Sun and Moon Rising

Chapter 11: And Also, I love you (Naruto POV)

With Kurama on a hiatus for some unknown reason, I was forced to heal the old-fashioned way. Sasuke refused intimacy from me for the next two weeks insisting that I focus on my recovery, which was difficult when he was always strutting around in swim trunks or boxers. He pleasured me occasionally but no further than we had gone previously in our sexual explorations. I was so addicted to him that it was pathetic. I craved his attention and needed his presence more than the oxygen required to breathe. Which concerned me because we mastered avoiding any pertinent conversation about the future of our relationship once the agreed upon year passed by. If I felt this way after a measly two months, how could I survive distance from him after a whole year? Little did he know, I had an ace up my sleeve when we arrived back in Konoha to persuade him to stay, which I wrote to Kakashi about its progress. I also wrote to all my friends about our journey so far and included our status as an official couple. The replies poured in quicker than I anticipated filled concern for my clumsiness and tribulations. They also showered love and support for us being together, which melted my heart. In my eyes, Sasuke was never the villain he professed himself as, and it seems that my friends trusted my judgement or saw it for themselves based on the amount of congratulations I received. When I showed Sasuke the letters, he nodded appreciative more so for my own sake than caring about their approval on his end. I supposed it wasn't too big of a deal since he was only my boyfriend, but nevertheless, it meant a lot to me that he accepted the title I slapped on us in Nioboka. I still flaunted my bracelet he crafted for me all the time and even wore it when I slept, which he never complained about the metal freezing his skin in the middle of the night. Fortunately, he remained nightmare free after the latest incident probably from me spooning him since we held no further discussion about his brother. I intended to help him on the subject further but only when he was ready.

When I tried on the boot Karin fitted for me after my probationary period, I felt constricted and slightly disappointed that Sasuke wouldn't have to carry me or give me piggy back rides everywhere, but the freedom made up for it. I couldn't go in the hot spring or swim in the ocean, but I engrossed myself in activities I could do with Sasuke and the rest of team Taka. We spent the following month playing games, collecting sea shells, soaking up the sun on the beach, which bronzed my skin even more. I helped Jugo with his animals, and Sasuke helped him cook. Sasuke also worked with Karin in her lab a lot, but we always spent our nights alone cuddling and experimenting with each other without having sex. As summer poised right around the corner, it promised warmer weather and longer days, which gave me an idea.

"Please Sasuke," I tugged on his cloak budding with pride that he still wore it after all this time and loved it enough to bring it with him.

"I don't think it's a good idea. Walking on the beach at dusk is probably not the best activity knowing your track record," he remarked in a sarcastic tone.

"Stop worrying about me! My foot is practically healed now! Plus, you'll be right next to me. I'm not going alone," I huffed. I was acting childish, maybe, but I wanted to get out and explore with him when the sun was setting.

"Ugh, fine," he closed the textbook he was reading in the living area and stood up.

"You'll really go with?" I batted my eyelashes at him.

"Yes, usuratonkachi," he sighed. I giggled as I followed him outside. The breeze hit me instantly thankful for my orange jacket.

"Look at the sky Sas!" I marveled in awe of nature's painting before us with layers of every color stacked in a perfect rainbow. I stole a glance at his face that displayed a pleasant expression. I clasped his hand in mine and yanked him forward down the stone stairs that lead to the beach.

"Watch where you are going," he cautioned.

"Shut up teme," I chucked my shoe off my foot wishing that my boot flung along with it. I couldn't wait for the removal of the contraption. Sasuke took an organized approach and placed his sandals neatly against the rock wall. His body sunk into the sand causing our heights to nearly match. I trucked on ahead of him as fast as the boot allowed me to trot in the sand. Sasuke quickly caught up with me and held my hand interlacing our fingers. I expected him to scold me for forging ahead without him but was relieved when he didn't. With the tide farther out, we walked on the wet sand. I found myself watching Sasuke as he concentrated on the path straight ahead probably calculating how much time we had on this section of the beach before the water rushed back in. I leaned on his arm causing him to tuck me under the shelter of his cape with my hand still firmly in his. It was moments like this where I wondered if he truly loved me, but I was too much of a coward to ask or tell him how I felt. The salty ocean air blended perfectly with his trademark aroma of amber and sandalwood as I scrunched my face into his shirt to inhale the combined scent.

"Do you need to stop and rest?" He asked me concerned mistaking my affinity for him as tiredness. I had not realized how far we already wandered from our starting point, when the waves suddenly whooshed in. Sasuke reacted by immediately picking me up to avoid the water from soaking my boot. I enfolded my legs around his waist and stared deeply in his dark Uchiha eyes which asked for permission to kiss me. I obliged swept away like the ocean by the sensation of his lips on mine. Always fresh and surreal every time. Every kiss we shared felt different and brought new emotions to the surface. The way he threaded his fingers through my hair as his tongue grazed the inside of my mouth lowered all my inhibitions. I would have said or yes to anything or done anything for him in that moment. I pulled away from him needing a second to breathe. "We should go back. It's getting dark and you won't be able to see where you are walking on this unsolid terrain," he stated. I ignored him and crashed my mouth to his needing the sensation of his tongue against mine. He shivered. Probably not from actually being cold. I resisted as he glided me back to the ground. I peered up at him his gaze fixated on me with a haunting expression. It would have scared me if I didn't understand his intention. "Want me to carry you?" his voice husky causing my salivated mouth that was just stimulated from our kiss to run dry. I nodded. He picked me up and backtracked briskly to the spot where we set our shoes. He slid his on in a swift motion and picked me up again before I had the chance to do the same. He ignored Jugo who was reading in the common area when he zipped past him. Immediately after he closed the door to our room, he leaned down to kiss me with a new desire I never saw from him.

"Was that a 'poof' I just heard?" He broke away from me almost frowning. "It sounded like when your shadow clones disappear…" Damnit he was so perceptive. I supposed he wouldn't be such an attentive lover otherwise.

"It's nothing," I croaked. "Seriously, Sas. Just kiss me," I yanked on his shirt to bring him forward, but without the leverage needed for someone evenly matched with me, he resisted.

"You are the one who said no secrets," he spat but not a lot. Only a little bit of his saliva landed on my cheek. "What were your shadow clones doing in here usuratonkachi?" he tilted his head with an expression slightly less serious. I blushed brighter red than the fan on the Uchiha crest.

"Oh, you know…. Just preparing dattebayo…" I stuttered.

"I don't follow," his voice deepened but maintained curiosity. He set me down on the ground.

"Preparing for sex…" I turned away embarrassed. He laughed clutching his stomach. "It's not that funny." I chuckled too because in the rare instances he laughed, I couldn't help but join in even if it was at my expense.

"Come here," his finger and his tone beckoned me to him. He picked me up again this time wrapping my legs around his waist. I could feel his strong erection through his pants as he carried me to the bed throwing me on it before he hurled his weight on top of me. "Don't ever let me tell you that you are not smart," he demanded. His devilish smirk alone could make my cock hard if it wasn't already. My mouth gaped open as his raw power hovering over me with his cock pressing against mine through our clothes. He shut my mouth by attacking me with his. His kiss so aggressive it felt like he was biting me with each collision. Maybe he was, but I didn't care. I needed more than just his mouth. Why were we still dressed? He answered the question in my head by unzipping my jacket revealing the mesh fishnet shirt underneath. "I'm glad you wear a jacket over this shirt. No one should see you like this but me," his pretentious grin made my cock twitch with no room left in my pants for it to expand further, if that was even possible. He ripped my shirt off my body. Then he unzipped his shirt and tossed it to the ground. His porcelain skin complimented my golden skin tone as he floated his body over mine.

"I need my pants off, Sasuke. They are too tight," I said breathless already and blushing too. He obliged and slid my joggers off before undoing his own. His pace changed when he straddled me. His kisses switched to romantic and delicate taking his time to taste me like an upscale meal. He intertwined my tongue with his effortlessly. Maybe we were just proficient at making out from so much practice. He kept kissing me as he removed my boxers then he broke off to briefly to stand up and take off his own. I don't know what made him go from possessive to gentle, and I also couldn't decide which version of him I loved more.

"Can I kiss you for a while?" A polite request that liquefied my insides. The gleam in his eye changed from lust filled man to gentleman. I nodded welcoming his mouth again as his naked body laid on top of mine. Even though the pace slowed down, my arousal and need for him exponentially increased from the touch of his skin. We kissed long enough to match the lifetime of desire I saved for him. My hands never idle constantly felt every scar that lined his back. He migrated from my mouth to his neck then back to my lips. I moaned his name so many times I lost count. And each time I did, he paused to smile at me to only continue kissing me more. When I couldn't take it any longer and I felt my cock leaking fluid, I pushed him away from me.

"I need you," I whispered.

"You have me." His reply genuine. I never saw his face look so beautiful. His lips drawn swollen and red from so much kissing. His hair messy and perfect at the same time. His eyes gazing at me in a dreamy trance.

"Can I have you inside of me?" I asked partially nervous that he would reject my proposal partially nervous that he would agree.

"Are you sure you are ready?" he whispered in my ear then pecked me on the check.

"Yes," I moaned as he inserted a finger up my hole, which slid in with no problems. After three fingers he was apparently satisfied.

"Tell your clones they did a good job," he brought his lips back to mine before I could respond. He spread my legs out to the side. I thought my boot might annoy me, but I couldn't focus on anything but him. He coated his glorious, thick cock with lube. "I don't want to hurt you. Please communicate with me if I do," he instructed. I shook my head yes because the word trapped itself in my throat. "Relax, Naruto." He positioned his cock at my entrance, and I squealed before anything even happened. "Are you sure?" He gazed at me.

"Mhm," I exhaled.

"Okay. I'll try to be gentle." He reassured me, and I trusted him. When the tip entered me, my jaw clenched, and I reached for his body. He leaned in close to me keeping one hand on his cock for control.

He brushed my lips with his before I pulled back and moaned, "Give me more." He obeyed and slide in a little further. I gripped his shoulders which caused him to slide in further. I moaned in ecstasy or pain. To be honest, it felt like both. My body somehow forced to accommodate his wide girth. He never took his eyes off me, and I'm sure I was making crazy facial expressions as he went a little further.

"I'm half way in. How are you doing?" He asked caressing my whiskers with his thumb.

"Only half?" I bit my lip nervously.

"We can stop if you want." His breathing labored. I wondered if he was enjoying it and trying to control himself or if he wanted to pull out, but I didn't ask.

"Keep going," I whispered. He smiled at me then kissed me as he pushed further. Something changed, and I suddenly felt euphoric. He must have witnessed the changed on my face because he gave one final push and was all the way inside me. Sasuke was inside me. The person I went through hell and back for and would do it all over again for was inside me. In that moment, we were a cohesive bonded unit of what I wanted to believe was love. He thrusted slowly but in a rhythmic way in and out like the ocean tide we witnessed before retreating to this private haven. I dug my nails in his back, which he didn't seem to mind.

"Sasuke…" I gasped for air. "I'm close."

"Me too," he grunted back and sped up causing me to moan his name louder. I gripped my cock in my hand as soon as I felt his pulse inside me. "I'm going to…" his voice trailed off. I instinctively clenched my glutes confining him between my walls as he released his orgasm inside me seconds after mine. It took him a minute to collect himself and return to reality. When he pulled out of me, he laid his stomach on top of mine not caring that he spoiled his clean skin with my cum. He sprinkled me with several kisses until all we could do was stare at each other. I almost told him several times that I loved him and wondered if he thought the same, but I knew better than to confess my love right after sex. After he made me feel like that though, it was all I could think about.

"Are you alright?" he asked apprehensively when I thought my face told him everything he needed to know.

"Mhm," was all I could manage to say back.

"Let's have a bath." He wobbled when he stood up and gained his footing before he carried me. His cum leaked out me as he carefully removed my boot. "I forgot about this thing," he smiled as he set it next to the bed.

"Me too," I giggled softly.

"Stay here. I'll get you when its ready." He walked away from me naked. The view of his taut ass mesmerized me, and if I was not so exhausted, I would have been hard again. I listened to the flowing water fill the top. When it stopped, he scooped me up in his arms and stepped into the tub still carrying me until he submerged himself in the water. I eased myself against his chest. "Are you hurting or sore at all?" He rested his chin on the top of my head.

"A little sore, but it was worth it to be with you like that," I said softly. And also, I love you. A thought that still never traveled from my brain to my larynx. He didn't respond which made me nervous. "Did you like it?" I choked out.

"Yes. A lot," his response quick and resolute. He kissed the back of my head. I thought he was going to say something else because I felt his mouth open wider, but he shut it. He washed me thoroughly then he washed himself. "We should get out before we fall asleep in here again," he let out a mini laugh. He twisted the drain then stood up holding me in his arms. I stared up at him. He looked at me and said, "If you are really sore tomorrow, I'll carry you everywhere." I blushed and nodded with gusto. He laid me down on my side of the bed before he turned off the light and crawled in. He spooned me, a change from our routine lately that made me swoon. Since the night he had that terrible dream, I held him, but I loved being in his arms so much that I wiggled into his embrace.

"Goodnight Naruto," he whispered my name in his sleepy voice.

"Goodnight Sasuke." And also, I love you.

The light of the morning burst in the bedroom. Of course, I woke up first excited for our final day with Taka despite my ass being sore. Sasuke's arms still draped over me and his breath tickled my neck. Not to mention, his stiff morning cock pressed into my lower back. I didn't want to wake him up since he tended to be grumpy if I didn't allow him the sleep he needed. Plus, after last night's romp, he earned it. I played with his real hand poking his knuckles and searching for callouses. I twisted my head to watch his nostrils flare the tiniest bit as he slept. I could detail anything about him. He either felt me playing with his hand or sensed me looking at him because his eyes blinked open. He stared at me blankly.

"I didn't mean to wake you up," I hung my head like a misbehaving puppy.

"It's okay," he yawned tightening his grip on me. "Karin probably wants to see you this morning and do an x-ray." His voice so deep it sounded foreign. His morning voice but sexier.

"Not right now away though?" I asked but didn't mean it as a question. I grinded my sore ass on his cock. He groaned with pleasure still an octave below his normal range causing my own cock to ache.

"I'm not doing round two yet. You are too sore," he said flatly. I ignored him as I lifted the covers over my head. In the darkness, I still found his boxers and shucked them off. "What are you…" He quit his interrogation when I slipped the head of his cock in my mouth sucking it like a vacuum. I traveled down the shaft first with my tongue coating him in my saliva before I took him back in my mouth. He let out an audible gasp when I bobbed faster. He threw the covers off so he could run his fingers through my hair and watch me. He jerked his body and moaned loudly. "Fuck, Naruto where do you learn to give head like that?" He asked knowing damn well he is the only partner I've ever had and ever wanted. I assumed his question was rhetorical, so I focused on his cock which was soaked in my saliva. Slurping noises ensued whenever I put him back in my mouth. I could feel his body tense up, so I knew he was getting close. I stroked my cock with my other hand. I felt him release his warm juices in my mouth following a moan. I swallowed. "Come up here," he urged me over to him. "Cum in my mouth." I stared at him with wide eyes and hovered over his face just making it in time when he took me in his mouth. He swallowed my cum. Then, I laid on my back next to him just as dazed as last night after we had sex not sure what to say or do next. He played with my fingers flexing them in his palm. The silence bred the perfect window for me to say it, but again not after sex.

"That was incredible," he sighed.

"Better than last night?" I asked as I wondered if curiosity killed foxes like it does cats, because I have been too adventurous with my curiosities lately.

"Close, but nothing was better than last night," he hummed squeezing my hand.

"I agree," I replied softly. And also, I love you.

He kissed my forehead as we laid there for too long in our post foreplay bliss. "Let's go eat usuratonkachi then we will have Karin check on you," he suggested. He stood up and put my boot on for me for hopefully the last day. I was surprised when he followed through on his promise from last night to carry me. The look I gave him must have prompted him to say, "Of course I remembered. And don't even try to tell me you aren't sore. I know how big my cock is," he smirked. Damn him. Arrogant as ever. But for once, he had merit. He could be arrogant about his impressive cock, I would allow it. So, I offered no retort just my flushed face a bright pink. My hands clasped around his neck as we entered the dining hall, and to an outsider, we probably looked like we were on our honeymoon. It was later in the morning, but everyone seemed to have just started eating. Knives and forks clinked on the table as they watched Sasuke pull out a chair for me then set me down carefully. I don't know why we drew so much attention, but I didn't want to ask.

"Something seems different with you two," Suigetsu pointed his knife at me. If he meant to intimidate me, it worked. Sasuke retreated to the kitchen to presumably bring me food.

"We aren't fighting. Nothing is different," I swallowed nervously.

"No, like in the opposite way. Am I right? Help me out here guys," he nudged Karin causing her glasses to dip precariously to the edge of her nose. She pushed them up and shot him an irritated look.

"Ugh just eat Suigetsu. You are always in everyone else's business," Karin remarked.

"I'm just saying, you didn't carry me like that to breakfast," sarcasm oozed from his voice and pores.

"And why would I do that huh? I'm the pregnant one! You should be carrying me!" She stabbed him in the shoulder with her knife, but his weird skin turned to water to absorb the blow. I couldn't help but chuckle. I would miss their banter. They reminded me of Sasuke and me a little bit when they bickered over stupid things.

"I'm not as strong as Sasuke," he whined. "But, back to what I was saying… If I had to guess… You two had sex," Suigetsu arched his brow at me just in time for Sasuke to put a plate of fruit, eggs, and bacon in front of me. Everyone else stopped chewing to watch me and Sasuke wondering if he heard Suigetsu's accusation and waiting for my response.

"Ummm," I stumbled on what to say and blushed. Sasuke threw me a confused glance and picked up my fork encouraging me to eat.

"I knew it! You two fucked last night! It's about time honestly," Suigetsu leaned back in his chair. Sasuke threw a kunai across the table at him without looking. I don't even know where he got it from, but it was a straight shot right to his third eye. Of course, he temporarily made himself water again, so he didn't actually die. Something told me Sasuke knew he could do that but wanted to make a point.

"Our private life is not up for discussion. How many times do I have to say it?" His tone didn't sound as annoyed as I expected.

"You are so not fun, Sasuke. Honestly," Suigetsu pouted.

"Hn," he said before focusing on his plate. He found my hand and held it under the table which forced me to eat with my prosthetic. I didn't mind though. Karin waited at the table for us to finish. Then, we all proceeded together, with Sasuke carrying me, to the same room that I stayed in when we arrived at the Hideout. I reluctantly let go of Sasuke as he put me on the examining table. We waited for her to return with the x-ray equipment.

"What do you want to do once you get the boot off?" he asked me.

"I want to go swimming in the ocean!" My eyes lit up at the thought.

"Okay. We can do that."

"I want to bathe in the hot spring with you too… but just us," I bit my lip. It took an instant for him to hunch over me and cup my face as he kissed me. I heard the door open, but he didn't stop until Karin cleared her throat. She pushed Sasuke aside and snapped shots of my ankle.

"I'm going to develop these. I'll be back in a couple minutes. Try to refrain from sucking each other's faces for that long," she rolled her eyes and shut the door with more force than before. We exchanged guilty glances and stayed silent until she came back in. I tried to read her expression to determine her assessment before she explained the pictures. She hooked on the frame with a backlight and pointed to my ankle. "Everything looks healed. The bone looks good. I think you two will be good to leave tomorrow."

"Thank you, Karin! I couldn't have done this without you!" I jumped up and hugged her. She reluctantly patted me on the back but smiled.

"No problem. I'll see you down at the beach," she said before exiting the room.

"Come on Sas! Let's go get ready!" I beelined for the door, but he gathered me in his arms mid stride. Oh. He really was going to carry me all day even with the boot gone. My stomach fluttered. He placed me on the bed as he searched for his swim trunks. They were simple and navy blue with the Uchiha crest stitched right above the hemline. I rummaged through my backpack for my orange ones to no avail. He came out of the bathroom dressed in his while I tried to remain attentive on finding mine instead of gawking at him.

"Why am I not surprised you lost yours," he sighed enjoying my struggle and frantic scurrying.

"Not everyone is perfect like you teme." I rolled my eyes.

"Here," he extended his arm with a pair of swim trunks identical to his but black. I tried to conceal my shock. "They are better than the orange ones anyway," he laughed.

"Are you sure? I mean…" I took them graciously and thumbed over his clan symbol. "They have your crest on it and I'm not…"

"You're mine, so it's close enough," he interrupted me and smiled. He might be unaware of the gravity of his words, but they were not lost on me. He watched me change. They fit perfectly because we basically had the same build. I examined myself in the mirror. I looked like an Uchiha with his clothes on except that I was the complete opposite in every way. Hair, eyes, complexion. He must have caught me staring at myself because he came up behind me and put his hands on my hips and said, "Ready?"

"Yes, Sas." He turned me around and kissed my forehead. Then, without warning, he threw me over his shoulder and transported me like that down to the beach. I imagined this was how a parent would carry a screaming toddler. We united with the rest of the group, last ones to arrive as usual. Karin was sunbathing in her red bikini, her stomach still flat but she was only about six weeks pregnant. Sunglasses shaded her eyes and her pale skin glistened from the reflection of the sun. She looked peaceful, so I didn't greet her. Jugo held a crab delicately in his giant hand, probably making a new friend. He said hello to us. I assumed Suigetsu was in the ocean. Sasuke sprawled out a blanket for us to lay on. I gazed up at the sky, and the sun warmed my bones until I grew restless. "I'm going to take a dip in the water," I whispered in ear.

"Do you want me to come along?" he turned his head to face me.

"If you want to, yes." He nodded and stood up with me. He let me trot out to where the ocean greeted the shore. When the water splashed my feet, I shrieked from the cold. He caught up with me and picked me up, so our chests touched.

"Can't handle the cold?" he teased touching his nose to mine.

"I was just surprised that's all," I pursed my lips turning away from him.

"It's the ocean, usuratonkachi," he laughed as he waded out farther so that the water reached his thighs then his hips then his full torso. I shivered gripping him tightly with my legs as my body submerged into the water with him. He stood planted in the sand and the light waves rocked around us only our shoulders and above exposed to the salty air. I forgot about everyone and everything else as my wet fingers brushed his hair to the side so I could look in both of his eyes. He answered my unspoken request and pressed his lips to mine in an innocent kiss. He pulled away looking like he was about to say something until a gust of wind rocked his foundation and attempted to sweep me away from him. When the water calmed, I wrapped my legs around him again back to the same position we were in before eyes to eyes. Soul gazing at one another. I desired more than anything tell him that I loved him, but fear halted me from making it past the acknowledgement stage even if the perfect moment surrounded me. He seemed lost in thought too until he tilted my head in for another kiss. The relentless waves never granted us more than a few minutes at a time to lock lips with each other. I felt warmer now probably from his presence. Suddenly, a water gushed over us fully immersing us soaking our hair. After it passed, he chuckled. "Your hair looks funny when it's stuck to your head like that." I frowned and shook it side to side. "Mmm, much better," he purred and adjusted his grip on me walking me inward so we could both stand without the potential to be swept away. We stood there enjoying the taste of each other's lips until my shivering became impossible to ignore even my teeth chattered. "It's unlike you to be this cold. Are you okay?" The concern manifested in his eyes.

"Yes, I just can't warm up," I tried to laugh it off but even I started to get anxious about it. He carried me back to our spot at the beach and draped a towel over my shoulders as I sat in front of him laying back on his chest. He chatted with Jugo while I napped in the sun with his hands on my hips. He put me in our bed at some point to sleep. I didn't wake up until nightfall already arrived.

"I saved you some dinner," He sat on the edge of the bed wearing his normal clothes.

"I slept through dinner too?" I rubbed my eyes still sleepy.

"Yes, but it's alright. Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah, just tired still," I stretched my arms up.

"We made a stir fry tonight if you are hungry," he placed a bowl on the nightstand.

"Thanks. What did you do all afternoon while I slept?" I was a little disappointed I missed out on time with everyone.

"Nothing much. After the beach, we all had drinks then Jugo and I cooked. We ate dinner and I came back here to check on you."

"Oh okay. I am sorry I slept all afternoon," I sank down eating mindlessly.

"It's okay," he seemed content.

"Can we still go to the hot spring?" I wanted to go still.

"Sure, we can go when you are done eating. No rush though," he kissed my forehead then left the room. I wondered where he went. After I scarfed down dinner, I grabbed the towel from our room and poked my head out the door looking for him. I wandered down the halls listening for the sound of his voice. When I heard him talking to the group in the common space, I halted from around the corner. Eavesdropping on a conversation was not something I sought out doing, but this opportunity presented itself too easily.

"So what is the plan when you guys head out tomorrow?" I heard Jugo ask casually.

"Just traveling around to nowhere in particular. We may visit some other lands besides Fire at least until the year is up since that is what he can spend with me," Sasuke spoke in a matter of fact tone that made my stomach churn.

"As dependent as you two are on one another, do you really think you will be able to leave him a year, Sasuke?" Suigetsu sneered.

"I suppose I will have to. I am not going back to Konoha, and that is where needs to be." Again, his response robotic.

"Honestly, Sasuke that is just ridiculous. You are in love with him. It's obvious to everyone but you," Karin snapped back at him.

"So, I have to be the one to give in Karin? I have to forget everything that worthless village did to me? I don't see why he and I can't just live on this island." He disregarded her comment about him loving me and suggested an impossible alternative for the sake of arguing.

"He has sacrificed enough for you, Sasuke and you know it," Karin retorted sounding borderline emotional. "If you say Kakashi is grooming him to be the next Hokage, have some fucking faith that he will change what's broken about the village FOR you because he loves you too." She slammed something down on the coffee table. I stood motionless except for the tears spilling down my face. I thought Karin didn't care much for me, but she appeared on my side. Every word she spoke was the truth. I would change the village for him. I was already trying to from behind the scenes. I couldn't see where she stormed off to, but she didn't come in my direction. I knew I needed to leave from where I was hiding, but I couldn't move. I sobbed silently until a hand that was not Sasuke's gripped my shoulder. I looked up stunned to see Jugo. He gestured for me to stay quiet than stalked down the hallway until he brought me to an empty room.

"You heard everything, didn't you?" his deep voice said above a whisper. He let me cry on his shoulder petting the back of my head.

"I don't…. understand," I muffled trying to catch my breath. "I'll….Never… Be… enough for him." I couldn't even release tears anymore, but I still sobbed unable to catch my breath. Of the three of them, Jugo stayed out of the fight completely. He took no side and offered no insight to either party. I was curious and terrified to hear what he had to say. He gestured for me to sit down next to him on a bed in the room. My breath caught in my throat as I tried to calm down.

"I met Sasuke during one of the worst times of his life…" he began. He paused to give me a tissue and ensure that I was listening. "A time where he was separated from you…" I nodded tears welling in my eyes again remembering how awful it was when he left. "He's a lot different now. He's kinder, more thoughtful, softer. And I know it is because of you." I blew my nose in the tissue not sure if I was supposed to feel better yet. "But some parts of Sasuke are going to be hard to change… And you know that." He put a gentle, giant hand on my shoulder. "He still has trouble processing his emotions and letting go of his resentment toward those that wronged him the most." I nodded in between more nose blowing. "But," he shook me, so I made eye contact with him. "If you love him the way I believe you do, you can't give up on him. You ARE important to him, Naruto. His answers seemed programmed, but he is conflicted." I threw my arms around his burly chest crying all over again but out of hope instead of despair. Jugo was right. I never give up because that's my nindo, my ninja way. And I realized what I've known all along: I have always loved Sasuke more than anything.