Shifting Emotions

A/N: There will be Neji/Naru and Sasuke/Shikamaru mentioned in this fic. They will be main pairings until later chapters. There will also be no Neji bashing nor Shikamaru bashing as well. Everything will be explained throughout the fic and no cheating will be occurring either. I have to point this out because this fic is based on the fact that everyday things come between couples and make them drift apart, but they're so comfortable with their relationship, that they don't leave unless they have a good reason.  Enjoy the read. 

 

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The apartment was empty again, a normal occurrence nowadays it seemed. The feeling of abandonment didn’t well up within him, and he wondered if he was numb to the situation now. Six months of only a few dates here and there wasn’t enough to keep the spark in his relationship and surely his boyfriend knew that, or at least he had hoped he did.



Turning on a lamp to light the apartment, Naruto Uzumaki plopped himself on the leather couch that sat in the middle of the living room. His legs ached from the jog he had just finished up and a full body massage would have been welcomed. But he wouldn’t get one tonight as he glanced at the clock, it was already going on seven in the evening and if Neji Hyuuga wasn’t home by now, then he wouldn’t be showing up at all.



Naruto thought about the past few months, about the rift that had opened between them. He wasn’t bitter about it, but it frustrated him to no end that he was no longer number one on Neji’s list. He tried to find that specific moment in time where they had just stopped caring about one another, but he couldn’t find it. It was as if that moment didn’t exist and here he was trying to find it.



Standing up, Naruto made his way to the bathroom. He stunk and couldn’t deal with the sweat of his exertion from earlier, having went on a run after rehearsal. He would stay in tonight and watch some old black and white films. It had been a long time since he had indulged himself with junk food and felt that he deserved the reward.



He stepped under the hot water and the stress left his shoulders. Naruto had always enjoyed scalding hot showers, he found them relaxing and they certainly helped improve his mood. Sighing contently he went through his routine automatically, his mind occupied on what he wanted to watch tonight. A quiet evening would be most welcomed after the stress of rehearsal today.



While he loved being a cellist, Naruto wondered why in the world he went professional and performed in an orchestra. He would have been content with his own studio teaching others, but Neji had pressured him into entering the professional scene, nothing but the best for Hyuugas.



He scowled at the thought of that motto. While it was certainly true, Naruto hated it with a passion. It made him feel as though he were an object and not a person to be cherished. Like he was another trophy on the Hyuuga’s mantle.



Stepping out of the shower, he toweled his body dry and let the towel hang over his shoulders. He quickly pulled his lounge pants on as his cell phone rang. Unable to squash down the bit of hope that Neji was calling him, he glanced at the caller ID and was disappointed when he saw Kiba’s face on the phone.



“What do you want, dogface?” Naruto greeted as he answered the phone. All he wanted was to be left alone tonight and his best friend knew that.



“Hey, a bunch of us are goin’ down to the bar on 5th. We’re dragging your mopey ass with us!” Kiba’s gruff voice held no room for argument.



“Sorry, I’m staying in tonight. I have plans with the T.V.” Naruto grumbled as he padded into the living room.



“No can do, good buddy. We’re already at your door.” And sure enough, there was knocking as Naruto cursed his bad luck.



He stalked over to the door and ripped it open and there his small group of friends stood, everyone of them smiling at him as they filtered into his apartment. Naruto knew that he wouldn’t win this battle so he begrudgingly walked to his room to change his clothes.



~~

The bar was a hotspot tonight for a Wednesday. It seemed as though everyone didn’t care that tomorrow was still a workday and drank like it was the weekend. Naruto watched as several pick up attempts failed and kept his laughter to himself. He knew he shouldn’t find amusement in the failures, not when his own situation wasn’t something to laugh at. But he needed something to distract him from the train wreck that was his life.



He knew the simple solution was to leave Neji, but there wasn’t a reason yet. There was no infidelity on his partners end and Naruto wasn’t about to go and cheat just to have Neji break up with him. He was comfortable in this rut and knew that until he found a reason to leave, he’d stay. Neji had never brought up their rift when he was at home and Naruto had to wonder if he knew anything was wrong between them.



Sighing, he sat back in the booth and watched as his friends tried to chat up whatever person would listen to them. Even here, he felt alone. He thought that his friends would stay and they would catch up with each other, but it seemed as though they were more interested in finding a bed partner.



He looked to the bar and saw a lone figure sitting there. The posture of the man seemed to scream defeat and Naruto couldn’t help but be drawn to the other. Gathering his nerves, he grabbed his water and slipped out of the booth. He ignored the looks and whispers as people pointed to him. Ever since he had hit the stage, people who had followed orchestra knew who he was.



Sitting on the high bar stool, he didn’t say anything for a few minutes. The man hadn’t even registered his existence just yet and Naruto wasn’t sure how to start up a conversation. It’d been years since he had last struck up a conversation with a complete stranger.



“Hey, I’m Naruto.” He said, getting the man’s attention as he smiled. It didn’t quite reach his eyes, but that didn’t matter, he had the man’s attention.



And what a gorgeous man he was. Dark bangs hung into even darker eyes, framed by the latest designer glasses, they were so brown that they borderlined on black. His skin was pale, but not ghostly white and he found that it suited the other.



“What are you staring at, moron?” The man hissed as he glared at the other, evidently not impressed with him.



“You, I guess.” Naruto answered, grinning. He could see the body tensing even more, his eyes were always observing what others missed it made him valuable in the orchestra. “I’m just a bit lonely and wanted to strike up a conversation.”



“You’re barking up the wrong tree. I’m in a committed relationship,” the man snapped as the glare intensified.



“So am I,” Naruto answered softly, as he stood. Getting ready to leave, a hand was placed on his arm. Looking down, he saw an unguarded expression.



“Just stay, you’ve went through the trouble of introducing yourself, might as well stay.” The man’s voice held a tone that had Naruto interested.



“Sure,” he answered as he sat back down on the stool, his drink cradled between his hands.



“My name is Sasuke, it’s nice to meet you,” the other introduced himself as he held his hand out. Naruto took it and offered a true smile, the first of the night.



“So, what are ya doing in a place like this? If I remember correctly, you have a significant other.” Naruto answered as he took his hand, already sad at the loss of the cool hand.



“My boyfriend is on business in China, if you must know.” Sasuke answered as he took a drink of his brown concoction. Naruto wasn’t sure what it was since he wasn’t that familiar with alcohol. He kept it as far away as possible from his body.



“Ah, mine is as well.” Naruto answered, finding it uncanny that the first person he struck up a conversation with had a partner who in business as well.



“Well isn’t that a coincidence,” Sasuke snarked as he swished the alcohol. “Tell me, what’s your partner’s name?”



“Neji Hyuuga,” Naruto answered automatically, there wasn’t any hint of affection in his tone. There had been a day when he spoke his lovers name with a hint of reverence and love, but now, it was as if Neji were nothing more than an acquaintance.



“Ah, then our partners know one another. I’m Shikamaru Nara’s partner.” Sasuke answered, waiting for the blond to flip out once he had recognized that his last name was Uchiha.



“So you’re a Uchiha, huh? If you’re Sasuke, then you’re the painter, am I right?” Naruto said gently, noticing that the other was expecting some sort of gushing fan.



“That’s correct,” he said, his shoulders slacking in relief at the way the blond didn’t fawn over him.



“I’ve seen a few of your art shows,” Naruto said as he scooted a bit closer. “I didn’t care for the Village series though, it seemed...too forced.”



“You noticed that?” Sasuke asked surprised. Most people had praised that series and never spoke ill of it. It had irritated him to no end that no one seemed to notice that the paintings had been forced, the brushstrokes harsher than their predecessors.



“Heh, yeah. You’d had to have been blind not to.” Naruto answered as he sipped his water, his blue eyes gazing at the other over the glass.



“At least someone out there noticed it, I was beginning to wonder if there was nothing but morons on this planet,” Sasuke joked, enjoying the conversation with the blond.



“Heh, you know, I was thinking the same thing.” Naruto’s smile was plastered to his face and nothing could take it away. As they conversed, an easy friendship formed and both men couldn’t help but feel some sort of connection between them.



When his friends had come to gather him, Naruto already had Sasuke’s number. He had agreed to at least text the other man so they could stay in touch just in case their respective partners were out on business once again.



“So who was that dude, Naruto?” Kiba asked, being the neverending busybody that he was.



“Just an acquaintance I should have met before,” Naruto answered slyly, knowing that his response would drive Kiba up the wall. The other started to beg for details, but he refused to answer the hyperactive man.



“C’mon! It’s not everyday that you talk to some stranger!” Kiba pouted as he slung an arm over the slender shoulders. “So spill the beans!”



“I don’t think so,” Naruto sung playfully, this was his first good mood in weeks and he didn’t want to come down from his high. It felt that for once in his life, something was going right and he couldn’t help the silly grin that spread on his lips.



~~



It was another brutal rehearsal and Naruto sighed as quitting time came up. It was two weeks out to the real performance and the maestro was nowhere near satisfied with some of the musicians. And so they had stayed an extra thirty minutes just to be told off and what horrible performers they were.



Going outside of the studio, Naruto was surprised to see the Hyuuga family limo. The last he had talked to Neji, the other wasn’t coming back for another week or so. Some person had botched whatever deal he was working on and it would take another few days to sort, at least that was the assumption Naruto had.



Smiling, he opened the door and was happy to see Neji sitting there with a present in his lap and an apologetic smile on his face. It was moments like these that he thought their relationship could be saved. Throwing his duffle to the floor, Naruto scooted in and then proceeded to tackle Neji, mindful of the present in the other’s lap.



“What are you doing here?” He asked as he pecked his boyfriend's nose, the feelings of neglect and abandonment dissipating as Neji held him gently. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”



Neji chuckled, the smooth sound music to Naruto’s ears. “I wouldn’t miss our anniversary, love.”



“It’s our anniversary already?” Naruto asked, confused. He was sure it was nowhere close. The smile on Neji’s had him confused.



“It is, you’ve been so busy with rehearsal that I bet you’ve forgotten. Oh woe is me! I’ve been forgotten so easily!” Neji said dramatically as he hit the backseat of the limo, his eyes closed.



“I haven’t forgotten!” Naruto protested, playing along as he straddled the slender waist and kissed Neji’s lips, closing his eyes when the other came back to ‘life’ and dominated him.



“Mmm, you still taste the same,” Neji murmured as he pulled away. “I’m sorry I’m gone so long. But I’ve heard you’ve made a new friend.”



Settling into the other’s man side, Naruto placed his head under Neji’s chin. “Sasuke, you mean? Yeah, it’s nice to have someone to hang out with besides Kiba.”



“I know you practically drooled over his artwork,” Neji teased as his hands ghosted along Naruto’s sides.



“Hmm, yeah. But still, I have you to hold me whereas, artwork can’t do that.” He grinned as Neji kissed his nose.



Neji went to say something, but his cellphone rang at that particular moment. He pulled it out and answered it, unconsciously pushing Naruto to the side as he leaned forward, going into business mode.



Naruto knew now that the night would be lost between them. Neji’s business always came first anymore and in all honesty he was just used to it. He didn’t know if his boyfriend was aware of it or not, Neji was smart, but sometimes the small things in life escaped him.



“You have to go don’t you?” He whispered as Neji snapped the phone shut.



“I’m sorry, love. It’s something that they can’t fix on their own.” Neji said as he kissed the other on the forehead. “I won’t be home until late tonight.”



Naruto only smiled, saying that he understood, though he couldn’t help the sinking feeling in his stomach. He sighed as the limo made a turn towards the Hyuuga building. He knew he would be going home alone and it bothered him.



Naruto wasn’t one who liked silence. It was the reason he had started playing the cello when he was a kid. Even though the orphanage was full of children, somehow Naruto had always spent time alone at the opposite end. The other kids never bothered him, considering him strange with the scars on his cheeks.



It was in a spare room that he’d found the cello and started playing. The sound of his music had attracted others to him and they stood, watching him play the cello like he was a pro. So, that day forward, he was given a tutor and was put on display for the world.



He kissed Neji promptly before the other left the limo, Naruto had been so caught up in his thoughts that he had not realized the limo had stopped. He watched sadly as Neji entered the building, disappearing from his sight.



He pulled his cell from his pocket and scrolled through his contacts. Naruto disliked his touch screen phone, but Neji had insisted only the best for him. His finger stopped when he saw Sasuke’s name on the screen. It was more than likely that the other was alone tonight as well, hitting the name, the call connected and ringing filled the limo since Naruto had it on speakerphone.



“Naruto?” Sasuke’s smooth voice filled the limo. “What’s up?”



“Are you just waking up?” Naruto teased as he relaxed against the back of the seat.



“Mmm hmm, had a late night at my latest art show. What are you up to?” The tone was suspicious since Sasuke was aware that Naruto had a hidden side, the prankster in him coming out at odd times.



“Not much, got dumped for work on my anniversary. He showed up and surprised me! It had potential, but he got a call from the office and took off,” his tone was filled with disappointed.



“That sucks, it was probably the same situation Shikamaru left for too. I know the deal they’re working is complicated and even the small details that the assistants should be able to fix are getting fucked.”



Naruto sighed. “Yeah, I knew that. I was just so damn excited because it seemed like he was putting actual effort into tonight and then it all goes to hell...as usual.”



“So, let me guess. You called me in hopes that we could hang out tonight?”



“Yep! You got it!” Naruto answered brightly.



“I suppose, but you haven’t been to my latest show have you?”



“Nope, I supposed we could hit that up and then maybe catch a movie at my place?” He resisted the urge to groan as he realized what he had said. He sounded like some love-struck teenager.



“If I didn’t know you any better, moron, I’d say you were asking me out. But I can meet you at the gallery in say an hour? I have to shower and whatnot and I’m sure you’re just coming out of rehearsal.”



“Yeah, I am. I know where the gallery so I’ll see you there.”



~~



There weren’t that many people at the gallery and Naruto was relieved. His face was easily recognizable and he didn’t want to steal any of Sasuke’s spotlight. The other man was running a tad late as Naruto perused his gallery. He had gotten tired of waiting for other and began to explore the exhibit on his own.



This time, Sasuke had gone with watercolor paintings, but instead of the normal landscapes, the artist had painted seascapes and the effect was beautiful. He honestly like these pieces better than the damn Village series.



He was staring at a mermaid swimming through a school of fish, almost blending in. He was startled as someone stood beside, their presence not announced by footsteps. Naruto turned his head and sighed in relief as he saw Sasuke.



“Where’ve you been, bastard?” He asked, amused as the artist scrutinized his own work.



“Hn, Shikamaru called and we spent twenty minutes talking.” Sasuke answered as he gave the other man a pointed look.



“Ah, that’s cool.” He answered awkwardly as he shuffled his feet. “I’ve been through the whole show. I have to say, I like this a lot.”



Sasuke studied him for a moment before he decided Naruto was telling the truth. “Well since you’ve seen it, let’s head to your place. You better not have picked any action flicks.”



“And what’s wrong with action flicks?” Naruto asked, scandalized.



“They’re all the same,” Sasuke answered smirking as they passed through the doors, everyone looking at them.



“They are not! They’re different!” Naruto insisted as they walked down the street, shoulders bumping every so often.



The discussion turned into a heated argument that had lasted all the way to the apartment. People would sta​re at them as they passed by, Naruto being a little loud when he defended his favorite genre. He may have been a cellist, but that still didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy a good action film.



“Whatever you say, moron. I still think we should watch a psychological thriller.”



They entered the apartment, the lights as usual were off, meaning that Neji hadn’t made it home yet and Naruto knew that the other was telling the truth when he said he wouldn’t home until late. He threw his jacket on the back of the couch before he jumped on it and got comfortable, his legs hanging over the arm.



“Well are you gonna join me?” Naruto asked as Sasuke raised a slender eyebrow at his display.



“There’s no room for me.” He stated sourly as he took a seat on an armchair. “So, what exactly are we watching?”



“Gothika?” Naruto suggested as he sat up and made room for Sasuke. “You can sit here, I don’t bite.”



“If I didn’t know you were already in a relationship, I’d say you were coming onto me,” Sasuke teased as he stayed where he was.



“Heh, I don’t flirt, bastard. I take what I want.” Naruto said as he puffed his chest out, his cheeks filled with air.



“Whatever,” Sasuke scoffed as he leaned back and gave Naruto a look. “Well, are you going to put that movie in or not?”





“Yeah, yeah. Hold your panties princess,” Naruto said as he moved from the couch and found the movie in question. He popped it into the blu-ray player and quickly moved back to the couch, the remote clutched in his hand.



He turned the T.V. on and soon both men were engrossed in the movie as they enjoyed having another human being in the room for once. It was something that they had missed and though it felt strange. They had these movie nights since they met three weeks ago and it helped curbed the loneliness just a little as their respective partners worked out the problems with their deals. The silence between wasn’t awkward and both just basked that there another human nearby.