Desert Flowers Still Have Thorns *Completed*

"Wait. You did what?" Sasuke found himself sitting in a corner table of a restaurant with Kankuro, being told the oddest story. It was a complete accident when he had run into the other man on the busy market streets, while coming out of a store with drinks. It was Sasuke who was called out too, as he still had a hard time recognizing Kankuro without the face paint. After an awkward greeting and light conversation, the oldest of the Sand Siblings offered to pick up Sasuke's dinner tab if he agreed to have a talk. Normally, Sasuke would have declined, but the man sounded in desperate need of a conversation.

Sitting in a secluded area of a higher scale restaurant, Kankuro managed to corner Sasuke as their meal was being prepared. "I told you. I met someone and I thought I was a bit rough with them. It's a guy and you're the only real gay I know." Raising an eyebrow, Sasuke thought it best not to even dignify that reasoning with an angry response.

"Okay, I get that, but you said you think you raped some guy who you claim you're in love with who is also a prince and a monk? Who are you talking about?" Sighing, Kankuro lowered his sake cup to the table.

"Akane. He's Vice-Captain of my brother's Vanguard. He's..."

"He is the Prince of the Hidden Oasis. Practicing in rare flower and pollen techniques. Brilliant fighter and strategist. I had to go a round or two with him while I was with Orochimaru. Even at that age, he was fearless...and you raped him? Good job..." Looking annoyed, Kankuro glared.

"I didn't....you know...him. I didn't! We are in a relationship..."

"That only you knew about. That doesn't count."

"I thought he knew! Wasn't it the same with you and Naruto? Didn't you both have completely different ideas about each other and you guys are together now?"

"Yeah, but I never raped the guy..."

"So how did you do it? Who made the first move? He did right, because you play the girl?" Sasuke eyebrows gave their classic twitch as the smugness suddenly went away.

"I did. And I don't play anything. I am what I am. We both have at it, so shut up." The thought of Naruto being topped had blown Kankuro's mind.

"What? What do you mean both? That's not how it works! One of you is the girl all the time and the other is the man. I'm the man in my mine!"

Wait, was Kankuro serious? By the Gods, he is.  Sasuke's inner monologue ended as he burst into loud laugher. "Oh....Oh, you are serious...I can't believe you are serious..." Having to stop himself, he wiped away a tear. "You don't know anything. When two guys fall in love, they both play whatever roll they feel like it. I like when Naruto has me...but I like to have him too. It works both ways. You picked some pretty boy because you thought he was a girl, and you still treat him like a piece of property. You're going to have to do more guys or move out of the city, because you've fucked every girl in town and you're still miserable." Leaning back into the chair, Sasuke's arms folded against his chest.

"You've been like this since I can remember, Kankuro. You look at people like you look at your puppets. You can't create them to be perfect, then make them do what you want. If you really like this guy, you're going to have to treat him like a human being." The words struck Kankuro deeply, and they resounded in his aching chest.

"I....You're right. What should I do though? I don't..."

"Apologize. And be patient. You can be firm and patient. When it came to Naruto, I knew what I wanted and I was always scared to go there, but I did. I put out how I felt and let him decide. It was lucky that he felt something too...If he didn't...I  mean...I don't really know what I would have done. Nothing, I guess. I never want to leave him."

Pouring himself another drink, Kankuro nodded. "Garra is the same with Shiro, but they aren't human about it at all. Shiro...only has my brother in his mind. He is willing to accept and do anything. If that is even love or just...Beats me." Sasuke only shrugged.

"There is lots of twisted love out there. My love for Naruto is pretty twisted. I don't have normal friends." Laughing, the older man nodded.

"Ain't that the damn truth. Cheers." In the air, cups clanked before the warm liquid when down their throats. Sasuke's order was called, causing him to stand up.

"Thanks for the dinner. You should get back, don't you think?" Standing as well, Kankuro nodded.

"Yeah. I gotta go get my ass kicked and make up for a lot of shit, huh? Thanks for talkin' with me, Sasuke. Makes you less of a dirty prick."

Sticking his tongue out, Sasuke shrugged before leaving with the bags. Watching him go, Kankuro had a simple thought that Naruto was a lucky man. It was a fleeting thought that went away as soon as Sasuke's form disappeared over the horizon. Turning to head the opposite direction towards the city's center, Kankuro walked with the last of the day's light.