Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Naruto and all related materials are the sole property of Masashi Kishimoto, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino and their affiliates.
Author Note: This is unrelated to Lilium, takes place in the NarutoVerse and serves as nothing more than a self-fulfilling desire for some ZukoNaru fluff. Enjoy.
Five thirty was a horrid time to be pulled out of bed but there was little Naruto Uzumaki could do to dissuade his boyfriend of two and a half years. "He wants you there too." He'd said last night and Naruto, not wanting to break his boyfriend's uncle's heart, readily agreed but…How was he to know he'd be woken before the sun was even up?
Zuko moved about their apartment gracefully, easily slipping out of his night clothes as if they were liquid sliding down his toned body and landing in the hamper. He pulled on a green uniform that, when Naruto had first seen it, he swore it was a robe, albeit one that Zuko made regal. "So…Are you coming?" Zuko asked again.
Grumbling to himself about old people and their odd sleeping patterns, Naruto sat up and ran his fingers through his spiky blond hair. It was getting long in the back, he noted, and figured he'd need it cut soon, but possibly not before Zuko did. His shaggy black hair flopped just right despite the awkward length- Somewhere between his ears and shoulders and never quiet obedient enough to stay in a tie for long.
"Tsk…." Naruto trudged over to his lover, slipped his arms around the taller teen's waist and rested his head against his back. He trained his fingers under the cloth and over the nice lean abs he loved so much. Zuko was done with his ninja career now, at nineteen, he'd achieved his Jonin level and had officially resigned to ensure his uncle, Iroh, wouldn't be alone in his own retirement, obviously, seventeen year old Naruto felt odd...Still stuck at his Genin level…Today, however, was a big Iroh related event, and Naruto pushed his doubts aside. Besides, he'd make Hokage soon enough and then his ninja level would mean nothing.
Nothing, as Iroh would say, since people are to be judged by actions rather than station.
Iroh was one of the greatest shinobi in Konoha and the single most understanding, forgiving man, which was why Naruto would bend backwards if needed be for him. The old man had also been there for Zuko when he got kicked out of his family's compound at fourteen, and had always had time to talk and train with both him and Naruto, once the blond was in the picture.
"Gimme a minute…" Naruto mumbled and removed his hands from Zuko's body.
His own attire would consisted of black comfortable pants, a matching tank-top and his usual orange jacket. By the time he pulled his shoes on, he was alert enough to realize his position.
Since he was young, Naruto had been alone…But…Once Zuko had come into his life, during a mission Naruto would never forget, they both had gained so much.
"Zuko…?" Naruto was unsure how to say it, how to approach the subject. The black haired teen looked up from adjusting his sash. "Naruto?" He gave Naruto a reassuring smile, and the blond closed the gap that had been between them. "I love you."
With no hesitation, Zuko pulled Naruto into a warm embrace, his lips pressed against the top of Naruto's head. "I love you too."
Truly happy, Naruto took Zuko's offered hand. He wasn't one to show weakness or neediness, but Zuko was unlike anyone else. He could be himself, and he knew he'd never be alone. You're my everything, now. He thought to himself, and together they left their apartment and faced the world.
You're my family now.