at home then, I’ll cook something?”
“Fine,” He sighs as Naruto weakly smiles. “Just give me a minute to change.” He says stepping out and making his way to his bedroom.
“I promise it’ll be fun!” Somehow Naruto takes that as his queue to follow Sasuke into his room.
Naruto just plops himself down on Sasuke’s mattress and widens his eyes when he realizes Sasuke’s glaring at him, “Oops! Don't worry Sasuke, I'll close my eyes,” and he's covering them with his hands now, “see, I don't see a thing!”
"I think I can choose my clothes myself, thank you.”
“But I wanted to match,” Sasuke is unsure how that makes any sense and he doesn't want to accidentally give Naruto a peep show.
Sasuke does too much to make this fool happy, “What if you chose my outfit.”
“Me?” It’s like headlines just came on, Naruto has never looked happier.
“Yeah, but not anything stupid.”
“Of course! Never,” and Naruto’s making his way to Sasuke’s crammed but organized closet.
As Naruto passes by, he rests his hands on Sasuke’s side and hugs him from behind. Propping his head onto Sasuke’s shoulder, as they both admire his linens. Now that Sasuke’s looking at it, most of his clothes are neutrals and shades on black and grey.
Naruto definitely likes him, he’s unsure why he even questioned it before.
He’s telling his heartbeat to calm the fuck down. It’s like Naruto isn't even paying attention to his clothes as he strums his fingers against the hem of his shirt that he's wearing. There’s a moment of absolute silence before, “Okay! I think I know!”
And he’s fishing out a quarter-zip sweater, which coincidentally, Sasuke swiped off Naruto and he swears Naruto thinks it got lost to this day. Sasuke’s almost embarrassed that he’s outed as hoarding Naruto's clothes, but whatever.
“Okay,” He shoos Naruto out of his room.
He ends up leaving his room in the sweater, it’s perfect for him. He honestly regrets fully stealing it off him since now it’s lost Naruto’s scent a long time ago.
“You look nice,” Naruto says instantly right when he enters the common area.
“Sure hope so, you chose it,” which runs true for two reasons, “And what about you?” Naruto’s dressed in a completely opposing color. So much for wearing matching outfits.
“Uh, what about me?”
“Thought you wanted to match, Naruto,” at this the other man flustered as if he forgot his own words. He’s walking closer propping himself up and leaning against the couch, observing him, “common, not even the same colour?”
“I’ll switch out!” He’s awfully adamant now, as Sasuke trails after Naruto walking into his room. Likewise, to the previous behavior Naruto demonstrated, Sasuke himself pops himself onto Naruto’s bed.
It feels a bit intimate, somehow Naruto is a bit more natural in his romantic actions, he’s unsure why the same thing Naruto did feels so much heightened in the reverse.
Unlike Naruto though, he isn't gonna do some foolishness and cover his eyes with his hands. “The pants are fine, just find a matching colour sweater.”
Naruto looks both happy but a bit worried at the same time. Is it because Sasuke’s spread out against his bed? The idea of that being the cause of his nerves makes him heat up a bit.
“I actually own the same one,” he says a bit sheepishly.
“Huh?”
“I bought it again since I thought I lost it..” Sasuke almost feels bad before the idea of him and Naruto walking around in matching clothing strikes a pleasant feeling inside his chest.
“Okay, so that's perfect, we’ll definitely be matching,” there's a slight smile on his face he’s trying to hide, but it's whatever, “My bad,” mutters some halfass apology.
Naruto, almost like he does it on purpose is stripping off his previous sweater with a quick reveal of his stomach and fuck, are those abs? Sasuke’s head is lost as he practically misses Naruto’s, "I don't mind.”
They're taking the subway over, sadly it’s during a rush so there’s not a lot of seats, they both end up standing. Naruto is pressed way too close to him, if it was anyone else they'd be too close for comfort, but Sasuke is rejoicing with his warmth.
It’s not necessarily like Sasuke is stumbling. It's only because someone's trying to scoot over, that he fumbles a bit. Naruto’s quick to wrap his hand around his side, his arm wrapping around his waist and pulls him in even closer. Sasuke doesn't complain.
Once they’re reaching their destination, it's not like the coffee shop is that busy.
Maybe, it is. It’s just that Sasuke isn't the biggest fan of crowds and overpopulated areas. He would rather stay somewhere more empty rather than listen to redundant noise. So it’s already too many people Sasuke would rather not converse with.
Naruto must sense his hesitation cause once they walk down the street, he tangles their fingers together. Naruto's thumb soothes and brushes up and down against his own hand. It’s comforting as Naruto even strengthens his grip on his hand, almost possessively.
The cafe is very pretty, Sasuke can see why they aimed for their grand opening on Valentine's Day. It’s intimate with lots of pink and a mix of vintage decor.
“So, what do you think?”
“I think it might be a bit hard getting a seat,” but there's no malice in his words, he’s about to say it is actually nice, before he spots a free table, “Oh, I see one.”
“You could sit down and I will order for us?” He’s about to tell Naruto what he’d like, before he realizes that the spot will be taken by then.
“Okay,” as he drops Naruto's hand, the warmth leaves him and he feels slightly disappointed.
“I’ll cya soon!” Hopefully Naruto doesn't order anything too sweet. Sasuke actually isn't a big fan of desserts unlike the blond.
Once he’s seated, the ambience is quite scene and relaxed. The music is quiet enough it doesn't annoy him, and he’s tucked away by the corner with the window. He’s strumming on this phone, some of his group members are rambling on and on in the chat they have together.
Sasuke watches as Naruto walks towards the waiting area. It’s kinda silly that they're wearing identical sweaters but Sasuke doesn't find it dumb. It’s cute. It makes him think that people will know Naruto belongs to Sasuke.
That he’s his boyfriend.
They're doing relationship things, Naruto will probably ask him to be his Valentine or confess to him soon. Maybe even sooner than anticipated..
“I got you something, Iced Americano,” he says with a wiggle of his brows, “with a twist.”
“Yeah? What sort of twist now?” Sasuke loves a simplistic drink, Naruto knows him well, but he sits back with amusement as Naruto plops down a drink.
“I wanted you to try something a bit different, so taa~daa~ Iced Orange Americano!” The drink does look a bit different than usual with some orange pieces, “and a savory pastry, something with tomatoes.”
Naruto standing there just watching him, as if to get approval for his choices, “Did I do okay?”
It was just so earnest, Sasuke had to talk himself out of saying a quip, “Yeah, thank you,” he looks at the food as the tension from Naruto's face lessens and he beams, “watcha get yourself?”
“Oh! I’ll be right back.”
He arrives shortly after with a sweet looking coffee with a ridiculous amount of whipped cream and a black sesame cupcake.. Which Sasuke doubts he’d choose himself but it's one of the few sweets Sasuke likes. It’s cute how he anticipates sharing.
Naruto is just such boyfriend material.
“Thanks for coming,” his voice is surprisingly lower and quieter than usual. They're walking out now, the distance between them and the cafe is growing as they walk past the neighbouring residential area.
Sasuke just shrugs, “figured you'd need your fix of sugar,” but he tightens the grip on Naruto’s hand and gives it a bit of a playful swing.
“You're sweet enough, Sasuke,” he says so genuinely and softly that Sasuke can't help but blush.
“Stop it Naruto,” he’s muttering, but he truly doesn't want it to stop. Definitely not. He’s just a tad embarrassed–
Seems like Naruto does take his question seriously though, "Why?” His voice is more firm than he anticipated, then almost abruptly, “Is there because there's someone else?”
“Huh?” Now that takes him aback.
“I'm serious Sasuke, who else could it be? You spend all your time with me and now you're going off with some random guy?”
Random guy? Who is Naruto talking about? “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Your boyfriend, or whatever,” he’s still holding onto Sasuke’s hand, “Sasuke please, I can be so much better than him. I don’t even fucking care who it is, I know I’m better for you.”
He doesn't even know where Naruto is getting this bizarre idea from, “I have no clue what you're talking about. ” He doesn't even care that they're in public, he hisses the words out.
Naruto is upset now, “You don't have to lie, you told me you're spending tomorrow with someone.”
“Yeah dumbass, I am.’
Naruto’s face falls, “Sasuke, please,” he’s on the verge of sounding possessive and upset, “please just tell me what I'm missing.”
“You’re not missing anything,” he’s slightly agitated now but it doesn't help the case. Naruto just looks more upset and persistent. He’s already crazy about the man.
“So why not me?” His voice is so raw, “I thought you liked me too but then I heard what you said and--.”
The revelation actually makes his heart skip a beat. God. They could've been dating ages ago. “You’re so dumb."
“I’ll work harder–”
“No,” God. Naruto looks like he has another route to pursue and convince him. This is going horribly—
“I get it,” he says finally. “I’m sorry,” Naruto’s pushing back now, dropping his hand, “I hope we can still be friends, I shouldn't be—”
Out of everything going on right now, the least he wants is for Naruto to apologize.
“I want you to be my boyfriend. Why would I have any other prospects when all I want is you?”
Naruto looks at him like he doesn't even believe what Sasuke is saying. The busy noisiness from the street and upcoming traffic never seemed quieter.
Sasuke continues, “I meant you. I wanted to reject my groupmate’s advances and tried to speak it into existence.” It feels a bit stupid and dumb, now that Sauske’s voicing it.
“You meant me?” He feels like he must've crushed Naruto’s spirit, this is not how he wanted their confession to go. God, he’d never want Naruto to feel like that.
Valentine's Day should be a happy time and here they are with unnecessary conflict. He lessens the volume of his voice, “Is that why you've been so anxious?”
“Uh, a bit, I guess,” now Naruto’s reluctant to speak, “So you like me too?”
He thinks back to the flowers Naruto bought, to all the small moments that he tried to show Sasuke how much he cares. It’s hard for Sasuke to voice his thoughts, he’s more of a man of action. Naruto, though, picks up everything someone says.
“I really like you,” he ends up admitting as Naruto starts to raise a smile. “I wouldn't want anyone else.”
It’s almost like Naruto starts to understand.
“You really do, don't you?” Naruto starts to say but his voice is more teasing. He slowly starts to gravitate towards him, pressing against his space and wrapping his arms around Sasuke.
“Naruto, common,” he’s getting shy now, “I told you enough times now,” he’s moving his face aside, hiding from exposing his blushed cheeks.
Naruto toys with the hem of his sweater, “common, let’s go home instead,” there’s a smile building on his lips.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
Previously, he and Naruto were obviously sweet to each other.
If previously, he and Naruto were sickeningly sweet.. the sugar has seemed to caramelize and become so ridiculously sweet that Sasuke doesn't know how it’s even possible anymore.
Dating Naruto is like everything becomes right. He’s scared sometimes that things might change and it’ll be revealed he’s living in some fantasy world.
“You’re so pretty,” Naruto is watching Sasuke get dressed. Naruto looks awfully comfortable wrapped up in Sasuke’s bedsheets.
“And you’re lazy,” Sasuke groans, “Get up! We have places to be.”
Naruto had some plans, but they're set later for the day. Sasuke has some of his own.
First on the list is shopping, Sauske’s planning on buying them a matching set of sneakers. Looking at Naruto’s worn out Asics almost makes him roll his eyes at their state. At least they're just gym shoes–
“But Sasuke!”
“No ‘but Sasuke’!” He’s muttering but his voice is too fond even to pretend to be mad. Wait, talking about the gym..
“Guess you accomplished your goal,” Sasuke shakes his head with a small laugh, as he walks up closer to the blond who’s a little confused, “You can bench 64 kg.”
“Huh?” It takes Naruto a moment to connect the dots. He was a bit surprised that Naruto can maneuver him with ease, but hell, he has never felt safer before. Naruto’s grinning at him a bit, “Should I prove it again?”
“Maybe later,” he responds dryly as Naruto sits up to kiss his cheek. Naruto can tell though, that his voice is nothing but fond with the next words, “My boyfriend's pretty strong, I guess.”
“Someone's gotta protect you.”
“I can protect myself,” Sasuke flusters as if he doesn't have an black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and works out as much as Naruto. He likes the response, nonetheless.
Naruto goes to fix Sasuke's hair, the warmth of his touch is so gentle, “I’ll always try anyway,” Sasuke rolls his eyes at that fondly.
“Yeah?” It’s not like he needs protecting, but something about being with Naruto brings out the want to be held and taken care of. “And get out of bed already!”
“Kiss first?” He’s on the verge of pleading, which Sasuke doesn't understand fully because obviously, Sasuke will deliver. It’s like Naruto enjoys begging for it.
Kissing has never been as fun as it is now, Naruto kisses with so much enthusiasm and somehow his hands always end up wrapped around Sasuke’s body. It’s like Naruto studies all his reactions and hoarders then up for reference.
“Fine, just one kiss,” he acts like he’s indifferent but truly, he’d kiss Naruto a million times over if he could. It’s truly the only way he wants to spend his life. “Only because I love you.”
Fin.