Sasuke was indulging in his favorite pastime, watching Naruto. The unaware blond was currently sitting on the Hokage Monument watching Konoha. Sasuke had discovered that whenever Naruto wanted a quiet place to think this is where he went. Also Naruto's mindset determined which head he sat on. Today he was on the Yondaime's head which meant that either he was disturbed and trying to solve a problem or that some villager had been cruel to him. Considering the slightly sad expression on his face Sasuke was betting on the latter. 'Damn villagers.'
Naruto jumped when he heard someone's step behind him. He knew who it was, they'd made no attempt to hide their chakra.
"Hey Sasuke-teme. What brings you here?"
Sasuke walked over and sat next to the orange clad moron.
"That's what I want to ask you, usuratonkachi. Why are you up here?"
"Just wanted to have a few minutes without some one sneering at me."
'Sometimes I hate being right,' thought Sasuke, "What did someone say?"
"The usual demon-brat you'll never be Hokage stuff."
"The usual doesn't bother you enough to seek refuge up here."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Well, there was something new."
"And that was?"
"Quote 'A monster that wears so much orange can't be a competent genin much less a Hokage.' Unquote."
Sasuke snorted, "And that bothered you?"
"Well he had a point about the jumpsuit's color making things difficult."
Sasuke shook his head, "If you agree then why do you wear the orange jumpsuit?"
Naruto was silent for a minute then, "Promise you won't laugh or call me an idiot?"
"You have my word."
Naruto sighed, "I hate orange, one day I decided that if I could stand wearing something I hate then maybe the villagers would be able to accept me one day. Over time it became a habit."
Sasuke felt his heart constrict at the thought of a young Naruto making the decision to wear something he hates as a symbol of hope.'Why the hell can't the villagers see him and not the Kyuubi?'
"Teme?"
"Hn?"
"Why do you care anyway?"
'Oh if only you knew Naruto.' "I care because you're one of the very few people I actually like."
"Thanks teme."
Naruto glanced at Sasuke and looked away. 'Why did it have to be him that I fell in love with?'
Oh quit whining and just jump him.
'You just want me to get laid.'
Well it's not like I'm gonna get laid anytime soon so you getting laid is the next best thing.
'You're just a perverted voyeur.'
But I'm a useful voyeur. I've told you the Uchiha brat has the hots for you so jump him already!
'Not going to happen. If you're wrong I could lose one of the few people who really see me for who I am.' Kyuubi shut up, he knew that Naruto was too stubborn to budge on this issue.
Sasuke was making a decision as to whether or not to make a move on Naruto.'Worst case scenario: he'll hate me, not likely but I can deal with that. Most likely scenario: he's straight in which case we can deal with it and remain friends. Second most likely scenario: he's gay but loves someone else, in which case I'll just seduce him into loving me. Best case scenario: he returns my feelings and we start a relationship. I don't have much to lose other than my pride. I'll give it a shot but I'll start subtlely.'
Satisfied with his decision, Sasuke turned towards Naruto, "Whoever it was that insulted you today was wrong, you know. After all you're one of the top ranked jonins."
Naruto grinned, "Yeah, you're right. Thanks Sasuke."
"Hn. That being said, why not stop wearing the orange? You don't need to wear it to prove the villagers wrong and besides most of the Konoha ninjas accept you."
"Like I said, it's mostly a habit now but you're right that I don't need to wear it any more."
"So why not get rid of it?"
"Well it's all I have to wear besides three black shirts and some underwear, and I don't have much money for a new wardrobe."
"Your birthday is in a week right?"
"Uh yeah."
"I'll pay for a new wardrobe as a birthday gift."
"I can't let you do that and besides I have no sense of style whatsoever."
Sasuke wracked his brain trying to find another argument. Slowly a wicked smile spread across his face as a solution occurred to him, "I bet I can render the jumpsuit unwearable during a spar. If I do then you let me pay for the new wardrobe and let Sakura help pick it out."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit roused, "And if you can't render it unwearable? What do I get teme?"
"I'll do anything you tell me to for a week."
"Anything?"
"Anything legal."
Naruto grinned, "You're on teme."
They set off for the private Uchiha training grounds.
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Naruto lay on his back panting, "Not a word, Teme."
Sasuke was sitting at the base of a tree smirking at the charred remains of the jumpsuit. The jacket had been lost in the first minute but the pants had been a challenge to burn off without hurting Naruto. He'd done it though and had the pleasure of seeing Naruto's blue ramen bowl boxers.
"You're gonna have to let me borrow a pair of pants, Teme. I can't walk home in my boxers."
"That's fine. You're meeting me and Sakura at Ichiraku at 8 am tomorrow."
"Fine just get those pants."
Sasuke smirked as he went to get Naruto some pants.
Naruto walked towards the ramen shop wearing a tight black shirt and the very tight black pants Sasuke had loaned him and he was getting a lot of admiring looks. He really was pretty hot. He had the well packed lean muscles of an endurance runner, his hair was a little longer and was more shaggy than spiky now. His face was no longer round with baby fat but had fined down to a square jaw and high cheekbones. His most striking feature was the only thing unchanged, his eyes were still that clear, bright, mesmerizing blue.
He went into Ichiraku and sat next to Sakura who was staring in shock. "Naruto?"
"G'morning Sakura-chan. Sasuke-teme here yet?"
"Wha? Oh! No, not yet."
Naruto noticed her shocked state, "Sakura-chan you okay?"
She shook herself out of it, "Yes I'm fine. I was just a little surprised by how different you look without the jumpsuit."
"Different? How so?"
"You're...well hot is the only word for it really. You're probably gonna get a fanclub soon."
Naruto blushed and muttered his order for a bowl of miso ramen before thanking her for the compliment.
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Sasuke showed up just as Naruto finished his ramen.
"Sasuke-kun you're late."
"Hn, I had to deal with an irritant."
"Who was it, Teme?"
"Lee wanting a match."
Naruto snickered knowing how persistent Lee could be when he wanted to spar, "How'd you get rid of him?"
"I told him that I heard yesterday that Neji wanted a match with him."
Naruto and Sakura both broke into hysterical laughter.
"Neji's gonna kill you, Teme."
"Hn. Let's go. Time to get your new clothes dobe."
That shut Naruto up immediately.
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Naruto was slowly and not so quietly losing his mind, "Sakura-chaaaan we've been in the same store for three hours! Let's take a break."
"Hush, I'm still not sure which style is best for you. Rockstar or White Boy Rapper style?"
"What's the difference anyway?"
"White Boy Rapper has a lot of baggy pants and wife beater tanktops-"
"Wait, is that the kind of style where the pants are so low you can see five inches of boxers?"
"Well, yes."
"There is no way I'm wearing that. My underwear is only meant to be seen by me."
Sakura sighed, "That only leaves Rockstar style."
"Which is?"
"Well for example fishnet shirts over or under tank tops and tight hip-hugger pants."
"That's fine as long as the pant legs are loose so I can move. I'm not a rockstar, I'm a ninja who has to fight so stick to durable stuff that allows for easy movement okay?"
"Fine fine."
With that Sakura got down to the business of picking out pants, shirts, belts, and the occasional arm bands for Naruto to try on.
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" Oh HELL NO! There is no way I'm wearing this."
"Oh come on Naruto it can't be that bad."
"These pants are so tight you can tell my religion! And the shirt has more holes in it than one of Kakashi's late excuses! The whole point of clothes is to cover up and protect your skin."
"Okay don't have a cow, sheesh. Just change out of them and put them in the reject pile."
Sasuke was sitting in a chair pretending to read while listening to Naruto's reactions to Sakura's outfit choices. He was mostly accepting of them but occasionally he'd have a violently negative, albeit hilarious, reaction. However there still hadn't been any that he'd really liked. Sakura handed the last outfit she'd picked out to Naruto through the crack of the dressing room door. Silence then, "Oh no. No."
"What's wrong with that one?"
"I look like a male stripper."
Sasuke's eyes widened and he nearly choked on his own drool at the mental image Naruto's words conjured up. Sakura just sighed, "Alright change out of it and hand me the rejects."
Naruto grumbled as he changed out of the black vinyl.
"So?"
"I handed you fifteen."
"Look Sakura-chan while most of those look okay they're not practical for missions. I'm a guy, I care more for practicality than for the latest style."
Sakura winced knowing he was right and that she had gone overboard, "Okay. Sasuke picked out a few things for you. Here's the first one."
Clothes rustled as Naruto changed into the outfit, "...It's nice."
"A keeper?"
"Yeah."
Naruto went through the next eight only saying that they were nice. However when he put the last outfit on his jaw dropped. The pants were black leather hip-huggers that were snug around the hips but fit loosely around his legs. The hems had flames embroidered in red thread. The shirt was crimson with three quarter length sleeves and a hem that stopped an inch above the pant's waistband. The hem, collar, and cuffs were embroidered with black flames and on the back was a black fox.
"Naruto?"
"I like it. A lot."
"Well lets see it then."
When Naruto came out of the dressing room Sakura's jaw dropped and Sasuke had to control a nosebleed. Sakura said, "You have to get that one. It looks amazing on you."
Naruto turned cherry red before going back into the dressing room to change back into the borrowed pants and his black shirt. After the clothes were paid for he said, "So we're finished right?"
Sakura grinned, "Nope, you still need shoes."
Naruto's cry of dismay was heard halfway across the village.
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Naruto put his foot down and told Sakura in no uncertain terms that he would spend only thirty minutes looking for shoes and would not get more than three pairs. Sakura knew when to quit so she picked out two pairs of ninja sandals, one pair was dark blue while the other was black. They looked around for Sasuke and saw him talking to a clerk over a pair of black combat boots, he motioned them over.
"Naruto try these on will you?"
"Eh? Okay."
Naruto put the boots on and stood up blinking in surprise, "They feel more balanced and supporting than the ninja sandals."
"The clerk said that they're designed specifically for shinobi. See that silver catch on the heel? Nudge it."
When Naruto hit the catch a blade sprang out of the front of the boot. He grinned, "Now this is more like it. How do I retract the blade?"
"Hit the catch again."
Naruto took the boots off after retract the blade. As the shoes were paid for Naruto said something about needing to train wearing the boots so he could use them effectively in battle. Sasuke just tipped up one corner of his mouth pleased that Naruto was happy with his new wardrobe.
Naruto treated Sakura and Sasuke to lunch and even let them choose the restaurant, a sushi place. He picked at his food but only Sasuke noticed. Naruto was thanking Sakura for coming along and helping out when Sasuke snatched a piece of sushi off his plate.
"Teme, put that back!"
Sasuke smirked, "Why? You're obviously not eating and I'm still hungry."
Naruto paled and grabbed Sasuke's wrist saying quietly, "Trust me Sasuke you don't want to eat that. If you're still hungry order more for yourself, okay?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as Naruto let go of his wrist. He brought the piece of sushi to his nose and sniffed. His eyes widened in shock, it was rotten.
"Is all the sushi on your plate like this?"
Naruto just closed his eyes and nodded. Sakura looked confusedly at Sasuke's furious expression, "Like what, Sasuke-kun?"
"This sushi's rotten, Sakura."
"Then order some more I'm sure they'll replace it."
Naruto looked at her, "No, Sakura-chan it won't matter. Ichiraku is the only restaurant that will serve me food that isn't rotten."
"What! Why!"
"The you-know-what."
Sakura's eyes narrowed and she would have made a scene if Naruto hadn't asked her not to.
When they got up Naruto handed Sasuke his wallet, "Here will you give the money to the cashier? If I try to do it I'll be ignored."
Sasuke was trembling with rage as he paid the bill, completely infuriated by the villager's treatment of Naruto. 'I'm going to have to do something about this and soon,' he thought as he rejoined Naruto and Sakura outside.
Sakura hugged Naruto, "Thanks for treating me to lunch even though you didn't get to eat."
Naruto gave her a quick squeeze, "I like to treat you guys from time to time."
"I need to get to work at the hospital now. I'll see you two later."
With that she walked away scheming about how to get the restaurants to treat Naruto with respect.
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Naruto and Sasuke walked to Naruto's apartment to put the clothes up. Naruto opened his door, "Uh make yourself as comfortable as you can while I put these in my closet."
Sasuke had been in Naruto's one room apartment before but had never paid much attention to the decor, or rather the lack of it. The kitchen half had a tiny sink, a portable electric burner in place of a stove, an old beat up mini fridge and a pyramid of instant ramen. The living room half had a warped piece of plywood on top of two milk crates for a table and two milk crates for chairs. Sasuke followed Naruto into his bedroom which was really an area sectioned off from the kitchen/living room with a sheet.
Naruto was putting the clothes into a special armored steel cabinet and under the single window was a rolled up sleeping bag. Sasuke peered into Naruto's metal 'closet' and saw a ton of scrolls, books, weapons, and a few knickknacks.
"Why do you have this thing," Sasuke kicked the 'closet', "and not any furniture?"
Naruto squirmed, "Well people break in and trash my place regularly so I keep my important things in the armored lockbox and I can't afford furniture because I have to spend a lot of money on repairs. Also there's not much point in paying for furniture that's just gonna get trashed."
Sasuke paled at this little glimpse into the hell that is Naruto's daily life. It hurt to know that Naruto had been suffering so long and he'd never known or helped. To distract himself Sasuke went into a little alcove that turned out to be the bathroom. There was barely enough room to turn around. The shower was one of those square standing room only deals, and the sink was directly across from it. To get to the toilet you had to walk sideways between the shower and sink. It was depressing to say the least. Sasuke went back into the main room and saw Naruto grimacing at a steaming cup of instant ramen before wolfing it down.
Naruto suppressed a shiver of disgust, "Oh Yuck."
"I thought you liked ramen?"
Naruto jumped at Sasuke's questioning voice. He turned to see Sasuke frowning in confusion.
"I do but only Ichiraku's ramen. Instant ramen's gross."
"Then why do you eat so much of it?"
"Same reason I don't eat at restaurants, the food I buy at the grocers seems to become mysteriously rotten as soon as it's rung up, is broken into uselessness, or is ruined in some other way. Instant ramen is the only thing they can't ruin."
Sasuke walked over to Naruto, cupped his cheek and leaned his forehead against Naruto's. Their hitai-ates clinked and Naruto's eyes widened. Sasuke looked into the bright blue eyes of his best friend, "I'm so sorry you've had to deal with so much pain and that I've never done anything to help."
Naruto was speechless, Sasuke's voice was so regretful and gentle, and his eyes were full of sorrow and concern. Naruto raised a hand to thread his fingers through Sasuke's hair gently, "You have helped. You've acknowledged me, befriended me, and you chase the loneliness away."
Sasuke kissed him then, needing to kiss Naruto as much as he needed air at that moment. Naruto closed his eyes and leaned into the kiss bringing his other hand up to Sasuke's hair, holding him close as his tongue slipped into Naruto's mouth. Sasuke had his arms around Naruto, one hand in his hair and the other on his backside. The kiss continued for an indeterminate amount of time before the two had to separate for air.
Naruto panted, hands still in Sasuke's hair. Sasuke's own hands were on either side of Naruto's hips and he had his face in the crook between Naruto's neck and shoulder.
"Sasuke?"
Sasuke chuckled, "You taste like ramen and strawberries, Dobe."
Naruto bristled, "Well you taste like green apples and vanilla, Teme!"
Sasuke raised his head, "I don't want to fight right now, Naruto."
"Sasuke, what does this mean?"
"Usuratonkachi. I want you. I'm going to steal your heart and make you love me."
With that startling announcement Sasuke left Naruto alone so he could absorb Sasuke's words.
Lovelessxx00 Community Member 
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