Epilogue

Naruto was asleep in a room at Katsuya's. Sasuke was sitting on the bed next to him, watching him. He sighed and combed his fingers through the blonde's hair. He is in such bad shape. Sasuke can't even comprehend how he managed to stand, never mind fight, in his condition. He hadn't heard or seen Kakashi since they parted at the construction site. Katsuya told him it was probably because he had no way to get in touch with her. She was only a friend of Naruto's and had only met Kakashi when he showed up with Naruto to enlist her help.

Naruto groaned softly and Sasuke snapped his eyes over to him and pushed all other thoughts aside. Naruto slowly opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times until they focused. He looked over at Sasuke and smiled at him tiredly. Sasuke crinkled his eyes in worry. He felt so terrible, so guilty. He had put Naruto through so much. Naruto caught the look and frowned. Sasuke noticed how those tired eyes sharpened. He sighed and looked away. Naruto didn't say anything but those eyes burning into him were asking for answers.

"I'm sorry. I really..." Sasuke said. "I really screwed up."

"...Katsuya told you everything didn't she?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah." Sasuke said looking back at him, a little surprised by that reaction.

"Figures." Naruto said with an odd smile. "It's okay Sasuke. Your heart was in the right place."

Sasuke sighed sadly and Naruto frowned. He lifted his arm and held his hand open. Sasuke stared at it for a moment and then placed his hand in his. Naruto closed his hand around his and set them on his chest. He caressed the back of his hand and closed his eyes. Sasuke laid down beside him and tucked his free arm under his head. Naruto opened his eyes and smiled at him. He pulled on Sasuke's arm until he sidled closer to him. Sasuke stopped when he was lightly pressing against Naruto. That seemed to satisfy Naruto for the time being since he set their hands down on his chest again.

"You had to kill people because of me." Sasuke mumbled.

"It isn't the first time." Naruto said.

"You walked away from that life though and I..." Sasuke said.

"...It's not that simple Sasuke." Naruto said softly. "I only started it because I needed to. I didn't walk out of it. Iruka walked into it. After him there was no one to fight. No reason to have hidden weapons. To be afraid when I went to bed at night. Iruka took the danger out of my life. That doesn't mean that the part of me I used to be is gone. It's always going to be a part of me. I was that person when we got ambushed too ya know. It's always there. It's just not present all the time anymore. It just isn't needed.

"However, I won't hesitate to be that person again in situations which are dangerous. I grew up in a world where in those situations I couldn't be anyone else. It is my natural reaction to such problems. It's not your fault that things turned out that way. You thought it was just Sai. I did too at first. Kakashi and I wanted to be prepared for anything though. Katsuya overreacted when she told you everything. She's like that. Always goes overboard."

"I do not." Katsuya said as she entered the room. "I told it like it is."

"Don't lie." Naruto said. "You won't get into heaven that way."

"Fuck you, Naruto." Katsuya said. "I may be Catholic but I've been a lying bitch all my life. How would that change anything?"

"So you admit that you lied?" Naruto asked.

"What the hell-ragh! I do not you little...!" Katsuya growled. "I just meant that if I was lying it wouldn't mean anything for you to use my faith against me."

"Whatever you say."

"It wouldn't."

"You're a terrible Catholic. Either way, I was expressing my disbelief that you weren't lying. Not the fact about your faith. I've won bets on you being a lying bitch who doesn't care if someone brings up your faith."

"What? You conned money off of my fault? What the hell?"

"Stop acting like you're insulted."

"...You're right. I'm so proud of you Naruto! You... Aw, I didn't know you had it in you!"

"You know conning is a fault too right?"

"We'll be fault buddies!"

"Yeah!" Naruto grinned.

Sasuke smiled a little against him. He was surprised when she clamored on the bed on the other side of Naruto. She was particularly careful though since that was his bad side. Naruto laughed a little and watched her uneasily. Sasuke didn't exactly feel all that comfortable with her there either. Probably more than Naruto was. Katsuya smirked evilly and playfully "seduced" Naruto. He huffed and squirmed away from her and into Sasuke. He pushed her away with his injured arm.

"Go do that to some woman, not me." Naruto said. "Or some other gay guy or whatever."

"Okay!" Katsuya sat up and started to lean forward.

Naruto grabbed the back of her shirt and pulled her away in irritation.

"Not Sasuke either." Naruto said.

"Fine." Katsuya pouted.

She got up and left with a wave. Naruto sighed and grinned at Sasuke. He kissed his cheek. Sasuke ducked his head and nuzzled Naruto's neck. His breath tickled his neck. Naruto wormed his arm around his raven's waist. Sasuke shuffled downward so that his arm wasn't stressed from his weight. He rested his head carefully on Naruto's chest and snuggled close. Naruto smiled at him and ran his fingers through the black tresses.

"I won't do it again." Sasuke said.

"Hm? Oh, you mean leave?" Naruto asked rhetorically. "I know. Stop worrying about it. I've already forgotten."

Sasuke laughed a little with a pained expression. He knew Naruto hadn't forgotten. He never would but the words still soothed his soul anyway. Sasuke mumbled about how Naruto shouldn't need to comfort him. It wasn't directed towards or even meant to be heard necessarily but Naruto did so he addressed it.

"I have you here. I don't need any comfort. I'm content with just you by my side." Naruto said. "There's nothing wrong with you needing mine either Sasuke. Just because I worried doesn't make your experience any less traumatic or painful. Anyway, I like being needed so stop it."

Sasuke smiled and sighed. He pulled his hand out of Naruto's and slipped it into his hair. He curled up more against him and listened to Naruto's breathing and his steady heartbeat. It was soothing. Naruto hummed a little and snatched the hand tucked between their bodies. He kisses Sasuke's head and smiles happily. He slips peacefully back into sleep.

Naruto holds Sasuke curled up in his lap. He nuzzles his hair and sighs softly. He licks his lips as he looks at his phone. He calls Iruka. It answers immediately. Iruka starts yelling at Naruto who closes his eyes immediately. Sasuke caresses Naruto's arm as he glances up at him. Iruka is being so loud that even Sasuke can hear him. Naruto looks at him and smiles reassuringly but Sasuke can tell he feels bad for worrying Iruka so much. Sasuke nuzzles his neck and snuggles in closer. Naruto closes his eyes again and smiles a little.

"You are in so much trouble when you get back!" Iruka yelled.

"Iruka, I'm going back to my house now." Naruto said. "The situation with Sai has been settled."

"Why you...! How dare-" Iruka said.

"I'm gonna come see you first." Naruto reassured him. "Please calm down."

Sasuke knew he was being careful when he was using his words since he bothered to say "please". Certainly, Iruka would have a fit if he hadn't. However, Sasuke wouldn't have been surprised if he had a fit either way.

"Naruto... What in the world were you thinking?" Iruka sighed.

"Look Iruka, you don't understand." Naruto said. "I don't know how much you know because I don't know what my foster home told you when you adopted me but I... I won't leave the safety of someone I... I love in someone else's hands. I can't do that Iruka and I'm... sorry that it will make you worry but that is how it is."

"..."

Both Naruto and Sasuke were blushing but Naruto got over his little indirect confession quicker since he was worried about Iruka.

"Uh... Iruka?" Naruto said.

"I'm still here." Iruka sighed. "I guess there's nothing else I can say."

"Um... no?" Naruto said.

"I'll see you when you come around." Iruka said tiredly.

"Right..." Naruto said.

"Bye Naruto." Iruka said.

"Bye." Naruto said.

He disconnected the line and put the phone down. Naruto didn't say anything. Sasuke frowned worriedly. He could tell Naruto was really upset now. He didn't hear the end of the conversation so he wasn't sure what was wrong. Sasuke ventured to ask about it. Naruto remained silent. Sasuke didn't think he would reply but then Naruto sighed and scratched his head in thought.

"It's Iruka." Naruto said. "It isn't anything he said. He just sounded... so sad."

"It'll be alright." Sasuke said. "I mean, you're okay. He must just have accepted the hard reality. He might not like it but it's better this way. That he knows."

"You think?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah." Sasuke said.

"Okay." Naruto said and seemed to relax.

Naruto fell back on the bed and cuddled Sasuke against him. Sasuke curled up and sighed. He draped an arm over the blonde's waist. He threw a leg over Naruto and snuggled closer. Naruto smiled at him and tightened his arms around him. He really did love him. Naruto had never known anything like it. It was so different to the love he felt for Iruka. Sasuke was everything. There would never be anyone else. Only Sasuke. Naruto was sure of it.

Naruto and Sasuke returned to Iruka's. He let Iruka fuss over him and Kakashi watched them in the background. Naruto smiled broadly and the only thing that gave away he hadn't completely healed yet was his slight limp. Kakashi noted that despite the conversation Naruto had with Iruka not to long ago that Naruto was more chipper than he would have expected. Iruka had told him everything. Kakashi looked at Sasuke, who just watched the two. His hand was clasped in Naruto's. Kakashi smiled and walked off. He knew everything he needed to now.

Naruto noticed him go. When Iruka turned his attention to Sasuke he kissed the pale cheek of his boyfriend and said he was going to talk to Kakashi. Iruka nodded and Sasuke watched him go accusingly. He didn't want to be left alone with Iruka fussing over him. However, Naruto didn't appear to notice. Sasuke sighed and tensely dealt with Iruka.

"Hey Kakashi." Naruto said.

"Hey Naruto." Kakashi said. "How are your wounds?"

"Pretty much all healed up."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. How are you and Iruka? He isn't still mad is he?"

"No, he forgave me after you called him."

There was a silence after the call was mentioned.

"I was just honest."

"I know. It was the right thing. Iruka can't try to parent you forever and he can't control how you live your life. He needed to understand that. Although, you're still at the age that he should be allowed to."

"Sasuke said the same thing more or less."

"I thought your attitude had something to do with Sasuke. Overlooking his mistake, he seems to be good for you."

"I'm glad that you at least think so."

"Hm?"

"Katsuya doesn't agree and she got to Sasuke. You have no idea how badly I wanted to get out of there! How am I supposed to make sure Sasuke gets it in his head that everything is fine when she's there to say something else? Such a pain but it's okay now."

"Yes, he doesn't appear to be bothered by anything now."

"Nope!" Naruto said cheerfully.

There was a silence and then Naruto brought up what he wanted to ask Kakashi about. It surprised Kakashi when he heard. Naruto wanted to talk to Kakashi's friend. He didn't quite like him and he was sure he would get insulted but if it weren't for him he wouldn't have found Sasuke. Naruto had let his emotions get the better of him before and hadn't thanked him as he should have. Naruto intended to correct that as soon as possible. Kakashi said he could go on his own, he wouldn't kill him or anything, just be an asshole. Naruto smiled and nodded. Kakashi said to bring Sasuke along.

"Huh?" Naruto said confused. "Why?"

"He might want to thank him too. Besides, he has a right to be there for you right? You love him. Let him experience things with you. I know it isn't the same thing but... don't leave him behind. You're a naturally good boyfriend but there are things you haven't considered yet because you've never dated or been interested in it before."

"I understand. I will share my life with him. Anything and everything. With every decision I make I have to think of him and how he would feel, neh?"

"Right. Now go."

"Bye Kakashi. Thanks for some good advice!" Naruto called with a playful grin.

Kakashi shook his head and smiled back at him. He waved his hand in farewell. Naruto went back into the room with Iruka and Sasuke. Not having the heart to leave Iruka so soon he stayed for a while. Naruto sat next to Sasuke and interlaced their fingers. Sasuke leaned into Naruto a little. They talked for a while and then parted. Naruto told Sasuke there was someone he had to visit.

"Hn? Who?" Sasuke asked.

"Ah... I don't know his name actually. He's Kakashi's friend." Naruto said. "He helped find you. It's the reason we got to you so quick. I never got around to thanking him. I meant to but he pissed me off so much. We don't like each other very much but I'm not going to ignore what he did. No matter how much of an ass he is I can't ignore that he played a vital part in me saving you. Still, I figured because of the hostilities it would be best to have Kakashi tag along but he says it'll be fine without him so yeah... I gotta go see him."

"I see..." Sasuke said quietly.

"You gonna come?" Naruto asked.

"Is that okay?"

"Sure. Why wouldn't it be?"

"I just thought you might want to go alone."

"Heh? Well... I guess in a way that's true. I wouldn't bring anyone else along..."

"Then I sho-"

"Let's put it this way. There is never a moment I don't want you with me. You're... my other half so even if I want to do something alone that doesn't include without you. You're the exception!"

"Okay." Sasuke smiled.

Naruto grinned and pulled him to the car. He drove off and went to where Kakashi had first introduced him. They went up to the door and Naruto rang the doorbell. The man opened the door and scowled. He took note of Sasuke but didn't comment.

"What do you want?" He asked.

"I came to thank you." Naruto said.

"What? Don't tell me lies you little shit." He said.

"I'm not lying." Naruto said while Sasuke tensed up at his attitude. "Look, I don't like you. You don't like me. I'm not denying any of that but... I know that Sasuke is standing right beside me now because you found him for me. You can say you did it for Kakashi but whether that's true or not doesn't really matter to me. All I care about is that because of you I have Sasuke with me now."

"Wha...?" He said.

"Erm... so I'm... eternally grateful to you." Naruto said and formally bowed to him.

It surprised both Sasuke and him.

"Hey, that's enough kid!" He said. "I get it."

Naruto stood straight again and there was silence. Sasuke stepped forward and sighed. Naruto's arm slipped around his waist and pulled him against him to make sure he didn't copy him. Sasuke glanced at him briefly before expressing his own thanks and bowing his head a little. The man smirked knowingly at Naruto who stared unblinkingly at him. The man sighed and then shooed them away. Naruto immediately left without further ado. He was more than happy to be away from him. Sasuke didn't care much either way.

Then they went to Naruto's place. He slipped away for a moment and then returned with a CD player and a CD. Naruto set it up and Sasuke stared. He couldn't be serious but then Naruto clicked play and turned to him. He was grinning expectantly and Sasuke couldn't deny it anymore because it was slow music playing. Sasuke sighed and came up to Naruto. He let him lead him in the dance. Naruto slowly closed the gap between their bodies and pressed his forehead to Sasuke's. The raven immediately grew embarrassed.

"You know Sasuke," Naruto said, "you have beautiful eyes."

"Dobe." Sasuke grumbled feeling extremely embarrassed and looking away.

"Actually, everything about you is beautiful." Naruto said, despite his own nerves about saying all this.

He lifted his head and let Sasuke hide his face in his neck.

"Your eyes ensnare me every time I look." Naruto said. "I love the way you smell. I love the softness of your hair. I love when I wake up and you're there. I love the way it feels to have you by my side. I love the way it feels to hold you. I love all the things you do to me, all the emotions you make me feel. I love how perfect it feels when you're here. I love you."

"Ugh, Dobe." Sasuke mumbled. "I love you too."

Naruto laughed heartily and spun Sasuke around. Sasuke protested repeatedly and when Naruto put him down he leaned in and kissed him. Sasuke pulled him in and kissed back harder. They fell onto the couch and curled up there. Entangled limbs lay together as arms hold onto each other. They only shared soft kisses and stayed wrapped together that day. In the depths of their hearts warmth spread that was their love for each other that grows stronger with each passing day.