Summary: Sasuke adjusting and Naruto thinking Sasuke is stupid.

Author Note: Honestly? This is just all fluff

Naruto stepped back and used the sleeve of his cardigan sweater to wipe his unshed tears. He saw how tightly Sasuke hugged Itachi, silently crying into his older brother's neck. Watching them embrace each other after years of being separated was… indescribable. He was there for all the sorrow, the longing, everything.

He'd helped Itachi with his nightmares and when things got dark. He'd heard Sasuke's broken voice and seen the look of agony when they had to leave after their first-ever visit to the prison. Naruto knew they were the only family they had left, and the emotions were flying high right now. Naruto was not going to cry. He was not going to cry

The chanting was really for nothing because Naruto absolutely was crying. The blonde suddenly felt overwhelmingly shy and decided that he needed to check out his shoes.

Sasuke eventually let Itachi go and stepped towards Naruto, who messily wiped his tears. It was the first time he'd seen Naruto like this. In the daylight, in person without a shitty glass between them.

After a breath to hype himself up he glanced up from his orange loafers and shyly grinned at the Uchiha, "Nice to officially meet you."

Sasuke felt his heart pounding in his chest and a smile spread, "Nice to meet you, Naruto."

The blonde couldn't help himself, "Sorry! I just have to – ". He threw his arms around Sasuke without any other warning. He was an affectionate guy and Sasuke looked so huggable right now. He felt an overwhelming need to comfort. To care.

Sasuke stood stunned, reveling in the feeling of having Naruto in his arms. Like he'd always dreamed of. He smelled like nothing he could've imagined, like citrus and almond and vanilla and –

Oh fuck he probably smelled like shit. Like prison. Sasuke felt embarrassment rush through him and he leaned back, "I probably smell…"

Naruto chuckled, "Shut up." The stupid idiot would worry about something like that right now. Naruto didn't give a fuck. This was someone he cherished and after all these years he was actually hugging him.

After a few more (embarrassing) moments, the trio got into the SUV and headed home.

During the drive, Sasuke took in the view of the town and the landscape. The radio was on and Naruto was chatting with Itachi. Sasuke felt too overwhelmed to talk at the moment, and thankfully it was something that the others understood, and he took the opportunity to settle in. To see the snow-covered mountains in the distance, to hear the crunch of the road under the tires, and the smell of Itachi's cologne lingering in the car.

They got out of the SUV and Sasuke silently stood in front of the house. The dark wood, grey brick chimney, and large windows. He could hear the ducks at the lake and see the lazy puffy sheep in their pen.

Naruto's photographs were amazing but seeing it all in person was magical.

Sasuke wasn't able to revel in the peace for long when Naruto shoved him along with Itachi past the entrance and directly to his room in excitement. They didn't even wait for him to see the rest of the house; his room was the priority here.

The blonde presented the bedroom with open arms, "I hope it looks okay!"

Okay? It was cozy. He set the box he'd brought from the prison down and touched the black supple sheets. He had an actual bed and an actual mattress. It was…strange. Overwhelming. That seemed to be the only fitting word.

Itachi read his tense body language, "Naruto and I are going to let you settle down, you probably want to shower."

"I'll get the food ready!" Naruto singsonged as he trailed behind Itachi. The blonde was buzzing with energy.

Sasuke closed the bedroom door and took in the accents of the room. The dark sheets, the soothing amber scent, and the silver picture frames. He opened his closet and drawers, looking at his old clothes (that probably didn't fit him) and new ones. He had a feeling all the ridiculous printed ones were picked by Naruto and it brought a smile to his face. He picked up some new joggers and a shirt then headed to the bathroom after he removed the clothes he was wearing.

He flicked on the bathroom light and looked at his fully nude body. The shitty plastic mirrors in the prison weren't clear like this. He could see every curve and blemish on his body. The tattoos he got before and during prison. The scars he got defending himself when he'd first arrived. The muscles he'd acquired with all the free time he had. He was in better shape than ever before.

His dark locks were long, reaching to his shoulders and messily cut. He never felt comfortable letting another inmate close to his neck with sharp objects. Yamato had given him some pointers but well – he didn't have the best supplies.

His eyes trailed down to his groin and he frowned. Gross. His pubic hair was too long to his liking. Not overgrown but he'd always preferred to be trimmed down. He looked around the shower and saw a brand-new razor next to his shampoo, conditioner, and soap. He was going to be able to shower in privacy. This was his area. And it was spotless.

Sasuke took his time feeling the hot water cascading down his body. His skin felt sensitive, not used to temperature past lukewarm. He scratched his scalp with the shampoo and conditioner, wondering how long it'd been since his hair felt clean like this. He shaved down, to exactly how he liked it and reveled in the body wash scent. Amber and vanilla, plus some other shit.

Once he felt thoroughly clean, he put on his clean clothes and left. He walked into the kitchen, stomach rumbling at the smell of actual food. He almost felt nauseous. Not used to decent food. Yamato had warned him it might happen, but he didn't give a fuck. It was a meal.

"Hey." Itachi greeted him as he fixed a salad. "We're going to eat outside, it's really nice. Naruto's grilling the steaks right now."

Sasuke nodded and took a seat near Itachi.

"How are you feeling?"

He ran his hand through his damp hair, "It's…a lot."

"I can only imagine. Anything we can do?" Itachi placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder and he melted into the squeeze. It was strange being able to be touched and not be on guard.

Naruto excitedly waved them out through the large kitchen window and they sat at the dark wood patio furniture, plates ready.

Blue eyes didn't waver as they took in Sasuke's appearance. He looked different after his shower. Almost like he was glowing. His damp dark hair was pulled back and the shirt he'd picked outfit Sasuke just right. Not too snug but enough to see his muscles flexing as he fixed his plate. The snakes wrapped around his forearms looked like it was moving as he scooped the salad on his plate. He tried to not stare but he couldn't stop. He was mesmerized.

Itachi cleared his throat and raised a glass of water, "A toast. To new beginnings."

2 weeks later

Once Sasuke felt ready to be out in public, around people, they decided to head to the restaurant Kakashi managed.

Kakashi greeted Sasuke with a wide grin as the brothers and Naruto entered the restaurant. He shook Sasuke's hand, as Sasuke still felt uncomfortable being touched by anyone other than Itachi or (now) Naruto.

"Baby Uchiha!" Kakashi chuckled at Sasuke's scowl.

"Annoying old man." He grumbled.

The manager leaned against the wall, "How's the adjustment?"

"Better than I imagined. Naruto – " the blonde looked at Sasuke sharply as he heard his name " – has helped a lot." And he had. He really really had.

"Ah, Naruto's got a heart of gold."

Sasuke saw a blush start to bloom on Naruto's face and he smirked, "He does."

"Let's go to the back." They started to turn but Sasuke paused when he saw Naruto head to the front, away from them. A pretty long-haired blonde hugged Naruto and dragged him to a table. A throat clearing drew his attention back and he saw Itachi smirking at him with a raised eyebrow. He headed back to join them and tried to focus on catching up with everything he'd missed.

"Who's that handsome piece of ass?" Ino tucked a blonde lock and subtly pointed behind them with her chin.

"Sasuke, Itachi's brother."

Ino's mouth dropped, "That's his brother? He's fucking hot."

Naruto's eyes shifted from Ino's to Sasuke's profile, "Yeah – he's handsome."

"Handsome? I'd gobble his dick as if I've never eaten in my life."

Naruto squeaked and clasped a hand over his mouth, "Ino!"

Ino giggled at the scandalized look on Naruto's face, "I'm messing with you."

"I know, Shika keeps you happy."

She waggled her eyebrows, "Very. I'm so sore." She checked her tables and tapped his hand, "Duty calls." He waved her off and decided to go explore the shops.

Naruto looked at the darkened sky and smiled to himself. It was going to rain. Hard.

He loved storms. He was born during a hurricane and storms were always his lullabies.

The blonde pulled the hood on his royal blue windbreaker and kept strolling. He didn't have a particular location in mind, mainly just wanting to enjoy the weather. The streets weren't as crowded, and he stopped in front of a coffee shop. Hot chocolate sounded so good right now. Just as he was about to enter, he heard the sound of quick footsteps pause behind him and he turned to see Sasuke.

"Everything okay?" Blue eyes darted around his face and behind him, wondering if they had to leave.

"Yeah, I was just curious where you went."

Naruto shrugged, "Just wanted to enjoy the weather." He grinned, "Want to get a coffee? I'd say hot chocolate, but I learned you don't like sweets."

Sasuke smirked, "True. I'll get a coffee."

"Kay!" Naruto opened the door to the shop and the pair walked up to the counter. It seemed that Sasuke drew attention everywhere he went. He wasn't sure if it was the tattoos or the allure or maybe just a mixture of both.

The barista sweetly smiled at Sasuke, "What I can get you?"

Sasuke glanced at Naruto, "Hot chocolate?" The blonde nodded and Sasuke turned a blank face to the barista fluttering her eyelashes, "Large hot chocolate with extra whip cream and a large black coffee." He pulled out some cash and paid. When they moved to the side waiting for their orders, he saw Naruto's bright smile.

"What?"

"You ordered me extra whip cream."

Sasuke shrugged, "You like sweets."

Naruto looked down at his sneakers, "Yeah, I do." He'd been surprised lately at how often Sasuke noticed details about him.

It was… so damn flattering.

1 month later

"Hand me the metal." Sasuke held out his hands, ready to receive the next lot of wood for the fencing from a sweaty Naruto.

"This is so heavy." The blonde groaned, skin flushed red and drenched in sweat from working for the past few hours. They'd decided it was time to fix the fence surrounding the ranch when one of the sheep escaped its enclosure. Sasuke didn't want to hire someone, insisting on just doing it themselves, and Naruto was quickly regretting agreeing.

"You'll get some muscles."

"I'm not scrawny!"

"Never said you were." Sasuke loved teasing Naruto and seeing the blonde's sapphire eyes narrow in annoyance.

The blonde huffed and decided to bring the metal latches next. He grumbled under his breath about muscular bastards and how he was in great shape too. They'd redone the sheep pen and the sheep house.

Naruto had been trying to convince them to get a llama or even a cow. He thought it would be an adorable addition to the ranch but now he was reconsidering if just taking care of the sheep was so much work.

At least the ducks were easy to take care of.

"Still want to get a dairy cow?" Sasuke joked.

"Uh – "

The brunette nonchalantly added, "We'd have to stick our arm inside if it gives birth."

The blonde wrinkled his nose, "Or we can call a vet."

Sasuke laughed, "Only if something goes wrong."

"What about chickens?"

Sasuke hammered the next part of the fence, "Those aren't too hard. We'd have to build them a house." He smirked, "You up for it?

Naruto rose to the challenge, "Yes!" Oh god, what had he agreed to? He was already sore, and they weren't even finished with this.

"Alright, we'll have to buy some materials."

He perked up, "And we have to name them!"

Sasuke paused, "What? Why?"

"Why wouldn't we?" He cocked his head, "All the sheep have names."

He frowned, "And the ducks?"

"Duh. They're not animals."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"You know what I mean!"

2 weeks later

Naruto was out on his daily walk around the ranch, enjoying the stormy day and the mountains hidden behind dark clouds. He'd put on his rain boots and grabbed an umbrella without thinking.

He was a bit of a distance away, thinking about how things had gone with Sasuke living with them. Naruto found himself having more free time since Sasuke liked taking care of Itachi as well. Itachi had been over the moon and smiling so damn much Naruto worried his face was going to wrinkle.

His relationship with Sasuke was… confusing.

There were times he felt like Sasuke liked him. He'd caught him staring so many times, with this tender look in his dark eyes. There were smiles he only gave him, not even Itachi. Gentle ones, like the ones he'd seen in romance movies.

He wondered if Sasuke loved him. Yet the raven never did anything about it. He'd never once mentioned wanting to be in a relationship with the blonde, or any relationship for that matter.

Just as easily as he'd caught those looks, Naruto would notice him covering them up.

But did he have feelings for Sasuke?

Yes. He so did. He wasn't sure when it'd started, there wasn't a specific moment that he just fell. It grew and grew over time, slowly, and then one day he just started thinking what it would be like to hold him close, then kiss him, and then…

The rest made him embarrassed.

He wondered if Sasuke was attracted to him. He'd never asked about Sasuke's past. If he'd been with men or women or even dated at all. He'd definitely not asked Itachi. Itachi would just annoy him for months about it.

Maybe he should… test the waters?

But how?

He loved romance, but he didn't have any experience at all. Every time he pictured being in a relationship, he figured it would just come out like nothing. He'd be all effortlessly suave. Yet he was starting to learn that really might not be the case here.

His heart quickened when he heard the unmistakable sound of the golf cart heading towards him. Unless a sheep learned how to drive it definitely would be Sasuke. He paused in his walk and turned his head, catching Sasuke stopping right in front of him.

The brunette stepped out with his rain jacket hood over his head and dirty work boots.

"You didn't bring an umbrella?! You're going to get sick." Naruto scolded as he walked closer. His umbrella was huge and more than enough for the both of them.

"It's just a bit of rain."

Naruto huffed, "When you get sick you better not whine."

"Noted."

The blonde beamed, "Sooo, what's up?"

Sasuke paused, trying to think of an excuse. He'd just seen Naruto in the distance out the window and decided suddenly that he wanted to join him.

"Just – it's dinnertime."

Naruto looked down at his watch, "No it's not. It's 4."

Fuck.

"You can just admit you wanted to hang out, you know." Naruto joked and nudged Sasuke's elbow with his.

"Okay." Sasuke looked around, "What were you doing?"

"Hm, I was just thinking."

The brunette smirked, "I didn't know you knew how."

"Go away." Naruto lightly pushed Sasuke's head away.

"Tell me more about you."

Naruto's mouth opened slightly then recovered, "Yeah – sure! Where did we stop last time?"

Sasuke grabbed the umbrella from Naruto and held it for him, "You were telling me about how you tried to be cool by sneaking out in high school then fell into the bushes and cried."

"I didn't cry! It just stung!"

"Yes, of course. Didn't cry."

The blonde pouted slightly then let out a soft laugh, "Okay so after that – "

Sasuke listened intently for the next 2 hours as Naruto spoke about his life. He found the blonde so fucking fascinating. He'd never met someone so expressive and feeling. He cared about everyone and every single thing. Sasuke wanted to know everything about him.

Naruto asked questions about his life, and he felt extremely comfortable, so he had no problem responding. But his life felt so boring compared to Naruto's. The blonde had traveled to incredible places and done the weirdest things.

Sasuke had gone to college, graduated, had a few friends. Hadn't really dated, there wasn't anyone he particularly liked. Sex was just a biological thing he did. He'd find someone he was attracted to, fuck, and then just go on with his way. He didn't do it much, he hated being vulnerable.

His life was split into two. Before his parent's death and after. Then after prison, it was split into three. The events marking changes in his life and suppressing his feelings more and more. His only living family was Itachi. That's the only person in the world that had been in all the before and after's.

Yet his heart didn't fight to have Naruto in this after. There was someone other than his brother that made him feel something. Something other than just longing for something he didn't know.

"You know what sounds good right now?" Naruto perked up.

"Hm?"

He tapped his chin, "Tomato and basil soup with homemade bread."

Holy fuck. "That really does."

The blonde questioned, "Have you ever made homemade bread?"

"No."

He started pushing Sasuke towards the cart, "Well then I have to show you, duh!"

They climbed into the golf cart and headed back to the house, Naruto's mind buzzing with anticipation. They hadn't cooked together yet, but he felt that somehow the act was so intimate.

After they made their way in and took off their rain gear, they headed to the kitchen where Itachi was having a cup of tea. The older Uchiha didn't say anything, but his eyes were dancing with mirth.

"I'm going to teach Sas how to make homemade bread."

Itachi turned to Sasuke, "Naruto's a really good cook, isn't he?"

Sasuke nodded, unable to deny such a true statement. Everything the blonde had made was utterly delicious.

3 months later

Naruto was slightly frustrated. Okay, scratch that. Very frustrated. Because Sasuke was so insufferable and stubborn.

He saw the looks! He wasn't blind. Sasuke might think he's super suave and has an amazing poker face but jokes on him because he really doesn't. He might look all blank-faced, but the slight blush would still be there. His mouth twitched when he was trying to hold in a smile and he wasn't very good at looking away quickly, hoping Naruto didn't catch him staring.

The blonde had given him signs.

Not so obvious at first. He didn't want to call him out and have him get cold-feet. He'd watched all of his favorite romance movies and even asked Ino for ideas. Ino. That shit was excruciating. But he'd done it.

He'd done the whole lean close thing.

The subtle touches thing.

The giving Sasuke openings to make a move thing.

But nope. Sasuke was a coward. That much Naruto knew. And he had a feeling it's because he probably felt that he wasn't good enough for Naruto.

Tonight, there was a meteor shower, and he hoped that the setting was romantic enough for Sasuke to do something before Naruto just lost his nerve and smacked him in the face.

They laid in silence, looking at the star-filled night sky. Sasuke knew there was supposed to be a meteor shower any minute and he was waiting in anticipation. Naruto had insisted they grab a soft blanket and watch it all night.

Itachi had long gone to bed and he felt content, laying in the grass next to Naruto. He turned to look at the blonde, moonlight reflecting against him, looking ethereal.

Naruto felt eyes on him and he turned, giving Sasuke a shy gaze. There had been something blossoming between them. Sasuke knew it. He saw it in the way Naruto gazed at him. Like he was the embodiment of everything precious.

The wind blew Sasuke's dark hair and Naruto smiled, lightly tucking it to the side. A tattooed finger trailed over his lips, as Sasuke stared at them mesmerized. His eyes were so full of want and despair. And Naruto knew. He knew he'd have to be the one to make the move.

He leaned over and surprised Sasuke with a tender kiss.

The brunette leaned back, eyes wide and borderline panicked.

The blonde smiled and placed a hand on Sasuke's beating chest, "I'm in love with you."

"Don't." Sasuke mumbled, eyes closing painfully. It was too much. It was everything he wanted and there's no way he deserved this.

"Stupid." Naruto poked his cheek, "Let yourself be loved."

Sasuke looked away, unable to keep eye contact, "We can't. I can't." He whispered, "I wouldn't be able to handle you leaving me." And it was true. He knew that it wouldn't be forever.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "You're divorcing us up already?"

The brunette almost choked, "Divorcing?"

"Duh. I want to be with you. Not as a temporary thing!"

He breathlessly said, "Oh."

"Yeah, oh." The blonde rolled his eyes and squeezed Sasuke's cheek because honestly, Sasuke was ridiculous sometimes.

"Come here." Naruto leaned forward and placed his head on Sasuke's chest. He grabbed his tattooed hand and played with each finger, starting with the F, M, then the Uchiha symbol, followed by an I and S. Naruto wanted to know the story about every tattoo. Every mark on his body. But he knew it would take time.

"Why – do you want to be with me?" Sasuke asked, voice full of wonder and confusion. He just didn't understand.

Naruto wanted to look into the brunette's eyes, but something told him that it would be easier for Sasuke to be open if the blonde wasn't staring into his eyes. Like they could speak freely in the dark. The first star shot through the sky and Naruto laughed in wonder before answering.

"Because you feel so fiercely. You love so fiercely. You care so fiercely. You're a wonderful person Sas. You're so smart, like annoyingly so. And you look so at peace in nature like you don't need all the material things in the world. You can see the beauty in the smallest things. Even if you're not as open as I am. I can see how happy you are just drinking your disgusting coffee in the morning looking at the sunrise."

"You're not even up at sunrise."

Naruto put his hand over Sasuke's mouth and argued, "I was one time!" He felt Sasuke's smile curl under his hand and Naruto removed it.

"Anyway - and my favorite thing in the whole world is seeing you smile and laugh. Because you hold back so much, so I know that if you do smile, it's because you're so overwhelmingly happy that even your dumbass brain can't hold it in."

Sasuke cupped Naruto's cheek and made eye contact, letting the blonde stare deep into his eyes, to see the longing and how much he adored the blonde. How much he loved him but didn't know how to express it. Because it was true. He loved Naruto so fiercely. Had for a long time but had no idea how to even begin to express it. He hoped that the blonde could understand by looking at him.

"For someone who says they love me, there were a lot of insults in that."

Naruto let out a melodious laugh, "That's how you know it's straight from the heart."

"That's true." He played with Naruto's pink lips, his golden hair, and his chiseled jaw. He leaned in and kissed each eyelid, his cheeks, his forehead, and finally his mouth. It was gentle. He felt nervous. After a few seconds, he leaned back, determined to at least get the words out. "I – love you – too." He wanted to close his eyes in fear. Because he was terrified of being happy.

"About time you told me, stubborn asshole." Naruto leaned in and kissed him again. "So will you finally stop fighting it?"

He murmured, "Yeah. I'll stop."

"Good!" He wiggled, "Now hold me and let's watch the shower."

"You're so bossy."

"Shhh, you already said you love me. Can't take it back!"

Sasuke stayed awake all night, long after Naruto had fallen asleep curled in his arms. He was terrified it was a dream. That it wasn't real.

He didn't dare voice it out loud again after Naruto pinched him, fucking hard, multiple times, and promised to do it countless more if Sasuke needed a reminder that he wasn't dreaming.

The moment Itachi was in the same room as them, he picked up that something that had changed in the air. He narrowed his dark eyes back and forth between them, piecing everything together, until he uttered, "Did you guys fuck?"

Naruto yelled horrified, "No!"

Itachi chuckled, "Then?"

"We're dating!" Naruto chirped and wrapped both arms around one of Sasuke's.

"About fucking time, geez." Itachi threw his arms up and leaned over to get some orange juice.

Sasuke's eyes widened, "Excuse me?"

Itachi shrugged, "You two have been pining for so fucking long. The anticipation was annoying us."

"Us?"

"Yeah, Kakashi."

Naruto groaned, "Oh my god we're going to be the new gossip."

"Oh, Naruto." Itachi patted the blonde's head, "We've been gossiping about you both."