Cirque De Singularitie

Chapter 3

Three days later they made it to the next town. This was a bustling city, and they were booked for three nights. They had arrived two days early. Naruto threw himself into the work of setting up the circus. He was strong and scrappy, and would most likely be mistaken as the help instead of a performer. He enjoyed the physical labor...it also made it easier to sleep at night, tiring himself out. No trace of royalty shone through his tanned skin and hardworking demeanor.

Sasuke fell into step with Naruto of working hard. With his calloused hands and all he can be easily mistaken as a worker rather than one of the performers. So far the two enjoyed their new life here.

"Sas, you need to get a guy" Naruto said as they helped erect a tent. He worried about his brother and didn't like to see him lonely. "What's with you and Shika guy, anyways? I thought maybe something was there, but the last couple days he hasn't been talking to you," Naruto started tying the tent to the stake.

"There is something between us I think. He doesn't know what he likes and isn't exactly comfortable with me being open about it," explained Sasuke, helping him out.

"Gotcha," Naruto grunted. "Well, if he hurts you I will kick his ass." Naruto moved on to the next stake.

"Good," nodded Sasuke, moving onto the opposite side. "What about you?"

"Me? Eh, single and mingle." Naruto stayed evasively.

"You sure?" he teased.

"Yea. Who I like is very, very taken." Naruto stood, wiping the sweat from his brow, pulling off his shirt. "Shit it's hot."

"Hn, I see," nodded the Uchiha, having his shirt already off with noticing it's rather hot out here today.

The brothers worked as Shikamaru went up to Kakashi. "Hey boss...I uh, need to talk to you...privately."

"Alright," the silverette went to a private area to speak with him. "What's wrong?"

"I, uh...I need to change tents. I, uh, things are just weird with me and Sasuke after the k...after the dinner." Shikamaru was nervous.

"Why?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Um, well...I mean...I fucked up Boss." Shikamaru looked down.

"How?" he prompted for an explanation.

Shikamaru let out a big breath. "I...I kissed him." Shikamaru kept looking down.

"That's not failure," smiled Kakashi, lifting his head. "That's you figuring out what your preference is. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"B...but I never have liked guys...always girls." His face was confused.

"Tastes can change over time," stated Kakashi. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."

Shikamaru looked over to where the brothers were. "But...Naruto is gross, sweaty, loud, and nasty." Taking a look to Sasuke, Shikamaru gulped and blushed, admiring the sheen of sweat on Sasuke's body.

"But you look at Sasuke and what do you think?" asked Kakashi.

Shikamaru's breathing picked up as his face flushed. He shrugged, at a loss for words.

"See? Obviously you're attracted to him," pointed out Kakashi.

"You're not letting me change tents, are you?"

"Nope," Kakashi patted his shoulder. "You'll be ok."

"Damnit..." Shikamaru grunted, shuffling off.