Summary:
Itachi: the actor everyone wants to be or date. Naruto: the guy who mocked Jiraiya's manuscript. The film: the catalyst. From casting to screening, Itachi plans to snag Naruto for himself, but Naruto's convinced the Uchiha's straight. ItaNaru.
Pairings:
Itachi x Naruto
Warnings:
Yaoi, other themes of sex, my crappy knowledge on how you film a film and production (etc.), language I guess... a clingy-brother-Sasuke. That's all I can think of for now.
The Film.
:
The Catalyst.
A catalyst: something that causes or accelerates a reaction without being used up.
Naruto narrowed his eyes, chewing ferociously on his lip as he awaited judgement. He looked down one, tilting his head to look at the offending object, before narrowing his eyes further and squatting down to have a proper look.
"It means nothing. It's just a gift to say thank you for working together up until now. It's not like I'll give it to him right away... at the end of it all. Yes, okay." Naruto paused, "Wait, no. It's not the gift itself, it's what it represents. Ugh, how the hell do I do this!?"
He looked to the 'gift' and an eye blinked slowly, mouth opening to release a bubble.
"You're a fish and I'm an idiot. Itachi won't care about it in the way I really want, will he?"
"Naruto! It's your time now!"
Naruto sighed, runnind his hands through blond hair as his make up artist called him out. It was their last set of scenes, these scenes being the finale of the actual film, and then they would be filming the sex scene between Itachi and him.
And Naruto wanted to give Itachi a goldfish.
"There's no hope," he muttered to himself, opening the door and greeting his group with half-faked happiness.
"Now, now, Naruto, don't say that. There's a lot of hope for you, I mean you're starring across from Ita-chan! And you get to do a sex scene with him. Do you know how many women would kill for that?"
Naruto sunk in the chair he had just settled himself into. Women; that was the problem. Since filming the kiss with Itachi a few days ago, the Uchiha had been overrun with interviews on this film and 'dinner dates' with important clients who would back the film further. He had hardle seen Itachi since then, what with them shooting their individual scenes at work, and he found himself missing the presence of the actor.
It wasn't like they spent that much time together, but everything seemed a little less real when Itachi was gone. It was his co-star that brought their characters to life, and when they were together, Naruto found the film industry far better than without.
Itachi was a confusion in himself; had he only said he didn't mind kissing Naruto for the shot? Or did he actually want to kiss him more? Naruto grabbed handfuls of hair and ignored his make up artist's yell of annoyance; he was having a midlife crisis here!
"Naruto, sit there and shut up! Filming starts in ten minutes, and we're still on make up. You owe me if we miss the start okay? Only big stars like Ita-chan can blow off timings, you got that?"
Oh yes. He got that. Now, if only Naruto could get Ita-chan himself...
The tea was cold by the time they got round to drinking it, and the Sannin winced at the silence in the room. Jiraiya fought the urge to whistle, Tsunade had to keep herself from biting her nails, and Orochimaru's hands were itching to run through his hair.
"You mean to tell me that you want my baby to have full blown sex just so you can film it?"
All three winced at the tone of voice.
"Exactly, and I wholeheartedly agree with Kushina! Naruto is our son, your Godson, and he's not just a walking sex doll. If he wants to commit himself in a relationship and have full blown kinky sex then that's fine, none of my business, but to ask him to do it with an actor on screen... I just don't like it."
Minato glanced to his wife, who's glare would be enough to shatter the tea cups if they were closer.
"I know you need the shot, and by all accounts do it, but simulated. Naruto's too young to be getting into pornography of all things, Jiraiya-sensei, and Kushina agrees with me, don't you dear?"
Blue eyes connected with his wife's and he flinched, eyebrow raising as she shifted forwards with a grin on her lips.
"There should be a sanctity in their first time!" Minato brought a hand up to his forehead, sighing deeply. "Naruto loves Itachi, that much is plain to see, and Itachi must love Naruto if your observations are true. We cannot force their love, we must let it bloom! Their copulation must be a wonderful meeting, one that is spontaneous and-"
"Have you been reading your crappy, imported books again?"
Kushina stopped and turned to Minato.
"Well you're not supportive of his relationship!" She just resisted the urge to poke her tongue out at him.
"Relationship! What relationship? He has a professional one with this Itachi, and that's all. Just because he likes men doesn't mean he has to fall in love with a very attractive man he's working with does it?"
Minato and Kushina traded insults like tennis players passing a ball between them and the three Sannin sat there, a blank look on their face as they turned their eyes from each of the spouses.
"L-look, we didn't come to cause trouble!"
Kushina rounded on Orochimaru, "It's okay, I know you're only doing this for your shot, but you have to see the love between then surely? Our little baby hasn't been home since he started working with you and usually he only never comes here when he has a conquest of his. This means he's been celibate for almost six months now, give or take, so he's hung on this guy."
Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya, "The logic of Uzumaki Kushina's world..." she muttered out of the corner of her mouth. Minato was still buried in his hand and Orochimaru seemed torn between scheming with Kushina and all out crying.
"Now, I'll help you. Naruto bought a fish from me yesterday and when I asked him who it was for, he clammed up. He's never bought a pet for someone before, and I need to know how set Itachi is."
Tsunade looked to her friend ans broke into a smile.
"I get it now," she said, offering a hand to Kushina. "You don't want them to have sex before their feelings are sorted out. It's a very good plan... maybe the sex scene could be the spark. It would just be body contact, no actual sex or penetration-"
"STOP! No more about my little baby!" Minato looked up and rounded on all of them, "He's a man! He can take care of himself! Leave him alone!"
The rest of the group watched as Minato stood up calmly, walked to the door and then proceeded to run upstairs.
"He's as much a little child as a four year old," Kushina muttered and turned to the Sannin. "So, operation 'Get Naruto and Itachi together' commences today, what's our first step?"
Itachi shook hands politely with the talk-show host, nodding to the greetings and thanking him. It was all about getting through this television appearence and returning to the set so he could spend more time around Naruto.
"It's nice to see you back filming after your recent break," of course the man would refer to his break, whereupon he had decided to spend more time at home. They must assume Ita-chan had stopped acting for ever... at leas the more hardcore fans. "Tell me, what was it about this particular film that drew your attention."
Itachi shifted in his seat, glancing between the host and camera.
"Well, it's a completely new role for me, and one I've always wanted to try out. When Jiraiya-sama told me about the play I felt that it was time to step out of my normal acting zone, build upon what I already can do and twist it. Though I must admit that's not the complete reason, and upon meeting my co-star I knew that we would be able to work very well together, and he is an amazing actor."
The host went on to explain the plot of the film a little, asking Itachi on his opinion on a few matters, before questions about Naruto arose.
"You mentioned your co-actor before, Uzumaki Naruto, and he's a new actor... tell me, what's he like to work with?"
Itachi's lips gave a slight twitch - something they never did - and he answered politely, "He's simply amazing. There's so much energy in him and it spreads to everyone around him. He has a gift in acting and when he's saying lines..." he gave out a small chuckle, "You have to remember that you're only acting."
The host was silent for a moment before he seemed to regain composure, having lost it when Itachi chuckled.
"W-well thank you, Uchiha Itachi, it's been a pleasure talking to you. We will be eagerly anticipating the release of you..." Itachi tuned the hosts' voice out, bowing his head and accepting the stage cue to leave the television set.
Even though he had said those things to the television chat host, it was unlikely Naruto would hear them, or the meaning behind them. Itachi was sure that his feelings had breached beyong liking the guy, beyond simple attraction, which was silly really. He hadn't know Naruto for that long and hadn't even formed a relationship.
How queer, in both senses of the word.
Itachi sighed. How was he going to get Naruto to fall head over heels for him? He couldn't just steal the blond away, he was too loud and clever to let himself be trapped in such a way. It looked as though Itachi would be set to probe him into a corner gently, simple movements, before he trapped Naruto fully.
Excellent, and planning finished on time; dinner sounded great about now.
Tsunade stared at the door in front of her and sighed, sipping her morning coffee as she looked out of the window. She was in the only built office on set, thinking about the day ahead. It was still early, something like four or five in the morning, and both her co-producers were still asleep. The production team were stretching, getting their coffees and bacon butties, poking their actors awake.
Today was the big day, and Tsunade knew she would have to deal with testy males all day. For one, they would be closing up the shooting for the supporting actors, and getting them to go home was always a chore. They alwaya wanted to watch the final scene, and because the final scene would be that scene, everyone would be even more interested.
Then there was the case of their superstar and their uprising one. Naruto would be embarrassed at what they would be filming, Itachi would secretly be exstatic and everything would most likely errupt in at least one shouting match between Naruto and someone.
Yes, today they would be filming the scene where Naruto and Itachi - or more correctly Eiji and Toshiaki - would have sex for the first time. Of course everything would be taped up, and even though they would be naked (for the sake of the shots, Tsunade had had to reassure Minato), there would be less feeling in it. It would be almost cinical, a simple 'in-rubbing-out-done' job. Except a little less crude.
"Hey," a soft voice called, and Tsunade looked up to see Orochimaru poking his head round the door. He was wearing his ridiculous dressing gown (what grown man wears a purple dressing gown with fluffy slippers?) and holding a mug of what smelt like hot chocolate.
"Morning, I thought you would have slept in like Jiraiya."
Orochimaru drew up a chair at the other side of the small desk Tsunade had got in the room. He shook his head and replied, "Jiraiya sleeps off his worries, you stay up about them, I flitter between the two. Today's a Tsunade day, and as Jiraiya makes lousy company when he's dead asleep I thought I'd join you."
Tsunade smiled, "Thanks."
"Everything will go well today. And who knows, maybe Kushina will be right and this will spark a relationship between Naruto and Itachi. We've all seen the looks they give each other when they think the other one's not looking, and Naruto hasn't even bragged about the next guy he's got his eye on... because he doesn't have another one besides Itachi."
Tsunade nodded, sipping her coffee. "Then what about Itachi? He's kept his preferences hidden for so long now..."
"I wouldn't worry about our Ita-chan. Magazines are speculating he's so fixed on this film that he hasn't dated, stating that he wants to keep in character. It's wrong to those who knew him, and I even asked Mikoto and Fugaku about it when I went round there the other week. He hasn't told Sasuke anything."
Orochimaru drained his cup and patted his friend on the head. "I'm going to wake Naruto, tell him what he'll be doing today. Anything specific you want me to mention?"
Tsunade shook her head and watched the strange man go. Even after all these years Orochimaru was still the same crazy idiot he was as a kid. Which was good, because if he ever changed, Jiraiya would win their bet of Orochimaru growing up.
Naruto opened his eyes and groaned, sick of the early mornings. The person standing over him raised an eyebrow and smiled over his mug.
"Here, wakey-wakey princess."
Naruto sat up quickly, taking the offered hot chocolate and scooting over as Orochimaru got into the bed, tucking the covers under himself.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Orochimaru turned to Naruto and shrugged, "It's cold, and I need to brief you of your duties. Plus your bed is actually comfier than mine, wanna trade?"
Naruto rolled over, setting his mug on the small bedside table as he did so, and feigned sleep.
"Okay, that's a no then. Okay Naru-chan, let's see your schedule! You get up in ten minutes, head straight over to dressing and make up, eat breakfast there while they get the clothes perfectly tapered up and such, and then you get a small break for a drink or something. Then you'll be heading to the make up main division, and you'll be done up there. Clothing comes on, head over to the set, and make up touches you up if need be.
"Then you'll see Ita-chan and you will commence the de-robing. Once you're naked, or close to it, the team will separate you and tape you guys up so nothing nasty occurs. Oh and you'll get coaching on how not to be aroused and still get the desired effect then... and then filming comes back - hah, excuse the pun - and you have sex."
Naruto sat up and stared his godfather in the eye. "What?"
Orochimaru smiled, slipping out of the bed and waving. "I need to get dressed now, enjoy your chocolate. Someone will be along in a minute and we can get to the scene you've been dying for. And don't deny it Mr. I can see it in your eyes."
Naruto pulled the cover over his head, flushing madly and hoping the Sannin would leave it where it was. But, as always, he just had to drive the proverbial knife in deeper,
"You want to huuuug him. You want to kiiiissss him. You want to fuuu-"
"Naruto-san!"
Naruto reappeared over the duvet and smiled at his make up assistant. "Orochimaru was just going, thank you very much."
Orochimaru winked at Naruto before departing, leaving the make up artist frowning in confusion. Naruto sighed and exited his bed, picking up his hot chocolate once again and sipping the steaming beverage.
Jiraiya was the one you went to when you needed cheering up, Tsunade was the one you went to when you needed comfort and Orochimaru was the one who came to you when you were feeling out of place. It was the way they worked, a team dynamic, and they flocked around Naruto perfectly as relatives do. Orochimaru was the only one who sought him out, rather than the other way round, because it was when Naruto felt alienated, out of place and alone, that he kept to himself. The only time, and Orochimaru understood it perfectly.
"Right then, Naruto-san, how are you feeling today? It's going to be a long one, I can tell you that."
Naruto chuckled and slipped into the furry slippers at the side of his bed. "Yeah, I know it will be. Hopefully everything will run smoothly though."
His make up artist shrugged, passing him his thick dressing gown as she escorted him over to the make up tent, greeting other people as they went.
"I wouldn't be too hopeful. The Sannin are known for being meticulous when it comes to love scenes, and because the topic being broached is so big and important to them, I reckon you'll be in for a bit of a rough time to start. Though from the way your kissing scene went, maybe this will be over quicker than we all think it will."
Naruto fought a blush at the memory of the kiss, and how he had almost taken it further, forgetting the fact that he was supposed to be in role. What he would give to be able to take things further with Uchiha Itachi, and not just because he was a very handsome man.
During the course of filming, Naruto had discovered that Itachi was a very family orientated man. He frequently took calls from his mother, telling her to pass messages onto his family and brother, and mentioned visiting a few times. From someone with an A-listed career and horrendously busy schedule such as Itachi, being able to spend time with his family must mean a lot to him.
Naruto also noticed little things about him, such as the way his eyes softened around children (there had been some on set for a while when they needed them for a particular scene), and he became the perfect man for a woman, doting on the little kids. Naruto had asked him about it once and recieved the reply that Itachi's brother acted like a little kid half the time, and it had just become a second nature by now.
Naruto sat back in the chair offered to him and sighed heavily, one of the assistants presenting him the list that would make up the breakfast run today. With his breakfast on the way and his make up artist happily chatting about random topics, Naruto sat back and smiled, no panic in sight.
Itachi was up before his alarm call, and he walked from his tent when he heard the assistant coming for him. He smiled to her and she smiled back, telling him that Tsunade was waiting for him.
"Thank you, Shizune," he said before following her to Tsunade's office.
He entered quietly, looking through the dark room to see Tsunade gripping her mug of coffee as if it were a lifeline.
"Ah, Itachi," she greeted, uncurling her fingers from the mug. Itachi took the empty seat in front of her desk and waited for whatever it was she was going to say.
"Be easy on Naruto. He's not a professional like you, and he's still a little kid really. Imagine him as Sasuke, with the emotional state and all. You may be able to lock your feelings away in front of the camera, but Naruto doesn't know that. Don't lead him on if you intend to drop him. I believe you two have something amazing that could be brought out, but if you intend to hurt him it isn't worth the shot."
Itachi sat straighter, glancing at Tsunade in the eye. "Is this a formal warning?" he asked, half-incredulous.
Tsunade sniffed, "In a way. It's also a welcome to the family kind of thing. Naruto's never been this fixed or oblivious about someone before."
She stopped speaking, and sighed, toying with the edge of what appeared to be a manuscript.
"Get going, you have a shot to perfect. After that you can think about your love life."
"Thank you," Itachi said softly, leaving without another word. Tsunade looked down at the number scrawled on the manuscript and grinned lightly.
"Guess it's time to give Kushina a call then."
Naruto was nervous. That much he could discern from the raging mass of blub that was in his stomach at the present moment. The set that was set up was for the first part of the sex scene, and it was the same scene where the characters shared their first kiss. The lighting was low, the set comfy, and Itachi was being briefed where he stood, about half the room away from Naruto.
"Okay, here's what you do. Because we want you to be more improvised than originally suggested, we're keeping you away from Itachi. Now, what you'll he doing here is essentially instigating the foreplay and then getting Eiji to respond. Itachi won't do so until he feels his character has expressed enough so I'm not sure how much you'll actually have to do."
Jiraiya ruffled his hand through Naruto's hair. "Stop short of getting any lower clothes off. That means no oral sex, for either of you, and no wandering hands down there. Kissing is great, so is general touching, but don't go below the waist unless you feel you have to."
Naruto nodded, embarrassed that Jiraiya of all people was giving him this talk. It was almost as if he was a kid again and his dad was sitting awkwardly next to him, fumbling to show Naruto how to put a condom on a banana. The blond still felt uncomfortable when Minato ate a banana, the horrible memories of his dad fumbling through the sex talk with him.
And still, Minato denies that Naruto's had sex even to this day. Maybe it's a bi-product from that talk, but whenever Naruto woudl go over to his parents to talk about his latest boy - or girl - friend, to which Kushina would ask about his sex life, simply because she believed a healthy couple at his age had a very active one, Minato would walk off, shouting how his little baby boy was still a virgin.
"Itachi looks as though he's done. When we think we have enough, we'll call out for you to stop, retouch make up if needed, and go again if we have to. With your track record though I think we might be in luck. You two seem to click at these scenes."
Naruto nodded, feelign Jiraiya's hands at his back as he was prodded onto the set. His throat was dry and his eyes wide as Itachi, donned head to toe in black, stalked over to the comfortable sofa, dark eyes glittering in the low light and catching Naruto. The Uchiha smiled, nodding to his co-star.
Naruto slipped into Toshiaki's character, pausing at the set door as if he's just entered.
"And, action!"
Silence rang through the studio before Itachi looked up from his lap, eyes drilling holes into Naruto.
"Well? What do you want?"
Naruto tilted his head, the words flowing from his head for the moment as he simply stared, face ralaxing and eyes softening. A brief tint of panic sparked in his stomach before it compacted inwards, vanishing as if it had never been there before.
"You. What else would I come for? I know how you feel, but you don't have to listen to the world."
Itachi stood up slowly, taking a step towards the smaller male.
"And? What would you know about listening to the world? You're the one person who doesn't care what others think. You don't care if people glare at your back just because the person you love is of the same gender. It's wrong, Toshiaki... so wrong."
Naruto could see Itachi slumping slightly and darted forwards, gripping Itachi's arms tightly as he stared into wide eyes. Itachi's mouth was open slightly and Naruto smiled softly, speaking in a quiet tone.
"You know, the world doesn't hate you. You love who you love because they are the person that gives you a reason for living. They give you so much, and all you want to do is tell the world how much you want to be able to give them something back. This person you love," Naruto paused, his hands sliding down Itachi's arm to interlace their fingers, "This person you love makes you more human than those who say you can't love. Who cares what they think, give yourself a happy ending."
Itachi opened his mouth to speak yet Naruto leaned in, placing a soft kiss on a pale cheek. As he pulled away, Itachi's eyes watched in fascination, a spark appearing where none had been before.
Excitement pooled in Naruto's stomach as he loosened one of their joined hands, bringing it up to smooth over a solitary cheekbone, sliding down a stong jaw and resting at the nape of Itachi's neck.
"I don't care what they say, Eiji, I'll scream it from every building if I have to. I love you, and nothing's going to change that."
As he finished, Naruto moved forwards, pulling Itachi close to him as he kissed him deeply, his teeth pushing against Itachi's lips before separating for the briefest of moments. They rejoined, softer and more loving, and Naruto smiled, closing his eyes and bringing their joined hands up.
Itachi was non responsive, as Jiraiya had said, until Naruto ghosted fingers down onto his neck. It was suddenly as if someone had flickered a switch of life on inside of Itachi, and Naruto melted into him, their hands and lips joining and separating as Eiji and Toshiaki finally gave into their inevitable love.
It was when Naruto's lips had moved to Itachi's neck, delighted in finding the pulse point and revelling in the fact that Itachi was ticklish on his neck, that the order for 'cut' was called.
Naruto detached himself from the pale neck and smiled at Itachi, wiping the stray strand of saliva that had broken away from his mouth. Itachi nodded to him, offering his hand to shake.
Not knowing what else to do, Naruto chuckled, shaking hands with the man he had successfully just made out with, and Itachi joined in not long after. The crew around them looked on in amusement as the Sannin conferred, obviously debating something.
"Okay guys, we want that scene done twice more to see if we can get any other angles on it. That was really well done, but we can cut and copy scenes so we want to get the best of it."
Itachi shrugged at Naruto's curious look as their respective make up artists smoothed over their make up, setting their clothes straight again and adding counter effects to the 'just kissed' look.
Naruto smiled when he caught Itachi's words, mouthed to him over the heads of their assistants; 'I'm glad to be able to do it again.'
Naruto stretched in his chair, sighing around the mouthful of lunch he had just taken.
"I bet you're pretty tired after that eh?"
The blond nodded, looking over to Shizune as she entered the tent. The make up artists smiled to their co worker as she brought over Naruto's schedule chart, sitting beside him.
"I'm afraid you have the rest of that scene to work on after lunch. Itachi's resting up at the moment, and you two will be given an hour and a half while we get everything perfected. I suggest you spend it together, talking and getting used to each other."
Naruto nodded in response, swallowing the last of his sandwich and standing up.
"Go on then, where is he?"
Shizune smiled at his rashness and gestured for Naruto to follow. They headed around Tsunade's building and passed a team of set workers, all of them nodding to the pair, before they found Itachi's tent.
"I'll come get you two later then," and with that, Shizune vanished.
Naruto looked at the thick, waterproof material in front of him and fought the urge to go back to his own tent. He had to do this, otherwise the whole issue of sex would be even more embarrassing.
"Hi, Itachi!"
Itachi looked up, a lettuce leaf poking out of his mouth as he chewed. He smiled upon seeing Naruto and waved him over.
"Hello Naruto-kun, how are you?"
"I'm well thanks, and yourself?"
Itachi nodded, swallowing the lettuce leaf and taking a small bite of his sandwich. "You're a very good actor, Naruto-kun, and it's a pleasure to be working with you. Most fresh talents can't be trusted with a kissing scene yet you seem to bring so much passion to it. It took me a while before I was able to master the intensity and devotion needed... I'm jealous really."
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. "Well, that's true... but I'm not completely to blame! I just feel at ease with you and you're a fantastic actor too. Without you I'd just simply be little old Naruto."
Itachi smiled. "Maybe, but then again, I do believe that scenes where the actor's emotions are at their peak generally end out the best."
Naruto cocked his head, trying to discern whether what he thought Itachi meant was the truth.
"I'll be blunt, Naruto-kun, in that I like you. I like you as a collegue, yes, but I like you as in I've developed feelings for you. Obviously now wouldn't be the best time, but perhaps after filming is closed, would you go out with me?"
Naruto's mouth dropped and all thoughts flew from his mouth. He pointed at Itachi, and then himself, before wheezing out a 'reply'.
"Ah, I see." Itachi nodded sagely, humour dancing in his eyes. Naruto straightened up, his eyes narrowed.
"Just for that, I refuse." He ralented after a moment; after all, it was hard to say no when Uchiha Itachi swoops down and kisses you.
"Alright, alright!" Naruto's hands wove themselves into Itachi's hair and he looked into dark eyes with a smile, eyes crinkling with happiness. "I suppose I can lower myself to dating Mr. Uchiha then."
Stealing another kiss and smiling at the pout on Naruto's face, Itachi buried his nose in Naruto's hair, proud of all his achievements.
Then the lead ball dropped and they came to the same realisation at the same time; they had a sex scene to film next.
How awkward.
Naruto shifted, fingers playing with the edge of his shirt as he refused to glance at Itachi. The dark haired man, too, refused to look at the blonde. Tsunade could be seen glancing between the two, but by the frown still in place, Naruto guessed that she hadn't worked out the exact cause of embarrassment.
"Right, now I want you to go into that screened off area and tape yourself up. Just make sure nothing's... hanging out, okay? We'll just be getting shots of Itachi's back and buttocks," Naruto tried not to laugh at Jiraiya's attempt at being serious and professional, "But you do need to be fully naked, hence the need for the tape. Itachi will be doing the same."
Naruto walked off to the nearest curtained area and proceeded to do as Jiraiya said, 'leave nothing hanging out'. It was rather embarrassing, especially when a make up artist entered a moment later, make up and all, stating that she needed to check how he was doing and remove any unecessary hair.
Thankfully there was none - the wax looked rather painful.
Naruto quickly shoved his clothes back on after the inspection - which really did, as everyone had said, feel clinical and as a doctor's examination - and was careful not to disturb the tape. How mortifying would it be to have it escape now of all times. Once they got into it Naruto was sure that he'd be fine, but it was the initial embarrassment he had to get over.
Itachi was standing with Tsunade again, no doubt being briefed. Jiraiya sidled up to Naruto and smiled.
"You ready, kid? I reckon you'll get this in one shot, and we have multiple angles to get the best coverage and shots. You two really are something, you know, and I really think this could be a masterpiece."
Naruto swallowed thickly, hoping that it would go well too.
The two actors walked to each other, next to the bed. Before they started the cameras, the directors ordered the unbuttoning of shirts - in Naruto's case the complete loss of shirt - and the slight ruffle of hair and clothing. They were ordered to begin their kiss before the cameras started, and Itachi smiled down to Naruto, dipping to brush against his ear,
"Don't worry about it."
Tension seemed to ooze from Naruto and all that was left was the brash excitement Naruto always got. He grinned cheekily before being pulled to a kiss, and he absently heard the word 'action' being shouted out.
Everything passed in a blur, Itachi controlling him as the experienced actor, as Toshiaki explored Eiji's flaws, moving across him and undressing his every layer. Naruto could hear nothing but blood pumping in his ears as Itachi lay above him, hardly touching him, but enough to send electicity along his body.
Their hands moved, mouths joining constantly as the final articles of clothing were moved, and Itachi moved between Naruto's legs, whispering an apology at the uncomfortable (and frustrating) position they were in. Neither of them were near arousal (it wasn't that hard to forget you had over twenty people watching you), but they were both hot and could get to be aroused if things really did spiral out of control.
Naruto arched up on cue as Itachi stilled, both men calling out their character's love's name. Heavy breathing was all that could be heard in the studio for a moment before Orochimaru called for a cut, and everyone turned their attention to the recovering actors.
In a flash, Shizune and another make up artist were handing Naruto and Itachi dressing gowns, congratulating them on a wonderful job. Naruto, with a red blush staining his cheeks, thanked them and looked over to his godparents for confirmation. They all smiled back, a good sign.
An arm wrapped itself around his shoulders and Naruto looked up into Itachi's eyes. His hair was free of the usual pony tail, having come lose sometime over the scene, and it pooled around his features, softening them somewhat.
"Dinner? I'll pick you up at about seven or so?"
Naruto nodded, thankful of Itachi's approach; it could have been extremely awkward if he mentioned their filming.
"I'll see you later then." He turned as if to leave and Naruto waved him off. At the last moment, a voice hovered at his ear and caused Naruto to flush, "I'd prefer to do that scene again alone, if you don't mind. I'd find it... educational."
Naruto scampered back to his dressing tent, intent on using his portable bathroom facilities to the maximum, praying that no one would be around to hear him.
Naruto stood outside of Itachi's house with a trolly, a tank sitting inside of the trolly. He had wheeled the fishtank over here himself, after realising that he wouldn't be able to drive over and keep his fish alive.
He rang the doorbell and waited patiently, humming to himself as he heard Itachi call out, telling him he'd be there in a moment. The two goldfish in the tank looked up to him, mouths blubbing open and fins drifting on the current Naruto was causing.
"It's okay guys, Itachi will love you as much as I do. Besides I bought you for him, and it's been a few months now. It won't be weird to buy a fish now eh?"
Naruto had originally bought Mr. Goldy for Itachi months ago now, back when they were filming. After the filming had ended, Itachi had picked up his plan on dating Naruto, making it clear that he was serious about it. Naruto, too, had decided that he wanted to throw everything into his new relationship, and spent at least five out of seven days seeing Itachi.
Although he had a new job at a translating firm, they were lenient with holidays, and as long as Naruto kept in touch with clients, he had a lot of free time. He had told Itachi that he took up the job after one of his friends, from the meeting he had with the group he went travelling with, told him of the opportunity.
There was no hint of returning to film - Naruto had told Itachi that firmly. He said that it would be pointless unless he was filming with Itachi, and then joked he wouldn't be able to enjoy work if he was with Itachi. It had resulted in a food fight, and many more happy memories.
The fish looked over to the door as Itachi opened it, a square of chocolate being crushed between his teeth. That was another thing Naruto loved; Itachi had a ridiculously sweet tooth and always had fantastic food.
"Hey," Naruto greeted, signalling for Itachi to lift up the other side of the trolly. The Uchiha did so with a bemused smile and they wheeled the small trolly into the living room. Naruto picked up the tank slowly, careful not to crop the heavy load, and pushed it along the table, ignoring the magazines he pushed off in the process.
Proud of his accomplishment, Naruto hopped over to Itachi, kissed him full on the lips, and wrapped his arms around the warm body Itachi presented.
"I got you some fish. I bought them from our aquarium and had mum help me chose the best ones. The one with the little black patch on its head is for you to name, the other one's called Mr. Goldy."
Itachi walked over to the tank and then over his shoulder, smiling, "Thank you Naruto."
Naruto shrugged, a non comittal gesture, yet he was secretly exstatic.
"Mr. Fishy then."
Naruto beamed at the name and joined Itachi at looking at their little fish, bending down to rest his head next to Itachi's.
"The premier's tonight, isn't it?"
"Mmhm," Itachi replied with a sigh. Naruto raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation, when the Uchiha elaborated. "I did rather want you for myself, see, but I suppose it'll have to wait till we come back."
Naruto looped his arms round Itachi's neck, "I've called Jiraiya and he's dropping off my suit here. We're sharing a car too, and they won't be here for... oh, another few hours yet."
Itachi chuckled, "I like your thinking."
Naruto kissed him slowly. "And that's why you love me," he replied with a grin.
"Hah, indeed it is."
Itachi stood next to Naruto as camera lights flashed around them. He noticed the slight narrowed look in his lover's eyes and knew Naruto was adjusting to the bright lights after sitting in darkness for over an hour.
The film had been a massive hit, critiques coming up and congratulating the Sannin magnificently. The main actors had recieved a lot of congratulations too, and Naruto was holding a handful of flowers, presented to them from various people, including their directors.
"Ita-chan!"
"Naru-chan!"
Itachi smiled to the crowd shouting out for their autographs and walked down the carpet, Naruto following happily behind. Both males smiled winningly at the people around them, and yet it was only because they were with each other that their smiles were so big.
Throughout the whole film, the pair had held hands. Naruto had blushed at first, almost as if they had just started dating, and then he had relaxed, even braving up enough to steal a kiss at their first on-screen kiss. Itachi hadn't complained, and they were sure there were enough speculations to their relationship already, didn't matter if they were confirmed.
They were in the car heading home now, back to Itachi's house. Naruto had unofficially moved in as far as the houseowner was concerned, and he planned to keep it that way. Now that the fish had been moved in, Itachi considered Naruto beginning the move of everything, and he was almost certain that the blond was thinking along the same lines too.
Naruto's back hit the wall as they staggered in, having intiated their kiss in front of the door. Naruto had simply attacked him while he was searching for the keys to the hosue, not that Itachi minded of course, and had kissed back with as much enthusiasm as Naruto had given.
Fingertips teased buttons open as smart tuxedo coats (the ones Tsunade has specifically mentioned not to crease) were thrown on the ground, one just missing Mr. Goldy and Mr. Fishy's home. The fish peered out of their underwater home for a moment to see Naruto and Itachi moving upstairs, still joined by the mouth.
As they fell onto the bed, Itachi catching himself on his elbows and knees so he was hovering over Naruto, lips leaving Naruto's to trail down his exposed chest, hovering at the hollow where the blond's ribcage met in the centre.
Sliding the shirt from Naruto's shoulders, Itachi ran his fingers slightly over Naruto's ribs, earning a snort of laughter and a wriggle away, his lover shifting under him as he attempeted to escape from the source of the tickling.
"Itachi! Be serious!"
Itachi did what he was told, running his tongue in place of his fingers and earning a moan rather than laughter. As Naruto arched, Itachi could feel the distint ribcage, and tailed kisses along each skin covered bone, drawing a smile from the younger male.
"You're so considerate," Naruto mumbled, his fingers twirling Itachi's hair gently, playing with the raven's scalp and considering plaiting the strands.
"How so?" Itachi moved back up the bed, running fingertip circles over Naruto's stomach as he looked into blue eyes.
"W-ell," Naruto started, his voice hitching as Itachi moved lower, a smirk growing. So he had planned this then? Or something like this...
"My previous partners tended to prefer themselves over me, considering it their pleasure rather than mine. But, ah, with you, it's... uh... what was I saying?"
Itachi smirked, kissing Naruto on the lips before separating and rubbing the tip of his nose against Naruto's cheek.
"I love you, Naruto. I don't think I've said that enough."
True to his thoughts, Naruto flushed and grabbed the bottle on the nightstand, shoving it in Itachi's face.
"Yeah, yeah." He grinned, "I love you too, Ita-chan."
Itachi glowered at the nickname and popped the cap open on the bottle, sliding the slippery liquid onto his fingers as he did so. Naruto rolled onto his stomach with a devious grin, wrapping his arms around his pillow as he felt Itachi trail kisses down his spine. So far they hadn't been to adventurous in sexual positions, but Naruto had mentioned that he wanted to try in this position... and who was Itachi to argue when Naruto pleaded?
The first finger was always the worst and Naruto tightened his jaw, attempting to interrupt the pathway between his brain and muscles, trying to let them know that this particular intrusion was something good.
As the second finger entered, with a liberal coat of lube, Itachi split the square packet of a condom with his teeth, rolling the latex onto himself with his free hand and applying more lube on top of that. As Naruto said, people had been more concerned with their own pleasure than his own, and Itachi wanted Naruto to enjoy this as much as he did. Even without full realising it, it was the first time they had both admitted their love as freely as they had and it had been a special night for them.
Naruto opened one of his eyes, turning his head to look at Itachi and he spoke in a quiet voice, "You know, if you wait any longer, we'll both be ninety before anything gets done."
With a laugh only Naruto could inspire, Itachi eased slowly into Naruto, pushing past the slightly resisting muscles and releasing his breath as his head neared Naruto's ear. Itachi knew Naruto was feeling the uncomfortable feelings associated at the moment, but he promised that he would share his pleasure with Naruto's.
With careful and practiced ease, Itachi pulled out a little before slowing back in, releasing another breath. It ghosted over Naruto's ear and he shivered under Itachi, their bodies calling out for more contact.
The Uchiha responded, moving faster and catching onto Naruto's slight rocking movement, harmonising their bodies and moaning almost in synchronisation to the blond. Naruto started laughing a minute later and Itachi paused to kiss his shoulder, smiling. For some reason he knew that Naruto was laughing for the same reason he was smiling; they were here, together, and perfect.
The morning drew on and Naruto lay curled up against his lover, head resting partially on Itachi's chest. He sighed, content, and closed his eyes, a small smile gracing his lips as Itachi's arms moved tighter in his sleep.
Their film would be immortalised on screen forever, so it was nice to have just Naruto and Itachi by themselves, living their lives together in happiness rather than drama, just as Eiji and Toshiaki eventually found theirs.
Epilogue
"Naruto, I'm off. Have a nice day, I'll speak to you later."
Naruto rolled over and moaned his goodbye, tucking his head back under the pillow in attempt to block out the light flooding in from the open curtain. Damn Itachi, no consideration for other people.
Naruto stormed downstairs, annoyed that Itachi had left. He missed his chance to moan at the Uchiha for leaving the curtain open, which meant he lost his chance for make-up sex, and then would be running late... as usual. The lateness that is, because Naruto was always late for the meetings he had with the friends he made while travelling. He called it fashionably late, they all called it Naruto.
Naruto smiled at the cup ramen left out, Itachi's little way of saying sorry for getting him up. A note lay next to the package with a doodled fox grinning, a stick-weasel cuddled up next to it.
Itachi was forgiven. Who cares if he opened the curtains!
Naruto hummed as he waited for the kettle to boil, rubbing the sole of his foot on his leg to scratch it and looking at their calendar.
It had been three weeks since Naruto had moved in properly with Itachi, and a month since the film premier. It was a popular film and Itachi had stated he was going on a 'personal break' for a while, to spend time with his family... which now included Naruto.
Naruto had met both of Itachi's parents and got on with them like a house on fire. Mikoto had loved him from the moment he walked in the door, reminding Naruto freakishly of his own mother, and Fugaku had found respect for him when Naruto proclaimed his love for ramen. Apparently the Uchiha patriach also had a soft spot for the noodles, and the pair were often seen eating ramen when the rest of the family had something else.
Itachi had also met Minato and Kushina, getting on surprisingly well with his dad. Naruto had been scared that Minato would freak out and kill the man 'stealing his precious baby away', but he had simply smiled and mentioned how good they looked together. Kushina, as always the drama queen, had cried and hugged both of them, asking when the wedding was.
Naruto had blushed and avoided Itachi's eyes all evening. Later they discussed it, over sex of course, and it seemed that maybe it wasn't too much of a bad idea, at some stage.
The only thing Naruto was curious about, and a little weirded out about, was Itachi's brother. Even after all this time he had still never seen the elusive guy, and Itachi had dodged all questions. He said that his little brother was clingy, jealous of Itachi's partners because they had taken Itachi away from him, and would most likely try to ruin what they had.
Still, Naruto wanted to meet the little terror. Itachi had finally relented and promised to tell his brother that he now lived with his lover, which hopefully was going well right now.
Naruto wolfed down his ramen, glancing at the clock and dressing at speed. He had twenty minutes to get to the meeting place, and it was on the other side of town. He grabbed his wallet, mobile, keys and shouted a goodbye to Mr. Goldy, Ms. Fishy and their babies (turns out that Mr. Fishy wasn't actually a man, which resulted in a bigger tank and lots of other fish).
Half an hour later, Naruto sauntered into the cafe and the group stood up, smiling as their loudest member joined them. Kiba patted him on the back, Shikamaru nodded with a smile and the others watched. Sakura reached over the table, bopping him on the head for being late, before she smiled and commented that he wasn't the last one.
"Eh?" Naruto mumbled around his mouthful of stolen cake, which he had taken from Kiba of course, as traditional.
"Well Sasuke's even later than you! He's normally the first here, but apparently he had a family thing this morning. Ah there he is n...ow..."
Sakura trailed off to see a thunderous Sasuke stomping through the cafe, eyes alight with fire. Naruto shifted over in curiosity, patting his friend on the back as everyone leaned in, wondering what was wrong with Sasuke.
To see such an expression on his face was unbelievable; Sasuke's emotions seemed to be either indifferent or annoyed... generally caused by Naruto.
"It's my brother. I just left him and he's suddenly told me he's moved in with a random guy. Or, to be correct, this guys moved in with him."
Naruto swallowed thickly suddenly, horror creeping over him as Sasuke continued to talk. What was Sasuke's family name again?
"I mean he's only been with this guy for like a month. Well more, but it's something ridiculous. I asked him how he knew this goy was safe and all, he could be a drug dealer or something!"
The group murmered consolingly, ever supportive of their friend.
Uchiko? No, that wasn't it. Ukiha? Nope, definately not. Uuichia? No, now Naruto was just making up words. Shit.
"I haven't even met him! Apparently our parents have, but not me! He's my brother!"
Naruto shifted in his seat, inching away from his former best friend as he couldn't think of anything other than Uchiha.
"He's a grown man I'm sure, Sasuke, maybe it's time to just let him go. If he's happy..."
Sasuke sighed, "I know I'm being selfish, but I just want the best for Itachi. He's the only brother I have and - Dobe? Oi, Dobe? Where are you going?"
Naruto was about to make a run for it when he heard Sasuke's words at the same time he saw the tall figure enter the cafe.
Oh no, no, no, no. Please, no.
Sasuke looked up to see Itachi looking round the room, a phone in his hands. When he saw his brother he smiled, "You forgot this, I thought I'd return it before you - Naruto?"
Naruto lifted his head back up from the table and caught Sasuke's incredulous gaze.
"Uh, I can explain?"
Notes:
Ah so we're all done! Thank you very much for all the lovely reviews and I hope I haven't disappointed you with this half. I don't actually have anything else to say except thank you for reading and comments are always appreciated, even criticism :)