After what seemed like too long, they entered their hotel room as they readied themselves for a night in. Sasuke took Naruto out for ramen after the debacle by the White House. It warmed Naruto from the inside out in a way that very few things could, another one of which sat across from him, taking a deep swallow of ice water.

The hearty tonkotsu broth stuck to Naruto's ribs, and the dippy egg was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was rare to find a ramen place that could really nail the egg like this - neither too dry nor too runny. Eating it with one arm was a bit awkward. Sasuke didn't even get mad when he bumped his water with his elbow, spilling it on Sasuke's leg. All he did was call Naruto a klutz and offer him a taste of his ramen that Naruto had been staring down the entire meal.

Naruto had learned a bit more about Sasuke today. He learned that his favorite ramen flavor is miso. He also learned that Sasuke has a violent temper and a right cross that you'd never want to be on the receiving end of. Just like Naruto, he'd been in his share of fights - bad ones that ended in scars and broken bones. In addition, Naruto had a few more details to go on as to why Sasuke wouldn't talk to his father anymore. It was painful to hear, and the guy sounded like a royal asshole.

After everything they'd gone through together, it felt strange to still be learning so many basic things about Sasuke. Given that they'd be living together soon, he'd only learn more. It was always two steps forward and one step back with Sasuke, but Naruto was alright with that. It was progress. Even now, Sasuke remained a mystery to him in some ways.

Feeling lethargic after his bountiful meal, he dragged Sasuke into bed with him without taking his fatigues off. He should've known to stop eating earlier, but ramen just doesn't taste the same the next day. Sasuke rested his bag of leftovers on the desk, joining Naruto in their plush bed. Naruto nuzzled his face into Sasuke's neck; he could smell his shampoo.

"Mnn," Naruto purred. "So soft."

Sasuke lay next to Naruto for nearly a minute until finally saying, "Your breath stinks."

"Whatever. I'm going to sleep, and you're going to join me."

"No, you're going to brush your teeth," Sasuke replied crossly. "And get out of those clothes."

He wished he could just fall asleep where he lay. His stomach was bloated from all of that salty goodness, and the delicate way he had to remove his shirt was such a hassle. Then again, this uniform had caused him plenty of hassle today.

"Fine," Naruto grumbled. "I'll brush my teeth, but you're gonna help me get my uniform off."

"Fine by me."

Naruto hurriedly brushed his teeth. Sasuke walked up beside him, now stripped to his briefs, and began to wash his face. Their two-sink bathroom was both a blessing and a distraction for Naruto. Sasuke's hairline was just slightly wet, and his elegant neck craned down to the sink. As Sasuke splashed water onto his face, Naruto found himself staring vapidly with his toothbrush in his mouth. Though Sasuke had been his for years, he still couldn't get used to the sight of him. He was unspeakably gorgeous.

The warm bathroom light above hit Sasuke's shoulder at an angle that lent a slight shine to the yellow, orange, and red feathers on Sasuke's skin. It illuminated one thick line of raised scar tissue on the front side of Sasuke's shoulder and another on the back. Naruto quickly recognized them as surgical wounds. The lines were dotted with scars on either side throughout their lengths; those must have been from the staples that kept his skin together. What kind of fight was this? What the hell had happened?

Before he knew it, Sasuke was looking at Naruto expectantly.

"Ah, sorry…" Naruto said, bashful now that he'd been caught staring.

"Finish brushing your teeth, space cadet."

He didn't know whether Sasuke thought that Naruto was checking him out or staring at his scars. Whatever the case, Sasuke was unbothered. Naruto wondered if he looked as lovestruck as he felt. Sasuke readied his own toothbrush and began brushing his teeth beside Naruto. Naruto was determined to take exactly as long as Sasuke did.

After rinsing their mouths, they stood next to each other in front of the mirror. Even still, Naruto's breath sometimes hitched when he saw his reflection. It had barely been more than a month since he was hit by a landmine. Despite his aching wounds and lifeless arm, sometimes he forgot what he looked like to the world. In their reflection, he saw Sasuke turn toward him.

"Hey," Sasuke said, placing his hand on Naruto's cheek and gently guiding his head so that Naruto was forced to face him. "We still have to take off your clothes."

"Yeah…" Naruto said, gently nuzzling his head into Sasuke's hand despite himself.

It had been one hell of a long day, and his reflection brought it all back to him. In his fatigues, he looked even more like the battle-weary Marine he was. At least this much would be changing tomorrow. Sasuke brushed his thumb over Naruto's bottom lip, causing Naruto to lightly suck on it when he was done. Sasuke bit his lip as he felt the warm moistness of the inside of Naruto's mouth.

Sasuke leaned forward and kissed Naruto, his lips resting against Naruto's for a couple seconds before they both opened their mouths. Sasuke's tongue lightly brushed against Naruto's, and Naruto lapped over Sasuke's tongue stud as they separated. It was always fun to play with. Sasuke leaned back, putting a hand's width's distance between their lips.

"Scratchy," Sasuke remarked.

Scratchy? Oh, right. His beard.

"If you don't like it, we can shave it."

It was a light beard, just past a heavy stubble. He rubbed his palm against his uninjured cheek; it did feel rough. Sasuke did a great job styling it. It wasn't something he saw himself having forever, but it was a nice change.

"I wasn't complaining."

"Do you like it?" Naruto asked, staring at the ground.

"Yeah. It's different."

Naruto couldn't deny that Sasuke liked to experiment. Sasuke's hair had gone through an impressive number of colors over their relationship.

"Have you ever thought of growing one?"

"It'd look absurd. My facial hair isn't thick enough."

Naruto pursed his lips.

"I think you'd look sexy with a little stubble."

Naruto placed his palm against Sasuke's cheek, rubbing his thumb over his cheekbone.

"Shit. Soft as a baby's ass."

Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Not sure if I should thank you for that unfortunate compliment."

"Unfortunate?" Naruto asked as he unzipped his shirt. "Seriously though, your skin is so soft. Everything but your palms."

Naruto was able to shake his left arm out of the shirt, and Sasuke guided the shirt over Naruto's left. He tried to silence the part of him that was humiliated by this. It was also a nice feeling for Sasuke to care for him. It made him feel loved.

"I keep my hands busy," Sasuke shrugged.

He was glad Sasuke was keeping up the conversation. It distracted him and soothed his aching pride.

"Heh, I can't deny that," Naruto said with an impish grin.

Sasuke raised his brow at Naruto before removing Naruto's beige undershirt.

"I got the pants," Naruto said. "Thanks, babe."

He still couldn't help but feel a little insecure in front of Sasuke when he was so exposed. To alleviate that, he walked over to the bed, removed his pants, and tucked himself under the covers. After turning off the bathroom light, Sasuke joined him. They lay on their sides facing each other.

Naruto reached out to Sasuke, holding the back of his hand to Sasuke's face. He touched Sasuke's neck, then his chest, really focusing on how smooth his skin was.

"What's with your preoccupation with my skin today?"

"Do I need a reason to wanna touch you?"

"No," Sasuke said as he tilted his head. "I suppose not."

"Do you use lotion?"

Sasuke shrugged.

"I take care of my skin."

"Shoulda figured," Naruto said with a light smile.

Sasuke reached out toward Naruto's face. He moved slowly now, eventually resting his palm on Naruto's cheek. Sasuke's thumb brushed over one of the scars on Naruto's cheek. Naruto flinched before he even processed Sasuke's touch.

"Does it hurt when I do that?"

He hadn't meant to flinch. The sensations he felt on his scar tissue were different, and he was still getting used to it. The skin was less sensitive and felt tight.

"No, not when you're so gentle," Naruto muttered.

"Good. Because I like them."

He believed Sasuke. Sasuke moved forward and left a small peck on one Naruto's scars. Naruto's eyes began to water. Did he deserve to be treated so tenderly?

"I like every part of you. Doesn't matter what kind of scars you have."

His tears pooled above his eyelid and dripped down his cheek. Despite everything, he could never stop being such a sap. He was a romantic, and it seemed like nothing could change that. But he had no words for how accepted and loved he felt at that moment. Today, he was essentially called a murderer. Were they wrong?

"But there are parts of me you've never seen," Naruto said, his voice cracking. "I know you love me, but you weren't there."

Naruto tried not to choke up. Sasuke never saw him pull the trigger. He knew nothing about his life in Afghanistan. It was like a dream now, with its only evidence so clearly displayed on Naruto's body.

"There are…" Sasuke began, hesitating for a moment. "Parts of me you've never seen. Will you still love me after you've seen them?"

"Of course," Naruto answered without hesitation.

"Are you sure?" Sasuke asked, narrowing his eyes and meeting Naruto's stare directly.

"Sasuke, I will always love you. Nothing can change that."

The soft smile on Sasuke's lips soothed him. His smiles were so rare, but they warmed Naruto to his core.

"Then you understand how I feel."

Naruto nodded, his eyes tearing up again. Sasuke placed a chaste kiss on his forehead. Glancing at Sasuke's shoulder, he reached out and gently ran his thumb over Sasuke's scar.

"So, they took you in for surgery?"

Sasuke nodded.

"Yeah. They fixed me up quickly."

Naruto pressed with a little more force, feeling Sasuke's collarbone. He noticed a knot in the bone that he'd never felt before.

"Sasuke, what happened? What kind of fight ends in injuries like this?"

Sasuke simply shrugged. It was odd how quickly Sasuke could switch from open, loving, and vulnerable to totally closed off. Two steps forward, one step back.

"Was it… Was it your father?"

Sasuke's eyes widened.

"No," he answered quickly. "It wasn't. I was… I was mugged."

Mugged? Sasuke said it'd just been a fight. Though he was technically being honest, it was more serious than what Sasuke had let on. That certainly wouldn't be the first time. But what sort of area had Sasuke lived in growing up? And who would mug a kid? What did they stand to gain?

"Did they catch him?"

Sasuke paused for a moment, seeming to mull the question over. Sasuke inhaled, looked up at the ceiling, then exhaled.

"He got what he deserved."

"Good," Naruto said. "Stuff like this goes unpunished way too often."

But Sasuke wasn't looking at him now. Naruto could see him drifting away and closing up. These were bound to be unpleasant memories for Sasuke. Naruto took this as a cue to change the subject.

"So, I guess that's one part of your body that isn't soft," Naruto said, reaching for Sasuke's hand and pulling it out of the sheet. "Your palms too."

Naruto felt Sasuke's body release into the bed as Naruto rubbed his left palm, toying with each finger. The back of Sasuke's hand was as smooth as silk. He brushed his thumb over every fingertip. He paused as he noticed something interesting. Sasuke's fingertips on his left hand, with the exception of his thumb, were covered in thick calluses. He recognized them in a heartbeat.

"Have you… Have you been playing Ally?"

Sasuke paused, his stare leaving the sheets and finding purchase in Naruto's eyes.

"Mn, only when I missed you."

Ally had not sat untended to and unwanted. He'd honestly missed her so much, as silly as he felt for it. He missed losing himself in music. All this time, Sasuke had played her to be reminded of him. That's how much he missed him.

"You should've told me!" Naruto beamed. "I could've given you tips!"

If only he'd heard Sasuke play from the start. It'd be like watching a baby learn to walk.

"That wasn't necessary. I was just playing around."

Naruto rolled his eyes with a smile. He was sure that Sasuke would refuse to tell a soul until he was near a professional level. It was just the type of person he was.

"What songs have you learned?"

"I've learned a few," Sasuke said as he thought. "My favorite is 'Sweet Child of Mine.'"

"No way!" Naruto replied, his voice louder than he'd intended it to be. "Can you do the solo?"

"I manage."

It was scary how quickly Sasuke learned new things. Then again, it had been two years. Sometimes it felt like just yesterday Naruto was in Manhattan with him, and other times it felt like a lifetime ago.

"You must've missed me a lot," Naruto grinned.

"I won't deny it."

Naruto blushed despite himself. He didn't know what it was about Sasuke; he could change his mood so quickly. How could Sasuke make him so happy when every day was such a struggle?

"What song do you like playing the best?"

"Hmm…" Naruto pondered. "It's hard to answer that. I really like the sound of Voodoo Chile. But Blackbird holds a special place in my heart."

Sasuke didn't respond; perhaps he wanted Naruto to continue.

"One of the last memories I have of my dad was him teaching me Blackbird when I was eight. He'd only given me a couple lessons over the past week, but he'd left me with daily lessons. He was crazy good at the guitar, and he always looked so cool when he played!"

A wistful smile formed on Naruto's face without his knowledge.

"I asked him to teach me Blackbird, but he said I was too new to learn. But I begged and begged. I practiced so much my fingers bled, but I learned it. He was so proud of me."

He so clearly remembered his dad telling him how talented, smart, and hardworking he was. He remembered the smile on his face and the exact layout of their family room. Both of them were sitting on their long blue couch. He remembered that they'd had spaghetti for lunch. Though sparse, he cherished these memories of his family.

"A nice memory," Sasuke murmured. "I like 'Sweet Child of Mine' for similar reasons."

"Yeah?"

Naruto would never pass down an opportunity to learn more about Sasuke's past, both the negative and the positive. Sasuke's eyes were simultaneously sharp and warm as he continued.

"My mom used to sing it to me like a lullaby when I was a kid, really soft and sweet. So playing it on your acoustic felt right. It was almost like…" Sasuke swallowed. "Almost like I heard her voice again."

Naruto held Sasuke's hand; he could tell that he needed it. Sasuke squeezed back ever so slightly, the ghost of a smile on his lips a testament to his appreciation.

"Yeah, same thing with my dad. I…" Naruto paused. "It's been almost twenty years since the accident, but I still miss them every day. Sometimes I feel impatient with myself. I don't know why I'm taking so long to get over it."

Sasuke nodded.

"I feel the same way about my mom. I get frustrated with myself occasionally, but other times it feels good to remember her."

They lay together for a few seconds more. Naruto could sense that Sasuke had more to say, so he stayed quiet.

"As much as it pissed my dad off, my tattoo was helpful. It's a daily reminder, but I chose for it to be there. It's like keeping her with me. Gives me a sense of control and closure."

"Yeah?" Naruto asked. "Sounds like something I could use. I know I want to get more work done, but other than the fox, I'm not sure where to start."

"I can help you with that."

Naruto smiled.

"Yeah, I know you can. If I'm going to be getting a memorial tat though, I wonder if I should…" Naruto paused. "If I should start with Neji."

This was something he had yet to cope with. With the exception of the most recent month, Naruto had seen Neji every day for two years. They laughed together, fought together, and nearly died together. However, he'd seen a lot of people every day for those years, from Tenten to his lieutenant. That life seemed so distant to him that it was easy to forget that Neji was gone.

"You know… Sometimes I tell myself that he's still over in Afghanistan with Tenten and the crew. And I know it's gonna hit me, but with Lee and everything else, I've been trying not to think about it. Trying to delay the inevitable."

"There's nothing wrong with taking things as they come, Naruto," Sasuke said softly. "You have a lot to work through."

"I know," Naruto said with a weak laugh. "Trust me, I know. I honestly don't know what to do these days, but I just...do without thinking. I have no other choice."

Naruto was choking up, as evidenced by his difficulty in getting that last word out. He swallowed and continued.

"But I wonder if a day's going to come when I just...can't anymore."

He tried to hide it from Sasuke. Sleep didn't come easily these days. The nightmares, his healing injuries, and those intrusive late night thoughts of self-loathing and desolate sadness saw to that. However, he wasn't actually doing that much. They were on vacation, yet even this first foray out into civilian life drained him. How many times had he cried during this trip? How could he be so weak?

The excitement of being reunited with his friends in Manhattan was keeping him going. The small military stipend he was receiving would at least somewhat compensate Sasuke for allowing him to live there, though Sasuke wasn't exactly hurting for cash. It was the principle of it; he hated feeling like a mooch.

Of course, he'd need to move forward somehow. Naruto wanted to start school. He wanted to become a teacher. Yet he couldn't even keep himself together for this vacation that Sasuke put together for the very purpose of relaxing him. He hadn't predicted how isolated and apart he felt walking through crowds.

Then what of school? Most of his classmates would still be in their teens. To say that he would stand out would be an understatement. And even after graduation, was someone with his past really fit to sculpt children into adults?

What about Neji? What about Lee, still stuck at Landstuhl without having walked a single step? What about Tenten, in Afghanistan all alone? Tenten told Naruto that the unit had a small ceremony to remember those who died in the attack. But Naruto and Lee hadn't witnessed this, nor had they been able to attend Neji's funeral.

If he couldn't even handle this, how the hell was he supposed to be a functioning member of society? How had this come so easily to him in the past? It was too much.

All of these thoughts whirled throughout his psyche, like an endless storm. Again, he was stuck in his own head, and his breaths came shallow. He was disrupted by the feel of Sasuke's calloused fingers tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. The welcome sight of Sasuke's soft smile was reflected in Naruto's glassy eyes.

"If that day comes, I'll be there to carry you."

He'd fought so hard for so long to have Sasuke in his life. Every second was worth it. Sasuke did everything intensely. He hated intensely, and he loved intensely. No matter how often he despised himself and wondered what Sasuke saw in him, he couldn't deny that Sasuke loved him deeply and honestly. Sasuke was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and hell was he strong.

"I know you will," Naruto's said, squeezing Sasuke's hand tight and staring down at his pillow. "I'm just… I'm so tired, Sasuke."

"I know, love," Sasuke said. He leaned forward and kissed Naruto, wiping the tears on Naruto's cheek away with his thumb. "I know."

Naruto wondered how well he hid his nervousness at going to the mall from Sasuke. He found it pathetic that even simple things like this stressed him now. He used to love being around people. Now he just felt like an intruder. Why did people have to keep thanking him for his service? But despite it all, he left the mall with three packed bags of clothes and much lighter spirits.

He'd wanted to stick to the discount stores, but Sasuke insisted on taking him into a few of his favorites. They weren't cheap. Sasuke bought him this ridiculously badass leather coat. It was a burnt orange color and came with black suede straps and metal chains. Naruto was a size smaller than he was before the accident; his muscles atrophied during his hospital stays. This jacket accented his shoulders, which used to be so wide. It made him feel stronger again.

Unfortunately, it was $300. Sasuke couldn't be talked out of it.

"It's as much for me as it is for you," Sasuke had said. "You look damned sexy in that coat."

The voracious look Sasuke gave him made him about melt on the spot. As they passed a lingerie store, Naruto made a crack about hitting it up next.

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" Sasuke said as he rolled his eyes.

"That was the intent, yeah."

"I wish it hadn't been."

Naruto was left to wonder what the hell that even meant for a solid minute before he pieced it together. The telltale burning on his face meant that he had to be turning at least five shades redder.

"You don't mean… You want… Me…" Naruto stammered, looking into the shop and then back at Sasuke. "In there?"

Sasuke was practically sexing Naruto with his eyes as he tried on clothes throughout the day. That was bad enough, but this?

"Is that a problem?" Sasuke asked as he tilted his head insouciantly.

"You're joking, right?"

He'd better not be dicking around with him, just so he could laugh the minute Naruto believed him.

"There's nothing funny about it," Sasuke shrugged.

"Have you ever…" Naruto began, gesturing as he lost steam. "Worn something like that?"

"Why not? Lingerie looks good on me."

And now he was several shades redder, reduced to stammering. Sasuke was so blunt and matter-of-fact about it. He couldn't help but imagine Sasuke wearing it, garters up his legs and lace on Sasuke's thighs, the way Sasuke's cock would make the panties bulge… He hadn't ever thought of this before, but that image was sexy as all hell.

"H-how am I just now learning this about you?"

Sasuke arched a pierced brow.

"I've worn it for a few scenes. Is it really such a big deal?"

When Sasuke put it this way, he supposed it wasn't. Guys wearing traditionally female clothes was not a big deal, was it? Maybe all of that time he was thrashed on for being bisexual growing up had warped his psyche. After this, his masculinity became a prime target for school bullies. So he distanced himself from all things feminine. He wasn't one of those queers. He was "normal." He just wanted to fit in.

"I guess not," Naruto said with a frown as he mulled this over and stood by the store's entrance.

"Maybe another time?" Naruto added with a nervous laugh. "I mean, I got no problem with it, but people are even staring at me now, so… I can't imagine how much they'd stare at me if I were in that store."

He was still decked out in his fatigues, which never seemed to stop attracting attention. Sasuke shrugged. Naruto began to walk past the store, and Sasuke followed.

"So it's not off the table, hm?"

Naruto squirmed. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

"I just don't want a thong," Naruto said as he walked away. "Like hell am I walking around with a chafed asshole."

"Thongs don't chafe your asshole, idiot," Sasuke replied with a huff as he rolled his eyes.

"You've worn a thong?" Naruto asked as he pivoted and walked backwards, his eyes wide.

"A few times."

"How long did you wear it for?"

"A couple hours maybe. Mind the corner behind you."

With a quick glance behind him, Naruto corrected his path.

"How do you know that thongs don't chafe your asshole when you've never even worn one all day?"

Somehow, Naruto had missed a very short man just around the corner. He gawked at Naruto; maybe he should lower his voice. It didn't seem to bother Sasuke.

"If you're so curious, you can wear mine."

Damn, was it a little warmer in here?

"Let me see that thoooong," Naruto burst into song, tilting his head back. "That thong thong thong thong thong."

"Naruto, stop," Sasuke said as he regarded Naruto in horror.

He'd succeeded in embarrassing Sasuke; this only fueled him. Indeed, "The Thong Song" was a powerful tool.

"I like it when the beat goes…duh duh duh… Baby make your booty gooooo!"

With that, Sasuke heel turned, walking in the opposite direction.

"Sasuke, wait!" Naruto laughed, hooking his arm around Sasuke and pulling him close.

Sasuke emitted a reluctant groan as Naruto kissed Sasuke on the head. His hair felt so soft against his lips. Within seconds, they passed a restroom. Naruto couldn't change quickly enough. Within two minutes, he was rocking that leather coat and skinny black jeans. It literally felt as though weights were lifted from his shoulders. Sure, he stood out. He always would. But at least he could pass as a civilian now, and a very well-dressed one at that. He hadn't expected it to relieve him as much as it did.

They left soon after. As Sasuke accelerated onto the highway, Naruto knew that only 250 miles stood between him and his old life. Naruto couldn't help but feel anxious with every increase of the odometer's reading. He turned the music up. He was enjoying listening to the radio. Almost everything was new to him.

"Oooh, I like this song!" Naruto said as he pointed at the radio. "What's it called?"

The song reminded him a bit of hip hop, rock, and funk, and it started on someone laughing. Naruto couldn't help but rock in his seat.

"Feel Good Inc," Sasuke answered simply.

"By who?"

"The Gorillaz."

"Oh? I've never heard of them!"

"Yeah, they're good. I like this song, but it's getting overpla-"

"Don't stop. Get it, get it! Peeps duh nuh somethin' in it. Steady, watch me navigate. Ha ha ha ha HA!"

Sasuke raised his brows, edging away from Naruto.

"Heh, sorry," Naruto grinned. "It's involuntary."

"Fuck, it's gonna be a long drive home."

Naruto only laughed in response. He could swear that he gained a year of life every time he threw Sasuke off of his game. It was so satisfying.

Soon enough, the draw of new top 40 music wore off on him. They made small talk for most of the 3-hour drive home. Naruto was gracious that Sasuke at least contributed enough to keep the conversation going. Sasuke knew what this was to him. He was glad he didn't have to explain.

Finally, they arrived at the rental agency, dropped the car off, and took a taxi to Sasuke's apartment. It felt so familiar, yet so foreign, the building looming up to nearly 50 floors. He remembered the first time he came, grabbing dinner at 33 on their second date. The swanky restaurant hadn't changed a bit.

At the time, he felt impressed and honestly a bit outclassed. Sasuke seemed so untouchable, someone totally out of his league. But now, this was home. It was the strangest thought. Upon entering, Naruto immediately approached the elevator. For whatever reason, Sasuke wasn't joining him.

"Hold up," Sasuke said as he approached a door toward the front of the lobby. "I need to give them rent. You might as well make an appearance, given that I'm putting you on the lease."

He couldn't help but feel butterflies in his stomach at that. Even though this arrangement was temporary, this made things feel more permanent.

"Ah…" Naruto said, craning his head around the lobby, "Okay."

Sasuke motioned for Naruto follow. After crossing the lobby, Sasuke took him into a door labeled "Conference Room." It seemed like an odd place to pay rent, but Naruto didn't think much on it.

He was far more confused that it was dark inside. But the instant Naruto stepped foot in the room, the lights turned on.

"SURPRISE!"

Everyone was here. Everyone. Kiba, Shikamaru, his Mugs coworkers, Juugo, Suigetsu, Karin, Tsunade, Sakura, even Saskura's parents…

Was he dreaming? How could this be happening? He gaped, his eyes enormous.

"How the…" Naruto could barely speak. He began to laugh. "How the hell did you all manage this?"

He wished he could hug everyone in the room, but he didn't know where to start. They were all in a large open space with a couple tables against the wall. He stood there, so excited that it paralyzed him. He felt like he was about to implode from sheer joy.

"Holy shit, Sakura!"

Sakura approached Naruto with quick steps and hugged him gently, likely afraid of injuring him.

"Oh my god, you sneaky bitch!" Naruto shouted. "How long have you been back without telling me?"

Sakura was home. Most importantly, she was safe. She looked great.

"Just two weeks," Sakura said with a smile. "Welcome home."

Naruto gave Sakura a tight one-armed hug, swaying her back and forth.

"God, I missed you," he whispered in her ear.

He caught Tsunade's eyes as she smiled at him; she stood right behind Sakura.

"Granny!"

Tsunade moved forward and hugged him.

"Yeah, welcome home, brat."

He hadn't seen Tsunade in years. Her flight from California must've been a sacrifice; after all, her lack of funds was what caused Naruto to be taken away from her fifteen years ago.

"Oh my god, thanks so much for… Kiba!"

"Sasuke, what the fuck?" Naruto laughed as Kiba pat him on the back.

"I had everyone's contact information," Sasuke shrugged. "Just sent an e-mail and let them run with it."

As Naruto's first of kin, Sasuke was responsible for delivering all news to Naruto's loved ones.

"Nah," Kiba interrupted. "I mean, I corralled everyone from Mugs, but Sasuke did the rest himself."

"I gave a location and a time," Sasuke said as he rolled his eyes.

Sasuke had gone so far for him. He knew that this sort of thing wouldn't come naturally to Sasuke. He constantly left his comfort zone for him.

Of course, there was an elephant in the room. They were certainly all thinking about it, likely afraid to mention it. He wanted to ignore it, but he knew that this would only worry his loved ones more.

"Now, I know what you're all thinking," Naruto said addressing everyone with a grin. "'Wow, he looks so different with a beard!'"

He was relieved when everyone laughed.

"You call that a beard?" Kiba shouted. "It's barely even stubble!"

Naruto put his hand to his chest in mock hurt.

"Kiba, how dare you?!" Naruto cried, wiping away an imaginary tear.

One person after another hugged Naruto as the other guests socialized amongst themselves. The night was young. There was still plenty of mischief they had yet to get into.

The future was scary. Terrifying, really. But at least he wasn't doing it alone.