Chapter Text
[Part One] Back then; 2006 Shoyoa High
“Sasuke! Wait up!” The blonde leapt from his seat on the bench, following behind his friend. Naruto and Sasuke had been best friends since middle school. Although Sasuke wasn’t very reciprocative most of the time, they both knew that’s how it was.
“What do you want?” His brows furrowed, his hands in his pockets as he walked.
“Sakura’s been eyeing you real bad lately.” He hummed, his hands resting at the back of his head, in his usual carefree way. Naruto’s eyes slid to Sasuke, who had stopped walking.
“So..?” He huffed, rolling his shoulders before he continued to walk. Someone seemed to have stricken a nerve. It was normal for Sasuke to be in his bitter and irritable moods. That was just the kind of guy he was, but even Naruto could tell something was up.
“If you don’t like her, you can just say that. You’re great at being a jerk, so it wouldn’t surprise me.” He kicked a pebble on the ground, yawning as he kept walking. Sasuke’s fists were clenched tight, not even sparing Naruto a glance.
“Idiot, if I went around saying everything I thought, I’d end up like you.” He rolled his eyes. The blonde frowned.
“Like me? What’s so wrong with being like me?”
“Everything, moron.”
Naruto pouted, his brows down turned and his bottom lip slightly pushing out. “At least the guys don’t think I’m gay or something.” Sasuke winced, his shoulders tensing up.
Sasuke’s eyes darted back to Naruto, completely turning around and stopping the blonde in his tracks. Naruto’s eyes widened, before a fist flew into his cheek.
“Hey, Sasuke, what’s your problem?” He groaned, rubbing his cheek. The punch hadn’t been all that hard, and it didn’t scream like Sasuke truly wanted to get him back. Naruto looked at Sasuke, who was simply walking away.
What was going on? Why was Sasuke acting like this? Usually whenever they’d get into a quarrel, they’d throw punches at one another. It was always what they had done. “Hey!”
Naruto caught up to Sasuke. He was only getting more and more quiet while Naruto was rapidly getting more irritated. “Sasuke, what’s wrong? You’re acting weird.”
Sasuke clenched his fists, forcing himself to walk and not indulge in another punch towards Naruto’s stupid face. “Just shut up.” He held his bag closer, pulling the straps as if it were some kind of shield for his back.
“You’re dense and you can’t think before you speak.” He grumbled, but he knew better. It was true that many of the guys in their class thought Sasuke was a homosexual. (Not that they’d ever worded it like that). Sasuke had girls chasing him left and right, but he always turned them down.
He had gotten used to the meaningless insults, at least that’s what he thought. It felt different coming from Naruto. Something closer to betrayal and something else Sasuke couldn’t quite name. Suddenly, Sasuke felt a warm hand on his shoulder.
“Sasuke, I know I’m an idiot,” he spoke in a raspy, but resigned voice. “But I’m still your friend. So please, tell me what’s wrong?” Sasuke’s scowl softened the slightest bit before turning around and facing Naruto.
“Naruto, do you think the idea of me being gay is amusing?” He neglected Naruto’s gaze, refusing to look him in the eye. “Would it make you look at me differently?”
Naruto stood still, his brows furrowing, “Sasuke…” The raven haired boy’s posture tensed, preparing himself for whatever reaction he was about to get. “It wouldn’t make a difference.”
Sasuke’s eyes darted towards Naruto’s, his usual cool composure faltered for a moment. He had seriously thought Naruto was going to call him a sensitive little girl for being so vulnerable. Most people would.
But Naruto wasn’t like most people.
“Well, actually I’d love to know what kinda guy catches your eye.” He giggled, baring his teeth in that utterly ridiculous smile of his.
He was worse.
Sasuke scoffed, promptly turning away. “I never said that was the case. It was purely hypothetical.” Naruto followed Sasuke, his steps a little more preppy than before. He was practically bouncing in excitement, knowing that he’d definitely gotten a dig on Sasuke.
“Hey Sas’, don’t worry. I won’t say anything!” He cheered, loud enough for half the town to hear. This dumbass was going to be the death of him, wasn’t he?
——-
It was late, and Naruto had been audacious enough to follow Sasuke home. To be fair, Naruto was adopted while Sasuke was merely a foster child. Naruto’s parents had died shortly after he had been born due to complications with birth and stress.
Sasuke on the other hand had lost his family in a fatal burglary when he was about twelve years old. His older brother was kidnapped and his parents were slaughtered right before his very eyes. He was sent into foster care while the police investigated and sought out his brother.
After almost two years, the case had been closed. Itachi was gone along with his dead parents while the monster that had ruined Sasuke’s life was left without consequences. Sasuke was tossed from foster home to foster home; only for him to be left with-
“Eh, Sasuke? Naruto? What time is it?” A silver haired man with a book in his face spoke.
“It’s time for you to get your nose out of that book, Kakashi.” Sasuke grit his teeth. The quiet man had almost always been productive and responsible, except when it came to reading. He’d be more than happy to skip out on responsibilities, all to read more of, ‘Make-Out Tactics.’
“Hey now, it’s my day off. I think you can manage some chores for a while.” He kicked back on the couch, continuing his session with his book. Sasuke just rolled his eyes and walked off, Naruto following.
“How long’s it been with Kakashi anyway? I know you’ve been with him for a while now.”
“One year and eleven months,” He spoke distantly. Sasuke strode towards his bedroom door, opening it with a soft, “click.” Inside, his bedroom was neat and taken care of. It was minimal and plain, but that made sense considering he never owned much to begin with.
“Really? You think he’ll adopt ya’?” The blonde hummed, shutting the door behind them. Sasuke had been lucky enough to live in about two or three foster homes in the same area.
Sasuke paused in his footsteps, before shrugging. He tried to brush it off but it was clear on his face that he hoped it wasn’t the latter. “It’s complicated. Even if he wanted to, I don’t think there’d be any point. I’m sixteen, and it’s not like he has to hand me over just because he won’t adopt me officially.”
Naruto kicked off his shoes before flopping onto the bed, letting out a sigh of relief. “Thank god. I still have to figure out what kind of guy you wanna get with.” He smirked at Sasuke, a playfully teasing look in his eyes.
Sasuke glared at the rash blonde, scowling. “I don’t like guys, you idiot.” He couldn’t help but feel even more pressed when he saw how perfectly comfortable Naruto was in his bed. His audacity was something to be studied.
“Oh, so you like girls?” Naruto grinned at the raven haired boy, leaning back on his elbows.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, “I never said that either. And why does it matter? You said it yourself, it wouldn’t make a difference.” He sat back in his desk chair, giving Naruto an amused stare.
“So you like…” he trailed off, thinking to himself. “You like no one! There. You’re a grump and you plan on dying alone.” Naruto gave a bright smile, “Not that anything’s wrong with that either.”
Sasuke groaned internally. Why was he friends with such a dumbass? “You’re impossible, Naruto.” He shook his head and sighed. “Fine. You want the truth?”
Naruto immediately straightened up, sitting up eagerly with his hands between his lap. “You mean it? You’ll tell me?”
Sasuke hummed, leaning back in his desk chair, “Sure. I like..” he pretended to contemplate, dragging out the silence. Naruto leaned closer, looking the most focused and curious he had all day.
“I like everyone who isn’t an idiot, stupid, or likes the color orange way too much.” He flicked Naruto’s forehead, earning a small, “*Oww*” from the blonde.
“Yeah, yeah, very funny.” Naruto glanced away at Sasuke’s window. His expression forlorn and absent. “I’ll be honest with you.” He fiddled with his fingers in his lap, not daring to look Sasuke in the eye.
“Go on.” Sasuke leaned his head on his elbow, watching Naruto’s expression. The boy had long, blonde eyelashes that fanned over his cheeks. The smile he wore so much looked.. softer when he was upset.
“I really like Sakura, but there’s something she sees in you that she doesn’t see in me. Whether it’s your smarts or mysterious looks, I couldn’t say. But one thing's for sure,”
He paused, his cheeks going red before he blurted out, “If I’m gonna ask Sakura out, you’ll have to teach me!” He held his hands in a prayer position, pleading. “C’mon Sas’! Think about it! It’d get Sakura off your back.”
Sasuke could only roll his eyes. Of course this moron of a boy would ask for something so pointless. “Even if I don’t like Sakura, who’s to say she’d like you?” He scoffed, shaking his head, “Naruto, you can’t make someone who’s not interested want you.”
Naruto put his hands down, his gaze moving towards his own lap in disappointment. “I know, and I would never force Sakura. I just want to have more confidence in myself. I think you could really help with that, Sas’.”
The darker haired boy stared at Naruto with pity. No one had ever asked him to help with self esteem before. “Man, you’re sad. You really want my advice?” Naruto nodded.
“Fine. I don’t know what it is you think I’m going to teach you though.” He scoffed, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair. “I’m not exactly known to be the world’s number-one cheerleader.”
Naruto snorted, that pitiful look on his face vanishing almost instantly. “Aw yeah Sasuke! You’re the best!” A wide grin struck his face.
“Pfft, thanks moron.” A sigh escaped Sasuke as he looked back at Naruto, “So, what kind of advice do you need?”
Naruto scratched the back of his neck and chuckled awkwardly, “Well, it’s less so advice than it is… free experience points?”
Oh brother
Sasuke stared at the blonde. “Naruto, there’s no way in hell I’m learning how to kiss with you of all people.”
“But-“
“Forget it. I don’t want you slobbering all over me like a dog.”
Naruto groaned, “Sas’ please, if you won't, who will? Besides..” He looked down at his lap, “You're good at judging. It’d be like construction… construction..?” He trailed off, unsure of the word he was looking for.
“Constructive criticism.”
The blonde laughed awkwardly, scratching his neck. “Yeah, constructive criticism.”
Sasuke sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Naruto, how am I supposed to know the difference between a bad kiss and a great kiss when I’ve never even kissed anyone before?”
Naruto smirked, “You’ll know it when you feel it!”
The dark haired boy glared at Naruto. “And just how would you know?”
“I got into Jiraiyah’s computer once and let’s just say I accidentally read some of his ‘research.’”
A grimace formed on Sasuke’s face, “He actually wrote down what his hookups were like?” His frown deepened, looking truly and utterly disgusted, “That man is the epitome of perverse.”
Naruto shrugged, brushing it off with a grin. “Well what do you say Sasuke? How about it?”
“No.”
Naruto completely deflated, “Man, I totally thought I had you there.”
“Ha, I just had to see your face,” Sasuke hummed, a small smirk on his lips. He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll help you. But only because it’s amusing to think you’d ask for my help.”
Naruto stared at Sasuke, gawking. “W-wait, really Sas’?” He smiled, “Aw hell yeah! Starting today, we will both train to master the art of kissing!” the blonde declared. Sasuke just sighed and got up from the chair.
“You’re so lame.” He came to sit down by Naruto, who was practically bubbling in excitement and triumph. “You’re just as lame for saying yes,” the blonde scoffed, a small grin on his face.
“When do I get to the judging part in all of this?” Sasuke responded, a cheeky expression on his face. He leaned back, pretending not to care, “Unless you changed your mind.”
Naruto huffed, his ears tinting red, “I was getting there.” He mumbled. He scooted closer to Sasuke, his hands coming up to cup Sasuke’s face. He could feel his own heart pounding hard in his chest. He swallowed, his eyes daring to meet Sasuke’s.
Sasuke blinked, his gaze sliding away from Naruto. It was then Naruto realized the dark haired boy was just as flustered as he was. He let out a short, nervous laugh, before leaning in. His fingers were trembling slightly against Sasuke’s skin.
He closed his eyes, before pressing his lips against Sasuke’s.
Even though the kiss was brief, the blonde couldn’t help but notice how soft Sasuke’s lips were. It was a nice feeling.
He retreated, watching for Sasuke’s reaction, “So? What’s your take?” Naruto asked shamelessly. Sasuke’s cheeks were rosy, and he could hardly make eye contact. That was a surprise.
“It was fine I guess,” He muttered, brushing a hand through his own hair. He looked at Naruto, his lashes fluttering, “Can I try?”
“Mhm, sure.” Naruto nodded absently. There was a slight warmth in his chest, similar to a buzz. If Sasuke wanted to try and take the lead, he wouldn’t say no. This was new, and it was different.
Sasuke looked down at Naruto’s lips, smooth and pink like peaches. He wondered if they tasted like p- eh no. Not going there. His hand reached to cup Naruto’s jaw, tilting his head slightly. He leaned in, meeting Naruto’s lips in a warm kiss.
Sasuke pulled back, when Naruto held Sasuke’s face; he brought them back together in a deeper kiss. Sasuke let out a low gasp, not expecting it. He leaned into the new kiss, trying to match Naruto’s pace.
He pulled back more forcefully than before, trying to catch his breath. Just as he opened his eyes to see Naruto, he was attacked with another kiss. His hands fell to Naruto’s shoulders, the blonde’s persistence making him dizzy. He tried to get the words out between kisses, “Naruto… mn..”
The dark haired was quickly spiraling, lost as Naruto pushed him over. He never realized kissing could feel so.. amazing. And it didn’t help that Naruto was actively leaning over him, practically taking over Sasuke with only his mouth.
Sasuke could feel the rapid beating of his heart and the red burn on his face. Was this even practice anymore? He tried breaking away from Naruto again, his hand slipping underneath his shirt and pinching him hard on his side.
Naruto let out a yelp, quickly pulling off of Sasuke. That was when Sasuke saw just how affected Naruto was. He was breathless, and his eyes had rested into lazy crescents.
“What was that for?” The blonde eyed Sasuke, the smallest pout on his lips. “Did I do something wrong?”
Sasuke scoffed, his cheeks still stinging. “Some of us need air to breathe, you know.” He relaxed against the headboard, “If I had known you were going to come after me like an animal, I wouldn’t have agreed.”
Naruto went completely red at that, his hands twitching at his sides. “H-hey! I was not.” He sank his head, letting out a little sigh. “Does this mean you’re done?”
The dark haired just stared at the blonde. “You’re seriously asking that? I’m pretty sure ‘practice’ doesn’t mean a whole make out session.” He huffed, his eyes meeting Naruto’s. “Do you really need to? It wasn’t bad. You’re not a terrible kisser.”
A grin grew on Naruto’s lips, “Oh. Thanks.” He leaned closer, tilting his head slightly just as he got into Sasuke’s space. “Can I try going from ‘not terrible’ to ‘amazing?’”
Sasuke rolled his eyes, putting a palm over Naruto’s mouth, “You’re coming off too heated. Just relax. I don’t know. That’s my judgement.”
The blonde hummed, his hand gently taking Sasuke’s wrist and pulling his hand off of his mouth. He leaned in, whispering, “Okay. I can relax.” He placed small kisses against his wrist into his palm, his eyes shut and eyelashes gently brushed against Sasuke’s palm..
The raven haired boy sighed. This felt too real. He knew this wasn’t just practice at this point. Naruto was fully engaged and ready to attend to Sasuke’s requests. He’d call it quits, but the way the blonde was acting was memorizing.
It was nearly impossible to imagine that the annoying blue eyed bastard could be so attentive and gentle. Sasuke reached out, pulling Naruto by the collar of his shirt for another kiss.
He didn’t know how to explain it. It just felt right. The way the blonde would respond and conform almost instantly was more than satisfying for Sasuke. With his newfound reigns, it was too easy to forget about any sort of doubts he had before.
“Naruto.”
Naruto lifted his head, looking into Sasuke’s eyes with a hint of tenderness. It made Sasuke’s stomach flutter. Those blue azure eyes had a depth that no one else had ever seen so close.
“Yeah?” A small smile pulled at Naruto’s lips. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Sasuke whacked him on the side of the head, “Practice is over.” Naruto let out a small, “ack-!” before frowning.
“Go home, Naruto.” The dark haired boy sighed, “It’s getting late.”
“Yeah, yeah, I hear ya’ Sas’.” Naruto pulled away, getting off of Sasuke’s bed. He glanced at Sasuke just as he stood, feeling awkward all of the sudden. He opened his mouth to speak.
“Naruto, please, just go.” Sasuke looked away, rubbing his face. “I understand.”
Naruto grinned, the relief visibly evident in his face. “Okay. Night Sas’.”
Sasuke felt himself smile back silently, “Yeah. Night.”