Chapter Text
Aftermath: Of When Primary and Secondary Colors Combine
Naruto awoke before Sasuke. Darkness dominated the outside, and Naruto couldn’t see anything as the room was pitch black. An unsettling feeling came across him the moment his eyes opened. He'd heard a loud rumbling sound outside and it spiked his nerves. His eyes settled on the ceiling above him before cautiously scanning the room. Nothing. . . Yet. Though that didn't stop the hairs in the back of his neck from standing up and his adrenaline spiking. It was too fucking late–well early– for this, and neither Sasuke or Naruto were in the best state to fight.
Fucking hell.
The sounds were more like roars of engines starting up (could it be that man again?) than the loud stomps of walkers. He didn’t know if he should be grateful or more pissed that some people other than those undead fuckers would dare fuck with him right now, especially under these circumstances because Naruto’s pissed off meter was averaging ten.
He sighs, cursing under his breath, running a hand across his face in defeat. He needed to go check it out. But Sasuke…
He looked at the back of his head and for some reason he couldn't help the urge to comfort him even though Sasuke was asleep. Would he even remember what happened?
Fuck, it can wait. He'd rather make sure Sasuke’s safe first. And himself too, he guesses, cause he didn't want Sasuke to verbally beat his ass and heart again.
But as soon as he started to slip out of the bed, Sasuke started to shift frantically.
"Sasuke?" Naruto places an arm around him, palm pressed on his lower stomach to cease the movements and Sasuke froze. He must be waking up.
"You're fidgeting. A lot."
. . .
"I-I'm sorry. I must’ve woken you." Sasuke's voice was light and had a morning husk to it, and Naruto noticed the lingering delay in his words.
"No actually." It definitely was that loud noise earlier but Sasuke didn't need to know that. "Though it doesn't matter, you should go back to sleep."
A look of uncertainty glossed over Sasuke's face. It must've been something serious, but he'd rather have him express it later. Sasuke needs his rest and Naruto was gonna make sure he got it.
"You need your rest. Whatever it is, we'll talk in the morning, yeah?" Then, his eyes shot down to his hands that were now intertwined with Sasuke’s. Sasuke entwined them together, and the sight of them being connected made Naruto’s heart skip a beat, a spiraling feeling erupted in his stomach.
"You'll be here?" Sasuke swiveled with hope.
Naruto crumbled at those words. He tightened his grip on their hands. "I'll always be with you."
[🍁] [🍁] 🤎 [🍁] [🍁]
As promised, when Sasuke sat up to the morning light, Naruto was there sitting back faced to him. He looks stressed from what Sasuke sees, his back straight and slightly leaned over with his face resting in his palm. Either he was in deep thought, or, maybe, just maybe yesterday night's events took a toll on Naruto, too.
"Naruto?"
Silently, Naruto shifted and set his gaze on him. It felt warm.
"Told you I'd be here, didn't I?"
Naruto took in Sasuke’s appearance. The circles around his eyes got even darker, his pale skin looked ghostly and there was no doubt that he was still sick. He had to get him well soon.
Sasuke looked at him a little more, his mind lagged a bit, even, from that endearing view. Sasuke had a small, crooked smirk on his face at the kept promise.
"I need to talk to you about something. . . Some things actually."
"But first, how's your fever?"
"I think it broke a bit– I'm feeling much better than yesterday," Gratefulness resounded in his voice before it quieted and Sasuke’s gaze fell.
"All thanks to you."
Sasuke missed the warm gaze casted upon him but felt a warm palm resting on his chest. Right next to his beating heart.
"That," He paused, " is the result of your own strength, Sasuke."
"I couldn't have done it without you." Not giving up his determination, Sasuke grabbed Naruto’s hand in a desperate manner. "I need you."
"You don't need me. But you'll always have me."
He didn't want Naruto to move his hand away. He wanted it to stay there, the gentle and reassuring touch immobilized him. It felt so good. He felt so safe .
"Sasuke, I–"
"Naruto, I–"
They held each other's gaze, struck.
"God, Sasuke. ."
It only came out as a mumble. So low that Sasuke couldn't hear.
"Naruto?"
And it scared him. He hoped his fear didn't show on his face, but judging by the way Naruto quickly moved his hand away it probably did. He missed the warmth.
"I'll go first. I have something that you really need to hear."
At Naruto’s serious tone, Sasuke’s smile faltered and he nodded, indicating the blond had his full attention.
". . .It's about time we'd head back. We've already been here too long. So tomorrow be ready to hit the road, yeah? I know we don't have a vehicle, but we'll figure it out."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I agree."
"And now, I've gotta say that I'm tired of beating around the bush. Tell me what you can recall from last night."
Sasuke cocked his head to the side as if he had no clue on what Naruto was about to say, although he damn knew exactly what it was about.
"Not much. ." Fucking liar. Why is he so nervous to talk about it? Better yet, why was he so nervous in front of Naruto in general.
"Sasuke." Naruto called softly. He won't lie, Sasuke’s always been cautious around him but, this type of nervous makes his heart fucking beat out of his chest and leaves him breathless.
With the way Sasuke's eyes scanned Naruto side to side frantically, Naruto caught on rather quickly. Eyes focused solely on him, Naruto’s hand reassuringly squeezed Sasuke’s thigh. "You can trust me." He whispered, his voice husky and his gaze intently focused for any kind of reaction.
Sasuke froze under the touch, seconds away from trembling but he managed to keep it down. His calming gesture was more than welcomed, it was just the way he reacted to it– that's what really shocked him. "I know." He stuttered in his words, but rested his hand on top of Naruto's. It made him feel. . .
"Your hand. It's calming. . .makes me feel safe."
Stunned, Naruto stared at him for a while before he gave him a light squeeze and massaged a small area with his thumb, all the while his eyes never set foot off of Sasuke.
. . .
"Tell me what's been bothering you." He demanded softly.
Sasuke knew that question would eventually arise. It was inevitable. Though, even with all the mental preparation in the world he wouldn't be ready to confront his feelings. As he gets ready to speak, his ears are drowned by his own intense, beating heart. He only hopes Naruto couldn't hear the loud thumping. He shakily exhales. "About last night. . I . ." He pauses, trying to find the right words to say. “I-I don't know–"
His leg started to tremble and Naruto gave his thigh a small squeeze filled with reassurance. "Take your time, it’s okay."
. . .
Everything Sasuke uttered last night was nothing short of the truth, every inch of what came out lengthened into rulers of honest opinions he thought he'd never admit to Naruto. He was glad he finally got it out, what he had been feeling, that is, but the possibilities of what could happen next– Naruto probably would disregard him, tell him that he was just confused
and probably would even ridicule him– he just couldn’t bring himself to deal with that kind of disappointment. And for that reason, he must play it off. For the sake of their friendship. Their. . bond.
"I'm sorry. Just know whatever I said was complete and utter bullshit and nonsense. . And you should just forget about it."
He shouldn't have apologized. He shouldn't have been so fucking awkward and hestitant when looking him in the eye, Naruto had told him a million times to stop apologizing and he wishes he could, but the man that erupted such insecurities in him made it practically impossible. In Naruto’s presence, he always feels the need to apologize and he doesn’t know why. And to add on to his distress and confusion, Naruto suddenly chuckled .
"I expected that, but honestly it's still funny. Such bull, Sasuke. And it's so obvious it's fucking priceless. ."
"Huh?" Did Naruto really see through him?
Chuckling once more, Naruto sunk his head down as the low rumble of his voice erupted into something more serious. His voice, like many other times, awoke something in Sasuke. "No."
Sasuke’s head snapped up. No?
"I'm not forgetting what you said, Sasuke."
"You told me you liked my voice. You told me you crave what I've been giving you. You said I make you feel some type of way, a feeling that you don't understand, but in reality you just can't say it. Was that all really bullshit, Sasuke?"
"Look at me." Naruto grasped his chin harshly before Sasuke could have a chance to fully turn away, and he sharply inhaled when Naruto pulled them face to face. "You said you didn't want to be here without me. You cried that I was your one and only. Are you telling me that now that whole thing was just a bunch of complete and utter malarkey? Just straight up meaningless ?"
"Answer me, Sasuke. I need to know."
. . .
Sasuke looks away. ". .No."
"No, Naruto, none of it was meaningless. I meant every word I said, okay."
"Then why–?"
No response came. "I was afraid. Thought you might've disliked me. . Again. Would've looked at me differently. You make me feel– I don't know. You make me feel. . at home. I wanna be around you. I wanna be by your side at all times. You make my body jolt and flutter every time you touch me and I. .I don't know why but i enjoy it. ."
"I don't know what it is. . I just want to be with you, Naruto. I just want you. And i feel so fucking pathetic because it is, isn't it? Is that what you wanted to hear?" He ended with a small smile. Both of them knew there wasn't anything amusing in the matter.
"Sasuke. ." The call laced with confusion only emphasized the pain Naruto felt in his heart whenever he heard those broken words, although they could've been used to what Naruto would've once described Sasuke, pathetic really lost its meaning compared to now.
"Pathetic?" He whispers, hints of a smirk grazed upon those alluring red lips of his. He chuckled and the low, dark voice erupted something obedient in Sasuke. Something strong, something that elicits the sharpest of shudders.
"Maybe then, but now? Far from it."
Reluctantly, Sasuke looks at him. He's embarrassed. Conflicted. His heart raced out of his chest from Naruto's burning touch; the sensation struck him everywhere, first erupting in his core and overflowing down the bare top of his fingertips. He shook, wishing he knew what was going on inside the blonde man's head whenever he did shit like this.
When they held that common gaze, one filled with such yearning with his chin tilted by Naruto’s gentle hand, he leaned in slowly and unsure, craving the addicting touch.
"Now. . you're always just so fucking hesitant." It was a whisper. It sent chills down Sasuke’s spine, it was Naruto’s warm breaths on his necks' fault.
"It fucking drives me crazy."
Naruto cradled his jaw again, and, for a second when Sasuke gulped, those electric blue eyes on him instantly watched his Adam’s apple quiver. He swore when those eyes turned ten shades darker, something akin to fire lit up in him.
Naruto looked at his lips and traced the flesh delicately, appreciative of the warmth they brought. Then, with a delicious bit of force he pressed his thumb against the red flesh swiped it, the blood that reacted so quiclkly under his touch, so fucking captivated. Sasuke shrinks back, embarrassed from feeling so exposed, yet Naruto has done nothing but make him crumble from his gentle touches.
"Naruto, please –"
Why was Naruto doing this? It's the second time he’s done something like this, where he’d look at him with hidden intent, and Sasuke just couldn’t figure out why or even what to think of it. But. . . He-he lets it happen. He trusts Naruto and if there’s something he needs to do, he’ll allow it. Sasuke gasped, exasperated when he was pushed onto the mattress with Naruto’s hand that gripped his thigh.
With Sasuke's face flushed and surprise written all over it. . He's.. Sasuke looked so captivating. . "So fucking handsome– so fucking gorgeous–"
Those dark lashes that outlined his lid felt like the softest silky fabric he'd ever touched. And when Naruto smoothed his thumb over it, they hooded. Almost like they were. . inviting Naruto, signifying the same urge of want mutual to Naruto’s. .
Flushed, Sasuke weakly placed his palm on Naruto’s chest as he tried to calm down his rapid heart, the shivers that acted in himself on Naruto’s body, the unusual heat he felt growing hotter and stronger with each slide of their bodies pressing together.
This feeling–He wanted to keep Naruto close to him, enjoy the little flutters and jolts his body produced every time Naruto touched him. And, even if he did try to push him away, he knew damn well his attempt would lack bite. Maybe, just maybe, this is what he wanted.
What they needed. .
"Please, Naruto–" Sasuke whispered on the verge of tears, Naruto's touch felt so good , so comforting with a high addiction that only left him wanting more.
"Last night, I realized something." Lips pressed against the sensitive parts of his neck, the deep vibrations almost made Sasuke spiral out of control.
"Please–"
"Realized something I thought could never happen."
"Thought i was fuckin' out of it at first, even blamed you for most of it but now I realized. . I know now."
". .What?"
"Sasuke. . You trust me, don't you?"
"With my life." Sasuke replied with no hesitation.
"I know you're confused, Sasuke. . . And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," "But. I have an answer for you, and all I need to do is test something."
". . .Test what?"
Naruto traced the pink flesh of Sasuke’s lips, pulling it under his thumb and giving it soft brushes. "Right here. . .I need to test it right here.
"May I, Sasuke?"
Sasuke hesitantly nodded.
“Good boy," Naruto praises, "Close your eyes.” Those words were part of a rare instance, one that could ruin what (relationship?) it took so long for them to build. But at this moment as Naruto may have finally realized his feelings when he had Sasuke right there between his arms, he didn’t care what he'd destroy if he'd finally give Sasuke a remedy to his chaotic feelings. And Sasuke, who's always vulnerable to that sinful softness in Naruto's voice, held only a wishful questioning stare that didn't last. He timidly shut his eyes.
At first, nothing happened besides the previous soft brushes of Naruto's thumb on his lips that sent tremors racking through his body. (Why did it feel so right ?) And then, he was pulled by his chin, and soft flesh pressed against his firmly. Sasuke's eyes shot open but he didn't pull away. Instead, he closed his eyes, waiting for Naruto to finish as he tried to process what just happened.
Naruto– he had just kissed him.
"I realize, now,” He stroked his lip once again, “Why do I act the way I do towards you .. Why I always want to protect you. Why it shattered my soul to see you in such a state of despair. .”
Sasuke scanned him, starstruck.“Why?” Sasuke's voice was barely a whisper.
"I like you, Sasuke."
At the accusation, Sasuke just had to look away. “. .I thought you said. . . that type of stuff. . . love didn’t exist anymore. . that it was a waste of time.”
“And that’s what I had thought. Before. . ." Naruto trailed off as he looked at Sasuke.
Sasuke still didn't look won over. He knew the possibilities were high when he had first thought about it–he even tried not to– but it just felt so unrealistic. He didn’t believe someone like Naruto could ever be attracted to anyone, him nonetheless. .
"I don’t believe you.” He confesses, still keeping his gaze off Naruto.
“Let me prove it to you," Naruto said almost frantically. "I'll convince–I mean, I'll tell you everything I've come to appreciate and cherish about you. In exchange, you tell me how I make you feel first. ."
"Please, Sasuke." Naruto whispers against his neck.
. . .
“You've been making me feel. . . fluttery. .”
"Fluttery, yeah?"
"Y-Yeah. .It makes me breathless. . . Nervous. . but I like it.”
“Keep talking,” Naruto praises as he trails his lips to Sasuke’s neck, leaving that fluttering feeling that intensified when his earlobe was bitten. Sasuke gasps softly and shys away, but Naruto holds on.
“Y-You piss me off. . alot. Especially when– Ah– you always try to protect me knowing you’d get hurt. I appreciate it. . But it scares me when you do that.”
"And why is that, Sasuke?"
"Because I want you to be able. . I still need you, Naruto."
“Yeah? Keep going. . you’re doing so well.”
"You're an asshole. . But really–really considerate. And I. . I really like that about you."
Naruto smirked in Sasuke’s neck. “My turn,”
“You’d always have those snarky comebacks, for me, when I’d tell you shit. They’d always piss me off, yet make me smile when you’re not looking. .”He nips at his ear.
"N-Naruto–" Sasuke managed through desperate gasps of air.
"The times when you've showed me up, saved me multiple times using that impeccable wit of yours. . You came such a long way from when I first met you and I'm so proud of you."
At the final praise, tears swelled up in Sasuke’s eyes and quickly streamed down his cheeks. He'd never been– Naruto had never– praised before. And the fact that it was coming directly from Naruto, it had meant so much.
"You're gonna be okay, Sas. ." He reassured him. Naruto pressed another chaste kiss onto his lips. Naruto’s hand moved up to cup the side of his face as he held Sasuke in position.
Sasuke put a hand against Naruto’s chest, weakly pulling him closer, hand trembling with the touch. His mind slowly blanked, all rational of what they were doing fleeting his mind as Naruto led the kiss. Sasuke moaned as his bottom lip was pulled between Naruto’s teeth. He jolted in overwhelming thrill as his tongue met Naruto’s, intertwining as flutters were racking his frame.
His body lost control as he wrapped his arms around Naruto's neck for support. Naruto’s hand went to his side, pulling Sasuke's body closer to his. .
"Is this okay?" Once more Naruto whispered his consent in the kiss.
" Please."
"I’ve got you." Naruto whispers into the kiss.
Sasuke wraps his arms around Naruto’s neck even tighter. He trembles, returning the kiss as his waist is held tightly by Naruto’s hands. Their bodies are flush together and Sasuke could only hope that everything would be better once this whole thing was finished.
"Ah–" Sharply, Sasuke moaned out.
The sounds of inexperienced and wet, sloppy kissing filled the air. One of Naruto’s hands shifts to Sasuke’s hair. He leisurely massaged his scalp, causing Sasuke to lean into the hand and whimper pleasurably from the tingly feeling. He felt so safe and at ease with this man.
Sasuke was the one to pull away. His lips are swollen and he gasps for desperate breaths of air. He closes his eyes for a moment trying to figure out just what exactly happened and what the hell should he do next. He felt eyes on him, and when he opened his eyes he surely found Naruto’s with a smile lighting his face
"Believable enough for you?"
The joke caused Sasuke to blush and have a smile of his own but it faltered as soon as it appeared. ". . .Did you really mean everything you said?"
Sasuke swore Naruto’s smile fell yet it quickly reappeared. "I haven't a reason to lie to you."
"I believe you. ."
"I'm glad, Sasuke. So fucking glad."
Slowly, he raises his hand up and gently places it on Sasuke's forehead. He grimaced.
"You're still burning. .
Absent-mindedly, his thumb strokes Sasuke’s forehead, easing up some tension he felt there, and maybe in hopes it'll cure some of that heat.
"I'm fine. .Naruto." And for some reason, the way Sasuke said his name, the way his pink tongue rolled every syllable ignited something in him. When their eyes met, Naruto couldn’t hide the sorrow he felt for the man in front of him. Couldn't hide how shitty he felt for every bad thing he'd done to him, said to him, made him feel. .
"I'm sorry. . ." It was a low whisper, any higher then Naruto’s voice would've cracked even more than it just did. Sasuke felt the heartbreaking pain in Naruto’s words, and as he looked into those endless dark blue eyes filled with regret, like the most melaconohs lost at sea setting, he, too, felt the pain. He understood. He understood why Naruto apologized, but he also understood every single one of Naruto’s actions. Why Naruto was so mean to him, why he did the shit he did, he understood.
Sasuke, hesitantly, placed a hand on Naruto’s knee, squeezing it gently. This kind of intimacy was still new to him. "You don't have to apologize, Naruto. . I understand."
The look of shock on Naruto’s face was a sight Sasuke would never forget.
The hand on his forehead trailed to his chin as Naruto cupped it, repeating the same movements with his thumb, tracing that smooth jawline. And Sasuke, so unrightfully weak to the affection leaned into his hand.
"It was shitty of me. So fucking horrible. I'm sorry for hurting you. . I'm so fucking sorry, Sasuke."
Sasuke gasped softly when he felt his lip being pulled, traced delicately. His heart pumped, butterflies exploded in his stomach from the sensitivity. He looked at Naruto who was in front of him, he'd always known the man was good looking, hell he'd always known he was attractive, but at this moment, the blonde man looked mesmerizing.
"It's okay. . It's okay, I forgive you. ."
"You shouldn't. ." Naruto whispered, and Sasuke could feel the breath on his lips. Just inches away. . .
"I should. Take your advice and 'stop fucking apologizing'. " Sasuke smiled into Naruto’s hand, an irrelevant joke, but felt good to give Naruto some payback.
Soon though, his amusement was halted. By Naruto’s mouth. His eyes widened slightly as he felt Naruto’s lips press softly against his. He didn’t have time to register what was actually happened because Naruto's hand trailed to the side of his head where Naruto traced the shell of his ear, making Sasuke’s eyes snap shut and shudder into the kiss.
He felt intoxicated– He felt so at a high with the presence of Naruto– his scent– his entire being, just everything. Sasuke gasps again, feeling the backed of his hair being tugged gently, pleasure wrapped around him from the tingles that scattered throughout his head and he couldn’t help but moan once he felt Naruto’s tongue swipe across his mouth, deepening their kiss and putting Sasuke more on cloud nine.
And then, Naruto pulled away. Sasuke's eyes were still shut, then they opened in just enough time to see Naruto’s glistening eyes. He didn’t even notice that his hands were clenching Naruto’s shirt.
"Joke with me again and see what happens. I'll go get your medicine now."