Chapter 29

On a certain Saturday afternoon, Kurama, along with his business partner Kiba, was busy painting their new tattoo parlor – well one of the walls anyway. They were painting it blood red and then they would cover it up with tattoo designs to give their future clientele an idea of what they were capable of.

The other walls were dark blue, actually. Maybe that was Sasuke's influence. Sasuke just loved those colors. He always used them in his paintings.

Store's name was Tribal. Simple, catchy, it worked. Kurama had come up with it.

Sasuke was actually with them in the store. He was in a corner sitting in some old sofa they had gotten from Kiba's mother. They had taken it because it was black. Grabbing stuff here and there wasn't ideal, but it was definitely cheaper. Sasuke was studying for his final art history exam right now.

He was sitting with a leg propped up on his knee, book opened in his lap. Sasuke wore skinny jeans and gray striped t-shirt with Kurama's soft black scarf around his neck. Even though he had no more scars to hide, he wore it out of habit. Kurama thought he looked cute, anyway. Sasuke had gotten a haircut pretty recently, also. His hair was short now, but still long enough at the front, very emo-ish. And sexy as hell.

"Dude," Kiba said, "the wall ain't gonna paint itself."

"Sorry," Kurama said sheepishly and got back to work.

Sasuke was kind of a distraction. But sometimes he took study breaks and helped them, so it was all good.

Kurama got a phone call soon after. From Naruto. Well that was weird. He usually texted.

"What's up?" Kurama answered, glancing down at his outfit to see how much red paint was staining it. Oh well, at least he had picked out some old clothes he didn't really care about for this.

"Do you guys wanna go out tonight?"

"You mean double date?" He laughed as immediately Sasuke looked up and glared at him from across the large room.

Sasuke was sick and tired of double dates lately. Kurama was okay with that. He actually felt privileged that Sasuke was a bit anti social yet wanted to spend all of his time with him.

"Not exactly," Naruto said in the phone, "I mean like, go out, dancing, you know."

"Where?" Kurama was confused.

The only gay bar in town wasn't exactly an option. Both their boyfriends would be opposed to the idea, even though it was a new management and all.

"You know where…"

"Uh… Okay but I don't think Sasuke's gonna be okay with that. Kiba and his girlfriend might wanna go, though."

Both Sasuke and Kiba stopped what they were doing, intrigued by the conversation.

"I'm gonna put you on speaker," Kurama informed.

"Okay," Naruto sighed, "here's the deal. Dei's still sleeping… Last night he sort of went crazy and he decided to go to Kawaiko by himself."

"Stupid guy," Sasuke said rather sadly.

"Shut up Sasuke," Naruto replied. "Anyway, so he freaked the fuck out, basically, had a panic attack, the whole deal. I had to go pick him up."

"Is he okay?" Kurama asked. With his twin they were so close that sometimes it was almost like they shared the same emotions. He could tell Naruto was upset.

"Yeah. But I wanna go back tonight."

"I'm not going there if that's what you're asking," Sasuke said right away.

He exchanged a glance with Kurama. But he was torn and didn't know which side to take right now, which always happened when his brother and boyfriend got into an argument.

"This might be good for you too Sasuke," Naruto insisted. "It's all about facing your fears and moving on, so you can stop thinking about it."

"Might actually be nice to go out dancing," Kurama said almost timidly.

Yeah, Sasuke glared at him. He did that a lot. But it was true, though. Kurama missed going out and drinking and dancing. It had been a while. He missed it so much that now he played dance and pop music all the time, instead of his usual metal or punk rock. It was driving Sasuke crazy.

Sasuke didn't mind dance music in clubs, he had told him. But in the car, or in the apartment, or wherever else, it was no go.

Kurama remembered Sasuke at the Bullet for my Valentine show. He had been so thrilled, so insanely excited and fascinated, tripping balls, whatever you wanna call it. Kurama had reached the conclusion that he had found a boyfriend who liked metal music even more so than himself.

With that being said, Sasuke obviously didn't appreciate his recent endearment for dance music.

"Well I'm in," Kiba shrugged. Then he went to call Hinata.

"Yeah I'm not going," Sasuke said. "Sorry Naruto, your psychology crap's not gonna work on me."

"Then do it for Deidara," Naruto pleaded. "He needs you there. You're the only one who can relate to what he's been through."

"No," Sasuke said and that was final. He returned to sit in the corner, crossing his arms and legs. He wasn't in a good mood.

"I'll convince him," Kurama told his brother on the phone. "We'll be there, I promise."

"Thanks," Naruto let out a relieved breath.

After hanging up, Kurama looked across the room at Sasuke. He was staring with his eyebrow raised high up.

"You heard that, huh?" He let out a chuckle and scratched his hair, as he approached Sasuke, an unsure look on his face.

"Sorry but it's not gonna happen."

"Like my brother said it might be good for you…"

"Cut the crap. I don't wanna go there."

Kurama grabbed the computer chair and rolled it on the hardwood floor, closer to Sasuke before sitting on it. Yeah, they had a computer chair. Now, only the desk was missing. There was still a lot to do here. It was so exhausting – all the more reason to go out and relax a little.

"If you go with me tonight…" he leaned forward a little, "I'll stop listening to dance music."

Sasuke's expression changed, but then he looked away and shook his head.

"Nice try. But still no."

"And I'll buy you those leather pants you want."

Sasuke hesitated. Kurama wanted to laugh. His boyfriend was such a chick sometimes. The pants were actually really sexy, ripped all across the sides, stylishly done of course. But yeah they were expensive.

"Fuck that, I'm not going." Sasuke looked down and played with his bangs, making it fall over his right eye.

Kurama asked himself how much he wanted this. He wanted it pretty badly, actually. Not only to help out Naruto and Deidara. If Sasuke went with him, they would have so much fun. Sasuke probably knew it too, deep down. And then it wouldn't be a big deal anymore. They could go every weekend. Kurama had heard good things about the club since it had reopened. Well, it was basically the same place, but without the douche bag manager lurking around.

Okay, time to bring out the big guns.

"... I'll let you top whenever you want."

Sasuke's dark gray eyes were immediately looking into his, studying his face, looking almost suspicious.

"Whenever I want?"

Kurama swallowed hard, and nodded. Sacrifices.

"Even right now?"

"But…"

"I need a study break. So right now. In the bathroom. Got a problem with that?"

"N-No." Now Kura was turned on.

"And I want those pants for tonight."

"Fine." He'd need to go to that stupid store before it closed…

Sasuke smirked and made his way to Kurama's laptop on the counter. He changed the catchy pop song to some hardcore symphonic metal.

"Better," he said, ruffling his hair a little as he made his way to the back store, pants hanging low at his hips. He looked behind his shoulder, "You coming?"

Oh yeah.

"Needy little bastard." He teased him as he joined him in the bathroom. At least they'd just had it redone. It was nice enough.

"Guys, seriously!" Kiba yelled to be heard over the music. "Am I supposed to paint this huge fucking wall all by myself?"

"We'll only be five minutes!" Kurama exclaimed.

When he turned around, after locking the door, he saw that Sasuke had already taken off his clothes. All of them. Well that was fast. He was so fucking sexy. Kurama got hard. He wanted to fuck him, not the other way around. So unfair.

Surprisingly Sasuke's expression softened and he turned around, jerking his hips back. He had such a slim waist, and that tight, sexy little ass…

"What're you waiting for?" Sasuke teased.

"But, I thought…" Nonetheless Kurama was taking off his clothes frantically.

"I was just messing with you, you idiot," Sasuke said fondly. "I'd never let you go to that place alone anyway. These bitches need to know you're already taken."

"So…" Kurama was smiling, stepping closer, leaning closer, until his tattooed arm snaked around Sasuke's pale, skinny body.

"I still want you to stop listening to that stupid music," Sasuke said, his voice deep and soft despite the harsh words, "and I'm still getting my pants but I can pay for them myself you moron. You know I don't want you spending money on me. I'm not some high maintenance girlfriend. As for, you know, well I love it when you fuck me, we both know it and I'm done denying it. So again, what're you waiting for?"

Kurama smiled, flushed his torso against Sasuke's back, and whispered in his ear, "I love you."

He was so hard by now; just listening to Sasuke's voice made him go crazy. That guy had the sexiest voice.

Kurama slid his hand down Sasuke's toned abs, then stroked him a few times. Then he brought his other hand down there. With two hands he gave him a hand job while kissing his neck. Sasuke moaned and leaned back into him. He brought a pale hand behind Kurama, holding the upper part of his thigh and urging him forward.

With his fingers warm and slippery from that hand job, Kurama stretched Sasuke a little to get him ready. The heavy, loud metal music covered their moans – well, Sasuke's moans, really. It was a sick guitar solo right now.

"You're right," Kurama said between kisses, "this music is better."

"Mm… yeah…"

"It's just that… I really wanted to dance… with you. That phone call was perfect timing… tonight we can…"

"Stop talking… and fuck me Kura…" Sasuke breathed out.

He didn't need to be told twice. He held Sasuke's waist tight and he slid all the way deep, so deep inside. He repeated the same motion again, and again, and it felt so great. Sasuke was amazing. He was so weak in Kurama's arms, yet he was strong, taking it all in and loving the pain, while his beautiful face was so expressive. Sasuke still had his hand behind Kura's thigh. He was moving with him, flushed against him, matching his every movement perfectly.

Kurama was fucking him so hard and at some point he was afraid that Sasuke might be hurting since his body was bumping against the sink counter with every thrust.

"You okay?" He breathed in Sasuke's ear.

"Yeah don't worry about it. Don't stop…"

Kurama just loved when his boyfriend's deep, smooth voice was rendered weak and breathy. He ran his fingers through black hair and tilted Sasuke's head back so he could kiss his perfect lips. Sasuke kissed back, so emotional, so full of endless desire. His tongue entered Kurama's mouth like he wanted to taste him so badly.

"Come on," Sasuke eventually said, "faster."

It was normally cold in here. There was no heat in the bathroom. But right now Kurama was so hot, way too hot. Yet he didn't stop and he certainly didn't slow down. Instead he obeyed Sasuke and he moved even faster, and faster. The effort became almost too much, but it was all worth it when they came together, trembling, panting, and smiling, still holding each other, Kurama still inside him.

"That was amazing," he whispered.

Sasuke just nodded and tilted his head to the side so they could share one last kiss.

They heard Kiba's voice then, which pretty much ruined the moment.

"Guys I'm pretty sure it's been more than five minutes! What the fuck are you doing in there? Please tell me you're talking about your feelings."

"Yes!" Kurama exclaimed as he put his clothes back on. "Feelings! Emotions. Gays like to do that."

"Deep… feelings," Sasuke repressed a laugh. He was also getting dressed quickly.

"Very intense," Kurama added.

"Hardcore," Sasuke said.

"Guys I'm not an idiot!" Kiba yelled. "Stop making fun of me."

"All right, all right," Kurama said more calmly as he exited the bathroom, fully dressed but maybe not completely decent. His hair was ridiculously messy, his tag stuck out of his shirt and his shoe laces were undone. Also his fly was open. "Oops," he said as he noticed this.

"Just go home," Kiba shook his head in disbelief. "Take a shower. It's almost finished anyway. I'll see you at the club tonight."

"Okay."

Sasuke was grabbing his history book and bag.

"And I'm gonna go get those pants."

Kurama smiled, anticipating the night, the dancing, the drinking… it was fun to let loose once in a while.

"Thought you weren't coming," Kiba raised a brow.

Sasuke shrugged on his way to the front door. "Kura was convincing enough. You know, in the bathroom. When we talked about our feelings."

"Just shut up…" Kiba was desperate.

The two others were laughing and grinning like idiots – well Kura was anyway. He hugged Sasuke and asked if he needed a ride. But Sasuke said he'd rather walk. What was so great about this new location was that it was pretty close to Sasuke's apartment building – like five minutes walk. That stylish clothing store for young men wasn't far either. It was Sasuke's favorite place for shopping.

"I'll see you later," Kurama told him.

…

When the night had come, Sasuke insisted, again, that he didn't need a ride. He wanted Kurama to meet him outside Kawaiko.

So he found a parking spot a few buildings down the street, right in front of Naruto's orange car. The twins, as well as Deidara walked toward the club and took in the sight of the long line up.

"Damn," Deidara chuckled to mask his uneasiness, "this place is working even better than before."

Deidara wore faded blue skinny jeans and a white tank top with suspenders, and Naruto wore gray jeans, black button down shirt and white tie – borrowed from Kurama's wardrobe. They looked cute together. They even held hands. Kurama suspected his twin was just scared Dei would run away or something.

Naruto had informed them earlier that his friends Sai, Shikamaru and Gaara would be here. They were nowhere to be seen though. Maybe they were already inside.

"So where's Sasuke?" Naruto asked.

Kurama shrugged as they stepped at the end of the line. "He just told me to meet him here."

Deidara was fidgety and anxious as they waited. Naruto still held his hand but he looked like he didn't know what to say. With his other hand he ran his fingers through his spiky blonde locks and it was obvious he was a bit nervous as well. Kurama just stood there awkwardly, hands in his jacket pockets. If even Naruto didn't know what to say, well Kurama had no idea whatsoever.

They were in for a surprise as they got closer to the door. Sasuke was there with Kiba and Hinata. The three of them wore electric blue t-shirts with the word Tribal in black letters. Hinata had her white coat but the two guys were fighting the cold in just the t-shirts to really show them off.

Kiba had a pile of the same t-shirts in hand and Sasuke was handing them out to everyone that was going inside the club. They could either leave them at coat check or wear them for the night. Hinata was handing out business cards. Kurama just looked at them, speechless. It wasn't their turn to get to the front of the line yet but he didn't care. He had to go see them.

He exchanged a smile with Sasuke and he went to hug him from behind.

"What's going on?" He asked, pleased.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"Well it worked! When did you get these?"

"Yesterday. Earlier today I got this idea and texted Kiba."

They hadn't even talked about getting promotional t-shirts. He hugged Sasuke's waist tightly in an attempt to warm him up but he tried not to hinder him in his ability to hand out t-shirts. Kurama breathed in the sweet smell of his hair. He loved the smell of Sasuke's shampoo. Man, he couldn't stop smiling.

"I love you so much. You did this for me?"

Sasuke just tilted his head slightly and made a little smile but didn't answer. He handed out the t-shirts and said, "New tattoo parlor, big opening for the New Year."

"Here's the address and phone number," Hinata was saying as she handed out the business card.

"How did you even pay for these?" Kurama asked in Sasuke's ear quietly. He could tell that these shirts were good quality.

"Itachi lent me some cash. He didn't mind. Once I told him it was for your new business he was glad he could help out. He's gonna be here tonight so you can thank him yourself."

"I will."

"Your boyfriend's amazing Kura," Kiba smiled behind his shoulder.

"I know."

He was just overwhelmed. When Naruto and Deidara got to the front of the line they grabbed their t-shirts and stayed a bit to talk with them, letting other people get inside. Everyone was impressed and thought this was an amazing idea. Sasuke did this pleased but modest smile and didn't comment much.

His brother and Dei stepped inside after giving their IDs. Kurama noticed the way Sasuke glanced at Dei worriedly until he disappeared in the club.

"He's gonna be okay," Kurama told him.

"I hope so."

"If you wanna take a break just get in with them. I can hand these out. You look cold." He rubbed Sasuke's pale arms a little in an attempt to warm him up.

"Hey I'm freezing my ass off too," Kiba said teasingly. "I don't see anyone worrying about me."

"I told you to wear your jacket but you wouldn't listen to me," Hinata pointed out.

"I want people to check out the t-shirt and my tats! Obviously you don't know anything about promoting."

Hinata just shook her head. She smiled at some guys while giving them the business cards.

Ever the gentleman, and since Sasuke wasn't answering him, Kurama took off his black jacket and put it on his boyfriend's shoulders. He didn't have any tats to show off anyway. His only tattoo was in a place no one could see. Sasuke didn't protest. He really was cold. But eventually he noticed what Kurama was wearing.

"What the hell?" He laughed.

Kurama had chosen to wear some old print t-shirt Naruto had bought him once to make fun of him. That was a little over a year ago, actually, when he used to date Naruto's friend Sai. The t-shirt was small and black and it said in white letters 'I love my boyfriend.' He thought it might make Sasuke laugh. Apparently he was right.

"You're the one who said, I quote, these bitches need to know I'm taken!"

"I did say that," Sasuke bit his lip to repress another laugh. "Hey," he said to the guys, "new tattoo parlor opening soon, check it out."

Now, some of them stopped to talk to Sasuke, or just sort of stare at him. Okay; Sasuke was hot as fuck. He had that tall and skinny thing going on, with perfect skin and cute face, with the piercings and the black stylish hair it was just – yeah. Plus some of them recognized him since he used to be a bartender here. And, one more thing, Kurama finally noticed the pants. Wow. Those tight, ripped leather pants looked good on him. Sasuke's legs just seemed to go on and on. He looked like a male model.

Kurama just stood there with a possessive look on his face and that stupid t-shirt so they got the hint and backed off. Sasuke was so amused that he couldn't stop smiling. Well, well, tonight was going good so far.

They finally went inside. No more t-shirts to give out, and no more line up anyway. They left their jackets and coats at the front and went further in and onto the dance floor. Instead of enjoying the dance music from outside, now they were hearing it full volume, which meant they couldn't really talk to each other anymore. Ah, clubs.

The flashing lights, the fog, the horny guys, the dance music, the alcohol; Kurama had missed it. Well, truth be told, he associated this place with Sasuke, and they'd had some pretty good times. So as long as he was with him, and his friends, he knew he would have fun.

They really wanted to go get a drink with Kiba and Hinata, but they also wanted to find Deidara and Naruto. It turned out those two objectives were achieved at once, as everyone was standing next to the bar counter anyway. Some bartender Sasuke didn't know served them. Naruto and Kiba were drinking beer. Hinata had a vodka cranberry and Deidara a gin tonic. As for the two others…

"Four tequila shots," Sasuke said.

"Okay…"

Sasuke nudged him. "You said you wanted to have fun."

Kurama raised his hands in surrender. Sasuke just smiled and reached with his hand to ruffle his hair.

"You're gonna have to do something about this. You should've come to the hair salon with me. Your hair is half blonde and half red now."

"I'm starting a new fashion trend."

"Uh-huh."

"And really Sasuke? Going to get our hair done together? What are we girl friends?"

Sasuke just kept on criticizing his style.

"And I can't believe you're wearing this shirt."

"Stop it!"

Before drinking their shots, Sasuke grabbed Kurama's hand and licked the salt off it very sensually. So Kurama took Sasuke's hand and did the very same thing. After drinking the disgusting liquor – Kura wasn't too fond of tequila – he bit into the lemon slice. But Sasuke waited for him to be done, and instead he grabbed the back of Kura's neck, and then he kissed him.

Sasuke was so cute. He stood on the tip of his boots so that he would be as tall as Kurama - actually a little taller since they didn't have much of a height difference to begin with. Their hands were all over each other. Kurama could feel his small back underneath the too big blue t-shirt. Then he lowered his hands and felt the leather… Yeah, tonight was gonna be fun.

…

But things didn't turn out the way Kurama wanted them too. Apparently tonight, the alcohol was making Sasuke depressed instead of cheery and horny and fun and all that stuff. He was watching as his friend Takeshi and the two other new bartenders worked. He didn't want to go dancing with the others and Kurama was growing more and more disappointed. Sasuke's mood swings were getting to him.

"We were gonna have so much fun," he threw his arm around Sasuke and pulled him closer, "what happened? You don't like being here?"

"I'm fine I just… don't feel like dancing right now. You can go with the others."

Naruto was dancing with Deidara. Apparently they, at least, were making an effort and having as much fun as they could. Suigetsu was dancing with Itachi. Hinata was dancing with Kiba. Did Kurama really want to go there and dance alone like an idiot? With that t-shirt, also, that would be a little pathetic. And yeah Naruto's friends were there.

But they were all in couples, too, believe it or not. Sai was dancing with his now boyfriend Yuki. That guy wasn't a bartender anymore, he had upgraded to drag queen apparently. Sasuke had commented on this earlier, during the show. He had said that oh well, apparently Yuki had gotten over his stage fright or whatever. Well, the guy was pulling it off as a drag queen. The others were still the same, Haku and Rin. The show had been nothing special – no choreography, just lip-synching. These shows really weren't the same without Dei.

And Shikamaru and Gaara were dancing with a couple of lesbians. Maybe they wanted to have a foursome later. No, Kurama definitely didn't want to join the fun if Sasuke wasn't even with him. Now he really felt disappointed and he envied all those other couples.

To make things even worst, Sasuke said, "I'm just gonna go get some air okay?"

"Want me to come with you?"

"No I just need to be alone for a couple minutes but don't worry."

It was hard not to worry when he said it like that, with such a depressed face. How the hell was he supposed not to worry?

But he let him go alone; they did get into fights sometimes because Kurama was being too clingy. So he was making efforts.

"Hey can I get a beer?" He asked, leaning onto the counter.

"Sure," Takeshi said. "So what's up with Sasuke?"

"Don't ask me," he sighed.

"Is he still having trouble dealing with, you know, what happened?"

Apparently that bartender guy didn't know the meaning of the words don't ask me.

"I didn't think so," Kurama shrugged, "but now…"

The conversation pretty much ended there, which was fine by him.

As he was drinking that beer, Naruto and Dei showed up next to him. They were breathing a little hard from dancing so much. Kurama felt better just having his brother close by. He just loved Naruto.

"Guys! What's up? What do you want to drink?" Kurama exclaimed.

"I'll have the same," Naruto said as Takeshi listened in and nodded.

"Gin tonic," Deidara grinned.

"You didn't have to say it," Takeshi said fondly. "Hey you know, you should ask for your job back. Jiraiya's really cool. Totally weird, but cool, I promise. And I mean have you seen the show without you? They're just standing there lip-synching like idiots in their big dresses."

Deidara laughed and twirled a strand of blonde hair that had come off his ponytail.

"Well you know, it's nice to know I'm wanted but… I'm not asking for my job back."

They drank in silence for a little while as Takeshi shrugged and went to help out some other customers. It was getting late but people just wanted to keep on drinking.

Kurama looked at Dei. "So you seem to be doing good."

"Yeah I mean last time was weird, I sort of panicked. I don't even know why. I'm so glad Naruto forced me to come back. I love dancing. I love this music. Lee's such an amazing dj." He glanced up toward the dj booth and smiled. That Lee guy was insane in a good way, Kurama had to agree.

"I told you we'd have fun," Naruto grabbed Dei's ponytail and chuckled before kissing his lips softly.

Suigetsu and Itachi also came over to grab some drinks. They were so cute. So many adorable couples everywhere, damn it. Itachi was dressed all nice and fancy with dress black pants and black button down shirt with a blue tie and Suigetsu was all in crazy colors, purple converse and yellow skinny jeans with the blue Tribal shirt. Wow. Which reminded him.

"Thanks for the t-shirts Itachi," he exclaimed.

"No problem. I like yours," he said mockingly, "I'm gonna have to get one like that."

"Please don't," Suigetsu laughed.

"Where is he anyway?" Itachi asked.

"He said he needed to get some air." Kurama was getting really worried. His tone was almost pleading. But he knew he was being overprotective and clingy and all that so he needed to give Sasuke some space.

Itachi, smart guy, seemed to understand everything.

"I'll go look for him."

"Yeah, thanks." Relieved, Kurama cleared his throat and drank some beer to regain his composure.

Suigetsu and Dei were talking.

"It's nice to actually see you," Deidara was saying.

"Yeah instead of chatting while, you know…"

"Coming up with battle strategies in imaginary worlds?" Naruto finished for them.

"So what's been going on with you?" Suigetsu inquired, ignoring Naruto.

"You know," Deidara shrugged, looking around the place, "coming back here. Having a panic attack and freaking out. Now I'm here again and I'm just… having fun, apparently. Guess I just needed to get over my shit."

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Suigetsu said.

Naruto held Deidara's waist and kissed the corner of his lips. Kurama looked away. So Deidara was doing well. What about Sasuke then?

"How did they even let you in here?" Deidara asked his friend to change the subject.

"They didn't card us," Suigetsu chuckled. "Maybe Itachi looks old enough for two."

When they finished their drinks Deidara led the others back toward the dance floor.

"Come on guys…"

But again Kurama stayed behind. He was waiting for Itachi to come back.

When he did Kurama was drinking his second beer.

Itachi just shook his head. "He wasn't there. Maybe he went home. Try calling him."

Afterwards he joined Suigetsu on the dance floor. Kurama was getting really frustrated. He did try calling Sasuke but he got no answer.

"What's wrong?" A familiar voice asked.

Kurama looked up from his cell only to see his ex Sai standing right next to him.

"Hey, long time no see."

"Yeah. You look upset ex-lover."

Sai…

"It's nothing. Tell me what's up. You're with Yuki now?"

Sai ordered a drink as he answered his question. "Sort of. Not really. We're dating. It's nothing serious. You still with that emo guy?"

He just couldn't call people by their normal names. But Kurama was so used to it that he barely noticed anymore.

"Yeah."

"Cheers to that," Sai bumped his glass with Kurama's beer and took a few sips. Kurama did likewise.

"You look good," he said sincerely.

Sai had changed. He used to go out and wear low rise pants with ridiculous belly shirts. Well his abs did look good, after all he went to the gym with Naruto every weekend since they were eighteen, but still… The point being, now he was clad in stylish jeans and loafers, and his black v-neck tee barely showed an inch of white skin as he leaned back against the bar counter, so that was an improvement.

"And I see you still wear stupid t-shirts."

Sai was never too strong on compliments.

While they were talking about t-shirts Kurama asked, "Did you get your Tribal t-shirt?"

"Yeah I left it with my jacket. They didn't have my size."

Right.

"Still in that tiny apartment with Shikamaru?" He asked. Sai nodded. "How long are you gonna live there?"

"As long as I go to school, I guess."

"Law student right?"

"Actually I switched to business this semester." Sai took a sip of his drink. He glanced sideways at his ex-boyfriend. "In fact I wanted to ask you if you needed some help with your new business. From what I understand your associate and yourself never went to college."

"Sasuke helps out too…"

"An art student," Sai raised a brow.

"Yeah I see your point."

"You have a budget at least? Someone is helping you with your finances?"

"Uh… I guess I'm just… hoping for the best?"

Sai almost smiled, and that was big for him. That guy didn't know how to smile.

"Glad I amuse you," Kurama muttered.

"You have no idea what you're doing, do you?"

"…"

"I'm just saying, I can help. Give me a call some time." Sai looked in the crowd and spotted Yuki. They exchanged a knowing glance. He was going back to dance with him.

"Wait! Same number?" Kurama asked, finding the offer quite interesting. Anything to keep him from being poor and having to sell his sexy car.

"Same number," Sai nodded before disappearing in the crowd of dancers.

Kurama put down his drink and decided that he had waited long enough. He was going to look for Sasuke.

He had some kind of intuition that Sasuke hadn't gone home. And if he wasn't outside…

Kurama went to the back store and no one stopped him. Security here wasn't too intense. Sure enough, Sasuke was sitting in a chair, in the middle of all the costumes and wigs and makeup. That room was a mess. Drag queens were worst than real girls. Kurama brought a chair to sit in front of his boyfriend. They were alone here but in the next room they could hear Jiraya talking with some prop guy. He recognized the new owner's voice from that night they had come here to get Sasuke's stuff back.

But that wasn't important right now.

"Are you okay?" He brought his seat even closer and he took Sasuke's pale hands to squeeze them gently.

He looked away. There were tears in his eyes, but instead of falling they were like stuck there. Sasuke sniffed quietly.

"Yeah."

"No you're not."

Sasuke said nothing, but he kept his hands in Kurama's and he squeezed back.

"You found me," he eventually said simply.

"Thought you might want some peace and quiet. We used to come here, while people were going crazy on the dance floor. So you could take off those ridiculous high heels…"

Finally a tear rolled down his cheek and immediately Sasuke wiped it off in annoyance, freeing his hand from Kurama's hold.

"Don't remind me."

"Hey… why are you crying? You remembering stuff? Bad memories?"

"Not really… I'm not really scared of this place. I know Madara's in jail. Is Deidara doing okay?"

"Yeah he's great actually," Kurama reached out to cup Sasuke's chin so he could meet his eyes. "Look at me. Don't change the subject."

Sasuke took a deep breath, and admitted, "I miss it."

"You…" Kurama was surprised. "You miss what? Being a drag queen?"

"No you moron! I hated that and you know it," he chuckled and wiped his eyes again, smudging his eyeliner a little. Kurama grabbed his hands again so he wouldn't hurt himself.

"What then?"

"Just… I don't know. It's not even about being a bartender either. Just… it was fun while it lasted, you know? With Yuki, and Takeshi, and Dei, Rin, Haku… even Lee… we had some good times. I guess I felt like I belonged, or something. Now I just… I've got nothing."

"You have school."

"I'm almost done with my program. This isn't even about this place. I guess it just got me thinking… What am I supposed to do after school? Paint some random stuff and be broke for the rest of my life? Hoping to be famous someday maybe? Depend on my mother, on my brother, on you?"

Kurama sighed. All of a sudden he grabbed Sasuke by the waist and sat him in his lap. He hugged him, caressing the soft fabric of the blue t-shirt. It really was good quality. Nice. But his thoughts were drifting. Sasuke was upset… He needed to say something smart and comforting and perfect now.

"You're just twenty one! Give yourself a break. You'll figure it out."

Okay, it wasn't perfect. Or smart.

Sasuke just held him back, resting his forehead on his shoulder.

"Thanks for trying."

"Anytime," Kurama chuckled. "I wish I could really cheer you up though."

"You always cheer me up," Sasuke said softly. He pulled away, keeping his hands around Kura's neck, just so he could look at him.

"What is it?" He had a bad feeling. He didn't like the expression on Sasuke's face.

"I got a job offer, actually, but I declined it."

"What job offer?" This was the first he was hearing of it.

"To be a… teacher's assistant. For painting and drawing classes…"

"At the university?"

"Not here. In Tokyo."

"Oh."

"Yeah. That's why I declined." Sasuke made a sad smile as he stroked his hair. "It's getting so long," he said, "it looks cute."

"Don't change the subject, please."

"There's nothing to say. I already declined the offer."

"But?" He sensed a but was coming.

"I'm having second thoughts," he said, voice barely audible. "But I don't want to leave. You're opening your own store. Your family's here. Your life is here."

"It's not just because of me, though, right? Your family's here too."

Sasuke shook his head. "My mother doesn't really care. She gives me money so she won't feel guilty. My father hates my guts."

"He bought your painting."

"So what? Is that supposed to make up for making my life a living hell my entire childhood? Is that supposed to make up for hating me because I was just trying to be myself as a teenager? For kicking me out and telling me that he never wanted to see me again?"

"I thought you said you were over that."

"I am. I'm just trying to tell you that there's nothing for me here. Except you."

Kurama swallowed hard. "What about Itachi?"

"He's got his own life. Itachi's devoted to his work. And when he does get some free time he'll spend it with Suigetsu. That's only normal."

"So in other words, you're telling me that the only thing standing in the way of your dream job, and your dream life, is me?"

"You're exaggerating. My dream job? Dream life? Please. I haven't got amazing social skills. I'd probably just try being a teacher's assistant and I'd fail miserably and come back here."

"You won't know until you try."

Sasuke said nothing.

Kurama licked his lips and looked away. Now he was feeling depressed too. But he wanted Sasuke to take this opportunity. He couldn't take that away from him.

"You should take the job."

After a moment of silence Sasuke said, "I think I will. Thank you…"

"I want you to be happy." He kissed him softly. "So when does it start?"

"In April."

Kurama perked up at this. "Why didn't you say so earlier? The way you were talking… I thought it started like, right now, in a few days, a week, I don't know! But April? That gives us time… to figure things out… whatever we need to figure out. It's not gonna be over between us okay, no matter what happens?"

Sasuke smiled, leaned closer.

"Okay."

They kissed again, and things were heating up this time. Sasuke was rolling his hips into Kurama and they both breathed louder and louder through their noses. Kurama could tell Sasuke felt happier with this decision, like the weight was lifted off his shoulders, and it was contagious. The mood was definitely better. Kurama was a carpe diem kind of guy. They still had time. Everything would be okay.

He smiled through the kiss and while Sasuke tilted his head back, Kurama proceeded to kiss his way to his ear because he knew that turned him on so much. Indeed Sasuke moaned and pressed himself a little closer…

"What the fuck are you guys doing here?"

That was Jiraya, the new manager of the place. So different from Madara and his elegant outfits, he wore simple jeans and t-shirt as he stood with his arms crossed on his broad chest.

Sasuke and Kurama were caught by surprise. As always, they had been lost in the moment, forgetting where they were completely.

"Talking about our feelings?" Kurama tried.

Sasuke stood and burst out laughing at that. He grabbed Kurama's hand while Jiraya was telling them to fuck off. They reentered the dance floor. Just a door away and it seemed like a completely different world.

Deidara and Naruto were actually dancing on the stage, giving a show. They were both good dancers in their own way. Well, Kurama loved his brother but right now he had to say, Deidara was outshining him with his moves. They were still both fun to watch.

"What do you say we give them some competition?" Sasuke said.

"What?"

"You wanted to dance, didn't you?"

Sasuke smiled and he went to jump up on the stage. He extended his hand, and Kurama took it and jumped right next to him.

Quite a night.

So many emotions, that was insane. They just needed to shake it off now. Deidara and Naruto smiled when they noticed them. Kurama was just looking at his boyfriend though. Finally, at last, he was letting go and having fun. Kurama wondered how long Sasuke had kept that job offer thing from him. But no need to think about that right now.

He just danced with him, letting his body be filled with the music, the bass. He had a smile on his lips the whole time. Sasuke was really into it as well. Well, he was a good dancer. Maybe not as good as Deidara but almost there. Guy had moves. Kurama followed his lead. Sometimes he'd just take his hand and pull him close so they could dance together, and some guys watching them down there cheered. Kurama even kissed Sasuke for show – well, not only for show.

"I love you," Sasuke said fiercely between two kisses.

"And I love it when you say it back ten hours later."

Sasuke just smiled and pulled away again, teasingly. This went on for a while, dancing on their own, then together again… making out.

Yeah, tonight had been, if not fun the whole time, something special, for sure.

Here they were, the twins dancing on the stage of Kawaiko with their boyfriends, none other than Deidara and Sasuke. That was big, wasn't it? They were showing, proving to the world and more importantly themselves that they couldn't be broken. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.