The Ardor of Every Day

13.

After a session of heavy breathing, while being held by Naruto, Sasuke lifted his head from Naruto's chest. Faces so close to each other that their noses were millimetres away from touching. Naruto let his hands limp away from Sasuke's body. Sasuke's eyes looked faded and worn. The bags under his eyes looked more drastic than usual. Naruto blamed himself for ruining the mood. Sasuke seemed to be enjoying himself and he was the one that struck that joy like lightning. Sasuke put his hand on Naruto's knee to help himself stand up from the bed, slowly breaking his stare. Naruto's eyes followed him across the room. He grabbed the pack of cigarettes from his gatherings along with the lighter and opened the window. He sat on the floor, rather than stepping outside. He lit his cigarette, one hand out the window and one tightly grabbing his knee. He leaned his head on the wall for support, taking in an extensively huge puff as his cheeks hollowed and his lips went grayer. Naruto turned around to face Sasuke.

"Maybe you should get some rest. I know you didn't get much sleep last night and you're probably also tired from surfing." He said.

"Maybe I should." Replied Sasuke.

Naruto took glances at Sasuke while he finished his cigarette rather fast and killed it on the cement outside. Sasuke walked over and sat right beside Naruto, similar to before.

"Um... I know we've only hung out a couple times, but you can ask for a hug or just support in general anytime you want, ok?" Naruto said and lightly put one hand on Sasuke's back.

"Mhm." Sasuke replied.

This reply didn't do much for Naruto. He knew that Sasuke was comfortable and trusted him for those few moments but, what if he was revisiting his choices now? What if he thought of Naruto as a precursor of memories he wanted to forget? For now, he just wanted to offer Sasuke more solace and an atmosphere where he felt safe.

"Why don't you lay down and try to sleep for a little bit? I'll go downstairs so you can have some space." Naruto took his hand off his back and stood up from the bed.

"I'll try that but please... don't leave." Sasuke replied. He was focused on something in front of him as if zoned out.

"Are you sure? You'll rest easier if you're alone." Naruto said.

"Yeah I'm sure." Sasuke looked up at him with weary eyes and said.

"Ok, I'll try not to disturb you too much." Naruto replied.

Naruto took a seat on his desk chair and Sasuke laid down on the bed and turned to face towards the wall. He cozied up under the blanket and tucked himself in. Sasuke shut his eyes and tried his best to not think about anything and to try and sleep for a little while. Naruto was as silent as he could be. He decided to read a manga to not cause too much commotion. He understood that Sasuke needed someone to be there for him, someone that won't leave him. He required security and promise, not space. Naruto was satisfied by just being a shadow for him. He felt so much for Sasuke, a whole mix of true emotions and feelings. But he was in no position to unpack his when Sasuke's were so much heavier, he thought. Sasuke appeared to be drifting off in peace even though Naruto couldn't see his face. Naruto just wanted to hold him for as long as he could, look at him, hold his hand, feel him breathe and be there for him as long as he could. He didn't know how to handle the situation that had presented itself today, but he thought he did ok for someone who couldn't relate to it. He got out his phone, wanting to text Shikamaru to meet up for a little bit.

Naruto: Hey, can I come see you tonight? A little late after dinner?

Shikamaru was the one in their friend group who usually gave out advice. And he was good at it too. Naruto didn't have anything to ask him, but he wanted to talk about everything going on with a third person. Someone who he could be his hundred percent in front of.