Skin Deep

Happy Birthday fic for SangoStar cuz I luvs her. -huggles-


Skin Deep

Sasuke Uchiha glanced up from the negatives he was analyzing as his brother strolled casually into the room. The two Uchiha siblings looked more like models than the photographers they were. In this business, they were the best of the best. Models vied for their attention while businesses begged for their talents. In the world of models and fashion, these two were at the pinnacle of their careers and the sky was the limit.

“Sasuke.”

“Itachi, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit.” Sasuke offered his brother the magnifier before stepping to the side.

Itachi plucked the negative magnifier from his brother’s hands before looking at the images spread before him. The unasked question of a second opinion hung in the air. Itachi smirked. Sasuke must be stumped to ask for help.

Critical eyes looked over each and every image. A frown tugged at his lips. The models were beautiful, there was no doubt but they seemed almost fake in each picture. “What happened?”

“The company CEO insisted on using new models for the new line. I’m not putting my name on those pictures. I don’t care if we lose the contract. They were horrible. No matter of touch ups can make these photos acceptable. The models were like robots parading around in clothes. Half the time spending more time flirting with me rather than focusing on their job.”

Itachi tapped his finger on the desk for a minute. “Would the company be willing to redo the shoot?”

“I don’t know if I’d want to redo the shoot if I have to deal with more of that.” Sasuke rubbed his eyes as he tossed his brother a bottle of water from the small refrigerator before sipping on his own.

“I’ll get you a re-shoot and new models.” Itachi drained his own bottle, shuddering as he glanced at the negatives littering the lighted table. Even Sasuke’s magic with a camera couldn’t hide the amateurish nature of the models. Whomever acquired those girls should be fired on the spot. Not a single image was usable for a magazine of their client’s caliber.

“Hn. I’m serious, Itachi. If I have to do one more shoot with a crew of amateurs, I will quit.” Sasuke tossed his empty bottle in the trash. He was serious. He was tired of the fake emotions displayed by the current influx of green models, who thought they could just stand pretty in front of a famous photographer and magically become a super model. If he couldn’t stand behind his work, what was the point of even doing it?

“Fine. Fine.” Itachi waved as he left his brother to his on devices.

OIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Entering the still dark studio located in Nocturne Lingerie, Sasuke placed his bags in the corner. Walking slowly around the room, he closed his eyes; relishing in the quiet before the storm. It wouldn’t be long before the room would bustle with set crew, wardrobe personnel, make-up artists, and models. Some days he wondered why he went into this business.

The lights began to flick on as the shoot assistants arrived to arrange everything for the re-shoot. Taking a deep breath, he began sorting through his equipment. He supposed he could hire an assistant to do this but he enjoyed it. His camera was his baby. He didn’t trust anyone to touch it.

The sound of a hand slapping against skin drew Sasuke from his internal thoughts. Turning, he looked just in time to see a pink haired model yell obscenities at a blond haired shoot assistant before tossing the coffee onto his shirt, earning a yelp from the poor man. Standing slowly, he walked over as her voice rose in pitch.

“You fucking idiot. I said no sugar. Do you know what sugar can do to this body? I don’t understand why they keep hiring morons like you? You are finished in this business.” Her cheeks were bright red, clashing unattractively with her pink hair.

“What’s going on?” Sasuke’s bored voice broke the tirade as the model stopped to coo at him.

“Oh, nothing. Just letting the cheap labor know their place.” She placed a perfectly manicured hand on his sleeve, stroking him while batting her eyes seductively.

The boy who drew her wrath looked to be late teens or early twenties. He kept his eyes on the ground, a slight blush of shame spread across his cheeks. The color on his cheeks spread attractively across tan flesh. He wanted to photograph him…badly.

“Sakura, aren’t you needed in hair and make up?” Sasuke purred, his eyes on the boy who looked near tears.

“Oh!” The model left Sasuke to scurry across the floor towards the hair and make-up room.

“What’s your name?” Sasuke, thankful the girl left so willingly, looked at the browbeaten boy.

“Naruto Uzumaki.” came the murmured reply.

“Hn. Come along, Mr. Uzumaki. Lets get you cleaned up before the shoot starts” Sasuke wasn’t sure what drew him to the blond. He was obviously new to the field if he didn’t know how to deal with high strung models. There was something about him that made him…curious. Perhaps it was the easy way color spread across his cheeks or the innocent gleam still evident in his eye. Whatever it was, Sasuke wanted to know more.

Sasuke took him to a side room, pausing by wardrobe to grab a simple white shirt along with the first aid kit. “Take off your shirt.”

The blond paused for a moment before shedding his shirt. The red, slightly burned skin from the coffee wasn’t too badly injured, no doubt the thick t-shirt blocked most of the heat. It was a bit red but nothing a little aloe wouldn’t cure. Grabbing the boy’s arm to steady him, he began spreading the cool cream across his chest and abdomen.

The skin was smooth with only the finest dusting of hair around his nipples and navel. Sasuke allowed his fingers to brush lightly over tiny brown nipples, smirking as they drew up. A small gasp escaped the boy’s lips. Very sensitive.

His fingers continued to work the cream into taunt abdominal muscles, enjoying the slight pants beginning to escape Naruto’s lips. He would have to be an idiot not to notice the slight tenting in the boy’s pants.

A knock on the door prevented any more play. With a sigh of regret, Sasuke tossed the clean shirt to Naruto before exiting the room to attend to his duties.

Left alone, Naruto slumped in a chair. His body was shivering in memory of the touches. He’d never considered himself gay or straight. He tended to date people based on their personality not if they had tits or a dick. He supposed that made him bisexual though until today, no man had ever aroused him. The dark eyed man’s touch had sent arrows of heat directly to his dick. It was embarrassing and stimulating at the same time.

Breathing a little more calmly, Naruto stood, pulled on the borrowed shirt and made his way out into the madness that was a photo shoot. It was his first day on the job and all they told him was that he would be partnered with someone for a couple of days until he learned the ropes. The part that sucked was his assigned partner chose today to not show up.

“Mr. Uzumaki, come here.” Naruto stiffened as the man who’d just felt him up gestured for him.

“Yes, sir?”

“I need an assistant for my cameras. Your job is to reinsert the film in the camera while I am adjusting the models and scene. Do you think you can handle that?” Sasuke was in work mode. As much as he would like to tease the younger man, he needed to get this shoot started. If the boy could help the process along, he would be a god send. They could play afterwards.

“Y-Yes, sir.”

Sasuke nodded and showed Naruto how to replace the film, then watched as Naruto performed the task. The slender, tan fingers worked so deftly at their task, he would have almost believed Naruto had experience with cameras. He’d ask him later when things were slowing down.

The shoot went surprisingly well. The models were much more professional despite the fact that during each break, the pink haired girl would flirt shamelessly with him. Time flew by until he and Naruto were the last in the studio, the others having left for the day. “You did well, Naruto.”

“Thank you.”

“Would you be willing to humor me for a few shots?” Sasuke asked, his hands holding up his beloved camera.

“Umm, alright.” Naruto flipped on a few of the lights before taking his place before Sasuke.

Sasuke clicked the shutter a few times to test before beginning to snap photographs in earnest. “Tell me what you like to do for fun.”

Naruto seemed to take on a contemplative look, Sasuke was quick to capture the look of deep thought. The camera loved the boy. He could already tell these photos would turn out well.

“Well, I like swimming and eating ramen.”

“Eating for fun?” chuckled Sasuke, watching a blush bloom on tan cheeks.

“What’s wrong with that?” The indignant look on his face was just too cute, Sasuke snapped a few more.

Sasuke didn’t reply. He only had a few more shots before he would be out of film. Setting aside the camera for a moment, he approached the blond, tugging the white shirt until Naruto lifted his arms in confusion. He smirked at the shiver that worked through the boy as his fingers trailed up the skin of his chest. “Wha…?”

“I just wanted a few of you like this.” Sasuke purred in his ear as his fingers dipped into the seam of his jeans. Stroking his hands upward again, he smirked as the tan neck arched to his touch. He really was very sensitive. “Stay just like that.”

Grabbing his camera, he snapped the last few pictures, Naruto body shivering, a mixture of lust and innocence. His glazed over eyes seemed to call to Sasuke. Setting aside the camera once more, he approached the blond. “How old are you, Naruto?”

“Eighteen.”

“Hmm.” Sasuke’s fingers played with the button on Naruto’s jeans while his lips nibbled on the smooth jaw. “You can tell me to stop, if you want.”

“I’m not…umm…I can’t think.” He gasped, shivers running through him. He couldn’t think. He didn’t want to think. He just wanted to feel. This was the first time he’d felt wanted with such passion. Perhaps his lacking childhood made him susceptible to Sasuke’s advances or perhaps he just wanted the intimate touch of another. Whatever the case, Naruto did not want them to stop. He wanted the soft caresses and sucking lips.

Sasuke smirked against the faint stubble on the tan jaw. He imagined the boy didn’t have to shave but every few days. Listening to the little gasps, he knew he was his now.

Pressing him back until his spine touched the wall, Sasuke’s finger’s dived into the loose jeans. The loud gasp from his younger partner echoed through the silent room as his hand curled around the hard erection.

Sasuke moaned against the neck he was nibbling. Each auditory sound sent a shot of heat to his crotch. Every little touch brought a moan from the blond’s lips. He was so sensitive, so in tune to each and every touch.

Grinding hard against the blond, he growled as his fingers struggled to release the belt from his pants. After fighting to keep his attraction to Naruto in the back of his mind, his body was now in a full forced heat. He wanted release. It had been a while since he’d taken a lover, his disgust in most of his companions repelling any desire to go look for another. All this was brought to a head by the innocent responses of one cute blond.

“Are you sure?” Sasuke gasped out. He didn’t want to be involved in someone who didn’t know what they wanted. It would kill him but if Naruto said stop, he would stop.

“Please.” Glazed blue eyes pleaded with midnight colored orbs. That was all he needed. Naruto’s pants hit the ground as his own loosened enough to free himself from them.

Within moments of the word, he had luscious lips caught with his own as his fingers dug through his pocket for hand lotion. He smirked at the shy way Naruto’s tongue brushed his as if he was uncertain, wanting to please but afraid of doing something wrong. It only served to enflame him all the more.

He wasn’t going to last if Naruto kept doing that. How the blond was able to set him on fire so easily was beyond his understanding, all he knew was that he needed to have him. He wanted to own him. He wanted only thoughts of him to be in his mind.

Flipping the blond so he faced the wall, he coated a finger with herbal scented lotion before pressing inside. It was only the powerful grip he possessed on his control that kept him from withdrawing the finger to plow inside him. The internal muscles were clamping down so hard on him, his cock reacted as if he were already inside, a stream of pre-cum leaking from the tip. If things kept up like this, he would cum before ever entering him.

Pressing two fingers inside, he growled as he nipped at a tan shoulder. He could feel Naruto trying to hold in his cries and it was annoying him. He wanted to hear them. He needed to hear them. Pressing deeper inside, his fingers searched for the gland that was sure to bring a sound from him.

“I want to hear you.” he growled as his fingers found spongy bit of flesh.

Naruto’s body went rigid. A garbled sound escaped his mouth as his hips bucked wildly beneath Sasuke’s hands. “Louder!” He pressed more firmly, his fingers massaging the flesh.

“Oh, god!” Naruto screamed, his fingers clenching as they searched for some sort grip.

Better. Sasuke smirked as he began scissoring his fingers, making sure to press in the flesh, relishing in Naruto’s cries. Each whimper, each shout; they were like arrows of pleasure coursing through him.

Unable to wait any longer, Sasuke withdrew his fingers. His body quivered with anticipation. It had been too long, this connection with another human being. He needed it to feel alive.

Coating his erection with the lotion, he was assaulted with the herbal scent. He would forever have that scent ingrained in his mind. He would forever associate it with Naruto.

Leaning down, his breath whispered in Naruto’s ear, sending shivers of delight through the blond. “This is your last chance. Do you want me to step away? Or, do you want to be mine?”

There was really no choice for Naruto. To be owned by another, to be cherished and loved; that was the ultimate gift for him. “Y-Yours.”

Sasuke smirked before pushing forward, the stretching of muscle brought whimpers from Naruto, pain radiating up his spine. Only, the gentle murmurs and stroking hands kept him from pulling away.

“Shh, relax.” Sasuke panted, the fluttering of internal muscles driving him beyond his limit of control. It had never felt like this, this wild fire burning his soul to ash only to revive it once more, like the phoenix of old.

“Ahhh!” Naruto cried as Sasuke withdrew, only to push inside once more. The sensation sent sparks flying through him. The pain was nothing compared to the pleasure.

Grunting with every inward push, his body drew up. The familiar burn circling the base of his spine, waiting impatiently to be released. Sasuke’s eyes rolled back as his fingers dug hard enough to bruise Naruto’s hips. His hips jerked sporadically as his cock pulsed deep inside Naruto.

It was perhaps the most satisfying orgasm of his life. Panting erratically, he reached to grab Naruto’s reddened shaft. Stroking hard and fast, it wasn’t long before the blond was shivering and clenching around him as white streams of cum splattered on the wall.

Both collapsed the floor, breath panting and bodies shivering. Stroking his hands through sunshine spikes, Sasuke closed his eyes. The feeling of completion was so potent, he was unable to define where he ended and Naruto began. “Naruto…”

“Sasuke. I’ve never…”

“Stay the night with me?” he whispered, his hands continuing to shake.

The night was saturated with passion filled moans and stroking hands. As dawn crept across the horizon, Sasuke lay content in the arms of his lover. His phone began to vibrate. Knowing it could only be Itachi, he answered, careful not to wake Naruto. “Yes?”

“Where the fuck are you? I’m at the apartment.” Itachi’s voice transmitted his annoyance through the speaker.

“Nowhere.”

“Bullshit. Tell me where you are.”

“I’m with some easy lay I met after the shoot.” Sasuke hissed at his brother, not hearing Naruto come up behind him. He didn’t hear the tiny gasp of pain, nor did he see the look of abject hurt in blue eyes.

“Well, get your ass home. There are some things we need to discuss.” The line clicked, signaling that Itachi having ended the call.

“Asshole.”

“Actually, I think the term bastard is more appropriate.” Sasuke froze, his dark eyes widening at the angry voice behind him. Turning, despite the anger in his voice, Naruto only appeared very sad.

“Naruto, I didn’t mean…I just didn’t want Itachi to know about you.” Sasuke tried to explain but Naruto shook his head sadly.

“I thought you were different. I thought we connected. I guess I should thank you. You taught me how to fall in love and be heart broken in one night. Get dressed and leave.” Naruto pointed to the door, his hand shaking a little, tears pooling in his eyes.

“Wait a minute, god damn it.” growled Sasuke, his hands reaching for Naruto.

“Just get out you bastard.” yelled Naruto, anger and hurt evident.

“Let me explain, you idiot.” snapped Sasuke.

“There is no need to explain. Just get out.” Naruto shoved his clothes at Sasuke before slamming the door to his bedroom, locking Sasuke from the room.

Sasuke shut his eyes at the sound of the door slamming. For so long he’d kept his sexual preferences from Itachi, fearing his brother’s rejection. Now, his own fear had destroyed something precious. “I’m sorry.”

Sasuke left the small apartment, the overcast sky a perfect accompaniment to this mood. Upon entering the large studio/apartment he occupied with his brother and his brother‘s wife, he barely noticed his brother sitting on the sofa.

“I have excellent news. Your last photographs in Vogue drew the attention of a very prominent company in Japan. They want to sign you to an exclusive contract for one year. This is a great opportunity to get our name out on an international level. I’ll give you a couple of days to think…”

“I’ll do it.” Sasuke said, the monotonous tone of his voice drawing a frown to Itachi’s face.

“Sasuke why don’t you think about it. There is no rush.” Itachi narrowed his eyes at the distant look in Sasuke’s eyes.

“There’s no need to think about it. I have nothing holding me here other than you and I know you will be fine holding down the fort. Not to mention, you have Hinata with a baby on the way. It’s up to me to push us forward.” Sasuke shrugged off his camera case before tossing the bag with film waiting to be developed to Itachi.

“When is the earliest I can leave?”

“Sasuke, are you sure? We don’t have to do this. There will be other chances.” Itachi began.

“I’m sure. It’s not like I’m going to outer space. We will be able to talk on the phone and through the internet. I’ll leave it to you to get tickets in order and arrange an apartment.” Sasuke left his brother for his own part of the apartment.

Once in the safety of his room, he felt the tears begin to drip down his face. His fear had destroyed his chance at happiness. Maybe his time in Japan would help him forget Naruto.

Two days later, Sasuke was seated on a plane for Japan. His face was blank. His mind, however, swirled with the what could have beens.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Itachi exited the darkroom to find his wife on the sofa, the small bulge at her abdomen was evident through her clothes. She looked up to smile at her husband. “How were the photos from Sasuke’s shoot?”

“They were fine, much better than before. Nocturne will be pleased. The thing I’m curious about is this.” He handed her a series of photographs. The sole occupant of the photographs was an attractive blond. It was obvious he wasn’t a professional but the innocence and light that shined from him was stunning.

“Who is it?” she asked, sifting through the photographs.

“I don’t know. They were on a roll of film in the bag with those from the shoot. If Sasuke took them, he probably works for Nocturne. I’ll give them a call. This man is a natural. He could be famous. Sasuke probably forgot about them. He always did have an eye for talent.”

Hinata smiled as she paused on an image of the blond, smiling shyly for the camera. She blinked a few times. The images were breathtaking. Itachi was right. He was going to be famous.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

“Sasuke!”

Sasuke stepped wearily from customs, the sight of his brother, Hinata, and his ten month old niece greeted him. He could hardly believe he’d been away from them for a year. The company, so pleased with his performance, offered to renew his contract for another year. He told them he would like to spend a few weeks at home with his family before he decided anything.

“Sasuke, its so nice to see you.” Hinata smiled, her short bobbed hair swayed as she handed Tara to Itachi before hugging her brother-in-law.

“So this is my niece, up close and personal.” Sasuke smiled at the little girl reaching for him as if she’d known him her entire life.

“You haven’t lost your touch with the girls, I see.” Itachi deposited the baby in Sasuke’s arms as he grabbed the luggage.

Sasuke shook his head in exasperation. Leaning in to nuzzle the round cheek of his niece, earning a high pitched giggle. “They asked me to stay another year.”

Itachi paused, looking at his brother seriously. “Do you want to?”

“I don’t know…maybe.” Sasuke answered truthfully.

“We’ll talk about it later. Now, lets get you home. I’d imagine a hot shower is in order.” Itachi continued down towards the exits.

Sasuke let his eyes wander over the various advertisements as the stood on the moving pathway. When he saw the image of a blond, bared from the waist up, his mind nearly short circuited while his body went into overdrive at what he’d thought was a distant memory.

Passing Tara to Hinata then jumping over the rail, he stood staring at the smile he’d thought he would never see again.

“Sasuke!” Itachi called, handing the luggage to his wife before joining his brother.

“Are you nuts?” exclaimed Itachi until he saw the face holding Sasuke in rapture. “Ah, you have to remember him. If it wasn’t for the film you took of him, he’d probably still be undiscovered. I don’t know what you did to make him stand before the camera but the world thanks you. He’s becoming one of the most recognized faces in the US. I’d imagine he’ll be going global soon. He goes by the name Kitsune. He said he didn’t want his real name plastered all over magazines. Sasuke? Are you alright?”

Sasuke blinked a few times before nodding. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Yeah, let’s get you home.” Itachi escorted his brother to the end of the moving walkway where Hinata and Tara waited patiently.

IOIOIOIOIOIOI

“Sasuke, I need a favor.” Itachi said while spoon feeding Tara from a can of mush. Or, it looked like mush to Sasuke. The can, however, declared it to be sweet peas.

“What can I do for you?” Sasuke chuckled as Tara smiled at Uncle Sasuke, showing a mouth full of green mush.

“I need you to handle my shoot today. Hinata and I have a date with her family. I was going to reschedule the shoot but since you are here, I’ll let you handle it.” Itachi smiled at his brother’s disgruntled look.

“I thought this was supposed to be my vacation?” Sasuke pouted.

“Well, unless you want to join Hinata’s parents…”

“I’ll do it.”

Itachi chuckled as his brother moved away to prepare his equipment. He’d seen the way Sasuke would stare at the pictures of Kitsune. There was a story there, he only hoped that it had a happier ending this time. He’d never wanted to pry into his brother’s personal life until now.

“Daddy’s devious isn’t he, my little princess?” cooed Itachi to his daughter, who giggled manically as if she was a co-conspirator in the plot.

IOIOIOIOIOIOI

Sasuke sat in the dark studio, familiar feelings rushed through him. It was a different studio, a different building; but somehow, it felt the same. Closing his eyes, he took in the quiet that would soon leave.

The flickering of the lights told him it was time. Within moments, the room was bustling with life. The formerly darkened and bereft room now teaming with energy. From make-up artists to the lowly lighting adjuster, life exploded.

Setting up his camera, Sasuke began checking his film, taking a few practice shots of the set. He was ready, now he just had to wait for the models to arrive.

A hush fell over the room as the doors opened, light shown around the tall slender man entering. Sasuke glanced from fiddling with his lens to see the object of every one of his fantasies walk through the door. Naruto. The name he would never forget.

“My manager told me there was a substitute photographer here. He’s not an idiot like the last one is he?” Naruto’s eyes widened almost comically as they focused on Sasuke. “No! I’m not working with him.”

“What are you afraid?” Sasuke hissed, a small smirk at how flushed Naruto’s cheeks became at the jibe.

“I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Good, then lets get started. Get to make up and wardrobe.” Sasuke ordered before turning back to his camera, his heart pounding with the force of a thousand horses.

“Fine.” Naruto left the room to get ready for the shoot.

Sasuke sighed deeply, his mind now able to focus on the scene being set up.

Forty-five minutes later, Naruto exited wardrobe and make-up; his hair maintained the organized madness, his clothes loose khaki pants and a button down blue shirt. The shirt matched his eyes so perfectly, causing Sasuke to wonder if it was picked for that reason.

“How do you want me?” Sasuke almost moaned at the question. The answer mental answer was, bent over the nearest desk, table, or set prop. The verbal answer was, “I want a few test shots. Smile for me.”

Naruto blinked a few times before doing as he asked. Despite the initial uncomfortable feelings between the two, they began to work in a comfortable rhythm. Naruto seemed to know exactly what Sasuke wanted without him having to say it. The last series of shots for the day, featured Naruto topless in jeans, much like the first pictures he’d taken of him. Sasuke’s eyes widened as his mouth went dry.

Naruto stood calmly in the center, awaiting instruction. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he brought the camera up. “Tell me Kitsune, what do you like to do for fun?”

Naruto gasped, a blush stealing across his cheeks, the image was quickly snapped while he got over his initial shock at the question. “I, umm, like swimming and eating ramen.”

“Eating for fun? That’s strange.” Sasuke chuckled as Naruto’s face scrunched in a pout.

“What’s wrong with eating ramen?”

“How old are you, Naruto?”

“My birthday is today, I just turned nineteen.”

“Happy birthday, Naruto.” Neither one seemed to care Sasuke had dropped the use of Kitsune in favor of Naruto’s given name. No one else in the room mattered. “That’s a wrap.”

Sasuke approached Naruto. “Have dinner with me.”

Naruto seemed unsure, his eyes still carried a bit of the hurt. “I…can’t. I’m s-seeing someone.”

Sasuke didn’t believe he would survive the pain that shot through his chest at the words. Closing his eyes for the briefest of moments, he took a deep breath before speaking. “I’m glad you are doing well, Naruto. Take care.”

Picking up his equipment, he left the studio and Naruto. The drive to the apartment seemed to be at a snail’s pace. Or, perhaps it was that his heart seemed to have cracked beyond repair. Unshed tears pricked at his eyes.

Trudging into the apartment, Sasuke dropped his equipment in the doorway before shutting himself in his room; only then did he let the tears fall.

Itachi frowned, as he saw the lifeless look in his brother’s eyes as he walked towards his room. “Sasuke?” His question went unanswered as the door shut.

Sasuke did not leave his room until the next morning. Hinata was cooking breakfast while Itachi fed Tara. He sat quietly, his eyes lowered, hidden beneath bangs. The looks of concern from both adults went unnoticed. “I’m going back to Japan.”

“Sasuke…I’ve never pried into your life because I’ve always seen it as your life. Today, I’m going to ask. What happened at the shoot. Did something happen with Kitsune?” Itachi frowned.

“Just leave it, Itachi. It doesn’t matter anymore.” Sasuke stood, breakfast suddenly seeming unappetizing.

“I’m leaving in a week. I’ll make the arrangements.” Sasuke said before leaving the kitchen for his room. Best to mope in private.

“I don’t know what the fuck happened but I’m getting to the bottom of this.” Itachi growled.

IOIOIOIOIOI

The banging on Naruto’s apartment door roused the blond from sleep. For the last week, sleep had been slow coming, usually illusive until near dawn. He’d canceled three photo shoots because of it. He was in no shape to stand before the camera.

Pulling the covers over his head, he prayed that whoever it was would go away. He just wanted to be left alone. The banging didn’t stop but got louder. Enough was enough.

Jumping from bed, he stomped to the door, ripping it open. “What?”

“I want to know what you did to my brother and I want to know now.” Itachi growled, anger so thick his voice deepened dangerously low.

“I didn’t do anything to that bastard.” Naruto groused, scowling as Itachi stormed into his apartment.

“Naruto, I’m going to ask you only one more time. What did you do to Sasuke? If I didn’t know my brother, I would have put him on suicide watch after the shoot with you. Now you better start talking.”

“What’s to tell. He told you I was just an easy fuck.” Naruto dug through his pantry for coffee. If he wasn’t going to be allowed to sleep, he might as well infuse his blood with caffeine.

“What the hell are you talking about? He said no such thing.”

“I don’t mean the other day. I mean before. He stayed here with me but when you called, he said I was just a quick fuck and not important. He asked me out after the shoot and I told him I was seeing someone. I’m not, but that’s beside the point.”

Itachi was silent for several minutes before asking. “Do you regret it?”

“What?”

“Lying to him.”

“Of course not.” Naruto began to shift nervously on his feet.

“Then why do you look like my brother. He hasn’t been sleeping either.”

Naruto stared at the floor. His lip quivered, unshed tears visible in his eyes.

“He’s leaving for Japan today. I don’t know if he will ever be back.” Itachi said quietly.

“I…umm…I think…”

“Do you want to know what I think?” asked Itachi, placing a hand on Naruto’s shoulder. The blond nodded in affirmation.

“I think you need to go to the airport and tell him how you feel. I can’t tell you how to live your life, but it’s obvious that you two need each other.” Itachi smiled, making him look far younger than he appeared.

“I think…I need to see Sasuke.”

“Good.”

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

“Are you sure Itachi will make it?” Sasuke glanced at his watch. He would need to make his way to customs soon.

Hinata nodded, Tara gurgling happily with a toy in her stroller. Sasuke sighed, this would be the last time he saw his brother for who knew how long. He wanted to see him. Glancing at his watch again, he closed his eyes. He couldn’t wait any longer or he would miss his flight. “Hinata, tell Itachi that I’ll call once I’m there.”

The woman smiled sadly but nodded her understanding. Sasuke knelt before the stroller, his fingers stroked the saliva dampened cheeks of his niece. “Hey, princess. I’ll send you some goodies from Japan.”

Sasuke gave a half-hearted wave to Hinata before handing his ticket to the airport employee. Rubbing his hand across his chest, he fought back the tears. This was for the best. If he was thousands of miles from Naruto, maybe he could move on as the blond obviously had. So lost in his thoughts, he didn’t hear his name shouted.

“Come on you bastard, don’t you dare ignore me.” shouted Naruto, causing Sasuke to jerk around in shock.

“What the hell are you doing here, idiot.” Sasuke frowned.

“I…wanted to see you.”

“Well, you’ve seen me. I have a plane to catch…”

“I lied.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry, sir. You are holding up the line. Please move into the waiting area.” The employee gestured for Sasuke to proceed through. He shook his head. “Sir, if you don’t move, I will be forced to call security.”

“Sasuke, stay.” Naruto’s eyes pleaded with the older man; begged for him to remain with him.

“I…”

“Sir!”

“I’m staying.” Sasuke shoved past a few passengers, making his way towards Naruto. For several moments they stood, staring into each other’s eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Sasuke whispered, his eyes locked with the brightest blue he’d ever seen.

“I lied to you. About seeing someone. I…can’t stand for anyone to touch me…not after…I mean…” Naruto fumbled over the words, tears glistening in his eyes.

“You idiot.” Sasuke growled before pulling Naruto into a kiss. In front of Itachi and Hinata, in front of an entire airport filled with strangers, he kissed Naruto as if he was dying of thirst. Naruto was the oasis. He needed him.

“I’m sorry.” he murmured, repeating the words over and over, ending each with a kiss.

Naruto wrapped his arms around Sasuke’s waist, pulling him closer. Burying his face in the warm neck, he growled. “You are still a bastard.”

Itachi looked at his wife, snickering at the tears in her eyes. She always was a romantic. He supposed this was a good thing. Now Sasuke would stay in the U.S. and Tara and her soon to be little sibling would have Uncle Sasuke and Uncle Naruto to look after them. Life was good indeed. Sasuke would owe him for this. He smirked. Oh yes, Sasuke would owe him big time.

~Fin