Temptation (NEW)

Chapter Twenty-Three

i promise i didn't forget this story

i hyperfixated on other things for a bit :')

oops

feel free to nicely yell at me to finish my stories if im taking too long
____________________________________

I sat at our small kitchenette table, sitting across from Shikamaru. For once, we were both up early on a Saturday morning. Sasuke was still sleeping in my room, which gave Shikamaru and I a chance to talk about what was happening. He didn't look thrilled, but that could be because it was 8 A.M. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

"How long will he be here?" Shikamaru finally asked after a while of sleepy, uncomfortable silence.

I shrugged my shoulders, "He didn't say exactly, but it shouldn't be long."

"This is kind of weird," he added, looking away from me and towards the hallway. He might have been making sure Sasuke didn't hear his comment, or maybe he didn't want to see my reaction.

"It'll be weirder next weekend." My voice was nearly at a whisper now. "Your birthday is coming up and I'm sure Gaara will be tagging along for the celebration."

"Christ, I hope he's not the jealous type," he sighed.

That's the sad thing---I don't know what he's like in a relationship. Sakura was a piss-poor example because he was never actually interested in her. So, I'm temporarily living with a guy that I don't really know. I mean, I know the basics, but not the real, deep information. I used to know all of his secrets and thoughts as kids, but we had a few years of a gap. This was really throwing me in for a loop.

"Are you mad at me?" I had a cup of coffee sitting in front of me. Both of my hands were wrapped around it so they could get warm, and I squeezed the ceramic as I awaited his answer.

"I wasn't mad when you kept a stray dog for like two weeks," he chuckled. "At least Sasuke is potty-trained."

"Maybe it won't be so bad," I offered up. "We could make it work."

"I'd agree if you guys had at least a year of dating under your belt," he bluntly put. "You two are just now acting civil. You don't know what will make him snap, especially with all of this added stress."

I went to object, but stopped once I heard my bedroom door open. Shikamaru and I both stiffened a bit, waiting to see Sasuke appear. When he stepped out, he gave a quick glance towards us and continued on towards the bathroom. You could hear us both take a breath as soon as he was out of sight again.

"Do you think he heard us?" Shikamaru whispered, his tone showing a hint of worry.

I shrugged, still fixated on the hallway. We had a weird night yesterday. Sasuke didn't really react to much of anything. He stayed inside my room most of the night, avoiding any awkward conversation with Shikamaru and Choji. He seemed generally okay---mostly stagnant with his emotions. Like I said, he didn't react like I had expected. It was strange to see him so calm. His whole world had just crumbled and he was completely stone-faced. If it were me, I'd be going through all the dramatic theatrics.

"Do you want anything to eat?" Shikamaru called out, snapping me out of deep thought. Sasuke was in the room now, only a few feet away from me. "We have some leftover pizza, or some microwavable breakfast burritos."

Sasuke shook his head. "Coffee is fine."

That was my cue to actually be a good host. I sprung up from my chair and guided him to our kitchen. It was messy like it always was, but I felt a little more ashamed about it today. This was the first time Sasuke has ever been in my apartment and it looked like absolute hell. I figured I'd have a little more time to clean and organize before this day ever came. He gets to see me in all of my glory---or chaos, rather.

"Sorry for the---"

"Mess?" Sasuke answered for me.

My face turned bright red. "Yeah, the mess."

"It's better than living on the streets," Sasuke softly chuckled. I wanted to laugh, too, but I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate. I mean, he is homeless right now.

"Do you want creamer?" I asked as I poured the coffee into a mug. It was mainly just me figuring out a way to change the subject and talking about coffee was the first thing to come to mind.

"I drink it black."

I handed him the cup with a weak smile. "Are you sure you don't want anything to eat?"

"As much as a microwaved breakfast burrito sounds good, I don't think I could eat right now."

His subtle sarcasm didn't go unnoticed, but I was more occupied on the sliver of darkness pouring out of his built-up walls. He was hurting more than he was letting on.

"We'll figure everything out," I assured him.

He had a look in his eyes that said he didn't quite believe that statement, but he nodded nonetheless.

"I'm going to be looking around for a job today," he added after taking a sip of his coffee. "I'll be out of your hair for a bit."

"You sure you don't want me to join you?" I offered.

"No, I'll be okay," Sasuke assured.

Gosh, this was awkward. We both kind of stood there, not knowing what else to say. The brief silences were unbearable. We both teetered on the line of not wanting to dive in too deep too fast and wanting to rip the bandaid completely off. I think Shikamaru's wise words were getting inside of my head.

"I should probably get ready for work," I shyly announced, taking my chance to break away for a bit.

Having a quick break from the weirdness was nice and I could actually clear my head. I wanted to stand under the water for as long as possible until the heat numbed me completely. I don't regret helping him, but I feared the possible outcomes. It could make us or break us entirely. That terrified me the most and I hated thinking about it.

I could hear the door to the bathroom creak open, followed by quiet footsteps before the door closed again. I couldn't really see who it was through the shower curtain, but I had an inkling. The squeak of the shower curtain being pulled back made me jump a little, but I relaxed again once I felt two arms wrap around me.

"I just wanted to say thank you," Sasuke hummed, pressing a soft kiss against my shoulder.

"I didn't really do anything to warrant a thank you," I quietly answered. I genuinely didn't feel like I had done much except give him a place to stay for the time being. Any decent human would do that for someone in his situation.

"You've done more than you realize," he assured. He meant more than just this. I could tell by the softness of his voice.

I turned around and brought my hands up to caress his face. My thumb traced his bottom lip, making him pout at the touch. He didn't look so sad in this moment. It gave me a sliver of hope that maybe we'd prove everyone wrong. I could see that he was grateful and just relieved to be free. If you had told me a few months ago that I would be here, I wouldn't believe you.

"Thank you," he whispered.

I pulled him down to kiss him to let him know that I understood everything he felt. I was so unsure before, but now I know that we will be okay. It'll just take time and patience.