Chapter 1: New Strings
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The shrill beeping of Naruto’s alarm clock was the first sound to tear through the stillness of his new dorm room. He groaned and slapped blindly at the nightstand until his palm finally collided with the cheap plastic device. The silence that followed was immediate, but it didn’t feel familiar.
No, it was different here.
Different from the warm creaks of his parents’ house, where he’d grown up hearing the clatter of pans and the cheerful humming of his mom every morning. Different from the reassuring thuds of his dad pacing between kitchen and front door before work.
This silence was sterile. The walls were bare, the ceiling plain white, the sheets stiff with newness. But the blonde grinned anyway.
“Alright,” he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse with sleep, “day one of new life, here I come.”
He swung his legs out of bed, his blond hair standing up in every direction as though he’d been in a fight during the night. The mirror above the sink in his small bathroom didn’t do him any favors… if anything, it confirmed that no matter how old he got, his hair was destined to be a stubborn, golden mess. He splashed water on his face, brushed his teeth, and yanked on a hoodie and jeans before slinging his bag over his shoulder.
The door clicked shut behind him, and the crisp morning air rushed in to meet him.
⸻
Tokyo University was… massive.
The campus stretched out before him like its own little city. Stone buildings with ivy climbing the walls, towering glass windows flashing in the sunlight, and walkways shaded by tall gingko trees. Students streamed past in every direction, holding coffees, chatting in groups, laughing over private jokes. The air buzzed with energy.
Naruto paused on the main quad and just took it in.
“Whoa,” he muttered, hands shoved into his pockets. “Guess this is the big leagues.”
His old university had been fine: decent professors, decent friends, decent everything. But it had been small. Familiar. Predictable. When the chance to transfer came up, he hadn’t thought twice. He wanted more. More people, more experiences, more chances to throw himself into things headfirst.
The psychology building loomed ahead of him, red brick with sleek glass doors that reflected the blue of the sky. He double-checked his schedule and muttered under his breath:
“Second-year psych major, Uzumaki Naruto, reporting for duty.”
Inside, the hallways smelled faintly of old books and floor polish. His first class was easy enough: syllabus day, professors droning about requirements and expectations. The man tried to focus, but his eyes kept wandering, flicking across the sea of unfamiliar faces. Everyone else seemed to know each other already, chatting easily before class started, sliding into seats with the comfort of routine.
He tapped his pencil against his notebook, restless. He wasn’t shy, not really, but being the odd one out left a sour taste.
By the end of the lecture, he was half-tempted to bolt straight to the cafeteria.
But the universe had other plans.
“You’re new,” a voice drawled beside him.
Naruto blinked, turning. The guy had sharp, narrow eyes that seemed perpetually half-closed, his posture slouched like sitting upright took too much effort.
“Huh?” He asked brilliantly.
“Transfer student, right? You weren’t here last semester.”
The blonde scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Uh Yeah. Uzumaki Naruto. Second year. Psychology major. Just moved in at the dorms a few days ago, actually.”
The guy gave a slight nod. “Nara Shikamaru. Psychology major too.” He jerked his chin toward the doorway. “That’s my friend.”
Naruto followed the gesture to see a broad-shouldered student with kind eyes and a bag of chips in hand. He had an easy smile, even as he chewed.
“Yo,” the second guy greeted, lifting his hand. “Akimichi Choji.”
Relief spread through the man’s chest. “Nice to meet you both. Guess I’m not totally alone here after all, huh?”
Shikamaru smirked faintly. “Guess not. You hungry? We usually grab lunch after this class.”
The blonde’s stomach chose that exact moment to let out a thunderous growl.
Choji laughed. “That settles it.”
⸻
The cafeteria was crowded, but somehow Choji managed to balance a tray stacked high with food. Naruto stared in admiration at the pile of rice bowls, fried chicken, and dumplings while trying not to drop his own modest plate of noodles. They found a table near the window, the sunlight spilling across the worn surface.
“So,” Choji started around a mouthful of food, “what’s your deal, Uzumaki? Transfer because you didn’t like your old school?”
Naruto twirled noodles around his chopsticks, shrugging. “Not really. It was fine. But I wanted something bigger, y’know? More opportunities. Plus, my parents were cool with me moving out.”
Shikamaru gave him a look, one eyebrow raised. “Most people don’t say that with a grin.”
The blonde chuckled. “Guess I’m not most people. I just… wanna experience stuff. Meet people. Try new things.”
Choji nodded approvingly, his cheeks full. “That’s the spirit.”
Naruto relaxed into the rhythm of their conversation. Shikamaru was laconic, Choji was warm, and together they had an easy balance. It felt natural sliding into their company, like slipping into a groove that had been waiting for him.
Eventually, the dark-haired man leaned back, “You’ll have to pick a club soon. They make it mandatory for all undergrads.”
“Yeah?” Naruto tilted his head. “What do you guys do?”
“Music club,” Choji responded immediately, pride in his voice. “It’s fun. Pretty laid back, but we get to perform sometimes too.”
The blonde perked up. “Music? No way. That’s perfect!”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong glance. “You play an instrument?”
“Not really,” he admitted. “But I’ve always loved singing. My mom sings around the house all the time, and I kinda picked it up.” His grin was sheepish but earnest. “I’m not half bad, actually.”
The chubby man’s face lit up. “Then you’ll fit right in. We’ve got all kinds: guitarists, drummers, pianists, singers. You should come by the meeting tomorrow.”
Naruto’s grin widened until his cheeks hurt. A new school, new friends, and maybe even a chance to do something he loved? His fresh start was already shaping up better than he’d dared to hope.
“Count me in.”
⸻
The rest of the day was a blur of classes, walking unfamiliar hallways, and collecting syllabi. But the thought that anchored him was simple: tomorrow, he’d see what the music club was all about.
Back in his dorm that evening, he collapsed onto his bed with a sigh. His notebook was already littered with doodles of music notes and scribbled reminders. He stretched, folding his arms behind his head, and stared at the ceiling again.
His new life had only just begun, but something inside him thrummed with the same energy as strings being tuned… like something was about to start. Something he couldn’t name yet, but could feel all the same.
He grinned into the quiet of the room.
“Yeah,” he murmured to himself. “This is gonna be good.”
-_ - _ - _ -
Chapter 2: First Notes
Summary:
Naruto finally goes to the music club where he meets Sasuke. He is immediately enthralled and more so when the gorgeous man strums his guitar, he is captivated.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The next afternoon, Naruto found himself standing outside the music club room with his backpack slung awkwardly over his shoulder. The double doors in front of him pulsed faintly with the muffled thrum of a bassline and the offbeat laughter of voices on the other side.
He took a breath.
It wasn’t nerves, not exactly… he wasn’t the type to get nervous about meeting new people. But there was a tightness in his chest, like anticipation before the first step of a race. Yesterday he’d been the new transfer student; today, he was stepping into something bigger.
“Alright,” he muttered to himself, rolling his shoulders back. “Music club, let’s go.”
He pushed the door open.
⸻
The room was larger than he expected, wide enough to fit a stage at the far end and lined with chairs, amps, and scattered instruments. Posters of past performances littered the walls, colorful flyers from festivals and gigs layered one over another. The air smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and something sharper: metal strings, maybe, mixed with the polish used on guitars.
Shikamaru and Choji waved him over from the middle row.
“Hey,” they greeted with his usual easy smile. “Glad you made it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” the blonde replied, plopping down between them. His eyes darted around, soaking in the energy. Some students tuned guitars, others fiddled with drumsticks or keyboard settings. It was alive in a way his classrooms weren’t.
A tall fourth-year with spiked hair clapped his hands together at the front. “Alright, everyone settle down! Welcome, newcomers. I’m Inuzuka Kiba, one of the club’s presidents. Today we’ll do introductions, then some of us seniors will perform so you can see what we’re about.”
Naruto straightened, interest sparking.
The introductions went around in a circle: names, year, instruments. Some were casual, others shy. When it came to him, he stood and grinned wide.
“Uzumaki Naruto, a transferred second-year psychology major. I don’t play any instruments, but I like singing. So I guess that’s me.”
There were murmurs of approval, a few nods. Kiba scribbled his name down. “Great. We always need vocalists.”
The blonde sat again, pleased.
He returned to looking around the room.
And then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone by the open window.
⸻
At first, he thought it was a woman.
The figure sat half-turned away from the room, dark smoke curling from between their fingers as they exhaled lazily into the late-afternoon light. Long, raven-black hair spilled over their shoulders, straight and glossy, glinting faintly where it caught the sun. A pair of white headphones rested around their neck, the faint hiss of guitar riffs leaking from them.
A black electric guitar was propped casually on one leg, the polished instrument gleaming as though it had been cared for meticulously. The person’s posture was unbothered, as if the introductions happening in the room didn’t involve them at all.
And God… Naruto couldn’t look away.
The smoke drifted past delicate features: sharp jawline, straight nose, long lashes. Piercings glinted along the curve of both ears, silver and black hoops that caught the light in quiet defiance.
They wore a dark fleece sweatshirt, sleeves shoved to the elbows, paired with patterned oversized pants that looked both lazy and stylish. Scuffed sneakers completed the look, like they hadn’t bothered dressing up for anyone but still ended up drawing every eye.
Naruto’s mouth went dry.
(Holy crap. That’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.)
But then one of the seniors… the spiky-haired guy again… gestured toward the window. “Oh, right. For those who don’t know him yet, that’s Uchiha Sasuke. Fourth year. A Guitarist.”
The blonde’s brain short-circuited.
(Him?)
As if sensing the attention, the figure finally glanced over. Onyx eyes, sharper than any blade, locked with his for a split second. The weight of that look sent an unexpected jolt straight through him, like being struck by lightning.
Naruto jerked his gaze away, ears burning.
“Oh,” he muttered under his breath, trying to recover. “So he’s a dude.”
Shikamaru gave him a side-eye smirk. “Figure that out late, huh?”
He glared half-heartedly. “Shut up.”
Choji only chuckled, crunching into a chip.
⸻
After the round of introductions, Kiba clapped again. “Alright, seniors, let’s show them how it’s done.”
Several older students moved toward the stage. The blonde noticed Sasuke among them, slinging his guitar strap over his shoulder with a smooth, practiced motion. The dark sweatshirt hung loose around his frame, but when he adjusted the guitar, his fingers: long and precise, moved with purpose.
The band settled: drums, bass, keys, two guitars. A few soft chords strummed out as they tuned. The air shifted.
And then, with the crack of the snare, they began.
⸻
Naruto had been to live performances before: school festivals, local shows. He’d always loved the rush of energy music brought. But this… this was something else.
Sasuke’s guitar cut through the room like lightning, sharp but smooth, weaving seamlessly into the rhythm. His expression didn’t change much… still that same calm expression… but his body told the story his face didn’t. The sway of his shoulders, the subtle nods of his head, the way his fingers danced over the strings like second nature.
Naruto couldn’t tear his eyes away.
It wasn’t just skill. It was… presence. Even doing something as “normal” as playing, the raven-head commanded attention. The smoke, the hair, the piercings… they all melted into the background once the music began. What remained was pure, unfiltered talent, raw and magnetic.
The man’s chest tightened. His heart thudded in time with the beat, each note like a spark beneath his skin.
When the song ended, the room erupted in applause. He clapped the loudest, his grin stretching wide.
“That was amazing!” he blurted, louder than he intended. A few newcomers laughed, but he didn’t care.
Choji nudged him with an amused smile. “Told you this club was good.”
Shikamaru gave a lazy shrug. “Not bad.”
The blonde leaned forward, still buzzing. His eyes darted back to Sasuke, who was already unplugging his guitar, cigarette lit again as though the performance hadn’t just stolen his breath.
Naruto’s grin faltered into something quieter, more thoughtful.
(Man…) he thought, pulse still racing. (He’s incredible.)
And for the first time since transferring, he felt the sharp pull of something beyond excitement or curiosity. A string inside him had been plucked, and the sound lingered long after the last note faded.
⸻
By the time the meeting ended, Naruto knew one thing for sure:
He wanted to hear that guitar again.
And maybe… just maybe… he wanted to hear everything else about the guy who played it too.
-_-_-_-
Notes:
This will be a two chapter update just like my usual schedule so please look forward to this work of mines. Stay tuned for tomorrow <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Ps: follow my TikTok: @angelofboke_ (if you wanna send me ideas and suggestions or simply talk :))
Chapter 3: Unplayed Chords
Summary:
Naruto can’t stop thinking about Sasuke.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The meeting wrapped up in a flurry of chatter and laughter. Instruments were tucked away, amps switched off, chairs scraped against the floor as everyone shuffled out into the corridor. Naruto lingered near Shikamaru and Choji, his mind still replaying the sound of Sasuke’s guitar over and over.
Outside, the late-afternoon sun spilled across the campus, painting the buildings gold. Students filtered past in groups, voices rising and falling like another kind of music.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, his grin a little too wide, his thoughts a little too loud. He lasted all of three minutes before blurting, “So… that Sasuke guy.”
Choji glanced at him, chewing thoughtfully on the last of his chips. “What about him?”
Naruto gestured vaguely. “He was amazing, right? On guitar, I mean.”
“Mm.” Choji nodded. “Yeah, he’s one of the best in the club. Always has been.”
He hesitated, then pressed, “What’s he like? Y’know… outside of the music stuff?”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong glance, expression unreadable. “Why?”
He flushed. “What do you mean, why? I’m just curious!”
Choji shrugged. “Honestly, we don’t really know him that well. He’s… quiet. Doesn’t hang out much unless it’s club-related. Chill, though. Doesn’t cause trouble.”
“Chill?” Naruto repeated, unsatisfied. “That’s it?”
“Pretty much.” Choji’s tone was matter-of-fact. “He’s not the type to talk unless you talk first.”
He frowned, mulling it over as they walked. (Not the type to talk, huh?) Somehow, that only made him want to know more.
⸻
The next few days slipped by in a rhythm of classes, meals, and club meetings. Naruto adjusted to campus life quickly… he learned which cafeteria line moved fastest, which professors droned the longest, which hallways were best for sprinting when you were late.
But every time the music club met, his focus zeroed in on the same thing.
Sasuke.
Sometimes the raven-head sat by the window with his headphones, tapping a cigarette into the ashtray like the world outside didn’t exist. Sometimes he tuned his guitar with a sharp focus that made everything else fade away. Sometimes he just leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as though the chaos of the room couldn’t touch him.
The beautiful man always wore the most comfortable yet fashionable clothes. The way he wore his hair differently every few days, the way he change out his piercings to match his fit for the day.
Naruto told himself it wasn’t weird… he just admired talent, that was all. Admiring a senior who could play guitar like that wasn’t strange.
Except his eyes kept drifting, again and again, no matter how many times he tried to stop.
During one meeting, Kiba was explaining the lineup for an upcoming performance, but he barely absorbed a word. His gaze flicked to the man, who was leaned back in his chair, smoke curling upward, his long hair tied loosely at the nape of his neck. The silver hoops in his ears caught the light when he tilted his head, and his stomach did a strange flip.
(Why does he look so good just… sitting there?)
Naruto shook his head, dragging his attention back to Kiba. (Get a grip, Uzumaki.)
But then it happened.
Sasuke’s eyes shifted, just slightly, and landed on him.
He turned at the same time and their eyes met.
He froze.
For a heartbeat, onyx eyes held his, unreadable, calm as still water. Then, with no change in expression, the other looked away, exhaling smoke toward the window as though Naruto wasn’t even there.
He felt his face burn.
Choji nudged him with a grin. “You okay? You zoned out.”
“I—I’m fine!” He spoke too quickly. “Totally fine.”
But inside, his chest was buzzing like he’d been caught doing something forbidden.
⸻
The admiration only deepened as days passed.
When Sasuke played during practice, Naruto couldn’t stop watching the way his fingers moved: deft, sure, coaxing sound like it was effortless. When the man brushed his hair back with one hand, revealing the piercings along his ear, he caught himself staring. Even the way Sasuke smoked: slow, measured… looked like something out of a scene.
Naruto tried to play it cool, but his thoughts betrayed him.
(He’s so… different. Untouchable.)
Whenever the raven-head was in the room, it felt like the air shifted. Everyone else blended together, but Sasuke stood apart… like he carried his own gravity.
⸻
A few days later, after classes, he walked back with Shikamaru and Choji, the cool air biting against his cheeks. The conversation drifted lazily, mostly Choji talking about new restaurants opening nearby. Naruto laughed along, but his mind kept circling back to the image of Sasuke’s indifferent glance earlier.
“Hey,” he blurted suddenly, “are you guys sure you don’t know more about Uchiha Sasuke?”
Shikamaru sighed. “Still hung up on that?”
The blonde scowled. “I’m not hung up! I just… he seems interesting, y’know?”
Choji chuckled. “Naruto, if Sasuke wants people to know about him, he’ll tell them. Until then, you’ll just have to admire from a distance.”
He groaned. “That’s the worst advice ever.”
Shikamaru smirked faintly. “It’s the realistic advice. He’s not exactly approachable.”
He kicked at a loose stone on the path, frustration bubbling beneath his ribs. But even as he complained, part of him knew Shikamaru was right. Sasuke wasn’t someone you could just walk up to and chat with.
And yet, that didn’t stop Naruto’s chest from tightening every time he caught sight of him.
⸻
That night, lying in bed, he stared at the ceiling, restless. The faint hum of music from a neighbor’s room seeped through the walls. He folded his hands behind his head, frowning.
(Why him?)
He’d been at the university less than three weeks, surrounded by thousands of people. And still, his mind kept circling back to the raven-head: his sharp eyes, his effortless guitar, the quiet intensity that seemed to pull Naruto in no matter how hard he tried to resist.
It didn’t make sense. He barely knew the guy.
And yet…
He sighed, tugging the blanket over his head.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 4: The Dare
Summary:
The seniors throw the newcomers of the music club a welcome party to which Naruto gets dared to go into the entertainment district that’s a few blocks away from their university.
At first he was not going but curiosity got the best of him.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The izakaya buzzed with life.
Low-hanging paper lanterns bathed the wooden tables in warm orange light, the air thick with chatter, clinking glasses, and the smoky scent of grilled skewers. Music club members had claimed a cluster of tables near the back, pitchers of beer and plates of food already spread out before them.
Naruto squeezed in between Choji and Shikamaru, eyes wide as he took it all in. Back home, he’d gone to casual parties with friends, but this was his first time out with a whole university club. The energy was infectious: half rowdy, half cozy.
“A bit late but welcome to the club, first-years!” Kiba barked cheerfully, raising his glass. “Tonight’s all about you guys.”
A cheer went up, mugs clinking together as everyone took a swig. The blonde grabbed his light beer… he wasn’t much of a drinker yet… and raised it high, grinning.
The night unfolded in a comfortable rhythm: introductions, jokes, laughter echoing louder as the drinks flowed. Seniors swapped stories about past performances, inside jokes bouncing back and forth across the table. He leaned in, soaking it all up. He’d been worried about fitting in, but here, surrounded by easy smiles and laughter, he felt a strange warmth settle in his chest.
Still… as the night went on, he couldn’t help noticing the empty seat at the far corner of the table.
Sasuke wasn’t there.
Naruto had half-hoped… okay, fully hoped… that he’d see him tonight, maybe get the chance to talk to him finally. But the man hadn’t shown, and no one seemed surprised.
“Don’t expect him at these kinds of things,” Shikamaru murmured when his gaze lingered. “He doesn’t really come out.”
He made a face, pretending it didn’t matter, though disappointment pricked at him.
⸻
As the pitchers dwindled and the noise grew, someone inevitably suggested games.
“King’s Game!” a senior shouted, brandishing chopsticks like swords. “Losers drink, and losers also take punishments.”
He perked up. He’d heard of it but never played.
“Count me in,” he said, grinning.
The game unfolded with chaotic energy. Draw chopsticks, follow the king’s order. Sometimes it was harmless: “Number two, feed number four a piece of karaage.” Sometimes it was embarrassing: “Number three, sing a love song to number six.”
Naruto threw himself into it with gusto, earning laughs with his over-the-top antics. Choji was a good sport, Shikamaru less so, groaning every time he got roped in.
By the third round, though, his luck ran out.
“Loser does a punishment as earlier stated!” Kiba crowed, slamming down his chopstick. His grin turned wicked as he looked around the table. “And I’ve got the perfect one. You, newbie.”
Naruto blinked, pointing to himself. “Me?”
“Yeah, you.” The older man leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’ve gotta go down to the entertainment district. Pick a place. Report back.”
The table erupted in laughter, whistles, and teasing comments.
Naruto’s grin faltered. “Wait, wait… what kind of punishment is that?!”
“The fun kind,” one of the seniors chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared!” He shot back automatically, but his ears burned.
The noise blurred for a moment until a soft voice cut through beside him.
“You don’t have to,” someone murmured.
He turned. A girl sat across from him, her dark, long hair framing her face. Pale eyes flicked up to meet his before darting away again.
She was one of the newcomers too, he remembered. Hinata, right? She’d introduced herself quietly earlier, her voice barely above the chatter.
The woman’s fingers tightened around her drink as she added, “If you don’t want to, you don’t need to.”
Her voice was calm, steady, even if her gaze wavered.
He blinked, then smiled at her reassurance. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
But across the table, the seniors were still chanting, urging him on, banging their mugs against the wood. He scratched the back of his head, laughing it off.
“Alright, alright. Maybe I’ll check it out. No promises.”
That seemed to satisfy them, the noise shifting back into more laughter and another toast.
⸻
By the time the party wound down, the night air outside was cool, sharp with the smell of rain. The group spilled out of the izakaya, breaking into smaller clusters as people headed back toward campus or toward trains into the city.
Naruto shoved his hands into his hoodie pocket, walking beside Shikamaru and Choji.
“Entertainment district, huh,” Choji said between bites of a skewer he’d taken to go. “That’s some punishment.”
“Yeah,” he muttered. He forced a grin. “Not like I’m actually gonna do it, though.”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong glance. “You say that now…”
Naruto scowled. “I’m not gonna! We’ve got class in the morning.”
But even as he said it, curiosity itched at him. He’d never been to that part of the city before. He’d only heard stories… neon lights, shops that didn’t close until dawn, places that catered to things people didn’t talk about openly.
When they reached the dorms, Shikamaru stretched, yawning. “Troublesome night. I’m crashing.”
“Same,” Choji said, waving. “See you tomorrow, Naruto.”
“Yeah. Night, guys.”
Naruto watched them go inside, then turned back toward the path.
The streetlights cast long shadows across the pavement, and somewhere in the distance, music drifted faintly on the air. He knew the way back to his dorm on the opposite end. But if he kept walking just a little further off…
His eyes flicked toward the glow on the horizon, where neon signs pulsed faintly against the night sky.
The entertainment district wasn’t far.
He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, heart thudding with something that wasn’t entirely dread.
(I’ll just look, he told himself. Just see what it’s like. No harm in that.)
And with that excuse echoing in his head, he took the first step toward the lights.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
As per usual, the next story update would be out tomorrow with two new chapters so please stay tuned for that.
Enjoy your day/night <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 5: Velvet Eden
Summary:
In which he goes in the entertainment district and his eyes catches a particular shop that has him walking in.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The entertainment district was alive.
Even from blocks away, Naruto could hear it: the hum of music, the rise and fall of laughter, the clatter of footsteps against pavement as the night stretched on without signs of sleep. When he turned the corner, the full sight hit him all at once.
Neon signs burned bright against the dark sky, kanji and cursive lettering glowing in colors too vivid to ignore. Pink, violet, blue… every shade beckoned, each one promising something different: food, drink, pleasure, escape. Shopfronts lined the streets in dense clusters, from smoky izakayas spilling with chatter to sleek glass doors that whispered of exclusivity.
The air itself felt charged, humming with energy. Perfume drifted past in soft waves as women in short skirts and sharp heels passed by, linking arms with businessmen who looked far too stiff for their company. Hosts in tailored suits stood outside doorways, calling in smooth voices to anyone who looked their way.
Naruto’s pace slowed.
He told himself he was just curious. Just looking. But his eyes darted everywhere: at the flashing signs, the silhouettes leaning against doorframes, the laughter that rose sharp and sweet above the din. It was overwhelming, intoxicating, and he hated to admit it, but he was… intrigued.
“This place is crazy,” he muttered under his breath, shoving his hands deeper into his hoodie pocket. “Do people really come here all the time?”
He drifted further in, the crowds pressing around him, voices overlapping in a dizzying blur. Some shops were loud and gaudy, with music blasting out their doors. Others were quiet, discreet, their windows frosted or tinted.
And then he saw it.
⸻
“Velvet Eden.”
The sign glowed in muted red, not garish but alluring, like a secret only some were allowed to know. The door was sleek black, flanked by soft golden lights. Where other shops blared their existence, this one whispered, come closer if you dare.
He stopped in his tracks.
Something about it drew him, though he couldn’t say what. Maybe it was the contrast: elegant among the chaos, understated where others shouted. Maybe it was the way the name lingered in his mind, velvety and rich.
Before he realized what he was doing, his feet carried him forward.
The door clicked shut behind him with a muted sound, cutting off the noise of the street. Inside, the air shifted: quieter, dimmer, with a faint scent of sandalwood curling around him. The lighting was soft, glowing amber against polished wood and plush furniture. Music hummed low in the background, a sultry rhythm that seeped into the skin.
Naruto swallowed, suddenly aware of how out of place he looked in his hoodie and sneakers.
“Welcome.”
The voice snapped his attention forward.
A man stood behind a reception desk, white hair slicked back in a way that looked both effortless and intentional. His eyes were bright colored, his grin wide and knowing.
“I’m Hozuki Suigetsu,” the man greeted smoothly, resting his chin in his palm as he leaned forward. “First time here, right?”
Naruto blinked. “Uh… yeah?”
Suigetsu chuckled, the sound low. “Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of you.”
He slid a sleek binder across the desk, opening it with a practiced flick. Inside, glossy photographs filled the pages: men in sharp suits, in casual wear, in sultry poses that made his ears heat up. Each page was labeled with a name, a few teasing descriptions.
The blonde stared. His brain caught up a moment later.
(Oh.)
(Oh, fuck.)
This wasn’t just any shop. This was a brothel.
A gay brothel.
He felt his face go hot, his heartbeat skipping a beat as realization crashed into him. He’d walked straight into a place that catered to men who wanted… men.
“You’re kidding,” he muttered under his breath.
Suigetsu raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his flustered expression. “Something wrong, blondie?”
He fumbled, shutting the binder halfway before the other could see the panic in his eyes. “N-no! I just—uh—” His throat felt dry.
The man’s grin widened, shark-like. “Relax. You don’t have to think too hard about it. Just tell me your type.”
“My… type?”
“Yeah.” Suigetsu gestured at the binder, tapping one manicured finger against a page. “Tall, short. Rough around the edges, sweet boy next door. Sharp suits, casual. We’ve got a range.” His eyes flicked up, sharp. “Or are you the kind who likes surprises?”
Naruto’s mouth opened, closed. His brain scrambled for words.
He wanted to say I’m not supposed to be here, but the truth stuck in his throat. Because even if he hadn’t planned this, even if he wasn’t sure of anything, the curiosity burned hotter now.
“Surprise me,” he blurted before he could stop himself.
The white-headed man’s brows lifted, then his grin turned slow, mischievous. “Oh, I like that. Risky.”
He leaned back, studying him with an almost feline curiosity. “Still, I need a little something. Just a hint. What kind of face catches your eye?”
Naruto hesitated, flipping through the binder again. The photos blurred together: sharp jaws, soft smiles, lean bodies posed just so. And then, almost absentmindedly, the words slipped out:
“Androgynous.”
The moment he said it, he froze.
Suigetsu tilted his head, interest sparking in his gaze. “Androgynous, huh? Someone who can play it soft or sharp, depending on the moment?”
His face burned. “I-I didn’t mean— I mean, I don’t really know, I just—”
The other chuckled, closing the binder with a snap. “No need to explain, blondie. That’s more than enough to work with.”
Naruto shifted on his feet, unsure if he should feel relieved or more panicked.
Suigetsu pushed away from the desk, stretching lazily. “Alright then. Sit tight. I’ll set you up.”
The blonde watched him disappear down a hallway, his pulse hammering in his ears. He sank into one of the plush chairs near the wall, rubbing the back of his neck.
The posters on the opposite wall drew his eyes again: men of all types, captured in poses meant to tempt. He swallowed hard.
“What the fuck am I even doing here?” he whispered to himself.
And yet, his feet hadn’t carried him out the door.
Something inside him wanted to know what came next.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 6: Behind Closed Doors
Summary:
Suigetsu leads Naruto to the room where he unexpectedly meets the upperclassmen which he admires… as none other than his host for his session.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The seconds ticked by too slow.
Naruto sat perched on the edge of the velvet sofa, his knee bouncing, the muted thrum of low background music filling the silence of the waiting lounge. He tried to calm himself down, but his pulse wouldn’t stop racing.
What the hell was he doing here?
He wasn’t supposed to stay. He wasn’t supposed to say yes to Suigetsu. And yet, when the white-haired receptionist had smiled that sly smile and disappeared down the hallway, he hadn’t moved. He could’ve bolted. He could’ve run back to the dorms and pretended none of this happened.
But he didn’t.
Now, each minute that passed only wound him tighter, the mix of nerves and curiosity pressing heavy in his chest.
The sound of approaching footsteps snapped his attention up. Suigetsu appeared, leaning in the doorway with a grin that said he’d been enjoying himself far too much.
“Your room’s ready, blondie,” he drawled. “Follow me.”
The blonde pushed himself up on shaky legs. His mouth felt dry, but he forced a grin anyway. “Uh… sure.”
He was led down a dimly lit corridor, walls lined with framed art that blurred past as Naruto’s focus narrowed to the floor. He felt like he was walking into something he didn’t fully understand, each step carrying him deeper.
Finally, Suigetsu stopped before a sleek black door. He pushed it open with a knowing smirk.
“Enjoy yourself,” he said, voice laced with mischief.
He stepped inside.
The door clicked shut behind him.
⸻
The room was softly lit, shadows stretched across plush carpet and dark furniture. And there, sitting at the edge of the bed, was—
Naruto’s breath caught.
Uchiha Sasuke.
Not the same Sasuke from the club room with his guitar, not the aloof senior leaning against a window with smoke curling around him. This Sasuke was stripped bare of all that, sitting in nothing but tight, black boxers. His long hair spilled loose over his shoulders, glinting like ink in the low light. His lean body was pale and smooth, lines of muscle smooth and not bulky, carved in a way that made his throat tighten.
Silver glinted along his ears as usual, an array of earrings catching the glow as he turned his head. Onyx eyes widened just slightly, but otherwise his face remained still, unreadable.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Naruto’s brain scrambled. (What the fuck—what the actual fuck.)
Then the raven-head’s voice cut through, low and calm, like it always was.
“You’re from the music club.”
Naruto blinked hard. “Y-you… you know me?”
“I’ve seen you.” Sasuke’s gaze was sharp, assessing. Then he sighed, reaching for the blanket at his side. “This is a mistake. I’ll get Suigetsu to switch me out.”
Panic shot through the blonde before he even knew why.
“Wait!”
Sasuke paused, brows faintly furrowing.
He swallowed hard, heart hammering. “I… I don’t want you to switch.”
Onyx eyes flicked back to him, unreadable. “You don’t?”
Naruto shook his head. “No. I mean… look, I didn’t come here for… y’know, that.” His ears burned, but he pushed on. “I just… can we talk? Just talk?”
For a long beat, the other said nothing. His expression gave nothing away, but something in the tightness of his shoulders loosened. Slowly, he lowered the blanket.
“…Fine.”
Naruto let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and moved toward the sofa, sitting across from him. For a moment, the silence between them was thick, heavy with things unspoken.
Finally, he broke it.
“I, uh… I’ve gotta say, I really admire your guitar playing.”
Sasuke blinked, as though he hadn’t expected that.
“At the club meeting,” he went on, rubbing the back of his neck. “When you played… man, I couldn’t stop listening. It was like… I dunno, like the strings were alive. You made it feel easy, but it wasn’t just skill. It was—” He trailed off, realizing he was rambling. “Anyway. You’re amazing.”
The raven-head’s gaze lingered on him, unreadable, before he looked away. “Thanks.”
It was quiet again, but lighter now. Naruto leaned forward, curiosity pressing against his ribs.
“Hey…can I ask you something?”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked back.
“Why… why do you do this kind of work?” He asked carefully. His tone wasn’t accusing, just wondering. “I mean, you’re talented, you’ve got music…fuck you can even be a model if you want to… so why this?”
For the first time, something shifted in the other’s face. A crack in the mask. He went quiet, his gaze dropping to the floor, fingers brushing the edge of the robe beside him.
“I’ve always known that I’m gay,” he stated finally, voice low. “Since I was a kid. Never doubted it.” His thumb ran over the fabric in a slow circle. “But guys I liked were always straight. Unreachable. And the ones who weren’t… never gave me what I wanted.”
Naruto tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
Sasuke hesitated. His lips pressed together before he exhaled, the words slipping out softer. “I want someone who’ll take care of me. Make me feel safe. Make me feel… special. I want to be able to trust someone enough to be submissive to them. That’s what I want. But that’s rare.”
The weight of the confession hung in the air. For a moment, his shoulders curved inward, vulnerable in a way the blonde hadn’t seen before.
“So I work here,” he continued, voice steadier now. “I can give men what they want. And sometimes, I get a little of what I want too.”
Naruto sat back, absorbing that. He hadn’t expected him to open up so honestly. It wasn’t judgment he felt… not even close. Just… understanding. And maybe a pang of something else.
“I get it,” he said quietly. “Or—I think I do. You’re not just doing this for others. You’re trying to fill something for yourself too.”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked to him, sharp again, as though searching for any hint of mockery. But Naruto’s expression was open, sincere.
After a moment, the raven-head looked away, the faintest trace of relief crossing his face.
The blonde leaned back, exhaling. His fingers twisted in his lap. “Man… I wish I had that kind of clarity.”
Sasuke tilted his head.
“I don’t really know my sexuality,” he admitted, cheeks heating. “I mean, I’ve liked girls. Always figured I was straight. But… I don’t know. Recently, I think maybe guys too? Or maybe not? I just… I don’t know.”
His words tumbled out clumsy, but honest. He laughed weakly, scratching his cheek. “Guess I’m pretty confused.”
The other man watched him, silent, unreadable as always. But something softened in his gaze, a flicker of understanding… or maybe recognition.
“Confusion’s normal,” he responded finally. His voice was calm, steady. “It doesn’t make you less of anything. You’ll figure it out.”
Naruto’s chest eased at that. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to hear it.
For a moment, the room felt different… less like a transaction, more like a secret space carved out between them. Two worlds colliding in a place neither had expected.
He looked at Sasuke again, really looked, at the long hair framing his face, the glint of silver along his ears, the lean body at ease but still carrying its own weight. Beautiful, yes… but more than that. Human. Vulnerable.
And suddenly, he knew one thing for sure:
He didn’t want this to be the last time they talked.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Look forward to the next two chapters that will be out tmr <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 7: Water and Heat
Summary:
Naruto thanks Sasuke for talking to him and is ready to get up and leave but the raven-head doesn’t let him go that easily.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The silence after their conversation lingered, warm but heavy, as if both of them were still chewing over the words they’d exchanged.
Naruto leaned back against the sofa, arms folded, and exhaled slowly. Talking to the man had been… different. It wasn’t just the shock of seeing him like this, stripped down to nothing but boxers in a place he never expected to find him. It was how open he’d been, how vulnerable. How much he wanted to hear more.
But the clock on the wall ticked on, and he realized he’d already overstayed his welcome.
He pushed himself up from the sofa, brushing invisible dust off his jeans. “Well… I should probably get going. Thanks for… you know. Talking with me.”
He started toward the door, fingers heading for the handle. But before he could touch it, a cool hand wrapped around his wrist.
Naruto froze and turned, startled. Sasuke was on his feet, steady, his long hair brushing past his shoulders as he looked up at him with calm, dark eyes.
“…Your time isn’t done yet.”
The blonde blinked, confused. “Huh?”
“The service plan Suigetsu gave you is ninety minutes.” The raven-head’s grip was gentle but firm, keeping the man in place. “It hasn’t even been thirty.”
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly with his free hand. “It’s fine, really. I mean, you can keep the extra money. Consider it a tip or something.”
But Sasuke shook his head, eyes narrowing just slightly. “That’s not how it works.”
Before he could argue, the man let go of his wrist only to catch it again, tugging gently. Silent, he turned and led him toward the other side of the room.
The other blinked again, heart picking up. “Wait—where are we going?”
The raven-head didn’t answer. He pushed open a second door, and steam curled faintly out into the room.
A shower.
Tiles gleamed under soft light, a stool positioned neatly under the showerhead, bottles of soap and shampoo lined up in perfect order. The faint scent of clean eucalyptus drifted in the air.
Sasuke finally turned back to him, expression unreadable. “Strip.”
Naruto’s eyes went wide. “Wh—what?!”
The other leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed. “At least let me help you shower. It’s part of the service.”
Naruto’s face burned red instantly. “Shower?! But—I mean—I can do that myself!”
“You could, but you’re here. So let me.”
He fumbled for words, his hands instinctively clutching the hem of his hoodie like it could shield him. The idea of undressing under the man’s gaze made his stomach twist with nerves. And yet… there was something in Sasuke’s tone. Not teasing, not mocking. Just certain.
And against his better judgment, he felt himself nod.
“…O-okay.”
Sasuke stepped aside, giving him room.
The blonde’s fingers shook slightly as he tugged his hoodie over his head, tossing it aside. The cool air prickled against his skin. He hesitated, then peeled off his t-shirt, revealing broad shoulders and a chest sculpted from years of exercise.
When he reached for his jeans, he caught Sasuke’s gaze lingering. Not obvious, but not hidden either.
“You’re ripped,” the man stated bluntly. His voice was still calm, but there was the faintest edge of approval. “Hot body.”
Naruto flushed from head to toe. “D-don’t just say it like that!”
“Why not? It’s a fact.”
Naruto grumbled under his breath, fumbling out of his jeans and boxers. Soon he stood completely bare, muscles tense under the weight of the raven-head’s gaze. He felt both exposed and oddly proud, like the man’s words had sunk deeper than they should’ve.
Sasuke tilted his head toward the shower stool. “Sit.”
He obeyed, awkwardly perching himself on the stool as water began to run. Sasuke tested the temperature, adjusted the flow, then stepped close.
The first touch made him jolt.
The Uchiha’s fingers were warm and steady as they slid over his shoulders, working the soap into a lather that spread down across his chest. Naruto let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, the tension in his body slowly easing.
Sasuke was gentle but thorough, his long fingers tracing the lines of his muscles, rinsing and repeating. The intimacy of it all sank into his skin, each touch leaving behind a heat that had little to do with the shower.
“You’re tense,” the man murmured, voice close to his ear.
Naruto swallowed. “Kinda hard not to be…”
“You’ll get used to it.”
His breath hitched as Sasuke’s hands moved lower, gliding across his stomach, his sides, lingering just long enough to make his pulse race. By the time Sasuke knelt fully between his thighs to wash his legs, Naruto’s face was scarlet, his fists clenched against his thighs.
And then—
A touch lower.
The blonde jolted, a sharp grunt escaping him before he could stop it. Sasuke’s hand wrapped firmly around his cock, stroking slow, deliberate.
“S-Sasuke!”
“Relax,” said man murmured, his tone unshaken. “It’s part of my service.”
Naruto bit down on a groan, heat surging through him at the rhythm of his hand. It was too much… too good. No woman had ever touched him like this: with such steady confidence, with such focused attention.
His breaths came faster, body trembling under Sasuke’s touch. The slick glide, the subtle squeeze, the perfect pace… it was overwhelming.
“Sasuke—ah—” his voice cracked, low and needy. He braced himself against the stool, head tipping back.
It didn’t take long. With a strangled gasp, his body arched, release hitting him hard. His breath stuttered out as the world blurred around him.
Sasuke kept his grip steady until the tremors subsided, then let go, rinsing him clean under the shower spray. His expression never wavered, calm and composed, though his eyes glinted just slightly as he handed him a towel.
Naruto sat frozen, towel clutched in his hands, his heart hammering so loud it drowned out the sound of water.
“Y-you didn’t have to—” he started, voice hoarse.
“It’s part of the service,” the raven-head repeated simply, turning away to tidy up the bottles.
The blonde dried off quickly, fumbling back into his clothes. The air between them was thick, charged, but neither spoke. Not until he reached the door, glancing back over his shoulder.
“…Thanks.” His voice was quiet, genuine.
The Uchiha gave no reply, just a small nod, long hair falling over his shoulder as he turned away.
⸻
The night air was cool against his flushed skin as he walked back to campus. His steps were uneven, his mind a whirl of thoughts he couldn’t sort.
He’d just… with Sasuke. Sasuke of all people.
The image burned into his memory: the man’s long hair damp with steam, the sharp lines of his body, the steady weight of his hands. And the way it had felt… God, it had felt better than anything any woman had ever given him.
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, head bowed as he tried to breathe through the storm inside him.
He didn’t know what this meant. He didn’t know where it would lead. But one thing was certain.
Being touched by Sasuke had made him feel more alive than anything before.
And there was no way he could go back now.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 8: Restless Strings
Summary:
Naruto can’t stop thinking about Sasuke since that night but when he heads to Uni the next day, Sasuke isn’t in the music club, even a few weeks later he doesn’t attend.
So Naruto seeks him out… at Velvet Eden.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The morning sun slanted through the blinds of his dorm room, cutting strips of gold across the floor. He sat on the edge of his bed, hoodie half-zipped, elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the carpet.
Sleep hadn’t come easy. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Sasuke’s face: calm, composed, yet impossibly close. He felt the ghost of his hand on his skin, the heat of it, the shocking intimacy of how far things had gone.
Naruto ran a hand down his face, groaning. “Fuck…”
It had been one night. Just one. And yet the memory clung to him like smoke, seeping into every thought.
His first instinct was to avoid Sasuke altogether. The idea of facing him at the club made his stomach twist. What if the man acted like nothing happened? What if he ignored him? Worse—what if he looked right at him and knew?
But the other side of him: loud, insistent… wanted to see him again. Wanted to hear his voice, wanted to be near him.
The contradiction gnawed at Naruto as he dragged himself out the door and toward his first lecture.
⸻
By the time he reached the psychology building, the halls were buzzing with students. He found his seat near the middle, dropping his bag onto the desk with a dull thud.
The lecture started. Something about developmental theories, notes scrawled across the whiteboard. His pen hovered over his notebook, but the words blurred almost immediately. His mind drifted, slipping back to the night before.
The warm press of fingers against his skin. The way Sasuke’s hair had brushed over his shoulder when he leaned in. The blunt, unflinching way he’d said, “You’re ripped” “Hot body.”
His grip tightened on the pen.
“Oi.”
He flinched at the voice beside him. Shikamaru gave him a lazy side-eye, chin propped on his hand.
“You’re zoning out.”
Naruto forced a grin. “Huh? Oh.”
From the row behind, Choji leaned forward, concern in his eyes as he unwrapped a rice ball. “You sick or something?”
“Nah, nah, I’m fine!” He waved them off, laughter a little too quick. “Just couldn’t sleep, that’s all.”
Shikamaru gave a skeptical hum but didn’t push. Still, the blonde caught him watching out of the corner of his eye.
He tapped his pen against the notebook, trying to refocus on the lecture. But the words kept slipping away, drowned out by the thrum of last night’s memory.
⸻
Evening came faster than expected.
He stood outside the music club’s practice room, staring at the door like it was a test he wasn’t ready for. His palms were damp, his heart doing nervous little skips. He took a breath, squared his shoulders, and pushed the door open.
The room was alive with chatter: guitars being tuned, laughter bouncing off the walls, Choji already sprawled on a beanbag with snacks. Shikamaru gave him a small nod from the corner.
He scanned the room immediately.
No sign of Sasuke.
A pang of disappointment hit sharper than he expected. He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to play it cool as he wandered over to where Kiba was fiddling with amp settings.
“Yo,” he greeted casually. “Uh… is Sasuke not here?”
Kiba glanced up, snorting. “Sasuke? Nah, he doesn’t come to every meeting. He’s busy with job hunting and crap. You’ll see him sometimes, but don’t count on it.”
Naruto’s shoulders slumped before he could stop himself. “Oh. Gotcha.”
“Why?” The other smirked, elbowing him lightly. “You’ve been head over heels ever since he played that guitar huh?”
Naruto flushed. “W-what? No! I just… y’know, he plays guitar like a badass. Who wouldn’t wanna see that?”
Kiba laughed and went back to his amp, apparently satisfied.
But the blonde couldn’t shake the hollow tug in his chest. He’d built up the nerve all day, only for the man not to be there.
The meeting dragged on. He sang half-heartedly during practice, his voice lacking its usual spark. By the time it ended, he was itching to leave.
⸻
Days passed. Then weeks.
And still… no Sasuke.
Naruto told himself it didn’t matter. He had friends now, classes to juggle, assignments piling up. But every time he walked into the club room and didn’t see the man’s raven hair, every time he scanned the crowd and found nothing, the frustration grew.
He caught himself daydreaming in lectures, staring out the window during lunch, his thoughts looping back to that night. To Sasuke’s voice, Sasuke’s hands, Sasuke’s body bathed in steam and low light.
The more time passed, the more unbearable it became.
By the third week, Naruto could hardly sit still. The restlessness gnawed at him, winding tighter with each day. He wanted answers. He wanted to see him again, even if just for a few minutes.
So when Friday came, classes finished, the sun dipping low over the campus, he made a decision.
He shoved his books into his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and instead of heading to the dorms, he walked.
Past the edge of campus.
Down the streets that grew brighter with neon the further he went.
Until the hum of nightlife surrounded him, laughter and chatter spilling from open doors, lanterns and signs lighting up the narrow alleys.
The entertainment district.
The first time he’d wandered here, he’d been lost in a dare. Now, he was here by choice.
And his feet carried him straight to it: “Velvet Eden.”
The sign glowed soft red above the entrance, the facade classy and alluring, a sharp contrast to the louder shops nearby. His chest tightened at the sight.
He hesitated only a second before pushing the door open.
Warm light washed over him, the scent of sandalwood lingering in the air.
And behind the counter, lounging with his chin propped on his hand, was the white-haired receptionist who’d started it all.
Suigetsu’s lips curled into a slow grin. “Well, well. Look who’s back.”
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Thank you for all the love and support so far. I truly appreciate you all.
As pre usual, the next two chapters will be out tmr, so please stay tuned for that.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 9: Unspoken Hunger
Summary:
Naruto comes to check on Sasuke. Of course, Sasuke doesn’t wanna just talk.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Naruto stiffened at the words. His heart was already pounding, but the way Suigetsu looked at him made it beat even harder, like the guy could see straight through him.
“I, uh…” he scratched the back of his neck. “I wanna book the same person as last time.”
He deliberately kept his voice neutral, his words vague. He didn’t know if Sasuke used his real name here. He didn’t want to screw things up, or worse, make it awkward for him.
Suigetsu’s grin only widened, sharp and knowing. “Oh? Sasuke, huh?”
Naruto froze. “W-what?”
The receptionist leaned back in his chair, smirking like a cat. “That’s who you mean, right? Long hair, earrings, plays it cool but makes your head spin?” He winked. “Yeah, that’s Sasuke. Don’t worry, you don’t gotta play dumb in here.”
His jaw worked silently. He couldn’t believe it. Sasuke… Sasuke… was bold enough to use his real name? No disguise, no alias, just himself.
Something twisted in his stomach at the thought.
Still, he gave a quick nod. “Yeah. Him.”
The receptionist pulled up a tablet, tapping a few things in. “You’ll have to wait a bit. He’s with another client.”
The words landed like a punch.
Naruto blinked, a strange hollow opening in his chest. Another client. Of course Sasuke had others. This was his job. That’s what this place was for.
But picturing it: Sasuke’s hands on someone else, that same calm face, that same voice… his throat tightened. He didn’t know what he was supposed to feel. He wasn’t Sasuke’s boyfriend, not even a friend. He was just another client.
And yet, the thought of the raven-head touching someone else burned more than he wanted to admit.
He must’ve gone quiet too long because Suigetsu’s voice cut through his trance.
“Relax, blondie. Won’t be long. He’s quick when he wants to be.”
He forced a nod, dragging himself back to the present. He sat in the waiting lounge, tapping his knee, trying not to imagine what was happening behind those closed doors.
Minutes stretched. Every tick of the clock made his chest tighter.
Finally, the receptionist reappeared, grin sharp as ever. “He’s ready for you. Same room as last time.”
Naruto stood, his legs moving on autopilot.
⸻
The familiar door swung open, and there he was.
Sasuke sat at the edge of the bed, hair tied back into a loose ponytail that showed the sharp lines of his face even more clearly. His lean body was framed in nothing but boxers again, new silver earrings in his ears catching the soft glow.
Those onyx eyes flicked up, locking onto his immediately.
For a moment, Naruto just stood there, drinking him in. The weeks of waiting, the restless nights, the knot of frustration… all of it surged at once.
“…Hey,” he managed, voice rougher than he meant. “I, uh, actually came to check on you. Since I hadn’t seen you on campus for, like… three weeks.”
Sasuke hummed in acknowledgement, the sound low in his throat. He didn’t answer with words. Instead, he shifted: slow, deliberate… until he was standing. Then, in one fluid movement, he closed the distance and pushed him on the sofa before straddling him.
Naruto’s eyes went wide. “H-hey—wait!” He raised his hands in surrender. “You don’t gotta do anything, seriously! Talking’s fine with me.”
But Sasuke leaned in close, his breath brushing against his ear.
“I would believe you,” he murmured, voice smooth and low, “if you weren’t already hard.”
The blonde’s face went crimson. His body betrayed him, heat pulsing low in his stomach. “T-that’s—! I’m not—!”
But Sasuke didn’t wait for excuses. His hips shifted, pressing down against his lap, a slow grind that stole the air from Naruto’s lungs.
A strangled sound escaped him, muffled between clenched teeth. His hands hovered uselessly at his sides, fists clenching as the raven-head’s body moved against his.
“You said talking’s enough,” the man murmured almost teasingly, lips ghosting the shell of his ear. “But your body’s honest.”
Naruto shuddered. The sensation was overwhelming: Sasuke’s weight on him, the warmth of his skin, the scent of faint smoke and clean soap clinging to his hair.
Then the man’s tongue flicked just behind his ear, a teasing lick that sent a bolt of electricity down his spine. He gasped, head tipping back instinctively, only for the raven-head to catch his earlobe between his teeth, biting gently.
“Ah—! Fuck!” The sound slipped out before he could stop it, raw and unfiltered.
Sasuke’s lips curved faintly against his skin. “There it is.”
Naruto squeezed his eyes shut, heat spreading like wildfire. He couldn’t keep the noises in. Every shift of the man’s hips against him pulled another groan, another stuttered breath.
And through it all, his hands stayed frozen at his sides, just like last time. He couldn’t bring himself to touch him back. But he let himself feel, let himself unravel under the other’s deliberate rhythm.
It was maddening. It was addictive.
And even through the haze of heat, one thought clawed its way to the surface:
He didn’t want Sasuke doing this with anyone else.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 10: Strings Unraveled
Summary:
They talk after that little session and now Naruto has a lot to figure out.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The silence that followed after they were done was heavy but not uncomfortable.
Naruto straightened on the sofa, chest still rising a little too fast, heat lingering where Sasuke had pressed against him. His head felt cloudy, but he forced himself to focus as the man shifted off his lap and sank down beside him, pulling one knee up lazily.
They sat side by side, the dim light throwing soft shadows across Sasuke’s sharp features. His hair, now fully loose, framed his face, and the glint of silver at his ears caught Naruto’s eye again. It was almost unfair how beautiful he looked just sitting there.
The blonde rubbed the back of his neck. “So, uh… is this usually how your sessions go?”
The raven-head gave him a sidelong glance, unreadable as always. “Depends on the client.”
Naruto hesitated before blurting, “What… what other services do you offer?”
Sasuke’s lips tugged faintly, like the question amused him. He shifted slightly, resting his arm along the back of the couch, his voice calm and matter-of-fact.
“Kissing’s common. If it’s on the lips, that’s an extra fee. Anywhere else: neck, chest, whatever… that’s included. Blowjobs are standard. Some clients want to finger me… that’s allowed. Eating me out, though… that’s reserved for VIPs. Extra cost. Having full on sex with penetration is not allowed.”
He listed it all like he was reciting a menu, his tone casual.
Naruto blinked, his mind stalling somewhere between shock and curiosity. He hadn’t expected that level of blunt honesty. He swallowed, shifting uncomfortably, not because he felt disgusted but because the idea of anyone else touching the man like that set something hot and sour twisting in his gut.
Sasuke noticed. His gaze sharpened, zeroing in. “You look uncomfortable.”
He shook his head quickly. “No, it’s not… It’s not that.” He hesitated, dragging a hand through his messy hair. “I just… fuck I don’t … I don’t like the thought of other people touching you like that.”
The words came out raw, surprising even him.
The raven-head didn’t blink, didn’t smirk either. He just watched him carefully, silent long enough that Naruto felt the weight of it pressing down on him.
“I don’t even know why,” he admitted finally, shoulders slumping. “I just… don’t like it.”
For a moment, Sasuke stayed perfectly still. Then he leaned in, close enough that Naruto could catch the faint trace of smoke and soap clinging to him.
“Then you’re probably into me.”
The blonde’s breath caught.
The words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable. He wanted to deny it, to laugh it off, but the look in Sasuke’s eyes left no room for jokes.
“…Maybe,” he muttered, voice low. He met the other’s gaze for only a second before looking away, heat crawling up his neck. “But I don’t really know. I’ve never thought about guys like that before. I know I like women. I’m not sure what this is.”
Sasuke leaned back slightly, studying him. “Then figure it out.”
Naruto glanced at him again, only to find no teasing, no judgment… just quiet seriousness.
The room fell into a lull after that. They didn’t need to fill it with more words. The steady tick of the clock seemed louder than usual, counting down the last stretch of their session.
When it was time, the Uchiha stood smoothly, like flipping a switch back to professional mode. “Your time’s up.”
He rose too, fixing his oversized hoodie back into place. His chest felt tight, heavier than when he walked in. He gave the man a nod, almost awkward, before slipping out of the room.
⸻
The night air outside Velvet Eden was cool, brushing against his heated skin as he walked back toward campus. The neon signs faded into the distance, but Sasuke’s voice refused to leave his head.
“You’re probably into me.”
Naruto jammed his hands in his pockets, scowling at nothing. He didn’t know what he was supposed to feel. He admired the man, respected his talent, thought he was beautiful. He wanted to be near him, wanted to hear him play, wanted to see him smile… if Sasuke even smiled.
And yeah, his body reacted to him in ways he couldn’t deny. But was that attraction? Was that love? Or was it just… curiosity?
He didn’t know.
But as he lay awake that night in his dorm, staring at the ceiling, he knew one thing for certain:
He wanted to find out.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Please look forward to the next two chapters update tmr.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 11: The Weight of Presence
Summary:
Sasuke finally comes a club meeting. Naruto can’t stop staring.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The music club room buzzed with casual chatter as Naruto pushed the door open. He’d come a little early, hoping the seniors wouldn’t be there yet, but it seemed half the members had already gathered, lounging on the mismatched couches and chairs scattered around the space.
He greeted Choji and Shikamaru with a grin, dropping his bag on the floor beside them. Shikamaru gave him a lazy nod, already fiddling with his phone, while Choji offered a bag of chips like always.
“Yo,” he greeted, plopping down beside them. “Anything happening today?”
The dark-haired man yawned. “Probably just practice and announcements.”
Naruto stretched, relieved. He still hadn’t shaken the lingering weight of the last few weeks, and after everything with Sasuke at Velvet Eden, the idea of seeing him here… out in the open, surrounded by classmates… made his chest tight.
And then, right on cue, the air in the room shifted.
The door creaked open again, and conversations dipped, a ripple moving through the room as someone stepped in.
He glanced up.
His breath caught.
Sasuke walked in with the kind of quiet presence that turned heads without trying. His hair, usually loose or tied back carelessly, was braided neatly today, each strand catching the light as it shifted against his shoulder. A new set of earrings glinted at his ears, subtle black hoops and chain earrings that contrasted perfectly with the sharp line of his jaw.
But it was his clothes that really stole the blonde’s focus. Sasuke wore an oversized changshan jacket in black, its traditional cut flowing loosely around him, paired with relaxed cream slacks and a pair of well-worn sneakers. It was a strange mix of elegance and casual comfort, but on him, it looked seamless.
Naruto stared openly, throat suddenly dry. He didn’t know if it was because of the memories of the man in nothing but boxers, leaning over him with that unreadable gaze, or if it was simply that he was breathtaking no matter what he wore.
Either way, his heart wouldn’t settle.
Sasuke didn’t acknowledge anyone at first, just crossed the room with his usual quiet stride and dropped his guitar case against the wall before claiming a seat near the corner. He pulled out his headphones, draping them on his head, then leaned back against the couch as if the entire world was background noise.
The blonde tore his eyes away, cheeks heating. He felt ridiculous… like a kid caught staring too long at something shiny. But every time his gaze drifted back, he found the man again, unmoving, perfectly composed.
Choji nudged him with the bag of chips. “You okay? You’re staring a lot.”
He nearly choked. “I—I’m not!” He waved a hand wildly, face burning. “Just, uh, zoned out.”
Shikamaru gave him a flat look but didn’t press.
Before he could embarrass himself further, Kiba clapped his hands together at the front of the room, his usual grin plastered across his face. “Alright, alright, everyone settle down! Got an announcement for you guys.”
The room quieted, curiosity buzzing.
The older man leaned against the desk behind him, arms crossed. “As tradition, we’re holding the annual music camp next month. It’ll be a five-day trip at the lodge outside the city… practice during the day, performances and games at night, plus a chance to hang out and bond. Newcomers, I suggest you come if you have the time and money.”
Excited murmurs spread instantly, the juniors exchanging looks.
Naruto blinked. (A camp, huh?)
Shikamaru sighed beside him. “It’s troublesome. But I guess I’ll go again.”
Choji grinned, already reaching for his phone to check dates. “I’m in. The food last year was amazing.”
The blonde found himself scanning the room until his eyes landed on Sasuke again. The older man sat there, expression unreadable as usual, but when someone asked if all the seniors would be there, he finally spoke.
“Yes, all of the seniors will be attending,” he stated simply. His voice carried just enough to reach every corner, calm and steady.
Naruto felt something in his chest ease… like a string being pulled taut and then released.
Almost without thinking, he walked forward. “You’re really going?”
Sasuke’s eyes flicked to him briefly, the barest acknowledgment. “As one of the club presidents, I have to.”
Naruto hummed, forcing his voice steady despite the heat rising in his face. “Then I’ll go too.”
The words left his mouth faster than his brain could process, but once they were out, he knew he meant them.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say just yesterday your allowance is already tight?”
The blonde winced. Right. His budget was already strained from textbooks, food, and… he didn’t let his mind linger on the money he’d spent at Velvet Eden. Camp fees on top of that would stretch him thin, maybe break him entirely. And he definitely was not gonna ask his parents for money. They already paid for his tuition.
But still… Sasuke was going.
“I’ll figure it out,” he responded with forced confidence. “Maybe I’ll get a part-time job or something.”
Choji gave him an encouraging nod, while Shikamaru just shook his head like he’d seen this coming.
Naruto, though, sat back with his decision firm in his chest. Even if it meant scraping by, even if it meant working late shifts, he wasn’t going to pass up the chance.
Because seeing Sasuke here, in this room, dressed in his quiet elegance, reminded him exactly why he couldn’t stay away.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 12: Between Work and Want
Summary:
We get to see a bit of Sasuke’s perspective in this chapter. The two get to sit together in the bus as they head to the lodge. It’s kinda cute. We get to see a bit of change in their relationship.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Naruto hadn’t expected job hunting to be this brutal.
He’d gone from restaurant to café to convenience store, smiling as wide as he could, only to be turned down for one reason or another. Some didn’t need more part-timers, others wanted late-night shifts he couldn’t commit to, and a few just didn’t bother calling him back.
But finally… finally… he landed a gig at a small restaurant a block away from campus. It wasn’t glamorous. The pay wasn’t great. But it covered what he needed: food, rent for the dorm, Velvet Eden and a little cushion to save for the music camp.
He was beyond grateful.
Still, gratitude didn’t change the fact that it made him busy. Too busy.
By the time classes ended, he’d rush to his shifts. By the time his shifts ended, he was too exhausted to think of anything but shower and bed. His life shrank into a cycle of lectures, work, sleep.
And in that cycle, he hadn’t stepped foot into Velvet Eden once.
It wasn’t that he didn’t think about it. On the contrary, he thought about it all the time. He thought about Sasuke’s words, about his touch, about the way he looked in that dim room with only boxers and silver hoops to catch the light.
But thinking wasn’t the same as going, and the longer he went without seeing him, the heavier it weighed on his chest.
He hadn’t seen the raven-head on campus either. The older man was elusive, skipping meetings, busy with fourth-year responsibilities. Days bled into weeks, frustration mounting. He told himself to be patient. Camp was coming. Camp would give him time.
He clung to that thought like a lifeline.
⸻
The morning of departure arrived in a blur of rushing bodies and last-minute packing.
Naruto overslept. Of course he did.
He woke with a start, hair messy, the clock glaring at him accusingly. Cursing under his breath, he threw clothes and essentials into a duffel bag, barely brushing his teeth before bolting out the door.
Meanwhile, at the campus gates where the buses were parked, Sasuke stood with Kiba, clipboard in hand. His raven hair was pulled into a bun today, loose strands framing his face. He wore an oversized hoodie, sleeves falling past his wrists, paired with ripped loose jeans and a scuffed pair of sneakers. His silver piercings caught the weak morning sunlight, subtle glints against his pale skin.
He looked calm, as always, ticking names off as Kiba called them out.
But the truth was his chest had been tight since the roll call began.
“Uzumaki Naruto?” Kiba barked.
Silence.
Sasuke’s brows pulled together before he could stop them. He scanned the crowd automatically, as if the blonde might materialize from thin air. His grip on the clipboard tightened.
“Late, huh?” The other man snorted in amusement. “Figures.”
Sasuke shifted his weight, gaze flicking toward the street. The unease coiled low in his stomach surprised him. It wasn’t like Naruto missing a bus was his problem. He didn’t care if people were late. He never did.
But now, standing here with the blonde’s absence glaring like a hole in the lineup, he did care. More than he wanted to.
He turned slightly to Shikamaru, who was slouched against a railing with his usual sleepy expression. “Do you know if he’s coming?”
The man yawned before answering. “He texted me a few minutes ago. Said he overslept. He’s on his way.”
Some of the tightness in Sasuke’s chest eased, though he didn’t let it show. He nodded once, curt, before returning his attention to the list.
And then, as if on cue, a familiar voice rang out.
“Wait up! I’m here!”
Naruto came barreling down the sidewalk, duffel bouncing on his shoulder, breathless but grinning. His hair was a mess, sticking up in wild spikes that should’ve looked sloppy but instead made him look…
The raven-head stared. Just for a second, longer than he meant to. The disheveled look suited him in a way that hit unexpectedly hard, like a punch low in the gut.
He forced his gaze away before the blonde could notice.
Naruto skidded to a stop in front of the group, waving sheepishly. “Sorry! Overslept! But I made it.”
Kiba rolled his eyes with a laugh but marked him off the list.
Naruto turned then, his eyes bright as they landed on Sasuke. “Morning.”
The man hummed in acknowledgment, the only response he allowed himself.
But the sound seemed to be enough. The blonde’s grin widened before he went to join Shikamaru and Choji, dropping his bag with a huff of relief.
⸻
Once everyone was settled, the buses roared to life. Naruto ended up next to Sasuke, more by chance than design… the seating filled fast, and the spot beside him was one of the few left.
He hesitated for half a beat before sliding in, his heart already tripping over itself. Sitting this close to the older man in the open, with sunlight streaming through the bus windows, felt worlds away from their dim, private encounters.
Still, he forced a smile. “Guess we’re seat buddies.”
Sasuke didn’t reply, but he didn’t move away either.
The bus lurched into motion, chatter rising around them. Naruto tried to make small talk at first… asking about camp schedules, about songs they might practice… but eventually the words dwindled into a comfortable quiet.
The other leaned back, eyes drifting shut.
He watched, fascinated. He’d never seen him like this before… unguarded, the lines of his face softening as sleep tugged at him.
Before long, Sasuke’s head tilted, landing lightly against his shoulder.
Naruto froze, muscles locking in place. His pulse thundered, but the warmth seeping through the man’s hoodie made it impossible to move.
Slowly, carefully, he let himself relax, even leaned his own head against Sasuke’s in return. A smile ghosted across his lips, small but genuine.
The world outside blurred into trees and passing light, but he barely noticed. For the rest of the ride, it was just the steady rhythm of the raven-head’s breathing, the faint brush of his hair against his cheek, the weight that felt so right against him.
When the bus finally slowed, brakes hissing, Sasuke stirred.
His lashes fluttered before his eyes opened, dark and still hazy with sleep. He felt the weight on his head, shifted carefully, and realized it was Naruto.
He eased himself away, gentle enough not to wake him right away. But before he could pull completely back, he looked at the blonde’s sleeping face: messy hair, faint smile still lingering even in dreams. Something twisted in his chest again, sharp and confusing.
He reached out, almost without thinking, and poked his cheek.
Naruto’s hand shot up instinctively, catching his finger as his eyes blinked open. Cerulean met onyx, and for a long moment neither of them moved.
The bus was full of voices, laughter, bags being shuffled… but all of that faded at the edges.
It was just them, caught in each other’s gaze.
And then Kiba’s loud voice cut through the air. “Alright, everyone, grab your stuff! We’re here!”
Naruto startled, letting go of the man’s finger quickly. His face flushed as he looked away, fumbling with his duffel.
Sasuke turned too, his hand slipping back into his hoodie pocket. He fiddled with the fabric there, restless, though his face betrayed nothing.
But inside, neither of them could shake the weight of that moment.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
As per usual, the next two chapters will be out tmr so please look forward to that.
Thank you for all the support this story has been getting so far. I really appreciate you all <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 13: Strings in Harmony
Summary:
At the lodge Kiba states that there will be a group assignment in which at the end of camp, each group will have to perform.
Group Seven: Sasuke, Naruto, Shikamaru and Hinata.
Naruto is excited to say the least.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The lodge was nestled near a mountain range, with air so crisp it almost stung when Naruto took a deep breath. The facility was part lodge, part training center: wooden buildings connected by gravel paths, with a large hall at the center where the club would hold their rehearsals. The moment the buses rolled to a stop, the chatter of forty-something students filled the quiet countryside, sneakers crunching against the ground as they unloaded.
Naruto had been buzzing since the ride. His nerves from earlier, from Sasuke’s head leaning on his shoulder, hadn’t completely faded. They lingered at the back of his mind like a song stuck on repeat. But the camp itself pulled his focus… the excitement, the energy, the promise of music everywhere.
“Alright, everyone, listen up!” Kiba called from the front steps of the main building, his voice loud enough to carry over the scattered conversations. “We’ll get your bags into your rooms first, then meet in the hall for group assignments. Don’t get lost, don’t break anything, and don’t wander off. Got it?”
A chorus of half-hearted “yeahs” and “sure” followed, but everyone obeyed, streaming into the building.
⸻
Naruto dumped his duffel on the floor of the dorm-style room he was sharing with Choji, Shikamaru, and two other juniors. Beds lined the walls, simple but decent, and the scent of pine carried in from the open window. Choji had already claimed a corner bed, sprawling with a satisfied sigh, while Shikamaru was unrolling his blanket with minimal effort.
Him, however, couldn’t sit still. His thoughts were already racing ahead. Group assignments. Performances.
“Man, you’re wound up,” Choji spoke between bites of chips. “We haven’t even started yet.”
The blonde grinned, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, but it’s gonna be awesome, y’know? Performing, hanging out, learning new stuff. This is what I came for!”
Shikamaru smirked faintly. “Let’s just hope you don’t oversleep again, or you’ll miss the whole thing.”
He laughed, throwing a pillow at him. “Shut up, I made it, didn’t I?”
⸻
The main hall was buzzing when they all gathered again. Guitars leaned against walls, cases of keyboards stacked neatly in a corner, and microphones stood at the ready. Seniors stood at the front, clipboards in hand, already looking like organizers rather than just fellow students.
Kiba took center stage again. “Listen up guys! To make things interesting… and to make sure everyone gets to know each other better… we’re splitting into groups. Each group’s job is to prepare a short performance by the end of camp. Doesn’t matter if it’s a cover or something original, just make it good.”
Groans and laughter rippled through the crowd, but anticipation hung heavy in the air.
Kiba continued, calling names, pairing seniors with juniors, forming small bands. Naruto shifted on his feet, waiting for his turn. His chest tightened when he heard:
“Group Seven: Sasuke, Naruto, Shikamaru, Hinata.”
The blonde blinked. Then grinned so wide it hurt his cheeks.
He shot a look at Shikamaru, who met his gaze with a lazy but approving smirk. Their fists bumped automatically.
Yes. Perfect.
He then turned toward Sasuke, who was standing off to the side, arms crossed, expression unreadable as ever. But he didn’t care if he looked indifferent… he was in the man’s group. That was enough.
Hinata, standing nearby, gave him a small smile too. “Looks like we’ll be working together.”
“Yeah!” He replied enthusiastically. “It’s gonna be great!”
⸻
They broke off into groups after the announcements, each huddling in different corners of the hall or spilling outside under the trees. Group Seven found a quiet spot near the open windows, sunlight spilling across the floor.
“So,” Shikamaru started, stretching his arms behind his head. “We should figure out roles first. Easier that way.”
Naruto immediately straightened. “I can sing. I wanna do vocals.”
No one argued. Shikamaru turned to Hinata, whose fingers twisted nervously at the hem of her sweater. “What about you?”
“I-I’ve only just started learning bass,” she admitted softly. “But I’ll try my best.”
“That’s fine,” he said with a shrug. “The basics will carry us. I’ll take keyboards.”
Everyone’s eyes landed on Sasuke next. He didn’t hesitate. “Guitar.”
Of course. Naruto almost laughed. Who else? He couldn’t imagine anyone else fitting the role more perfectly.
“Okay,” Shikamaru continued, glancing between them. “That’s settled. Next is the hard part… what we’re actually gonna play.”
Naruto leaned forward eagerly. “We should pick something fun. Something that’ll get people hyped!”
Hinata gave a tiny nod. “Or… maybe something emotional. To balance it.”
Sasuke, sitting with one leg propped and elbow resting on his knee, spoke finally. “It has to suit the group. Naruto’s voice. Hinata’s pace. Shikamaru’s steadiness. We should pick something simple but flexible. Leaves room to make it ours.”
The blonde found himself staring again… not at what Sasuke said, but how he said it. Calm. Confident. Like he’d already thought five steps ahead.
“Guess you’re the leader then,” Shikamaru said lazily.
The raven-head gave a noncommittal hum.
Naruto’s grin widened. Somehow, just knowing he was steering their group made him even more excited.
They tossed around ideas after that. Covers of popular songs, rearrangements of classics, even the wild thought of writing something new. Shikamaru jotted down notes between yawns, Hinata offered soft but thoughtful suggestions, and Naruto’s energy filled every pause.
But through it all, his gaze kept drifting to Sasuke. The way his fingers tapped against his knee like he was hearing rhythms only he understood. The way the light caught on the curve of his earrings. The way he listened… really listened… before speaking.
Being in the same group wasn’t just exciting anymore. It was intoxicating.
⸻
By the time the seniors called them back together for dinner, Group Seven had a rough plan: a stripped-down arrangement of a well-known song, with Naruto’s vocals front and center, Hinata handling the bassline, Shikamaru layering keyboards, and Sasuke weaving it together with guitar.
The blonde was practically bouncing as they headed to the dining hall. “This is gonna be awesome, I can feel it!”
Shikamaru smirked. “You’ll be the loudest part no matter what, so yeah.”
Hinata giggled quietly behind her hand.
Naruto glanced sideways at Sasuke, hoping for some kind of reaction. The older man didn’t say anything, but the faintest curve of his lips tugged at the corner of his mouth.
It was small. Almost imperceptible.
But he saw it. And it was enough to make his chest thrum like a drumbeat he couldn’t ignore.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 14: Smoke Between Us
Summary:
First rehearsals with Group 7 and we get to see more into Sasuke’s perspective.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The rehearsal room was smaller than the main hall, tucked off to the side of the lodge. Its walls were lined with acoustic padding, the faint scent of wood polish and dust lingering in the air. Instruments were scattered across the space, a few cables trailing lazily across the floor.
Hinata sat with her bass propped in her lap, shoulders hunched, fingers trembling slightly over the strings. Naruto stood across from her, tapping his foot to the rhythm. Shikamaru was behind the keyboard, testing out a chord progression, while Sasuke leaned against the far wall with his guitar resting casually against his thigh.
They had been running the same song for nearly an hour. Naruto’s voice was steady, Shikamaru’s keys reliable, Sasuke’s riffs fluid. But every time Hinata came in, her notes were hesitant… like she was afraid of drowning out the others.
“Hinata, you’ve got the tempo,” the blonde said, breaking the cycle. He crouched a little to meet her eyes, his grin bright and encouraging. “Seriously. You’re solid. Just play with more confidence. We’re not gonna bite you, y’know?”
The woman’s cheeks pinkened, and she nodded, murmuring, “O-okay.”
He gave her a thumbs-up. “There you go. Just think of it like… cooking ramen. Once the broth’s right, you don’t second-guess it, you just eat!”
She laughed softly, the tension in her posture easing. He beamed.
From the corner, Sasuke exhaled slowly, eyes half-lidded. He watched the exchange quietly, the curve of Hinata’s blush, the ease of Naruto’s grin. Something heavy pressed against his chest… an unfamiliar twinge that sat somewhere between irritation and… something else he didn’t want to name.
Then the blonde turned, grin still wide, and their eyes met across the room. For a split second, the heaviness shifted… he felt caught, pinned under the brightness of that gaze. He clicked his tongue softly, looking away as he slid his guitar strap over his shoulder.
“That’s enough for today,” he stated flatly.
Naruto blinked, caught off guard. “Huh? But—”
“We’ve run it enough.” His tone left no room for argument.
Shikamaru shrugged, already shutting off the keyboard. “Fine by me.”
Hinata murmured something about practicing on her own and started packing up. Naruto, though, lingered, his brows furrowing slightly as he watched the man sling his guitar case over his shoulder and head toward the door.
⸻
Outside, the air was sharp with mountain chill, and the quiet hum of crickets filled the dusk. Sasuke lit a cigarette with practiced ease, the flare of the lighter briefly illuminating his face. He leaned against the wall, exhaling a slow ribbon of smoke that curled upward and disappeared into the night sky.
The door creaked open again. Footsteps.
Naruto.
The raven-head didn’t look at him, just took another drag. The silence stretched, filled only by the faint crackle of burning tobacco.
Finally, the other spoke, his voice softer than usual but carrying that same earnestness. “I’m glad we’re in the same group.”
Sasuke’s gaze flicked sideways. Naruto was standing a few feet away, hands shoved into his pockets, hair tousled from practice. His expression was open, warm.
The older man finally let out a quiet hum, eyes returning to the cigarette between his fingers. “…So am I.”
Naruto’s grin widened at that, his eyes crinkling. The simplicity of the moment settled around them, comfortable in its own way.
Then, without warning, the blonde stepped closer. Before Sasuke could react, he plucked the cigarette right from between his lips, twirling it playfully in his fingers before slipping it between his own. He inhaled deeply, holding the smoke in his chest, then exhaled in a slow, steady stream.
“Mm.” He smirked, his voice tinged with smoke. “Not bad.”
Sasuke froze for the briefest of moments, his composure cracking. His lips parted, the faintest hitch in his breath betraying his surprise. But almost instantly, his mask reformed. He shoved his hands into the pocket of his jacket, gaze sliding away as if unbothered.
Naruto winked, handing the cigarette back. “Relax, I’m not stealing it. Just curious.”
He accepted it with a practiced indifference, tapping ash to the ground. But inside, something sharp had stirred… a pulse of heat he didn’t want to acknowledge.
“…Idiot,” he muttered under his breath, smoke trailing from his lips.
The other chuckled. “You like it.”
Sasuke didn’t answer. He couldn’t… not without betraying something.
They stood there for a while longer, side by side, sharing the quiet and the faint warmth of each other’s presence.
⸻
By the time they returned to the dining hall, the rest of the club had already started eating. The long wooden tables were lined with trays of food: rice, grilled fish, miso soup, and heaps of vegetables. Laughter filled the space, echoing off the walls.
“Oi, there you are!” Kiba called, waving a chopstick in their direction. “Get your asses over here before it’s all gone!”
Naruto grinned, sliding into a seat. Sasuke followed silently, setting down his tray with practiced calm.
After everyone had eaten their fill, the seniors dragged chairs into a circle, grinning mischievously.
“Games!” one of them announced. “No camp is complete without a few!”
Groans and cheers mixed together, but no one really resisted. Soon enough, bottles were spinning, dares were being shouted, and laughter rang louder than ever.
The blonde joined in eagerly, his energy infectious, his laugh bright. Sasuke sat back in his chair, watching the chaos unfold, cigarette still faintly lingering on his lips from earlier. His gaze flicked once… just once… toward Naruto, whose eyes were shining under the warm glow of the lamps.
That pulse was back in his chest. But this time, it felt even harder to ignore.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Hey guys, I thank you for all the amazing support. Recently I have been getting comments asking to collaborate or asking permission to post artwork of my fics and to that I say, please feel free to make art or mini comics of my fic if you wish but I would appreciate if you credit me.
On other note, today I am finally gonna see the demon slayer movie so I am quite excited.
Just as per usual, the next two chapter update will be tmr.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 15: Notes Unspoken
Summary:
More rehearsals. Hinata gets to talk to Naruto for a bit but is interrupted by Sasuke.
Naruto knows smth is up with Sasuke especially when he snaps at the woman during practice.
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The practice room was quiet in the early morning, dust motes dancing in the sunbeams filtering through the tall windows. The faint smell of wood polish and chalk lingered, a scent Naruto had already come to associate with this camp.
He stood at the center of the room, one hand gripping the mic stand, the other tapping against his thigh as he sang through the verse of their chosen song. His voice filled the space, not perfectly polished, but raw and bright, brimming with the kind of energy that made heads turn.
He hit the chorus and let himself go, eyes squeezed shut, chest swelling with every note. His voice wasn’t the most refined, but it was alive: strong and untamed, reaching for something more.
When the final note faded, he exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. “Heh. Not bad.”
The door creaked softly. Naruto turned.
Hinata stood there, her bass case slung over her shoulder, fingers fidgeting nervously with the strap. “Y-your voice… it’s amazing.”
He grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ah, thanks! I was just warming up, y’know?”
She stepped inside, closing the door halfway behind her. Her eyes flicked toward him shyly, then darted away. “You… you really bring energy to the song. It makes me want to try harder.”
The blonde tilted his head, smiling warmly. “You’re already doing great, Hinata. Seriously. You’ve got the tempo down. That’s not easy, and you’re only just starting. I think your bass playing sounds awesome.”
Color rushed to her cheeks. She ducked her head, clutching her strap tighter. “R-really?”
“Of course!” He laughed. “You’re steady, dependable. And that makes all the difference in a band. Without a good bass, everything falls apart.”
Her lips parted like she wanted to say something more, but the words tangled on her tongue. Her heart beat fast in her chest. Naruto’s grin was so genuine, so bright… she wanted to tell him how much she admired him, how much she…
But the creak of the door stopped her.
It pushed open the rest of the way, and Sasuke stepped in.
⸻
He hadn’t meant to linger outside. He’d been walking towards the room, guitar case in hand, when the sound of Naruto’s voice had stopped him in his tracks. He’d stood there, listening, watching through the half-open door as the man lit up the room with his energy.
Then he’d seen Hinata, the flush on her face, the way Naruto’s grin seemed to shine only for her.
Something heavy twisted in his chest again, something he still didn’t want to name. Before it could consume him, he shoved the door fully open and walked inside.
The blonde’s face lit up immediately. “Oi, Sasuke! You’re here early.”
The raven-head’s gaze flicked to him, unreadable as ever. “…Hn.”
Hinata’s flush deepened, and she quickly busied herself with her case. The room felt different now… charged in a way that made her want to sink into the floor.
⸻
Not long after, Shikamaru strolled in, yawning as he adjusted the strap of his keyboard case. “Man, you all are too lively for this hour.”
“C’mon, lazyass, let’s get started!” Naruto said, bouncing on his heels.
And so the second rehearsal began.
⸻
The first run-through was decent. The blonde’s voice carried strong, Shikamaru’s keys were steady, Hinata’s basslines present if still hesitant. Sasuke’s guitar cut through clean and precise.
But halfway through, the woman stumbled on a transition, her fingers fumbling on the strings. The sound clashed awkwardly against Sasuke’s riff.
He stopped abruptly, fingers stilling, jaw tightening. “If you’re going to play, then play it right. Don’t drag the whole group down.”
Hinata flinched, bowing her head, her voice small. “I-I’m sorry…”
Naruto’s grin faltered. His brows knitted as he turned toward him. “Hey. Don’t talk to her like that. She’s trying her best.”
Sasuke’s dark eyes flicked to him, cool and sharp. Naruto didn’t back down.
“She’s new to this,” the blonde pressed. “We’re supposed to support each other, not tear each other down.”
The silence stretched. Hinata’s fingers twisted anxiously against the strings.
Finally, he exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. “…You’re right.” His voice was quiet, controlled. He turned to her. “I’m sorry, Hinata.”
She blinked, startled, then nodded quickly.
“I-it’s okay…”
The raven-head adjusted his strap and set his guitar aside. “Let’s take a break.” Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the room.
⸻
Naruto didn’t hesitate. He followed.
He caught up with the man outside, where the air was cool and sharp against the skin. Sasuke leaned against the wall, arms crossed, gaze fixed somewhere in the distance.
“What’s wrong with you?” He asked, hands on his hips.
“Nothing,” the older man replied flatly.
Naruto frowned. “Hey. You’ve been off since this morning. Talk to me.”
Sasuke’s jaw tightened. “I’m just tired.”
The blonde studied him, eyes narrowing. The other’s face gave nothing away, but something in the heaviness of his tone told a different story.
“Wait here,” he said suddenly.
Sasuke blinked as he jogged off toward the vending machines nearby. He returned a minute later, holding two cans of coffee. He popped one open and held it out. “Here. Might help.”
For a moment, the raven-head didn’t move. Then, slowly, he accepted it. The cold aluminum pressed against his palm felt grounding.
“…Thanks.”
Naruto popped his own can, taking a long sip before grinning. “See? You look better already. You gotta take care of yourself more, y’know. Don’t just push until you burn out.”
Sasuke turned his head, watching him. The way the blonde’s grin seemed to light up even the gray mountain air. The way his eyes shone with sincerity, no hesitation, no pretense.
And before he could stop himself, he smiled back.
Not the faint smirk he usually offered. Not the half-curve of lips he used to deflect.
A real smile. Gentle. Warm. His cheeks tinged faintly pink.
Naruto froze. His own grin faltered, stunned into silence. He’d never seen the older man look like that before.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was the soft hiss of the opened cans and the distant rustle of leaves in the breeze.
His heart thudded in his chest, uneven and loud.
Sasuke’s smile lingered, unmasked, unguarded… before he finally lowered his gaze, taking a sip of coffee to hide the flush in his cheeks.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 16: Fireworks Behind Closed Doors
Summary:
The camp decided to have a little bonfire and fireworks session but Naruto and Sasuke decided to have their own party ;)
Notes:
To be clear when I use “()” brackets it means, these are the character’s thoughts at that moment of time.
I hope it’s understandable.
But you’re in for a ride… so enjoy <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The bonfire crackled under the summer night sky, its flames rising high and scattering embers like tiny fireflies into the dark. The entire club was gathered around it, laughter mingling with the scent of smoke and roasted food. Sparks burst against the wood with every new log tossed into the fire.
Naruto sat cross-legged on the grass, balancing a skewer of marshmallows while Kiba told some ridiculous story about his first year at camp. Shikamaru muttered a dry “troublesome” under his breath while Choji laughed so hard he nearly dropped his food. Even Hinata smiled shyly at the chaos.
The blonde felt like he was exactly where he belonged… surrounded by warmth, by friends, by the glow of firelight reflecting off happy faces.
But something tugged at him.
He looked around. Sasuke wasn’t here.
He frowned, tapping his skewer against his knee. He’d expected the man to sit aloof at the edge of the circle like usual, arms crossed, pretending not to enjoy himself while secretly soaking it in. But he was nowhere seen.
The fireworks were supposed to start soon. If Sasuke wasn’t here, he’d miss them.
Naruto stood, dusting ash and grass from his pants. “Be right back,” he said quickly to no one in particular.
He left the laughter and light behind, the sound of crackling flames growing distant as he walked back toward the lodge. The building loomed quiet against the star-filled sky, shadows pooling under its eaves.
He hesitated only a moment before heading down the corridor toward Sasuke’s room.
He raised his hand and knocked.
For a long moment, there was no sound. He was about to call out when the door clicked and swung open.
Sasuke stood there, his dark hair loose, strands brushing against his cheekbones. His breathing was faintly uneven.
Before Naruto could speak, he grabbed his wrist, pulled him inside, and shut the door with a sharp snap of the lock.
“Nn—Sasuke?” The blonde blinked, startled, his back hitting the door as the other pressed close.
Sasuke’s gaze was heavy, unreadable, shadows hiding half his face. His voice was low, blunt. “You interrupted me.”
Naruto tilted his head, confused. “Interrupted you?”
The raven-head’s lips curved faintly, humorless. “Masturbating.” His knee slid between Naruto’s legs, nudging up against him. “So you’re going to help me finish.” (What am I doing?)
The man’s throat went dry. “W-wait—”
Sasuke didn’t give him the chance. He surged forward, capturing his lips in a fierce, demanding kiss. (I’m not in work… so why am I doing this…)
He froze, every nerve sparking in shock. The older man’s mouth was hot against his, insistent, his tongue sliding against his lips until they parted. The taste was sharp, intoxicating, and when Sasuke deepened the kiss, Naruto’s hesitation crumbled.
He kissed back.
It was clumsy at first, but quickly grew hungry, their tongues tangling, breaths harsh and uneven. Sasuke’s hands slid up his arms, pressing him harder against the door. The friction of the raven-head’s knee grinding between his thighs made him groan into the kiss.
They stumbled blindly, mouths never parting, until the back of Naruto’s legs hit the edge of the bed. He fell onto it, Sasuke straddling him in one fluid movement.
Clothes tugged loose, layers falling away until only thin boxers remained between them. Their skin brushed, heat searing. The blonde’s chest rose and fell rapidly under the other’s touch.
Still, his hands stayed at his sides, fisting the sheets.
Sasuke leaned down, lips ghosting along his jaw, his neck. His voice was a purr against his ear. “You’re so tense. What? Scared to touch me back?” His hips rolled, grinding against his. “Or are you just that stubborn?”
Naruto’s breath hitched, a flush crawling up his neck.
Then the man’s lips brushed his ear, and he whispered, huskily, “Touch me.”
Something in Naruto snapped.
With a sudden surge, he flipped them, pinning Sasuke to the mattress. His mouth crashed down in a fierce kiss, teeth clashing, tongues fighting for dominance. The raven-head gasped against his lips, his eyes wide for a moment before fluttering shut.
Naruto’s hands moved at last… exploring. Sliding over Sasuke’s chest, thumbs brushing against his nipples until a sharp moan spilled from the older man’s lips. His hand moved further down his sides, tracing the smooth lines of his waist.
Finally, his hand slid into Sasuke’s boxers, fingers wrapping around his cock.
The other arched, a strangled sound breaking from his throat.
Naruto’s grin was crooked, breathless. “Sensitive, huh?”
The man could only glare, cheeks flushed crimson. But his body betrayed him, hips lifting into his hand.
Then the blonde shifted lower.
Sasuke’s eyes widened as he watched the other eased down the bed, tugged his boxers further down, and took him into his mouth.
The hot, wet suction made his back arch off the sheets, one hand flying to clutch the pillow. His breath came fast, uneven, spilling moans he couldn’t hold back. The sight of Naruto between his legs, mouth wrapped around him, nearly undid him.
“Naruto—” his voice broke, raw, “—fuck.”
Said man hummed low in his throat, sending vibrations coursing through him. The raven-head’s free hand gripped his hair, not to push but to anchor himself, as if he’d float away otherwise.
It went on for a bit but when release finally tore through him, it was with a shuddering cry, his body trembling. Naruto swallowed, then wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, climbing back up with a smirk.
Sasuke stared at him, flushed and panting. “Bastard…”
He only grinned wider.
But the other man wasn’t done.
He shifted, pushing him back, sliding the blonde’s boxers off completely. His own still clung loosely to his knees now as he turned, presenting his ass. He reached behind, grabbing Naruto’s length and guiding it between his thighs.
The head of the other’s cock slid against hot, smooth skin, trapped between his legs.
Both of them moaned.
Naruto gripped his hips instinctively, breath ragged as he thrust forward, the friction almost unbearable.
From the blonde’s perspective, it looked like he was in the other, fucking him and that… that did something dangerous to him.
Sasuke’s head dropped into the pillow, hair spilling forward, his body rocking back against him with every movement.
The air filled with the sound of their panting, the wet slide of skin against skin. Every grind was intimate, desperate, more raw than either of them had expected.
Outside, fireworks began to burst… bright flares of red and gold lighting up the night sky.
Inside, behind closed doors, two bodies moved together in rhythm, caught in their own private explosion of heat and desire.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed these chapters and please look forward to the next two chapters that will posted tmr.
Watched the demon slayer movie in cinema yesterday and was amazed. Yuh I definitely cried.
Anyways see you tmr. Take care and be safe <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 17: The Weight of Silence
Summary:
continuation of last chapter basically.
Notes:
Forgive me for writing shit ass smut… I know it sucks 🥹✌️
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The room was quiet save for the sound of their breaths, heavy and uneven, filling the small space with warmth. The muffled crackle of fireworks still drifted faintly from outside, but in here the air felt too thick, too intimate, for anything else to matter.
Naruto lay flat on his back, his chest rising and falling, hair damp with sweat and sticking to his forehead. His body still hummed with the aftermath, his muscles loose and trembling in places. He blinked at the ceiling, trying to wrap his mind around everything that had just happened… what they’d done, what it meant.
Then movement pulled him from his thoughts.
Sasuke shifted slowly, carefully, until his lithe body pressed closer. He turned onto his side and rested his head against his chest, right over his heart.
Naruto stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the intimacy of the gesture. He glanced down, half expecting the other to smirk and make a comment, but there was none of that. Sasuke’s face was relaxed, his dark lashes low against his cheeks, expression unreadable in the dim light.
Almost on instinct, his arm moved. He wrapped it around the older man’s shoulder, tentative at first, then firmer, pulling him closer. His palm spread against Sasuke’s lower back, tracing the smooth line of his spine.
They were both still very much naked, skin pressed against skin, nothing between them but the sticky warmth of their release.
The silence stretched, not heavy but lingering… something that felt like it didn’t need to be broken.
Still, it was the raven-head who spoke first. His voice was quiet, low enough that the other almost missed it. “Stay the night.”
Naruto blinked. “Huh?”
“Stay here,” he repeated, eyes still closed, cheek pressed to his chest. “Don’t go back to your room.”
Naruto hesitated. “Don’t you have a roommate? Won’t they… y’know, wonder if I’m here?”
A faint huff of air left Sasuke, almost a laugh. “No. I booked a single room. No roommate.”
Naruto let out a low whistle. “Wow. Fancy.”
“Convenient,” the man corrected, his tone flat but softer than usual.
Naruto stared at the ceiling for a beat longer before humming. “Alright. I’ll stay.”
They fell quiet again. The weight of Sasuke’s head against him was grounding, the steady rhythm of his breathing syncing with his heartbeat. It felt strangely natural, as if they’d done this a hundred times before.
Minutes passed before the older man’s voice broke the silence again. “Have you figured it out yet?”
Naruto frowned, looking down. “Figured what out?”
Sasuke’s eyes opened, dark and sharp even in the dimness. “Your feelings. Your sexuality. You said you didn’t like the idea of anyone else touching me, remember?” He lifted his head and his gaze searched the other’s face. “So… what does that mean for you?”
Naruto exhaled slowly, staring at the ceiling again. He thought about it… about the way the man’s hands felt on him, the way his lips burned against his skin, the way jealousy had twisted in his gut when he imagined Sasuke with other clients.
“I still don’t know,” he admitted honestly, his voice low but steady. “I can’t put a name on it yet. But…” He shifted his arm, pulling Sasuke tighter against him. “I know I can’t picture myself doing any of this with another man. Not with anyone else but you.”
For the first time that night, Sasuke’s composure cracked. His eyes widened slightly, a flush creeping over his cheekbones. He tilted his head further up, searching the blonde’s face for dishonesty, and found nothing but open sincerity.
Naruto smiled down at him, small but full of awe, as though the sight of Sasuke’s blush was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Slowly, carefully, he leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met in a kiss: not hungry, not desperate like before, but soft. Gentle. Slow.
The raven-head sighed against his mouth, his body relaxing further as he kissed back, his fingers curling lightly against his chest. The kiss deepened gradually, not just in heat but in meaning, every brush of lips and tilt of head carrying weight that neither of them could ignore.
Sasuke parted for a moment before grabbing ahold of Naruto’s hand and bringing it up to his lips. At first he pressed a light kiss to his palm before he slowly took three fingers into his mouth, letting his tongue wrap around them. His saliva coated the long fingers evenly whilst the blonde watched stunned and flushed.
“S-Sasuke. Gods.”
After a moment more of sucking, the raven-head pulled out before guiding the slicked fingers down to his parted leg. He looked up at Naruto.
The man swallowed thickly but complied, moving his hand and circling a finger to the other’s awaiting hole.
Sasuke’s breath hitched and he let out a strangled moan when he felt the blonde’s finger ease in.
“Nngh… Ah!”
Naruto started slow, thrusting his first digit in and out, experimentally. One finger soon turned into two which left the raven-head parting his legs even more, instinctively.
“A-ah fuck, Naruto!”
The man’s fingers moved now with certainty, scissoring the other before leaning in and capturing his lips in a hungry kiss again.
Sasuke responded desperately, arms around his neck, clinging on tightly.
Soon a third finger was added which had him crying out against the other’s mouth when he found his spot.
“P-please… m-more.”
Naruto thrusted his digits in that spot over and over again.
It didn’t take long until Sasuke released, panting heavily against the his lips.
They continued kissing more even as the other pulled his finger out.
When they finally parted, the older man lingered close, his forehead resting against his. His voice was quiet, almost hesitant. “Would you ever… go all the way? With me?”
Naruto’s eyes opened, their gazes locking in the faint glow of the bedside lamp. For a moment, he didn’t answer. Then he hummed, low in his throat, considering.
“That’s not up to me,” he responded finally. His hand slid up his back, fingers tracing light circles. “That’s for you to decide. If you want it. If you’re ready.”
Sasuke blinked, surprised. “Me?”
“Yeah.” He smiled faintly. “I remember what you told me. About Velvet Eden. About the rules. That penetration wasn’t allowed. So it’s not something I can just… take. It’s yours to give, if you want to. Whenever you want to.”
The raven-head stared at him, his throat tight, his chest constricting with emotions he wasn’t sure he wanted to name. (But this… this wasn’t about work…so why?)
For so long, intimacy had been almost mechanical, transactional, a role he played with precision... something he used to enjoy. Even tonight had started that way, a blur of lust and frustration. But now, lying here with Naruto’s arms around him and his words settling deep inside, it felt different. It felt terrifyingly real.
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he shifted, resting his head back against the man’s chest, hiding the faint tremble of his lips. His cheeks were still warm, his heart still racing, but for once he didn’t fight it.
Naruto’s hand rubbed slow circles on his back, steady and patient.
Neither of them spoke again. They didn’t need to.
The silence returned, but this time it was heavy with promise.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 18: Notes Between the Lines
Summary:
Naruto is slowly getting to realize his confusing feelings…but he still isn’t there yet.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The rehearsal room was alive with sound. Keys clacked beneath Shikamaru’s fingers, Hinata plucked carefully at her bass, and Naruto’s voice carried over it all, raw but steady. Sasuke sat cross-legged on a stool, his guitar balanced against his thigh, the familiar chords flowing easily from his fingers.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was close. Close enough that when the last note faded into silence, a ripple of satisfaction hummed through the group.
The woman lowered her bass with a nervous exhale. “I… I think I messed up in the second verse again.”
Shikamaru shook his head, leaning back in his chair. “Nah. You held the tempo. That’s what matters.”
Naruto grinned at her, flashing that sun-bright confidence. “You sounded awesome, Hinata. Don’t sweat it.”
Her cheeks flushed pink, her eyes darting to the floor, but Sasuke didn’t miss it. He strummed one last chord and set his guitar aside. “Good enough,” he said, rising to his feet. “We’ll be fine tonight.”
Naruto nodded eagerly, energy buzzing in his veins. “Hell yeah, we will!”
⸻
By the time evening fell, the lodge’s main hall had been transformed. Folding chairs were pushed back, cables snaked across the floor, and makeshift stage lights cast a warm glow over the wooden platform at the front.
One by one, the groups performed, each bringing something different to the table. The room filled with cheers and laughter, the buzz of camaraderie growing with every act.
When their group was called, the blonde felt his heart pound in his chest. He glanced at Sasuke, who adjusted the strap of his guitar with practiced ease. No nerves. No hesitation. Just quiet presence.
They took their places.
The first note rang out, deep and steady from Hinata’s bass. Shikamaru layered in the keys, and then Sasuke’s guitar cut through, sharp and clear.
Naruto stepped to the mic, inhaled, and let his voice loose.
The song filled the hall, a blend of raw power and polished chords, rising and falling with rhythm that drew the crowd in. And through it all, he kept stealing glances at the raven-head.
Once, mid-verse, Sasuke looked up. Their eyes met. For a moment the noise of the room faded, leaving just the two of them in that space. The older man’s lips curled: subtle, fleeting, but there. A smile.
Naruto grinned back, unable to help himself, the warmth in his chest spreading into every note he sang.
By the time the last chord echoed, the room erupted into applause. The energy was electric, everyone cheering louder than before. He laughed breathlessly, fist-bumping Shikamaru as Hinata bowed shyly, her cheeks flushed with pride.
“That was amazing!” He beamed, patting her gently on the back.
“Y-yeah…” she stammered, eyes bright. “Thank you. For being patient with me.”
“Anytime,” he responded.
Sasuke stood a little apart, winding up his guitar cable. “Good job,” he said evenly. “All of you.”
Hinata ducked her head, Shikamaru muttered a lazy “thanks,” and Naruto turned to follow them out.
But Sasuke’s voice stopped him.
“Uh… Naruto.”
He turned back. “Yeah?”
The other two chatted with each other as they walked away leaving them alone.
Sasuke stepped closer, close enough that the blonde’s breath caught. And without warning, he leaned in and pressed his lips against his.
It was quick… barely more than a brush… but it was deliberate. When he pulled back, his onyx eyes lingered. “Your voice,” he whispered softly. “It’s nice. I wish to hear it more often.”
Before Naruto could even form a response, the man turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, heat burning in his face and heart hammering against his ribs.
⸻
The celebration meal was loud, messy, and full of laughter. Plates clattered, bottles clinked, and the seniors made toasts that devolved quickly into drinking games. Naruto sat between Choji and Shikamaru, trying to enjoy the warmth of it all, but his mind kept drifting to the kiss. To Sasuke’s words. To the way he’d walked away like it was nothing, while he was left reeling.
He spotted him across the room eventually. The older man was slouched in a chair, a half-empty glass in front of him. His usual composure was fraying at the edges, his cheeks faintly pink, his eyelids heavier than normal. The seniors crowded around him, cooing at his rare drunkenness, one of them letting him lean against their shoulder.
Naruto’s stomach twisted.
He set his chopsticks down, pushing back from the table and walked towards them. “I’m heading back to my room so I’ll take him back to his,” he stated quickly.
The seniors looked up, grinning. “Oh, thanks, Naruto! Be careful, he’s tipsy tonight.”
Said man nodded, already moving. He crouched down, tugging gently at Sasuke’s arm. “C’mon. Let’s get you out of here.”
The raven-head blinked at him, unfocused for a moment before recognition lit in his eyes. He didn’t resist, just let him pull him up and sling an arm around his shoulders.
The walk back to the room was quiet, the raven-head leaning heavily against him. His weight was warm, his hair tickling Naruto’s cheek as he murmured something under his breath that the other couldn’t quite catch.
Once inside, the blonde eased him down onto the bed. Sasuke flopped back with a low exhale, one hand draped over his eyes.
Naruto crouched to unlace his sneakers, pulling them off gently. “You should’ve stopped after two drinks,” he muttered gently.
The older man hummed faintly, his voice slurred but soft. “You worry too much.”
Naruto stilled. The words weren’t sharp, weren’t guarded… just simple. Honest.
He looked at Sasuke, really looked. The loosened strands of hair falling against the pillow. The silver of his earrings catching the lamplight. The faint flush on his cheeks. Vulnerable in a way he had never seen before.
The older man shifted, his hand slipping from his eyes. He blinked up at him, gaze hazy. “…What?”
He shook his head with an amused smile. “Nothing. Just… rest. I’ll stay here for a bit, make sure you’re okay.”
The other blinked again, then hummed softly, already drifting.
Naruto sat at the edge of the bed, silent. The heaviness lingered, pressing against his ribs, sharp and confusing. He didn’t understand it, didn’t want to dwell on it.
All he knew was that seeing Sasuke like this: unguarded, vulnerable… did something to him he couldn’t put into words.
So he stayed, watching over him, the muffled laughter of the others outside fading into the background.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Tomorrow as per usual will be the next 2 chapter update so look forward to that.
Until then, take care and be safe. Make sure to take rest when necessary and eat on time <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 19: The Weight of Want
Summary:
Sasuke gets a realization but it’s too late…
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The morning after the camp felt subdued. Everyone shuffled around the lodge with sleep-heavy eyes, gathering their luggage and instruments, boarding the waiting bus with sluggish steps.
Naruto climbed aboard last, stretching his arms above his head, messy hair catching the sunlight streaming through the bus window. He scanned the rows, spotted Sasuke already sitting near the back, and grinned before sliding into the empty seat beside him.
The man glanced sideways, his hair tied slightly looser than yesterday, his oversized shirt rumpled as though he hadn’t slept well. He didn’t say anything at first, but after the bus rumbled onto the road, he shifted.
“Are you… coming to the shop soon?” he asked quietly, eyes on the blurred scenery outside.
Naruto scratched the back of his neck, sighing. “I don’t know, honestly. I already took a few days off from my part-time job just to come here. Gotta make up for it, y’know? So I’ll be pretty busy.”
There was no mistaking the drop in Sasuke’s shoulders, the faint downturn of his mouth. He didn’t argue, didn’t pout, but disappointment hung between them like smoke.
The blonde noticed.
So he leaned closer, tilting his head until his lips brushed the older man’s ear. His voice dropped low, playful, intimate. “Don’t look so down. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
Sasuke stiffened, his breath hitching just slightly. A soft pink spread across his cheeks before he turned his head away, raven hair falling to shield his expression.
Naruto chuckled, leaning back against the seat. When the other finally glanced back, he was already smirking, one eye closed in a wink.
“Idiot,” the older man muttered, but his voice lacked venom.
⸻
The bus ride stretched on, filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional burst of music from someone’s phone. Naruto dozed off once or twice, but every time he woke, his gaze drifted to Sasuke beside him. Said man stared out the window most of the ride, his expression unreadable, as though his mind was elsewhere.
When the bus finally pulled into campus, everyone stirred awake, gathering their belongings. He yawned and slung his bag over his shoulder. As he and Sasuke stepped off, a voice called.
“Um—Naruto-kun?”
He turned. Hinata stood a little apart from the group, hands clasped together in front of her, eyes nervous but determined.
“Can I… uh… can I talk to you for a second?” she asked.
He smiled easily. “Yeah, sure.” He glanced at Sasuke. “I’ll catch up.”
Sasuke had already paused mid-step, eyes flicking between them. Something inside him clenched. Against his better judgment, he followed at a distance, keeping far enough not to be noticed.
They stopped under a tree near the edge of campus. He stayed hidden behind a building corner, jaw tight.
Hinata spoke first, but he couldn’t hear what she was saying. Naruto laughed lightly, scratching his cheek. He said something back, and then the woman smiled: shy, gentle, radiant.
The next moment, Naruto’s arms wrapped around her waist in a tight hug. She leaned into him, her head brushing his chest, and his grin was open and unguarded.
Something sharp twisted through the man’s chest. He turned on his heel before either of them could see him.
⸻
Velvet Eden’s lights glowed warm that evening, but his mood was anything but. He arrived with his hair tied back neatly, earrings glinting, and his usual cool mask in place. But Suigetsu noticed. He always noticed.
“You look like hell,” the receptionist remarked, leaning lazily against the reception counter.
Sasuke ignored him, slipping past to the back.
“Oi. What’s wrong with you?”
For a long while, the man said nothing as he pulled his jacket off, folding it with unnecessary precision. Finally, the words slipped out, quieter than he intended. “I’m falling for someone.”
Suigetsu blinked, then smirked. “Well, well. Didn’t think the great Uchiha could get distracted.”
He shot him a look. But the sharpness dulled quickly. His gaze fell to the floor. “It seems…he’s straight after all.”
“Oh?” The other tilted his head, gears clicking. “Let me guess…blond hair, bright blue eyes, loud voice?”
Sasuke didn’t answer. He didn’t have to.
Suigetsu let out a long sigh. “Figures. Naruto, huh?”
The raven-head hummed, almost inaudible.
“Well, shit,” the white-haired man muttered. Then, softer, “Sas… maybe take the night off.”
But he shook his head, cold and steady. “I need the distraction.”
He clocked in, forcing his mask back into place.
⸻
His clients wasn’t much different from the rest: middle-aged, polite enough, eager for touch. Sasuke’s hands knew the motions, his lips traced the practiced lines, his body pressed and responded where it was expected to.
But inside, everything felt wrong.
Every sound the man made grated against him. Every touch against his skin felt dirty, intrusive. His mind betrayed him, slipping again and again to messy blond hair, a crooked grin, a voice too warm and too loud.
He finished the session, collected the envelope, and bid his client a goodnight with a forced smile. The door closed, leaving him alone.
And then the mask shattered.
He slid down against the wall, his back hitting the polished floor, knees curling up. His hands trembled against his bare thighs.
He hated this. For the first time, he hated this.
Because no matter how many clients touched him, no matter how many times he forced his body to respond, it wasn’t Naruto. It would never be Naruto.
The door opened quietly. Suigetsu stepped in, ready with his usual teasing remark… but froze.
“Sasuke?” His eyes widened. He grabbed the nearest towel and crouched down, draping it over his curled form. “What the hell happened?”
Sasuke pressed his face against his knees, voice raw. “I… can’t do this anymore. Not like this.”
The receptionist’s chest tightened. He eased closer, wrapping his arms around him, pulling him against his shoulder.
The raven-head’s voice cracked. “It doesn’t feel good anymore. Because it’s not him.”
The admission hung heavy in the small room. His breath hitched, and before he could stop it, tears burned his eyes. He buried his face deeper, ashamed but unable to hold it back.
Suigetsu held him tighter, rubbing circles on his back. “You’re not unlucky, Sas,” he murmured. “You’re just human. And humans fall for the wrong people sometimes.”
He shook his head faintly, his voice muffled and breaking. “Then why does it hurt so much?”
The other didn’t have an answer. He just held him as his quiet sobs filled the space, the weight of want too heavy to carry alone.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 20: Closed Doors
Summary:
Misunderstanding arc begins
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The past month dragged like molasses.
Naruto barely noticed the days bleeding together: wake up, classes, part-time shifts at the restaurant, late nights hunched over his desk until his eyes burned from the glow of his laptop. He was tired in a way ramen and coffee couldn’t fix. But worse than the exhaustion, worse than the long hours… was the emptiness.
Because Sasuke wasn’t around.
Not once in the entire month had he shown up to the music club. At first, he thought maybe it was bad timing… maybe the man had meetings, maybe he was just busy with job hunting or the shop. But week after week passed, and the chair that was usually dragged near the window remained empty. The smoke that occasionally wafted from the corner of the room never appeared.
Naruto pretended not to notice when Shikamaru raised a brow at his distracted strumming. He brushed off Choji’s concerned “You good?” with a laugh. But when he was alone, when he walked back to the dorm under the glow of streetlights, his mind never shut up.
He missed him.
It was ridiculous. He knew it was ridiculous. Sasuke was… complicated. An enigma wrapped in sharp edges, whose world he had only gotten glimpses of. But those glimpses had been enough to hook him. Enough to keep him awake at night, thinking about onyx eyes and long raven hair, about hands that knew exactly how to make him fall apart, about words that made his chest ache.
He groaned, dragging his hands through his hair. “Fuck,” he muttered to himself.
⸻
Finally, after weeks of grinding through shifts and saving what little he could, Naruto stuffed his tips into an envelope and shoved it into his pocket. He hadn’t planned this. If he had, he might’ve chickened out.
But his feet carried him anyway. Past the familiar ramen stand, through the narrow side streets glowing with neon, until the entertainment district opened up before him like a kaleidoscope of temptation.
Velvet Eden was right where it always was, tucked neatly between a jazz lounge and a boutique. Its entrance was subtle, but once you noticed it, you couldn’t unsee it. The muted sign glowed faintly, and the black-painted door practically whispered secrets.
Naruto’s pulse picked up as he pushed inside.
The warm, luxurious interior swallowed him: dim lights, soft music, walls lined with framed photos of beautiful men posed just on the edge of indecency. He tugged his jacket tighter around himself, heat crawling up his neck.
And then Suigetsu looked up from behind the reception desk, sharp grin already forming.
“Well, well. Look who finally came crawling back.”
He scowled but didn’t rise to the bait. “I wanna book the usual.”
“Lemme guess.” The receptionist leaned forward, chin in hand. “Tall, lean, looks like he walked out of a fashion mag? Broody aura, plays guitar like he’s making love to it?”
Naruto’s ears burned. “…You know who I mean.”
But the man’s grin faded, replaced with something more unreadable. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Can’t help you. He’s off duty.”
The blonde blinked. “What? Off duty? But—”
“No buts.” Suigetsu’s tone was final. “He’s not available tonight.”
The words landed heavier than they should have. He shifted on his feet, the anticipation in his chest dissolving into frustration. “Right… okay.”
He forced a nod, muttered something that might’ve been “thanks,” and turned to leave. The door shut behind him with a quiet click.
The night air was sharp against his flushed skin. He exhaled hard, shoving his hands into his pockets. His heart twisted unpleasantly. Sasuke was avoiding him… he had to be.
Naruto shook his head, ready to head back to the dorms, when the door behind him creaked open.
He turned and froze.
Sasuke stepped out, hair tied neatly at the nape of his neck, an oversized dark coat draped around his lean frame. His earrings glinted in the neon light as he paused, clearly about to take a smoke.
Their eyes met.
Naruto’s breath caught. “Sasuke.”
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in those onyx eyes: surprise, maybe even longing… but then the older man looked away, as if the blonde were nothing more than another face in the crowd.
Naruto moved quickly, closing the distance with a half-smile. “I just… came by to see you. Suigetsu said you were off duty, though.”
Sasuke stood silent, hand lingering on the door handle.
The silence stretched. Naruto shifted awkwardly. “I, uh… I haven’t seen you at the club either. Thought maybe—”
The raven-head’s shoulders tensed. He turned and pushed the door open, stepping halfway inside. His back was to him when he finally spoke, voice low and flat.
“You shouldn’t come back here again.”
The words hit harder than any punch.
Naruto froze, eyes wide. “Wait—what? Why?”
But the man didn’t answer. The door shut with a quiet thud, leaving him standing on the sidewalk, confusion churning in his chest like a storm.
⸻
He walked back to campus in a daze. The neon lights blurred past him, laughter from passing groups of students sounded distant. His hands were shoved deep in his pockets, fists tight.
He didn’t understand.
Sasuke had never been easy to read, sure. But this? The man who touched him with such intimacy, who fell asleep on his chest, who smiled… truly smiled… when it was just the two of them? The same man was now telling him to stay away?
He gritted his teeth, kicking at a loose can on the sidewalk. It clattered loudly into the gutter.
“What the hell happened,” he muttered.
But no matter how much he cursed, the only thing he felt was the sting of rejection. And beneath it, a gnawing ache of worry.
Because if Sasuke was shutting him out… what did that mean about everything they’d shared?
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Hey guys, I would appreciate some feedback from reading these chapters and I am grateful to the ones who leaves such heartwarming and supportive comments. I truly appreciate you all…
My next two chapter update is as per usual, tmr so please look forward to it.
Until then, take care and be safe wherever you are <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 21: The Shape of Love
Summary:
What really happened (Naruto’s POV)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
[FLASHBACK]
The bus ride stretched on, filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional burst of music from someone’s phone. Naruto dozed off once or twice, but every time he woke, his gaze drifted to the man beside him. Sasuke stared out the window most of the ride, his expression unreadable, as though his mind was elsewhere.
It had been heartwarming seeing the older man look disappointed when he said he would be too busy to come to the shop soon. It also frustrated him that he couldn’t but if he worked and earned enough, he’d be able to go in a few weeks tops. With that in mind, he nodded to himself.
When the bus finally pulled into campus, everyone stirred awake, gathering their belongings. He yawned and slung his bag over his shoulder. As he and Sasuke stepped off, a voice called.
“Um—Naruto-kun?”
He turned. Hinata stood a little apart from the group, hands clasped together in front of her, eyes nervous but determined.
“Can I… talk to you for a second?” she asked.
Naruto smiled easily. “Yeah, sure.” He glanced at Sasuke. “I’ll catch up.”
⸻
Hinata led him across the quad, weaving between buildings until they reached a quieter corner of campus shaded by trees. The laughter and chatter of the others faded, replaced by the hum of cicadas and the faint rustle of leaves.
She stopped, turning to face him. Her fingers twisted together, her lips pressing tight before she exhaled.
“I… um…” She hesitated, then lifted her gaze, cheeks pink but steady. “I like you, Naruto-kun.”
The words hit softly, like petals falling, but still carried weight.
The blonde blinked. “Hinata…”
Her voice wavered, but she pushed on. “You’re always so kind, and encouraging. Even when I mess up, you never make me feel small. Being around you… makes me want to do better.” She bit her lip, then straightened, resolve glimmering in her pale eyes. “So… I just wanted you to know. I like you.”
For a long moment, Naruto said nothing. The sincerity in her gaze tugged at him, made him want to give her the answer she hoped for. But lying had never been in his nature.
Finally, he sighed, scratching the back of his neck. “Hinata… I’m really grateful. Truly. You’re awesome, and I think any guy would be lucky to have you. But… I don’t feel that way about you. I’m sorry.”
Her eyes widened slightly, and for a heartbeat he worried he’d broken something fragile. But then she smiled: soft, almost serene.
“I thought so,” she whispered. “But I’m glad I said it.”
Naruto blinked again. “You… you’re not upset?”
The woman shook her head. “Of course it hurts a little. But… you can’t force feelings. I’d rather know the truth.”
Relief washed over him, and he grinned, warm and genuine. “You’re really strong, Hinata.”
She tilted her head, then asked quietly, “Can I… still have a hug?”
Naruto chuckled. “Of course.”
He pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight. She was small against him, gentle, but steady. She lingered for a second before stepping back, cheeks pink but eyes clear.
The blonde shoved his hands into his pockets, rocking back on his heels. “Hey, Hinata… can I ask you something?”
She blinked. “What is it?”
“…How did you know?” he asked. “That you were into me.”
Her lips parted in surprise, then softened into thought. She glanced at the ground, then back at him.
“It’s… hard to explain. But… when I’m around you, my chest feels really warm. Sometimes it feels as if it wants to burst open. Even if I’m nervous, I want to be near you. When I think about the future, I imagine you still in it.” She paused, a faint flush coloring her cheeks again. “It isn’t about excitement or nerves alone. It’s… that being with you feels right. Safe. Like home.”
Naruto froze. Her words lodged deep, striking something he hadn’t dared name. His heart thudded, images flashing unbidden: raven hair spilling loose over a pillow, sharp onyx eyes softening into a rare smile, the weight of a head on his shoulder, lips pressing gently against his own.
Sasuke.
It was Sasuke he thought of. Sasuke who made his chest feel warm, who filled his thoughts even when he tried to shove them aside, who made him want to carve out a place for him in every tomorrow.
The realization crashed over him, both startling and inevitable. He’d been circling it for weeks, maybe months. But now, there was no denying it.
He was in love with Uchiha Sasuke.
⸻
[PRESENTLY]
Since then, Naruto lay on his bed staring at the ceiling every night, Hinata’s words echoing in his mind. The dorm room was quiet, only the faint hum of the heater filling the silence.
He rolled onto his side, clutching his pillow. His chest ached… not from uncertainty now, but from the sharp sting of Sasuke’s rejection.
“You shouldn’t come back here again.”
The memory of the older man’s back as he shut the door stung like a burn. He shut his eyes, jaw tight. Why? Why was Sasuke pushing him away after everything?
The only explanation that made sense… the only one that didn’t tear him apart completely… was that the man had found someone else. Someone who made him feel safe. Someone he could finally let in fully.
He swallowed hard, throat tight. He wanted to be that person. But maybe… he wasn’t.
He buried his face in the pillow, heart aching. For the first time, he knew exactly what he wanted. And for the first time, he wasn’t sure he could have it.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 22: The Distance Between Us
Summary:
We head back to Sasuke’s perspective for a bit… getting to see what he’s thinking and feeling before once again, heading back to Naruto’s p.o.v.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The neon glow of Velvet Eden’s sign flickered faintly in the night air as the raven-head leaned against the wall just inside the entrance, his hands buried deep in his pockets. He hadn’t even fully processed what he’d said before closing the door on Naruto.
“You shouldn’t come back here again.”
The words still rang sharp in his ears, tasting like ash on his tongue. He’d delivered them flatly, back turned, as if Naruto were just another nuisance. But the moment the door clicked shut, his chest had tightened painfully, as though he’d just locked away the only light he had left.
He sank into one of the dim back corridors, leaning his head against the wall. His pulse throbbed in his temples.
Why had he said it? Why had he pushed Naruto away when every fiber of his being wanted to pull him closer?
Because he’d seen it. That hug.
The image replayed mercilessly in his mind: Hinata smiling shyly, Naruto’s arms wrapping easily around her, her small frame leaning into him. It had been too much. Too obvious. Sasuke had told himself he didn’t care, that it was none of his business. But the truth was, it carved something raw inside of him.
Hinata looked at him the way he did: eyes soft, almost reverent. And Naruto… hadn’t resisted. He’d embraced her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Maybe it was.
Maybe that was the kind of life the blonde deserved: one without complications, without scars or shame. Someone pure, like Hinata, who could love him openly, without the shadows of a place like Velvet Eden trailing behind them.
Sasuke squeezed his eyes shut. He hated himself for feeling jealous. He hated himself for wishing… selfishly… that Naruto’s arms had been around him instead. He hated how vulnerable the man made him, how much power he’d unknowingly taken.
Worst of all, he hated how much it hurt.
⸻
He worked the rest of the night with mechanical precision. He touched, kissed, and murmured the words clients wanted to hear, but his mind was elsewhere. Each time someone’s hands slid over his skin, the hollowness grew. No warmth. No spark. Nothing.
Because it wasn’t Naruto.
Later, when the last client left and the lights dimmed, Sasuke sat on the edge of his bed in the private room, head bowed, hands clenched tightly in his lap. He thought of the blonde’s grin, the way his blue eyes softened when he looked at him, the way his voice could cut through any noise.
And then he thought of Naruto hugging Hinata, and the warmth drained from his chest.
He pressed his palm hard against his sternum as if he could force the ache away. But it only deepened.
For the first time in years, Sasuke wished he could be someone else. Someone worthy of being loved the way the younger man deserved.
But he wasn’t. And he knew it.
⸻
Meanwhile, across campus, Naruto lay sprawled on his bed, phone balanced in his hand. The room was dark except for the bluish glow of the screen. His chest still ached from then, the sharp memory of Sasuke’s dismissal slicing deeper the longer he thought about it.
He wanted to scream. He wanted to march back to Velvet Eden and demand answers. But instead, he did something he hadn’t done in weeks. He tapped the FaceTime icon and called his parents.
It rang twice before Kushina’s face filled the screen, her red hair falling in messy strands around her cheeks. “Naruto! There you are!” she exclaimed, waving like he was still a kid. Minato’s face soon appeared over her shoulder, calm and warm as always.
He felt his lips twitch upward despite himself. “Hey, Mom. Dad.”
The woman squinted at him through the screen. “You look tired. Are you eating enough? Sleeping? Not skipping meals, right?”
He chuckled softly. “I’m fine, Mom. Really.”
Minato tilted his head, studying him with quiet concern. “What’s on your mind, son?”
Naruto hesitated. He hadn’t planned on saying much. Maybe just asking if he could come home for a day to reset. But the warmth in their voices, the familiar ease, cracked something inside of him.
“Can I… come home tomorrow?” His voice came out quieter than he meant. “I’ve got the day off, and I just… want to be home for a bit.”
“Of course!” Kushina responded instantly, her voice bursting with affection. “You don’t even have to ask, sweetheart.”
But then her expression softened, her eyes narrowing with motherly instinct. “Something happened, didn’t it?”
He froze. “What makes you say that?”
“Because I know that face,” she replied matter-of-factly. “That’s your ‘I’m pretending everything’s fine when it’s not’ face. You had the same one when you broke your favorite toy at age six and tried to hide it from us.”
Minato chuckled under his breath. “She’s not wrong.”
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks flushing. For a moment, he thought about brushing it off. But he was so tired of holding it all in, so tired of pretending he wasn’t unraveling.
“…It’s about someone,” he admitted finally. His voice cracked slightly.
His mother leaned forward. “Someone?”
He exhaled shakily. “Yeah. It’s… a… well it’s a guy.”
There was a beat of silence on the line. His heart pounded. But then his mother’s face split into the brightest grin. “A guy, huh?” she said, almost teasingly. “Finally!”
Naruto blinked. “Finally?”
His father’s lips curved into a soft smile. “We’ve had a feeling, son. We didn’t want to pressure you into telling us before you figured it out yourself.”
The woman jabbed her thumb toward the screen. “So? Who is he? What’s he like? Is he handsome? He better be treating you right, or I swear—”
“Mom!” He groaned, but there was no heat in it. His chest loosened for the first time in days, laughter bubbling up despite the ache.
Then his smile faltered, the weight of reality pressing back in. He lowered his gaze. “Thing is… I don’t think he wants me. Not the way I want him.”
Kushina’s grin softened into something gentler. “Oh, baby…”
Minato’s voice came steady and calm through the phone. “Love isn’t always simple, son. Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes it takes pain. But what matters is that you were brave enough to feel it.”
The blonde swallowed hard, blinking against the sting in his eyes.
“Listen to me, Naruto,” his mother started firmly. “Don’t you ever think there’s something wrong with loving who you love. Got it? If he’s the one making your heart race, then that’s real. That’s worth holding onto… even if it hurts right now.”
Naruto nodded slowly. “Yeah.”
His throat was tight, but for the first time, the ache felt bearable. His parents’ voices anchored him, reminded him he wasn’t alone in this, no matter what Sasuke had said.
“I’ll come home tomorrow,” he said quietly.
Kushina beamed. “Good. I’ll make all your favorites. Ramen, miso, everything. You’ll eat until you can’t move.”
He laughed softly, his chest lighter than it had been all week. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”
As the call ended, he set the phone down beside him and stared at the ceiling. His heart still ached for the raven-head, but at least now he knew… whatever happened, he had a place where he was loved, unconditionally.
And maybe, just maybe, that gave him the strength to keep holding on.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
As per usual, please look out for the next two chapters tmr. I hope this story is going well for you guys so far… I admit this is one of my better fics and I thoroughly enjoyed writing it.
Until then, please keep safe and take care of yourself. Eat and rest on time <3
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 23: Finding the Courage to Love
Summary:
Naruto finally heads home to his parents and they give him the courage to chase after his love.
Let’s applaud the MVPs Mama Kushina and Papa Minato in the comments!
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The train ride home was quiet, the steady clatter of wheels on tracks… a background rhythm that soothed Naruto’s restless mind. He sat by the window, his chin propped on his palm, watching the countryside blur into view. The buildings gave way to open stretches of green, to rooftops he remembered from his childhood, to skies that seemed just a little clearer the closer he got.
It had been months since he last went home. Between classes, his part-time job, and the complicated mess of emotions swirling around Sasuke, he’d barely had the time. But now, with everything weighing heavy on his chest, this trip felt necessary.
When the train pulled into the station, Naruto grabbed his bag and hopped off. The familiar air hit him: crisp, carrying faint hints of the sea not too far away. His heart eased a little.
As he walked through the neighborhood, memories resurfaced. The road where he used to race with friends, the convenience store where he’d buy his favorite snacks, the old park where his parents had brought him after long days. It all felt unchanged, even though he himself was caught in the middle of change he didn’t fully understand.
By the time he reached the house, Kushina was already standing at the gate, waving like she’d been waiting all morning. Her bright red hair swayed wildly as she rushed forward, pulling him into a hug so tight it nearly knocked the air from his lungs.
“Mom—!” He wheezed, though he found himself laughing.
“You came home!” Her voice carried all the warmth of the sun. “You look thinner! You better be eating properly… don’t tell me you’re surviving on cup ramen again.”
Naruto snorted. “What’s wrong with cup ramen?”
“Don’t you ‘what’s wrong’ me! Real food, sweetie. Real food keeps you alive.”
Minato appeared at the doorway, smiling softly at the scene. “Welcome back, son.”
Naruto felt his chest loosen more than it had in weeks. He stepped forward and hugged his father too, letting the calm steadiness of his presence sink in.
Inside, the house smelled exactly as he remembered: like spices, clean laundry, and something sweet his mother must’ve baked earlier. His stomach rumbled, and she immediately dragged him into the kitchen, piling food on the table: ramen, grilled fish, rice balls, miso soup.
“Eat first,” she ordered, “then we’ll talk.”
Naruto chuckled, sitting down as his father joined them. He dug in, the flavors hitting his tongue like comfort itself. He hadn’t realized how much he missed this.
But his parents watched him closely, waiting. Finally, after a few bites, he sighed. “You guys aren’t gonna let it go, huh?”
“Nope,” she responded bluntly.
His father gave him a small, encouraging nod. “Tell us what’s on your mind, Naruto.”
He set down his chopsticks. For a moment, the words caught in his throat. But the memory of Sasuke turning his back, of that quiet voice saying (“You shouldn’t come back here again”), burned sharp enough to push him forward.
“It’s… about Sasuke.”
Kushina’s eyebrows shot up. Minato’s expression stayed calm, though his eyes softened.
He rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous laugh escaping. “He’s… the guy I told you about yesterday. The one I—” He exhaled shakily. “The one I think I love.”
The silence that followed was gentle, not heavy. His mother leaned her chin into her palm, eyes narrowing. “Think? Or know?”
He blinked.
Her voice softened, though her words stayed direct. “You don’t come all the way home, looking like the world’s crushing you, if it’s just a maybe.”
Naruto looked down at his hands. “…Yeah. You’re right. I know. I’m in love with him.”
The admission cracked something open inside of him, relief mixing with fear.
His father leaned forward slightly. “And how does Sasuke feel?”
Naruto swallowed hard. “I… don’t know. Sometimes it feels like he wants me. Other times… he pushes me away. Like a week ago. He told me not to come see him again.”
The woman frowned. “What? Why?”
“That’s the thing. I don’t get it. He never explains. He just…” Naruto’s chest tightened. “…acts like I’d be better off without him.”
His parents exchanged a glance. The older man spoke carefully. “Do you think he’s protecting himself? Or protecting you?”
Naruto opened his mouth, then stopped. He’d been so caught up in his own confusion that he hadn’t really thought of it that way.
“I…” He frowned. “Maybe both?”
Kushina sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Love’s scary, darling. Especially when you think you don’t deserve it. Maybe that’s what’s going on with him.”
The blonde stared. “You think he doesn’t think he deserves to be loved?”
“Plenty of people feel that way,” she responded gently. “Even good ones. Sometimes especially the good ones who’ve been hurt too much.”
His father nodded. “What matters is… do you think he deserves it?”
The answer burst from him before he even realized he’d spoken. “Of course he does!” His hands tightened into fists. “Sasuke… he’s amazing. The way he plays guitar, the way he carries himself… he’s stubborn, yeah, but he’s also kind. He’s… everything. He deserves way more than he thinks.”
Kushina smiled softly, watching him. “Then maybe what he needs is someone stubborn enough not to give up on him.”
Naruto froze. The words sank deep, settling in the pit of his stomach, sparking something fierce in his chest.
Not give up.
He thought about the nights the raven-head had touched him with such care, the rare moments where his guarded eyes softened, the quiet way he’d smiled after that coffee break by the vending machine.
He realized then: Sasuke wasn’t pushing him away because he didn’t care. He was pushing him away because he did.
And if that was the case… then Naruto wasn’t going to back down.
“Yeah,” he whispered slowly, determination lighting his voice. “Yeah, you’re right. I can’t just let him go. I don’t care how many times he pushes me away… I’ll keep showing him I’m here. That I’m not going anywhere.”
His mother grinned proudly. “That’s my son.”
The older man’s lips curved into a small smile. “Love takes courage, Naruto. Looks like you’ve found yours.”
Naruto’s throat tightened, but this time with something good. He stood, moving around the table to hug both of them tightly. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I needed this.”
Kushina squeezed him like she’d never let go. “You’ll be fine. Just don’t half-ass it, you hear? If you love him, then love him with everything you’ve got. Like a true Namikaze-Uzumaki”
He laughed into her shoulder, tears pricking at his eyes. “Yeah. I will.”
⸻
The next morning, he packed his bag and got ready to head back. His mother stuffed it with extra food, fussing until his father gently pulled her back, reminding her he couldn’t carry the entire kitchen.
As Naruto waved goodbye and walked down the familiar road, he felt different. Lighter. Stronger. The ache in his chest hadn’t disappeared, but it wasn’t weighing him down anymore.
Because now he knew.
He loved Sasuke. And he wasn’t going to run from it.
When he got back to campus, he’d find him.
And this time, he’d make sure the raven-head couldn’t turn away so easily.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 24: Clearing the Silence
Summary:
Naruto makes it back to Uni and he immediately seeks out Sasuke.
And this time, he isn’t backing down til he has answers.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
The first thing he did after stepping back onto campus was drop his bag in his dorm and head straight out again. He hadn’t even bothered to unpack. Sleep had been impossible on the train ride back; his nerves were too wired, his determination a fire that burned with every station that passed.
Now, he strode across the grounds with purpose, weaving through the throng of students bustling between classes. His target was clear: Sasuke.
He started with his department… on the off chance the man might’ve been there. Nothing. He asked a couple of upperclassmen he vaguely recognized if they’d seen him, but all he got were shrugs.
Next stop: the music building. His gut told him Sasuke wouldn’t be there, not after avoiding the club since, but Naruto wasn’t skipping any possibilities. He pushed open the door to the club room, the familiar clutter of instruments and amps filling his vision. A few juniors were scattered around tuning guitars, chatting.
“Yo,” Kiba called, lifting his hand. “Back from home already?”
Naruto forced a grin. “Yeah. Hey, uh… has Sasuke been around?”
The man shook his head. “Nope. He’s busy. Like always.”
He muttered a thanks and left, pulse quickening. Busy. That could mean anything. Busy with classes, busy with job hunting… or busy with clients.
His steps carried him faster, out of campus, down familiar streets until the glow of neon lights spilled against the dusk. The entertainment district was alive, even in early evening, laughter spilling from izakayas, people in sharp clothes weaving in and out of doors, the air rich with cigarette smoke and perfume.
And then there it was: “Velvet Eden.” The sign glowed in its muted color, its sleek design classy against the row of shops. He paused at the entrance, heart pounding so hard it rattled his ribs. Then he pushed the door open.
The warm, velvety interior was the same as he remembered: low lighting, couches lining the walls, sultry posters of beautiful men displayed tastefully. Behind the desk sat Suigetsu, spinning a pen between his fingers.
The moment their eyes met, the man sighed. “Well, look who’s back.”
Naruto walked up, scratching the back of his head. “Hey. I… I’m here to see Sasuke.”
Suigetsu set his pen down and leaned forward on the counter. “Blondie, listen. You really shouldn’t be here. Sasuke… he needs some time. He’s… not himself lately.”
Naruto frowned. “Then all the more reason I should see him.”
The man tilted his head, assessing him. “You sure? This isn’t a game. If you’re just here to ease your own confusion, it’ll only hurt him worse.”
The blonde’s jaw tightened. He met Suigetsu’s eyes squarely. “I’m not confused anymore. I’m here because I love him. And I’m not leaving until I tell him that.”
For a long moment, the other just stared. Then he huffed, lips curling into a crooked smile. “Damn. You really are stubborn, huh?”
Naruto didn’t flinch. “Guess so.”
With a small shake of his head, the man stood. “Fine. Don’t make me regret this. Come on.”
He led him down the familiar hall, stopping at the same room he’d been taken to before. Suigetsu paused at the door, turning to him. “Don’t mess this up more than it already is. He’s fragile right now, even if he won’t show it.”
Naruto nodded firmly. “Got it.”
The white-haired man pushed the door open and stepped aside.
Inside, the room was dim, quiet. Sasuke lay sprawled on the bed, fully clothed: an oversized hoodie, faded jeans, hair loose over the pillow. His earrings glinted faintly under the low light. He wasn’t with a client. He wasn’t working. Just sleeping.
Naruto’s chest tightened at the sight before him, it was as if exhaustion had finally dragged the man under before he could even bother to change. His long lashes shadowed his cheekbones, the faint rise and fall of his chest steady in the hush of the room.
He shut the door softly behind him, his heartbeat loud in the silence. Each step forward felt unsteady, though his resolve burned firm beneath the nerves. His feet carried him closer, until he hovered beside the bed. For a moment, he hesitated. But then… without giving himself the chance to back down… he climbed onto the mattress, moving carefully so as not to disturb him.
The shift of weight was enough.
Sasuke stirred, lashes fluttering as he blinked awake. His gaze, unfocused at first, sharpened once it landed on him. Confusion gave way to disbelief in the span of a heartbeat. He sat up sharply, eyes wide, voice rough and thick from sleep.
“…Naruto? What the hell are you—? I told you not to come back.”
The sharpness in his tone should have cut the blonde down, but instead it only strengthened the knot inside his chest. Swallowing hard, he met his gaze without wavering. “And I’m asking you now… why can’t I?”
Sasuke scoffed, dragging a hand down his face before swinging his legs over the side of the bed, deliberately putting space between them. His movements were harsh, defensive, as though distance alone could shield him.
“Because,” he bit out, his voice low, “you being here… it’s cheating on your girlfriend.”
Naruto froze. For a heartbeat, his mind blanked.
“…What?”
The raven-head’s jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists where they rested on the edge of the mattress. “Don’t play dumb. I saw you. That day when we just came back from camp. Hugging her. Smiling like idiots at each other.”
The words hung between them like a blade, and for a moment the blonde just stared. Then, unexpectedly, laughter burst from his chest. Full, unrestrained laughter that filled the small room, echoing off the walls.
Sasuke whipped around, glaring, his ears already tinged red. “What the hell’s so funny?”
Naruto wiped at his eyes, still grinning, trying to breathe between chuckles. “Oh, man. You… you seriously thought Hinata’s my girlfriend? That’s what this is all about?”
The glare deepened, but the faint pink dusting the older man’s ears spread down his neck. He clicked his tongue. “Tch. And isn’t she?”
“No!” He shook his head, still half-laughing, though the warmth in his voice was real. “She confessed, yeah. But I turned her down. She’s just a friend. A really good one. That hug? It was a friendly one.”
He stopped there, the grin slipping into something gentler, almost vulnerable. His voice dropped, softer.
“… she helped me realize what I really feel.”
That line seemed to throw Sasuke off. His eyes narrowed, suspicion flashing in them even as something fragile wavered underneath. “…what you feel…?”
Naruto moved a bit forward, steady, deliberate. His body thrummed with nerves, but he didn’t let them steer him away. “Yeah. What I feel.”
Before the older man could retreat further, he closed the gap and pushed him gently but firmly back onto the bed. Sasuke landed against the sheets with a muffled grunt, eyes widening as Naruto caged him in with his arms.
“Get off,” he snapped immediately, squirming against his hold. His movements weren’t forceful enough to break free though… more reflex than true resistance.
“No.” The blonde’s voice was firm, steady in a way that surprised even himself. His pulse hammered, but his gaze stayed locked on the man’s, refusing to waver.
“You told me to figure out my feelings, right?” He leaned closer, the space between them charged, thick with tension. He could feel Sasuke’s breath brushing against his lips, uneven, shaky despite the glare on his face. “Well, I did.”
His voice dropped lower, quiet but unwavering. “I love you. It’s you that I love, Uchiha Sasuke.”
The words struck like a thunderclap. The raven-head stilled beneath him, the fight bleeding out of his limbs. His breath hitched audibly, body rigid as though the confession had pinned him more effectively than Naruto ever could.
“…Huh?” His voice cracked, thin and unsteady. “W-what about Hinata?”
The blonde’s smile softened, warmth radiating through every syllable. “Like I said… I turned her down. Because while she was confessing, all I could think about was you. It was her words that made me realize… I can’t imagine wanting anyone else. Just you.”
Sasuke’s eyes widened further, his mouth parting soundlessly. The flush across his skin deepened until it spread across his cheeks, his neck, the tips of his ears. He turned his head abruptly, dragging a hand over half his face as if to shield himself.
Naruto chuckled softly, lowering himself just enough that the other could feel the heat of his body against him. The tension was suffocating, thick enough to choke, but he leaned into it, closing the last inches between them until his lips brushed the shell of the raven-head’s ear.
“I love you, Sasuke,” he whispered, the sincerity clear and heavy in every word. “So tell me… what we have. Is it real? Or am I just another client to you?”
The question hung in the air like a challenge, like a plea.
The other’s breath faltered, caught between his teeth. For a long, agonizing stretch, he stayed motionless, only his chest rising and falling in shallow bursts. Then, slowly, his hand lowered from his face. His onyx eyes lifted to meet his.
Something cracked in them: fear, yes, but layered with longing, with relief, with the raw edge of something he’d been holding back for far too long.
His cheeks were flushed, his lips parted, trembling just faintly.
And then, finally, the older man reached up, his fingers curling into the fabric of Naruto’s shirt. He tugged him down, closing the space between them. Their lips met in a kiss: soft at first, hesitant, then deepening with desperate urgency.
Between breaths, he whispered against his mouth, voice unsteady but sure. “Of course I love you too, idiot.”
The blonde’s chest swelled, his heart soaring as though it could burst. He smiled against his lips before kissing him again, pouring every unspoken word, every bottled-up emotion into the press of his mouth.
And for the first time, the silence between them broke… not with confusion or distance, but with truth.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
See you in tomorrow’s next two chapter update and I thank you so much for reading and supporting my work.
Have a wonderful day/ night and please be safe.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 25: A Love Unveiled
Summary:
Continuation of their making-up and being honest with their feelings for each other.
Notes:
The smut is purposely fast-paced because i’ve stated already I cannot write smut 🥹✌️
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Sasuke’s lips trembled under his, soft yet demanding, and Naruto could feel the tension vibrating through the man’s body. Their kiss deepened, the raven-head’s hands fisting in the front of his shirt as though afraid he would vanish. The taste of him: warm, faintly smoky from his earlier cigarette…. spread over Naruto’s tongue, and it made his pulse roar in his ears.
Their mouths moved hungrily, desperate to consume what had been denied them for too long. Sasuke’s small, breathy moans only spurred the blonde further, his body pressing harder against him, pushing him back deeper into the mattress.
The older man arched beneath him, legs shifting apart instinctively to make room for Naruto’s weight. His hoodie wrinkling between them as the man’s hands slid down, over the ridges of his ribs, then lower to the curve of his waist.
Naruto broke the kiss only to trail his mouth along Sasuke’s jaw, down the pale stretch of his throat. He sucked there, biting gently, and the raven-head gasped, head tilting back, exposing himself further. His earrings clinked faintly with the motion, strands of hair framing his face.
The heat between them was intoxicating, their bodies grinding together through fabric. The blonde’s cock was straining painfully against his jeans, and when the other shifted, he felt the hard press of his arousal too.
He groaned low, catching Sasuke’s mouth again in a fierce kiss, his hips rolling down until the older man gasped into him.
“Fuck…” Sasuke whispered, his voice husky, trembling. His nails dug into Naruto’s shoulders, his hips lifting to meet his movements.
The blonde’s control frayed with each sound that left the other’s lips, with every needy shift of his body. He wanted him… wanted to tear every piece of clothing off and devour him right there. His hand slipped beneath his hoodie again, dragging upward, and the feeling of smooth, heated skin made him growl.
But then… he froze.
Breathing hard, he pressed his forehead against Sasuke’s, forcing himself to still his hands. The man blinked at him in surprise, lips kiss-swollen, chest rising and falling rapidly.
“What’s wrong?” He asked, his voice uneven.
Naruto’s jaw clenched. He brushed his thumb against his flushed cheek, eyes softening. “I don’t want our first time to be here.”
Sasuke’s lips parted. For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the sound of their labored breaths. Then he nodded slowly, his lashes lowering. “…Neither do I.”
Relief flooded the blonde, and he kissed him again, slower this time, less desperate but no less full of want. When he pulled back, Sasuke’s lips glistened, his cheeks dusted pink.
“Let’s go to my place,” the older man said quietly.
Naruto’s grin spread wide, boyish and bright despite the heat burning between them. “Yeah.”
⸻
They walked out of the room hand in hand, and Suigetsu was waiting at the counter, leaning casually with his usual grin. The man’s eyes dropped to their joined hands, and his smirk widened knowingly.
“Well, well. Took you two long enough,” he drawled, winking.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and tugged Naruto along without answering, though the blonde laughed sheepishly, scratching his cheek with his free hand.
But before they could step out, the raven-head turned back to the receptionist.
“I quit.” He smirked and Suigetsu let out an amused laugh, nodding.
Naruto was stunned but overly warmed.
The night air outside Velvet Eden was cool, a sharp contrast to the heat coiling in his chest. The city lights painted the older man’s skin in gold and violet as they walked, their fingers still twined.
“Thank you.” The blonde whispered, bringing their intertwined hands to his lips and pressing a kiss to it.
Sasuke simply leaned into him, a satisfied expression adorning his face.
Neither said much after that, but the silence was different now: comfortable, electric with anticipation.
The raven-head’s apartment wasn’t far, and soon they were inside.
Naruto barely registered the spaciousness of the place: the sleek furniture, the faint scent of sandalwood… because his attention was solely on the man. On the way he slipped off his jacket, kicked off his sneakers, his gaze locked on the other moving toward the bedroom.
He followed.
The door shut with a soft click.
Naruto didn’t hesitate. He crossed the space in two strides, hands grabbing his waist, lifting him with ease. Sasuke let out a startled sound as his legs instinctively wrapped around his hips, his arms looping around his neck.
The blonde carried him to the bed and set him down gently, but the hunger in his gaze betrayed his restraint.
Sasuke stared up at him, cheeks flushed, lips parted, chest heaving. His hair still loose, strands of raven hair falling across his face, framing him like silk. He looked devastatingly beautiful, and Naruto’s breath caught.
“God, you’re… you’re fucking unreal,” he murmured, his voice thick with awe.
The raven-head’s cheeks darkened. “…Idiot.” But his lips curved faintly, betraying how the words struck him.
Naruto leaned down, kissing him, slow and savoring. His hands slid beneath the older man’s hoodie, pushing it up, and Sasuke lifted his arms to let him pull it off. The fabric hit the floor, forgotten.
He sat back for a moment, drinking in the sight of him: bare chest, lean but slightly toned, pale skin gleaming faintly in the dim light. His nipples were already peaked, and he swallowed hard.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he whispered, almost reverent.
Sasuke’s flush deepened. He reached forward, tugging at Naruto’s own shirt, impatient. “Shut up and take this off.”
The blonde chuckled but obeyed, pulling the shirt over his head and tossing it aside. The other’s eyes flicked over his torso: broad chest, defined abs, sun-kissed skin… and his breath caught.
“…Hot,” he muttered, blunt and unfiltered.
Naruto’s grin widened. “Like what you see?”
The older man rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it. His hand reached out, fingertips trailing over his chest, down his stomach, making the blonde shiver.
Naruto caught his wrist gently, pressing a kiss to the inside before lowering himself again. Their mouths found each other, tongues tangling as their bodies pressed flush.
Hands roamed: Sasuke’s sliding up Naruto’s back, nails scratching lightly; Naruto’s moving down, gripping Sasuke’s hips, dragging him closer. Their cocks rubbed together through fabric, both of them groaning at the friction.
“Fuck—Naruto,” the man gasped when the blonde’s lips moved down his neck, sucking along his collarbone.
Naruto’s hand trailed lower, slipping beneath the waistband of his boxers. His fingers wrapped around his cock, hot and hard, and Sasuke choked on a moan, arching into his grip.
“Shit,” he breathed, his head falling back, hair spilling across the pillow.
The blonde stroked him slowly at first, watching the way his lover’s face twisted in pleasure, the way his lips parted to let out soft, desperate sounds. His pace quickened, his thumb swiping across the slick head, and the raven-head cried out, clutching at the sheets.
“Nggh—Naruto—”
Said man’s mouth closed over a nipple, sucking hard, and Sasuke nearly came undone right then. His thighs trembled, his breath hitched, and Naruto pulled back with a low chuckle.
“Not yet, babe,” he whispered, voice dark.
Sasuke barely had time to catch his breath before the blonde slid down the bed, tugging his boxers off in one swift motion. The older man’s cock sprang free, flushed and leaking, and Naruto’s eyes darkened at the sight.
“You’re gorgeous everywhere,” he murmured, licking his lips.
Sasuke flushed scarlet. “Naru—don’t—” His words cut off in a strangled moan as the man’s mouth wrapped around him.
“F-fuck!” His back arched, his hands flying to clutch blonde hair as heat flooded his entire body.
Naruto sucked him deep, his tongue swirling. The sounds his lover made: breathy, broken moans… went straight to his already hardened cock. He hollowed his cheeks, taking him deeper, and Sasuke writhed, thighs tightening around his shoulders.
“Shit—Naruto, I’m—”
The blonde pulled off with a wet pop, smirking up at him. “Still, not yet.”
Sasuke groaned, frustration mingling with arousal, but before he could protest the other was kissing up his stomach, his chest, reclaiming his mouth in another searing kiss.
As they kissed, Naruto stripped off his jeans and boxers, freeing his aching cock. The raven-head’s eyes widened when he felt the thick press of it against his thigh, and he flushed deeply.
“Fuck…,” he muttered, voice breathless.
Naruto smirked, nipping his lip. “You can take it. Don’t worry.”
Sasuke shuddered, his cock twitching at the words.
The blonde’s hand slid down, guiding his fingers to his entrance, rubbing gently. His lover gasped, clutching at his shoulders.
“Wait—”
He stilled instantly, eyes searching his. “Do you want this?”
Sasuke swallowed, nodding quickly, his voice barely audible. “Yes. I want you.”
The man kissed him softly, reassuring. “Then I’ll take care of you.”
He reached for the lube that was visibly placed on the nightstand, slicking his fingers before pressing one slowly inside. The older man hissed, body tensing, but Naruto kissed him through it, whispering comfort.
“You’re doing so well, baby…”
A second finger slid in, scissoring gently, stretching him open. Sasuke’s nails dug into his lover’s back, his face flushed, sweat dampening his temples. By the time the third finger entered, he was panting, his body trembling… but when the blonde brushed that spot inside him, he cried out, his cock leaking against his stomach.
“Nggh—ahh—there! Fuck—”
The man growled softly, kissing him hard as he pulled his fingers out. He slicked himself quickly, lining himself up and pressing the head of his cock to his entrance.
“Ready?” he asked, voice rough.
The raven-head nodded, breathless. “Yeah… please.”
Naruto pushed forward slowly, carefully. He gasped, eyes squeezing shut, his hands clutching at his arms.
“Relax, babe,” his lover whispered, kissing his forehead, his nose, his lips. “I’ve got you.”
Bit by bit, he sank in until he was fully sheathed, both of them trembling from the intensity. He stilled, breathing hard, giving him time.
Sasuke’s nails dug in, his body taut, but then… slowly… he relaxed, his hips shifting experimentally. His eyes opened, meeting his.
“…you can move,” he whispered.
Naruto groaned, pulling back before thrusting in again, slow and deep. The raven-head gasped, his head falling back, mouth open.
“Fuck, you feel amazing,” the blonde growled, his thrusts picking up pace, each one hitting that spot inside that made Sasuke cry out.
The sound of skin slapping filled the room, mixed with their moans, their gasps, their murmured names.
Naruto kissed him fiercely, thrusting harder, deeper, until he was a mess beneath him: moaning, trembling, eyes glazed with pleasure.
“Touch yourself for me,” the younger man panted out, and Sasuke obeyed, stroking himself as his lover drove into him.
The sight… the sound… pushed Naruto over the edge. He buried himself deep, groaning Sasuke’s name as he came, hot and thick inside him.
The older man followed with a cry, his cum spilling over his stomach and the other’s chest. His body shook with the force of it, collapsing back against the sheets.
Naruto pulled out gently, collapsing beside him, both of them panting, sweaty, trembling.
For a moment, silence hung between them: soft, heavy, warm.
Then the blonde turned, pulling him close, kissing his damp temple. “I love you.”
Sasuke’s chest rose and fell quickly, his face flushed, but his lips curved in a small, genuine smile. “…I love you too, idiot.”
His lover chuckled, holding him tighter.
And this time, the silence was perfect.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 26: Morning Light
Summary:
The morning after. Them being cute and domestic.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Naruto woke to silence broken only by the faint hum of the city outside Sasuke’s apartment window. For a moment, he lay still, disoriented, until the memories of last night washed over him in a rush.
The heat of his lover’s body beneath his hands. The sound of his moans. The way his eyes had softened, bright and vulnerable, when he’d whispered I love you.
Naruto’s chest tightened, but this time with something achingly sweet.
He turned his head on the pillow, and there Sasuke was… still fast asleep, turned slightly on his side, his dark hair loose and fanned across the sheets. His lips were parted just barely, his face soft in sleep, younger like this, less guarded. He almost didn’t recognize him without the sharp edge of his usual expression.
His heart squeezed painfully. “Always so damn beautiful,” he whispered under his breath, brushing a stray strand of hair away from the man’s face.
But as his gaze lowered, guilt stirred faintly. Sasuke’s skin was sticky from the night before, traces of their passion still evident. Naruto frowned… he didn’t want him to wake up like this. He deserved better.
Careful not to disturb him, he slipped out of bed. He padded quietly into the bathroom, found a clean towel, and dampened it with warm water. Returning to the bedroom, he eased back onto the mattress and began to gently wipe his skin: his chest, his stomach, the inside of his thighs.
The raven-head stirred faintly, letting out a small hum, but he didn’t wake. His lashes fluttered, then stilled again, and Naruto smiled softly, continuing his work with feather-light care.
When he was done, he fetched one of Sasuke’s loose shirts from the nearby dresser and carefully slipped it over his head, guiding his arms through the sleeves. He tugged the blanket back up to cover him, watching as him instinctively curled into the warmth.
The blonde lingered a moment, just looking at him. He could have watched forever. But his stomach gave a quiet growl, and he chuckled softly to himself.
“…Guess I should make us breakfast.”
⸻
The kitchen was quiet, unfamiliar, but he began opening cabinets, pulling drawers, hunting for supplies. He found eggs and bacon first, then bread, then sugar and cinnamon tucked away in a corner. He grinned.
“French toast it is.”
His lover didn’t strike him as a big breakfast eater, but he’d eat this. He’d make sure of it.
With that in mind, he set to work, whisking eggs in a bowl, mixing in cinnamon and sugar, soaking thick slices of bread until they were golden. The sizzle of bacon followed, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory smell that made even Naruto’s own mouth water. He cracked a couple eggs into another pan, frying them sunny-side up.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was hearty. Comfort food. Something that might make Sasuke smile when he woke.
He plated everything carefully, balancing it on a tray he found tucked against the counter, and carried it back to the bedroom.
The moment he opened the door, he saw the older man stir. His nose twitched faintly, his brow furrowing as though the scent itself was dragging him from sleep. Naruto grinned at the sight.
“Morning, sleeping beauty,” he spoke softly, setting the tray on the nightstand.
Sasuke blinked, his eyes heavy-lidded, cheeks faintly flushed from sleep. He made a low noise of protest as the other slid back onto the bed beside him.
“C’mere,” he coaxed gently, tugging him closer until the other was in his lap, his face resting against his broad chest.
The raven-head let out a soft hum, eyes falling shut again as he nuzzled into the crook of his neck. His hair tickled the blonde’s skin, still faintly tangled from last night.
Naruto chuckled, pressing a kiss to his temple. “You’re really something, you know that? Can’t even open your eyes for me?”
Sasuke muttered something incoherent, earning another laugh from him.
“Alright, fine. Stay half-asleep. I’ll take care of you.”
He reached for the tray and set it to the side of them. Fork in hand, he cut a piece of French toast, bringing it to his lover’s lips. “Open up, baby.”
Sasuke groaned faintly but obeyed, parting his lips just enough for Naruto to slide the bite in. He chewed slowly, then made the tiniest approving sound in his throat that had him grinning ear to ear.
“Good, huh?”
“…mhm,” the older man mumbled against his shoulder, but the corner of his mouth curved ever so slightly.
The blonde fed him another bite, then a piece of bacon and eggs, alternating between the two, pausing now and then to sneak a kiss against his hair, his cheek, the corner of his mouth. Sasuke didn’t push him away. If anything, he leaned in more, content in his quiet, sleepy way.
By the time the tray was empty, he was fully awake, his eyes finally open, dark and soft as they lingered on Naruto.
“…You cooked for me,” he whispered, his voice quiet, almost disbelieving.
The other grinned. “Of course I did. Gotta take care of my boyfriend, don’t I?”
The word hung between them, unspoken until now. Sasuke blinked, his lips parting slightly. Then, slowly, he leaned in, brushing his mouth over his in a lingering kiss.
“…Idiot,” he whispered against his lips, though the curve of his smile gave him away.
Naruto’s chest swelled, and he kissed him again, deeper, his hand sliding up his back.
⸻
Later, the blonde coaxed him into the bathroom. Sasuke protested faintly at first, muttering something about being capable of bathing himself, but Naruto only smirked.
“Not the point. I want to do it. Let me take care of you, sweetheart.”
He undressed him slowly, reverently, pressing soft kisses to his shoulders, his neck, his chest as each piece of clothing was removed. The raven-head’s breath grew uneven, but he didn’t stop him.
The bath was warm, steam rising from the surface, and Naruto guided him in before stepping in himself. He settled behind the smaller man, pulling him back against his chest, his arms wrapping securely around him.
For a while, they just sat like that: soaking, breathing in sync, his chin resting on Sasuke’s shoulder.
Then be reached for a washcloth, lathering it with soap. He began to run it over the older man’s skin: his arms, his chest, his stomach… slow, deliberate motions that had the raven-head melting back against him.
“You don’t have to… I know you’re doing this because when we first spoke I mentioned wanting someone to take care of me.” he murmured, his voice quiet.
“You’re wrong. I want to, I really want to” Naruto responded firmly, pressing a kiss to the back of his neck. “Let me take care of you.”
Sasuke went silent, but his body relaxed fully in the other’s arms, surrendering to the care.
When they finished, the blonde towel-dried them gently, leading him back into the bedroom. He dressed him in fresh clothes: soft sweats and a loose shirt… then sat him on the edge of the bed.
“Wait for a bit,” he said, grabbing the blow dryer from the dresser table.
Sasuke raised a brow. “You’re going to—”
“Dry your hair? Yeah. Sit still.”
The man sighed but obeyed, and Naruto began to run his fingers through the damp strands, blow dryer humming softly as he worked. Every so often, he leaned in to press a kiss to his nape, his cheek, the curve of his jaw.
Sasuke’s eyes fluttered shut, his lips curving faintly despite himself.
When he finally shut the dryer off, he set it aside and wrapped his arms around the older man from behind, pulling him back against his chest.
They sat there in the quiet, Sasuke leaning into him, Naruto’s lips brushing lazily against the curve of his ear.
“Y’know,” he murmured, his voice low, “I could get used to this.”
“Used to what?”
“This,” he said simply, tightening his arms around him. “Waking up with you. Taking care of you. Us.”
Sasuke’s breath hitched, and though his cheeks flushed, he didn’t look away. He turned slightly, meeting his eyes.
“…Me too,” he admitted softly.
The blonde’s grin spread, wide and bright, before he leaned in to kiss him, slow and sweet, sealing the morning with warmth that promised more to come.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
Stay tuned to the next two chapters tomorrow guys.
Until then, be sure to stay safe and take care of yourselves.
With Love,
mixciii~
Chapter 27: Meeting Families
Summary:
As stated in the chapter title, it’s the meeting of their families (part one)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
A few weeks passed in a blur of quiet contentment. Naruto had spent more time at Sasuke’s apartment than in his own dorm, falling into a rhythm that felt so natural it almost startled him. Mornings started with coffee and quick kisses, evenings ended with the older man’s head pillowed against his chest or his shoulder, the faint hum of the city drifting through the windows.
For Naruto, it was the closest thing to home he’d felt since leaving his parents’ house. And maybe that was why, as they lounged on the couch one evening: him sprawled lazily, his lover’s legs draped across his lap… he found himself blurting it out.
“Babe,” he began, fiddling with the hem of Sasuke’s sweatpants. “I want you to meet my parents.”
Said man, who had been scrolling absently through his phone, froze. His eyes flicked up, guarded. “…Your parents?”
Naruto grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah. I mean… they know I’m seeing someone, and they were all supportive when I told them. But I want you to meet them for real. I want them to know you.”
Sasuke didn’t speak immediately. His gaze dropped, his thumb pausing over his phone screen. The blonde could practically see the tension creeping into his shoulders.
He frowned, reaching to nudge his knee gently. “Hey. Talk to me, you okay?”
“…It’s not that,” the raven-head muttered after a moment. His voice was low, almost reluctant. “I just… want them to like me.”
Naruto blinked, then softened. He leaned forward, squeezing Sasuke’s knee. “Of course they’ll like you. They’ll love you. Hell, they’ll probably love you more than me once they meet you.”
That earned him a faint chuckle, but it was thin, easily cracked. Naruto grinned wider. “Seriously, don’t worry. My mom will probably feed you until you explode, and my dad’ll just be happy I finally brought someone home.”
Sasuke exhaled slowly, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. “…Fine,” he said at last. “We’ll do it.”
Naruto’s chest warmed. He leaned in, brushing their noses together affectionately before pressing a loving kiss to his lips. “Good. They’ll be so happy.”
There was a moment of quiet after that, the kind that settled warm instead of heavy. Then the blonde tilted his head curiously. “What about your parents? You’ve never told me much about them.”
Sasuke hummed softly.
“They live in London currently. Business keeps them there most of the year. My older brother too, though he travels more.”
Naruto blinked. “London? Damn. That’s… far.”
The other hummed again, noncommittal. He glanced at his phone, his thumb hovering. Then, as though on impulse, he unlocked it and scrolled through his contacts.
“…What are you doing?” His lover asked, leaning closer.
Sasuke didn’t answer right away. Then he looked up, eyes unreadable but intent. “…Do you want to meet them now?”
Naruto blinked. “Wait—what?”
“FaceTime.” His tone was casual, but the blonde could see the tension in his jaw, the faint pink in his cheeks. “I’ll call. You can… meet them.”
His heart stuttered. “Now-now? Like, right this second?”
“Yes,” Sasuke said flatly, though the way his fingers tightened slightly on his phone betrayed his nerves.
Naruto swallowed, but the surge of excitement was immediate. “Hell yeah. Let’s do it.”
⸻
It rang only twice before the screen lit up with three faces.
Mikoto was first… her dark hair tied back neatly, her smile bright the second she saw Sasuke. “Dear! You never call this late. Is everything alright?”
Beside her, Fugaku sat straighter, his expression calm but curious, his sternness softened by the glow of the screen. And just behind them, leaning into the frame, was Itachi, his smirk already in place.
Sasuke cleared his throat. “Everything’s fine. I… uh… wanted you to meet my boyfriend.”
He shifted the phone slightly, angling it toward Naruto.
The blonde grinned nervously, scratching at his cheek. “Uh… hi. I’m Uzumaki Naruto. Nice to meet you all.”
There was a beat of silence. Then Mikoto’s face lit up. “Oh, sweetheart.” She clasped her hands together, her smile widening. “He’s so handsome.”
Naruto flushed instantly, and Sasuke groaned, his head dropping into his free hand. “Mom.”
“What? It’s true.” The woman laughed softly, her eyes warm as they lingered on his lover. “You have such beautiful eyes. And that smile… it suits you.”
The man rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. “Ah… thank you. You’re really nice to say that.”
Itachi leaned into the frame, his smirk widening. “So this is my baby brother’s type?”
Sasuke’s glare snapped up instantly. “Shut up.”
Naruto blinked, then laughed in amusement.
Mikoto swatted lightly at Itachi, though her smile didn’t fade. “Don’t tease your baby brother.” Then, turning back to Naruto, she asked warmly, “So, Naruto… tell us about yourself. Where are you from?”
The blonde straightened slightly, his nerves easing under her gaze. “Uh, I’m from the Chūbu region. Currently a second year, majoring in psychology. My parents still live back home. Actually, I was gonna bring Sasuke to meet them soon.”
Mikoto’s eyes softened further. “That sounds wonderful. I’m glad to hear he has someone thoughtful in his life.”
Naruto glanced sideways at his lover, whose ears were steadily turning pinker.
Then Fugaku spoke, his deep voice calm but firm. “Uzumaki Naruto.”
Said man snapped his gaze to him instantly. “Y-yes, sir?”
The older Uchiha’s expression didn’t waver, but his words carried weight. “Take care of my youngest son.”
Naruto blinked, startled. Then his lips broke into a wide, earnest smile. “Of course. I promise.”
The raven-head shifted beside him, the faintest flicker of emotion passing through his onyx eyes.
Itachi chuckled, leaning his chin on his hand. “Well, well. I have to say, I’m impressed. I didn’t think you’d let anyone this close, baby brother.”
“Shut. Up.” Sasuke’s voice was tight, his blush spreading further.
Naruto grinned, elbowing him lightly. “What, embarrassed already?”
Mikoto laughed, shaking her head fondly. “He’ll never admit it, but he looks happy. That’s all that matters to me.”
The call stretched on: his mother asking questions about Naruto’s studies, Itachi slipping in occasional jabs at his brother, Fugaku listening quietly but attentively. The blonde answered everything with his usual openness, his grin never fading, though his heart beat hard in his chest.
When the call finally ended, Sasuke let out a slow breath, setting the phone down on the table.
Naruto turned to him, grinning. “They’re great. Your mom’s beautiful, your dad’s scary but cool, and your brother’s a menace. No wonder you turned out the way you did.”
The older man groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Kill me now.”
His lover laughed, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “Don’t be embarrassed, baby. It’s all love.”
Sasuke’s lips twitched… faint, but there. “Idiot,” he muttered, though the warmth in his eyes betrayed him.
“Yours though.”
“Mhm…mines.”
They both snuggled up on the couch afterwards, kissing off and on and enjoying each other’s warmth.
- _ - _ - _ -
Chapter 28: Hand in Hand
Summary:
In which they make everyone on Campus know of their relationship <3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
• • • • •
Campus life had its rhythm: students rushing between lectures, laughter spilling from the commons, the steady hum of chatter blending with the faint buzz of cicadas. Naruto had walked these paths a thousand times before, yet today felt different.
Maybe it was because his hand was in Sasuke’s.
It wasn’t the first time he’d held it… far from it. Over the last month, whenever they’d been tucked away in the older man’s apartment, his hand had become something of a constant, warm and grounding. But this was the first time they were doing it here… out in the open, on campus grounds where familiar faces could see.
Naruto flexed his fingers lightly, testing Sasuke’s grip. The raven-haired man didn’t pull away. He didn’t look at him either, his gaze fixed forward, expression composed as ever. But the blonde noticed the subtle curl of his thumb brushing against the side of his palm.
That small motion was enough to make his chest swell.
“You sure about this?” He asked quietly as they approached the music building.
Sasuke’s dark eyes flicked toward him briefly, unreadable but steady. “Are you?”
Naruto’s grin spread, bright and sure. “Hell yeah.”
The other hummed, a low sound that might have been approval. Their hands stayed joined, fingers laced, as they climbed the familiar steps.
⸻
The music club room buzzed with its usual chaos when they pushed the door open. Shikamaru was sprawled lazily in a chair, feet propped on the desk, eyes half-closed like he was debating a nap. Choji sat beside him with a bag of chips, already munching through them without concern. Hinata was organizing sheet music in the corner, her movements neat and focused, while Kiba leaned against the wall, chatting animatedly with two other club members.
Conversations faltered when Naruto stepped in… because the man always entered like a whirlwind, loud and impossible to ignore. But today, silence stretched an extra beat longer.
Because Sasuke walked in beside him.
And their hands were clasped.
The blonde didn’t miss the way Shikamaru’s eyes cracked open wider, sharp and calculating despite his slouched position. Or the way Choji’s hand paused mid-dip into his bag of chips, his mouth half-open in surprise. Hinata’s hands stilled over the sheet music, her lips parting faintly, while Kiba…
“What the fuck?!” His voice rang out, loud and incredulous, breaking the silence like glass shattering. “Since when are you two—” He gestured wildly at their joined hands, nearly knocking over a music stand. “—that?”
Naruto barked out a laugh, squeezing his lover’s hand tighter, as if to make it clear this wasn’t some misunderstanding. “Since now, I guess. Or, well, a little before now. A month, maybe.”
Sasuke, to his credit, didn’t flinch. He didn’t glare either. He just… stayed beside him, his hand firm in his. His silence was louder than words… it said everything.
“Unbelievable,” Kiba groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “All this time I thought… hell, I don’t even know what I thought! You two… seriously?!”
Shikamaru sat up slightly, resting his chin on his hand. His eyes flicked between them with an unimpressed air that didn’t hide his curiosity. “…what a drag,” he drawled. “So all that tension wasn’t just in my head.”
The blonde shot him a grin. “Guess you’re not as zoned out as you act, huh?”
Choji finally crunched down on his chip, blinking at them with wide, earnest eyes. “…I knew something was up,” he said around his mouthful. “You’re way happier these days, Naruto.”
That made him pause. Then he smiled softer, glancing at Sasuke out of the corner of his eye. “Yeah. I am.”
Hinata, still by the music sheets, let out a small breath. When Naruto looked at her, her pale eyes met his. For a fleeting moment, there was something unreadable in them: an ache, maybe… but then she smiled. Warm, genuine, supportive. “I’m happy for you, Naruto-kun.”
His chest squeezed. He gave her a grateful nod. “Thanks, Hinata. That means a lot.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Kiba cut back in, waving his hands like he couldn’t let the conversation move on without answers. “So you’re telling me this whole time…you two were just… pining? And no one told me?!”
Shikamaru groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re loud.”
“Damn right I’m loud!” The man barked, pointing at them accusingly. “You—” his finger jabbed at Naruto “—and you…” now at Sasuke “… owe me an explanation!”
The raven-head finally reacted, leveling him with the kind of flat glare that could cut through steel. “…No.”
Naruto snorted, nearly doubling over. “Oh man, your face, Kiba… you should’ve seen yourself when he shot you down.”
“You’re loving this way too much,” the man grumbled.
The blonde’s grin softened into something steadier as he gave Sasuke’s hand another squeeze. “Yeah, I am. Because I don’t care who knows anymore. I love him and he’s mine.”
The room quieted at that. Not in judgment, not in shock… but in something heavier. A shift. Naruto’s words weren’t loud, but they carried, filling the space in a way that felt undeniable.
Sasuke didn’t correct him. Didn’t pull away. He just stood there, calm and unbothered, as if saying: Yes. And I chose him too.
⸻
For the next hour, the club buzzed louder than usual. Kiba bombarded them with endless questions: when, how, why hadn’t they said anything sooner… until Shikamaru finally told him to shut up and let them breathe. Choji passed Naruto half his chips in quiet solidarity. Hinata hummed gently under her breath, eyes softer whenever they flicked toward the two of them.
Naruto thrived in it, feeding off the energy, his grin unstoppable. Sasuke, ever the opposite, endured it with calm patience… though the blonde caught the curve of his lips when no one else was looking.
And maybe that was what made it real. Not just the words, not just the handholding… but the way Sasuke stayed. Right there beside him.
Hand in hand.
For everyone to see.
- _ - _ - _ -
Notes:
I shall see you tomorrow for the next two chapters update.
But until then, please do be safe and take care.
With Love,
mixciii~(Ps: I do read your comments and I will make sure to respond to some soon)