A/N: Final part...

~Naruto POV~

On the morning of the new year I wake to find the most welcome guest in my bed. I can scarcely believe what I see and I must touch him once more to be certain that last was not a dream. His soft skin confirms my memory and I run my finger over my own smiling lips. To think I was once scared that I would never smile again.

The dawn has never seemed so bright just as Sasuke has never looked as beautiful as he does now, lying in my bed. Tousled black hair, creamy white skin marred with, another grin, the marks I left on him last night, desperate as I was to ensure we both remembered every detail. I close my eyes on the perfect scene before me only to recall Sasuke's face as he moved above me, the way his swollen lips parted to suck in feverishly fast breaths, the way his silken hair fell over his eyes so dark with lust and then that utterly blissful expression at the culmination of our night before exhaustion claimed both of our conscious minds.

"What are you thinking about?"

I look down at the sleepy Sasuke, sprawled happy within the tangled sheets and wiggle my eyebrows, "What do you think?"

"Hmm... Smug overly-pleased with himself expression... I wonder..."

I laugh and lean over to share a languid kiss before snuggling down under the covers again.

"Should we get up?" he asks, seemingly reluctant to voice such a practical thought.

I scoff at him, "Why would we do that? Nobody gets up on New Years Day, not until Iruka has made pancakes anyway."

"Mmm sounds good."

I smile at how relaxed he seems as we pass the morning away in a most pleasant manner. It's nearing 11 O'clock when Iruka enters my room unnoticed. I jump when I hear the beginning of his cheery 'Good Morning!' which is quickly stifled when he sees Sasuke and I, busy wasting time and plainly very naked under the covers. He backs out, flushed bright red. stuttering about pancakes and 'very good to see you Sasuke'.

"Oops," I say sheepishly as Sasuke detaches himself from my neck, but I am unable to conjure any real remorse, I would gladly show Sasuke off to the whole world.

But in my defence, I didn't expect Kakashi to let him leave the bedroom so early, pervert as he is. That and I probably would have heard him moving around in the kitchen if I hadn't been so pleasantly... distracted. So it's really not my fault.

Once Sasuke and I are more decently dressed we wander, hand in hand (I'm still not letting him go), into the kitchen where blueberry pancakes await us. I am personally starving and New Years Day breakfast has never tasted so good as it does with Sasuke sitting beside me. He makes everything taste better in my opinion. During breakfast my phone buzzes with a message from Gaara enquiring into my state of mind and hangover symptoms. I grin and send a ridiculously happy sounding reply announcing Sasuke's return.

"So when did you arrive Sasuke?" asks Kakashi genially.

"Late. I took the last train from Suna."

"Are you staying with us then?"

Sasuke looks at Iruka, "Erm... well I-"

I cut him off, "Yes, he is," I say firmly. I told Sasuke I wasn't letting him go anywhere and I always keep my word.

Iruka nods approvingly as I knew he would.

"I can pay rent," says Sasuke quickly.

Iruka laughs and waves away the offer, "No," he tells Sasuke, "Nobody under this roof pays rent, we can easily sustain another with our joint incomes, can't we?"

"Certainly," agrees Kakashi.

Sasuke looks about to protest when the phone rings and Iruka silences him. "I'll hear no more on the matter."

I smile proudly as he goes to answer the phone. I knew I could count on Iruka to understand the situation, he really is the greatest foster father ever. However, when Iruka returns his face is less than kind, he looks as though he has just swallowed some foul tasting medicine.

"Sasuke, your brother is on the phone."

Sasuke nods in resignation and leaves the kitchen. I wait a moment before 'going to the toilet' and hurried after him to eavesdrop. Looking into the hallway I see Sasuke leaning against the wall with his back to me. His voice is strained and tired.

"Yes I'm fine... no... no I will not... no Itachi. It really isn't any of your business... no... no it's not. I won't. Forget it... no... nope." He sighs wearily and turns around seeing me. He looks at me for a long moment while I try and put on a brave face and send my strength to him. He continues in a monotone voice, "Itachi stop it. Listen to me for once, okay? No you don't... no... no... I don't care. Get fucked. I told you, I'm staying here. You don't need me for your big break over there." He looks at me again. "Yes, I have somewhere to stay... Yes, I love him... Have a nice life Itachi."

Sasuke hangs up the phone and walks over to embrace me. I can tell he needs me right now and I will offer all the support I can; it's what he deserves. I look up into his dark eyes and he smiles slightly.

"I love you too."

~The End~

A/N: All done! I can't believe I began this story, the first part anyway, in 2007! I think this is the first decent length story I've finished... wow.

Well I hope you enjoyed it and a huge thank you to everyone who reviewed and to the wonderful people who put up with me all the way through to the end. Looking at the beginning of Happy Halloween makes me realise just how far my writing has come when I compare it to my newer stories like The Hunt and I intend to keep improving. Hopefully I'll see some of you lovely readers again, you guys made me finish this! Thanks again!

-Yasu

xxx