Chapter Eleven

Two days! He thought two days would be easy, but he was wrong in so many ways. Yes, he and Sasuke had traded calls for the one night, but it didn't last more than fifteen minutes, partially because Sasuke needed to sleep early and Naruto worked till late. He sighed dejectedly as he flopped onto bed. Tomorrow. Sasuke was coming back tomorrow. The thought made him feel better and at least life at home was easier. Boruto and Sarada had made up just like Himawari had said and the kids were going back to school. But it left him with nothing to do except wait. And waiting was never his forte. He was impatient, just like how he was impatient to do more than just kisses or touches with Sasuke. He was getting antsy—bad enough to where he ordered some gay porn online to have it delivered to the apartment because he was not going to an AV store so his neighbors could see him buying gay porn. It wasn't that he was ashamed. Then again, he knew it wasn't any of his neighbors' business what he bought. Still, it was more for Sasuke than for himself. If their neighbors ever found out and saw Sasuke hanging out with him, rumors would spread. It would make it difficult for his lover. Besides, online shopping was fast too. The DVDs would be arriving tomorrow before Sasuke got home which gave him plenty of time to hide them and watch them for research later, specifically when Sasuke was at work and the children at school.

Sleep. He needed to sleep because sleeping made time go faster and because tomorrow was a big day for him. Naruto rolled inside the blankets, forcing his eyes close. Tomorrow. Sasuke is coming home. His last thoughts trickled into a sigh before he was seized by his dreams.

The sun rose with the next day. The kids were gone by the time he woke up. A flowery, cute paper was stuck to the refrigerator. A note written by Sarada telling him that breakfast was in the fridge. He smiled as he looked at her handwriting. It was similar to Sasuke's. Neatly printed and easy to read. He opened the fridge to take out the food. Just as he was heating it, a ding on his cell caught his attention. Grabbing his phone from his back pocket, he swiped to unlock it. A message from Sasuke told him that he would be returning sometime in the evening. Naruto smiled. That made things much easier. He ate in a much happier mood. And once everything was washed and clean, he sat down on the couch and waited. And waited some more. An hour passed and still no doorbell ring. Naruto stood, fretting over the package. It should have arrived by now. He double checked the tracking. The numbers ten o' clock stared back at him. It was 10:30 now. He needed to get ready for work, but his package was missing. He scrolled down his phone and saw a note. Delivered. Naruto gaped at the confirmation. He didn't hear a doorbell ring or even a knock. Cursing under his breath, he rushed to the door and opened it in time to see Gaara standing in front of him holding a brown box. Naruto stared, then glanced down to the package, and back up to Gaara. His red hair neighbor smiled serenely.

"They dropped off the package to the wrong apartment. I told them I would take it to you myself since you only lived a floor up." Gaara held the box to him. "So, let me guess...the first timer gay porn video?"

Naruto flushed. He felt his face heat in embarrassment. This was the worst. He quickly took the box from Gaara, muttering a thank you under his breath.

"It's pretty heavy. How many did you buy? Unless...you got some toys along with it?" Gaara asked curiously.

"Never!" Naruto exclaimed. Even his ears were burning from the sheer embarrassment. "I...I—"

"You and Uchiha haven't done it yet?"

"...No," Naruto answered reluctantly.

"Hmmm...you know, those videos aren't good for research."

"I know..."

"Okay...then good day."

Gaara turned to leave, but Naruto hesitantly called out his name to stop him. "Ga-Gaara?"

His neighbor stopped, turning sideways to let his head tilt and look at him. "Hm?"

"Well...I mean...you're more knowledgeable about this than I am. What...what should I do?"

"Should I show you?" Gaara asked.

Taken aback, Naruto's mouth flapped open and close, but only a tiny squeaked answered. With Gaara, he couldn't tell if the man was serious or joking. Luckily, Gaara smiled indicating the latter.

"I'm joking," he said.

Naruto sighed in relief.

"Or am I?" Gaara added.

Naruto tensed again. He glared at his neighbor who broke into a light chuckle. Gaara walked back to him and closed in so no one could hear them.

"You're fun to tease, Naruto. I can see Uchiha taking advantage of that. But in all seriousness, the best thing to remember is preparation," Gaara said.

"P-preparation?" Naruto didn't know what he had to do to prepare.

"Come on now, Naruto. Anal sex isn't all that different from having anal sex with a woman. You just use the asshole."

Hearing such vulgar words coming out of the face of Gaara who looked so innocent was embarrassing. He felt his face flush once more. "I...I've never..."

"Oh? Well then..." Gaara raised his hand, then folded three fingers so his index and middle finger were the only two up. He wiggled them back and forth. "Lots of lube and stretching in the asshole to make room for the cock. Simple. Go slow and don't be deterred if he goes soft. Sometimes, the pain from entering can make any man go soft. For anal virgins, the best position is, hmm...probably missionary. Be sure to have a pillow for support in case. That's pretty much it."

Words failed him again. Gaara was a friend, one who he felt he could call a close friend. There was just something about Gaara that made him feel like he and Gaara were similar. However, hearing Gaara speak about sex in general was still off putting. It made him blush like a teenage boy learning about sex for the first time. But it was better getting advice from someone the same age as him rather than his fathers. Asking them would have been too embarrassing.

Sheepishly smiling, he thanked the other man as he left. Closing the door, Naruto banged his head against the it with a loud sigh. This may be tougher than he expected. Holding the box closer to his chest, he regained his composure. Quickly, he hid the box under his bed and hurriedly left his apartment before he was late for work. Thinking about Sasuke and how to approach him about their sex life was a topic he would think about later.

When he returned home, he hadn't expected to see lights still on. Surprised, he quickly removed his shoes and hurried to the living room. Sasuke, his beautiful raven haired lover, sat on the couch with a beer can in hand. Naruto glanced over to the coffee table. Three more cans littered the table top and judging by the popped tabs, they were most likely empty. A wash of worry cast over him. Loosening his jacket, he padded over to the couch and sat down beside him. "Welcome home," he greeted slowly.

"Thanks. You too," Sasuke replied. There wasn't a single slur in his words, yet there was something behind them.

Sasuke lifted the can to his lips to take another swing, but Naruto reached over and took it away from him. He gulped down the rest of the fizzy liquid, then placed it on the table to join the other empty cans. He sat back again, turning slightly to face Sasuke. "Want to tell me what's wrong?"

"I spoke to Boruto." Sasuke rolled his head to the side. His eyes glided over to gaze at him from the corner.

Naruto's heartbeat palpitated with apprehension. His skin felt clammy and his fingers began to fidget. He leaned in closer. "And?"

"He didn't say anything, so I don't know. You might find out tomorrow."

"Oh." He dejectedly let out a breath. Another waiting process for him. "Okay. Are the kids sleeping in the room?"

"Yes. Boruto seemed fine talking with Sarada and Himawari, so I'm hoping his response will be positive."

"Yeah..." Nervously, Naruto scooted closer. He could smell the alcohol on Sasuke's breath. Their hips bumped. Knees pressed lightly together, shoulder to shoulder. Sasuke tilted his head, resting it against his. "What did you guys talk about?"

"Oh, this and that," Sasuke replied tiredly.

"What's this and that?"

Sasuke was shifting his body. He turned, wrapping an arm around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. Naruto willingly gave it to him, but there was something different about Sasuke. The look in his eyes seemed distant as if he was looking somewhere else. A sharp pang pulled his chest. He knew that look. Naruto pressed his forehead against Sasuke's. His hands cupped his lover's face. His thumbs soothingly rubbed his cheeks. "Let's get you to bed," he whispered.

"Don't wanna..." Sasuke complained. "Not tired. Let's have sex."

Sasuke was jumping everywhere. Maybe if he was himself, Naruto would have jumped at the suggestion, but tonight, he wanted to comfort his lover by being there for him. Shaking his head, he pulling Sasuke up from the couch. "No, let's do that another time...when you are more focused. Tonight, you should just sleep. Come on." He pulled Sasuke to the bedroom where he helped him undress and laid into bed. He quickly left to take a quick shower, then returned to lay down next to a sleeping Sasuke. He barely put his head on the pillow when Sasuke suddenly rolled right next to him.

"Hold me," he begged quietly.

Obliging to his lover's wish, he wrapped his arm around him. Trembles reverberated from Sasuke through him. He tightened his hold, tucking Sasuke's head under his chin. There weren't tears, but Sasuke continued to quiver in his hold. He rubbed tiny circles on his back, hoping his presence would take away any lingering ghosts of the past. He didn't need Sasuke's words to know what topic he spoke to Boruto with.

"Thank you," Sasuke muttered.

Naruto responded with a chaste kiss to the top of his head. "Sleep tight." And Sasuke did, softly breathing in and out a calm rhythm that quelled him to sleep as well.

When he woke up, it was to another empty bed. Naruto blinked in confusion. He knew he hadn't dreamed last night. Sitting up, Naruto saw another note on the bed side table. He picked it up, reading it. Sasuke had returned to his apartment early to unpack. Naruto frowned. He wanted to wake up next to him. Sighing, he got up and walked out. It was still early, so the kids weren't awake yet. Trekking through the apartment, he found himself heading toward the balcony. He slid open the glass door, stepping out onto the cold flooring. The air was still brisk cold from the morning, but it felt good on his face. Sighing to himself, Naruto leaned against the railing. Dawn peeked over the horizon with its vibrant orange yellow hues. Although he wasn't a morning person, he was glad to have woken up to see the sight for himself. The morning rush stirred at the first light touching the roofs of distance houses. He closed his eyes, listening to them. The rumbles of cars, the rattling of the morning trains, and the ringing of bicycle bells echoed somewhere in the distance. And then soft footsteps caught his attention. His eyes fluttered open as his body tensed. He shifted on his feet, making room for the extra person to stand beside him. Boruto's head appeared in the corner of his gaze and then his son was standing beside him in silence. They let the moment pass in silence, just letting the noises encircle them.

"I spoke to him yesterday," Boruto whispered to break the silence.

Naruto hummed in response. His arms rested on the rail, fingers intertwined. Patience. And yet his heart beat faster, pounding loudly in his ears. It wash over the morning noises, leaving him apprehensive. He squeezed his hands together till the tips turned white. And still he waited for his son to continue.

"He told me..." Boruto exhaled. "Uncle Sasuke told me about his wife and um...that it was hard for him to accept your...your relationship in the beginning. And that sometimes even now, he still struggles. Sometimes, he wonders why you love him. But he also said that he wasn't going to give up that little bit of happiness he finally regained. He said he loves you, but that you can't replace his wife, just like how he can't replace mom. He said he didn't want to replace mom. He knows how important she was to you and us.

Uncle Sasuke has a special space in your heart just like you do in his, but not in the same place where mom or his wife was. Because mom and his deceased wife will always have a special place in there somewhere. Never forgotten, but you and him can't be tied down by the past. Moving on, learning to love again, it's just another step into the future. At least, that's what he said. And I...I understand. I just thought that if you found someone else...that maybe you would forget about mom and that made me sad. I didn't want you to forget mom...I didn't want to forget mom. I didn't want her to feel alone."

Naruto released his fingers from their tight grip. Slowly, he turned to face Boruto. His son trembled in the orange light; his eyes glistened, holding back tears. It broke his heart. Reaching over, he ruffled Boruto's hair, then brought him into a hug. "I will never forget your mother. I love Sasuke, but it doesn't mean I never loved her."

"I know." Boruto's muffled voice shook. "And...and I'm okay with it because you and Uncle Sasuke deserve to be happy too."

"He and I were always happy. I had you and Himawari and he had Sarada. We were already happy, but now that we also have each other and along with some new additions, we're even happier and that's what makes it important. Don't you think?" Naruto stepped back, lifting Boruto's head along so he could see him.

Red rimmed eyes looked up at him while Boruto nodded. "Yeah."

Smiling, he pulled Boruto into another hug. He didn't know how long he stood there holding Boruto, but a small cough interrupted him. Glancing up, he found Himawari standing by the doorway smiling at them. He returned her smile, then lifted his arm to invite her into their hug. Himawari giggled, rushing into their embrace. The three of them hugged for a little while longer before Boruto finally pushed away.

His son huffed, then waved him off. "Go. I'm sure Uncle Sasuke would want to know my response."

He ruffled the head of both of his children before he left for the front door. As he opened it, he heard Himawari's voice asking Boruto if he made up with Sasuke and him. He waited for a moment, hoping to hear Boruto's answer.

A second passed, then Boruto answered, "Yeah. I want them to be happy. I'm sure...mom wants that too."

Before he could be overcome by his emotion, he shut the door behind him. He took a moment to compose himself and then made his way to Sasuke's door. He knocked and waited. When he didn't hear anything, he reached for the doorbell. But as his finger hovered over the button, the door clicked open. Sasuke stood between the door way. He looked fine, but Naruto didn't trust his appearance. Smiling, he greeted his lover. "Morning. You left earlier than I wanted."

"Thought I should unpack soon," Sasuke said.

"Can I come in?"

Sasuke hesitated, but stepped aside. Naruto shimmied his way in. He walked to the couch and sat down without waiting for Sasuke's invitation. Looking over his shoulder, he waved for his lover to sit next to him. Patiently, he waited as Sasuke made his way over. Sasuke sat gingerly next to him, leaving a large gap between them. Not wanting to leave Sasuke in the dark for any longer, he pulled him into his arms. He held tightly onto Sasuke, whispering into his ears, "Boruto is okay with us." He heard Sasuke inhale sharply. Laughing shakily, he continued, "He told me a few minutes ago...but he also told me why you sometimes wonder why I love you."

Sasuke tensed, then pushed himself away. His lover sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. "He told you that too."

"He told me a lot of things you spoke to him about...Sasuke," Naruto tugged him till they were facing each other. He leaned in, kissing Sasuke's forehead, nose tip, and then his lips. "I love you. I love your rare smiles. I love the little huff of laugh you make because it means you're enjoying yourself more than you think. I love how you silently care about Sarada, about me and my children. I love how strong you can be...I love how courageous you are...I love how far you've come along beside me even through all the struggles. I love—"

"Stop," Sasuke whispered.

His lover's hands pressed against his mouth. It didn't stop him from continuing though. He pulled Sasuke's hands away, then lifted them again. He kissed each knuckle, then turned them over and kissed the palm of each hand. Smiling into them, he whispered, "I love every inch of hair and skin of you. I love your beautiful eyes." He pushed forward till Sasuke was laying on the sofa. His body covered his, molded to fit against one another. Tipping his head, he kissed Sasuke gently once, then twice. Their mouth moved against another, turning feverish with a slip of a tongue. Hands roamed over clothed bodies, touching to feel closer. Bodies shifted, writhing in pleasure.

Sasuke pulled back from their kiss with a gasp. "Naruto," he muttered.

"I love you," Naruto whispered, "I love everything about you."

Sasuke crushed their lips together once more. They kissed longingly, deeply because this was their moment—in the silence of the apartment, just him and Sasuke. And that was all that mattered.

A/N: A short chapter. Hope it was okay. I am working on the next chapter, but I may not be posting it soon...because it's been a while since I've written (I mean, sure I've updated some other fanfics, but...) and I'm not really happy with my writing right now. I haven't read much of anything either (probably why my writing sucks right now). (v.v) But I will try my best to continue.