A/N:

EARLY New Year's present to my readers.

Although this is written from Sasuke's POV, it's not what Sasuke really thinks at all times. He's not honest.

This chapter is kinda dialogue heavy, as I feared that people would get bored with my old style that included long expository blocks.

I'm sure you'll notice my sarcasm and disbelief at what Kishimoto decided to make canon during this chapter several times.

I don't care if you think I'm moving too fast, I need some smut in the next chapter, or I'll get bored when I write the story.

STORY START

"Five minutes are over" were his last words to Naruto, who had wormed his way inside Sasuke's thoughts once more.

It was a strange thing. Sasuke was aware that his feelings, his entire mind were conflicting, when it came to Naruto. There was a side of him, the one he showed most often, that wanted to punch Naruto at worst or avoid him at best. Deeply hidden, there was another side that he barely acknowledged, the one that made him want to tell Naruto to stay and ask him 'why?'. Naruto had been the one person who never let go of him, who never let him fall, despite his behavior and his scathing words, cutting deep into wounds that he had caused.

Naruto was an enigma to him because no one kept persisting like he did. Even Sakura had given up on him, evidenced by her lack of contact during the time he had been back in Konoha. It didn't feel like a loss, it didn't feel like much at all. She was wiped from his thoughts long before she gave up on him. The only person who had occupied his mind like Itachi did was Naruto, the perpetually happy loudmouth that continued to knock on his door every day without fail.

Why was it that he was never able to cut Naruto off directly?

There was a knock on his door. Sasuke walked towards it, having already anticipated Naruto's presence. He opened it, aware of the fact that Naruto would try to find another way into his apartment if he didn't.

"Naruto."

"Sasuke," Naruto thrust a plastic bag into Sasuke's hands, before walking past him and into the kitchen.

"Not ramen this time?" Sasuke asked sarcastically.

"Not this time," Naruto admitted. "I thought it would get boring day after day, since you've had it for two days this week already." Then he took in the immaculate state of the kitchen. "I figured you'd need the change, it's not like you ever cook for yourself," he finished flatly.

"Maybe," Sasuke shrugged his shoulders. "Why do you even bother? It's not like I ask you to bring me food."

Naruto looked at him meaningfully. "I bother because you're my friend."

"Your friend, huh?" Sasuke felt slightly annoyed by Naruto's words.

Naruto took out two plates and walked towards the living room table.

"Why bother?" Sasuke asked, "We can just eat here."

"We can, but I want to sit down properly," Naruto replied stubbornly.

"Fine," Sasuke followed Naruto, after he took two glasses and a bottle of water from his shelf.

"How do you even get your groceries?" Naruto looked at the bottle.

"I asked the hokage to make someone deliver them to me," Sasuke explained. "What's it to you?" he added harshly.

"I'm just worried, that's all," Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "What have you been doing the last few days?"

"Is this turning into an interrogation?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"Just attempting to make small talk," Naruto grumbled.

"You suck at small talk, then," Sasuke said offhandedly.

Naruto looked down at his food at Sasuke's retort and started eating. Sasuke stayed silent, having anticipated some protest. As they ate their take-out lunch, Naruto was stealing furtive glances at Sasuke.

"Is there something you want to say?" Sasuke was annoyed at Naruto's indecisiveness.

"Tonight, the old genin teams want to go for dinner, are you coming?"

"No," Sasuke said flatly.

"Come on! It'll be fun!"

"I said no."

"Why do you have to be so difficult?" Naruto grumbled.

"Maybe I'm just not the type of person, who likes social gatherings. Ever thought of that?"

"I still think it's good to get out once in a while." Naruto may have good intentions, but he didn't understand Sasuke.

"Not everyone is like you. Come back when you can accept that."

"Fine," Naruto relented. "I'll come back tomorrow. You go back to reading books, or whatever it is you do." He glared at Sasuke, who continued to eat in silence, completely unaffected.

Naruto stormed out of the room, leaving him to brood once more. Contrary to Naruto's beliefs, he did go outside, but mostly ever at night, when there were no people who would regard him with scornful looks and no disillusioned women throwing themselves at him. It was ridiculous. After all he had done, he was still popular with girls, although they tended to be a bit younger now.

Even though he never showed it openly, secretly he looked forward to Naruto's visits and became impatient, if Naruto was later than usual. It felt pathetic, but Naruto was something of a constant in his unhinged life. When he woke up in the mornings, he didn't know whether it was real or not. Was he really in Konoha? His nightmares felt too vivid; too tangible to be mere figments of his imagination.

Often, he felt as if he could still feel the blood on his hands, the grime and dirt that had been a part of his life for so many years. The worst were those about his brother. His kind, caring and gentle brother, that had died at his hands. Even if it was planned, and Itachi died to protect him and the village, it was still hard to accept that he was back in the village that started it all: The village that had taken his innocence and future from him. Naruto was still disillusioned about Sasuke, his so-called best friend. He believed there was still some part of him left that was proof of the gentle boy he used to be. Naruto was wrong.

Sasuke walked to his room, after he washed the dishes. He started his daily training routine, consisting of sit-ups, push-ups and other exercises to keep in shape. By nightfall, he made his way to the training grounds. It was late, and only the occasional light was turned on; most people were asleep already. It was just the way Sasuke liked it. Silent, quiet and deserted.

He felt a familiar presence behind him, but didn't turn around.

"What do you want?"

"I just want to talk," Kakashi said.

"The hokage graces me with his presence?" Sasuke smirked. "I'm touched that you're thinking of my-wellbeing," he said sarcastically.

"I'm not here because of you. I'm here because of Naruto's well-being."

"What of it?"

"I think he has been spending quite a lot of time with you lately."

Sasuke stayed silent. Even though Kakashi was the reason he had been allowed back into the village at all, he didn't feel much gratitude.

"So he's the only person you will talk to?"

"Why do I have to talk to anyone?"

"At least you're calmer than you used to be. Well, I'll tell you what I have to say and then I won't bother you anymore."

Sasuke finally turned around. It was the first time he had spoken to Kakashi since he had received news of his full pardon. It was rather incomprehensible, as he even tried to kill Kakashi. There was a guarded look on his face.

"Naruto has been distracted lately. I'm sure it's because of you," Kakashi's tone was accusing.

"I haven't done anything. I leave the village in peace and want to be left in peace in return. It's not my business if Naruto concerns himself with things that do not concern him." It wasn't like Sasuke had begged for Naruto's attention.

"Ah, but as soon as it's about you, he will make it his business, you see," Kakashi elaborated on his accusation.

"I never asked for that."

"It's something that can't be helped. He still sees you as his best-friend, no matter how much you've changed." Although Kakashi's tone sounded perfectly neutral, Sasuke was no fool. He was not Kakashi's favorite person.

"I don't see him as my best-friend, so this isn't my problem." Sasuke said stoically.

Kakashi's narrowed his eyes. "What does Naruto mean to you?"

"He's someone I know."

"I'm sure that's not all there is to it," Kakashi remarked. "You're probably wondering why I granted you a full pardon. It's because it's what Naruto would have wanted. You're well aware that you're not the most welcome person in the village now. I'd suggest not alienating Naruto as well." He sounded both protective and warning.

"Hn."

"That's all," Kakashi said, before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Sasuke went home, as he felt annoyed at Kakashi's words and affronted by what they implied. Him, needing Naruto? That was a rather bad joke. Ever since he was eight he had needed no one, but his revenge. Itachi was dead now, and he had lost his purpose temporarily, but he was certain that he would find another one quite soon; one that would not involve being Naruto's best-friend.

It was late and he decided to go to bed early, taking one off the numerous books delivered to his apartment. He was not an avid reader by any means, but he did enjoy it. Lately, there hadn't been much to do, as he avoided going outside, especially when he didn't want to encounter anyone he might now.

The next day at noon, Naruto's routine visit came about once more. This time, however, he held a bag of groceries in his hands. As he noticed Sasuke's inquiring look, he flushed a bit.

"I don't have money to buy take-out lunch all the time," Naruto avoided eye contact.

"If it was money you needed, you could have told me so. I thought you would have money. After all, you did save the village," Sasuke commented.

"Well, I don't," Naruto said flatly.

Sasuke decided to let it drop. He walked over to his coat and took out his wallets, handing Naruto some money.

"That should be enough."

"Does that mean you want me to continue buying you lunch?" Naruto asked hopefully.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "I never said that. It should be enough for what you bought so far."

"But this is more than your share."

"Consider it a tip, then," Sasuke brushed it off.

"Fine. Anyway, I thought we could cook today. I read this recipe in Sakura's book…" Naruto trailed off, walking towards the kitchen. The anxiousness and excitement were seeping from his voice.

"Since when can you cook?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow, leaning on the doorframe.

"Don't look at me like that," Naruto grumbled.

"You look like someone who can't even cook noodles."

"I'll show you!" Naruto went to work, washing and chopping vegetables.

Sasuke watched him working with mild interest, wondering whether Naruto was really able to produce anything edible at all. After ten minutes, he decided to intervene. The vegetables were mutilated and cut into uneven and unaesthetic pieces, while the noodles were cooking for just slightly too long. It didn't look like Naruto would turn his attention to them anytime soon.

"Let me," Sasuke sighed.

He took the knife from Naruto's hands and pushed him away.

"Hey!" Naruto shouted indignantly. "I wasn't done yet."

"This looks terrible. I'll make the food, or we will both get poisoned."

"It's not that bad," Naruto pouted.

Sasuke raised both eyebrows.

"Ok, fine, it does look bad," Naruto looked at his work. "Gah, I'll just go into the living room and wait or something."

Sasuke nodded and mulled over what he could salvage from Naruto's work. Fifteen minutes later, he was done and satisfied.

"Come here," Sasuke called Naruto.

"Coming!"

"Take out two bowls and chopsticks," he ordered.

"Mhh, this smells delicious," Naruto looked over Sasuke's shoulder.

Sasuke was acutely aware of the body heat radiating from Naruto, and it made him feel uncomfortable. He elbowed Naruto, before he carried the pot to the living room.

"This is the first time someone cooked for me."

Sasuke felt almost sorry for Naruto, but then again he wasn't the type to feel sorry. He said nothing.

Naruto changed the topic. "So today, I went to the academy again and showed the children how to do henge. I almost wanted to do my sexy no jutsu for old time's sake, but I didn't want to scare the children off," Naruto chuckled.

"And you're telling me this, why?"

"I thought you might be interested."

"Well, I'm not." Sasuke put some noodles into his bowl, before taking some of the tomato sauce he had made. Did Naruto buy tomatoes on purpose?

"So we should just sit in front of each other and not say a word to each other?" Naruto sounded disappointed.

Sasuke continued to eat in silence, deciding that it would be answer enough.

"Fine," Naruto relented and ate his noodles in silence; the only noises coming from both of them were occasional slurps.

He wondered when Naruto had become so accommodating. "Since when do you listen to what I say?"

Naruto looked at him for a moment, surprised. Then his eyes softened, and there was a gentle look in them. "You said I should come back, when I can accept that you're different. I can accept it now, you know. It doesn't mean I like the way you are."

"Just like that? I should have said that much earlier, then," Sasuke joked.

Naruto smiled sadly. "I think you said it to me many times, through your actions. This time, I truly want to try and understand you. I always wanted to help you in the past, but I was never able to understand you. I'll try now, but please be patient with me."

"Patience isn't my strong suit," Sasuke rebuffed him.

"You might be more impatient than others, but you're not more impatient than me."

"It's impossible to be more impatient than you," Sasuke said dryly.

Naruto grinned. "If you can make jokes at my expense, then you're feeling much better."

"Who said I was joking?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"Shut up!" Naruto shouted with reddened cheeks.

Sasuke smirked, loving the way he was able to rile Naruto up easily. "I thought you wanted us to talk?"

"That's not what I meant by talking, and you know it," Naruto's eyes narrowed.

"I'm not interested in talking about 'friends', former comrades or anything like that."

"What are you interested in, then?" Naruto seemed genuinely curious, so Sasuke decided to indulge him.

"New jutsu, history, anything that doesn't have to with konoha," he hissed out the last part.

"That sounds nice," Naruto pondered, ignoring the last part. "I'm not really good at history," he laughed awkwardly.

"I expected as much."

"Is there nothing else?" Naruto probed.

"Not really," Sasuke said. He had never been the best conversation partner.

"There's still so much I don't know about you, Sasuke."

"I prefer to keep it that way." He said coldly.

"Why do you always have to be difficult?" Naruto was frustrated.

"Aren't you the one who said he would try to understand me a little better?" Sasuke said, irritated.

"I did!"

"Then act like it." For some reason, he wanted Naruto to make good on his words.

"Fine, then help me. What are you thinking at the moment?"

"That sounds like something a woman would ask," Sasuke remarked.

"Whatever. Just answer the question," Naruto grumbled.

"And if I don't?" Sasuke taunted him.

"Then don't, I don't care!" Naruto snapped.

"I'll answer."

"Really?" Naruto looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"I'm not thinking about anything," he confessed.

"I don't believe that. There's always something to think about. Like, every day I think: How do I get Sasuke to go outside?"

"That sounds like a rather boring and unnecessary way to spend your time."

"It's not - it's important and necessary to think about! Now, tell me!"

"I told you already," Sasuke bristled.

"I don't believe it!"

"Believe what you want. If I don't feel, then I don't have to think."

"What did you just say?" Naruto's voice was quiet.

He looked at Sasuke intently, who met his eyes.

Sasuke stayed quiet. He had revealed more than he had meant to, but then again he was always most honest to Naruto. There was just something about him that told him Naruto would listen, even if he didn't understand.

"What do you mean, you don't feel?" Naruto continued to ask.

"I don't know, okay!" Sasuke grew frustrated. "I'm not thinking about much of anything because there is nothing to think of. The fight is over and there's no more to fight for."

"Life isn't about fighting, but fighting for the people you love," Naruto told him. It was obvious that he was thinking about someone, while he offered his thoughts. He looked distracted.

"There's no one to fight for anymore." The only people Sasuke had fought for were dead.

"I can help you feel, if you let me. Sakura, Kakashi and I, we're going for dinner tonight, just come with me. Sakura really wants to see you."

"I doubt that."

"I just told you, it's true!" Naruto shouted.

"Is that all?"

"What else is there than going out and meeting people?" Naruto asked, confused.

"I'll tell you, if you sleep with me." Sasuke said unabashedly. He sounded a lot more confident and sure of himself, than he really was. Even though the words were said aloud for the first time and he barely even admitted it to himself, he meant them. Somewhere, in a hidden part of himself, he just needed to feel alive once more. The darkness had engulfed him so tightly, that he could barely recognize himself.

Naruto laughed awkwardly. "Nice joke, Sasuke."