Chapter Text
It was supposed to be a calm, casual night out—if such a thing existed when Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke were all involved. Drinks flowed, laughter echoed through the dim corners of the izakaya, and for once, the Uchiha didn’t pass on the sake.
Which, as Naruto quickly learned, was both a miracle and a warning.
“Sasuke never drinks,” Sakura whispered, wide-eyed, as she nudged Naruto. “..Naruto, can you please escort him out before he decides to pick a fight with the table?”
Naruto had grumbled at first, but then Sasuke slumped forward with a soft “Naruto…”, resting his head on the blond’s shoulder like a sleepy kitten. He smelled like warmth and trouble. The whole bar was watching.
Naruto’s face flushed a bit before he started stammering..
“Alright, alright,” He muttered, draping Sasuke’s arm around his shoulder as he guided him out. “Geez, you’re heavier than you look ‘ttebayo..”
And with that, they both walked out, sasuke leaning on Naruto. Everyone watched them disappear into the cold night outside before resuming their chatter and activities.
The cool night air hit them, but instead of sobering up, Sasuke… started talking.
Loudly.
“..he said—he said—he would die with me,” Sasuke murmured, slurring ever so slightly, as they walked down the empty road. “He said… I’m not alone anymore.”
Naruto blinked. “Huh?”
“He’s so handsome,” Sasuke sighed dramatically, head lolling back. “With his stupid golden hair and his pretty blue eyes and his weird whisker marks that make him look like a dumb fox but a cute dumb fox…”
Naruto stopped walking. His face flushed hot.
“W-Wait, Sasuke—”
“He makes me feel so safe. Like… I can breathe,” Sasuke continued, dreamy and utterly unaware of who he was leaning on. “He’s dumb and loud and sooo funny. So talented. His chakra is so warm…That dobe…”
Naruto was frozen. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to laugh or melt into the pavement.
“…should I stop?” Sasuke asked suddenly, lifting his head to glance up at Naruto with heavy-lidded eyes. “I’m talking too much, huh, stranger?”
Naruto swallowed. Then smiled—soft, helpless, and red in the face.
“…No,” he murmured, voice gentle. “Please continue, stranger.”