Flowers, tattoos and I love you's

19.tulip pt.2*

Hi guys, this chapter is coming out earlier than usual because I have an exam this week I need maximum concentration. This chapter is a big one so bear with me please. Enjoy :)

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"Sasuke, are you there?" The familiarity of the voice jolted him. It was Naruto. The weight of the impending conversation bore down on him like a vice grip. He couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his gut.

Hinata's words about her date with Naruto rang in his ears, echoing like a premonition.

With a resigned sigh, Sasuke felt the gravity of the moment. He knew what was about to transpire, what words were hanging on the precipice. The specter of a breakup loomed before him, casting a long shadow over their two-month anniversary. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white with tension, as he wrestled with his own emotions.

He had to summon the courage to face this head-on, to confront the truth that awaited him. His heart ached, but he knew he couldn't remain a coward in the face of this pivotal moment.

Just get it over with Sasuke, stop being a coward.

He approached the door with purpose, his hand reaching out to grasp the knob and swing it open and the first thing he saw was the bright smile that adorned Naruto's face, but it quickly faded into an expression of concern upon catching sight of Sasuke.

The usual paleness of the boy's complexion was even more pronounced, accentuated by reddened, puffy eyes that betrayed recent tears. His face carried the weight of fatigue as if he had been weathering a storm.

In stark contrast, Naruto exuded his characteristic appeal, hair retaining a hint of dampness, his tan skin radiating a healthy glow, and he held in his hands a sizable bouquet of flowers adorned with a white wrapping and a purple ribbon.

Without a doubt, those flowers were intended for Hinata. The purple ribbon was a nod to her preference for the color, a humorous connection that Gaara often teased by comparing her to an eggplant. The situation was beginning to dawn on the Uchiha, and the frustration was palpable. He had an inkling that Naruto's purpose for being there was to sever their relationship before going on a date with Hinata. It was an exasperating and almost unbelievable thought.

Concern etched into his features, the blond inquired softly, "Hey baby, are you alright? Have you been crying? What's happened?" His intention to offer comfort was thwarted when the raven recoiled, batting away Naruto's attempt to touch his cheek.

"Finally decided to drop by, huh? Ignored me for a whole week," Sasuke retorted with an edge of anger, his voice sharp.

"Is that why? I didn't mean to, babe. I just needed a bit of space to sort out some things," He replied, his desire to console his boyfriend held back by a cautious restraint. He knew not to push too hard, at least not yet.

"Space? From me? You're getting tired of us, is that it?" The vulnerability in Sasuke's tone was underscored by the waver of emotion, his gaze averting from Naruto's.

"No way! Why would you even think that?" The blond's concern quickly escalated into a panicked denial, his movement toward the Uchiha tentative as the raven stepped back.

"What?! No way! Why on earth would that even cross your mind?" The blond man's voice trembles with surprise and concern. Without hesitation, he moved closer to his injured boyfriend, who continued to retreat, each step a small, cautious shuffle. "Hey, look at me," Naruto urged, his presence now enveloping the interior of their home. As he entered fully, he delicately set the bouquet of flowers down on the petite table stationed near the entrance, then quietly closed the door behind him, creating a sense of intimacy in the space they shared. "Please, baby," he implored in a soft, soothing tone, his hands tenderly cradling the other man's cheeks, guiding the glistening, charcoal-colored eyes to meet his own.