WARNING: This chapter has not been beta'ed. I have tried my best to catch all errors, but I am not prefect, so please ignore or inform me of others.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I apologize for taking so long with this chapter. As I mentioned, I am no longer ahead in writing this story and lately have not been into writing much. However, I did force myself to get something out! So Happy Valentine's Day? I would also like to thank everyone that is reviewing this story. It really means a lot to know people like it.

Next chapter will be coming along soon hopefully. I have a lot going on with classes and work, but I am also trying to get Nursing Application in. So please have patience with me.

Sasuke and Naruto had split sometime after breakfast to change, both agreeing to meet back up at lunch time. Sasuke had chosen to stay in his room, while Naruto ventured back to his own. He changed into clean denim jeans and a tight, white t-shirt; grabbing his leather jacket on the way out the door. Winter was chilly in the morning, but he would have to lose it as the temperature increased.

Having nothing better to do except wait for Sasuke, Naruto went out of his way to find Sakura or Ino. The two women had agreed to help him set up some kind of date, and he figured the free time he was experiencing was a great time to get some plans going. He checked their respective rooms, finding them empty, before heading down to the dining hall.

Neither girl was present and Naruto frowned, pausing to ask one of the men chatting if they had seen them. The man informed him that the girls had gone outside with the children to play. After thanking him, Naruto jogged to the nearest exit and headed toward the playground.

He did not have to travel far before he could see the tell tail signs of Sakura's bubblegum pink hair and Ino's bright blonde. Sakura was helping one of the little girls climb the slide stairs, and Ino was waiting to catch her on the other end. A few other children were running around playing behind them.

Naruto grimaced, wishing to himself that there were more than just a few.

"Naruto! Watch me, Watch me!" the little girl screamed, having spotted the blonde from the top of the slide. She was waving frantically to get his attention.

Naruto could not help but smile, nodding as he approached the area. "Go ahead, I'm watching."

The little girl giggled and nodded, sitting down on her bottom like Sakura told her too. She slid down the slide, being caught by Ino at the end.

"Miko, can you go play with the others while we go speak to Naruto real fast?" Ino asked the little girl in her arms, and once receiving a nod, she put her down. Ino watched her for a moment before heading with Sakura to the male.

"What brings you to our part of town?" Sakura questioned, opening her arms to give Naruto a friendly hug. Ino followed right after they had parted, smiling brightly.

Naruto relished in the feeling of contact with another human being, allowing himself to hug both of the women back. Since his arrival a short time ago they had become considerably close. He had always wanted siblings growing up and could possible consider the two before him as family.

"I asked, just like you said Ino," Naruto grinned, nice and wide. "He said yes. Now I just need to set something up for us to do, y'kno, with this being an apocalypse and all."

Sakura gasped, dying a little inside now that her secret crush on the raven haired man meant nothing, but hugged Naruto again. "That's great, Naru! I'm so excited for you."

Ino watched, allowing a small frown to graze the corner of her lips. Sakura had confided only to her about the crush, and from the way Sakura was holding into the hug a little too long, she was feeling the sudden surprise. Since their first meeting Sakura had been trying to get Sasuke to ask her out with many failed attempts, yet he had so willing went with Naruto.

"Oh Naruto, this is good news. Sakura and I will take care of everything, alright? You just make sure that you both meet up. Do you have watch tonight or tomorrow?" Ino asked, stepping forward to place a hand on the small of Sakura's back. This comfort allowed the pink haired girl to release the hug, pulling away with a heartwarming smile.

"Uh, tonight," Naruto responded, giving a wary look. Sakura was acting strangle suddenly, but Ino shook her head in silent plead for Naruto to let it go.

"Prefect, tomorrow at seven ask Sasuke meet you at the dining hall. We'll have everything set up."

Naruto nodded slowly, and Ino smiled, nudging Sakura to return to the children with her. He watched their retreating forms, confused by their behaviors. Although, finding it better to not over think the situation, he decided to head back inside.

As he approached the doors, Naruto glanced at the watch on his wrist, wondering briefly how long the small devise would last his time. It was only a little after ten and lunch would not be ready before one. Deciding that something needed to be down to cure his random amount of energy, Naruto decided to get some work down on the vehicles in the garage and changed his direction.

He entered the open the six car garage easily, noting that his motorcycle was off the side where he had left it, and Sasuke's truck was parked in the middle. There were two other eight passenger vans and an SUV off to the side, but Naruto could not recall a time where they had left their spot.

Being safer than sorry, Naruto made a mental plan to check all the vehicles in the building, starting with the truck. After completing the realignment a few weeks ago, he was positive that the truck needed some regular maintenance, but had not got around to completing it. Now being a prefect time, Naruto prepared himself for a long day of work.

Time had passed quickly for Naruto, and without realizing it until hungry gnawed at his insides, half the day was gone. It was a little after three according to his faithful watch, meaning he had probably missed Sasuke by a good two hours. Sighing, Naruto tossed the wrench aside and wiped his grease covered hands with an old towel.

He had managed to finish up all the repairs on the truck, including a new oil change. His motorcycle was only in need of a little tender, loving care, but was running decent. The vans had turned out to be barely used and completely up to date with parts, but the SUV was going to be a bitch. The vehicle was in need of some desperate parts and rarely maintained. He was lucky if he could even scavenge what was required.

Covered in grease and a light layer of sweat, Naruto exited from the garage's front door. His stomach growled, reminding the blonde to head for the kitchen before venturing anywhere else. People would have to deal with his appearance because his stomach was not one to negotiate.

The smell of food caught his attention as he entered the dining hall, noticing that only a few people were still scattered around. The best option for food would be in the kitchen, but whether or not Chouji was available went unnoticed as he entered. The chubby man was not in sight, but there were a few sandwiches placed on the counter top. Taking this as a silent sign, Naruto washed his hands and then helped himself to lunch.

Two sandwiches and a warm coke in hand, Naruto ventured off into the living quarters. If Sasuke had missed him at lunch time, then the other man must have traveled back to his room for scouting planning. Naruto found the thought of knowing Sasuke so well to be very amusing.

"He knew this was going to happen. There was no reason for you not to be sent here before it got worse!" Sasuke's low, but angry voice traveled out of a small conference room. The door was cracked only a smidge.

Naruto paused outside, listening as a familiar voice spoke.

"I decided to stay. It wasn't his fault."

"You could have died. There was no guaranteed that you would even make it here. How did you even get away in the first place when even he couldn't?" Sasuke asked quietly, making Naruto lean closer to the door to hear the listen bit.

The other hesitated, "I just did. Let's be thankful for that."

The moving of a chair signaled Naruto to step further down the hallway, appearing as he had just passed by. The door creaked open and a glance backward confirmed that Gaara had exited the room, followed shortly by Sasuke. He stopped, watching the two as Gaara murmured something and turned down the hallway.

"Hey Sasuke," Naruto called.

The other kept coal eyes on Gaara for a moment, before traveling to bright blue. A small smirked developed on the right side of his lips. "Idiot, you missed lunch by over two hours. Did you expect me to wait around for you to show up?"

"No, I did not bastard. I was out fixing your 'baby' and the other vehicles, and lost track of time," Naruto answered. Finding the time off to ask about Gaara, Naruto stored the information away for another time. "But I did bring you a sandwich, just in case you can't feed yourself without me."

Sasuke snorted, approaching Naruto to grab one of the sandwiches in his hand, but continued walking down the hallway. He was heading in the direction of his room.

"I ate a little, but I'll take the offer anyway."

Naruto's eyes followed, dipping low to look at the others ass out of instinct. Quickly correcting the mistake, he bounded down the hall after him. Sasuke was already entering his room when he arrived and he entered with silent permission.

Sasuke had taken the desk chair, picking at his food as he looked over the area maps spread out across the table top. They were running low on a few necessities, making another scouting mission required. Sasuke would have to find a good location soon.

"Sakura and Ino want to set up a date for us tomorrow at seven. Y'think you can make it?" Naruto blurted out, needing some kind of communication.

Sasuke merely raised an eye brow, turning in his chair to give Naruto the full affect. The deep purple bruising minus the swelling was distracting, but the blonde understood.

"I didn't tell them. They just knew I was into you," Naruto hurried, smacking himself in the forehead seconds later. "I mean that I might have had feelings for you and you seemed to be interested. I mean I guess you were interested because you did say yes to a date with me, but they really wanted to plan it. How do you say no? They just want too—"

Sasuke raised a pale hand, silencing the blonde. "It's fine. Let them have a little fun."

Sasuke was amused and Naruto wanted to punch himself again. He always had a nervous habit of ranting out everything to people. He could have saved such an annoying habit for after the first date.

"I am interested, obviously. I hope you're not that much of an idiot, but I don't know what you're expecting out of this. I don't do relationships, especially now." Sasuke stated, expression turning serious.

"Honestly, I don't know either," Naruto replied.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Naruto grinned. "Guess we'll figure it out as we go?"

Sasuke did not answer, but instead rolled his eyes and turned to look at the maps. Silently, he thought that where they would go was his biggest worry. He had never been close to anyone besides his family, and when they were gone and no one was left, he closed off. Unwillingly a few people had pushed past his well-guarded defenses over the years, but none had managed to cross the line of just friends. Naruto was a completely different exception to the rule.

"Well you seem to be busy pretending to work so damn hard, so I'm going to go clean up before watch tonight," Naruto stated.

Sasuke only nodded in return. It surprised Naruto that the insult was completely ignored. Sasuke must have been in deep thought.

"Alright then, I guess I'll see you later."

Naruto turned to walk to the door, but stopped in determination to have something besides friendship. He started toward Sasuke again, faltering in his steps.

His mind was scattered in thought and he glanced to the door once more. He could turn and leave so easily, or he could go after what he wanted. Taking a deep inhale, Naruto approached the raven haired man who had yet to move. He bent down, pressing his lips close to the others ear.

"I said I'm leaving, you could at least acknowledge me," He breathed, nuzzling his face gently against the soft, black hair above Sasuke's ear.

Sasuke, who was lost in the world of thought, was surprised by the sudden action and went ridged. Seconds past before Naruto chuckled lightly, hot breathe fanning over sensitive skin. He let a hand graze Sasuke's shoulders as he left, door closing quietly behind him.

Once alone, Sasuke relaxed. He had not realized that he had got so worked up by Naruto's action. After all he had only been a small, intimate gesture.

His heart constricted in his chest. He had done so much to keep people away from him so that he could forego pain. So that he could not hurt the people he loved most. Yet, Naruto was pushing his way in through the small cracks and Sasuke was sure it would not be long until his protected wall was shattered.

Several hours later and with a full stomach, Naruto found himself relieving Kiba of his post on the roof. Although the compound was reinforced and kept tight, Sasuke was adamant about having people on watch duty at all hours. Naruto found no complaints, having thought he would be safer than sorry.

Kiba had toed Akamaru awake from his sleeping position and lead the dog downstairs for the night, leaving Naruto with Kakashi on the far side of the roof. The silver haired man was leaning against the railing of the roof, smoke drifting from the lit cigarette between his lips. A rifle was strapped to his back and a pair of night binoculars resting in his hand, but his face portrayed a look of boredom as he gazed over the rolling fields behind their home.

The door to the roof opened and closed behind Naruto, but his stare never faltered.

"Should I be worried that you have a thing for him now because I'm positive that he his unavailable at the moment."

Sasuke was standing to his right, following his stare across the roof top. Naruto could sense the amusement in his voice and chuckled lightly.

"Hardly, I was just thinking."

Sasuke nodded and started for his side of the roof, adjusting the strap to his own sniper. "Be careful idiot. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself," he mocked, leaning against his own side of the rail.

Naruto rolled his eyes and walked to the other side of the roof, flipping Sasuke the bird in the process. He muttered 'bastard' under his breath, but the slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips told a different story.

With everyone at their positions, the first watch of the night began. The first hour passed quickly as Naruto kept his eyes out for any creatures wondering in the dark, but as nothing was found patience ran thin. Two hours later, Naruto was downright bored.

According to his watch it was a little after nine in the evening, making his night watch only four hours longer. He briefly wondered if the entire night was going to be this slow, but considering most of the watch hours had little action, he assumed that it would.

Sasuke had turned around to lean his back against the railing during Naruto's thinking process, openly staring at the blonde across from him. Truth be told, Sasuke had no intention of making some kind of relationship and Naruto had sucked him into their strange agreement. Naruto just had the personality to pull people toward him, but he also had the looks of a god.

Sasuke smirked. Although he had known he was gay for a long time, he rarely took interest in anyone of any sex. Relationships were a complicated mess and one night stands were just something to pass the time. Sasuke was difficult, leading to many lonely nights. Briefly he wondered that if he allowed Naruto into his protected heart, if all of the lonely nights would disappear. Deciding that his thoughts were rash, he pushed them to that back of his mind and raised his eyes to glance back at the blonde. He was met with a dazzling smile.

Naruto had made his way across the roof when Sasuke had starred off, and having nothing better to do, Naruto wanted to bring him out of his thoughts. He approached the raven haired man just as he looked up, surprised for only seconds before his features were masked.

"What are you doing idiot? You're messing up the watch perimeter," Sasuke muttered, turning his face to the side.

"I checked it far and wide; there is nothing close to us. I just got bored and you were being all spacy over here anyway."

Sasuke crossed his arms at the observation made. "I was not being spacy. I merely took a moment to think about something, but I am clearly aware of our duties. You can leave and return to yours."

Naruto smiled softly, finding it amusing how Sasuke put up some defensive whenever questioned or toyed. He ignored the threatening tone in Sasuke's voice and his advice, pushing his way past Sasuke to lean his forearms on the railing to look out over the darkened land. "Do you think there are other people out there, maybe doing what we are?"

Surprised to find Naruto moving forward instead of backward, Sasuke moved out of the way, staring at the blonde's back. He was just ignored! Sasuke was about to speak as the others question was stated and he snapped his mouth shut. The anger he had once been feeling faded and he approached Naruto's side, leaning into the same position.

"I doubt it, at least maybe not here. There was really no time to prepare for anything when it broke out."

Naruto grimaced. "There was no warning at all. I still remember coming home to get Hinata. She thought I was crazy."

"I'm sorry."

Naruto glanced at the other and shrugged. "Don't be. It's not like this whole thing was your fault. She's been gone awhile and …. Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but I'm glad."

"You're….glad?" Sasuke asked, raising his eye brow high.

Naruto chuckled lightly at the misunderstanding, "Not glad that she's gone, glad that she doesn't have to live in this world anymore. I loved my wife when she was mine, but the minute she turned, she was someone else. I'd like to think she's in a better place."

Sasuke nodded and fell into a comfortable silence. He also had lost people that he cared about, but he had never thought of the idea of where they would go or become. He wasn't religious by any means; after all he could barely wrap his mind around humans allowing the infection, let alone some kind of 'god.'

"I lost most of my family back when the infection started," Sasuke muttered, finding it impossible to shut his mouth. It was like Naruto was forcing him to word vomit his thoughts. "My mother was the first. She was always she strong and bright, but the minute the infection got her, pieces of her died too."

"Sasuke…. You don't have too—, "Naruto was interrupted by the raising of a pale hand, silencing him immediately.

"She went quickly and the infection was spreading fast, but my father never moved past her death. He was a biochemical scientist you know. He tried everything to reverse the disease that took his entire life, including his own."

Sasuke fell into silence, but seemed to be thinking on whether or not to continue. Naruto made no move to stop him. He wondered if it was a good time to bring up the conversation with Gaara from earlier; however, decided to wait incase Sasuke brought it up.

Sasuke sighed, "I also had a brother—"

"Are you two even watching the surroundings over there?" Kakashi had turned to look over, shouting quietly to be heard but not draw attention.

Mentally cussing at the timing, Naruto nodded to the silver haired man and signaled that he would return to his location. "Listen I should probably get back over to the side, but let's hold this conversation. I'd like to know about your past and what not."

Naruto smiled and Sasuke smirked. "Yeah, sure idiot. Now get back over there before you let a mass of infected into our compound."

"Yeah alright asshole," Naruto mumbled, itching his neck in an old habit. "Hey Sasuke?"

"Hm?" The other inquired, turning his head to look at the blonde on his right side.

He was surprised when Naruto leaned in and pressed slightly chapped lips to his own. His lips were warm and inviting, which almost had Sasuke grabbing his hair to deepen the kiss. However, as quick as it started, it was over and Naruto was grinning his way over to the other side of the roof.

Sasuke smiled lightly.