Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto is the brilliant mind behind Naruto & Naruto Shippuden… certainly not me.

Warning: Should this story continue, it will contain yaoi (narusasu sasunaru) and other adult content… since it hasn't unfolded in my mind completely yet, and depends entirely upon the response (i.e. few reviews, few updates)… I'd say anything could happen.

AN: This chapter begins with a recap from Shippuden episodes 51-52… it was this phenomenal scene; which includes Sasuke, Sai, Sakura, and Captain Yamato (the wood-jutsu team leader replacing Kakashi), that brought the storyline to my mind. I even created my first ever drawing to go with this story… maybe one day I'll post it if I get the nerve. Thank you for reading, and if you want this continued, please let me know!

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Chapter 1 - Reunited

Naruto couldn't move as he watched Sakura race down the long underground passageway. He knew who was going to be on the other side of that exit… who would be revealed in the bright light of day.

It was time.

Naruto took off at lightning speed, but his body hadn't yet caught up with his own mind. Faceplanting into the hard Earth he quickly collected himself and was back on his feet… cold, dank air rushing past his face as the exit to the outside world grew larger and larger.

Once outside, Naruto was afraid to follow the gazes of Sakura and Sai. But as his eyes adjusted to the bright light, he took a breath and braced himself. Slowly turning to look up at the object of his teammate's interest, he finally took in the sight before him.

There he stood… high above on the side of a newly formed cliff. The wind was in his hair and he wore a loose-fitting, white yukata that was left open exposing his chest. Naruto couldn't help but notice the purple rope belt that marked him as a follower of Orochimaru, and even worse was the blank expression he wore on his face.

Naruto did not know when his team leader had reached his side, but all four members of Team Kakashi now gazed up at Sasuke… unblinkingly, for fear that he'd suddenly disappear. Looking up at him, as they always had… the prodigy, the best of the best, the most desired. They looked up to him in just about every single way.

So many emotions filled Naruto's mind. He was furious for having come this far and to have such a casual response, and yet, his heart was pounding with the feeling of having him this close. Something he had only been able to dream about over the past three years.

As Sasuke suddenly leaped down from the edge of the ravine, Naruto lost all breath and all thought.

Within an instant, Sasuke had flash stepped to his side… his left arm draped across the front of Naruto's chest… his left hand hanging casually off Naruto's right shoulder.

"You should've spent your time training instead of wasting it running around chasing me." Sasuke commented into his ear.

Naruto had dreamed of this moment for three long years and now that it was here he was at a loss for words… a rare occurrence for the young shinobi.

As Naruto felt Sasuke slowly unsheathe his sword with the intent to kill, he could only stand there. He knew that his life always belonged to Sasuke… that it was his for the taking. He held on to the small hope that in the end he would be unable to finish the task. For a moment, he closed his eyes and his breath hitched as he waited for his fate. He was tired of going on… tired of loving Sasuke and not having that love returned… tired of having to be so strong all the time. It hurt worse than any battle wound he had ever received… it hurt deeper than any loss he had experienced.

Sasuke began to swing his sword like a guillotine… but it did not reach its intended target. Naruto slowly turned and looked deep into Sasuke's jet black eyes. He could see that he was now straining against Sai.

Sai, who was not even capable of real feeling, had decided to risk his own life to come to the rescue at the last moment. Even Sakura, his most trusted friend and ally, hadn't taken this risk. But then there was Sai. Sai, who was completely devoid of emotion. Sai, who was apparently more compassionate than Sasuke. Sai, who chose to build positive bonds with his new teammate, while Sasuke was choosing to sever them forever to avoid confusion in his ultimate goal. What the hell had happened to him…? Naruto thought. Why the hell wasn't I ENOUGH for him! He inwardly raged.

While Naruto had mixed feelings about Sai, in this particular moment he was deeply thankful. He had suddenly regained his will to live, his breath and his voice all at the same time. Naruto felt his heart and throat chakras come to life as he silently thanked Sai and he spoke to Sasuke, "Come with me."

Sasuke's blank expression was his only response.

"Sasuke! At the very least you owe me this!" Naruto swung around to face Sakura, Sai and Captain Yamato, "And NONE of you try to follow where I'm taking him!" he warned.

"We're not going anywhere." Sasuke remarked in a bored tone.

Naruto's voice hitched and his heart stopped for a moment as he realized he was now looking directly into Sharingan red eyes. But instead of blocking the ninjutsu, he relaxed and invited Sasuke to have full access to his deepest thoughts….

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They were suddenly on a hilltop… the wind blowing the grass so that it looked like green ocean waves all around them. And beyond the crest of the hill on all sides was an old-growth forest. They were completely secluded except for the birds twiddling their songs and a miniature version of the nine-tailed fox curled up in a ball at Naruto's feet. The early summer sun warmed their bodies and relaxed their muscles.

The two ninja were still standing in the same position, but they were now wearing the ninja gear of their youth. Naruto found himself in his familiar orange jumper, while Sasuke wore a navy, wide-collared shirt with beige shorts. Sasuke instinctually lowered his sword to his side.

Could a place this calm truly be inside Naruto's mind while he was facing death by my hand? Thought Sasuke as he turned to look at Naruto. Even his stone-cold objectives started to waiver as he looked at his old friend.

Naruto abruptly pushed Sasuke back to arms length and slowly lowered his hands to his sides. They were both clenched into tight fists and his entire body was shaking. His teeth were gritted together and his eyes were downcast and full of tears.

"I just need to know." Naruto said quietly, while still looking down at the grass at his feet.

Sasuke said nothing, but just looked at his rival.

"I just need to KNOW!" Naruto suddenly yelled as he took a deep breath and looked up to meet Sasuke's eyes.

Naruto reached towards Sasuke's and placed one hand on either side of his face… thumbs on cheeks and fingers behind ears. Sasuke's normally emotionless face began to take on the look of panic… he watched in astonishment at the sight before him. Slowly. Ever so slowly, Naruto took a half-step forward with half-lidded eyes. He leaned in, closer and closer, until his lips gently met Sasuke's.

With wide eyes of shock, Sasuke felt a rush of powerful emotions. His first instinct was to pull away and slice off Naruto's head with his katana. But then he realized… he had already lost grip on his sword and had dropped it, some time ago, tip first into the Earth.

As Naruto held his ground, Sasuke began to feel his inner battle becoming lost… his eyes grew a bit smaller as he noticed how bright and detailed Naruto's hair looked up close and in the sunlight. His eyes grew softer still as he felt the warm and inviting lips on his own. When did my hand find his waist... thought Sasuke as he took a half-step forward with half lidded eyes.

Naruto couldn't help his own lips curling up into a smile as he realized that Sasuke was returning the kiss. His heart was on fire… his brain was going a mile a minute… God how I've wanted to do this for so long… he feels as good as I'd imagined… he loves me… he does…. I knew it, dattebayo….

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Thank you for reading. If you like the story, please review and let me know... I will add more chapters if there is an interest. XD