CHAPTER 23: Ideal Birthday

A/N: Hey people! Sorry, this is another lengthy chapter, but it just had to be written this way! (^-^;Oh! You all are in for a surprise...🤭

3 DAYS LATER, AT NARUTO'S IN THE EVENING~

"Whoa, Sasuke! That's one huge gift, man."

Neji said as he helped Sasuke place a huge cloth-covered rectangular object against the wall in the living room of Naruto's house.

Naruto had refused to use his money on something as silly as a birthday party, and he wanted to celebrate his special day at his new apartment. It was more like a movie marathon than a party. He had specially left Kurama with his mother to make space for the people who had come.

"Hn. I spent 3 days on it. I worked like crazy."

Sasuke said as they had finally managed to position the canvas.

Sasuke let out a huff and subconsciously pouted. Neji laughed at how cute Sasuke looked.

"Why so pouty?"

He said, causing Sasuke to send him a death glare, which had honestly managed to scare the pale-eyed boy.

"Chill, dude. I was just asking."

Neji reasoned, and Sasuke stopped staring at him Uchiha-style.

"*Sigh* Look, I worked my ass off for this canvas. I came here to take care of all his meals and then went back to my studio, which is half an hour away from here. I went home at one in the morning just because of this canvas. But somehow, that pineapple head managed to impress Naruto more with his gift! I mean, seriously! I did all that work just for Naruto to say 'Thanks, Sasuke, I'll open it later', while Shikamaru just got him free vouchers for Ichiraku's and he went like 'Aww, Shikamaru! You're the best, dattebayo!'... I am pissed!"

Sasuke finished with his sob story, which caused Neji to laugh his guts out. Sasuke scowled at the Hyuga but only said a small "tch."

"Hahaha! No, Sasuke, you're jealous!"

The sudden, blunt statement caused Sasuke's face to flare with red color. He was extremely flustered on the inside, but as always, he knew better than to expose his inner gay panic.

"S- So what?"

Neji stopped laughing at this. He looked at Sasuke with a very serious expression, but it was hardly enough to faze the raven.

"So? So I should be helping you."

"Wait- Really?! You're not like, umm, disgusted in me or something?"

"What? No! I have spent this entire trip doting on Gaara and Rock Lee! What do you expect?"

Neji chuckled as he exposed his secrets to his raven-haired friend. In fact, he was happy that he had someone as gay as him around.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was internally overjoyed to know that one of his new friends had readily accepted him and his sexuality so easily.

"So... Do you want me to help?"

Neji was always up for playing Cupid for gay couples. That's just how he was.

"Sure..."

Sasuke replied, causing a mischievous smile to tug on Neji's lips.

-×-×-×-

The cake had been cut and devoured by everyone, and they were now all seated in Naruto's small bedroom. Naruto had placed extra mattresses on the floor since he knew his bed wasn't big enough to fit everyone. The mattresses were also placed a little away from the bed, so there was space to move around.

They were currently munching on finger snacks and leftover ramen while waiting for Naruto to come back since he had gone outside to pick up his parents' call.

"Will it work?"

Sasuke questioned silently to Neji, who was lying on Sasuke's lap.

"Trust me on this one."

Neji reassured him with a wink. Sasuke could only muster up a disgusted scowl at that.

"I feel stupid..."

There were small chatters here and there before the door to the room opened with a loud bang, announcing Naruto's entry.

"Yo, guys! Which movie are we -"

Naruto stopped in the middle of what he was saying because he saw, on one of the mattresses on the floor, Sasuke, Neji, and Gaara were sitting together, and Neji had dared to lay his head on Sasuke's lap.

'I don't like it.'

Naruto had tuned out the rest of the group as they finally chose to watch 'Bonds'. All he could see was people getting touchy with Sasuke. Naruto's face had contorted into a scowl that could compete with Sasuke's.

Naruto dismissed people who were inviting him to the bed and walked over to the small mattress on which Sasuke sat. He halted when he was just behind Sasuke.

"Scoot over."

Naruto's words were informal, but his voice was colder than ice. A chill ran down Sasuke's spine, and he couldn't help the blush that was dominating his pale skin.

'His voice... is hot!'

Sasuke thought as Neji glared at the blond before arguing,

"Why here? There's plenty of space available."

Naruto almost drove Neji out of his house, but he had fortunately learned self-control at an early age.

Everyone was now staring at the two and pitying Sasuke. Naruto let out an irritated sigh and smiled viciously at Neji.

"Oh well, it's my house, and I wanna sit here. Is that a good enough reason?"

Neji scowled slightly at Naruto before looking into Sasuke's eyes and smirking, causing the raven to blush before moving over to Gaara's side.

Naruto was finally feeling better. He slightly nudged Sasuke's back with his knees, asking Sasuke to move ahead.

'Is he having trouble going to the other side?'

Was what Sasuke had thought and had moved in front to give the blond sufficient space, but boy, was he wrong.

Naruto slowly took his place behind Sasuke, with his legs by the raven's side. He reached over to Sasuke's waist and pulled him back.

Sasuke flinched at the soft embrace he was taken in and soon his back was resting against the sturdiest chest any man can have, with toned arms circling around his waist and muscular legs building up a protective barrier around him.

'What the hell is this dobe doing?!'

Sasuke could feel Naruto's hot breath on his nape as the blond's face was too close to Sasuke's skin, which Sasuke liked but unfortunately couldn't handle.

"N- Naruto?"

Sasuke was thankful that his voice didn't crack.

"Shh~ Just enjoy the movie."

Naruto whispered in Sasuke's ear, causing Sasuke to grow another shade of crimson. Sasuke turned around to face the television everyone was now facing as they had put on the movie.

Blankets were passed around due to the cold weather, and Naruto absolutely refused to let anybody join the warmth he and Sasuke were sharing.

'Fuck! This is the best!'

Sasuke thought with a stoic expression as he felt Naruto snuggle against his neck. He had frozen with a tomato-red face due to overstimulation, but he would not have it any other way.

'That possessive beast *smirks*.'

Shikamaru thought as he observed the entire ordeal before focusing his attention on the movie, all while holding Kiba's hand.

*TIME SKIP* HALF AN HOUR LATER~

Everyone else was pretty consumed in the movie, but that wasn't the case for a certain ravenette. The birthday boy had fallen asleep in the crook of his neck, leaving him a blushing mess.

'What should I do with him...? Ugh...'

Sasuke had been blushing continuously for the past thirty minutes and was thankful that the lights were switched off.

This was the best day of both of their lives. Or so it was supposed to be.

~●~●~●~ ⚠️NARUTO'S POV~

The sky was clear and the sun was at its brightest, bringing out a unique shade of green from the grass I stood on.

After taking in my surroundings for a few moments, I began walking around aimlessly with Kurama, who had suddenly appeared beside me out of thin air. That's dreams for you.

I don't understand... He can make friends for sure, but why do I feel angry when someone else is touching him? Why does my heart race when I am near him? There are so many whys...

I wondered before I realized what was happening to me, and I froze. It was the very thing that I was scared of.

I... *gulps* I guess... I am falling for-

"Oh... You've already forgotten me?"

A familiar voice rang in my ears. It was filled with sorrow and heartbreak, yet it managed to send chills down my spine.

I wanted to look around for the source of it, but the world around me began shattering like glass, and everything was falling into crumbles.

What the hell is going on?

I began running frantically to find a safe place for myself when the land beneath me suddenly cracked open, and I was sucked into oblivion, as my bright dream transitioned into a horrid nightmare.

Sai... he's here.

"Yes, babe. I am here, right in front of you... And you still dare to like another man?"

I could feel my senses coming back to me after falling into endlessness for what seemed like an eternity. I opened my eyes but couldn't find Sasuke anywhere; instead, it was behind Sai that I woke up. He turned around to look at me while having an emotionless, eerie smile plastered on his face. He looked dead, yet he was so warm to touch, it scared me.

What the hell?!

I panicked and pushed him away roughly. However, this time, I wasn't simply pushing the air. I felt a weight lift off my chest as I realized that I had actually shoved something away from me. That's when it hit me.

Wait, Sai can't be here. Don't tell me... Am I... not awake... yet?

I hesitantly opened my eyes, waking up from my dream, only to see that the lights were switched on and Sasuke was on the floor. His gaze was dripping with concern.

Shit... I need to get out of here.

I could feel my hands sweating as I grew increasingly nervous. I started breathing faster the longer I stayed there.

"I- I am sorry."

I barely stuttered out before I stood up and ran to the washroom and locked myself in.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Breathe, Naruto.

I tried to calm myself because I didn't want so many people to see me in this state. However, I was failing terribly at every attempt.

My throat felt dry, and I couldn't stop the sobs that were escaping along with the tears gathered around my eyes.

"Why are you cheating on me, Naruto?"

Sai's voice echoed in my head, blocking out the banging noises and worried shouts of my friends from the other side of the door.

"I- I am not, dear... I am not cheating on you."

I tried to convince the demons in my head, but unfortunately for me, or anyone, they know us more than we know ourselves.

"Oh~ So what were you doing while hugging that boy? Hm?"

Sai's bluntness was scaring me.

Think Naruto, think!

I began feeling weak in the knees as I knew I didn't have an answer to his question. I fell with a loud thud on the floor as my head started spinning and my vision became blurry. I was gasping and breathing hurriedly as my lungs were running out of air for me.

"I... I don't know..."

I hung my head and clutched my shirt over my heart, trying to breathe as deeply as possible.

It... it hurts... here...

The pain in my heart was growing unbearable. It was as though somebody was ripping me apart.

Please... make it end.

I begged to myself. However, before I could pass out, I saw two pale hands extend towards me, and they roughly lifted my face up as I looked up into the eyes of the person to whom these hands belonged.

Sai.

"Naru... don't leave me alone like you did last time. You know what will happen, right?"

Sai's voice was so innocent, yet his intentions seemed to be worse than a devil's.

Yes... yes, I know. I won't leave you. I am sorry...

"Liar. You should've thought about this before you went and flirted with that boy. Tell me honestly, you actually don't like him, right? You are with him just because he looks like me, right?"

Sai asked, and I was stunned.

Is he trying to manipulate me? Or is it really that? Do I really like Sasuke because of Sai...?

I didn't know what was right or wrong, so I couldn't bring myself to answer my dead lover right away.

"No? That hurts me, Naru-chan~ You've forgotten me! YOU'VE FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME! SO, IT'S TIME I FORGET ABOUT YOU TOO!"

Sai suddenly became aggressive and began walking to the door leading to the outside.

No... I haven't forgotten him!

"I haven't forgotten you!"

By the time I was able to stand up on my wobbly feet and restore balance, he had disappeared.

He's gone...

I couldn't bear the thought of him leaving me on such a bitter note. My guilt was choking me as I was almost dejected when I remembered that he had walked out the door.

That's right! He's outside!

I clumsily opened the door and frantically began panning my eyes from one corner of the room to the other, ignoring the people who were trying to calm me down.

"Where the hell is he?!"

"Who, Naruto?"

It's Shikamaru.

I looked over at him and saw only worry shining through his eyes.

I can tell him.

"Sai! He came out of this door! Where did he go? *sobs*"

"He's not here, for God's sake! It's been 3 years, Naruto! Get a hold of yourself!"

More tears began rolling down my cheeks as Shikamaru kept lying to me.

He definitely came out here...

I tried to walk forward but realized that I was being held down by Kiba and Shikamaru.

Tch.

"LET ME GO!"

I screamed in the most painful and desperate voice I could muster at that time. I wanted to find him and apologize to him. It was my fault at the end of the day that he was no longer with us.

I struggled under their strong grip, but my desire to find Sai was much stronger than the strength of two men.

I won't let them stop me!

My breathing quickened as I kept violently twisting my body to somehow break free from them.

Why won't they let me go after him...

I was panicking because I knew that if I wasted more time, then he would be gone. Gone forever.

Out of my reach.

As soon as that thought invaded me, I began feeling stuffy in my throat, unable to breathe due to the big lump of guilt and regret that just wasn't going away.

Someone... help me...

"What the hell, guys! Let him go!"

An almost angelic, deep voice roared in the entire apartment, and I couldn't help but feel attracted to it.

Where is it coming from?

I tried to look for its source when, once again, a set of pale hands came into view. Their touch felt different and softer.

It's warm...

They lifted my face up, and I was met by onyx eyes, the gaze of which was consuming me.

Onyx eyes... Sai...?!

My eyes widened as I stopped moving around completely. I kept staring into the abyss of those black, comforting orbs of my dead lover. I passed him a smile that would have been enough to convey every bit of regret and sorrow I felt towards my only love.

"I am sorry, Sai, please don't leave me again."

I pounced on him as the two had let go of me when I had calmed down. I could feel slender arms snake around my neck before I felt something pat my head.

"Relax... It's okay. Everything is alright. I won't leave you, now sleep."

Those comforting whispers resonated with every part of my body before all the tension and tears faded away. I evened out my breathing for a while, enjoying his warm embrace.

"I love you..."

Was the last thing I could manage to say before I allowed myself to finally rest for the day.

~●~●~●~ ⚠️ ends

"I love you..."

Sasuke was unable to process whatever just happened. He was worried, anxious, flustered, and sad, all at the same time. He hated seeing Naruto, his sun, his only hope, so broken.

'He just said 'I love you'...'

Sasuke couldn't stop the tears that were streaming down his face because it hurt his heart to accept the fact that the person whom Naruto had expressed his love for wasn't Sasuke at all; it was Sai.

Naruto had mistaken Sasuke for Sai, and Sasuke was extremely heartbroken by it. But he knew that there were other things that were supposed to be prioritized at the moment.

'I have to get him to bed.'

He thought as he stood up with Naruto unconscious in his arms and carried his body to the bedroom with the help of Shikamaru. They gently laid him down on the bed, and Sasuke covered him with a blanket while looking at his tear-stained face.

"Your smile can literally fool the Gods, dobe."

Sasuke mumbled to himself before he and Shikamaru walked out of the room, closing the door behind them.

Kiba and Shikamaru had managed to drive away all the others out of Naruto's house, so it was only the three of them in the living room now.

Sasuke took a minute to calm himself and inhaled deeply several times to regain his stoic demeanor before he glanced at the two people sitting by his side on the orange couch.

'I am sorry, Naruto.'

He knew he should be waiting for Naruto to speak up about it all, but what he saw today had frightened him to his core, so he just had to figure it out.

"What the hell happened to him?"

A/N: Sorry not sorry for what I did people...I know you all are hating me right now for changing the moods of the chapter but ok 😅 Also, I know I haven't written this one as well as the others so sorry about that, but I still hope you all liked it! 🙇🏻‍♀️See you all in the next chapter!Author sound out~ ✌🏻