When Sasuke Met Naruto (SasuNaru)

- Chapter 54 -

Sasuke was trying his best not to laugh – really, he was – and, considering how Kiba's date had been going thus far, he thought hew as doing a pretty good job. They were all seated in a row at the Ichiraku ramen stand, with Sasuke sitting at one end and Hinata at the other. By the time they had reached the restaurant, it was already 5:20, though Hinata had not minded waiting. In fact, when they found her standing out in the snow in her purple fleece jacket and white boots, Sasuke thought she looked relieved, not angry.

That was Kiba's only lucky break so far that evening, however. In only half an hour, he had managed to spill ramen on his lap, split open the seat of his pants (which apparently were two sizes too small), and, most recently, accidentally elbow Hinata in the face.

Truly, it was turning into an absolute train wreck.

Glancing over at Kiba, Sasuke found him fussing over Hinata and her red cheek, for once not caused by excessive blushing. Naruto, meanwhile, was trying his best to salvage the date with some amusing anecdotes.

"Don't worry, Hinata – Kiba only does that to people he likes. I remember a few years ago we were playing soccer, and he tried to head the ball, but hit me in the face instead. I had a bloody nose, and we were both stunned for a minute or two," the blond said with a nervous laugh.

"I-is that true, Kiba?" Hinata asked, politely brushing the dog-boy's hand from her cheek.

Kiba reddened. "Yeah... I can get a bit clumsy when I get excited about something..."

Hinata flushed, and Sasuke was once again forced to hold back his laughter.

Not a bad line, Kiba... maybe you can pull this off after all...

"How's your ramen?" Kiba asked, hurriedly changing the subject.

"It's delicious! It's been so long since I had any," Hinata replied before scanning the room, observing the red stools, the worn countertop, and the modest, vaguely Japanese décor. "How did you even find this place? It's so small... I don't think I've ever even noticed it before..."

"I have to give Naruto credit for that one," Kiba confessed, giving the blond a nod. "He made it his mission to find the best ramen shop in town freshman year. Not that there were that many to choose from..."

"This was the winner by a long shot," Naruto interrupted, beaming with excitement. "It's where Sasuke and I went on our first date a few months ago."

"It wasn't really a date," Sasuke countered, rolling his eyes.

"Well, it sorta is now, right? Our first meal together, or something like that..."

"Umm..." Hinata piped up quietly, almost like a mouse. "Y-you two are... boyfriends?"

Sasuke and Naruto stared at the Hyuuga for a moment, both realizing quite suddenly the secret they had so casually revealed. Sasuke felt a twinge of panic and could see the same look reflected in his boyfriend's eyes. Then, just as quickly, he felt at ease, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. It didn't matter if Hinata knew, or if anyone else did: he and Naruto were in love. They had nothing left to hide.

"As a matter of fact, we are," Sasuke finally said with a smile. Then, to prove his point, he leaned over and planted a kiss on Naruto's lips, which the blond more than willingly accepted.

"I... I had a feeling," Hinata concluded as the couple backed out of the brief smooch. Sasuke shot here a surprised glance, startling her. "I-I mean, the way you two were always together... that's what the rumor was, at least..."

"Who's been saying that?" Naruto asked with a bitter tone. Evidently he and Sasuke suspected the same person: Sakura Haruna.

Hinata pursed her lips in thought. "Hmm... I think Ten-ten told me, and she heard it from Lee..."