Mind games

The promise

It was hard for Naruto to believe Sasuke the first time he looked into those blue eyes and whispered the words "I Promise". After all, how many times had Sasuke already betrayed him? Too many to count. But then again, Naruto was all about second chances and seeing the best in people. So he placed his hand in Sasuke's and let the older Uchiha lead him away.

From that day, Naruto realized why he'd done that. It wasn't out of hope or out of determination. It was because he loved Sasuke. And Sasuke had never gone back on his word from that day on. Because he, too, was in love.

"Don't be scared. It's only love that we're falling in," Sasuke would whisper in his ear at night.

Naruto would smile and lay next to the dark haired boy contently. And every morning when he awoke, he would see onyx eyes and a warm smile. Nothing could ever be better than this, they concluded. And Naruto began to feel thankful for the fact that he was forgiving and trusting. It had gotten him hurt multiple times, but now it had got him the best thing in his life.

Well, it went without saying that neither Naruto nor Sasuke had the best first kiss ever. But, that didn't stop either of them for thinking about it when they were alone on the training grounds or in bed for the night.

Sasuke often thought about it and couldn't seem to decide whether it haunted him or pleased him. Never would he have wanted to kiss the dobe. But he had kissed him, and it wasn't as awful as he thought it would be.

Wait—Did he just admit that he'd thought about it?

Naruto on the other hand seemed to come to terms with it rather simply. It was an accident. And Sasuke tasted like revenge. Sweet, sweet revenge (whatever that actually tasted like). There was nothing really more to it than that.

And yet, when they met on the training grounds a few weeks later, they found that there was more to it. There was the need for a second, better one. So once the team had left for the day, they mutually met in the middle of the field and placed their lips upon one another.

Yes, Sasuke concluded, the kiss with Naruto pleased him. It was rather enjoyable, actually. And as the kiss ended, Naruto smiled. Revenge would be his new favorite flavor.

Naruto couldn't really say that Sasuke was his in the beginning, but that didn't mean he didn't want to. He had, shamefully, loved Sasuke since the very beginning. But that was something he had to keep to himself. Nobody, and he meant nobody, could ever learn of that deep secret.

Except- Sasuke did learn of that secret. He learned of it when he confessed his love to the blonde boy. And, all be damned, Naruto tackled him to the ground in that moment.

From there things seemed to be great. They got along to the best of the ability and even got an apartment to share. Sasuke gave Naruto the love and attention the rest of the village had always denied him. And Naruto gave Sasuke the friend and reliable outlet that he had been trying to live without for years.

It was impossible to say that they weren't perfect for one another.

Even when they fought, they didn't separate. No, they hugged it out after and went back to their normal ways. There was nothing that could keep them from one another.

So, it was with great satisfaction that Naruto was finally able to whisper in Sasuke's ear, "You are the best thing that's ever been mine."

And it was even better when Sasuke was able to whisper it back.

Naruto stood facing Sasuke in an empty clearing. They were the only two around, the only two that mattered. Jiraiya had been left behind, and Sasuke had escaped his entourage.