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Chapter Text

Naruto batted his eyes open, staring into the void. The darkness felt warm despite the echoing emptiness surrounding him. 

“Hello?” he called out.

“Naruto.” a voice came from behind him. He turned around and met a familiar face, earning a smile on his own.

“Sasuke!” he said, running over to him. “Where are we? What are we doing here? How did we…” Naruto’s voice trailed off as he looked around, feeling more eerie when being lost in this strange space. 

Sasuke frowned and also let his eyes wander. “I’m not sure…but it feels familiar somehow.” 

“Familiar?” Naruto asked, mostly because he was also just overcome with a realisation that he’s been there before, he just wasn’t sure when.

“Not familiar…just more like…I should know where I am.” Sasuke said as he started wandering about. 

Naruto followed him. “I think something’s off, I can’t seem to remember what I was doing just before this.” he said, looking over his hands. His right one spoke to him, being strangely interesting to see for some reason. He lifted it up above himself to really take it in.

“What are you doing?” Sasuke asked confused. 

Naruto let his hand fall, but still had his eyes stare at it. “I don’t know it’s just…it feels like this hand doesn’t belong to me.” 

“What are you talking about? It’s your hand.” Sasuke said amused. 

“I don’t know it’s just…it feels so cold somehow.” Naruto mumbled. 

Sasuke looked down at his own hands and Naruto saw the moment he frowned at his left one. “This is weird. My hand also feels…odd. Like it’s not supposed to be there.” 

Now Naruto was curious. What was this place, what was up with the deja vu and how could a limb of his own feel so wrong?

“Let me see.” Naruto asked, holding out his hand to take Sasuke’s. Sasuke opened his palm, offering it to Naruto. Both jumped when a sudden glow erupted from his hand. “What the hell was that?!” 

“I don’t know!” Sasuke said startled. 

“You don’t know why your own hand is glowing?” Naruto asked distressed. 

“Yours is too!” Sasuke said, pointing at Naruto’s hand that was indeed, also glowing.

Naruto screamed and jumped back as he held his hand up. He stared at his palm. In the center sat a circle, giving a bright light. He frowned at it. “What is this?” He looked over at Sasuke who was also studying his own hand. 

“It’s a moon.” Sasuke said. 

“What?” 

“A moon. It’s a moon at the palm of my hand.” Sasuke clarified and held up his hand to show it to Naruto. Indeed, a crescent moon was sitting in the centre of his palm. 

Naruto looked between his hand Sasuke’s. He frowned. “And I have…a sun?” he asked, holding up his hand for Sasuke to see, letting their palms face each other. 

The moment the lights touched, they intensified and glowing orbs appeared all around them. Both gasped as they stumbled around, looking at the display. Naruto frowned out of confusion once one orb started speaking in a familiar voice. As he walked closer, he saw a younger him being tied to a pole, being fed a lunch by younger Sasuke. 

“Sasuke! Look! It’s us as kids!” Naruto said in a gasp and pointed. 

“And here we’re fighting.” Sasuke answered him. Naruto looked over his shoulder, seeing Sasuke gaze into an orb, looking lost to the world. 

Naruto wandered around, looking into other lights. “Hey, we’re in here too. But you seem…different. Is that an earring?”

“What?” Sasuke exclaimed and rushed over to push Naruto to the side. He frowned. “It looks like me but…I don’t remember ever having an earring. Still, it feels like I’ve had.” 

Naruto laughed. “You? Jewellery?” he chuckled, but it slowly faded as his gut also told him that he’d seen that before. He just couldn’t remember when. 

“Well look at this, I got more than some jewellery in this one.” Sasuke said, pointing to another orb. 

Naruto followed him and saw Sasuke in a great set of wings, black just like his hair. His stomach fluttered a little, thinking that he looked pretty handsome with wings on. “I don’t like the look of me though. Kurama took it to the next level in this one.” he frowned as he saw himself transform in a very vile way, covered in blood, looking more like a demon than ever. 

Sasuke wandered further and stopped to linger at one orb, but he said nothing. His curiosity got to him and Naruto quickly pushed Sasuke aside to see what he was looking at. On a stage the two of them stood, scripts in hand, sharing a kiss. Naruto’s face heated up before he quickly coughed and dashed over to the next one. 

He looked through each one he passed by. In one he wore an Akatsuki jacket, in another he was sitting hidden in a garden with Sasuke, some of the more embarrassing ones had him and Sasuke wrapped up in each others arms, leaving no space between them.

“It’s strange but…” Sasuke began. “I can’t remember any of this ever happening, and yet it’s all very real. As if I know that I have done that, and I’m so sure of it that I…” he stared blankly between the orbs, as if lost in thought. 

Naruto said nothing, for he felt the same way. Looking at all of these scenes before them, it felt more real than like a dream, more like a distant memory that he’d forgotten that he had. 

“But, what is this place? How can we see these things here?” Naruto asked. 

“Not sure…but I think I know a way for us to see more.” Sasuke said and lifted his hand, holding his palm out flat for Naruto. 

Naruto looked between his glowing hand to Sasuke’s. A sun and a moon, so different and yet so alike, sharing the same sky. He swallowed nervously before he laid his own palm flat against Sasuke’s. It felt warmer than anything he’d ever touched without getting burnt. 

A hole opened up in the void before them, showing a planet earth below, floating among the stars. They let each other go before inspecting the new object. 

“What…What is that?” Naruto asked with big eyes. 

“Home.” Sasuke said before he looked around. “I think I get it.” 

“Get what?” Naruto asked. 

“I think we’re dead.” 

Naruto stared at him. He wanted to scream, laugh, anything. But as he tried to, he couldn’t make himself. “What?” 

Sasuke passed him a glance. “I think we don’t remember anything, because we’re not supposed to. I think…we’re looking at our collective past lives. Each one a life we’ve lived before and this…is the gate to the next one.” 

Naruto’s eyes grew wide. "We're...dead? So what, we're ghosts?" he said in a panic. He'd always been afraid of those. 

Sasuke shook his head. "No I think this is the after life, or the brink between, I don't know. But I'm sure that these are past lives and we've just opened the gate to the next one." 

Naruto looked down at his hand. "The sun and the moon. We're both needed to get to the next life?" 

Sasuke lifted his hand as well, his moon still glowing brightly. "I guess so." 

"So it's like...we're joined? Like destiny?" he said, feeling his face heat up. 

Sasuke spared him a glance. "Like soulmates." 

Naruto's stomach fluttered at the word. He looked around, seeing him and Sasuke in all of these different worlds and different times. Without meaning to, he smiled. “Seems like we spent every single life together.” 

He saw Sasuke who also looked around before giving Naruto a smile in return. He passed a glance to his own palm before holding it up to Naruto. “Well, the moon isn’t much without its sun.” 

Naruto laughed, taking Sasuke’s hand in his. “You wanna try out the next life together too?” Sasuke nodded, his smile soft as his eyes never left Naruto’s. They walked over to the edge of the ground and took a deep breath. “What do you think we’ll do in the next one?” 

“No idea.” Sasuke said. “An idiot like you can get up to anything.” 

“Jerk.” Naruto stuck his tongue out.

Sasuke laughed. “I wonder when I’ll see you again. I don’t know how old I’ll be when we meet.” 

Naruto’s eyes lingered, taking in his face one last time before he’d wake up and not know of it. “Either way, it will be a story worth telling.” 

And then they jumped.

Chapter Text

“You could stay, you know.” 

Sasuke didn’t spare Naruto a look when the request was made. Naruto was fiddling his fingers, nervous about what he had just said.

“I have a mission.” Sasuke eventually replied as he looked out at the forest before them. 

Naruto frowned. “You have a life too.” 

“Not in the village.” Sasuke said bitterly. 

Naruto had so much he wanted to say to that. What about his wife, what about his child, what about the place he once called home? But none of that felt most important, none of those tugged at his heart the same way that he wanted to scream out, what about me?

“Then…you can settle down here. We’ll build you a house right here in the forest. If you’re at least in the Fire country you’re close to-”

“I’m not building a house, Naruto.” Sasuke finally looked at him, but it was a look of frustration. 

“It doesn't have to be here, it can be-”

“I’m not doing any of that!” Sasuke uninterrupted again. 

Naruto’s heart sank. “What’s so wrong with staying put? Your family could come and see you anytime.” he scratched his cheek. “I could…come see you anytime.” 

Sasuke’s eyes lingered. Naruto’s heart raced as Sasuke took a few steps forward. Out from under his cloak, he pulled out a scroll and handed it over. “The latest mission report.” Sasuke said in a monotone voice. 

Naruto frowned at the paper. He reached out his hand, but instead of taking the scroll, he held onto Sasuke’s hand instead. He felt the instant Sasuke jumped at the touch. “I thought watching you leave over and over would hurt less each time, especially now when you’re not running to the dark.” he looked up and met Sasuke with a smile. “But I was wrong.” 

Sasuke didn’t blink, he stood frozen for a moment before he slowly pulled his hand back, dropping the scroll to the ground as he did so. “Go home to your wife, Naruto.” he said as he turned around to walk away. 

Naruto clenched his fists. The familiar pain was moving through him. “Stay with me!” he shouted to the back facing him. 

Sasuke stopped in his tracks. A wind passed them by, reminding them of the cold night. Sasuke looked over his shoulder for a second before he with a quick step stood in front of Naruto again. Naruto stopped breathing when Sasuke wrapped his arm around him, embracing him.

“It never stops hurting to walk away either.” Sasuke whispered.

Naruto felt numb when Sasuke once again pulled away and with a look of despair, he turned around and vanished into the night. 

Chapter Text

Naruto groaned at the stack of books before him. Kruka had left him in the classroom for the rest of the afternoon to read for his next exam. Who knew how much studying was involved to move out of the genin status?

Despite being the village hero, and the one who saved the world alongside his friends, Naruto wouldn't be allowed to achieve his dream while he was still in the paperwork a genin. And the only way to fix that was to take the same exams everyone else had. 

That didn't stop him from crying and chewing foam out of frustration at the amount of work.

"I see you're still an idiot."

The voice pulled Naruto out of his focus as he turned to look out the window. There, on the windowsill, sat none other than Sasuke.

Naruto jumped out of his seat in excitement. "Sasuke! When did you get back?" 

Sasuke got down from the window. "Just now."

Naruto's heart fluttered at knowing that it was him that sasuke had chosen to come see first. "Is your mission done?"

"For now. I came to leave an update."

Naruto raised his eyebrows. "Oh? So what are you doing here then?"

Sasuke didn't answer, he simply looked down at the books. "You always were an airhead. Are you still going through these?"

"Hey! I can still kick ass without these stupid things. Besides, I don't see you advancing from genin either!" Naruto shouted with a glare.

Sasuke shrugged. "It's not like I'd want to. I have no use for titles."

It was true, since Sasuke didn't stay to work within the village, he was free to work under any status he wanted.

"Well then, you don't get to be pissy with me." Naruto pouted while crossing his arms.

Sasuke looked down. "How is it working?"

"Huh?" Naruto asked confusedly before he realized what Sasuke was looking at. "Oh, my arm? Just fine. A bit weird since it looks and feels a bit different, but it's okay." Sasuke nodded slowly. "You know, the offer still stands about you getting one."

"Pass." Sasuke said.

Naruto held his bandaged hand out. "I know it looks a bit weird, but I promise that it's-"

"It could be the perfect copy, but I'm not taking it." Sasuke interrupted.

Naruto had asked before why he wouldn't, but Sasuke had just spit back. Eventually he gave up trying to figure it out.

"So…how long are you staying for?" Naruto asked.

"Just until tomorrow. There's been scouts seeing movement that I need to investigate."

Naruto's heart sank at knowing he'd soon be gone again. "Well…got any plans for the night? I was kinda thinking about going to get ramen if you wanna, you know, tag along."

Sasuke smiled amused. "Really? Still ramen?"

"Forever and ever." Naruto grinned.

Sasuke chuckled. "Fine, but it's your treat." he said and walked towards the door.

"I treated you last time!" Naruto shouted as he followed. 

"Because you pick."

"Just because you chose these disgusting ones!"

"You mean healthy?"

"Disgusting!"

Sasuke laughed as they kept walking down the hallway. Even now, Naruto was just as amazed to hear that laugh.

Chapter Text

You can call me what you want. 

Insane, reckless, a genius, the last Uchiha or a traitor to the village of Konoha. Girls have called me handsome, guys have called me arrogant. My teacher called me hot headed and a monster called me special.

I don't care what synonyms you use on me, if your words are meant to hurt or encourage. They're all true, and the truth can't be wrong to express.

But there is one thing I'm not.

Brave.

The things I've done in life has not demanded courage. It doesn't take courage to leave your village, it doesn't take courage to seek guidance from a madman and it doesn't take courage to seek power over the world.

That is nothing more than blind rage, sourced from the agony of great loss. I felt no fear for such things. When fear has entered my body, I've been rendered frozen on the spot. Much like when I saw my clan bathing in its own blood, or when an enormous snake dove towards me, ready to swallow me whole.

Or like right now. When I see you before me, your bright blue eyes, golden hair and that big smile on your face. The sensation of peace gives my body, a rest for my mind and yet a racing heart that makes me breathless.

I want you to know how you saved me. More than on the battlefield or from the darkness. My entire being came back from it all, almost whole, thanks to you. Pieces will always have cracks, but you keep them together only with your presence. 

I want to say these things, I want to tell you how I feel. And yet, I'm rendered frozen. 

Like a coward.

So I'll spend my life devoted to you. Even when not by your side, forever in your shadow. I'll prove to you the words I cannot say, show and not tell, for it's all I'm able to do. Because no matter together or apart,

I'm happiest when I'm with you

Chapter Text

Naruto laid on his bed, watching as the sky turned red. The cold air was coming in with the dark, reminding him of the day that had passed. 

He sighed as his face laid against the pillow. On his stomach he'd been thinking about Sasuke, wondering what he was up to. Had defeating his brother brought him peace? If so, why wasn't he home yet?

As the glowing orb fell behind the skyline and the darkness replaced the light, he wondered if Sasuke felt the same? Had his light gone out at the end of the day, only to be consumed by darkness?

Still, despite the end of it all, Naruto couldn't help but to think fondly of the sunset. After all, he and Sasuke were looking at the same one.

Somewhere.

Tears that shouldn't be seen had fallen and now laid dried against his cheeks. In the seclusion of the night, on a hill outside the lair, he felt safe enough to shed the agony that had come from learning the truth about his brother.

The stars disappeared around him, as darkness fell and the warmth of a sun peaked out across the sea. 

Sasuke sighed as the heat touched his skin, bringing a sudden ease to his tension. The warmth hugged him despite being so far away and promised him a new start.

Much like Naruto.

It wasn't uncommon to think about him when he saw the sunrise. The bright blonde hair was just one thing in common, the other being the blinding optimism and warmth he could spread, despite being so far away.

Sasuke clenched his fist as he stood up and wiped whatever remained of his tears. A distraction was what he was, one that must be forgotten, or eliminated. 

If only he knew. If only Naruto saw the sunrise back in the village and thought of him the same way. 

He would've laughed.

Chapter Text

"You've got to be kidding me." 

Sasuke's statement rung through the air as both he and Naruto stared at the single bed in the room. 

"Kakashi! What the hell does this mean?!" Naruto screamed as he pointed at their teacher behind them. 

Kakashi smiled at them. "They only have three single rooms available. Sakura has to sleep alone as the only girl and I'm bigger than both you kiddos to be sharing a bed."

"No way! No, no, no!" Naruto shook his head violently.

"Couldn't agree more." Sasuke muttered, crossing his arms.

"Look, it's just for one night and as ninjas we're supposed to-"

"But not with him!" Naruto shouted. "Anything but-"

"Then sleep on the floor. Goodnight." Kakashi said before slamming the door in his face.

Naruto groaned as he turned to see Sasuke's glare. 

Sasuke sighed as he started to dress for sleep. "You're taking the floor."

Immediately Naruto gripped his shirt. "No way in hell!"

"I saved your sorry butt today, this is the least you can do in return!" Sasuke spit back.

"Ha! As if!" Naruto said and pulled his pants off before crawling into bed.

"Get off!" Sasuke said before pulling at the covers, but Naruto held on tight.

"No! You get off!" He gripped Naruto's leg and pulled him, making him fall to the floor before quickly diving in under the covers himself.

"You asshole!" Naruto shouted. After rubbing his head, he lifted the covers and slipped in alongside Sasuke.

Sasuke's eyes shot wide open. "What are you doing?!"

"I'm getting into the bed!" Naruto shouted 

"But I'm in here!"

"I'm not blind!"

"No, just stupid." Sasuke frowned.

"And you're a bastard! I'm not sleeping on the floor!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

The room got quiet. Sasuke quickly rolled over to have his back facing Naruto. Naruto did the same and because of the small bed, both their backs and buttocks touched ever so slightly. With a burning face Sasuke tried to get closer to the edge, but he was already in danger of falling off.

Naruto's body radiated heat, but it was more comforting than anything else. Not that he'd ever admit to that. Instead he pulled the covers high up his chin to hide his red face.

It didn't take long until Naruto snored. He relaxed body melted on the mattress, making them lay up against each other even more. 

Sasuke didn't sleep. In the morning Naruto made fun of the dark circles under his eyes and he bit back with saying he snored too loud for anyone to sleep.

He shall never know what kept him up all night was the pounding of his racing heart.

Chapter Text

Sasuke was hanging laundry in the garden. As he stretched the sheets over the lines, he couldn't help but to remember his own mother when doing so. He remembered holding the basket of clothespins for her when he was young. Then he'd play with his brother while running behind the white sheets.

Sasuke pulled out a pair of orange underwear among the white linen. He groaned. How many times had he told Naruto to be careful with which basket he throws things in?

"I'm home" Naruto suddenly called from the kitchen. It was connected to the terrace so through the open screen door Sasuke saw him put the grocery bags on the table.

"Did you get everything?" Sasuke asked as he hung up the boxers to fly in the wind with the sheets.

Naruto came outside. "Every single stupid vegetable."

"You're the stupid one for not eating them."

Naruto stuck his tongue out. Sasuke always cooked, there was no way he'd let Naruto make anything. Either it was inedible or covered in geese and salt. But he couldn't make fun of Naruto too much for it, Sasuke had vague memories of his mother in the kitchen after all.

"Are those my underwear?" Naruto suddenly asked surprised.

Sasuke put his hand on his hip. "That's what happens when you throw them in the white basket. They get put on display."

Naruto giggled. "Ops, sorry." He walked down to stand close to Sasuke. "Don't you think it's naughty to have them on display like this for the neighbors to see?"

Sasuke scoffed. "Your old orange underwear? No way."

A pair of arms snuck around his waist. "Do you think it's-"

"Stop!" Sasuke pushed Naruto's face away. 

Naruto laughed. "So you can take the neighbors seeing my underwear, but not us hugging?"

Sasuke blushed, hearing the stupidity behind it. "They don't need to be involved in that." 

"They will be!" Naruto said before taking a sturdy grip around Sasuke's waist to lift him up and spin him around.

"Naruto!" Sasuke screamed as he tried to wiggle out of the grip. "I need to finish the laundry."

"Save it." Naruto said and put him down, cupping his cheeks to kiss him on the lips. 

"But, the groceries-"

"I'll get new ones." Naruto said, embracing him as they kissed again.

Sasuke's body started to burn. "I have to get dinner-"

"I'll treat you out." Naruto said as he started to pull Sasuke into the house. "There's some important things to take care of in the bedroom."

Sasuke scoffed. "I doubt it."

Naruto pulled him in and pressed their bodies flush against each other. Sasuke almost melted at the feeling of the hard and warm muscles against him. 

"I assure you, it's of great importance." Naruto mumbled against his lips.

Something even harder made itself known against Sasuke's thigh and he shuddered.

Sasuke licked his lips. "Maybe it is. But you're finishing laundry after."

"Okay." Naruto smiled and kissed him.

"And the shopping again."

"Alright." Naruto's hands tangled in Sasuke's hair.

"And I want dinner in bed. From the sushi place."

Naruto groaned. "But that's across town."

Sasuke smirked as he let his hand slip down and massage the bulge, making Naruto gasp. "I'll make it worth your while." He whispered.

Naruto mumbled something, sounding out of breath. Before Sasuke could react, he was lifted and carried into their bedroom where they caused a mess on their sheets.

At least Naruto was doing the laundry this time.

Chapter Text

Kakashi and Sakura had been watching them for a while, each moment they were getting closer and closer. 

Sakura glanced up at Kakashi who looked just as confused as her. None of them hear what the guys were saying, but it was clearly not a calm situation.

Sasuke gripped Naruto's shirt, pulling their faces so close that Sakura jumped as she expected a kiss. But there was just more yelling.

Naruto took hold of Sasuke's wrists, holding him as he poked at Sasuke's chest. The finger fingered and touched him all over, prolonging the connection.

"Kakashi." Sakura whispered. "What's going on?"

It was quiet for a moment as both watched them pull away for a moment, only for Sasuke to say something which caused Naruto to turn around and be up in Sasuke's face again.

"I'm not sure." Kakashi mumbled. "In my days I fought with teammates as well, but not like this." Suddenly the conversation got even more intense and their foreheads connected, almost making their noses bump. "Never like this." Kakashi sighed.

Sakura wondered how long this could go on. Then again, it wasn't something new. Even since their missing at the land of waves, they had become a lot more touchy with each other, even when it was through yelling.

"If you don't like someone you wouldn't want to be that close, right?" Sakura asked.

"Yes." Kakashi agreed.

"But…if you like someone you wouldn't yell at them. Right?"

Kakashi took a moment to answer. "Yes." 

Sakura frowned. "So…what are they doing?"

The boys had now gripped each others shirts pulling each other close. The yelling continued, but the physical contact, while rough, did nothing to hurt the other. They just held each other as the anger flew between them.

"I don't know." Kakashi sighed.

"Should we…leave them?" Sakura asked, not feeling comfortable seeing the display, feeling as if she was out of place.

"Let's." Kakashi said and had them both turn to walk further into the training ground. 

The yelling echoed behind them far into the woods. The boys didn't come find them until much later.

Chapter Text

Sasuke laid covered under the sheets. That's a good thing, as he wasn't wearing anything under it. He laid there watching the sleeping boy beside him.

Naruto snored lightly with his mouth open, laying on his stomach with his arms and legs spread out. His hair was ruffled and the covers had slid down, only concealing his lower half.

The morning sun shone through the window, creating a warm glow over the tanned skin. Sasuke shuddered at the inviting warmth.

Slowly he let his hand sneak out from under the covers. He gently brushed a wild strand of hair away from his forehead and carefully touched the round and soft cheeks.

Naruto was very cute with his whispered face. Not that Sasuke would ever tell him that. He would never tell him how pretty his eyes were, how handsome his strong jaw was and never ever tell him how sexy his back was, or his strong legs or his…

Sasuke sighed as his fingers went down the jaw and ghosted down his neck. Fingertips grazed the shoulder, feeling the heat under them. 

As Naruto kept snoring, he dared to trail down the arm and back up again before he with some hesitation followed down his back. He found the shoulder blades, the line of the spine and he kept going down until he felt the rise of the buttocks.

Sasuke's hearts started to race, his face burned and he listened carefully to Naruto's snoring, making sure it wouldn't stop.

He let his fingers fall so his palm laid flat against the smooth skin. He rubbed the lower back to with a shuddered breath, slide under the covers. 

A firm cheek was found there and with a careful squeeze he felt how soft it was. He'd touched it many times, but it was still so thrilling, getting to touch somewhere no one else was allowed to. It was for him and only him. 

"Who knew you were so handsy?"

Sasuke choked on his saliva when Naruto spoke and he barely caught the blue eyes before he'd pulled his hand back and buried himself under the covers.

Naruto laughed. "Hey, it's okay. You're allowed to."

"Piss off." Sasuke muttered as he lay concealed in the dark. He felt sick to his stomach as his cheeks burned.

Arms wrapped around him and a strong body slid up, making Sasuke's heart beat hard and fast. The covers lifted slightly between them and a strong hand came onto his back. He jumped at the touch.

"Can I do it?" Naruto asked.

Sasuke was quiet, feeling a strain in his voice. Slowly Naruto's hand began to move up and down his back, sliding down to his waist to feel the dip there and down to his hip. Sasuke inhaled sharply when it passed down to his own buttocks where they earned a squeeze. 

"Sasuke." Naruto said.

Sasuke had always loved Naruto's voice. It was cute and addictive, especially when his hand kept them connected.

The covers lifted even more and all of Naruto slipped in under them, resting over Sasuke. Naked bodies pressed up against each other and with a sigh Sasuke gave up.

Sasuke's hands met Naruto's chest before they slid along his ribcage and up to his back. He heard Naruto's heavy breathing as his hand rested on Sasuke's ass.

Sasuke let his hand slide up to Naruto's hair where he let it tangle in his golden locks before pulling him down close to his face. There he whispered against his lips. "Naruto, touch me."

As it was dark he couldn't see Naruto's reaction. But as the hand on his ass wandered further between his legs, he assumed it was a positive one.

Chapter Text

"You know the worst thing about having your parents die on your birthday? You don't know if it's a day to grieve or celebrate."

Naruto spoke with a smile, but Sasuke didn't meet him with one. The ache in his chest put a stop to it.

Sasuke hadn't celebrated his own birthday for a long time, not since he didn't have a family to celebrate with. What was there to be happy about? Being the last Uchiha standing?

Sasuke hadn't been in the village this summer, so Naruto couldn't celebrate his birthday when it came. But Sasuke made sure to be back for October, one year after their last battle together. It was a day not to be forgotten for many reasons.

"Then again." Naruto said. "It was the day I finally got you back home."

Sasuke turned his face away. He didn't want Naruto to see the effect he had on him with his simple words.

"You have plenty to celebrate. You're the hero of the world." Sasuke said.

"I don't know about that." Naruto shrugged. "It's still a day where so many bad things happened."

Sasuke wanted to point out that many good things happened as well. The ninetails was stopped from destroying the village, the ninja was saw its end, he got to finally give a proper goodbye to his father.

But there was one thing that trumped them all. One that vast light so bright that it erased all the darkness that touched that day.

Sasuke finally turned to watch him. "Naruto, I'm glad you were born. I don't care what you say about the other things, it is a day to celebrate."

Naruto stared at him before his eyes grew wide and started to shine. A big smile spread on his cheeks as he wrapped an arm around Sasuke's shoulders. 

"Sasuke!" He yelled out excitedly.

"Get off me!" Sasuke began to wrestle out of his grip as his face got really hot.

Naruto laughed. "Even you can be sweet sometimes."

Sasuke pushed his face away. "Stop it."

Naruto giggled as he pulled back. "You know, you should come home next summer. I'll celebrate your birthday with you."

Sasuke pressed his lips together. "No need. I don't celebrate."

Naruto bumped his shoulder with his own. "Just because you're such a grumpy pants." Naruto stood up and stretched. "Well, I want a cake. Come on." He said and held out his hand.

"I don't eat cake." Sasuke said and stood up, avoiding Naruto's hand.

Naruto pouted. "Who said the cake was for you?" 

Sasuke frowned before Naruto giggled, stuck his tongue out and grabbed Sasuke's arm to pull him along. Sasuke was quick to escape his grip but followed him.

"Maybe we can go out later? I don't know, what do people do on birthdays?"

"Don't you normally celebrate?" Sasuke was s bit surprised, Naruto seemed like a guy who liked cake and people.

"Nah, kids didn't like me so I didn't have anyone to celebrate with. Me and Jiraiya had a kind of day, but not much." 

Naruto spoke yet again with a smile like he often did. Sasuke stopped in his tracks, watching the back of his friend. So many sacrifices he's made for so many, and yet his one day of being born was darkened by events of the past. 

And what made it worse, Sasuke was part of it.

With a shaky inhale, Sasuke called out after him. "Naruto!" Naruto turned around, watching him. Sasuke sighed to release some tension. "Happy birthday."

Naruto blinked a few times before his big grin followed his bubbly laughter. Sasuke for once smiled back. 

No matter what Naruto thought, Sasuke would always treasure this day.

Chapter Text

"They're coming!" 

The shinobi ran, faster than the others had time to react. In the blink of an eye, the ground evaporated around them, leaving a cloud of dust.

Silence fell across the field, leaving echoes to shake the mountain tops. As the dust laid down, two figures made its way through, taking easy steps across the broken bodies.

"Why do they even try to run?" Naruto said with a laugh.

"The will of survival drives any man to insanity." Sasuke replied.

"They should learn." Naruto said, pulling at his dark cloak with red clouds as it got dragged through a puddle of blood. "Oh man!"

"Idiot." Sasuke chuckled. He always made sure to wear his properly and not hang off his shoulders, the only way to keep it off the ground.

"Shut up." Naruto pouted. "It looks cool, but geez." Naruto said.

Sasuke watched him brush his cloak with his clawed fingers. His red eyes glowed and his gritted fangs were long. Kurama was always on the edge these days.

"Come on. I wanna get to our destination by tomorrow." Sasuke said.

"Relax, not like a corrupt leader is going anywhere. A dirty player like him doesn't have anywhere else to go." Naruto snickered.

"I know, but I'd rather just face his personal guard and not a whole army. It's easier."

"Easier?" Naruto raised an eyebrow. "We'll just hit them with our armored ninetails and we'll destroy cities if we want."

Sasuke shrugged. "Sure, but I'd like to get home. It's been a while."

Naruto smiled. "It's tiresome to cleanse the world, isn't it? So many bad people to take care of."

Sasuke nodded.

"Don't worry. We'll do this one, then we'll take a little holiday. Where do you want to go?"

"Nowhere." Sasuke sighed. "I wanna sleep."

Naruto smiled and walked closer to touch Sasuke's hand. "I can carry you if you want."

This time it was Sasuke who scoffed and pushed Naruto off him. "Over my dead body."

Naruto laughed. "Alright, let's go then and get it over with. Another one to the collection."

Side by side they wandered further into the mountains until a village laid bare before them.

Chapter Text

Sasuke rubbed his eyes open. His whole body laid tangled with covers, arms and legs. A ruffled blond set of hair laid on his chest, snoring loudly.

A single bed wasn't made for two. But it was what their dorm room had, and of course it was furnished with two, with the idea that the two roommates would sleep in their own.

But over time, after some dramatic fighting and bickering, Naruto always found a way or a reason to sneak into Sasuke's. They never officially said they were together, but Sasuke hoped Naruto realized that he'd never share his bed naked with another man if they weren't.

Sasuke groaned as he saw the clock. With a sigh he started to squirm out of Naruto's grip.

"Come on dobe." Sasuke patted Naruto's head. "We have class." 

Naruto mumbled something after the snoring stopped and just snuggled into Sasuke's chest.

"Naruto." Sasuke said, trying to get out, but found himself held tightly. "Let go."

"No." Naruto finally said. 

"You can't afford to miss more class time." Sasuke said. 

"I'll just see you in the library." Naruto yawned. "You're the best teacher." He said.

Sasuke's chest tingled at that. "I'm not gonna cover your ass anymore. I have my own studying to do."

Naruto grinned as he finally opened his eyes. "You had my ass pretty covered last-"

Saduke immediately smacked a hand over his mouth. "Shut it!" He said with a burning blush.

Naruto pulled Sasuke's hand off him. "Alright I'll let you go. And I'll come to class. But can you please help me with math in the library?"

A pair of big shiny eyes blinded him and with a defeated sigh he smacked Naruto's head. "Sure." 

Naruto smiled. "Great." He released Sasuke and laid on his side, but made no sign to move further.

"Aren't you getting out of bed?" Sasuke asked.

Naruto shook his head. "Nope. I like watching you walk away. Especially when you're nude." 

Now Sasuke's blush spread all the way down to his chest as he pulled the covers tightly to himself. "Pervert."

"Call me what you want. But if you're going to class on time, I'm gonna get to see your ass sway away from this bed." Naruto smirked.

Sasuke made an attempt to pull the covers with him, but Naruto held them steady. "Naruto." Sasuke grumbled. 

Naruto snickered. "If you weren't so prude this wouldn't be an issue."

Sasuke glared. He wasn't prude he was just not one to want to walk around naked whenever. "I just have some decency." 

"Come on." Naruto rolled his eyes. "We're in our private dorm room and I've seen you naked plenty of time. In fact, last night I-"

"Alright!" Sasuke shouted. With a sigh he slowly stood up, pulling the covers with him." Alright."

The sheets fell and his blush was boiling at this point. The only thing that made him feel a little better was seeing Naruto's blush creep on as his eyes were glued to Sasuke.

With a turn Sasuke walked off to retrieve clothes. While digging through his drawers, he got an idea. With a smirk he looked over his shoulder, catching Naruto staring at his ass.

"You know " Sasuke began, making Naruto jump and pull his gaze off his ass. "If you come to class, I don't have to waste time teaching you after. And the less time we have to spend in the library, we can spend here."

Sasuke hoped Naruto wasn't so dumb he didn't catch on. He wasn't the brightest after all. But only a second passed by before an equally nude Naruto flew out of bed and started pulling on clothes as he packed his bag.

"Come on then!" Naruto shouted as he was pulling on his shoes.

Sasuke laughed. Suddenly it was quite amusing the be the slow one, seeing Naruto's frustration build. Being almost carried out the room, Naruto finally had time to ask.

"What class is it?"

Chapter Text

"What are those?" 

At first Sasuke didn't understand what she was referring to. But the moment Sakura's finger touched his neck he knew all too well what she'd seen.

He slapped his hand over his neck, hiding what needed to be hidden. 

"It's nothing." He mumbled.

"It's not nothing! Come on, I'm a medical ninja, I can help with it." She began pulling at his hand. "What is it? A rash? Bug bites?"

"It's nothing!" He pulled away but underestimated how freakishly strong she was. 

With a strong pull she prayed his hand off and stared at the bright red marks. Several. All over his neck to only disappear down his shirt collar.

Sasuke watched as her stunned expression faded into a blush.

"Oh…I…I'm sorry." She said and let go of him, taking a step back. "I didn't know. I didn't even…when did you meet a girl?" 

Sasuke saw how shiny her eyes got at the question and felt sick to his stomach. 

"I didn't." He said, turning his head.

"It's okay Sasuke." Sakura said, rubbing her hands. "I know what those are, you don't have to hide it."

Sasuke sighed. "No really, I-"

"We're friends, aren't we?" Sakura interrupted. "You can tell me. It's what friends do."

Sasuke frowned at her. "Sakura. I didn't meet a girl." 

His serious tone seemed to have stunned her. "Then…how did…" her voice faded. "But you have someone, don't you?"

Sasuke pressed his lips together. What was the point in lying about it? She's figured it out anyway. "Someone."

"Oh." She said, blushing even more. "So who is- no, I know who." She smiled. "There can only be one after all."

Now it was Sasuke's turn to blush. She walked over to pat his arm. "I'll be going then. I'll see you later, we have a mission soon." 

"Alright." Sasuke said and watched her walk towards the door.

But as she opened the door, Naruto stood there, hand up ready to knock. He looked startled. 

"Oh Sakura! Hey." 

She blinked at him before her blush spread and she smiled wider. Sasuke's stomach turned as he knew what she was thinking.

"Hi Naruto. Don't worry, I'm on my way out. I'll let you have Sasuke all to yourself." She looked over her shoulder to send him a wink. Sasuke's face burned.

"Oh, uh thank you?" Naruto said confused and watched her walk past him out the door. Naruto closed it behind her. "That was-"

Sasuke jumped forward and smacked him hard across the back of his head. Naruto screamed and rubbed the sore spot.

"Ow! What was that for?" He asked with a frown.

"For these!" Sasuke said and pulled at his collar. "I've told you to be careful!" 

Naruto looked at his neck, smiling a little. "Oops."

Sasuke smacked him again. "Don't apologize with a smile you idiot!" 

"Sorry." Naruto said as he took a step forward. "I'll make it up to you." His hands started to wander over Sasuke's torso.

Sasuke frowned but shuddered at the touch. "How?"

Naruto grinned as he sank to his knees. "I'll leave them where no one can see."

Sasuke's breath hitched as the metallic sound of a belt echoed in the room.

Chapter Text

Sasuke bowed his head, pressing his lips together as his head fell. He wouldn't cry today and if he did, he'd been promised happy tears.

Still, even though he hadn't pictured this day much when he was young, he had imagined his brother being there.

While it wasn't a flattering photo Naruto had found, it was still impressive that he had one to give of Itachi. It came straight out of the criminal record and showed Itachi with a plain face and ninja gear. At least it was something, it was more than he had of the rest of his family. 

In the end, he was grateful that Naruto had found the photo. Having his brother here in one way or another, gave him a peace he needed for today. 

There was a knock on the door before Sakura peeked through. "Sasuke, are you ready?"

Sasuke took a deep breath. "Yeah." He said and stood up, straightening his robes.

Sakura smiled at him before she reached out to take Itachi's photo. She held it against her chest as if she carried him, prepared to guide him through the whole ceremony. 

"You look so handsome." Sakura smiled.

Sasuke looked down at his grey traditional attire. It had some hints of blue and the Uchiha crest decorated on the back.

"Thank you." He said.

Without another word they both left the secluded room. They walked down the hallway, right outside and down the green hill after that.

A sea of people stood from their chairs, all looking at them as they approached. Many familiar faces and yet, Sasuke only had eyes on one.

As they reached the start of the aisle between the chairs, Naruto grinned ear to ear. He also wore traditional clothing, but wore his hair as ruffled and messy as it usually is. 

"Wow! You look so good." Naruto said excitedly. A few onlookers laughed around them as Naruto hadn't been quiet at all.

Sasuke blushed but still managed so smile back. "You too."

A hand on his shoulder made him turn to look at Sakura. "Good luck guys."

Both nodded as she left to sit right at the front. Sasuke took a deep breath before a hand slipped into his. He looked down to see that warm strong hand hold him dearly.

"You ready?" Naruto asked.

Sasuke squeezed his hand, the only one he had left. "Let's go."

Both took a strong step forward.

Chapter Text

"I said tilt your chin!" 

Naruto was getting pissed with this photographer, he had attitude and no manners. 

"I think I know what I'm doing." Naruto said as he held his pose.

The guy rolled his eyes. "Well you're not showing it. Tilt!"

Naruto gritted his teeth. "I've been doing this for years, been in magazines, runways, fashion-"

"I don't need your resume." The photographer suddenly stood up. "I need you to tilt!" He grabbed Naruto's chin and violently pushed his head back.

"Hey-"

"Just fucking sit like that for one second." The guy spat out before he returned to his spot.

Naruto couldn't really see when his head was angled like this, but the heard the camera going off and caught the flashes around him.

"Alright, you're done." 

Naruto looked at him, seeing how he was putting his camera away. "You don't want anymore?"

"No we've got it."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "But we can do-"

The guy sighed, clicked around on his laptop and waved Naruto over. Naruto didn't like being bossed around like that, but he sighed and walked over. His eyes widened when he saw the shot.

"Wow…it looks great." He mumbled. "I thought I'd look stupid with my head back like that but…"

Sasuke pointed at his photo. "No, you look good. It shows off your strong muscles and Adams apple and emphasizes your long eyelashes."

Naruto's belly stirred at the sudden compliments. It was a lot, considering that the guy himself was gorgeous. The fact that he was a photographer and not a model was almost insulting. "I uh…what's your name?"

"Sasuke."

"Cool, I'm Naruto." Naruto smiled.

Sasuke smiled too. "I know. I'm shooting a famous model after all." 

Naruto blushed. "Ah well I…" he coughed. "But you're really good, seriously those photos. I might use them in my portfolio, if I can."

Sasuke shrugged. "It's easy with a good motive."

"Huh?" Naruto asked stunned and watched Sasuke's eyes go wide. 

"I just meant that…you're a model, you know what you're doing. Except listen." 

"Well, at least I'm not a prick." Naruto said back mockingly.

"Better than an idiot." Sasuke smirked.

Naruto stuck his tongue out. Silence fell between them and he started to squirm on the spot. "You know, I'm shooting an ad next week. If you're not busy, I could ask for you to be the photographer." 

Sasuke's eyes lingered. "I'll check my schedule." Naruto nodded and watched as Sasuke pulled a card out of his pocket. "Your manager has my number but…in case you wanna call personally."

Naruto's heart hammered as he took it from him, eyeing the numbers written on there. 

"I will." 

They looked at each other, words seeming a little lost. Suddenly Naruto's stomach sank as he started to sweat and shake. He'd missed a crucial point, one where he didn't want a sexy and cool photographer involved in.

He forgot that the ad for next week was for underwear.

Chapter Text

In the heavens there was an important meeting about to happen. Sasuke had been going to it for many more years than he could count. 

At the beginning of time he wasn't interested, it was tiresome to make time to move to the exact spot to meet some other god. But he knew that as the god of the moon he didn't have much choice on the matter. He had obligations after all.

But as he saw the glow of the sun brighten up even the most distant stars, he felt a familiar excitement as he approached, one that he'd discovered millions of years ago.

He was met with a huge smile and arms that welcomed him. The god of the sun, Naruto, looked as bright and happy as ever. "Sasuke! I can't believe you're here!"

Sasuke snickered. "Like I haven't been coming here since the beginning of time." 

Naruto laughed. "Yeah but it's been so long. And it gets lonely here."

Sasuke couldn't blame him. What a curse for the brightest and warmest of them all to be in a position of staying put. All other planets and the moon circled around him, rarely to meet.

Sasuke would never tell him this, but no matter where he was in the night sky, he'd watch him. His glow made him feel more alive and important than he could ever imagine. 

"Well…now I'm here." Sasuke smiled.

Naruto giggled before he threw himself forward to catch Sasuke in an embrace. Sasuke hitched his breath as the world around them turned dark, while the light burned between them.

For that moment, Naruto's light was only for him.

Chapter Text

"This is weird." Naruto mumbled.

Sasuke frowned. "You're the one who said you wanted to try it!" He squirmed in Naruto's arms which made him hug tighter.

"No I just meant that…I've never done this before, much less with you."

Sasuke felt heavy. It was true he'd never embraced Naruto like this, most often he just tried to keep him away or kill him. Just the thought sent waves of disgust through his body.

"Never?" Sasuke mumbled, having a shudder pass his as Naruto rubbed his back. Even he could remember his mother holding him snuggly in her arms, or the comforting hug from his brother.

"Nope." Naruto said, sounding so casual about it. But Sasuke knew the scars he buried. 

He hadn't had parents to hold him, no siblings to give him protection, few friends growing up which none of them were the hugging type. The more Sasuke thought about it, Naruto surely wasn't one who had been cuddled with.

"Well…" Sasuke began before snuggling closer, letting hand roam over Naruto's torso and left a kiss on his hair. "You're doing it now."

Naruto looked at him with big eyes and it was only then he caught the shine in them. With lips pressed together Naruto rolled so he had both arms wrapped around him. 

Sasuke sighed and relaxed into the embrace, feeling just a moment of peace.

Chapter Text

Naruto cursed again. Being right handed proved difficult when you were lacking a right hand. Simple things he'd taken for granted was now a struggle, the very least to open a packet of ramen.

When pulling at the lid, the whole cup slid across the table. But if he held it steady, he couldn't pull the lid.

"Fuck it." He said before he gripped the lid with his teeth and pulled it off. 

Slightly pleased with himself he poured the boiling water in. But with the chopsticks in hand, he wiggled around with them, dropping his noodles constantly. He groaned loudly.

"You're such an idiot." 

Naruto looked up to see Sasuke standing in the door. He finally looked a bit cleaned up from his short visit to prison, one that Naruto fought to get him out of. He still had some bruises from their fight, but then again, so did Naruto.

"Shut up, it's hard you know!" Naruto said, trying in vain to grab some noodles.

"A ninja is supposed to be able to adapt." Sasuke said and walked over to sit next to him.

"I can adapt! It's just…chopsticks are harder than kunais." Naruto mumbled.

Sasuke shook his head before holding up a fork. "Here, just while you learn."

Naruto frowned at the cutlery. He ate with chopsticks, especially ramen. But then again, it would be easier.

"Why don't you feed me?" Naruto said with a mocking grin. 

Sasuke stared at him. "Do you want me to?"

A blush struck Naruto's face. "N-no! I was just kidding." He said as he put down his chopsticks and took the fork.

Sasuke watched him eat for a moment. "I see you haven't folded your laundry. Is it because you're lazy or one handed?"

"Can't it be both?" Naruto smiled.

Sasuke sighed. "I'll help you with it."

"You really don't have to." Naruto insisted.

"It's the least I can do." Sasuke said, glancing at where Naruto's arm once was. "While you're struggling, I'll take care of you."

A flutter went through Naruto's chest. "Weren't you leaving the village soon?"

Sasuke shrugged. "I'll go when I see you can at least feed yourself."

Naruto nodded. He wasn't sure if the next drop of his fork was on accident or intentional.

Chapter Text

The snow fell lightly, but was getting heavier  further into the day. Sasuke tensed his bow, keeping his eye on the target. The deer was no match for him, being gifted with both magical eyes and skills in archery.

And yet, his shot missed. It would've been perfect if the deer hadn't moved, clearly startled by something coming from the bushes.

Sasuke himself listened tensely, wondering what was making all that noise. It didn't sound big enough for a bear but not small enough for a bunny. Neither humans nor elves traveled this far into the forest as it was told to be cursed.

Only Sasuke was foolish enough to take on the journey no one else dared to. The animals had moved for winter and it was hard to find any near home. He'd rather die than let his family starve.

He prepared his bow, but as soon as he met a pair of red eyes, he knew it would be useless. 

He'd never seen a fox demon before. He'd heard of them, the cross between a human, an animal and a devil, but if you even suspected to come across one you were told to run. So at this moment, Sasuke wasn't sure what to do.

The boy walked on all fours, his ears and tail was the one of a big fox, with red eyes and fangs to go with it. His hands were human, but claws decorated them and while he didn't have fur, he had dark markings up his arms and legs.

The boy sniffed the air between them before he grinned. "An elf?" The boy gestured to his own ears, referring to Sasuke pointy ones. "What's an elf doing in the dark forest?"

Sasuke swallowed. "Hunting." He wasn't sure if the demon would take offense to him being on his land.

"Oh? Well you seem empty handed." The boy looked over Sasuke's bag.

"Because you scared it away!" Sasuke spit out, forgetting who he was talking to. He started to sweat.

The boy raised an eyebrow before he chuckled. "Oh, oops! Sorry about that." The casual tone startled Sasuke who eased his bow slightly. "Hey I can help if you want. I'm pretty good at sniffing them out." 

"No need. I can see them without issue." Sasuke replied.

The boy stared at him, squinting a bit. Then he shone up like the sun. "No way! You're no ordinary elf are you?"

Sasuke shook his head slightly. "I'm not." 

"An Uchiha! In my forest, that's so cool!" The boy jumped forward, making Sasuke stumble a few steps back. "They say you guys made a deal with dark magic to get your eyes, is that true?"

Sasuke frowned. "Is it true you're a cross with a fox and a devil?"

The boy blinked before bursting into laughter. "Ah, no. I was just born with magic. I think the wizards didn't like that so they shunned us and you know how it is with rumors, they spread."

Suddenly Sasuke felt very foolish. "I see. I guess it's the same with us. Many fear the Uchihas because of our natural powers." 

The boy nodded with a smile. "So you know what it's like."

Sasuke nodded. A sudden strong wind caught his cloak and he held onto it tightly as snow started to fall heavily around them.

"There's a storm coming." The boy said as he stood up, showing his human form. "Do you want shelter in my home?"

Sasuke was getting blinded by the snow, making it impossible for him to use his eyes to find his magically placed trail through the forest. While he wasn't sure of the fox boy yet, it sounded better than getting lost and dying in the storm.

"Please." Sasuke said.

The boys smiled and waved for Sasuke to follow. He did so and vanished into the bushed with the boy. On the other side they met a pile of boulders.

With raised hands a glow erupted from them, forming giant paws that took hold of the boulders to lift them up, revealing an entrance into a cave. It didn't look cold and dark though. A light flickered from within and a smell of herbs was making its way through.

"Welcome, I had a stew going when I smelled you. You can have some if you want." 

With a rumble in his tummy Sasuke nodded and entered the demon boys cave.

Chapter Text

As a ninja, Shikamaru couldn't be startled by much. When you've seen war there's little that faces you. But when the 7th Hokage sat by his desk not signing paperwork, but strapped naked with rope to the chair, he nearly stumbled. 

Thankfully he was sitting so the desk concealed anything below the torso, sparing them both of the humiliation of what Shikamaru could only guess was an even more nude state. But he couldn’t be spared from the sight of the nipple clamps that hung attached by a chain to the collar around Naruto’s neck. 

Startled eyes met his as both seemed lost for words. Naruto pulled a little on his restraints but was clearly locked in place. 

“Uh…” Naruto began. “The door wasn’t locked.” he said more as a statement than a question. 

“It wasn’t.” Shikamaru said. 

He scrambled his jarred mind. It was clear that Naruto couldn’t have tied himself up like this. He had a few visitors today and in his panicked state, he couldn’t think straight of who had been there before him. 

“This isn’t…you’re not being kidnapped or…” Shikamaru asked. He had to make sure after all, even though it caused him great embarrassment needing to say the words. Then again, he could only imagine how Naruto felt. 

Naruto shook his head. “No this is…this is something else.”

“Good.” Shikamaru nodded in agreement. “I’ll just…lock it behind me.” Shikamaru said and slowly closed the door between them. 

“Yeah, uh, thank you.” Naruto said before the door was securely shut. 

Shikamaru took a deep breath before he locked the door. He walked down the hallway, still feeling shaken up by what he’d seen. 

A dark figure approached, heading straight towards the Hokage office. Once Shikamaru saw his face, the clutter of his mind cleared up and with a sigh of clarity everything fell into place. 

“Sasuke.” Shikamaru called on him. 

Sasuke slowed his steps to meet him. “I’m just seeing the Hokage.” 

“You were here earlier today. Did you forget something?” Shikamaru asked, crossing his arms.

“I just forgot to hand over the last of the report.” Sasuke said.

Shikamaru eyed him, not missing the bag that was hanging over his shoulder, mostly concealed by his black cloak. He imagined that Sasuke had not been out to pick up more reports. 

“How unusual for you. You’re not the man to forget things.” he said with a slight grin, enjoying the silly play that was happening under Sasuke’s nose. 

Sasuke frowned. “It’s been a long day.” 

Shikamaru nodded. “I bet it has.” he quickly pulled a set of keys out of his pocket. “Oh and here.” Shikamaru put them in Sasuke’s hand. “The office is locked so you’ll need these.” 

In a matter of seconds, Sasuke’s expression morphed between calm, to confused to distraught panic. A strong shade of red erupted from his cheeks as his whole body froze.

Shikamaru merely smiled and continued down the hall, waving his hand without looking back.

“Enjoy!”

Chapter Text

As soon as the gate opened, Naruto rushed forward, almost as if he was scared the guard would change his mind in letting him in. He ached just seeing Sasuke sitting there, wrapped in restraint with a metal blindfold around his eyes. He didn’t make a sound or movement, but Naruto still felt the agony of being in this cell. 

“Sasuke.” he said softly. 

Sasuke lifted his head slightly. “You don’t need to come here so often.” 

“Of course I do.” Naruto said, sitting down on the bench beside him. “I’m doing everything to get you out of here, you know.” 

“So you’ve said.” Sasuke replied. “But I don’t care, I know what I’ve done and I’m not ashamed of being here.” 

Naruto frowned. “You saved the world Sasuke, of course you shouldn’t be here.” 

“The village has its own mind and rules, I’m not going to fight it anymore.” Sasuke said calmly, much too calmly for Naruto’s liking.  

“I don’t care, I’m gonna get you out.” 

“Naruto-”

“No! I promise you, I will.” Naruto placed his one hand on Sasuke’s shoulder, feeling how he jumped at the touch. “I promised you I’d save you, I’d bring you back. Not put you in a prison cell. I’ll keep going until my last breath until I get you out.” 

Sasuke pressed his lips together before turning his head away. “You’ve already done so much.” 

Naruto squeezed his shoulder. “But not enough.” 

A loud knocking on the cell door startled them both. A guard was waving him over. “Naruto, times up.” 

“But I…” Naruto began but let it die in his throat, he’d fought that time limit every day since coming there, he’d learned there was no point. 

“Just go.” Sasuke mumbled. 

“I’ll be back tomorrow.” Naruto said and stood up. “I promise you Sasuke. All of it, I promise. And I never go back on my word, that’s my ninja way.” 

A smile spread on Sasuke’s face. “So I’ve come to realise.” 

Naruto wanted to do more, say more, be more. But at that moment, he knew that all he could do was to leave the prison and once again, argue in the Hokage office with the elders. 

“See you later.” Naruto said as he refused to say goodbye.

It felt too permanent. 

Chapter Text

Naruto felt the slightest gust of wind graze his neck and knew he wasn’t alone anymore. 

“You know, Kakashi also always came in through the window.” Naruto said with a smile as he kept writing by his desk. "Maybe that should’ve been the first sign that he was in the Anbu.” 

“Not very stealthy to go through the main door.” the masked man said as he walked to stand side by side with Naruto’s chair. 

Naruto laughed. “No, but why would you need to sneak in here, you work for me after all.” he said and finally put the pen down to look up at his Anbu leader. “Or perhaps you just wanted for us to speak privately.” he said, catching the intense silence that followed. “As the captain I mean, the Anbu captain always carries a few more secrets.” he finished with a crooked smile. 

“Just a safety precaution. Who knows what visitors you have waiting outside.” the masked man said. 

“Sasuke, it’s the middle of the night. Who would visit me now?” Naruto asked with a smile.

“You know that the first rule of Anbu is to not use our real names when wearing this mask.” Sasuke said. 

Naruto spun his chair to face him directly. “Then take it off.” 

It was less of a question and more of a command. Naruto had never seen Sasuke take orders from anyone other than himself, and even then it was rare that he followed without arguing first. But this time, he did just as he was told and it heated up Naruto’s body to a boiling point. 

Sasuke watched him for a moment before he slowly reached up to undo his mask and brought it down to rest on the desk. Naruto’s stomach tingled at seeing his face, it had been a while. 

“Why are you here so late?” Naruto asked. 

Sasuke smirked. “I could ask you the same thing.” 

Naruto glanced at his desk. “Just catching up on some work.” 

Sasuke looked at the papers. “There’s been some warnings of threats around, should we check it out?” 

Naruto rested his hand on his chin. “Send a few scouts. But tell them to lay low, don’t be seen and report immediately if something happens. I don’t want anyone at risk out there.” 

Sasuke nodded. “Alright, I’ll leave first thing in the morning.” 

Naruto chewed on his lip. “Actually…I need you to stay here.” Sasuke raised an eyebrow. “It’s just…if there is a danger, I need you here, protecting your Hokage.” 

Sasuke stared at him as Naruto’s heart began to race. “You want me to watch over you?” Sasuke asked. 

“Just for a few days, until we get the first scout report back in.” Naruto assured. 

Normally Sasuke would say something, disagree just for the sake of disagreeing. But instead he just nodded. “Alright.” 

All other Anbu would bow and say ‘yes my lord’. But not Sasuke, he’d never use titles to address Naruto, even with other people. He’d been told off by others many times, but Naruto had never said anything about it. Firstly he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop him if he tried to and secondly, he didn’t want him to. It would feel weird to have him call him anything other than his name. Hell, even ‘idiot’ felt better and more familiar. 

“I’ll be here in my office mostly. Especially at night.” Naruto said. 

Suddenly the air felt thick between them.

“Every night?” Sasuke asked.

“Every night.” Naruto nodded. 

Another silence rested between them. Words unspoken, desires unmentioned, wants left unexpressed were filling up the space. 

“I’ll be here.” Sasuke said and reached for his mask. 

Naruto rested a gentle hand on his arm and immediately caught his gaze. “When it’s just the two of us…leave the mask off.” 

Sasuke didn’t say anything. He lingered for a moment before he took the mask and walked towards the window where he jumped up on the windowsill and looked over his shoulder. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow night, Naruto.” 

Before Naruto had time to respond, Sasuke slipped his mask back on and jumped out, leaving a dark and quiet room behind. 

Chapter Text

Sasuke brushed his fingers through his newly washed hair as he walked out with a towel around his waist. He still felt warm from the bath and could smell the soap off his skin. He stretched his arms above his head as he walked, feeling how relaxed his muscles were. 

Sitting on the couch going over some jutsu scrolls, was his boyfriend, staring at him with big eyes. Sasuke had to contain the laughter at his expression, knowing very well how easy it was to get him hooked. In fact, it was downright amusing. 

So with a smirk he walked over to the small table in front of the couch and sat down on it, crossing his legs slowly to give the hint of his nude state under his towel. Blue eyes wandered over him while Naruto’s mouth hung open. 

“What are you reading?” Sasuke asked sensually. 

Naruto blinked out of his trance. “Oh uh, just this old jutsu that grandma Tsunade wanted me to look over.” 

Sasuke hummed in response as he placed his hands behind him to rest on, aching his back when doing so, making his chest stick out. He could see how with every breath his nipples rose and judging by how those blue eyes went up and down, it was them he followed. 

“Finding anything good?” Sasuke asked, proud of his double innuendo. 

“Naruto swallowed. “Um…I’m not sure.” he said, not looking at the scroll once. 

Sasuke smiled, going in for a kill. “You don’t want to take a bath?” he leaned his head to the side, exposing his neck that he let his hand roam down from, passing over a nipple that sprung into attention and down his naked thigh. “It’s very relaxing.” 

Naruto visibly swallowed. “I eh, maybe later. Sasuke do you wanna…head to the bedroom or anything?” he asked with a heavy blush spreading on his face. 

“Why?” Sasuke asked without a smile, enjoying playing the oblivious role. It was really a way to grind Naruto’s gears.

Naruto licked his lips. “I just…thought it could be nice.” he said, his voice sounding a little raspy. 

Sasuke hummed, crossing his other leg over, letting the towel slide up even further. “But I just took a bath, I wanted to rub some oil over me first.” 

“O-oil?” Naruto almost choked. 

Sasuke smirked at his deadly blow. “Yes, oil. It’s good for scars, burn damage and it also makes the skin smooth and stretchy.” he said, rubbing up his stomach and squeezing his pecks in his palms. “Then again, maybe you can help me with that?” he whispered. 

Naruto began to nod furiously. “I-I can rub you. With oil, I mean.” 

Sasuke smiled. “Good, the oil is in the bathroom, why don’t you go get it. Top shelf.” 

Like a bullet Naruto jumped off the couch to rush away. But before he could get very far, Sasuke had stood up, walked to the bedroom door and looked over his shoulder. “Naruto.” 

Naruto stopped in his tracks to watch with big eyes as Sasuke slowly undid his towel to let it fall to the ground, exposing his naked ass. 

“If you do a good job, I’ll rub you in return.” 

Even more violent nods and Naruto disappeared, leaving Sasuke to snicker all the way to the bed. 

Chapter Text

Naruto kept glancing over at Sasuke who was sitting on the bleachers. He looked like a black spot of paint on an otherwise bright canvas this sunny day. He still felt slightly bad having him there all the time, at almost every practice. He'd told him that he didn't have to and yet he kept showing up. 

Then again, that dedication made his heart flutter. Few of the other players' friends, hell even girlfriends, even watched once, and here he had a friend watching every day. 

Sasuke didn't say or do much during the practice. He mostly sat there drawing. Naruto wondered what he could be drawing for hours on end, but Sasuke just pulled his book away when he asked about it.

The whistle rang, telling him of their break. As usual, Naruto ran over to sit with Sasuke through it all. 

"Hey, how's it going?"

Sasuke looked up through his bangs. The dark eyeliner helped see his eyes, otherwise concealed by hair. His ears were covered in rings and studs and the chain around his waist made noises when he moved.

"Not much." Sasuke said.

Naruto smiled. It was obvious that Sasuke hated being here. He never said so, but before they met, Sasuke detested anything to do with sports. He was into fashion, tarot cards and creepy movies. So when he started sitting at the top of the bleachers every day after school while football practice was going, it was easy to tell there was something else he was there for.

Then again, Naruto had lingered outside the art studio one too many times where he was caught staring at Sasuke through the door. Naruto worried he'd be seen as a creep, but turns out Sasuke's into that kind of stuff.

"What are you drawing?" Naruto asked, leaning over.

Sasuke immediately pressed the book against his chest. "Nothing."

"Come on, you're here all the time drawing. Why can't I see what it is?"

Sasuke frowned, not unusual. But the faint colour of a blush was. It intrigued Naruto even more.

"Please." He said with big eyes. 

Sasuke looked him over and after he closed his eyes, he handed him the sketchbook.

Naruto's heart stopped as he saw himself over and over between the pages. Some were quick sketches of him running and others were detailed portraits. He blushed immediately.

"This is what you're always drawing? You're drawing…me?" He asked.

Sasuke turned his body away. "Don't get ahead of yourself. It's good practice, for life drawing."

Naruto smiled. "Sure, but we're a whole team down there and I can only see me here."

Sasuke looked over his shoulder to glare at him. Naruto just smiled in return.

Suddenly Sasuke stood up. "You're just a loudmouth, bumbling idiot! You're more entertaining than the others, a fun subject to draw." He snatched the book back and started stomping away down the bleachers. 

Naruto shouted after him. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

Sasuke just kept walking, his fists clenched by his sides. Naruto placed a hand over his chest, feeling his beating heart. 

How could someone so cold make him feel so warm?

Chapter Text

"And, and! Remember when I wouldn't tell you what Sakura had said? Man, you looked pissed!" Naruto laughed loudly before wiping tears that fell from his eyes.

Sasuke smiled and shook his head. "No matter how old you get, you're still an idiot."

"Hey, I'm not that old!" He poured.

"Tell that to yourself ten minutes ago. You were huffing and puffing all the way up here." Sasuke said.

It made him sick thinking about it, but it was true, Naruto wasn't the young man he once was. The wrinkles on his face and his sunken form told him so. 

They would climb up the Hokage mountain from time to time, look out over the village and remember the old times. Seeing how the village changed, the people changed, it was entertaining to see it all. Time felt so fast when you got old.

But each time they climbed, Sasuke could feel his bones ache and the ever present burden on his weakened heart. Neither of them would tell the other about it, but Sasuke could at least clearly see Naruto's struggles.

"We're literally up a mountain! It's a climb for anyone." Naruto said.

"I remember someone coming up here just to paint the Hokage faces." Sasuke grinned.

Naruto laughed again. "Geeze, I really was crazy."

Sasuke smiled. "You still are."

Naruto stuck his tongue out. "And you're still a grumpy bastard.

Sasuke watched him, saw the sparkling blue eyes that had always been there. It seemed they would be the last thing to fade away. It brought him peace knowing that.

"I can't believe that we're still here." Naruto mumbled.

"What do you mean?" asked Sasuke curiously.

"I mean, we were here together when we were, what? Twelve? And now we're…urgh, don't make me say it." Naruto shook his head. "But, we're still here." He turned to smile at Sasuke. "Together."

Sasuke's aching heart jumped. "As it always will be."

Naruto shrugged. "I don't know. I don't like saying it but…I'm getting old Sasuke. I don't know for how long I'll be here." 

Sasuke clenched his jaw. "You and I were born just a few months apart. I can assure you, we will die the same as well." Sasuke sucked in a breath. "Life is rather pointless without you."

Naruto stared at him and suddenly Sasuke was reminded of a much younger version before him. Naruto did have a way of making him feel as if he could transcend time.

"Sasuke…I'll be here with you until the end, you know that."

Sasuke smiled. "As always then?"

Naruto grinned. "As always."

Chapter Text

“So you’re really a vampire?” 

Sasuke sighed at being asked the same question over and over. "Why else would I try to bite you?"

The boy shrugged. "I don't know, maybe you're a creep. Or have some sort of weird kink."

Sasuke felt his stomach flip from that. "I don't have a-" he immediately calmed down, remembering they were in a restaurant late at night. The only way to keep the conversation somewhat private was to speak quietly, even if they were in a both in the back. "I don't have a kink." He mumbled 

"Well it just seems strange." The blond guy sipped his milkshake. "I mean you're pale and you showed me your pointy teeth. But that could just be how you were born."

Sasuke frowned. "It is how I was born. I'm a vampire."

The boy sipped some more. "What's your name anyway?"

"Sasuke. You?"

The guy laughed. "You attack a guy you don't even know? Man you're weird."

"Says the guy who went out to eat with his attacker!" Sasuke spit out.

"Yeah, I just worried I overdid it. I mean, I knocked a tooth out."

Sasuke grumbled. "Not an important one anyway."

The guy smiled. "I'm Naruto. So tell me, if you're a vampire, how could I kick your ass?"

Sasuke glared. "You didn't kick my ass. I was a bit lost at the moment and the first punch woke me up. Then I chose not to fight back because I knew you wouldn't stand a chance against me."

Naruto scoffed. "Yeah right. It's okay to say that you lost, I'm pretty strong you know." Naruto tensed his arms, making Sasuke shoke his head. "So tell me, if you're a vampire, how many people do you kill?"

Sasuke frowned. "I don't. I go for animals, I avoid people at all cost."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you sneak up on me?"

Sasuke pressed his lips together and he twiddled his fingers. "Sometimes…some people just…they smell good."

"So I smell like a tasty ramen?"

Sasuke stared at him. "What?"

"Well, ramen is delicious, so if I smelled like that, then I'd get you."

Sasuke didn't know what to say. The guy didn't smell like ramen, he smelled like the sun, like life itself. He smelled in a way that made Sasuke feel fulfilled and dizzy at the same time.

"Sort of." Sasuke said, not wanting to go in further on the subject.

Naruto leaned foreward. "So if I smell so good, will I have to be careful around you from now on?"

Sasuke shook his head. "I think it was just the shock that caught me off guard. I've never had anyone smelling like…ramen, around me before."

The guy nodded. "You're really sticking to this story huh?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow at him. "I mean, if you say that you're just some weirdo that's okay. You got a jump, I got a tooth. We're even."

Sasuke sighed. "I only told you so you'd understand what happened. I was startled too, I didn't know what I was doing. But I am a vampire Naruto. You can chose to tell someone or you can keep it to yourself, it's within your right. But I'd prefer it if you let it be a secret."

Naruto observed him for a moment. "Then prove to me what you are. Like, turn into a bat. Or, go into the sun…well I guess that will kill you. Or maybe you could…" 

Sasuke shook his head before he reached for a knife on the table. He placed his arm flat and with a deep and slow cut he sliced his arm open from the hand down to his elbow.

"Humans bleed, right?" He said, catching the distressed look of Naruto.

It was quiet for a moment. Naruto looked over the arm, then reached out to touch it all the way up to Sasuke's shoulder. Then he gasped and jumped back. 

"You're, you're really a…"

"Vampire?" Sasuke smiled wide to show off his glistening fangs. 

Naruto nodded soundlessly. "But how, what, why are…" he mumbled before taking a deep breath. "Will you be okay?" He asked and looked down at the arm, seeing how it was already almost healed.

"Like I said, keep it to yourself or don't, it's within your right. But I'll probably be killed if anyone of importance got to know about me." Sasuke said, pulling his hand back.

Naruto stared at him for a moment. Then he leaned over the table to speak with a huge grin. "What else can you do?"

Sasuke smiled in return.

Chapter Text

Naruto snuck on her toes with a grin. With a leap she wrapped her arms around Sasuke, startling her into a jump.

"Gotcha!" Naruto yelled.

Immediately her breath was stolen as her hands squeezed. Big, round and soft.

"Get off me!" Sasuke yelled at her, tearing Naruto's hands away before turning around with a scowl and arms across her chest.

Naruto looked at her empty hands and then the hidden chest. "You've got some really big boobs."

A blush spread on her friends face. "Wha-"

"Any you never show them off! Always wearing turtlenecks and stuff." Naruto pouted.

"And that's my business." Sasuke frowned.

Naruto shook her head. "Man, if I had your tits…"

"Since when did you get so obsessed with boobs anyway?" Sasuke asked with a raised eyebrow.

"When I found out my friend is carrying bazongas on her chest."

Sasuke was deep red now. "Will you stop saying that?!"

Naruto shrugged. "What? You've got nice boobs, own it." 

"You have boobs too, why are you so crazy about these?"

Naruto rolled her eyes before taking hold of Sasuke's hands, pulling them off her chest and onto Naruto's. Sasuke turned stiff in front of her.

"See? They're so tiny in comparison to yours. If I had bigger ones, that would be awesome. You get it?"

Naruto waited for an answer, but no response came. Sasuke was staring at the chest she'd been made to touch, eyes cloudy, mouth parted and ears blood red.

"Right? Sasuke?" Naruto asked again.

Sasuke snapped her head up and pulled her hands off as if she'd been burned. "They're fine, they're boobs like everyone else has."

Naruto placed her hands under her breasts and squeezed them up and together, creating a deep cleavage. "But look, wouldn't it be cool if-"

"Stop that!" Sasuke shouted, slapping Naruto's hands off herself. Naruto gave her a quizzical look. "I just…you shouldn't speak badly of yourself. You look…fine. Just the way you are." 

Naruto smiled, feeling herself tear up. "Sasuke." She said before going in for a hug. Their chests were pressed together and for one last time Naruto couldn't help but to pout at how big Sasuke's felt against her. She hadn't thought about it before, but that wasn't a body against her, it was boobs. How oblivious she'd been.

"Get off me." Sasuke said and pushed on her, but this time it came out as a whisper and the weakest attempt Naruto had ever felt.

Naruto giggled and let her go. "You wanna go shopping? Maybe we can find some boob enhancing outfits together? Well not that you need it, but I'd like some."

Sasuke stared at her before swallowing. "Alright."

Naruto grinned and grabbed Sasuke's arm. "Great! Let's go!"

Chapter Text

Warm

Is the sun

And yet I see it here

Fingers graze the golden petals

Soft but ever so strong

Stems that reach tall

Growing to the sky

From earth

High

Then reaching

Go far beyond it all 

Here in this heavenly field

I'm surrounded by you

Even when I'm alone

Energy of nature

You possess

Here

In the wind

Caressing my skin

Would you ever know

That I sense you here

Not in an orchid

Not in a lilly

No rose

But a sunflower

So bright and warm

Rising above them all

The golden sun of the earth

Like a wave you go

In my heart

Up

And down

Like the wind goes

Through these fields 

And al

l I know is

That is can feel

I can smell

I can hear

I know

You

Chapter Text

“Why would you go so far for me?” Sasuke asked.

Naruto frowned. “Why do you keep asking that?” 

“Because I never get a good answer out of you.”

They stood by the gate to Konoha, watching the sun rise beyond the tree line. Once again Naruto had asked him to stay longer, and yet again, Sasuke had asked him why he’d beg him to. 

Naruto sighed. “I’ve told you, you’re my friend. Of course I want you here in the village.” 

“You have plenty of friends.” Sasuke looked away, staring off into the sky. 

“Yeah but…” Naruto’s voice trailed off. 

Sasuke imagened what he wanted to say, but knew he’d never hear it. Instead, he felt it. He felt the words echo in Naruto’s chest and ring all the way to his ears. In the end, he didn’t know what hurt more. The fact that Naruto felt that he was different, or that he’d never get to hear it from his mouth. 

“You know Naruto, I know your heart and you know mine.” Sasuke said, turning to look at him with a soft smile. “I already know.” 

Naruto stared at him. “Know what?” 

Sasuke shook his head. “Nevermind.” he turned on his heel to start walking down the road leading into the forest.

“Sasuke! Know what?” Naruto called after him.

Sasuke stopped in his tracks and passed him a smile over his shoulder. With one chuckle he spoke loud and clear. “You really are an idiot.”

And with that left between them, he kept walking, leaving an echo of unsaid words between them. 

Chapter Text

The fire was heating the air around them through the darkness. And yet Sasuke's words made him feel cold to his core.

"I'm an Uchiha, hate is what I must bear." Sasuke finishes off, sending shivers down Naruto's neck.

"It doesn't have to be." Naruto said, trying to ease the tension.

"My clan has been hated for a long time, there's not much I can do as the sole survivor." Sasuke put another stick in the fire.

"You're already doing it, going on missions and all that."

Sasuke looked at him for a moment. "Has it made a difference for you?"

Naruto pressed his lips together. As a jinjuriki, a hated monster of the village, he also had hatred to bear. 

"I guess it hasn't." Naruto mumbled, pulling his knees up to his chest.

Sasuke watched him through the fire. His eyes were captivating when flames danced in them.

"Let's run away together." Sasuke said.

"What?" Naruto frowned.

"We can leave, go anywhere we want."

"And become outcasts of the village? Leave our friends?" Naruto hugged his legs harder.

Sasuke leaned forward. "To be free."

Weight landed on Naruto's chest. Was that their only road to freedom, the only way to find a life without hate? To flee?

"I have a dream Sasuke. I will become the best shinobi in the village and earn the title of Hokage. And when I do, everyone will respect me." Naruto smiled.

Sasuke sunk back in his seat. "Is that real then? Or will it be a facade they will keep up because you have a title?"

Naruto said nothing, just watched as Sasuke laid down to look up at the stars. "Would you do it then? Run away?"

Sasuke laid quiet for a moment. "I would."

Naruto's bottom lip quivered. "I hope you don't. I want you to stay."

"You could join." Sasuke said

Naruto hung his head. "No, I can't."

"Suit yourself." Sasuke said and rolled over, facing his back to the fire and Naruto.

Naruto inhaled a shaky breath as Sasuke's eyes were now pierced towards the darkness of the night. 

He'd never felt so alone.

Chapter Text

"This place…seems familiar." 

Sasuke couldn't help agreeing. As soon as Naruto said it, he could've sworn he'd been here before. 

The floating orbs showing himself in worlds and places he didn't recognise, although unrecognizable, was still familiar to his heart.

"I know I've never had pointy ears, and yet..it feels like I have." Sasuke said, looking into the orb where he stood face to face with Naruto who bore fangs and claws in a winter wonderland.

"Hey! I'm the Hokage in this one!" Naruto said excitedly. "And you're an anbu, that's so cool!"

Sasuke frowned, not knowing if he'd ever accept such a position. "This one's strange, we look like…gods. Both up among the stars." 

"Ooh!" Naruto yelled out. "Look at using both in sexy no jutsu! Can't believe I managed to get you to do it. And…woha."

"What?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow as he walked over. 

"Nothing, nothing." Naruto scratched his cheek. "You're just…uh, seemed like I groped your chest area and you were…well endowed."

A blush exploded on Sasuke's face. "Idiot." He stormed off.

"Well look here, you have fangs like a vampire, you have dark makeup, you're a photographer…"

Naruto kept talking as Sasuke passed one orb that made him coke on his breath. An adult Naruto sat tied up to the chair in the Hokage office, clearly fully naked. Sasuke quickly looked away as his ears burned.

"I think…we've done all this. Once." Sasuke said.

"Huh?" Naruto said. "But I don't…well, I kind of remember. That's the strange part." 

"I think this space, the earth below…I think we died Naruto."

"What?!" Naruto shouted.

"Think about it. We're somewhere other than our reality, we have memories of these images we don't recognise, the glowing symbols on hour hands." Sasuke said, holding up his palm to show his crescent moon.

Naruto looked at his own glowing sun on his hand. "So we're…dead? Then, what do we do now?"

Sasuke looked over at the earth below. "I think…we'll do it all over again."

"Like, live again?"

"Yes, but in new lives. That's what these are, they're our past lives. And now we get to do it again."

Naruto looked between the orbs. Sasuke caught a smile. "It's funny though. No matter how different the world seems to be, you and I are always together."

Sasuke followed his gaze. It was true, not a single orb left either of them out. "Safe to say I'll see you in the next one then?" 

Sasuke met Naruto's big blue eyes.

"Seems like I'll follow you to the end of the earth." Naruto said.

"And beyond." Sasuke smiled.

Naruto chuckled. "So what are you hoping for in the next one? That we're pirates? Maybe we have dragons? Or maybe-"

"All I hope for is that I get to see you here again after it's over." 

Naruto grinned. "I can guarantee you that." He said, holding out his hand, the sun glowing in his palm. "There wouldn't be a sky without the sun and the moon."

Sasuke held his breath. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around Naruto.

"Sasuke?" Naruto chuckled. "You've never been much of a hugger."

"Who knows, maybe I have. In one life at least." Sasuke said into his shoulder.

Naruto's arms came around him, hands resting on his back. "Are you ready then? For the next one?" 

"With you I am."

The ground shattered beneath them. They fell through the sky, seeing the stars shine among them. 

"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted through the strong wind. "I love you. I don't know if past me have said it or if I will in this one, but I do. I love you!"

Sasuke's heart slammed in his chest as he couldn't stop the smile from spreading on his face.

"I love you too! I've always loved you, and I always will!"

The world faded into a bright white light, erasing anything known into a new.

A baby scream echoed among the stars.