Deny

Thank you for your reviews.

danya - No worries. It's almost done, but will be posted once a week.

Kero-chan - More here and at least another 3 parts on the way.

claire - I plan to update every weekend, usually Saturdays.

Hezzer - I'm glad you are enjoying reading this. Gives me more reason to continue writing it. :)

Devious Lil Devil - I hope it continues to sound good. I am trying to keep the same style throughout and have a different plot then most Naruto fics.

chi no hana - lol. The chapter may have been over, but the fic continues. I won't deny you any longer.

nicole - Thank you. It is a little sad and depressing, but I like my romance with a side order of angst. Don't you?

Ashley-san - Don't know where the line came from, but it was a comment that I can see Naruto saying. As for the lemonade, it's coming. But here's was a little lime to tide you over for now. : P!

Sm - Glad you love it. I'm trying for a little humour for some relief. ^_^

macy - It was a bit of a cliff hanger wasn't it? I'm glad the mood suited you, I was trying to keep it realistic, but light even with the angst. I also wanted Naruto to stay that loud brat, but I want him to be . . . mature and less reckless. Hard to do, but I like to think I am achieveing it in a way.

hogo-chan - Thank you for leaving a little message and I plan to update every Saturday if things work out properly.

acerbus-chan - Stupid village eh? I figured that no matter what Naruto does, he will always be treated differently. It sucks, but it seems that things that are not even within our control always taint our future.

Crimson_Revenge - Of course they love each other. Man, the anime is just full of yaoi goodness. And the kiss . . .they are so made for each other. No lemon yet, but me gots some limes for now.

Lina19 - Glad you are enjoying it! And I am trying my best to keep them in character. I just hope Sasuke seems real too.

Moon_Shadow - Ahh the love. It's a high that no drug can achieve. Hope you continue loving the fic! ^_~

BubbleWrap - It's unfortunate eh? There needs to be more good angsty romance fics that are smoothly written. I just hope I can keep the same flow and make this one of the better fics in the fandom.

sansty_san - lol. Here's more hun!

Gingitsune - I do too. Poor Naruto, but such is reality. Don't worry more will be revealed. As for Neji, love the bastard but Nartuo and Sasuke belong together to me.

ellery - I hope I can keep it flowing so you enjoy it. So far I am though.

Kurenai - Thank so much! >D! I think Gaara and Naruto understand each other well and I think in many ways Naruto and Gaara need to be together to understand things about themselves before getting with their true mates . . . though I'm not sure who I want to put Gaara with. Sakura and Gaara has always
been kinda intriguing to me. Maybe another fic . . . hmmmm

natty - I still writing! Trust me, this fic getting done!

shinta pearl - I live my life through stories -- they are so much better then reality and there's a happy ending! lol. >P! As for Sasuke angst, the guy has enough of his own and frankly it's over done. Besides, Naruto IS the main character in the series! lol! Go Naruto angst!

Ryu - I like the ending too and no worries, this puppy is getting updated regularly.

Kali S. - Meh. I can't count so what does it matter? Totally agree with the council bit -- I have problems with people in power. As for fuck Sasuke . . . How? Literally, or figuratively? lol.

Baka_Tsu - Thank you so much for your support. I glad some think it's perfect (even though I'm pretty sure it's far from it. lol.) I hope it evolves like your hoping!

Anon - Glad you are enjoying! Keep reading to see what follows! lol. I hope you continue to enjoy!


Anywho, onward with the story!!! ~_^!


~o0*Part 2*0o~


"Excuse me?!" Sasuke blinked, looking at his best friend and greatest rival. There was of course more to their relationship then those two overused titles, but it wasn't likely that either were going to ever admit as such. Or at least, they were too afraid to admit.

"What? Did you fart?" Naruto attempted at joking, but the dark eyes of his friend simply pierced right through him and demanded seriousness. Naruto fell quiet instantly as his face shut down and let an impassive mask slip into place.

"What about you?" Sasuke demanded, frowning at Naruto. Naruto sighed, falling back onto the grass of ‘their' training area.

"You know the drill. Kyuubi can't be trusted, thus I can't. They fear the power I have and I could just lead the village to ruin. Blah, blah, blah." Naruto sighed, rolling his eyes while he flapped a hand like it were a mouth in the clear blue sky above them.

"Che." Sasuke snorted, brushing a stray hair from his face that had gotten loose from the tie at the back of his neck.

Like Naruto – and everyone else – he had grown up and changed. But unlike Naruto, Sasuke had grown quite tall at 6'1'' with a lanky, wry body. Naruto was almost bulky compared to Sasuke's slim build. Though when looking at the two of them, there was no doubt that Sasuke was faster while Naruto had more brute strength.

Sasuke had let his hair grow so he could tie it up and keep the uncontrollable locks from his face. The silky, ebony locks rest near the end of his shoulder blades while his hitai-ate was wrapped around a muscular thigh. Like Naruto, he found it irritating at times with its slipping and build up of sweat beneath it.

Physically, Sasuke's changes were quite visible. However, mentally Sasuke was almost calmer and more laid back. He was still for the most part silent and tried to maintain his uncaring attitude, but those closest to him knew different.

Sasuke still could be blunt and cold, but over the years he had opened and warmed up a few degrees. Yet with Naruto was when he was most relaxed and carefree.

"Meh. You and I both knew that I would never become Hokage and we are the strongest in the village. You just happen to be more trustworthy then me." Naruto said, shrugging his shoulders causing the long grass to shuffle.

"Ah yes – I, the one who left to seek more power from an enemy for my own agenda." Sasuke muttered, shaking his head. Naruto just barked a laugh.

"That's life for ya." Naruto murmured, closing his eyes.

They were quiet for a few moments, enjoying the cool breeze that whispered around them. It chilled the sweat licked skin offering a temporary release from the sun's blazing heat.

"I'll tell them no." Sasuke proclaimed as he fell back onto the grass beside Naruto. Naruto jerked up into a sitting position, his eyes scowling as he glared at Sasuke and in his lazy, uncaring sprawl.

". . . no?" Naruto questioned, not moving and sounding quite thrown off by Sasuke sudden decision.

"No." Was the firm reply.

"And deny the village protection it deserves?! The village needs you, Sasuke! Konoha needs not only your strength, but your leadership and even though I'm not Hokage, I will still be here! I won't be Hokage, but I will be beside you and I will continue to protect Konoha in my own way!" Naruto hollered, waving his hands around in an attempt to get his message across -- reminding Sasuke much of their youth.

"It was your dream, not mine, Naruto."

"Yes! But it is also your village!!!"

". . . maybe, but I can protect the village as I am now."

"TEME!!!" Naruto bellowed, standing up and then stabbing Sasuke in the side with his foot causing him to also get up, slightly less graceful.

"Dobe! What the fuck was that for?" Sasuke growled, rubbing absently at his side.

They glared at each other for what seemed like an eternity – just like when they were growing up. Each daring the other to look away first and neither unrelenting, until Sasuke's glare became more questioning then demanding. Naruto broke the glare by looking away and crossing his arms.

"Sasuke . . . I just . . . if I can't be Hokage I want you to be. You . . . you are my rival, my best friend . . . my equal. You being there is like me being there." Naruto mumbled, scratching and rubbing at the scar along his face.

Sasuke stopped the nervous scratching by pulling Naruto's hand away from his face and gently and loosely holding it. Sasuke frowned at the scar, remembering when Naruto received it. The same time he had received the one on his right palm.

They were ANBU on a mission to assassinate a missing-nin group leader that was becoming quite a threat to Konoha as they steadily moved closer to the village's boarders. Unfortunately, instead of being the rather simple silent and unexpected in-and-out mission they were hoping for, their arrival was known and were ambushed. It was later discovered that there was a mole in the ANBU forces, which was of course taken care of later, but at the time Naruto and Sasuke were fighting for survival.

Not expecting the attack of so many powerful nins – especially for just the two of them – it was very draining and very quickly became a bloodbath. They came out on top and finished the mission, but ended up with many serious injuries. One being Naruto's cheek had been sliced through so he could slip his tongue out between the folds of skin – and ironically, right between two of his whisker-like markings. While for Sasuke, his right hand was cut so it was almost snapped in half backwards – like a fist made the wrong way.

That was the first time they had truly worked together and relied on one another like they had before his betrayal. A tentative friendship had been created before that, but it was on that mission, that fight for life that had created a bond thicker then ever before.

Of course, that bond had changed to something beyond friendship in the past year or so, but neither had made any attempt to change that.

Mostly because Sasuke was unsure and Naruto . . . he wasn't fully sure of the new aspects of their relationship and ignored it for what it was. Naruto just considered it that they were becoming closer friends – brothers.

Of course, never having a family, Naruto didn't understand that the type of affection between Sasuke and himself wasn't platonic. Holding hands as they were now, brushing hair away, firm touches for comfort and direction, fleeting touches at various times for no real reason. To Naruto, it was . . . just simple affection between close people.

Naruto just didn't seem to understand how close they truly were.

Besides, there was Sakura to consider.

"I didn't think we were going to survive that." Sasuke murmured into the breeze and Naruto smiled a small smile.

"We almost didn't." Naruto sighed, as he let his fingers trail over the scar on Sasuke's hand that held his. "But it was because we were together – stronger together that we did." Naruto continued, searching Sasuke's eyes – trying to make him see.

Sasuke nodded, understanding. He may received the Hokage title, but he and Naruto would share the responsibilities and burden. Sasuke also knew that he would do the same for Naruto if places were reversed and Naruto expected that as well.

"I just wish . . ." Sasuke started and stopped shaking his head as he trailed off.

". . . what?" Naruto whispered, his voice strangely hushed as he encouraged Sasuke to continue the thought.

"I just wish you didn't have to deny your happiness again. Deny like you always do for someone else's." Sasuke murmured, his face taught in a displeased scowl as he stared into the now wide eyes of his companion.

Naruto was speechless. He also found that he couldn't fully understand. Yes, maybe he wasn't happy about not being made the new Hokage, but it didn't mean he was ‘denying himself happiness'. It was out of his control. It wasn't a battle he could fight.

Was it?

"S-Sasuke . . . I . . .what?" Naruto finally spoke, stumbled and stuttered. He found his hand was abruptly released and Sasuke let go a angry sigh as he looked away.

"You just keep denying yourself and keep being so damned selfless believing it is the best for everyone." Sasuke muttered, crossing his arms as if by doing so he was placing a barrier between himself and Naruto. "Sometimes dobe, you need to make a little more noise about what you want like you used to when you were a kid. You'd be surprised how many people would stand behind you." Sasuke grumbled as he turned back to Naruto.

"I . . . I don't deny anything!" Naruto retorted, finally finding his wits that he had lost a few minutes before. Sasuke simply arched an elegant ebony eyebrow, but said nothing in reply. "This isn't a battle I can't fight no matter who backs me up, teme! No matter how much noise I make! And frankly, I may be not over pleased about this, but at least I have the grace to back down and that I learned from you!" Naruto snarled, finding himself viciously angry with little provocation. Sasuke had said worse things that were intentional to hurt – to push buttons and stab at weaknesses.

For once, Sasuke hadn't been trying to start a fight – or at least not in years – because there was never the need. He and Naruto had simply sparred for exercise and training, there was no real anger when provoked because it was all in fun. It was like a game, part of the process, but here he was, once again facing the fireball named Naruto.

And this time it was for real – Naruto was pissed.

Sasuke's jaw clenched as Naruto barred his fangs, panting as his face turned a dull red from anger and his pupils slitted.

"I don't want to fight, Naruto." Sasuke stated calmly, purposely saying Naruto's name rather then the popular nickname, ‘dobe' – which had become a name of affectionate later on – so not to spur Naruto's anger.

"But maybe I do!" Naruto hissed and then promptly went flying at the unsuspecting Sasuke tooth and nail.

It was somewhere between the dodging various attacks and delivering his own, that Sasuke realized that the anger Naruto was finally releasing wasn't at him directly, or even him at all. It was anger at the situation and how Naruto seemed to get the short end of the stick no matter how hard he tried and no matter how times or well Naruto proved himself.

It just seemed Naruto was never done proving himself.

Sasuke hissed as he received a quick jab at his stomach, but was quick to fall backwards to dodge the fist that was aimed at his face and spun with a leg stretched out at Naruto's feet to send him crashing down to the ground.

Most times such an attack would be deftly avoided, but the fierce blind anger had caused Naruto to be clumsy. Of course, for whatever reason, neither had chosen to use any sort of ninjustsu – simply relying of physical attacks and strength.

Thus Naruto went crashing down, landing abruptly on his back causing him to become winded. He coughed and curled on his side, obviously giving up knowing that he was safe from continuous attacks from his friend and also realizing his mistake.

That had to be their shortest fight ever.

Sasuke sat down at Naruto's feet and panted slightly, feeling slightly winded. Only Naruto could get to him so well and he to Naruto. Most times neither of them would get this way without hours of sparring, but with Naruto emotional and Sasuke unwilling to intentionally hurt, let alone attack the obviously suffering Naruto, the fight had ended quickly and rather abruptly.

They were quiet for awhile, simply letting the wind rush by them in the warm sun. Neither moved or said a thing, simply adjusting to the new advancements and realizations that had been made it both of them.

"I'm sorry." Were the whispered words, carried by the wind. Sasuke found he almost missed them altogether if he hadn't been half-waiting for them.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Sasuke replied, quickly and steadily. It was obvious that he meant it.

"Are you completely clueless?! I just fucking attacked you!" Naruto cried, outraged as he sat up quite suddenly causing him to be a blur of orange to Sasuke – which he often was at times.

"You were angry and I am quite capable of defending myself, dobe." Sasuke said, somewhat haughtily. Naruto just scowled as he crossed his arms. "That you can't deny." Sasuke then continued with a smirk.

"You are an asshole." Naruto growled, half to himself. Sasuke just hummed in agreement as he moved closer to Naruto.

Sasuke watched at his companion, staring into the indigo eyes of his rival, best friend, his equal – yet so much his opposite. There were yin and yang – part of the same puzzle that fit together, but just two different pieces all-together. They had different drives, ideals and personalities, but in the end they had the same goal – to protect those they loved.

Sasuke supposed it was sometime when Yuki was born that he realized how profound and important love and life were. Though Sakura and he learned later that they didn't want or love each other like they first thought, they did realize that they shared a type of love and connection – the main one being their son.

It was some time after that – right around the time Naruto was dating Gaara – that Sasuke realized that Naruto was the one he wanted.

To put it bluntly, Sasuke found that he was attracted to Naruto sexually, but instead of just wanting sex and a simple need of being accepted like with Sakura – a type of hollow, fleeting lust – he wanted Naruto completely.

Sasuke wanted to hear Naruto's lame jokes just to hear him laugh and hear those off tune songs he sang with the radio, or at least attempted. He wanted to be a part of his pranks – maybe occasionally be on the receiving end just to see him smile. To sit back and bare his ranting and ravings when Sasuke decided to push some predictable buttons. He wanted to bandage those wounds received from battle and be there to help defend him from getting them. Sasuke even wanted to wipe away those uncommon tears that arose when Naruto let himself get too emotionally involved.

Sasuke wanted it all.

Sasuke still wanted to remain as Naruto's best friend and rival, but he wanted to be Naruto's lover as well.

" . . . Sasuke?" Naruto questioned, his voice a whisper on the wind as Sasuke reached out to touch the angled jaw covered in firm, tanned skin. Sasuke watched as he let his thumb stroke the slight stubble that had grown since that morning while his fingers brushed against the strong, thick column of Naruto's neck.

Sasuke felt rather the heard the hitch in Naruto's breath and smiled slightly when he felt the pulse start to beat erratically.

"Sasuke . . ." It was almost a moan as the name was gasped from Naruto's lips.

"I will accept. For you, I will." Was all Sasuke said before he reached around the back Naruto's neck to push him forward to meet his questing lips, his eyes closing in gratification.

At first, there was resistance as Sasuke brushed his lips against the warm and slightly chapped lips of Naruto, but Sasuke remained firm grip knowing that Naruto's first instinct and reaction would be to pull away.

Sasuke continued to let his lips caress Naruto's with small, unassuming moments. There was no demand in his kiss, just simple pleasure of contact. Sasuke couldn't help breathe in the scent that was uniquely Naruto – it was sunshine, passion, power and the slight nutmeg from his aftershave. ANBU used little scent as possible to hide more completely from all enemies.

Naruto's eyes were wide in astonishment. For his part, he was completely and totally taken off-guard. He wasn't entirely clueless, he knew that something was happening between the two of them, but he preferred to play the fool.

Kind of denying its existence so it would just evaporate . . .

Denying again.

Naruto knew the marriage between Sasuke and Sakura was on the rocks – that was all he knew because he refused to believe to rumours and since Sasuke and Sakura had never said otherwise . . .

Naruto was well aware of the fact that Sasuke spent more time with him then he ever did with Sakura. Naruto knew they weren't the happy couple like Neji and Hinata, who were expecting their third child in a few weeks. That of course, simply made Neji more possessive and protective of Hinata – you could barely breathe around Hinata without finding a blade at you throat.

Naruto just figured they were content and would figure it out themselves while he would simply remain their friend. Even if he had feelings more the a friend should for one before the marriage – which had ended a little after the ceremony – and now, ironically, feelings were now for the other.
And here he was kissing that one – the husband.

Though there were whispers that Sakura was having an affair.

Naruto wanted to pull away, he really did, but . . . he just couldn't. He just didn't have the willpower and he found he couldn't deny himself this – even if it was immoral and would ultimately hurt his former teammate and Sasuke's wife.

He had lost so much.

It would be the one and only time.

With that thought, Naruto reached out to grasp the steady shoulder of Sasuke and with smooth, graceful movements, he moved himself closer. Slowly, without losing contact, Naruto titled his head slightly and pressed his lips more firmly against the soft, smooth lips of his once rival.

It was then Sasuke's turn to be startled as his dark ebony eyes snapped open and his jaw went slack causing his lips to part, which Naruto immediately took advantage of. Naruto's tongue slipped unabashedly between the still lips and was promptly met with the unique taste of Sasuke – the one he had inadvertently dreamed about.

It was exactly how he smelled to Naruto. It was lethal with remnants of moonlight, darkness and sandalwood. Naruto wanted to moan wantonly, even more so when his tongue was greeted, but held firm inside and pressed himself closer.

Fingers curled in each others' hair as noses brushed against stubbled cheeks as they vied for intimacy. Muscular chest pressed against one another, each heaving for breath that their were unwilling to part to take.

"Sasuke . . ." Naruto breathed, when Sasuke did pull away only to lick at the tantalising neck, nibbling not so gently at the cords within. Naruto hissed in delight at the mixture of pain and pleasure that washed over him.

In response, Naruto let his callused hands slip underneath Sasuke's shirt and wander without direction. Neatly trimmed nails grazed along the hairless firm chest of Sasuke, catching on the hard nipples causing Sasuke to hiss. Naruto smirked when he felt a harder nip – more like bite – at his neck in retaliation.

Now rather then being intimated, Naruto simply let his fingers to return to the sensitive nipples and tweaked them quite viciously. The smirk then became a large grin when he heard and felt a growl emit from Sasuke.

That grin then immediately turned into an ‘O' of surprise when Naruto felt a hot palm encase his jean-clad rapidly hardening erection. He could feel thin, long fingers curl around his thick cock the best they could through the coarse fabric. Through the haze of arousal, Naruto vaguely felt the vibrations of Sasuke's amused chuckle against his chest when he thrusted fixedly into the firm palm. Naruto growled as he ripped Sasuke's black tank top from his frame in his attempt to get closer and make Sasuke moan.

Admittedly, there wasn't much of a shirt by the time Naruto was done, but it was the least of either of their worries as Naruto lips, tongue and teeth quickly found the sensitive areas on Sasuke's pale chest – mainly his nipples.

Naruto got what he was looking for.

Unable to handle the avid, arousing attention at his torso – especially since his cock was becoming harder and harder to control – Sasuke pulled Naruto teeth from him and to his lips quite brutally. Their mouths were quickly smashed together again, almost arguing with their flesh with their demand to get closer.

They were so lost in each other that they almost missed the faint rustle in the bushes of an advancing force.

Almost.


~o0*KK*0o~

A/N: There's another part of 'Deny'. I have another 2 parts finished and in the next few weeks they will be posted. I'm glad you are all enjoying this. It's kinda sappy, but I was in need of a romance between Naruto and Sasuke. They have too much angst on their own for me to add to it.

Anyway, tell me what you think!