There was nothing going on and Naruto found himself becoming unbelievably bored. Guren hadn't even called him yet. When he decided to come back to Konoha he figured Jinchu taking a break would be enjoyable. Turns out, it just allowed him to remember how much he hated having free time.

Sure, he had Nine Tails, but there was only so much he could do there. Shika had hired very competent staff so there wasn't even anything he could micro manage. Sitting at home was beginning to make him stir crazy. Kurama was no help, the fox just laughed at him. It seems Kurama's only advice was to nap.

'Lazy fucking fox,' Naruto grumbled fondly.

In the recess of Naruto's mind, Kurama had popped an amused eye open. 'I heard that.'

Naruto just huffed in response but let his melded companion fall back into slumber.

What was he going to do today? It was almost noon and the only people he knew either had real jobs or were sleeping. He supposed he could write some more music, but he just did feel it today.

Naruto hung his head while leaning over the railing of his balcony. His bedroom walked out to a large balcony that had a private hot tub and a magnificent view of Lake Konoha. The lake was always beautiful with its calm rippling waves and the sun reflecting off its glassy surfaces but seeing it from an elevated point of view was breathtaking. It was one of Naruto's favourite places to think, especially at night under the twinkling, starlit sky.

Staring out over the lake gave Naruto an idea. Sasuke had been super respectful by not pushing things, never asking about the last eight years or even about the night everything changed. After the gala he was sure either Sasuke or Itachi would try to bring it up, but much to his relief, neither did.

That was another thing, he still hadn't really spoken with Itachi regarding his inexplicable recovery. Itachi was a brilliant man, Naruto knew there was no way he would accept the fact that he was miraculously cured. Sooner or later he'd start asking questions, that's if he wasn't already. For now though he'd keep an eye on the man and hope for the best.

So far there didn't appear to be any adverse effects, but he'd only seen Itachi a couple times since healing him. Having never used his energy for such things before, Naruto didn't really know what to expect but so far everything seemed to be perfect. Jiraiya had told him that the effects wouldn't reverse, but that deep seeded pessimism always expected the worst. Besides, there was nothing wrong with keeping an eye out for Itachi.

Naruto looked down at his phone, it was almost noon. He decided he's going to surprise Sasuke at work. With the constant texting they'd been doing Naruto had learned just how swamped the man had been. Sasuke often didn't have time for lunch so Naruto figured he may as well bring him something. It wasn't like Naruto had anything else to do. Besides, a part of him was yearning to be near him again.

They needed to talk, it was beyond ridiculous that they'd avoided it this long and by they, Naruto means him. Naruto could see the change in Sasuke, he may have been a mess before, but as soon as he found out Kurama was Naruto there had been a conspicuous change. The man no longer went out drinking every night, instead he spent most nights texting or even calling Naruto.

It was weird, Naruto spent eight years full of resentment towards the man but after a month of Sasuke knowing who he was, he found he no longer held that grudge. He knew it must be the effects of the bond they shared, but he couldn't bring himself to care that his pain seemed to have washed away. Maybe it was a blessing , or maybe he was just incredibly stupid, either way he didn't seem to care as he picked up the same meal Sasuke had ordered for them the night of his birthday. As he arrived at Sharingan Inc. nothing seemed to matter except the warm flutter he felt building in his stomach the closer he got to the elevator.

Naruto could have text, could have asked Sasuke if it was okay that he was coming, but he didn't. Somehow he knew Sasuke would never be upset with him showing up out of the blue. Naruto knew this not only from the feeling building inside him, but from the fact that over the last week Sasuke had been hinting at Naruto doing just that. Naruto would never have considered such a thing before, but here he was riding an elevator with chicken parm and penne alla vodka in hand.

It had only been in the last six hours that he'd fully accepted the fact that he wanted to move forward with Sasuke. Deep inside he knew it wouldn't be a mistake. The constant thrumming inside him was becoming unbearable. The only thing left was to talk and lay everything on the table. That was exactly what this surprise lunch would be about. Naruto would invite Sasuke over and they would finally say all the things they both needed to say. Well, Naruto would, Sasuke apologizes for everything a minimum of once a day already. Even having Sasuke know where he lived was a huge step that should terrify him but it didn't. With how lonely his big empty house has been it was actually a comforting thought.

Getting together was something Sasuke had been hinting at since the gala but Naruto's mind wasn't ready. His heart was screaming at him to do it, but he couldn't bring himself to take that step. After the gala Naruto felt like he'd been drugged, the longer he was with Sasuke, the stronger his soul nagged him. It wasn't even like he cared either, he welcomed that pull, reveled in it even. Afterwards when he was home alone, he allowed the weight of the night to sink in, it was what started chiseling away at his last layer of reservation. His mind and soul were split in two, one side wanting to keep that final wall up, but the other was welcoming the crumble.

The next day the gala's photos of Kurama the elusive vocalist from overseas and Sasuke Uchiha, Konoha's infamous playboy were trending. Normally he'd feel panicked at such a thing but instead he felt oddly tranquil. It was ridiculous, Naruto had otherworldly power, but he still felt terrified of his two lives colliding. Somehow Sasuke made him feel like if it happened, he'd be okay. It was like no matter what, if they were together he could handle anything.

Sasuke started to reach out to Naruto more, but never pushed when Naruto was reluctant. The extent of Sasuke's understanding was almost cloying, always asking but never pushing. How could he keep denying the man? Avoiding meeting Sasuke again made Naruto feel ridiculous, he had literally asked Sasuke to be his date the night of the gala but that was when he believed they could take it slow. It was obvious after their dance that it was either all in or nothing.

There was no turning back, it was move on or move forward, and Naruto knew that he couldn't move on. He always knew his soulmate was the only one for him, no one could ever compare. Naruto wanted to laugh at himself, he had convinced himself that he'd have to wait until Sasuke's next life to even think about forgiving him, but here he was, walking up to the brothers secretary, ready to request a date from Sasuke so they can begin moving forward together.

The red headed female was typing away looking rather annoyed. When she turned her gaze up to meet Naruto she looked shocked for a minute but upon looking at the bags of food her face contorted into annoyance once again. "Deliveries are to be dropped off at reception on the main floor."

Naruto was dressed in his usual black attire. Vintage Tool tee, black jeans, black beanie, black aviators and black Doc's. In other words he looked out of place and like he had no business being in Sharingan Inc unless he was delivering the food he was carrying.

Naruto dismissed her tone with a bored one of his own. "I'm here to see Sasuke."

The woman's eyes widened at the unexpectedly deep voice but she quickly became professional. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No," Naruto said dryly. He probably should have thought this through better. How many people try to weasel themselves in?

"Well I'm sorry, but unless you have an appointment with Mr. Uchiha I'm going to have to ask you to leave," the female's voice was anything but sweet.

"I'm here to surprise him but if that's not going to work out can't you just tell him that-"

"Karin, what's going on here?" A silky baritone voice asked from behind Naruto.

"Mr. Uchiha, this man is claiming to be here for your brother but he doesn't have an appointment," Karin's voice came off professional but the look she gave Naruto was condescending.

Itachi hadn't been expecting to walk off the elevator after lunch to see Naruto. Judging by the tone Karin was using, she wasn't too thrilled to have the blond there. Karin was exceptional at her job, but her attitude left something to be desired.

"It's fine Karin," Itachi's voice was flat.

Itachi shifted his gaze towards the blond and smiled. "Well, Kitsune, what a lovely surprise," he looked at the bag of food in Naruto's hand and teased," did you bring enough for the whole class?"

Naruto snorted. "Come on Itachi, we both know I smell dumplings on you."

Itachi narrowed his eyes but his voice was filled with humour. "You can't prove that."

"I don't have to prove it to know it's the truth," Naruto shook his head fondly with a sly grin.

Karin could hide her shock as she looked back and forth between the man and her stoic boss. What the fuck was happening? Itachi was smiling and...joking?

Itachi mirrored his action. "Fair enough."

Itachi turned his attention back to Karin, his face contorting to his usual phlegmatic state. "Karin, close your mouth."

Karin snapped her jaw shut, she hadn't realized she'd been blatantly gaping. "S-sorry sir."

Itachi resisted the urge to sigh. "Karin, this is Naruto and he's welcome here anytime. Understood?" Itachi's tone held a finality that sent an eerie chill down her spine.

Karin squirmed in her seat. She tried desperately to hold eye contact with him but found her eyes cowering away under his scrutiny. "Of course, understood sir."

Now that she thought about it, that name sounded familiar. In fact she's sure she's heard it before. Suddenly a light bulb went off and before she could filter herself a question came pouring out of her mouth. "Wait, Naruto? You don't mean the guy that-"

Itachi didn't allow her to finish asking. "Karin," he warned in a maliciously low voice.

Karin shot her hand up over her mouth and shook her head vehemently. "O-oh my god, I'm s-so sorry!"

Naruto slowly removed his glasses and slipped them on the neck of his shirt. When he turned around to look at her, his eyes were like two blue flames, scorching and ready to set the place ablaze. "It's fine."

Karin could tell it was anything but fine. Somehow his glare surpassed Itachi's furry, it made her insides quiver. "Seriously I didn't mean to!"

"I suggest you take your lunch otherwise you'll be taking a permanent break," Itachi sibilated, each word was full of venom.

"R-right, of course," Karin nodded her head dumbly, she knew Itachi didn't make empty threats.

The female grabbed her bag and left, she couldn't bring herself to glance at either man. She was a fierce woman who took no crap and had a killer work ethic, it's what made her fit so well with the Uchiha brothers, but she knew when she was on thin ice. She'd seen many suffer Itachi's wrath and she'd rather not be one of them. Plus she rather liked her job and really wanted to keep it.

With the women gone Itachi sighed. "Sorry about her."

Naruto looked back at Itachi, his posture was rather irritated. "She always like that?"

Itachi pulled his lip into a tight line. "She's usually pretty good. She has an awful attitude but she's good at her job."

"Hn," Naruto grunted before absently looking at the bag of food and muttering, "hope Sasuke doesn't mind cold food."

Itachi smirked. "It could be frozen and he'd enthusiastically eat it knowing it came from you."

Naruto rolled his eyes lightheartedly. "Are you going to show me his office or do I have to find it myself?"

"Hn, come along kitsune," Itachi gestures to follow him, the smirk never leaving his face.

Naruto trailed alongside, admiring the bright, spacious layout. "This place actually has a decent atmosphere."

"You should see the view," Itachi's tone was playful.

Naruto remembered the photo Sasuke had sent him all those years ago. "I've actually already seen it."

Itachi looked intrigued. "Oh?"

Naruto's shoulders shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, Sasuke sent me a photo back in high school."

"Ah, I see," Itachi sounded appeased as they stopped in front of a large mahogany door with V.P Sasuke Uchiha written on a gold plate. "Well here we are."

Itachi didn't bother knocking, he just strolled right on in and Naruto followed behind him. Two things were blatantly obvious. One, Sasuke wasn't there and two, Itachi's office had the better view.

Naruto watched as Itachi walked over to a light grey couch and sat down rather elegantly. The blond cocked an eyebrow at him and conveyed all his questions with the simplest way of communicating with an Uchiha. "Hn?"

The translation was, "you knew he wouldn't be here didn't you?"

To which Itachi smirked. "Hn."

Translated it meant, "I had an inkling."

Naruto sighed as he placed the bag of food on the glass coffee table. "You could have told me the food was going to be cold regardless."

Itachi chuckled. "Truthfully I wasn't sure he'd still be in his meeting or not."

"This is the last time I try to surprise someone," Naruto grumbled to himself.

Itachi chuckled, he rather enjoyed the blond's ramblings. "Next time you want to surprise him let me know."

As Naruto took a seat next to the relaxed man he narrowed his eyes. "If he's there shouldn't you be as well?" He was genuinely curious.

Itachi looked rather amused. "Just because we're both in charge doesn't mean our meetings are always together. We actually have very few meetings together."

Naruto scoffed but his eyes held a mirthful twinkle. "And I'm supposed to know that, how?"

"Hn," Itachi hummed in acknowledgment before twisting to face Naruto. Leaning into his side, his elbow was propped upon the back of the couch so he could rest his head against his hand while looking at the blond.

Naruto raised his eyebrow at Itachi's lounging. "Aren't you guys super busy right now?" He didn't want to sound rude but Sasuke had barely had time to eat lately and he figured Itachi would be in the same position.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Itachi feigned hurt.

Naruto rolled his eyes humorously. "You know what I mean."

Itachi chuckled amiably. "I need to speak with Sasuke when his meeting's done. I figured I may as well keep you company."

"So this has nothing to do with meddling?" The entertained twinkle in Naruto's eyes proved he already knew the answer.

"Me meddle?" Never," but even Itachi couldn't take himself seriously.

Naruto snorted. "Right."

"Though, now that I have you alone there was something I've been meaning to ask you," all traces of Itachi's amusement had been replaced with far more stern.

It was a change that concerned Naruto. Naruto managed to keep his voice even, even though the sudden change concerned him. "And what would that be?"

Itachi answered without missing a beat. "Why didn't you tell me you came by the night of your final concert?"

"What do you mean?" It took every bit of self control to keep himself calm. Naruto wasn't exactly thinking clearly after healing Itachi, now that he thought about it he had left a lot of loose ends.

"Well you see, I woke up and my chair was moved. I thought it was odd seeing as I'm meticulous at keeping things in their place but what was strange was I distinctly remember almost having no sight when I got home. I don't even remember getting to bed that night so I must have had some help," Itachi's eye scrutinised Naruto with something unreadable.

"When I asked Lana if she knew anything she told me that no one helped me but a certain tall, beanie wearing man came to see me that night. I only know one person who fits that description so you can understand my confusion when I viewed the security footage and see you entering looking fine and leaving a while later looking rather..." he paused to think of the right words. "Unsteady. To top it off you never told me you came by and ignored all my messages for a week. When I finally see you, you mention nothing. I also find it rather strange you never reacted to finding out I was suddenly better. It was like you already knew."

Naruto sat there quiet and stone faced so Itachi continued. "I know it sounds crazy, but I think you have something to do with my inexplicable recovery."

Naruto found his voice, though it wasn't quite as steady as he'd like to believe it was, it still came out calm and reserved. "What you're talking about is a miracle. What makes you think I could cause such a thing?"

Itachi's glimmered momentarily. "Because you just avoided answering why you came to see me and why you kept it hidden. Not to mention you're not call me insane just now, nor do you seem shocked by any of this. Though there is something else."

"Oh?" Naruto remained reticent but his insides were churning. He'd do anything to avoid talking about why he was there that night. Sometimes his honesty was his downfall.

"The last couple times I've seen you it's like I get a flashback of colours. I had no idea if I was still sick but my doctor dismissed that notion as my scans are still clean. But recently I started having these dreams."

Naruto licked his lips, his whole mouth suddenly felt far too dry. "Dreams?"

Itachi's gaze was curious before looking off into the distance. "Yes dreams, insanely vivid dreams of three sets of eyes. Two of which I've seen before," Itachi's eyes found Naruto's. "They're your eyes Naruto. Well, yours and your red contacts, but I'm even questioning that. The night you revealed yourself to Sasuke your contacts were in, I'm almost positive you never removed them. Yet somehow they were blue in the studio."

Naruto's brow furrowed, he'd never had to worry about any of his nuances before, but he forgot he was dealing with a genius who matches Shika. Naruto tries to hide it, but his expression comes across as torn. "What do you want me to say, Itachi?"

"I know this," he gestured around Sasuke's office. "Isn't the place for a conversation like this but please, please tell me I'm not crazy," Itachi's voice almost sounded pleading.

Naruto wondered if his previous illness had truly terrified him enough to think he was losing his sanity. He couldn't allow the proud intellect to continue questioning his mental state. "You're not crazy," Naruto whispered so quietly it was amazing Itachi heard him at all.

Itachi's eyes widened. Maybe he really did think he was crazy. "So you did?"

"Itachi, I can't. You'll get answers but right now isn't the time. I'm sorry but I just can't," Naruto's plea felt raw and heavy.

Itachi wasn't one to let things go, but a combination of validation mixed with the blond trepidation had him willing to set this conversation aside for now. No one but Naruto and his doctor knew about his previous illness and discussing it in his brother's office probably wasn't a brilliant idea. "Okay."

Naruto's shoulders relaxed as he took a deep breath. "Thank you."

Itachi gave him a dubious eyebrow, shouldn't he be the one thanking the blond? Before he could voice just that an irritated looking Sasuke came storming in.

"What are-" he stopped part way through his question, his irritated look turned to shock when he realised who was sitting in his office beside his brother. "Naruto?"

Naruto turned around, sending him a sheepish wave. "Hey."

"What are you doing here?" He walked over to the seated duo, his expression concerned and elated.

"I can leave if you'd like?" Naruto's tone was light and playful. The previous atmosphere created between him and Itachi quickly dissipated.

"NO!" Sasuke seemed embarrassed by his own eagerness. "I mean, no. I just wasn't expecting to see you."

"Well you did tell me I could come by anytime. You've seen me at work so it's only fair that I get to see you at work as well. Wasn't that what you said to me?" Naruto teased as he allowed himself to casually take in the man's business attire. Naruto was convinced Sasuke would look good in a trash bag accessorized by rubber bands and wooden popsicle sticks, nothing could change his opinion.

Itachi listened absently as the two danced both awkwardly and enthusiastically around each other. He was still reeling from the information that had just been confirmed for him. For the first time in his life, Itachi Uchiha didn't know how to process something. It's not everyday someone confirms they've basically aided in or out right performed a miracle.

Itachi was overjoyed that he wasn't losing his mind. Losing his mind would be worse than his vision. But how was it all possible? Logic just didn't seem to fit this situation. Itachi was a brilliant man and it was rare for something to perturb him, but this was something that no amount of intellect or intuition could grant him answers to. What was even more concerning was for the first time in his life he didn't even mind that he couldn't comprehend something.

Itachi had received a huge answer today, but couldn't feel fulfilled because with that one answer caused the formation of many follow up questions which he wouldn't be receiving the answers to right now. There was no way to know when Naruto would grant him the privilege of them either. After today he was sure of two things. One, Naruto had somehow given him the miraculous gift of life and two, it was an act he would never be able to repay. Naruto's an exceptional man, whatever force caused their worlds to collide he would be eternally grateful for.

Itachi was shaken from his musings by an oddly anxious sounding Sasuke. "Tachi? You alright?"

Itachi hadn't realised he'd been zoned out with his gazed zeroed in on Naruto, who was also looking at him with concern. He blinked slowly a few times before finally turning his attention to his worried brother. "Oh yeah, sorry about that."

A frown marred Sasuke's brow. "Are you alright? It's not like you to space out."

Itachi snorted. "I'm fine."

"You sure?" Naruto asked, disquieted. He was clearly worried about how Itachi was processing things.

Itachi didn't want the blond to feel uneasy so he was quick to nod and smile gently. "I'm good."

Sasuke looked between the two before narrowing his eyes at his brother. "You didn't say anything weird did you?"

Itachi snorted then winked. "Wouldn't you like to know."

"Itachi," Sasuke hissed.

"Calm down," Itachi chuckled. "I just kept our kitsune company while we waited for you. I wanted to ask you about those reports."

Naruto seemed to have calmed his nerves a bit. Watching the brother banter was always amusing.

"Shit," Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. Whether it was because he was interrupted before he could send the reports or because his brother refused to stop categorizing Naruto as "theirs" wasn't clear. Actually, it might have been both. "I meant to send them earlier but the rep for Hikaru ended up dropping by."

Itachi grimaced, it was almost imperceivable but it was there. "Ah, that explains it." Then in one fluent motion Itachi rose with grace. "Well, I'll leave you two now, just don't forget to get them to me before you leave tonight."

Sasuke scoffed and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Tch, like I'd ever forget."

"Hn," Itachi shook his head fondly before turning towards Naruto. "Thank you Naruto...for allowing me to keep you company. Hopefully we'll see each other again soon."

Naruto didn't need to be intelligent to decipher what Itachi was truly thanking him for. Relief filled him when the man didn't appear to be treating him any differently. "Of course. And thank you Itachi...for keeping me company."

Itachi smiled, he too knew what Naruto was thanking him for, and it wasn't their sparkling conversation.

Sasuke watched as his brother and Naruto exchanged words in some form of code. He didn't like being out of the loop. As soon as Itachi had left his office he turned his attention back to Naruto and smiled. "I can't believe you actually came, have you been waiting long?"

Naruto shook his head. "Nah, maybe ten to fifteen minutes. Though I'm not sure what that means for the quality of the food."

"Wait, is that?" Sasuke's eyes enlarged. A pleasant warmth spread through him.

Seeing Naruto waiting in his office for him was like a dream come true. For the last little while he'd been hinting that it was only fair for Naruto to see him at work when he'd already watched the blond. With how Naruto seemed to put some distance between them since the gala he hadn't thought Naruto would actually show up and with food nonetheless.

Naruto's lips pulled into a demure grin. "Yep, Villa Rissi's. I figured this way you'd at least have lunch today."

Sasuke had taken a seat next to Naruto, casually gripping his hand. "Thank you, this is amazing," he squeezed his hand gently to convey his gratitude. All he really wanted to do was pull him into a deep searing kiss but these things can't be rushed.

Naruto huffed to hide his bashfulness but squeezed his hand back. "It's probably cold by now." It was ridiculous, he felt like a teen girl being told she was pretty all because he was thanked with such warmth.

Sasuke smiled before reluctantly letting go of the blond's hand so he could serve their food. "I'm sure it'll be perfect."

"If you say so," Naruto had to suppress his chuckle. He remembered what Itachi said about Sasuke eagerly eating frozen food just because it came from him. Turns out he wasn't wrong. Much to Naruto's surprise the food was actually still warm, it wasn't hot but at least it wasn't disgustingly cold either. Thankfully they'd be able to get away without needing to heat it up.

"See, I told you it would be perfect," Sasuke grinned smugly as he ate another mouthful of pasta.

"I forgot how good they were," Naruto nearly moaned while taking a bite of his chicken parm.

Sasuke chuckled, but was looking at Naruto with such adoration. "Thank you for this."

"It's nothing." Naruto waved him off, all the gratitude was starting to make him flustered.

The two sat and talked about Sasuke's meeting and upcoming projects while they ate their meal. Naruto loved how animated Sasuke was when he was describing what he was working on. The man's passion and drive made him every bit as attractive as his sharp, aristocratic features.

"So, how's Nine Tails?" Sasuke asked as they tidied up.

"It's doing well. There haven't been any serious problems yet so that's good," Naruto shrugged.

"That's good. You guys still plan on opening it up for competitions right?" Sasuke asked with genuine curiosity.

Naruto smiled benevolently. "Yeah, we haven't set a definitive date yet but it's in the works."

Sasuke's whole demeanour softened. It made him happy seeing Naruto reaching his goals. "I'm glad you've made your dreams come true, Naruto."

Naruto looked away to hide his bashfulness as he threw away their trash. "Thank you."

"Hn," Sasuke hummed gently. If only all his breaks were this wonderful. He regretted having priorities, he wished he could spend the rest of the afternoon talking with the blond.

Sasuke sighed regretfully. "Well, I should probably get back to work. I should try to get out of here on time for once."

Naruto nodded sympathetically. "Of course."

Both stood there not knowing how to proceed. It was obvious both didn't want to part.

Naruto anxiously scratched the back of his head. "I um...I actually wanted to ask you if you'd like to come over some time? You know so we can finally talk."

Sasuke blinked dumbly, he didn't think he heard that right. Naruto invited him over? No way. "Did you just ask me to come over?"

"No Uchiha, I asked your big ass comfy chair. Of course I asked you," Naruto scoffed at the man's absurdity.

Sasuke's bewildered expression morphed into a smug smirk. "Did you just ask me out, Uzumaki?"

Naruto levelled him with an insincere glare. "Teme, I asked you over not out and I can always retract my offer."

"Not on your life dobe. I'd love to come over," Sasuke gave Naruto a full blown smile. How could he not? It meant Naruto was trusting him once more.

Naruto couldn't help but smile in return. Sasuke's smiles always stole his breath away. "Alright, just text me when you're available."

The air felt charged as Sasuke stepped close. "I will."

'Right, okay," Naruto murmured, clearly affected by the addictive surge of energy that was almost suffocating.

The magnetism between them only grew the closer they got and before they knew it Naruto hand gently grabbed Sasuke's chin tilting him up while Sasuke's hands found their way to the curve of Naruto's neck. Their eyes flickered from eyes to mouth then back again. The silent question was asked and answered as Naruto leaned in, gently fitting his lips to Sasuke's. As soon as their lips met their eyes fluttered shut. Sasuke sighed in contentment, this is what he wanted, Naruto's lips on his. They were full and warm, they felt like silk as they gently moved against his own supple lips.

Naruto's tongue gently licked Sasuke's lower lip causing Sasuke to part his lips and welcome the appendage immediately. He hadn't felt the strong, powerful muscle in far too long, he'd be an imbecile to turn down such a privilege. Their tongues slowly slid against each other almost lazily, they both wanted to savour the moment as they took in how their unique taste mixed with the tangy tomato sauce. Naruto's hand had cupped Sasuke's face, gently tilting it to give them better access. Both took advantage of the new angle by playfully flicking and gliding their tongues against each other as their bodies pressed closely together. There was no frantic lusting, just pure overflowing affection.

Soft sighs were escaping both of them as their lips moved together in perfect harmony. The kiss was like a deep tissue massage for their souls, deep tender and full of relief. When they pulled away with wet mouths and kiss-swollen lips their eyes looked at each other with pure adoration.

Naruto leaned in and placed one last tender kiss on those perfect plush lips. It was short but when he pulled back he could see Sasuke was just as affected by it as the other. Naruto gently rubbed his thumb along Sasuke's smooth, sculpted cheek before reluctantly speaking. "I guess I should let you get back to work, huh?"

Sasuke's puffy lips resembled a pout, he didn't want Naruto to go, not after that kiss but he knew it wasn't possible right now. Sasuke sighed regretfully. "Yeah, unfortunately. I'll text you though alright?"

"Alright," Naruto whispered softly.

It was Sasuke who leaned up to give Naruto one final kiss. "I'll walk you out."

They managed to pull themselves apart and Sasuke took Naruto's hand and led the blond past a gaping Karin, right to the elevator. He pressed the button and waited in silence. They didn't need words to know that something momentous just shifted between them. There was no going back now.

As the elevator opened, Sasuke forced himself to let go of Naruto's hand so he could get on. Naruto pressed his button and smiled at Sasuke. "Guess I'll talk to you later?"

Sasuke's eye glimmered softly. "Of course."

"Oh and Sasuke? I forgot to tell you something," Naruto's tone was momentarily heavy.

"Hn?" Sasuke was intrigued and also slightly concerned.

"Your office has a nice view... but Itachi's is better," Naruto smirked just before the doors slid closed.

Sasuke stood there stunned. "Why that...that..." a chuckle erupted from his chest before he could finish thinking of some witty insult, he forgot how fun a playful Naruto could be. He shook his head fondly as he turned around to head back to his office.

Karin sat there with her mouth slack. What was with today? First Itachi smiling and joking now Sasuke as well? At this point she was almost certain the world was ending.