Calling out to you

Chapter 2

Hello again pretties. I hope you are settling into the story and have a good feel for how this all works. I know that first chapter was a bit slow, but it had to happen. I really want you guys to love what I've done with team 7. I've tried to take the best of them and pop it and pull out the yucky stuff. I also really hope you guys like Yukata. I've kind of fallen in love with him Anyway. Here is the next bit. I realize that it is a long, and I mean...REALLY REALLY LONG but this was how long it took to accomplish my goal. There is even some sexy times to look forward to! hehehehe. I'm going with the window into their lives for a day theme for a bit. When it's done the chapter will end. I have to warn you, all the chapters will be long. They're chapters, not blurbs. I hope you all enjoy.

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6 years later

A now seventeen year old Yukata sat cross legged high up in a tree. With his legs crossed he sat on a thick branch far away from the rest of his team. It was a bright sunny day out, but it wasn't too warm by his standards although his team had begun to complain about the heat as the sun rose higher into the sky. He held the latest of his raven scrolls in his hand and read the words for what felt like the thousandth time.

Yukata,

I am so glad you are finally coming home. The last three months have been lonely and extremely boring. We were all very happy to receive the scroll telling us you are returning next week. We've missed you.

Be safe,

Naruto

It was short and to the point, just like most of Naruto's letters. His other letters on occasion had been longer, in some cases much more so as Naruto tried to keep him informed of the goings on in the village and often went off on side tangents like he often did at home. Yukata didn't care. He read it again anyway. He had been gone just a little over three months and was finally heading home today after a mission that had taken him far from Konoha. He savored every word and took his last few hours away to gather his thoughts. He had easily reached Anbu status shortly before leaving, and the Hokage had seen fit to send him on a rough mission as soon as possible. He had come with high recommendations from his sensei, was strong, talented, and willing to do whatever was needed of him for his family and village. His talents were quickly put to use. He had never been away from home for such a long period of time before. The thought of finally going home to Naruto made his heart beat faster. He missed his family, and he missed his friends, but the separation he had felt being away from the blond was excruciating.

His feelings for the young shinobi had escalated slowly over the past 4 years, and it had never bothered him before. He liked men. Naruto had gradually turned into a very attractive teenager. He had unknowingly grown tall, strong, and broad shouldered, just as the raven had said he always wanted. Yukata laughed at the irony. It didn't surprise him though, and he never thought much of it. He never told Naruto, and nothing ever changed. He didn't act differently around the teen, and he didn't treat him differently. When he had left for this mission he had felt the same way he always did. He missed Naruto when he left, and was happy when he returned. It wasn't an over dramatic scene of unrequited love filled with heart break and angst. It wasn't complicated. It was actually very simple. He had never sat there pining forlornly for his best friend. He got all the time with him that he pleased, and they always enjoyed each others company. What more could he ask for? What more could he want? But the time spent away on this mission had changed his perspective on the situation drastically. He could ask for more, and he did want more. He wanted Naruto's time, his closeness by his side as much as possible, his touches beyond those of hand holding and cheek kisses, which he gave to everyone. He wanted all of his heart and even more of his love. He wanted the love he felt for Naruto returned in equal, and the past three months had left him with an emptiness he had never known he had felt by keeping his feelings to himself. He had already made the decision to not let it happen again. He was no longer going to sit in trees and wonder, pick over each and every word of every letter, and ask himself hopefully if there was more meaning behind them than Naruto was willing to admit, and sadly coming to the conclusion that there wasn't. Naruto always said what he meant, and meant what he said. If there was more for him to say he would have, but he didn't, and Yukata couldn't even be upset because he had no right to expect something he had never asked for. He sat there now every night, in that tree high off the ground, pining forlornly over his best friend, and hoping that there was more meaning behind the word lonely than Naruto was actually feeling. How could he be lonely when he had all those friends? But Yukata knew the truth. Naruto could still be lonely with only one person missing quite easily. Yet still, the blond was oblivious. Yukata gave no signs of his feelings, and Naruto never picked up on them. He never picked up on anything like that, not even the obvious flirting he would receive from various men and women in the village who were noticing what an attractive man he was becoming.

Yukata continued to sit in the tree moping, and it made him seriously angry. He was known for being happy. Known for his energy and optimism. He liked those qualities about himself, and so did everyone else. He didn't like hearing his team mates comment on his moodiness. Any more of this and he would start complaining. He refused to do that. This wasn't supposed to be complicated, and he wasn't going to let it be. He wasn't going to sit in misery taking no action. In his own defense he couldn't take much action while he was so far from Naruto, but he still hated the way it affected him. When he got home he would simply tell Naruto how he felt. He would either be rewarded for his trouble, or be prepared to sit down and finally try and squash the feelings he held inside of him and go back to the happy go lucky friendship the two had always shared. It was just. That. Simple. Either way he was never going to leave Naruto's side again without at least knowing how he felt. Without at least letting his intentions be known and having something come from it, no matter what that something was. He would never sit, and mope, and wonder again.

Yukata rolled the scroll up carefully and tied it's ribbon around it before carefully returning it to his bag. He sat up strait in his cross legged position and took several deep calming breaths, counting his seconds and focusing on the energy that surrounded him. He took in his surroundings. The sound of the forest around him with all its creeping and scurrying animals, the wind going through the leaves of the tree, and the scent of the flowers drifting up from the late spring ground. Meditating would clear his head, calm him down, and focus his intentions. He still had several hours of travel ahead of him before he would reach his goal. He let his mind drift off and slowly felt his chakra drift in flowing streams around him, bringing the plants around him to life. His ability to communicate with plants opening fully. He let the vines creep around him, and under him, lifting him up and making him feel weightless. He felt the blankness of his mind settle on him and he rested.

After another hour of this peaceful place Yukata had to return to camp. His team was beginning the process of closing down, and he bent down to begin collecting his own things. They worked in silence. They were all exhausted on different levels and just wanted to be done and go home. The mission had been long, mentally taxing, and at times physically dangerous, and they were all showing the scars of it on their bodies and tired faces. They began the last leg of their journey home, racing through the trees with the backing of a second wind of energy at the idea of returning to their beloved village successful. Soon the gates were finally in sight and he slowed down to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. He had made his decision, but now being so close to home left him uneasy. He wasn't worried, just curious about how he could pull this off. A few hours ago it had all been so clear, but now...where would he find Naruto, how would he react, where were his friends right now? He had missed them all. Walking passed the guards he knew his first duty was to report to Tsunade-sama. He still had a mission to complete and that was not over until he turned in his report. He was so close to being home and still had so much to do. He had to report, and unpack, and report to the medical ward.

Yukata's almost sullen, though he would never admit it was such, mood instantly lifted as he walked through the gates of the village, sending an exhausted hello to the guards on duty. His team immediately followed him towards the large epicenter of the city where they would finally separate. His team would head to the medical ward for their check ups and to be treated for their wounds. He would follow them as soon as he finished his report to the Hokage. With any lucky she would see how tired he was and dismiss him to let him turn in the formal write up the next day after he got some solid sleep in a real bed. Finally standing in front of the Hokage's door, he knocked politely.

"Who is it?"

"Eicha Yukata reporting with mission detail Hokage-sama." was his tired reply. She was always so cranky. He couldn't blare her, but he was a bit cranky right now too. He didn't have time to ponder farther as the door immediately and violently swung open and his favorite person in the whole world stood before him. Naruto's eyes were wide, and he was holding back a smile that could never be contained. Yukata only had a second to take in the lovely sight of his five foot ten best friend. Only a second to look into those ocean blue eyes for the first time in months before he was violently tackled to the ground. Naruto threw his arms around Yukata's neck, jumping on him so hard and so fast that he had sent the both of them flying back into the hallway and onto the floor.

"Yukata!" He heard the slightly high pitched voice pierce his ear. Naruto lay on top of him, not caring that they were in the hallway, and hugged him tight right where they lay. Yukata hesitated for only a moment in the awkward position before wrapping his arms just as intensely around the young blonde that seemed to have no intention of letting him up, even to give him a proper standing hug. His arms closed tightly around Naruto's torso. He honestly didn't care. He was home, and back in the arms of his beloved, and he wasted no time gripping the younger man even more tightly.

"Naruto." he whispered back softly. He bent his head down to take in the scent of Naruto's hair and smiled. He smelled the same way he always did. Soap on his skin, citrus in his hair, and ramen on his clothes. It was the closest to heaven Yukata had been in months.

Naruto kept his tight hold on Yukata, determined to not let go for a long time. He hadn't been expecting his best friend for another day or so, and was beyond thrilled to have him home. He had been visiting Tsunade in hopes of passing the time more quickly with work, and had the lucky occurrence to be here. He had been so lonely with out his best friend. Sure he had people to talk to and spend time with, and he had in fact spent many nights at Sasuke's house. But no one could ever replace Yukata and the way he never failed to make Naruto smile. Naruto often had bad days. He dealt with Sakura's mood swings, and Sasuke's flightiness. He worked hard with the Hokage, and had his own missions to complete, but Yukata never had bad days. He was always happy. Always smiling, and had a way of spinning everything bad into something wonderful. Naruto needed that and he had missed it terribly. Yukata was also a ton of fun, and had a great sense of humor. He had been incredibly bored without him. So bored that he had to resort to pulling all his old pranks. He was still scrubbing paint off of mountain surfaces. He knew he had to get up eventually, but was determined to hold on just a bit longer.

"You look a good mess Eicha. Naruto let him up. He still has to report." The hokage was now looming over top the two of them in the hallway, hoping to get the juvenile scene into the office. Naruto lifted his head from Yukata's shoulder and looked up at Tsunade questioningly. He looked back at Yukata. It was only then he seemed to notice the damage that the raven had taken over the past few weeks, if not days. He scrambled off of Yukata, suddenly ashamed of not thinking about him possibly being hurt, and maybe even possibly hurting him more. He couldn't help it. He just couldn't contain himself when he had heard the mid pitched voice on the other side of the door. He offered Yukata his hand, and helped lift him up with as much ease as he would have lifting a feather. Yukata inwardly frowned at the loss of the already missed contact. Tsunade shooed them both back into the office and once again closed the door. She returned to her desk which was scattered with papers, as was usual, and went back to work. She listened to his report with only one ear. She knew it had gone well. They had all returned hadn't they. Yukata was almost finished speaking when he was cut off by Naruto fussing over him. The blond had not let go of his hand, but was nit picking over what he could observe of the wounds on Yukata's partially concealed body.

"Oh my god Yukata!. You should be in medical. All those cuts and bruises...oh my god your hair!" Naruto screamed a bit too loudly, only just now noticing the unnatural shortness of the black locks on his friend's head. Yukata visibly flinched at the mention of his hair. He had never cut his hair in his life. Not once in seventeen years. When he had left Konoha three months ago it had been down to the center of his knees. He never tied it back. It was always left loose, and while some might find it a hindrance, he was able to use it as a veil to confuse his enemies as to which part of their target they were trying to hit. A month ago they had gotten into a brutal confrontation with a passel of shinobi guarding the site they had been sent to raid on behalf of the village, and one of them had been a fire user. Four seconds and a fire whip to the back of his neck later was all it took to cause significant damage, and almost all of Yukata's preciously cared for hair had been singed off. The loss had left him emotionally stunted and physically confused, not used to fighting without one of his major defenses. He felt naked and empty, and though he would admit it to no one, he cried that night up in his tree when the fight was over and they were settled safely into their camp. He still had the burn line on the back of his neck to show for his loss, and he had not noticed how much damage Naruto had done to the only partially healed wound until his hair was mentioned. Now a streak of pain wound around his neck and down his back. His hair now hung just past the nape of his neck, making it only slightly longer than Sasuke's short spikes. He tried to laugh it off, determined to not dwell on an upsetting thing that he could not change. It would grow back...eventually.

"I got into a fight with a fire ball. When Sasuke sees this he's going to have a field day." Despite the joke Naruto seemed to look past the comment. He knew exactly how much Yukata's hair meant to him. It was his pride and joy and had been for his entire life. He slowly lifted his free hand and carefully ran his fingers through what was left of the soft locks. His voice took on a regretful tone, and he looked deep into Yukata's ink black eyes as he spoke.

"It'll grow back Kata. I'm sorry." His voice was soft, and filled with remorse. His fingers trailed down the hair at the back of Yukata's neck and felt the skin there. He winced. Letting go of his friend's hand he inspected the wound he had felt with his fingers, and now when he touched it he was amazingly gentle. "I'm sorry I was so rough on you. I had no idea you were hurt this badly."

"Yukata, Naruto is right. You should report to medical now for treatment. Have Shin write up the formal report for you and have it for me by tomorrow. The hokage waved the two off, dismissing Naruto as well. If Yukata was back she would not be able to get any solid work out of him for the rest of the day. It didn't even need to be said as Naruto had reattached himself to Yukata and was dragging him out of the office and down to the medical ward to see Sakura. They stayed in silence, the happy reunion left behind in wake of what felt like a major tragedy. There would be no smiles until Yukata was feeling better, no matter how much Yukata tried to blow it off. Naruto would be stuck on it for a while.

Sakura knew Yukata was home before she even saw him. She had already seen to the care of the rest of his team. Studying under Tsunade she had grown into a very accomplished medical-nin. The second best in the village, second to only the hokage herself. Sakura would never boast as such, but her family would to the ends of the earth. Her mother in particular loved to brag about Sakura to all of her friends, and to every stranger on the street that she could turn the conversation onto. She even used it to entice boys and their parents in Sakura's favor, hoping that her elevated status at the hospital, and training under Tsunade herself, would gain a favorable husband for her daughter in the future. Sakura had no interest in that at the moment, but she would never tell her mother that. It made her so happy. She was so happy to have Yukata back. Things could finally go back to normal, and Naruto would stop hanging around her. It was no longer her job to entertain him. She had neither the time, nor the energy. She loved Naruto dearly. He was a good friend, and they had wonderful memories, but she had to take him in small doses or she would lose her temper. She hoped Yukata was doing well. His team was a bit roughed up, but had no major injuries to treat. It was a case of several minor surface wounds. She sincerely hoped her friend had not suffered worse. The door behind her suddenly flew open violently, startling her. She watched, blinking, as Naruto shoved a slightly worn for ware, but stable looking, Yukata into the room.

"Fix him! Now!" The blond demanded almost angrily. She wasn't expecting anger. Worry maybe, mostly happiness at his best friend's return, but not anger. She huffed. She lifted her hand into the air to give him a pound to the head for his pushiness.

"Naruto! You baka! This is a medical facility! You can't just!...Oh my god Yukata!...Your hair!" Her annoyance quickly turned to shock, and her fist fell back to her side as she took in the sight of the black haired teen's shorn strands. She now completely understood the source of Naruto's anger.

"Fix him!" Naruto demanded again. Yukata ignored the almost fight and calmly sat on the examination table. He had already had time to come to terms with the loss of his hair. Now he had to relive it with every person who made a fuss over him when seeing it. He would receive more of the unwanted attention when he got home. So busy was he focusing on seeing his friends and family again, he had almost forgotten about the impact the loss would have on the people around him. Every one was going to notice, and each one of them was going to force him to relive the ordeal. He tried to tell himself over and over that it was only hair, but it obviously was not. Not to him, and not to the people around him.

"Can we not?" He asked. It came out more annoyed than he intended the statement to be. Naruto and Sakura looked at him simultaneously, taken aback by his unusually dark tone. He softened his voice. "I'm really tired, and I just want to go home." Sakura nodded her head in understanding. Naruto was silent as he took a seat in the chair next to the table. He was quiet and moody as he watched Yukata lay back on the table and wait for Sakura to run her tests. His mouth quickly opened as he ran off a list of all the wounds he had seen so far, down to the tiniest scratch.

"And he has a callus on his right ring finger." Sakura sighed heavily, distracted by the chatter, though she knew Naruto meant well. She spoke calmly, hoping that by doing so Naruto would bend to her next request. She found it highly doubtful. He always stuck around when any of his friends came back from a mission and he could attend treatment with them.

"Naruto?" She asked calmly. "Would you mind giving me and Yukata a few minutes to finish the exam? I'm sure he could use some water. Would you mind running to get him some." The request was disguised with an ill concealed favor, and she was hoping Naruto's unwavering loyalty would come through. She was successful.

"Yeah, sure. Did you want anything else Yukata?" Yukata drug his hands down his face in an exhausted motion, but summoned the energy to shake his head no. Naruto quickly and quietly left the room without a fuss to go in search of the requested item. Sakura let the silence continue as she went back to work, now able to fully focus. She swept over his body with her hands, and found only the same superficial wounds that she found on his comrades. She hesitated as she reached his neck.

"Yukata could you roll over for me? I need to treat the burn on your neck. It looks like it's recently been torn open, but it looks partially healed already."

"Naruto was a bit rougher with me than he meant to be when I got back." Yukata explained as he turned himself over on the table.

"Ugh. He never thinks does he? He just acts on whatever impulse comes to his fancy." She huffed, annoyed at their friend's constant carelessness.

"It's ok Sakura. He didn't mean to. I'm not angry. More often than not that impulsiveness has saved both of our asses." Sakura thought to herself for a moment. It was true. One of Naruto's most annoying traits was also their saving grace in many a situation that would usually call for a plan that would take time they didn't have to make. She felt slightly remorseful, but couldn't bring herself to completely calm down.

"All the same he knew you had just gotten back. What if you had a broken rib? He could have hurt you worse. I love him, but sometimes..." she trailed off. She let the waves of her chakra close the wound ,and she watched as it slowly was reduced to nothing but a faint scar at his hair line. The poor boy would always have this reminder. At least he wouldn't have to look at it.

"Hey." He turned his head to the side to look her in the eyes. She gazed back sadly. He smiled and spoke softly to her."I'm ok aren't I? I'm here, and you're helping me. That's what I need right now. When I got to the hokage's office I really needed a hug. When I see Sasuke I'm going to need him to make fun of me so I can get over...this." He waved his hand absently into the air, but they both knew that he meant the loss of his hair. Her face went grim. As she spoke her voice was soft and sad.

"If I could make it grow back for you I would. I'm sorry Yukata." He gave her a small smile for thanks at the consideration. He reached for her hand and squeezed it. They held hands in silence for a few moments before she helped him sit up. He was fully healed, but completely exhausted.

They heard the door open behind them, and saw that Naruto had returned with two bottles of water. He hand one to each of his friends and his gaze swept over Yukata's still exposed back, taking in his newly healed skin, and the scar now present around his neck. Yukata sat up on the table and began to pull his shirt back down over himself.

"All better?" The blond asked.

"Good as new." Yukata finally managed to summon a happy smile and hopped off the table. He bent his neck from side to side, letting the joints crack, and he sighed happily as his renewed body. "Any chance you think Ino could do something with this mess Sakura?" He pulled a few strands of black in front of his eyes. Sakura's eyed twinkled, happy to make normal conversation again.

"Of I'm sure she would love to. She's been dying to get her hands on the stuff. Be careful though. She may try to steal some of it to find out your hair care regimen."

"That's fine. She won't find anything beyond shampoo, though I really could use a shower. A shower and a bed. A shower, and a bed, and my mother's dumplings." He stared dreamily into space for a few moments thinking of his mother's food. How he had missed it. The atmosphere in the room seemed to lose it's tension as Yukata's normally cheery and lighthearted attitude returned.

"I can understand that." Sakura nodded. "I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you're ready to get home and relax a bit. I have a bit more work to do before I can head home myself. Please tell Suji-san I said hello. " The pink haired girl began to clean the room, sterilizing it for the next patient. She was hardly surprised when Yukata pulled her into a tight hug.

"I missed you Sakura. Thank you for the help, and for keeping this one out of trouble while I was gone." He nodded his head in the direction of Naruto who was standing by the door. The blonde laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head in what he hoped was an innocent manner.

"Ne, Yukata. Don't jump to conclusions. I've been good." Yukata looked to Sakura for confirmation, and she simply rolled her eyes.

"It's nothing a little bit of paint remover won't fix." She said. Yukata laughed, and Naruto crossed his arms over his chest, pouting that he had been told on. Yukata simply let go of Sakura and walked to the door, ruffling his hair as he got closer.

"Walk me home Naruto. I've been lonely the last couple months. Maybe my mom will let you stay for dinner. I'll see you soon Sakura. If you see Ino before I do please let her know I'll be looking for her." Sakura nodded and waved her goodbye.

"Goodbye Yukata. We're having dinner as usual this weekend. It'll be good to see you there again." Sakura was referring to the weekly dinner that all the friends shared with each other every week. After several years of being too busy to socialize, the solution had been to gather once a week to catch up. They had started the tradition five years ago, and it was still going strong.

"I can't wait." Yukata grabbed Naruto's hand once more and began to leave the room, throwing one last wave to his friend as they began the walk home. Naruto was already bouncing happily along, spurred on by the happy feeling of his best friend's return, and the promise of Eicha Suji's famous dumplings.

The walk back home was quiet and peaceful for Yukata. Naruto was still bounding along and swinging their intertwined hands back and forth between their bodies. The day was warm, but a comfortable breeze swirled around him. Yukata was quickly and happily settling back in to the idea of being home. He couldn't wait to see his mother. He hoped she was as happy for his early return as Naruto had been, and instantly knew in his mind that she would be. As they approached the Eicha house, Yukata finally felt the last of his energy leave him. He swung the gate in the front yard open heavily, and it creaked almost eerily. As if the small noise was a door bell the front door opened and a short, brown haired women in her late thirties exited the house. The tears in her eyes were visible as she practically ran to her son.

"Yuka! My baby! You're finally home. I wasn't expecting you for another few days." Her son had never been away from home for so long, and despite his frequent letters, she had not trusted that he was safe until she held him in her arms. He was her only child and her most prized possession. Yukata was a giant in comparison to Suji. He was now a towering six foot one compared to her slight five foot 3 stature. She stood on her tip toes to wrap her arms around her son's neck. Yukata waited for the pain that usually accompanied the touching of his injury, but it never came. Sakura was very good at her job.

"Hi mom." He whispered in her ear, much the way he had done with Naruto. He wrapped his arms around her tiny body, bending his knees and lifting her easily off the ground and farther into his embrace. His smile returned full force. He squeezed her tighter and swung her around in the air playfully, making her giggle through her tears. This woman was his whole life. She had raised him, and loved him, and gave him everything he had ever wanted. He left behind the thoughts of Naruto and his friends, and simply took in the scent of his mother's hair. She smelled just like flowers. During his long mission he had found himself unconsciously summoning the same flowers that created that scent to him at night to help him sleep. He set her back down gently. Suji looked at him lovingly, taking in his face, and absentmindedly checking for injuries she knew would be gone by now. If he was home then he had already been to see Sakura. If her son had been badly hurt there was no sign of it, and Suji sent a small prayer into the sky, thanking her gods for her son's wonderful friends. In the corner of her eye she saw Naruto standing back a few paces, letting the mother and son have their space to reunite. She touched her son's cheek lovingly and pushed a few stray hairs that had fallen in his face behind his ear. She frowned.

"You cut your hair." She looked slightly upset at the realization. "You promised me that if you decided to cut your hair you would let me do it." She pouted at him. She felt her peevishness waver when she saw Yukata look at the ground.

"I didn't cut it mom." He said softly. Yukata honestly had no clue how to tell his mother what had happened. Neither of them liked to discuss injuries he received while away on missions. He didn't want her to worry, and she hated the idea of her baby being hurt even slightly. It was a blessing to her, and many other parents in the village, that children always went to medical as soon as they returned home. They almost never had to witness the proof of how dangerous the life of a shinobi was.

"Baby what happened?" Yukata didn't know how to answer that question without hurting his mother. He debated lying, but immediately rejected the idea. He never lied. To anyone. About anything.

"He got into a fight with a fireball. Burnt his hair pretty badly." Naruto supplied. Yukata looked at his best friend, showing him his thanks for the reprieve in answering with a small smile. Suji wasn't so nonchalant.

"Fire!? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine mom. See. I'm here in one piece, not a scratch on me, right?" Suji thought for a moment, and took a quick gaze across her son's exposed arms and legs before nodding her head in agreement. "It'll grow back." He promised. She finally smiled again at his reassurance.

"Of course it will. Hair grows. That's how it works. It's a bit choppy...but I actually think it looks kind of nice." Yukata smiled. This was what he needed. His mother never failed to make him feel better. Suji looked over at Naruto, and stepped up to give him a small hug as well. "It's good to see you again Naruto. I'm sure you have missed Yuka just as much as I have. Would you like to stay for dinner? Now that Yuka is home I can make him his dumplings." Naruto squeezed her softly before letting go. His eyes lit up when she said the word dumplings.

"Yes please Suji-san. That would be lovely. I've missed him as well." Yukata gazed longingly at Naruto.

"Yuka? Will any of your other friends be joining us tonight?" Suji asked.

"I don't think so mom. Most of them don't know that I'm home yet. I was supposed to be gone a few more days. Sakura sends her regards." Suji hugged her son again for a few seconds before turning to head back into the house, the boys following quickly behind them.

Dinner that evening was a loud affair. Yukata had taken the time before dinner to soak in a much needed bath while Naruto lazed about in his bedroom, doing whatever suited his fancy in the familiar surroundings and helping Yukata put a few of his clean belongings away. Yukata's father Akasha had been surprised to see the early return of his son and had greeted Yukata just as warmly as Suji had, minus the tears. He made much less fuss over Yukata's hair than the others had. He had simply asked what had happened, and agreed that it was a bit choppy. Seeing Ino to fix it up a bit may not a bad idea. He too made the joke about Ino and several other girls vying for the chance to touch the much sought after locks. They all spoke avidly over dinner. Yukata was now able to disclose the details of his mission now that it had been completed, and his mother had gaped and gawked upon hearing all the danger and rough terrain her son had been exposed to. Akasha simply patted his son on the back. His child was talented and strong. He wasn't too worried. Yukata was the only shinobi the family had ever produced. Their family owned the most successful furniture store in Konoha and it had been handed down for more than five generations. When Yukata had stated his intentions as a very young child to become an Anbu captain his parents had been shocked, but supportive. Their son had never wanted for anything and they were determined to keep it that way. If he wanted to be a shinobi they would give him everything in their power to make him as successful at it as possible. Yukata had turned out to be a very quick learner and as his knowledge increased, so had his power. He had been made Anbu earlier that year, and they could not be more proud of him. Naruto babbled on about the gossip and goings on of the past three months, even though some of it had already been told to Yukata through his, Naruto's, Sakura's, and his parents letter. Several of his friends had passed a new set of exams. Naruto was now a chounin, as was Sakura. Sasuke and Neji had easily passed their jounin exams, and Sasuke was eager to move in the direction of Anbu as quickly as possibly, following in Yukata's footsteps. Everyone had known for many years that Naruto had his heart set on being Hokage, but he was happy to make his way up ranks of elite shinobi while getting there. The topic turned to one of romantic inclinations and Yukata found himself slightly uneasy at the discussion. Ino had begun dating a young man name Aki, and Sasuke had also recently acquired a girlfriend while Yukata was away. He supposed he would meet her in a few days.

"Yuka darling. You've been away. Is there is certain special man you're particularly happy to come home to?" His mother asked him teasingly. Yukata blushed slightly. His parents knew about his inclinations toward the male sex, and honestly could not care less. As long as he supplied his mother with plenty of grandchildren she did not care where they came from, but he wasn't ready to think about children yet. One step at a time.

"Well...I suppose so, but honestly I've had so many things running through my mind since I got back this morning that I haven't put too much thought into what I'm going to say to him."

"Well I'm sure he will just be ever too pleased to hear it." his mother chirped happily.

"I'm not so sure mom, but I'll guess we'll find out eventually."

"What about you Naruto? I haven't seen you in a bit. Hiding away from everyone with a secret little crush perhaps?"

"Not at all Suji-san. I've been far too busy for that." Yukata breathed a sigh of relief. Naruto had never been interested in anyone romantically. He didn't have crushes, and he didn't pine. He had been too young before to notice, and he was still only fifteen. He was far too obsessed with meeting his training goals. He had said so little of it that no one even knew which sex he preferred. Yukata wasn't sure Naruto even knew the answer to that question himself. He was oblivious.

With dinner complete, Naruto offered to help Suji clean up before taking his leave, but was shooed from the kitchen by his friend's mother. Yukata walked him outside and the two talked for a few moments before ending the night. It was cool out now. There were no stars due to the large amount of clouds in the sky, but the moon was bright, shining down onto the streets, and you could smell the honeysuckle sticking to the air.

"What are your plans now that you're home?" Naruto asked. He leaned against the side of the house, his hands in his pockets, talking casually, calm now that the intial excitement of the day was over. Yukata thought for a few seconds. He still had to talk to Naruto, but he knew tonight was not the time. He was too tired and, while healed, his body was still sore and aching for another soak in the large tub in his bathroom. He also wanted just a little more time with Naruto before he went and either made things weird, or changed the way to two interacted completely.

"I don't know. I'll probably rest for a few days, maybe join my dad at the shop for a few a while. Unless something important comes up I probably won't have another big mission like this one for a while. I just want to take it easy for a few days. There is dinner on Saturday. I'll definitely be going to that. Will you be able to make it?""

"Of course. I wouldn't want to miss it. Everyone has been dying to see you." Naruto relaxed even more knowing that he had no fear of the raven leaving again. At least for a while.

"I'll probably go and try to track Ino down sometime tomorrow. If I'm going to have to deal with Sasuke's endless teasing I want to at least walk in there with a hair cut that doesn't look like I walked into a chop saw." He felt a few strands. It really did need some work. Everyone had been calling it choppy, and it was, but if you looked closely you could see the real damage. The ends had been burnt so you could see the still singed edges that had been blunted only by the bathing that had been done to soothe them. The strands were a million different lengths and extremely dried out. He grimaced when he realized that cutting it even shorter was the only way to begin the repair.

"Hey. It's ok. It grows so quickly. It'll be down your back again in no time, and I'll bet you look even better than Sasuke does with his stupid duck butt cut." The two teenagers laughed, knowing that Sasuke's hair indeed always looked immaculate, and the girls always fawned over it. Not the way they did Yukata's, but enough to inflate his already over blown ego. "And if he gripes on you too much I'll just beat his ass into the table." Naruto pounded his fist into his palm to accentuate the claim. Yukata simply laughed some more and gazed up at the sky. "I should get going." Naruto said. "You've had a long few months. I should let you get some proper sleep. I'll see you around." He reached out and hugged Yukata. Yukata was surprised when Naruto clung to him once again. They always hugged hello and goodbye, but Naruto never clung to anybody. Yukata wished desperately for it to mean more than he knew it did, but he knew it was no use. Naruto had simply missed him and had become as addicted to physical affection as Yukata had always been. The blond pulled away and left without another word, just a tongue sticking out of his mouth playfully at his friend as he headed to his own apartment.

2 days later

The group of friends were all seated around a huge table at their regular restaurant. As they all caught up over the night Yukata was relieved to see that nothing had changed while he was gone, although he now had gotten a chance to meet Sasuke's girlfriend. Her name was Shori. She was not quite what he expected. He had always figured that Sasuke would end up with a feisty girl who could deal with his crap, but she was quite the opposite. Shori was short and sweet. She had long brown hair, and eyes as green as Sakura's. She spoke slowly, softly, and intelligently. She welcomed Yukata home with a hug, just as everyone else had, even though he had never met her before. She followed Sasuke around like a puppy would it's master and constantly stared at him in awe while he spoke with his friends. When he was snarly or sarcastic she said nothing, only smiled gently and held his hand. Sasuke seemed to be just as enamored with her. He spoke more freely with her than he did the others, and he was polite and gentle, holding out her chair, and kissing her hand at random points in the evening. They frequently got lost in their own conversations over the course of the night and he spoke to her sweetly, kissing her nose and rubbing their foreheads together. Yukata had never seen him act that way. Sasuke was never physically affectionate. He occasionally help Yukata's hand, and often gave him a hug hello, but that was the extent of it. It made him smile. Sasuke had indeed teased him mercilessly and relentlessly about his hair, injecting even more barbs of sarcasm over the fact that it had been burnt off. Yukata was very happy he had let Ino fix it. The day before he had tracked her down at home, explaining the situation, and she had been practically squealing in delight at being allowed near his hair. The fawning and giggling had been worth it, and now Yukata's hair was cut evenly along his hair line, all strands equal in length. She had styled a slight angle into the front of his face, so his new bangs framed his oval jaw. All the girls thought he looked very handsome, but inside he hated it. He'd never let another pair of scissors touch it again. As the restaurant closed down, and friends began to leave, Yukata pulled Naruto to the side.

"Do you want to do something tomorrow?" He asked.

"Like what?"

"We could go spar. Show me what you learned to pass your exams while I was gone." Naruto perked up consideraly at the suggestion.

"You're on. I'm gonna whoop your ass Eicha." Yukata laughed.

"We'll see." was all he said. He said goodbye to everyone and headed home. Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would do it. He didn't know how, but he would figure it out. Yukata lay on his bed in his room and let a million words run through his head. He had no clue what he was going to say, how he was going to say it. He didn't know how to tell Naruto how he felt when he didn't know how it was going to be received. How did you tell someone you were in love with them when that person didn't even know what romance was. The thoughts zipped through his head, making him tired and dizzy. He didn't want to think about it anymore. When he saw Naruto tomorrow he would just do what he did best. He'd just spit it out.

Tomorrow would change everything.

Yukata made his way to the river as the sun rose the next morning. It was already warm out, but the dew had not quite dried on the grass. Yukata toyed with a small flower on the ground, letting his chakra surround it and coax it up closer to the sunlight and into his hand. He touched the petals gently. He had planned to spar with Naruto today, but he had decided to talk to him first. He didn't want to have a pain in his heart, and his ass if Naruto rejected him. He sat on the riverbank, thinking quietly to himself while waiting. Was this a mistake? Should he really be doing this? Did he really want to make things weird with him and his best friend. All the doubts and cons of the situation flashed through Yukata's head once more. He stomped his foot on the ground in front of him. No. He wasn't going to think about that. He once more felt the aching gnaw at his heart when he thought about all those lonely nights away. All the hours spent in his tree completely miserable. No. He had to do this if he wanted any sort of sanity in his life. Any sort of comfort from the pain. For better or for worse he had to know. He hoped with all his heart that Naruto wouldn't turn him away.

"Hello? Yukata? Earth to Yukata? Hello?" Yukata hadn't even seen Naruto's hand waving absently in his face, trying to get his attention. He looked up and Naruto smiled at him. "There you are. Where were you this time? Up in space, or getting hot and heavy with that flower?" Yukata said nothing and Naruto's smile fell away. He sat on the ground next to his friend and grabbed his hand. He gazed at Yukata worriedly. He often found Yukata spacing out, but something seemed off about the teenager this morning. He wasn't the same bubbly person he was at dinner last night, and he wondered what could have possibly happened in such a short amount of time to upset him. He hadn't even gotten up to give Naruto his usual hug. There was no smile. Yukata was always smiling. He was dreamy and spacey, but happy. He watched as Yukata stared at their intertwined fingers thoughtfully, not looking at him. "C'mon Yukata. Talk to me. What's wrong?"

"Who said anything was wrong?" Yukata asked finally gazing up into Naruto's eyes. They were blue. The bluest blue he had ever seen. As deep a blue as the ocean, and Yukata wanted to drown in them.

"I know something's up. You look sad. What's wrong? Did something happen?" Yukata sighed heavily.

"Yeah. Kind of. Maybe. I don't know." He stuttered, his usual clarity and strait forward demeanor gone. He didn't know where to start.

"Then talk to me about it. If you can't tell me then who can you tell?" Naruto gave his hand a hard squeeze, trying to be comforting, and not knowing just how true his words of comfort rang in Yukata's head.

"Yeah. You're right. There was something I wanted to talk to you about." Yukata shifted on the ground until he was sitting directly across from Naruto. He grabbed his other hand as well, now holding both of them in his slightly open palms. "Ok. So...I'm really not sure how to say this. I...I mean...we...no."

Yukata stuttered on his words, and paused. He was never this nervous. He was usually so good at just saying whatever was on his mind, but the man in front of him left him speechless. Naruto could see the frustration and discomfort on Yukata's face and nodded his head, trying to be patient.

"Yes?" He urged gently.

"You and I have...we've know each other a long time right?"

"Of course. Since before I can remember."

"Ok...good...that's good. Ok. So...I...I mean...we...no. That's still not right." Yukata huffed at himself angrily and looked up into the sky for help. He did not receive any. Why couldn't he just say it. I love you. How hard was that? I'm in love with you, will you please go out with me? Why couldn't he just spit it out?

"Spit it out Yukata." Naruto said evenly. Yukata nodded, agreeing.

"It's just that...I..." He lost his patience and did the only thing that came into his mind. He followed his instincts and he quickly leaned forward. His lips fell onto Naruto's easily as he kissed him. It lasted only a second and Naruto sat still in front of him. He pulled back after just a moment, too nervous at Naruto's reaction to stay where he was. Naruto's lips were soft, and warm, and a second's worth of contact wasn't enough. For that split second Yukata felt his world break down. This was all he had ever wanted for such a long time. He only prayed now that it was over that he would be allowed to do it again. Please Kami don't let this be the only time he got to do that. He steeled himself for the coming reaction, and couldn't bring himself to look at Naruto. He suddenly felt, rather than saw, Naruto slide up on his knees and crawl closer to him, almost onto his lap and felt the blond's strong arms wrap securely around his neck, holding him in a tight hug. Wait...a hug? This couldn't be right...could it? He wasn't that lucky was he? It wasn't that simple...hmmm. Simple. Maybe it was that simple. Yukata quickly threw his own arms around Naruto, not daring to let him go. He held onto him as tightly as possible. After a long few moments Naruto pulled back from his arms and kissed him gently on his cheek as he sat back on his heels. The blond took a gentle hold of the raven's jaw and forced him to look into his eyes. Yukata let him pull back and rested his hands on the blond's hips.

"Yukata." Naruto whispered. "What's wrong?" He asked again. Yukata was confused. Didn't Naruto understand what he was trying to convey? Surely he didn't think something as intimate as a kiss on the lips for simply a cry for comfort. He never kissed anyone on the lips. Ever. He quickly dropped his hands from Naruto's body, the contact suddenly burned him in the midst of the misunderstanding. He stood up quickly and turned away from the still kneeling Naruto. "Yukata...please. You're scaring me. Talk to me." He pleaded. Naruto was so confused. Something was bothering his best friend and it was the first time he had ever seen Yukata this flustered. It was so unlike him and Naruto was helpless to know what to do. When something bothered Yukata he told Naruto. They talked it out, Naruto would give him plenty of hugs, and then everything would be better. He didn't know how to help this flustered, stuttering, and almost upset version of Yukata. He stood up as well and placed his hand on Yukata's shoulder, trying to get him to turn around and talk to him. He felt Yukata flinch uncharacteristically at the touch, and he removed his hand. Yukata finally turned around and when Naruto met his eyes they were filled with a confused fire he hadn't seen before.

"Don't you understand?" He asked.

"Understand what? You won't talk to me."

"But can't you feel it? Don't you understand what I'm trying to tell you? I just kissed you. It it that confusing?" his words for slightly harsh, but not meanly. He was frustrated. It was too late now to be gentle. He finally spit it out. "I love you Naruto."

"I love you too...you always kiss me. I don't understand."

"I kissed you on the lips. I'm trying to tell you that I love you. I'm in love with you Naruto." There was silence as the words finally fell from his mouth. Naruto blinked, and then his eyes went wide in realization.

"You what?"

"I'm in love with you. I have been for a long time now. Being away from you for so long killed me. I couldn't take it any more. I had to tell you. I didn't know how you would react, but I had to tell you. I can't hide it any more." The words fell easily from his lips now what he began to get them out. It was done now. There was nothing left to worry about. The decision was out of his hands. He grabbed Naruto's hand once more. Naruto was staring at him, eyes still wide, and his mouth slightly open in shock. His gaze shifted to where their fingers were once more laced together, but he didn't know what it meant this time. Wasn't sure what it had meant before now that he heard the words coming from Yukata. He stood silently still as Yukata continued his speech. "I spent every night on that mission thinking about this. The idea of you not knowing was eating me away. I sat in that fucking tree hating every second that you didn't know, because I was miserable, and I hated it. I want you. I want to be able to hold you whenever I want, without having to hold back. I want to kiss you on the lips. I want to fall asleep next to you, and I want to tell you I love you every second I can." He finished speaking and waited for Naruto to respond. The blonde was silent. He didn't know what to think. Yukata was in love with him. In love. Not just love. In love. He said the words over and over in his head. In love. In love. In love. Kiss. Hold. Misery. Naruto loved Yukata. Of course he did. He was his best friend. They had been through everything together. They had played together as children. Trained together as students. Bled together in battle. Held each when one of them was sad. In love. In love. In love. Naruto had never thought about love in that way. He didn't have time. Images of Sasuke and Shori flashed through his head. Hugs, kisses, soft touches. In love. In love. In love. He finally lifted his head to speak.

"Why? What do you want from me?" His voice was soft, and confused. He didn't understand.

"Why?" Yukata hadn't been expecting that. He took a step closer to Naruto, bringing their chests merely inches apart. Their faces were incredibly close, and he hesitantly ran a hand down the blond's cheek. His confession had given him guts he hadn't known he had. He hadn't gotten this far in his plan. He felt Naruto flinch at the soft touch, but didn't move away. He didn't know what came next. He didn't expect Naruto to simply jump into his arms with declarations of undying emotion as he had. He had expected a certain amount of convincing, but he hadn't expected this confusion. "Why not? Naruto...you are amazing. You're smart, and funny, and sweet. You're brave, loyal, reliable, and have the biggest heart I have ever seen..."Yukata paused before saying his next statement. "You're beautiful. You're strong, and gentle, and you have the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen." Yukata took a deep breath and prepared himself for whatever might come from his next move. He closed the distance between their lips once more, and placed his own softly against Naruto's. He paused. Waiting to be pushed away. When Naruto didn't Yukata released the breath he was holding. He wasn't sure if this was acceptance, but he was going to do his best to make the action count. He pressed their lips together a bit more firmly and finished the kiss. Yukata immediately gave him another when he met no resistance, and he felt Naruto's free hand press to his chest with very little pressure. Not pushing. Simply resting. Yukata became brave. The hand on his chest was reassuring even though Naruto's lips had made no movements against his own.

Naruto simply stood there. His mind was vacant and busy at the same time. He had placed his hand on Yukata's chest mostly to keep himself steady as he felt himself shake slightly. He felt the pressure of Yukata's lips on his own, and he honestly didn't know what to do about it. He had never been kissed before. Not really kissed. Never like this. Should he kiss back? Did he want to? What did it mean? He hadn't asked for this confession, or this kiss. What did it mean if he kissed back? What did it mean if he didn't? Would anything ever be the same after this? Had it really been the same before this, knowing what he did now? That was the only question he had an answer to. It had been the same before this. Yukata had never treated him differently, or pushed himself on Naruto. He could imagine that must have been hard to do. In love. In love. In love. He let Yukata do as he pleased for the moment while he gathered his scrambled thoughts. He jumped slightly when he felt a soft tongue slide gently across his lips, not pushing, not pulling, simply...there. He couldn't deny it felt new, and good, but dammit what did it mean?

Yukata bravely continued to lap his tongue across Naruto's lips, taking in the taste of orange, and happy that he hadn't been rejected. Naruto still hadn't moved. He wasn't giving in, but neither was he resisting the sensations Yukata produce for them. He tried not to think about it too much. If this was the only chance he had to do this then he wanted to enjoy it. He slowly made the next move again, and let his tongue sink farther onto Naruto's lips and slipped it into Naruto's barely open mouth. The flesh came into contact with Naruto's tongue for an instant and he swept it across the still muscle reveling in the taste. Naruto gasped and the still hand on Yukata's chest finally moved and pushed him away harshly, sending him far enough away to rip their still held hands apart. He looked down at Naruto. The blond looked confused. Almost angry, but mostly confused.

"Why did you do that Kata?" His voice sounded exasperated, frustrated.

"Because you let me."

"There a tons of people in this village that would let you, but you don't. Why did you do that?" He repeated the question. The village was filled with girls and boys who would give their left arm to receive the words and touches Yukata had just bestowed on him. He had never touched a single one of them.

"Because that may be the only chance I ever get to do that. I wasn't going to let it pass me by. Because I love you. Because I want to show you I love you. Not just tell you." Naruto had nothing to say to that. He honestly could not argue the logic, but he also didn't know what to do with it either. He ran his hands through his hair, trying to distract himself.

"I can't do this. I need to think." He turned to leave without further comment.

"Naruto please don't leave. I didn't mean to upset you." Yukata reached out and put his hand on Naruto's shoulder, trying to get him to stay and talk to him. Naruto angrily shoved his hand away. The confusion had left and given way to fury.

"Bastard! You didn't mean to upset me? What did you think was going to happen? That I would jump into your arms? Let you shove your tongue down my throat? Take what you want without giving me a chance to even digest what you said? Do you not get what you just said!? Like you can just drop a bomb like that and everything would be ok?"

"It wasn't easy, but I had to tell you. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry I forced you. I was just trying to show you that I love you."

"Stop saying that! Saying it more won't make me less uncomfortable. I get it!" Naruto took a deep breath and tried to calm his temper. He knew Yukata would never intentionally hurt him, and it was Naruto's own fault for not putting a stop to the kiss sooner, but...dammit this was too much right now. "I need space. Let me go think."

"Please don't run away. At least promise me we can talk about this later." Yukata's eyes looked glassy, and his voice was crackly, as if trying to hold back tears. He desperately tried to convey in his voice his plea to Naruto. Naruto lowered his tone a bit.

"We will...but not now. I need to go." He turned and finally left, hands in his pockets, headed to somewhere he wasn't quite sure yet. Yukata stood there dejectedly. He wasn't sure how he had expected this to go, and he wasn't sure if this was the worst case scenario or not. He knew Naruto was a man of his word. All he could do now was wait. He sat down on the edge of the river once more, prepared to sit and wait all day, hoping the blond would know where he was. He was prepared to wait late into the night, and return early the next day should it take that long, and the day after, and the day after.

After several hours of aimless wandering, and getting nowhere with his thoughts, Naruto had eventually found his way to the Uchiha compound and, walking through the gates, immediately started shouting Sasuke's name, hoping to find him quickly. He needed to talk to someone. Sasuke was the most level headed and unbiased person her knew.

"Sasuke!" he yelled into the kitchen, but was return with silence. He wandered the huge house, repeating the name desperately until he went upstairs to where his friend's bedroom light was on. "Sasuke!" he yelled before charging into the room and slamming the door shut behind him roughly, as though he had been chased there by something evil.

"What the fuck man!?" Sasuke had been in bed with Shori, his shirt off, laying between her legs and kissing her passionately. The poor girl squeaked at the sudden intrusion and scrambled to cover her naked chest with a blanket. "What the hell are you doing here? I'm obviously busy." Sasuke glared at him, completely pissed at being cock blocked.

"He kissed me." Naruto stuttered. He still sounded surprised. Sasuke got off the bed and located his hiding girlfriend's shirt.

"What? Who?"

"Yukata. He kissed me."

"He what!" Sasuke was stunned and confused. The couple was now fully dressed. Shori sat awkwardly on the corner of the bed and watched Naruto throw himself onto it, laying down and covering his face with his hands. Sasuke stood in the center of the room.

"Yeah. I know right. I saw him down at the river today, and he was being all mopey, and I was like, "What's wrong?" and he was like...Bam...right on the lips. What the fuck right? Hi Shori." The poor girl waved timidly, not sure if she should be part of this. She didn't even know Yukata.

"Wait wait wait. This is Yukata we're talking about. He kisses everyone."

"I know that's what I thought. I just thought he was upset, so I hugged the friggin bastard and he's all like 'no you don't get it Naruto', and I was all like 'don't get what' and he was all like 'I love you Naruto', and I was all like ' yeah I know' and he was like ' I'm in love with you' and then Bam...tongue in my mouth." Naruto babbled out the story hurriedly and much like a bad teenage soap opera. Sasuke just stood there staring at him.

"So he kissed you? Like really kissed you?" Sasuke repeated slowly.

"What the hell Bastard, that's what I just said. And he went on and on, gushing about how wonderful I am, and how he's been in love with me for ages, but never said anything, but couldn't hold it in anymore because...I don't know. Something about being away for so long, and being sad in a tree or some shit?. That I'm smart, and strong, and beautiful, and what the fuck does that even mean?"

"I think the statement speaks for itself. Wow. He loves you because you're smart. Ironic."

"Shut the fuck up and tell me what to do."

"Well what do you want to do?"

"If I knew that do you think I'd be here? I'm scrambling my brain over this."

"Do you like him? Ya know. Like that?" Sasuke asked the obvious question that Naruto had been avoiding.

"I don't know. I never thought about it. I've never thought about him that way. I've never thought about anyone that way." Naruto pulled at his hair in frustration. He growled when Sasuke started laughing.

"Wow. He always did know how to make a statement."

"It's not the time for jokes Bastard. This is a real problem. What the fuck do I do now? We were perfect. He's ruined everything. He basically just said bone me or spend the rest of your life making every encounter we have together awkward. Selfish asshole!"

"I think it's sweet." Sasuke looked up at his girlfriend who had just decided to join in the conversation. Naruto's head shot up off the bed.

"How was any of that sweet?" He glowered.

"No really. I mean...I don't know Yukata. Aside from what you guys have told me, but I'm thinking you guys have been friends a long time and know each other really well."

"Yeah so?" Sasuke crossed his arms and waited to see where Shori was going with this.

"Well. It's none of my business, but I think that if I had someone in my life, who knew me inside and out, and was my best friend...if they spent years hurting and hiding their feelings, just to spare mine, and then one day spilled their guts for no reason other than they just needed me to know how much I was loved...that they spent months and months away from home thinking of no one but me...I would seriously swoon." Her words caused a silence to enter the stressed air. Naruto didn't know what to say to that. He hadn't even thought about it that way.

"Well that's all well and good, but it doesn't tell me what the hell to do." He didn't mean to be mean to Shori, and she didn't take it personally.

"Naruto what else did he say? What did you tell him?" Sasuke asked.

"Nothing. I got angry and kinda...stormed off."

"Don't you think you should talk to him?"

"And say what? I don't know what to say."

"What you're feeling. If you're confused then tell him so. If you don't want to be with him tell him that. If you do then stop being a baby and be with him."

"But I don't know Sasuke!" Naruto whined.

"Do you like boys?" Sasuke took this one step at a time.

"I don't know. I told you. I've never thought about it. I've been too busy."

"So you were just going to train forever and not think about it?"

"I didn't have plans bastard! This all took me by surprise." Sasuke softened his voice.

"That's kind of how it happens." He looked at Shori with a sweet smile. "But that doesn't mean it doesn't turn out well. Now think. Do. You. Like. Boys?"

"I. Don't. Know...maybe. I mean. Some are attractive, but then again I know a lot of attractive women too."

"Ok. So you like both. Now. Do you think you could ever like Yukata as more than a friend?"

"I told you I don't know. If I had those answers this wouldn't be an issue."

"Ok. Let's go about this another way. Do you think you could ever be open to something that might put you in a romantic situation with him. Say a date? Or another kiss? How did the first one feel?" Naruto thought about the kisses some more. They had been ingrained into his head over the past few hours. He had memorized every second of them.

"It was...not bad. I mean...I obviously didn't expect them, but then again I didn't stop them either, at least not at first..." Sasuke stopped him mid sentence.

"Woah, woah, wait! Them? Didn't stop? As in there was more than one and you let him keep going? God you really are an idiot."

"Well I mean...the first one didn't count because I didn't know that's what it was. The second snuck up on me, but the third...I kind of let him keep going, but he tried to stick his tongue in my mouth and I spazzed and pushed him away."

"You kissed him back? Why are you even here?"

"I didn't kiss him back. I was just too shocked to move or do anything."

"Ok ok. Besides the point. Did you like it?"

"Well. I guess, but aren't kisses supposed to feel good." Shori jumped in again.

"Yes, but trust me when I say that when you kiss the wrong person it feels completely wrong and gross." Sasuke glared at the idea of other men kissing Shori.

"Ok so you enjoyed it. Would you say you would do it again?"

"...maybe." Naruto half admitted.

"Look. You need to talk to him. Like now. You obviously like guys or you would have freaked on him sooner, and you obviously enjoyed kissing him. Go talk to him. Stay calm, don't fight, and just let him help you figure this out. I mean...this is Yukata we're talking about. Do you really think he would force you to do something you didn't want to? We both know what he's going to do. He's going to baby you through it until you figure your shit out and accept whatever decision you give him. He'll go back to staring into space and smiling like a goof no matter what you do. If you push him away he'll just go back to normal in order to make you feel better." Sasuke was right. Yukata would never make him feel weird. Not if he could avoid it. Naruto sighed heavily.

"Ok. Talk to him. I can do that...wait...what do I say?"

"Well you start with hi, and go from there."

"I know that bastard. What comes after that."

"Like I said. Just tell him you're confused. Let him help you work your thoughts out, and go from there. He'll ease you through it."

"Yeah. ok." Naruto got off the bed and headed for the door. He didn't say goodbye, but just started the dazed form of aimless walking he had perfected over the course of the afternoon.

"Those two are going to be the death of me." Sasuke frowned before going back to his girlfriend. He sat on the bed and he pulled her roughly onto his lap. She squeaked happily. "Now. Where were we?"

Naruto walked in the direction of Yukata's house. The sun was about to set, but it was still warm out. He was almost sad when Suji had informed him that Yukata had not come home yet. His anxiety had built the whole walk there and had peaked at the gate, only to start raveling all over again when the raven was not there. The blond set out on the search, and eventually made his way back to the river. He found Yukata sitting in the exact same spot he had been that morning. He looked like he hadn't moved an inch. He couldn't see the raven's face, as he faced away, but his head was hung dejectedly. Naruto instantly felt bad about yelling that morning, but it had been all Yukata's fault. He walked over and sat down next to him.

"Hi." He said softly. There. He said it. You start with hi and go from there. Just like Sasuke had said. Yukata didn't look at him.

"Hi." He returned. Yukata had not moved. He had just sat waiting all day. He hadn't thought or moped. He had simply let his mind wander and meditated.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you this morning." Naruto apologized.

"I'm sorry I tried to stick my tongue down your throat." Naruto gaped at him. Yukata had still not looked up, but had obviously reverted back to his usually blunt self in the fallout of the preceding events. Naruto honestly had no idea what to say to something like that. He didn't have to. Yukata looked up finally, into Naruto's eyes, and kept speaking. "Actually. I'm not. I loved every bit of it, and if you're here to try and kick my ass I'll take that kiss to my grave happily."

"I'm not going to kick your ass Yukata."

"I know. That's why I said try." Naruto actually laughed. It was contagious and Yukata quickly joined him.

"You just caught me off guard you know? I honestly had no clue you feel that way Kata."

"I know. I didn't want you to, but after being away so long..." He paused, trying to find better words than he had earlier that day. Naruto didn't seem angry. He didn't want to set him off. "I never wanted you to feel weird around me, but while I was gone I was all alone. When I was here it was enough to see you, and be around you, and get the little pieces of physical affection I always did, but out there I was alone, and everything just kind of...prioritized itself in my head. I couldn't keep doing it to myself. I'm pretty sure I didn't handle this morning all that well, but I'm not sure it would have come out better no matter what I did. I just...couldn't take it anymore."

"I think I can agree with that. I can't think of any other reaction I may have given you. I honestly didn't know how to react. I still don't. I don't know what to do about this Kata. I don't know how to make either of us feel better."

"Naruto...please don't misunderstand me. I don't expect anything from you. I want things from you, but I don't expect them. Whatever you finally decided to tell me, when you're ready to tell me, I will accept. I won't force myself on you like that ever again. I'm sorry I did what I did earlier. I had no right." Naruto laughed deeply at Yukata's response. Yukata winced. "Please don't laugh at me. I'm feeling very vulnerable right now."

"It's not you I'm laughing at. It's me." Yukata looked at him quizzically, not understanding. "I walked around moping for a while after I left, and then went running to Sasuke like a little baby. He immediately told me I was an idiotic bisexual, and that I should get over myself, come back here, and let you take the lead on this. That you would know exactly what to do and say. He was right. I am an idiot."

"You're not an idiot. You're wonderful."Yukata made the statement softly. He didn't want to make Naruto uncomfortable, but now that the secret was out he would never hold his thoughts back again. Naruto simply scratched the back of his head and sighed.

"See. I don't know what to think when I hear you say things like that. It's so weird."

"Weird? That wasn't the adjective I expected."

"It is though. It's weird. Don't get me wrong. I love a compliment as much as the next person, but it's different now. It's not just a compliment anymore when you're saying it to me with that look in your eyes."

"What look?"

"The look that says your heart is breaking, but you don't care...because you love me anyway."

"I do. I love you very much."

"I don't want to break your heart though Kata."

"Then don't." Yukata commanded, taking their somewhat easy conversation into the difficult place, saying all the hard things that needed to be said, but that he knew Naruto couldn't because he just didn't have the nerve. Taking control of the situation just like Sasuke knew he would.

"What do you mean? I'm pretty sure I already am."

"Just like I said. Don't. You haven't broken my heart yet. I'm just afraid of rejection. I can handle it if it comes to that, but I am afraid of it. But I don't have to be." He left the open statement in the air.

"I still don't know what to say to things like that." Yukata took a chance at holding Naruto's hand, hoping that even though Naruto now knew it meant more than it did before, he would allow it simply because he always had. He laced their fingers and was thrilled when Naruto allowed them to stay that way.

"Then say you'll go out with me." Naruto felt his eyes bug open, just as they had this morning.

"Yukata...I..."

"I'm not saying it has to be a big thing, but you keep saying you feel weird, that you don't know how to react, or know what to do. Let me help. Let me take you on a date."

"A date?" Naruto asked skeptically.

"Yes. A date. Just one. I know this is new for you. You've never even had a romantic thought in your head your whole life, and now you have a whole person head over heels in love with you," He heard Naruto's quick inhale at the heavy words. "Give me tonight. Just one night. One chance to show you what it could be like. Then at least you'll have some more information to work with, and if I never get to have a moment like that again I'll at least have one sweet memory to keep with me." Naruto thought for a second. The way Yukata said that last statement was heart breaking. Like Naruto was his breath and he was asking for one more before being let go into the vacuum of space.

" I don't know if that's a good idea Yukata. Isn't this complicated enough? I don't want too tease you."

"Please Naruto. It's not complicated. It's actually very simple. It's not teasing if everyone knows what's at stake. Please." Naruto stared into his eyes. They were as black as ink and were staring into his longingly, but not desperately.

"...o...k." Yukata smiled widely. "One night." Yukata pumped his hand in the air victoriously and stood up, immediately dragging Naruto up with him. He pulled him into a fierce hug, letting Naruto go before he even had a chance to return the gesture. He quickly began dragging the blond away from the river, his direction strait and determined. "Wait. Yukata where are we going?"

"On a date! C'mon. I'll keep it easy for you. We'll go to the movies, and then to dinner. I'll even walk you home." Naruto nodded quietly, still being drug along like he always was when Yukata got excited about something. Dinner and a movie couldn't possibly be too bad. He was resolved to taking this seriously. He had promised he would, and dammit he needed to figure his head out. He couldn't see what could be so different about a date though. They went to dinner and movies together all the time. He was often walked home. He often walked Yukata home. He didn't understand how this was going to show him anything different, but Yukata seemed confident.

Yukata was on cloud nine the whole way to the movie theater. He had eventually calmed down, and they now walked evenly next to each other, still holding hands. This was more than he had ever dreamed of. A date. With his precious Naruto. It wasn't a return of affection, but it was a chance, and that was more than he had ever dreamed he would get. He was going to make the most of it, and at the very least Naruto would be able to see how different the world could look when you were with someone who cared about you in such a special way, even if that person turned out to not be him in the end.

Naruto immediately realized that the movies and dinner could be very different if it was a date. Yukata was a whole different person. Well...he was, but he wasn't. He talked the same, acted the same, but Naruto finally saw all those little things that Yukata had been keeping from him. He was gentler, sweeter, and even more affectionate if it was possible. They relaxed into conversation as they walked along. Yukata took every chance he could get to point out something he loved about Naruto, leaning down and whispering the compliment sweetly into his ear. As the night wore on Naruto could tell that Yukata was easing him in slowly. Half-way to the movies he had randomly brought Naruto's knuckles to his lips to give them a gentle kiss, much like he had seen Sasuke do with Shori. Waiting in line at the theater Yukata had pulled Naruto in front of him, wrapping his arms around the younger man's waist from behind, and setting his head on his shoulder. Naruto took a small chance and nudged Yukata gently with his head, not quite sure how to initiate romantic interaction, but doing his best to try. He felt Yukata squeeze him tighter in thanks for his effort.

"I'm glad you're relaxing a bit. This isn't so bad is it?" He asked. Naruto shook his head bashfully and blushed. Yukata laughed. "You're adorable." He stated simply, which only made him blush harder and felt Yukata press a kiss to his cheek, the familiar gesture lasting just a moment longer than it usually did. Yukata let him go as they got their tickets and headed for their seats. "Are you sure you want a horror movie Naruto? I'm just going to take advantage of you." He smirked evilly. Naruto simply nodded.

"This is a date. Horror movies are what you watch on dates." They took their seats. Yukata immediately popped the armrests in between their seats up and out of the way, putting his arm around Naruto's shoulder. Naruto had to admit he was having a good time. He was surprised to find he liked the additional contact and affection. No wonder Sasuke seemed to seek out so much of it from Shori. As the movie wore on Yukata was true to his word and took advantage of Naruto, pulling him close and tucking him into his arms when Naruto began getting jumpy at the scary moments. He pulled Naruto's legs up onto his own and turned the boy's body into his. Naruto didn't hesitate in hiding himself in the raven's chest as the movie wore on, feeling comforting kisses dropped onto his head at random points. When the movie was over, and they left, Naruto instantly went to attach himself to Yukata's hand, but was rebuffed as Yukata instead chose to hold Naruto around the waist, pulling him as close as possible while still being able to walk.

Dinner was an almost normal affair as they sat across from each other, talking about the movie and various other topics. Naruto excused himself to the rest room while Yukata ordered desert. He splashed some water on is face and took the moment of privacy to collect his thoughts. This wasn't how he thought it would be. He thought it would be awkward to do this, but it wasn't. He thought it would be more difficult to act as affectionate with Yukata as the boy had with him, but it wasn't. He had a blush on his face, and his stomach was in flutters. He had never felt this way before, and he wasn't quite sure what to do with the sensations. He decided to finish out the night, and worry about the rest later. He returned to the table where he could see a giant plate of cheesecake on the table. He started to return to his own chair, but was surprised when Yukata pulled him close by the hand and dragged him onto his lap. Naruto inhaled sharply. This was a whole new form of contact he hadn't expected. He barely had time to contemplate the action before Yukata held a forkful of the cake to his lips.

"You have to try this babe. It's amazing." Yukata held the fork, waiting for Naruto to open his mouth. He hesitated only for a second, trying to take it all in. Big change. He was sitting on Yukata's lap, being hand fed, and called babe all in the same five seconds. Go with the flow he had promised. He opened his mouth and the taste of the cake was indeed wonderful. He decided to stay right where he was.

They finished the cake and left. Yukata walked him home just as promised. He had tried to be as gentle with Naruto as possible but as the night wore on he felt himself giving in to all of his little impulses. Naruto had kept surprising him at every turn, allowing, if not completely welcoming his actions, not to mention returning them in little ways of his own. Arm firmly around the blond's waist once more they made it to Naruto's apartment. Yukata was sad the night was almost over. This might be all the time he had like this. He had one last move to make, and he hoped it didn't spoil everything. He pulled Naruto in front of him, taking his hands into his own, much like he had this morning. Hopefully it wouldn't end the same. He looked into Naruto's eyes.

"I had an amazing time tonight. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Ya know...I really did." Naruto almost sounded surprised. He went quiet, not sure what was supposed to happen next. Did they go their separate ways? Was there a kiss goodnight? If there was how would he feel about it? Earlier hadn't be unpleasant. The situation had been. His thoughts were cut off by Yukata once again taking the lead.

"I'm going to kiss you now. Feel free to stop me." Before Naruto had a chance to decide if he wanted to stop him or not, Yukata's lips descended on his own. They pressed against Naruto's firmly. As he had earlier Naruto was shocked still, not moving, and Yukata quickly moved away. "Was that ok? I hope I haven't ruined everything."

"You haven't ruined anything. You just surprised me. I'm not good with things like this...you seem so sure of yourself. I'm not anything like that. I have no idea what I'm doing."

"I have no clue what I'm doing. I only know how I feel." The sweet sentiment melted Naruto. He nervously trailed a hand down Yukata's cheek, and ran it around the back of his neck, pulling him down for another kiss. As their skin met Yukata was now the one inhaling in surprise. He certainly had not expected Naruto to take the initiative like that, especially with something as huge as a kiss. He decided not to waste the opportunity and kissed back. He increased the pressure, showing his happiness, and felt Naruto's lips move against his for the first time. It was heaven. He pulled back the tiniest bit, before going back for more, hoping this was Naruto's way of showing him that it was ok to continue. He flicked his tongue lightly over Naruto's lips, and he felt the blond open his mouth slightly to take in a breath. Yukata let his tongue slip past his lips easily, hoping to not be pushed away this time, and somehow knowing he would not be. As he slid his tongue across Naruto's he felt the barest flicker of movement against his own. Hesitant. Shy. Yukata let go of Naruto's hand and wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him as closely to him as possible. He swirled his tongue around Naruto's mouth hungrily now, massaging his tongue with his own, pulling back to lightly bite his lips before diving back in, reveling in the taste. He felt another arm go around his neck and into his short hair, pulling gently as Naruto got more into the kiss. He was practically clinging to Yukata, his tongue moved back on Yukata's more quickly, more assuredly, more heatedly, and neither of them cared that they were making out frantically in the middle of the street. But the kiss eventually slowed down, coming to it's natural end, and Yukata placed a few last, chaste pecks to his lips. Naruto was breathing heavily. He leaned his head on Yukata's chest, arms still around his neck.

"Kata?" He whispered softly.

"Yeah babe?" Naruto shivered at the endearment, secretly deciding he loved it. Yukata ran his hands up and down Naruto's sides, from his waist to the top of his ribs, and back down.

"Do you want to come inside? I think we should talk." Naruto was definitely ready to talk. Just as promised, tonight had opened his eyes, and suddenly he had a lot to say. He wasn't afraid or confused anymore.

"Yeah. I'd like that." Without further discussion the walked into the apartment and Naruto sat at the kitchen bar. Yukata sat across from him, wondering what the words were going to be that would decide their fate. He was slightly frightened. Naruto now looked very sure of himself, and all that kissing had given him a good idea of Naruto's response, but he had to hear it. He was not going to get him hopes up just to find out that Naruto had chalked this up to a fun experience, but not for him. He didn't have to wait long for his answer.

"I want this." He blurted out bluntly, his normally talkative mouth finally opening now that he had his bearings.

"Please define 'this'. I don't want to get my hopes up." Naruto immediately grabbed Yukata's hand reassuringly.

"This. You and me. Being together. Dating. Going out. Boyfriends. Whatever they call it. I want it." He almost demanded. Yukata beamed.

"You want to be my boyfriend?" He had expected that if this worked out they would go slowly, building up to that point. This was more than he could have hoped for. He saw Naruto take a deep breath, obviously ready to explain, finally sure of what he wanted to say. He focused on Naruto intently, forcing himself to memorize every beautiful word that would finally make his dreams come true after so long.

"Yes. I didn't think it would be this easy. I thought I would have to sit, and think, and ponder over today, about what every little thought, word, and action may or may not mean, but I don't. I liked it. I loved it. I like knowing I'm cared about. I like being made to feel special, different, and better than the others. I like being held, and I love physical affection. I like returning it, and it was you. You made me feel this way. You made me feel loved, and close, and happy, and I'm not so dumb that I don't know that I should hold onto that. That I should hold on to you. So yes. I want to be your boyfriend. I want to feel this way all the time. I want to feel it from you, and I don't want anyone else to have it." He finished bravely.

"You have no idea how happy you've just made me Naruto. I could never feel this way about anyone but you. I never have. I never will. I love you."

"I love you too Kata. Maybe not the way you want me to yet, but I do in my own way, and I care about you very much. I still have no clue what I'm doing, but I'll try to make all your waiting and pain worth it." Yukata's heart skipped at beat at the word 'yet'.

"You already have." He hopped up over the top of the bar, lifting himself up with his hands on the edge of the flat surface, and lifted his feet off the ground to reach over and kiss Naruto across it. Naruto immediately kissed him back, placing his hand on the side of Yukata's face affectionately. He felt Naruto's tongue shyly lick across his lips, and happily opened his mouth to accept the timid advances. He let his own tongue leave his mouth to curl around Naruto's and pull it deeper into his own orifice. Naruto let his tongue be led into the other man's mouth, and sighed deliciously at the taste of cheesecake still on Yukata's breath. He gave a small gasp as Yukata pulled back a bit to press his lips around Naruto's tongue and suck on it lightly. His gasp quickly turned into a moan at the new sensation.

"Hnn. Mmm." Naruto pulled back, and stared at Yukata, surprised at the sounds coming from is own mouth. "Do you want to watch a movie?" He asked suddenly. Yukata looked at him oddly, caught off guard by the random remark.

"We just saw a movie." He said.

"On the couch...with the lights off?" He added, hoping Yukata would get the hint.

"Ya know what? A movie sounds awesome." He hopped back down off of the bar, and headed towards the living room.

"Ok. You go find something boring, and I'll get the lights." Yukata laughed at Naruto's brashness. His shyness seemed to have disappeared quickly enough. Yukata looked forward to seeing how Naruto would react to everything now that his strait forward manner was sufficiently replaced. Not that he didn't love a shy Naruto. His blushing was adorable, and the look of surprise that came over his face was something Yukata could not help but love. He was going to thoroughly enjoy watching Naruto learn his way through their new relationship. He knew Naruto would stumble, and be unsure of his actions, hesitant to make moves because he wasn't sure what to do, but where he lacked confidence on occasion, Yukata shined. He was not afraid to take the reigns when Naruto faltered. Not that Yukata was much better at knowing how this was supposed to work. This was a first for him too. He had never dated anyone, male or female. He had never kissed anyone romantically or been kissed by them. Yet still he felt brave. Like if he took put one foot in front of the other then everything would be fine. He had read enough books to know how this was supposed to go physically. Kissing and holding hands was not exactly difficult, and he had never lacked the guts to do anything short of their conversation this morning. He simply wanted to sit back and enjoy the ride, and hoped that it would never end.

Yukata was pulled from his thoughts as the lights in the room went off, and he stopped his spacing to put in the movie he had chosen. It was some really terrible foreign film that he knew Naruto had bought because of the interesting cover art, but inevitably fell asleep to when trying to watch it. Perfect, but there would be no sleeping tonight. He fell lazily onto the center of sofa and waited for his boyfriend to return. Boyfriend. He loved it. Naruto walked back into the room and stood in front of the sofa. He had a quizzical look on his face, as though he was not sure how to approach this situation now that he had initiated it. Yukata took the choices that he could see were running through Naruto's head away from him, once again grabbing his hand to pull him down and sit on his leg. Naruto squeaked in surprise, but scooted around a bit to become more comfortable. Not knowing where to go in this position, the blond looked at the large television in front of him and watched as the familiar beginning to the movie began to run. He felt slightly uncomfortable. Not at the situation, but with his position. He was quite happy on Yukata's lap, but his back was strait, and he didn't know what to do with his hands. He took a deep breath and let it all sink in. Yukata let him watch the movie for a bit, but ignored it. Instead he took the opportunity to watch the young teenager. He took in the expressions flitting across Naruto's face, studied the way he played with his fingers, watched his chest moving up and down with each breath. He trailed a hand up Naruto's back and rubbed it softly, letting himself have all the touches he had been forced to never take before this moment. He spun a strand of hair between his fingers.

With his left hand Yukata gently took a hold of Naruto's chin and forced him to turn his head and face him. Naruto smiled, and Yukata quickly leaned up to kiss him once again. Naruto immediately leaned down in order to gain easier access to the lips that were now on his own. The kiss was achingly sweet for both of them. They held the moment for a few seconds before Yukata finally lost his cool. He quickly let his tongue force it's way between Naruto's closed lips, and the blond opened them receptively. Naruto let out a heavy sigh. He was quickly becoming addicted to the sensation of the other mouth on his own. Yukata swept his tongue all over Naruto's mouth, massaging his tongue, forcing his own as far back into the warm cavern as it would go, thoroughly shoving his tongue down the others throat. Keeping his dominant position, Yukata put his hands on Naruto's hips and lifted him up so that the blond was on his knees between the raven's. He quickly swung a leg on each side of his waist and turned Naruto the rest of the way around so his boyfriend was now straddling him. He never stopped the frenzied motions of the kiss. Naruto moaned at the new sensation, and the sound sent a shiver down Yukata's spine. It felt incredible. The wet heat of Naruto's mouth, the pressure of him now leaning against his chest, the noises he was able to extract from the young man. Naruto threw himself farther into the kiss, desperate for more heat, more touch, more sensation. He brought his hands up to tangle them in Yukata's hair. He pulled on it gently and Yukata released a moan of his own. Wrapping his arms around the blond, Yukata let his hands roam up, and then down Naruto's back, letting them come to settle on his firm ass. He squeezed gently, and then more firmly as he heard Naruto moan. Naruto pushed himself down into the raven's hands that were grabbing at him so urgently. He heard and felt Yukata hiss into his mouth, and then realized that he had accidentally succeeded in grinding himself down on Yukata's crotch. He blushed furiously, not ready to think about the implications of his completely unintentional teasing. He lifted his hips up a bit to release any pressure he had put on the sensitive area.

Yukata felt himself cock twitch deliciously at Naruto's movement. He was so turned on at the moment that he had no way of knowing if it had been done on purpose or not. Probably not. Yukata was using every ounce of his control to keep himself from getting completely hard and scaring the boy away. He couldn't help the moan that slipped out, and he squeezed Naruto's ass a bit more tightly with his fingers. Naruto let another moan escape his lips, but continued the assault on the tongue in his mouth. Pulling back for breath, Yukata let his lips run down Naruto's neck placing soft, yet urgent kisses everywhere his mouth could reach. Naruto was breathing heavily and he tipped his head back to allow Yukata more access to his hot skin. He could feel the beginnings of an erection pressing against his jeans. It embarrassed him. He didn't know what to do with it, or what to think about it. No one but himself had ever caused that to happen. He ignored it to continue focusing on the pleasure he was receiving. He used the raven's hair to pull him closer, and felt the moan vibrate against his pulse. He felt Yukata grab his ass again and pull their hips together. Naruto gasped as he felt the half-hard mass brush against his clothed body. He ground down experimentally. The shock wave of pleasure from the clothed contact made them both moan loudly, and Yukata bit down on his neck gently.

"Mmmm. Do that again Kata." Naruto whispered breathily. Feeling braver he swiveled his hips on Yukata's crotch, and he felt the sting of a slightly harder bite in the same spot as the first. He whimpered helplessly. Yukata let go of his ass and grabbed Naruto's hips, taking control and moving them forward and back against his now completely stiff, yet clothed cock. He could feel Naruto's erection against his, and it spurred him on, happy that he could get such a strong reaction from the blond who's hands were now all but yanking on his hair. He lifted his head from the soft neck that was under his lips and reattached them to Naruto's mouth, plunging his tongue back inside deeply. Naruto was moaning endlessly now, the sounds getting lost in their joined mouths. Yukata pulled back quickly.

"We should probably stop this before I make a mess in the clothing that I haven't brought anything to replace, and before I take you somewhere you aren't ready for." Naruto was still catching his breath. He whispered sexily.

"And where is that Kata?" It was almost a tease.

"You know where. This was our first date. We can get to that later." Naruto almost whined.

"It felt so good."

"That's a relief to hear, but seriously we need to slow down. I want to be able to draw this out and take my time with you."

"You do?" Naruto placed his hands on Yukata's shoulders, and looked at him expectantly for an explanation.

"Yeah. I've been thinking about this for so long Naruto. Holding you. Touching you. Thinking about you when I touch myself." He whispered bluntly. " Wondering what it would be like to have your body so close to me while I'm deep inside you. When I finally have sex with you I want to have been so wound up before hand that I can't take it anymore. That I just have to have you. That I can't help but take you." Yukata whispered in his ear, biting it gently. Naruto blushed at his blunt honesty. The hot words only served to turn him on more.

"How can you just go and say something like that?" He stuttered out.

"Say what? It's only how I feel. I love you, and you mean the world to me, but I also think you are so incredibly sexy. I want to have you, touch you...fuck you." Naruto blushed harder if that was even possible, but couldn't help but be even more turned on by the crude words. He hesitated before asking his next question.

"What's it like?"

"What? Sex? Or thinking about you naked underneath me?" Naruto turned his head away bashfully. Yukata grabbed his chin to turn it back, not allowing Naruto the small privacy. He wanted to see every reaction as it went across the blond's face.

"Sex." He clarified.

"I have no clue. I just know I want it with you."

"You've never had sex?" Yukata shook his head. "But you could have anyone you want. You're seventeen. You've had plenty of time."

"But I haven't had enough time with you. I've never felt strongly enough about another person to take it that far, or even begin the process. No one but you."

"The how does this all come so easily to you? You seem to know exactly what you're doing." Yukata thought for a few moments before replying.

"I don't have a single clue what I'm doing. What we were doing just felt natural, so I kept taking what felt like the natural steps." Naruto nodded, seeming to understand.

"So do you think we'll eventually..." Yukata cut the question off before it was finished.

"Yes."

"But not tonight?"

"Not tonight."

"What happens tonight?" Yukata laced his fingers with Naruto's and brought his knuckles to his lips for a kiss.

"Tonight we just enjoy the glow of our first date. It's the only one we'll have. We take our time and let things run their course. There is no need to rush, or to worry about what happens and when. We simply be." Naruto nodded at the common sense in the statement. He turned his head as the foreign language in the back ground stopped, and music began as the credits started to roll. He looked back at Yukata.

"What about sleeping? I'm actually kind of tired. I'd like it if you stayed."

"Yeah. I'll stay. You would have had to push me out the front door." Naruto laughed lightly. He grabbed Yukata's shoulders for balance and lifted himself off of the sofa. His hard on had thankfully returned to normal, sparing his the embarrassment of walking around with a bulge in his pants. He turned to head to the bedroom, assuming Yukata would follow behind. He jumped a bit when he felt a pinch to his left ass cheek. Yukata laughed at the reaction and walked behind the blond.

In the bedroom the two teens stripped down to boxers. This part was easy. They had shared a bed too many times to count over the course of their relationship. Lifting the covers, Naruto climbed underneath them, sighing happily into the softness. It had been such a long day. He felt the bed shift next to him as Yukata's weight settled onto it. Instead of keeping to his side of the bed Yukata instantly placed his body next to Naruto's, tugging him close. Naruto rolled over and gathered the guts to lay on his side and lay his head on Yukata's chest. He slung his other arm across his torso. He felt the arm of his boyfriend go around his waist and pull him in. Relaxing into the welcomed sensation of physical contact Naruto snuggled happily. He already felt his eyes drifting closed, and he felt a kiss placed on top of his head.

"Goodnight Kata." He whispered tiredly.

"Night Naruto. I love you."

"I love you too."

As he felt the blond's breaths evening out Yukata knew Naruto was asleep. The words of love from the blond sent his heart pattering. He knew that Naruto didn't mean it the way he did, but the earlier claim of 'yet' lingered happily in his head. This crappy day had ended in a way he had never dreamed possible. He silently made a promise to himself to never fuck this up. He finally had what he wanted. He'd be damned if he ever lost it. The thoughts rolled through his head as he drifted into a happy sleep.

2 weeks later

The couple sat at the large round booth of the hibachi restaurant, waiting for their three friends to show up. Naruto was in his usual place on Yukata's lap at the back of the table. Sasuke and Shori walked into the restaurant holding hands, and arriving at the table they found the two cuddling and making out, oblivious to the people around them. Sasuke often found them this way the past two weeks, lost in their own world, not caring about what was going on around them. He smiled at their cuteness. Naruto's arms were around his boyfriend's neck and he was kissing Yukata softly but passionately in between bits of whispered conversation. Yukata had his arms wrapped around Naruto, securely holding him in place, occasionally lifting one to take a sip of his coffee.

Sasuke cleared his throat to make their presence known. Some of their friends had been shocked at the existence of the new couple, and even more so when the event wasn't announced. The various people had simply caught them making out in various locations around the village. Poor Hinata had fainted, and had been found an hour later by Kiba ,with blood still running from her nose. But Sasuke wasn't at all surprised at the results of his conversation with Naruto. If most people thought about it for a bit, the turn of events was actually quite predictable. It had not taken long for everyone to get used to the new interactions and the constant public displays of affection the couple showered each other with. Sasuke was just happy to not be barged in on anymore. Naruto had constantly come running to him with bits of news almost every day the first week, always somehow managing to interrupt him while he was getting laid, or at least trying to. The night after they had gotten together Naruto had once again barged into Sasuke's room uninvited, scaring Shori, and blathering on about the previous days events. He'd dragged Yukata behind him and proudly stated, 'Watch what I can do', and kissed Yukata on the lips right there in front of him. Two days later he had been forced to listen to the entrancing story of Naruto's first hand job, regaling them with all the nasty little details. He had to admit that that one had spoiled the mood a bit. Unfortunately for him Shori found it endearing how close he and Naruto were, and how Naruto felt so comfortable around Sasuke. She quickly came to like Yukata as well, just like everyone did. Sasuke sighed when the couple ignored him and continued their little make out session. If he thought that Yukata's level-headedness and maturity would help calm, balance, and maybe even curb Naruto's blunt lack of care about anything and everyone around him, he was wrong. Yukata enjoyed it, and even encouraged it, practically praising the blond when he did something obnoxious. One was as bad as the other. Yukata's only defense when Sasuke asked him why he let Naruto run around like that, as Naruto was teasingly holding the cat Tora up in the air from the group of genin's who mission it was to catch him, had been, 'It's cute'. He had also pointed out that Sasuke had always let Naruto run around crazily as well, maybe not enjoying it, but at least tolerating it as was evident by him not stopping the blond's actions either.

Sasuke grew impatient and slapped his hand down on the table. Both teenagers looked up, and Naruto smiled, leaving his place on Yukata's lap and exiting the booth to grace the new comers with hugs. Yukata followed him, adding a quick kiss to Shori's cheek. The two couple's took their places in the booth, this time Naruto opting to sit next to Yukata and simply hold his hand under the table.

"Did Sakura say when she was going to be here?" Yukata asked.

"No. She's running a bit late. Something came up at home that kept her behind. When she gets here don't pick on her. She's in a foul mood." Sasuke looked pointedly at Naruto.

"What? I didn't do anything. What's her problem this time."

"When her mom found out that she was the only one coming tonight that didn't have a date she went out of her way to find her one. Some shop owner's son that is a friend of her father's. She was livid." Shori answered, her voice low as though Sakura might hear her. Naruto winced. Sakura had no interest in boys, or girls, or anyone. While Naruto had been oblivious to romance, Sakura avoided it. She had no time for all that mushy stuff, and she didn't need it. She was perfectly happy to study and go on missions. She led a fun and fulfilling life with out all the extra drama and distraction. She had no objection to other relationships, and had been thrilled for Naruto and Yukata, but it wasn't for her. No doubt her mother's move had made her extremely angry.

"Why didn't she just stay home?" Naruto asked.

"Her mother wouldn't let her. They were fighting about it when I left earlier."

It was at that moment that Sakura entered the restaurant. She had an obvious scowl on her face and was walking quickly towards them, not caring that her 'date', a teenager none of them had met before, was rushing to keep up with her. She sat down without a word and the young man sat next to her. Neither of them said anything. The other four simply stared at them. Naruto broke the silence.

"Hi Sakura. Who's your friend?" Sakura simply huffed and stole the coffee from in front of Yukata, not saying anything. Naruto tried again. He held his hand out to the boy across from him.

"Hi. I'm Naruto. What's your name?" Naruto's natural ability to social helped ease some of the tension, but it did not make Sakura speak.

"My name is Kato. It's very nice to meet you Naruto." He said politely. Naruto went around the table, introducing everybody

"This is Sasuke, and Shori, and Yukata." Naruto emphasized the last person's name by kissing him soundly. Shori waved shyly, Sasuke nodded his head in affirmation, and Yukata leaned over to shake the young man's hand as well, squeezing it congenially. Sakura let her head fall to the table with a bang, and everyone looked at her.

"You ok Sakura?" Yukata asked.

"I've. Had. A rough. Day." She enunciated the words miserably.

"Could I get you something to drink Sakura-chan?" Kato asked politely. He looked slightly fightened.

"No!" She spat at him. "I mean. No. Thank you Kato" Everyone stared at her. She looked up at the group, and sighed heavily. "Excuse me. I just need a bit of air." She stood from the table and walked towards the door of the restaurant. Kato looked uncomfortable.

"I'll go talk to her." Naruto offered. He stood. Kato and Yukata got up to let him pass. "Sakura!" He called after her. She ignored him and kept walking.

"Is that a good idea?" Shori asked. "She doesn't look very receptive right now." She glanced at Kato sympathetically.

"It'll be fine. Naruto is good at this sort of thing." Sasuke replied. Yukata nodded in agreement. His boyfriend could give a nice little speech when one was called for. The waitress came by and got drinks for the rest of the group.

"I'd like to order something for when Sakura comes back," Kato said softly, "but I don't know what she likes."

"Could we also have an extra lemonade for our friend. Also can I get another iced tea for my boyfriend? They should be right back. They just stepped outside for a minute." Yukata asked the waitress politely. She nodded and left to get the requested items.

"Thank you." Kato said and returned to silence.

"So Kato. I haven't see you before. Where are you from?" Shori tried to ease his tension with simple conversation.

Outside Naruto caught up to Sakura. She was leaning against the wall of the building, trying in vain to light her cigarette. She looked so frustrated. Naruto kept silent while taking the lighter from her shaking hands. He lit it easily and held it to the stick of tobacco in her mouth. He watched as she took a deep drag, holding it in for several seconds before releasing the puff of smoke from her mouth.

"Feel better now?" He asked.

"Only slightly. You didn't have to come out here. I would have returned in a few minutes. I know don't like me smoking."

"I didn't say that. I don't really care to be honest." He slipped his hand into her pocket casually and grabbed the pack of cigarettes, taking one and lighting it for himself. He watched his own breath push the smoke out of his mouth slowly, watching it swirl in the night air. "What I said was that I didn't understand it. You're a medical professional. It's a bit contradictory."

"Say's the boy who spends all of his time making out with a guy he said he was too busy training all the time to be into a relationship with." She retorted.

"What can I say? He kind of snuck up on me. That's how it usually happens."

"You've been spending too much time with Sasuke. His words are starting to come out of your mouth." She took another puff.

"This is not what I came out here to talk to you about and you know it. C'mon. Spill. What's wrong with Kato? Is he mean? Annoying? Bad hygiene?" Sakura sighed heavily.

"There's nothing wrong with him. At least I don't think there is. I wouldn't have a clue. I just met him an hour ago. My mother just kind of forced him on me as I was leaving the house." There it was. The crux of the problem.

"She's really getting desperate isn't she?" He asked.

"Oh god Naruto. You have no idea. This is just the tip of the ice berg. It's all she thinks about. She's either talking about boy to introduce me to, or which boys want to be introduced to me, or bringing random strays home for me to meet. This...this is just too much."

"What's so bad about it? I mean. I get why you would be angry about what she did, but Kato seems polite enough to me."

"That's just it Naruto. I don't care if he's polite. I don't care if he is the sweetest man alive, or the most evil. I have no interest in finding out. Why can't she just be happy with me? I'm smart aren't I? Talented? Trained by the hokage herself, and with the most promising medical career ahead of her? What more does she want from me?"

"Grand children. Suji-san talks about it all the time."

"I'm sixteen. I don't need that kind of pressure right now. Not ever. Wait...isn't that kind of awkward to talk about with his mom? You've been dating what?...a few weeks."

"It's not that bad. She's pretty good about not directing it at me. Just talks about it in general. She always has. Ever since Yukata hit puberty she's been looking forward to it."

"Wow. Pressure much?"

"Like I said. She's pretty polite about. It's always as a hypothetical." Sakura wrinkled her nose distastefully.

"I'm so angry. I'm not a pig for breeding."

"Ne, Sakura. Don't be so hard on her. She just wants you to be happy. She's a sweet little housewife, and the daughter and grand daughter of sweet little housewives. She doesn't know any other way. She probably can't even imagine a women who wouldn't want to fall in love, marry, and reproduce madly." Sakura let herself digest her possibility, but shook her head sadly.

"No. I've tried to explain it to her. She thinks I'm just young and distracted. She's trying to help me along. Called me a late bloomer and everything." She stabbed her cigarette butt on the ground and squashed it with her foot. She sighed heavily and ran her hands through her hair. Why couldn't anyone understand. She thought Naruto had at one point. He himself had been so entranced with his career that nothing else had mattered to him, but now even he had jumped on the relationship wagon. He followed Yukata around like a puppy even more now than he did before. Still, he was the closest thing she had to someone getting what she was trying to say. "What do I do Naruto?"

You really want my opinion?"

"Yes."

"You're not going to like it."

"I don't care. I'm not doing so well here on my own, and you're the only one who might possibly see where I am coming from."

"Ok." He said, putting out his own cigarette on the wall. "Here's what you do. You go back into that restaurant. You be nice to Kato because you've scared the living shit out of him for something that wasn't his fault. Have a drink and get something to eat. Enjoy the evening with your friends, and when you get home you tell your mom where she can stick it." Sakura blinked at him in surprise. "I'm serious. You get in her face if you have to, but you make it perfectly clear that what she has done was completely inappropriate. When she tries to placate you, you stick to your guns by any means necessary. Yell, scream, curse if you have to, but you make it clear that she can't pull this shit anymore, and when you're done you pack a bag and come spend the week at my place. You can go home when she realizes that you're sixteen and able to make your own decisions. You have never failed at anything she has told you to do, or disappointed her in any way, and you won't let her run a part of your life that is none of her fucking business. You're a woman now. She's done her job. She has to let you take over knowing she's raised you properly. Maybe you leaving for a while will make her see that." Sakura blinked again. She knew Naruto never took any crap from anyone, about anything, but she rarely sat back and saw the logic behind his scrappy nature. It was his life, and he lived it his way, and he didn't care what people thought, nor would he let them interfere. She digested his words and saw the wisdom in them. When she didn't speak he assumed he had offended her. He thought he might. "I told you that you wouldn't like it." He said.

"No." She finally spoke. "It's brilliant, and the most logical thing anyone has said to me since all this started. Thank you Naruto." She put her arms around him and gave him a strong hug. He hugged her back and placed a hand on the back of her head, holding her there consolingly. He placed a soft kiss to her temple. He pulled back from her, hands still in place, and looked into her deep green eyes.

"Don't ever let anyone push you around Sakura. Just do whatever you need to in order to be happy." She nodded her head silently.

They walked back into the restaurant. The others watched as the pair got closer to the table. Naruto looked calm as ever, and Sakura looked much more calm. The boys shifted once more to allow Naruto back to his spot. Yukata gave him a long kiss hello, and his tongue lined Naruto's lips happily.

"You've been smoking again." He commented at the taste of tobacco on Naruto's breath.

"Yep." He said simply.

"Thank you for my drink Kato." Sakura offered.

"You're welcome Sakura-chan." Sasuke and Shori shared a smile. Naruto never failed when he set his mind to something.

The evening went by without further incident, and Sakura quickly began to have fun. They all made happy conversation and shared a good laugh or two. When dinner was over they split the bill, and went their separate ways after many good bye hugs. Yukata and Naruto walked back to Naruto's apartment, holding hands and talking about what happened between Naruto and Sakura while they were outside.

"Wow. That poor girl. I thought my mom was bad. I'm going to hug that woman so hard when I get home...tomorrow." Naruto smiled and bit his lip at the implications. They walked up the steps and went into the building. As soon as the door was shut behind then Yukata had Naruto pressed up against it, his lips attaching themselves to Naruto fiercely and his hands holding the blond's arms over his head by his wrists. Naruto moaned at the roughness. His hands yanked free from the grip and immediately wound themselves into Yukata' hair. He pulled back briefly to speak.

"I wish your hair was longer."

"Me too. Too bad. Shut up." Naruto felt himself forced silent as a tongue was slid into his mouth almost violently. He left his thoughts behind and let the sensations wash over him. Yukata never failed to make him feel absolutely amazing, and he was obviously in one of his moods. When he got into them he simply couldn't, and wouldn't, keep his hands off of Naruto, even more so than usual. He became controlling, dominant, persistent, and sexy as hell. Naruto let himself be man handled happily. He pushed his tongue back on Yukata's roughly and let them swirl together, taking Yukata's as deeply into his mouth as he could get it. He breathed heavily and felt Yukata bite his lip sharply. He gasped and then moaned. He could feel himself harden in his pants at the heavy treatment. The last time Yukata had been this ravenous Naruto had gotten the most amazing blow job for his trouble. He couldn't wait to see what was in store for himself tonight. He felt Yukata's own hard on rub against his thigh through the double layers of clothing. He felt warm hands cup his ass and squeeze tightly before strong arms lifted Naruto off the ground. Yukata pressed even more closely to Naruto, using his body to hold the blond up against the door. Naruto moaned at the close contact and wrapped his legs tightly around his boyfriend's waist, bringing their erections together. Yukata moaned and let go of Naruto's lips, moving down to attack his neck. He left stinging kisses and little bites everywhere he could find exposed skin. Naruto left Yukata's hair to dig his nails into his back. He shifted his hips forward to grind his clothed cock against the raven's. Yukata bit into him harder and dug his hips back into Naruto's as well. He repeated the action, thrusting against Naruto until he felt the blond shaking, and the noise was flowing freely from his lips as he simultaneously attacked Naruto's collar bone.

"Mmmm. Yukata... Fuck that feels good. Don't stop." Yukata gave a long slow drag against him in response. "Gahh!" Naruto breathed deeply.

"Naruto...nngh...you are so hot when you moan like that." He squeeze the cheeks in his hands harder. He sped up the speed of his thrusts, and Naruto was too distracted to respond. He simply scraped his sharp nails harder down his boyfriend's back. "Fuck...Naruto. I want to fuck you so badly right now." Naruto's head shot up in surprise. This was the first time since that first night the topic of sex had been mentioned. He wanted it so badly. He used his leverage around Yukata's waist to punch his hips upwards even more forcefully.

"Then fuck me Kata. Mmmm. Do what ever you want to me, just don't stop...fuck...so good Kata." If they kept this up he was going to cum.

"Not here. Bedroom. Now." He let Naruto down and grabbed his ass once more, before pushing him in the direction of the bedroom. They stumbled into the room. Yukata pulled him close and began kissing him feverishly once more. He backed Naruto towards the bed until his knees hit it, and he fell backwards. He pulled Yukata with him, the raven landing on top of him heavily, his body resting between his legs. Yukata pulled back long enough to remove his shirt. Naruto took in the long pale expanse of flesh briefly before his neck was being kissed again. He was breathing heavily, and he felt hot. Naruto pushed Yukata up, sitting up as he followed the pull of hot lips. He ripped his shirt over his head and lay back down, using his legs to scoot him up into the middle of the bed. He felt the mattress shift as Yukata followed his movement, crawling over top of him and leaning down to lick at an exposed nipple. Naruto gasped at the sudden sensation, feeling Yukata's tongue run over his chest, running circles around one nipple and sucking before moving to the other to give it the same treatment. With one hand on the side of Naruto's head he used the other to deftly unbutton and pull down the zipper of the blond's pants. He leaned up momentarily to pull them and his boxers down at the same time. Naruto's rock hard cock sprang from the material, and fell onto his lower abdomen with a soft thump. He had been so shy the first time Yukata had seen him naked and hard like this. He quickly learned his size was nothing to be ashamed of, and his boyfriend had ensured him it was something to be impressed with. Yukata himself was no little boy, and Naruto's eyes had nearly bugged out of his head when met with the long thick cock Yukata had been hiding. It had scared him. Now he wanted it too badly to care about anything else. He watched with glazed eyes as Yukata removed his own clothes the rest of the way before settling himself back between Naruto's legs, both of them now completely naked. He kissed him roughly, and grabbed one of Naruto's legs, pulling it up and wrapping it around his waist as he ground their bare cocks together.

"Fuck." Naruto cursed again and thrust up into the contact.

"Nngh. God Naruto. You drive me crazy." Yukata returned to the pace he had set earlier in the living room, the friction so much more delicious now that they were naked. Naruto was bucking back against him frantically. He looked into Naruto's eyes lustfully and used a free hand to pinch a nipple roughly.

"Oh my god...shit. Fuck me. Please just fuck me Kata...I can't take anymore of this." Yukata said nothing as he climbed off of Naruto and searched the floor for his pants, catching his breath a bit in the process. Naruto was so warm and hot underneath him. He needed him so badly. Finding them he pulled out the condom he had stashed in his pocket and returned to the bed. He kissed Naruto once more, his tongue moving frantically against his boyfriend's. Without looking he ripped open the condom wrapper, and held the piece of rubber in his hand. He sat back on his knees and rolled it over his cock as quickly as he could without tearing it. He shoved three fingers into Naruto's face.

"Suck." He commanded. His voice was low, laced with heavy desire. He wanted to feel the friction back on his dick so badly, but feared that touching himself would make him cum too soon. Naruto lifted his head and obeyed, not a trace of nervousness showing on his face or body. He pulled the appendages into his mouth and wetly sucked on them, running his tongue between and around them, slurping sexily as he did so. When they were completely slicked with his saliva he let them slip from his mouth. Yukata lowered the slippery fingers down between Naruto's legs, using his other hand to briefly flick at a hard nipple, pinching it gently.

"Nnngh. Please Kata...stop teasing me!." He gasped as his statement was answered with a finger slipping easily into his tight hole. He thought it would hurt. It didn't. Yukata slowly thrust the finger in and out of his body, eliciting more moans from the eager boy in front of him. He sat back and took in Naruto's reaction before pulling back. When the finger entered him again Naruto felt the stretch as a second joined. it. He flinched, though it still didn't hurt. It felt only very tight.

"Relax Naru. If you don't this will hurt." Naruto nodded wordlessly, forcing his body to comply. Yukata moved the fingers back and forth slowly. After a minute or two he hooked his fingers up, and brushed against Naruto's prostate.

"Shit!. Do that again! Please do that again." Yukata pulled the fingers out and quickly put them back in over and over, brushing up against that spot that had Naruto writhing above him with each movement. Naruto was bucking his hips upwards into the delicious sensation without care, trying to get more sensation on that amazing place inside him that Yukata had found. The third finger finally entered him as well, and it stung ever so slightly. The fingers inside him stroked his sweet spot deliciously with each thrust, and fucked him mercilessly, speeding up with each passing minute. The pain wasn't nearly enough to combat the heated pleasure building in the pit of his stomach.

" Fuck Naruto. You are so tight...C'mere." Yukata removed the fingers completely as he let Naruto sit up and kiss him hotly, all tongue and lips. Yukata pushed him backwards up the bed so that the blond was leaning back against headboard slightly. He pulled both of Naruto's knees up and around his waist, and spit into his hand, bringing it down to coat the condom. He moaned a bit as he felt the sensation of his hand grabbing his cock and rubbed it a few more times to cover the large expanse of it with his saliva. He placed the tip at Naruto's entrance and pushed himself in a bit of the way. Naruto gasped at the size entering him. It stung, much more so than the fingers had, but it was so be expected since Yukata was larger than they were. The pain was brief and he found himself grabbing desperately for a breath as he felt Yukata sink slowly into him until he was buried in his hot body the rest of the way. He could feel his lover's balls hit his ass cheeks.

"Oh my god" Yukata let his head drop to Naruto's chest, overwhelmed by the heat and slick tightness. His dreams were nothing compared to this. His mind had never been able to create this sensation when he thought about Naruto while jerking himself off in the past. He caught his breath and lifted his head up for yet another heated kiss. He pulled his hips back slowly, all the way, and then let gravity pull him back. He moaned, and felt Naruto's legs tighten around him, holding him there, his hands grabbed desperately at the arms of the man on top of him. He gave another slow thrust and listened to the long drawn out moan he received in reply to his movement.

"Stop fucking around and fuck me!" Naruto begged. He got a fast and hard thrust into him for his trouble, and he cursed again. Yukata then stopped his movements completely and grabbed Naruto's chin with his hand, forcing him to look into black eyes.

"You want me to fuck you baby?"

"Yes. Please god stop teasing me Kata."

"You want me to fuck you hard and fast Naru?" He gave a slow thrust

"Yes!"

"Say it. I want to hear you say it." Naruto wasn't shy. He begged shamelessly then.

"Please Kata! Please. Fuck me hard. Screw my ever loving brains out. Do it fast. Make me cum. Please!" Yukata kissed him harshly and thrust into him hard and deep. This time when he pulled out he didn't hesitate. He quickly and roughly sank back in making Naruto scream out his name. It felt divine. Naruto was hot, and warm, and wanton. He picked up his speed, fucking Naruto furiously, unable to hold back now. He groaned into Naruto's mouth before pulling away. He knelt up a bit and grabbed Naruto's legs once more, lifting them over his shoulders so that he could sink even farther into the tight heat. The new angle let him hit Naruto's prostate head on. The blond screamed again. "There. Right there!" His head moved side to side, the sensations overwhelming. Yukata thrust into him roughly, spreading his legs slightly to get even deeper into the tight warm hole that was grabbing him and milking him furiously. He knew he kept hitting Naruto's prostate by the sounds his lover was making. Naruto cursed, moaned, and hissed him name breathily, and scrambled to find purchase on Yukata's body to ride out the violent fucking he was receiving. Yukata buried his head in Naruto's shoulder and moaned into his ear.

"I'm going to cum Naruto." He warned hotly, his voice deep and breathless. Naruto arched his back as much as he could and pulled Yukata close with his arms.

"No! Not yet! Please. Just keep going...don't stop." Naruto could feel his abdomen muscles tightening, and feel the heat coil in his stomach, but he wasn't ready to come yet. He wanted to go on like this forever. It was so hot. So rough. So intense. Yukata kept jerking his hips into his body in such a furious and steady pace.

"I can't...nnngh." Yukata thrust his hand between their sweat slicked bodies and wrapped his fingers around Naruto's cock, squeezing it gently. Naruto gasped, overwhelmed by the double assault. Yukata quickly began pumping his hand up and down the hard length, gradually speeding up until it matched the hard thrusts he made into the blond's body.

"Ahh. So close Yukata...fuck...mmmm. So close. Don't stop...fuck!" Yukata hushed him with a fierce kiss. He felt Naruto's body tense underneath his and felt warm wetness coat his fingers as Naruto finally let the orgasm wash over him. He felt the hole he was sheathed in tighten almost painfully around his cock. The rough sensation only spurred him on. He felt his balls tighten and pull up closer to his body and he released his cum into Naruto, and the condom, with a deep moan of contentment.

"Nnnnnngh." Yukata collapsed on top of Naruto with a huff, bending the smaller boy in half for a second before lowering his legs off his shoulders. He felt arms wrap around him, and a breath in his ear.

"That was...it felt...that was...wow." Naruto stuttered. Yukata merely moaned in agreement. He took a moment to catch the last of his missing breath and rolled off of his boyfriend. There was a squelching sound as they separated and Naruto gave a little squeak at the sudden empty sensation. He removed the dirty condom and threw it in the trash bin by the bed without a second thought, and rolled back, landing next to Naruto on the bed. He lay on his back and laced their fingers together. Yukata's hand was still covered in Naruto's cum. Naruto kept babbling on about the awesomeness of what just occurred, not finding many words aside from 'wow, 'awesome', amazing, 'spectacular'. Yukata laughed lightly.

"So that was sex huh?" Naruto asked.

"Yes Naruto. That was most definitely sex."

"You're pretty good at it."

"I had a feeling I would be, besides how would you know? You were a virgin." Naruto finally realized that he most certainly was no longer a virgin, but then...neither was Yukata

"Well..." Naruto thought for a second. "That was a million times better than anything I've ever done with myself, and I'm pretty sure you would agreed that I'm absolutely awesome. So you must be amazing"Yukata smiled at his cockiness. He leaned over and kissed Naruto on the lips softly and sweetly. He stood up from the bed and headed to the bathroom to wash his hands. He soon found Naruto standing behind him, and felt a gentle kiss placed to his shoulder. "I'm going to grab a shower." Yukata nodded his head and turned around to kiss his boyfriend hotly. He settled his hands on Naruto's hips and slipped his tongue past the blond's lips. Naruto gave a soft sigh in pleasure. Making out softly for a few minutes Yukata eventually pulled away and dropped a towel onto Naruto's head playfully.

"I'll just go make us some coffee in case Sakura shows up." He stepped out of the room without another word. He made his way to the kitchen to make the coffee. He wasn't so sure that Sakura would show up. Maybe she would lose her nerve to confront her mother. Maybe she wouldn't. Either way he'd know by morning. The coffee maker made a gurgling sound as the liquid began to trickle hotly into the pot underneath. He heard the doorbell ring, and sighed heavily. He walked to the door and opened it. Sakura stood there, tears in her eyes, and an overnight bag in each hand.

"Hi Yukata. May I come in?" He moved aside from the door wordlessly as she walked by him and set her bags on the floor. She put her hands to her face and began crying softly into them, still standing in the middle of the room.

"Come here honey." Yukata opened his arms for her and she clung to the hug desperately, crying hard into his shoulder. He ran his fingers through her hair and made soothing noises. She was upset, but she was a strong women. She'd be just fine.

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Ok so there you have it. I realize it was much longer than many of you were prepared for, but I really had to fit all of that in there. It was all important to the upcoming plot. There will be another time skip in the next chapter. I hope you all are enjoying the story so far despite the lack of Sasu/Naru. I promise you it's coming. I promise I promise. If you just sit back and enjoy you'll get to it and really enjoy. Please let me know what you guys think so far, and please try not to be too hard on me. I'm very sensitive at the beginning of new stories. If you notice any major spelling and grammar questions please feel free to bring them to my attention. Next part coming soon.