Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Torrid	By : KageKitsuneXXX Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Naruto/Sasuke Views: 4665 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters, and I do not make any money from these writings.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
A/N: Hello, my doves! Why, what's this? Icy glares and monkey assassins? I haven't been gone that lo-holy crap, it's 2011!11eleven1one! It was a forced absence, I assure you. My professional life went from 'hectic' to 'chainsaw-wielding psycho' right before the holidays. I need all my physical and mental resources to stay on top of things. It's kind of your fault, since you all don't pay my bills. If you didn't, I wouldn't have to work for 'the Man'; the dumb, overworking, underpaying Man. I wanted badly to finish Torrid in 2010 and get a jump start on my new projects at the start of the new year. That wasn't to be, but things have slowed down and I'm back in the business of writing again. Whoot!

This post is actually the first part of the original chapter I had planned. The chapter became too long, with too many mood-shifts, so I finally broke down and split it. Now I have to figure out a way to appease my even number compulsion.* Thanks for all the lovely, encouraging notes you guys left me while I was away. It meant a lot. Enjoy the chapter as we head towards the conclusion of this roller-coaster ride!

Mood Music: Train 'Drops of Jupiter'

Fugaku raised an eyebrow as he captured another of his son's pieces. Sasuke appeared to be focussing enough on the game, so his father found it difficult to justify the careless mistakes his opponent seemed to be making. Then again, lately Sasuke was there only in body and the ability to fake attentiveness was a finely honed Uchiha skill.

"That's the third piece you have lost in as many moves, Sasuke." Fugaku kept his eyes on the board as his continued contemplating his next move. "Are you preoccupied?"

Sasuke shifted slightly as he looked up at his father. The invitations to his parent's home came more frequently and he no longer found it as hard to stop by unannounced. Lately, his father had been making awkward, concerted efforts to draw him out, challenging him to some game or debate. His father's endeavours confused him for awhile, until it dawned on him that it stemmed from concern. Apparently Fugaku had yet to figure out a way to express his feelings comfortably. Sasuke could easily empathize- a feat in itself.

"Their sacrifices will not be in vain." Sasuke's once again looked to the board as he continued to formulate his next move. "I've been trying to look at the big picture these days and trying to be patient."

Fugaku finally looked up from the game-board to stare long and hard at his son. He scratched his chin thoughtfully as he turned to look out at his garden. In the dark of the evening, it was hard to see any signs of life stirring among the bare branches of his normally lush garden; but he knew they were there. It had been a long winter, probably the hardest and loneliest one his son had gone through, despite his strengthened ties to his family. Still, the spring was here, and soon, the world would be rosy again; at least, in some aspects.

"It's been a little over a year, Sasuke." Fugaku began gently. "I understand your feelings a little, but maybe you should face the possibility that Naruto-kun isn't going to…"

"I know it's taking a long time, Father; a lot longer than I'd like. I know what the possibilities are, but I still haven't given up. Let me worry about it; you have far more pressing and immediate concerns."

Fugaku stared blankly as Sasuke relaxed and smiled smugly at him.

"Check."

Fugaku blinked as he quickly surveyed the game board. His king was indeed in check, and he clearly hadn't been thinking as far ahead as he thought. He quickly began cycling through the possible moves to safely dig himself out of the hole created for him. Soon, he sighed and smiled as he folded his arms.

"I concede defeat."

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt much to wait a little while longer, to see just how the rest of the story would unfold.

Naruto tried not to smile as he watched Konohamaru scribble frantically while Shiho fired off instructions like a machine gun. He certainly empathized- a little over a year ago, he was in the exact position, sweating bullets as Shiho explained just how extensive his new role as an attaché would be. He had figured that it would have been a little more demanding than running about to get Sarutobi-sama his coffee and paperwork, but it had turned out his imagination was a pathetic, pale comparison to his real duties.

"I know how fond you are of it, Konohamaru-kun; but do not, under any circumstances, use western slang around the representatives from the Water country. It has lead to some embarrassing mix-ups in the past. There are also some very important facts you need to know about the leader from the Land of Bears before tomorrow as well." Shiho shoved her sliding glasses up her nose as she regarded Konohamaru's increasingly flustered face. "How well are you able to function on only four hours' sleep?"

Naruto could only shrug helplessly as Konohamaru sent him a look which was a blatant appeal for rescue. Normally quiet and reserved, the brilliant girl turned into a drill sergeant when she had a new aide to train. The most Naruto could have done was to summon Shikamaru, who was usually enough to fluster her due to her massive crush. However, Shikamaru was in Belgrade and Shiho was as immovable as a brick wall when it came to her duties. As she turned to highlight something on her PowerPoint presentation, Konohamaru signalled to Naruto frantically.

"She's trying to kill me!" Konohamaru mouthed as Naruto smiled from his place at the door jamb. He had stopped by the small conference room to see how his protégé was doing. "She's going so fast."

Naruto knew exactly what he young man was talking about, but could offer only one piece of advice and that was to tell the aggravated boy to do what he had done. "Listen faster, then!"

It was clearly not the answer Konohamaru was hoping for and he made his sentiments known by sticking his tongue out at the grinning blond.

"Uzumaki-san, you're distracting Konohamaru-kun from his training." Shiho rounded on him with a suddenness that had Naruto almost beating a hasty retreat. "One of the keys to a successful ministry is to have competent staff with you. If he is to start his duties as your assistant, he needs to devote his time to his training."

"He's basically an assistant to an assistant." Naruto waved a placating hand. "I might have more responsibilities, but Konohamaru and I are pretty much in the same boat."

"Even more of a reason to have no distractions." Shiho wagged a stern finger before sending a deprecating look to the two young men. "You both need all the help you can get!"

"Yes, Shiho-san." The two men replied in unison as they sported twin hang-dog expressions.

As Naruto was shunted out the door by a determined Shiho, he gave one last bit of encouragement. He gave an energetic fist-pump and a thumb-up for good measure. "Do your best, Konohamaru!"

"I won't fail you, Oyabun!" Konohamaru exclaimed, eyes shining with renewed vigour.

Shiho could only roll her eyes at the blatant melodrama as she closed the door firmly behind the grinning, waving blond.

Home… He hadn't been seeing a lot of it lately.

Naruto stared blankly at the apartment as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He could feel the effects of his trip to Melbourne pulling on his system; a few weeks before that, it had been Lisbon. His tenure in his new post had started as Japan continued to flirt with the idea of multilateralism, at least to an extent. As a result, it was baptism by fire as he found himself flitting from country to country, following Sarutobi as the man tested the possibilities of deepening diplomatic relations. He couldn't say he minded being away from his apartment so frequently. It wasn't only because he was in love with his job, but 'home' was turning into a strange word lately. It was disconcerting that the more he seemed to rediscover who he was, the harder it was to keep the idea of home defined. He wasn't going to pretend that he didn't know what the reason was behind it. He stared for a moment at the blinking light of his answering machine and hesitated for a moment. He shook his head and headed to his room as he peeled off his tie and loosened the buttons of his dress shirt. It was probably safer not to listen to his messages just then. He was jetlagged and needed sleep; and he never made his best decisions when he needed sleep. He made bad enough decisions when he was well-rested anyway.

"Ambassador, we have a situation."

Naruto rolled his eyes as he rolled over in his bed. You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but Shikamaru had a flare for the dramatic, and this phone call was testament to the fact. Naruto yawned and tried to fight his way out of the insane tangle of sheets, pillows and blankets. His bed got cold at nights, and if it was one thing Naruto hated- it was the cold.

"What situation, Shikamaru? I am not an ambassador and correct me if I'm wrong; even if I was, I don't think I'm the guy you call in case of nuclear attacks."

"Cute. Just got back from the land down under?"

"About six hours ago." Naruto responded blearily as he eyed his alarm clock. "Again I ask you, what situation? Aren't you in Belgrade?"

"I got back in town about three hours before you did. I'm sorry to interrupt your beauty rest but I need you down at the old game shop."

"Ah." Naruto sighed knowingly as he shoved out of the bed. "So it's not an international crisis then?"

"No." Shikamaru admitted. "But it's troublesome nonetheless."

"I think you're getting a little too much pleasure out of the 'Mr. Ambassador' thing. I know you have high hopes, but I think I'm a good forty years off that."

Naruto chided his friend as he approached the man outside the long abandoned game shop where they had once frequented as kids. Shikamaru smirked behind a haze of smoke and Naruto immediately started worrying. Shikamaru rarely smoked, and it was an indicator that the he was thinking about far more things than he usually did, heavy, troublesome things; and the very idea was always mindboggling to Naruto.

"Somehow, I don't think you'll take that long." Shikamaru ground out a cigarette and started patting his coat pocket. "So there is no harm in getting used to it from now."

"How was Serbia?" Naruto asked hesitantly as he came to a stop before the black-clad man.

Shikamaru exhaled another puff of smoke and shrugged. "Cold and uneventful… ended up spending most of my time checking on the embassy and strategically concealing myself from Tadashi-sama's daughter."

"You mean hiding…" Naruto started dryly.

"You say tomato, I say tomahto. How was Melbourne?"

"Unreal." Naruto looked thoughtful as he tried to relate the experience. "I didn't think I'd have this much responsibility being an aide. Sarutobi-sama has put me in charge of several portfolios. I have portfolios… Don't get me wrong, it's a dream come true, but are you guys sure you know what you're doing?"

"Leave the cynicism and over-analysis to me; that's my portfolio. The decision wasn't made lightly, or done because Sarutobi-sama has a soft spot for you. The world is expanding and developing, Naruto, and we need to stay on top of it." Shikamaru expelled another puff of smoke as he levelled his gaze at his friend. "The need to maintain hope and optimism has inspired the West to try new things, we're always looking for inspiration, and you're a hopeful, optimistic type of guy. Quit over-thinking and roll with it."

Naruto snorted as he eyed the door to the abandoned building. "If I had a yen for every time someone told me that, I think I'd have about one yen. But you didn't call me here to talk about work."

Shikamaru nodded and inclined his head towards the door. "He's a basket case. You should go talk to him."

It was one of the most pathetic sights he'd seen for awhile; provided he excused himself from the comparison list. Even if he did include himself post-breakup, watching a grown man morosely follow the steps to a sluggish, broken DDR machine would have been right up there. Naruto cleared his throat noisily as he draped himself over the railing of the adjoining machine and waited until his friend was ready to talk.

"Do you know what Madame Butterfly is?" Kiba voice sounded muted against the warbling of the broken game. He looked over at Naruto blearily as the blond raised an eyebrow at the question.

"Yeah, I think so. It's an opera about this delusional girl who gets snowed by some jerk-off from the west." Naruto scratched his cheek sheepishly at Kiba's deadpan stare. "Isn't it?"

"That sounds about right. Of course, I didn't know that, I never know these things." Kiba grunted in frustration as he missed another step. He finally gave up and leaned against his railing. "I've been trying to be more cultured lately, so I can fit in better with the Hyuugas."

"How's that been going?" Rhetoric at its finest- Naruto doubted any reasonable progress would have led to a broken down arcade.

"I asked if she wanted to go to the Madame Butterfly ballet; because apparently, I can't keep the differences between the ballet and an opera straight. You know how Hinata is; she just giggled and corrected me." Kiba sighed heavily. "I lost it, Naruto. I knew she didn't mean anything by it, but it just got too much. I was yelling and going off like a crazy person. She must be so freaked out."

Naruto could only listen in silent sympathy as his friend slumped to the floor, tired and defeated.

"How is this supposed to work? We're two entirely different people and no matter how I try to make sense of it in my head, I can't see it working." Kiba looked up at his friend forlornly and for the moment, Naruto could only stare back. "She has this relentless belief that we belong together, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Why can't she see what I see?"

Naruto wanted to say something comforting and reaffirming; but the truth of it was- he was struggling with the same question.

"Hyuugas have better eyes." Hinata's voice surprised the two men as she slipped quietly into the room. "It's not being boastful; it's the truth…kind of."

Kiba blinked as his girlfriend approached before staring sheepishly at the ground. Hinata looked imploringly at Naruto, shooting him an awkward smile as he nodded and headed for the exit. It wasn't always his strong suit, but every once in awhile, he could take a hint.

"It's not like you to make a mistake like that."

Shikamaru raised a questioning brow as Naruto joined him on the steps of one of the nearby abandoned buildings, after following the trail of smoke.

"How did I make a mistake?"

"I wasn't able to help." Naruto sighed as he dropped onto the step and stretched out his legs. "You called me here to try and cheer Kiba up and I couldn't say anything. I empathized to the point where I couldn't separate myself from the situation. Hinata's there now though."

"I know you empathize and that's why I called you; but it wasn't to help, Naruto. I called you to observe." Shikamaru said cryptically as he leaned back and stared up into the night sky. "Hinata's the one who's supposed to help. It's their relationship and their issues to resolve."

Naruto chewed the inside of his cheek in apprehension and hoped this wouldn't be another instance of him being unable to follow Shikamaru's ingenious and often ridiculously complex logic.

"I thought Neji was the logical choice…" Shikamaru's unexpected segue had Naruto doing a double-take. "I worked it out when you first told me what was happening. He makes so much more sense when compared to Sasuke. He seemed to be well-adjusted and far more capable of maintaining a healthier relationship. Rationally, he seemed like a better choice; but in spite of this, I couldn't accept it. I knew that the way the two of you started your relationship made it doomed to fail. Still I watched it play out to its conclusion and wondered why I didn't feel more guilt about my own lack of intervention. Troublesome- that's the only way to describe it…"

"Shikamaru," Naruto plucked Shikamaru's newest cigarette out of his hand before the latter had a chance to light it. "If you keep up this chain-smoking, your lungs will be two lumps of coal before sunrise. Seriously, what's going on? What's all this about?"

Shikamaru huffed petulantly as he sent Naruto and his pilfered cigarette a harassed look. He looked glumly over the skyline of the dilapidated neighbourhood before capitulating, mumbling gruffly as he looked away from Naruto's intensely curious gaze.

"Well, you see, there's this girl…"

Naruto couldn't stop the smile that exploded across his face. Troublesome was probably an understatement.

Naruto listened intently as Shikamaru unfolded the tale of Temari- the girl who he couldn't stop thinking about. The circumstances had been unremarkable enough, as Shikamaru had gone into the Wind Country for trade talks. He had thoroughly briefed himself on the most powerful man in Wind Country and was more than ready for any eventualities concerning the governor. What he hadn't counted on was the young governor's sister, or on getting blown away.

Naruto's lips twitched as he listened to Shikamaru come dangerously close to waxing poetic. "Gaara's sister, huh?"

"Shut up." Shikamaru muttered sullenly.

"Of all the girls, in all the world, you had to have the hots for that one." Naruto's teeth almost gleamed in the emerging moonlight.

"I do not get 'the hots'-" Shikamaru defended stoutly, despite the horrifying fact that he could feel the flush start to creep up his neck.

"I always knew you liked to live dangerously. You know Gaara's going to have your testicles stuffed and mounted in his trophy room, don't you?"

"Even though I said I didn't call you here to help, I didn't intend for you to turn into an ass." Shikamaru glowered at his friend who was having entirely too much fun at his expense.

"I hear those creepy, life-size puppets Kankuro has are actually some of Temari's ex-boyfriends and-"

"NARUTO!"

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Naruto smiled and patted his ruffled friend soothingly. "It's just so weird to see you get so wound up over a girl. It's kind of comforting to know that love doesn't specifically target us dumb people."

"No, it just makes everyone dumb." Shikamaru eyed his captured cigarette with longing as Naruto rolled it about between his fingers. "At least, she thinks I'm dumb."

Shikamaru amended his statement quickly at Naruto's incredulous expression. "Well not 'dumb' per se; more like 'unmotivated', 'lazy' and 'underachieving'. She thinks that I should be doing so much more than I'm doing now."

"She wants you to be a king instead of a kingmaker. But you're a kingmaker and you don't want to change that because the world needs kingmakers and you're are kingmaker."

Shikamaru nodded appreciatively at the perfect summation. "Exactly! I've tried explaining that to her, but she doesn't get it!"

Naruto could only imagine how that conversation must have gone.

"You've got to understand; I've got about a twenty-year head start on understanding who you are, Shikamaru. Your relationship is just starting; you'll figure the whole thing out eventually." Naruto elbowed his brooding friend to ensure he had his full attention. "It's going to work out. Seriously, don't overanalyse the growing pains. Wait until you have your first bisexual crisis and she marries some Saudi Arabian Oil tycoon to secure Japan's energy future, then you can start worrying."

Shikamaru nodded, a ghost of a smile emerging as he felt himself relax a little. "I guess you're right."

"You have to admit though, freak-outs and homicidal potential in-laws aside; the whole being in love thing is kind of awesome, isn't it?" Naruto nudged Shikamaru a bit more and the ghost of a smile grew a little wider.

"I will make no definite statements; but I like it here on Omicron Ceti 3, Jim." There was a moment of silence and Naruto's smirking before Shikamaru made another confession. "For some reason, I have the suspicion that she thinks I'm a dork."

"Now that's just crazy talk."

The two men sat regarding the cloudless, night sky until Shikamaru broke the silence once again.

"I want it all to work- Kiba and Hinata, you and Sasuke- and it's not just because I think you all are meant for each other, because I do. I want it all to work because it's not supposed to. The pairings are unlikely and unsound and their success would fly in the face of logic. I won't admit it again after this, but that's just what a logical guy like me needs. I selfishly want it all to work because it gives me hope, Naruto. Who couldn't use a little more hope?"

Naruto was alone when Hinata sat next to him on the steps of the dilapidated building. Shikamaru had already left for home so he could be on time for his online date with his new girlfriend. Hinata smiled shyly at him as she drew her knees up close to her chest and contemplated her black boots.

"He's still in there trying to beat his old DDR record." She explained as Naruto looked at her expectantly.

"That machine is going about one-tenth its original speed. It's completely busted."

"That's exactly why he's going for it now." Hinata giggled at Naruto's rude snort. Naruto took in her genuine smile and relaxed features and felt his own apprehension ease.

"You guys okay now?"

Hinata nodded slowly. "He's been putting himself under so much pressure to make himself more 'worthy' or something. I keep telling him that he's perfect as is. I also told him that if he didn't start taking my word for it, I'd start beating it into him."

Naruto promptly choked on air and then quickly regained his composure. "Well you know us- we're slow, thick-headed and infuriating; but we mean well."

"I hope he's comfortable with the thought of us now. I want him to use that ring he's been carrying around for the past couple of months."

Naruto's jaw dropped as he blinked at the quiet girl beside him. "You know about that?"

"He's pretty bad at hiding things from me. I'm always finding my birthday gift early. I have to pretend to be surprised every time he gives me something."

"Wow…" Naruto whispered before turning back to Hinata. "Does that mean you'll definitely say yes?"

When she nodded, Naruto could only continue staring. "You really think it's going to work out? Even though he and all his friends, are bat-shit crazy?"

"I don't know." Hinata said quietly. "I don't know what's going to happen. We could end up making each other miserable the entire time and then crash and burn faster than a Hollywood marriage. I could think like that, give up and not take the risk, or I can hold on to the fact that I'll be saying yes to the love of my life. I can think that maybe I'll be comforting him in thirty years when he finds out one of our grand-daughters prefers cats to dogs. They're no guarantees, so I'll just hope for the best."

Naruto nodded slowly before surprising a squeaking Hinata with a hug. "I'm really happy for you both. Kiba's lucky, you're pretty amazing, Hinata."

"You're going to be fine too, Naruto-kun, you'll see. A lot of what I know now, I learnt from watching you. It's going to be fine." Hinata voice was muffled into his coat, but her words and meanings were clear.

"Yeah…" Naruto murmured quietly as he pulled away. "I guess I can always hope."

"No, no, definitely not and no."

Sai frowned his displeasure as Naruto flitted around his loft, removing the pieces the blond deemed 'unfit' for public viewing. "You're stifling my artistic voice, Naruto."

"Oh stifle this." Naruto muttered darkly as he removed yet another near-pornographic piece. "Although, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you've finally started applying the same treatment to the other good citizens of Kono-oh my pink pubic hair, you drew Sakura?"

Sai squinted at the piece in question and nodded eagerly. "Why yes, I invited her to my showing with the promise of a portrait. She was too busy to pose for me, but I think I captured her well. Do you think she'll be surprised?"

It was like watching a pink-tinged traffic accident. It was horrifying, but you couldn't look away. "Well I, um, I think she'll be genuinely surprised. Appreciative? No, but surprised, yes. You certainly matched the carpet to the drapes."

"Why yes, isn't Sakura-san a natural, um," Sai groped for the word. "Isn't Sakura-san a natural pink-head?"

Naruto could feel his left eye-twitching violently. "I honestly don't know. It's one of those questions I never thought to ask; mostly out of self-preservation. Sai, you wouldn't happen to have any of her clothed, would you? If you don't, make one fast and put this one with the other no-shows."

"But why?"

"Look, I'm trying to save your belly-baring life here." Naruto threw up his hands in exasperation at the clueless man. "If you want to live past the show, you'll draw her clothed or from the neck up."

Sai understood the concept of artistic integrity; he also understood what it meant to be on the receiving end of Sakura's freakish upper-body strength. He quickly went to hunt for a more 'appropriate' piece to fulfil his promise to Sakura.

"You people are sorely lacking in your appreciation of the human form."

"Not true." Naruto corrected as he settled in Sai's paint-splotched couch. "We appreciate the human form very much, as long as the form belongs to someone else. Has it occurred to you to ask anyone of your subjects if it was okay to show them naked to the public? What is it with you and nudity anyway?"

"It's not about the nudity; it's about what it symbolises- openness, honesty and the willingness to always follow your feelings." Sai opened a blank page on his easel and went to work, sketching Naruto as the blond sprawled on his couch. "It's something I've always admired in you and Sakura-san, and something I've always wanted to emulate one day."

"So that's how it is, huh?" Naruto mused as he rubbed his cheek thoughtfully. "I guess it's kind of cool when you say it like that. Although, I'm not even sure if I'm the same person anymore."

Sai paused in the middle of his line-art and turned to Naruto with wide eyes. "Why would you think so?"

"The crash." Naruto said inexplicably, deepening Sai's confusion.

"You were in an accident?"

"No, I mean, not an actual…" Naruto sighed as he tried to explain. "It was like being in a car crash. It's as if one day, you're driving along and you think everything is great until you start to spiral out of control and then boom, you crash and you get hurt, and hurt badly. You get mangled. Then even after you put yourself together again, you find that you're not so sure you want to drive again because you don't want to crash."

"You're afraid?" Sai said carefully, slowly wrapping his mind around the idea of the car crash being represented by something else.

"Basically." Naruto admitted ruefully.

"Fear." Sai mused, rolling over the word in his head as he tried to tap into his knowledge of it. "Fear- a sense of dread or anxiety caused by perceived threat or danger. Fear in itself is not bad. It helps the one experiencing fear to take necessary precautions."

Sai tapped his paintbrush thoughtfully against his chin as he tried to organise his thoughts. "Fear becomes harmful when it debilitates and blocks a person from fulfilling experiences. I assume this is the stage you mean."

"You're still doing all this research, huh?"

"My therapist recommends using my research and my art to help process and connect with my emotions. I would prefer the experience to the theory, I think, but my knowledge base is broadening." Sai fell silent as he contemplated his palette and slowly began mixing colours together. "It's logical to want to avoid pain, I suppose. But then, the perpetual avoidance of pain cannot be a good thing. It is pain that prevents people from making the mistake of repeating harmful actions; it keeps you alive. It is unpleasant, but to exclude all sensation in the hope of avoiding pain does not seem worthwhile to me."

"Yeah," Naruto said softly. "Yeah…"

"Of course, this is only my personal opinion." Sai smiled pleasantly and genuinely at his friend before turning back to his project. "My doctor tells me it's strangely easy for people to speak on a subject when they know absolutely nothing about it. Still, I don't think I would mind pain so much, if I knew there was something better beyond it. Perhaps one day I will find out."

"You're getting there." Naruto assured the artist sincerely. "You're better-adjusted than anyone I know, myself included."

Sai smiled again as he completed the outline and reached for his palette, moving quickly to mix the colours as he attempted to express his newest theme.

"Fear." Sai mused as he swirled dark colours with bright, dabbling until he came upon the colour that seemed to best suit the emotion. He dipped his brush and prepared to fill in his lines and background. He hesitated, stopping just short of putting brush to paper. At length he pushed away from his work and headed to the sink at the end of the room.

"You shouldn't be afraid, Naruto." Sai chided gently as he washed out his brush and headed back to his easel. He happily resumed his work, completely ignoring his new colour concoction. "You shouldn't be afraid at all. It isn't a good look for you."

"That right?" Naruto murmured as he sank back into the sofa and watched Sai work. "I may just take your word on that."

It was the strangest sensation, feeling your legs turning into some odd mix of rubber and cement. For about a year, it was hardly anything more than a few glimpses here and there- an article in the paper, a report on the news- ever since Naruto had gotten his job, Sasuke could never time it well enough to see him in person. There had been a few awkward, superficial conversations over the phone, where there was always too much left unsaid. For a year, Sasuke had felt his life suspended in a painful limbo to which he was actually becoming accustomed. So after a year of feeling marooned from the one person who meant the most to you and feeling hope slowly ebb away despite your best efforts, to see him materialize at your front door should have been enough to incapacitate. Sasuke could only stare while his estranged friend stared back at him.

"Hey."

Sometimes Sasuke swore Naruto was a genius in the art of understatement. Sasuke nodded mechanically, his eyes locked on Naruto's as he tried to get his brain to kick start.

"Can I come in?"

Sasuke nodded again but remained rooted to the spot, inadvertently forcing Naruto to brush past him as he entered the room. The electric sensation was enough to jolt Sasuke into full awareness. It wasn't fair- after a year he shouldn't be able to do that. Sasuke took a steadying breath before closing the door and turning to face whatever was coming. Naruto had unbuttoned his thick trench coat, revealing the crisp business suit underneath. He had stopped short of removing it though, and Sasuke didn't know what to make of it. Naruto gravitated towards the kitchen table and perched on it and Sasuke was harshly reminded of the last time they had been together there. Sasuke swallowed thickly, feeling off-balance and at a distinct disadvantage, with no way to insulate himself against what was to come.

"Why are you here?" The query sounded brusque to his own ears, and Sasuke cringed, feeling he'd committed a faux pas right out the gate. Naruto didn't look angry or defensive however, instead looking at Sasuke unflinchingly.

"I want to get beyond the crash."

Sasuke's brow furrowed at the cryptic remark. He remained silent, trying his best to tamp down the hope that threatened to flare within him.

"You were my best friend- are my best friend, and while I need things to be different, I don't want that to change. I've closed myself off from you all this time because I was scared of losing who I was and I was afraid of what could happen again." Naruto stared at the floor for awhile, hesitating briefly before admitting to Sasuke what he had only just acknowledged himself. "The truth I've been avoiding all this time is that you're a part of me, Sasuke, and I miss you more than I thought possible."

Sasuke remained frozen in the moment, unsure of how he was to respond. "You want our friendship back?"

"I want our friendship back." Naruto affirmed solemnly.

"Just that?" Sasuke whispered. "You're the one who said it was impossible for us to just be friends."

The silence hung heavily over the room as Sasuke searched Naruto's face for some indication of what he was thinking. The moment stretched and just as Naruto's mouth opened for a reply, the shrill sound of a cell phone ringing splintered the atmosphere. Naruto checked the caller ID and quickly answered the call. There were a few minutes of hushed conversation before Naruto hung up.

"I have to go. I need to be on a plane to Paris in a couple of hours, so I need to get to Sarutobi-sama now." Naruto pushed away from the table and approached Sasuke, pausing when he was abreast of him. "I won't promise what I can't deliver, Sasuke. Think about it and tell me your answer when I get back; whatever you decide, I'll understand."

"And then he left."

Kakashi cracked a walnut thoughtfully as Sasuke finished relating the events of the day before. "And?"

"What do you mean 'and'?"

"Seems a little anticlimactic is all." Kakashi pointed out as he reached for another nut. "These torrid love stories always end with some kind of dramatic chase scene, a startling confession of some sort and a sappy conclusion. 'And then he left' might be gritty realism, but it's not going to make a bestseller."

"Well this is not a love story and I'm not Scarlett O'Hara. What I am is out of ideas. I thought if I was patient enough, it would work out, but now…" Sasuke sank further into the overstuffed chair and gazed moodily at the ceiling. "He just sprung this on me out of nowhere. I'm beginning to think that he's not going to-"

"Sasuke" Kakashi interrupted before the young man could finish his thought. "I know this has been quite the journey of personal development, emotional growth and all that; but you also have to realize that it's a very slippery slope from being a caring, understanding and patient individual to being a pussy."

Sasuke's spine straightened immediately as he bristled at the implication. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"The whole attraction behind being the 'new and improved Sasuke' will fade when it is discovered you're no longer Sasuke." Kakashi pointed out matter-of-factly. "Since when do you just stand there waiting for providence to kick while Naruto calls the shots? Not long ago, if that situation had been presented to me, and I was asked 'what would Sasuke do?' I'm pretty sure my answer would be anything but what you just described. You've been walking around on eggshells lately and that isn't you."

"I'm different now." Sasuke began defensively.

"Not that different." Kakashi countered immediately. "You're still you, Sasuke, and there's no reason to end that"

"I thought the whole idea was that I'm supposed to change!" Sasuke shot back as he sat up in the chair. "He walked away from me before. He walked away from the person I was then…"

"Naruto walked away from a cycle of bad decisions and warped thinking- on both your parts. That's the change that needs to be seen." The teacher would brook no interruptions as he made his point. "He loved you when you were at your worst, Sasuke; that should be saying something. But the relationship didn't work when he handed over complete control to you. It's not going to find any more success if the roles are simply reversed. From what I could see your relationship, whatever the nature of it, worked best when you were equals."

Sasuke remained quiet as he contemplated yet another dimension to this complex situation he'd been fighting with for the past two years. Finally, he asked the question he wasn't sure he wanted an answer to just yet. "What if I end up pushing and he says no?"

"Then at least you'll know." Kakashi nodded sagely as he picked up his latest copy of Icha-Icha. He looked over at a stricken Sasuke before he started reading. "If that does happen and the world manages not to end cataclysmically at the idea of the two of you not being together, then you and the rest of mankind will just have to figure out your lives from there. Believe it or not, there are worst things in the world that could happen, Sasuke. But there are much better scenarios too."

Sasuke sat for a moment, nonplussed. He glanced uncertainly from his former teacher, whose nose was now firmly in his novel, to the front door. A few precious moments ticked by with only the occasional sounds of a page flipping over and Kakashi's increasingly lecherous giggling.

"Well what the hell do I do now?" Sasuke burst out suddenly, upon the realisation that Kakashi had said his peace and was locking shop for the day.

"How the heck should I know?" Kakashi retorted as he lowered his novel and sent a pointed glare at Sasuke. "Why ask me? I'm honestly surprised you've been listening to me at all, let alone for this long. I've been speaking from wisdom, not experience! You know what my biggest relationship dilemma is? Choosing between KY Jelly and moisturising lotion!"

"How does that even-" Sasuke stopped short as the full meaning sank in and his eyes narrowed in annoyance and mild revulsion. "That's disgusting."

"Oh your judgement burns." Kakashi's sarcasm was brutally underscored by his eye-roll. "Masturbation is normal and healthy, which is more than I can say for this heart-attack ride you've been on."

"Unbelievable." Sasuke muttered darkly as he contemplated the door again.

"You know what to do." Kakashi suggested gently to his former student. "You have all the know-how you need; it's time for you to put it into action. Now take charge of your life and stop forcing me to pull platitudes out my ass, because quite frankly, I'm running on empty."

Sasuke stared back in silence for a minute before nodding and getting to his feet. He was almost out the door before Kakashi stopped him.

"If I may make one last suggestion though, Sasuke." Only the silver hair was visible from behind the orange book as Kakashi casually waved a free hand in the air.

"What?"

Kakashi lowered his novel and smiled encouraging at his former protégé. "When it comes to the finale, Sasuke… Go big, or go home."

TBC

*A/N: The 'Because I took so long' bonus.

My thought process before deciding to split the chapter-

Superego: Id...

Id: Whodat?

Superego: We've got to split this chapter. It's freaking huge! Forget how exhausting it is typing and editing it; it will be exhausting for the readers to scroll down this thing, let alone get through it.

Id: I have a vision! It ends where it ends! What care I for human suffering? Let them eat cake!

Superego*glares*: Stuff it, you big baby. You're just refusing to relent because you don't want to end on chapter 23! You're a nutcase.

Id: No wire hangers and no odd numbers unless wholly divisible by five! Who're you calling a nutcase? We share a being, if I have OCD, we all have OCD!

Superego*sputters*: You're just being unreasonable and inconsiderate! Besides 22 is a stupid number anyway! You should have done it in twenty chapters or gone for 25!

Id: There are no concessions! You have no vision! You aren't an artiste!

Superego: Neither are you, you're just a fruitcake.

Id: Panderer!

Superego: Tyrant!

Ego*kicks in door and brandishes sawn-off shotgun*: COMPROMISE AND PLAY NICE, OR ELSE!

Id/Superego: !

Id: You know *cough* it does look a little long...

Superego*mumbling*:Yeah, that's all I'm saying, you know...Want some chocolate?

Remember when I said it was all Yaoi and Broadway up there? Yeah, there''s some other stuff too. I just have a snack until the screaming stops. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
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