All i can do is stand there, in shock of Naruto's words. It cant be true... can it? I mean, ya i was upset as fuck, and thought my lover was dead, so what the hell did you think i was going to do? Obviously i was depressed, and i seriously would have killed myself if my Naruto was dead. Like how i added the 'my' to 'my Naruto'? Yes, hes mine. After this, i dont think i could let him go. But one thing still shocked me... The will of a boy to keep his one and only love alive, even though his love was on the brink of death, he came out of that... because of me. I prayed to the gods i didnt believe in, to thank for this miracle. I am literally stunned. He cant seriously be alive because of me, could he? Was it because he wanted to come back to reality, or because he had to? Just to think... 5 hours ago i was asleep in my bed, not knowing what was about to unfold. I guess i can't really think of the past right now, considering im kind of standing here staring at Naruto like a complete blinded idiot... awkward...

"Th- there is no way im the reason your alive. No way. Nuh uh." Shikamaru said in a disbelieving tone.

"Well, when theres a will, theres a way. And i heard your will even when i was dead. Shika, it was you. Do i need to write it out in crayon?" asked a very dumbfounded Naruto.

"B-but how is that even logically possible?"

"Shika, logic isn't always the answer. Sometimes there is just things you can't explain. But in this case, i could explain it, its more that there is nothing logical about this whole thing, except for you."

"What do you mean by 'except you'?"

"What im trying to say is, you are the logic in this. Everything has changed because of you. But in a good way. Just remember, you are a hero... My hero. You are the reason im alive. I would be dead if it weren't for you. I dont remember much of today, except that you were there when i went to sleep, and woke up." Naruto said in a loving, truthful voice. At this point, Shikamaru was in tears, right on the verge of a mental breakdown. Just with all thats happened today, anybody would be overwhelmed.

All of a sudden, my body was thrown towards Naruto's, bringing him into a light embrace, being unconciously aware of his injuries. I guess i just couldn't help but sob. I can't believe how, in such a short time, how strong my feelings are for this blonde haired boy. It almost seems ridiculous. And thewn i feel it. Him embracing me back. This caused me to sob even more.

"Oh Naruto, i don't know what i would do without you, But i know it would be next to impossible, without you. They say bad things happen for a reason, and now i know why. Love. That god damned thing always gets in the way. But its the best thing in the world. I hate myself because of it." Exclaimed a suddenly solemn Shikamaru.

"And why is that?" Naruto asked confused.

"I mean, i just always get in the way. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes for the bad. I just feel really bad sometimes that, even though im extremely happy i came to you just in time, i also hate myself because it was your choice."

"It wasn't my choice... What you saw was definitaly not me. I guess i slipped away from reality and maybe Kyuubi did that... im not really sure. But Shikamaru, you said bad things happen for a reason. But, at the same time, good things do too. And this, was a mix. Both good and bad. Which means something great is going to happen. But also people say 'what doesn't kill you make's you stronger' and im going to make sure this makes me stronger. Atleast now i know someone cares, so no matter what, im going to try."

At this point, both of the boys were sobbing. Sometimes you just need to embrace what life throws your way, and make sure you throw it back, as hard as you can.

"Naruto?"

"Ya?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Let's go home. Both of us. Together."

"Ok." said Naruto trying to hide exactly how happy he was. This moment couldn't get any better. The kyuubi has already healed most of Naruto's injuries, so they would be safe to go home. Home is Naruto's house... for now atleast.

Shikamaru helped the blonde up from the bed, gesturing him to get dressed. Shika started packing up all of their stuff, which 'all' consisted of ripped, bloody clothing, a small blanket, and a get well soon fruit basket from Choji. Food from Choji. What a surprize. Its not like im complaining or anything, its just typical of him to think of food. Naruto quickly threw on a pair a dark blue jeans, and a tight black, form fitting, V neck t-shirt, that looked unbeleviable on him. And such a simple thing, too. I wonder what he looks like all dressed up... the only thing you could see when you looked at Shikamaru, was the growing bulge in his pants.

"Haha, nice Shika. Looks like someones feeling a little bit on the hard side today" Naruto said with a grin on his face

"Shut up! if you knew what i was thinking of, you would t-... nevermind." Shikamaru said like a pouty 3 year old, which made Naruto laugh even harder.

"Oh would i now?" said Naruto as they thanked the receptionist and walked out of the hospital.

"Well, maybe if you were me you would know what i was talking about... trust me... like holy damn." Shikamaru said matter-of-factly. Once Naruto seemed to calm down enough to get up, and breathe, they started for Naruto's house. Naruto stared and Shikamaru's face, then slowly crept his eyes down to see what was going on 'down there'. There was still a bump, but not nearly as big as before. Narutos apartment came into sight, as well as an ugly, old red pickup truck. Almost looks like Naruto's-

"WHAT THE FUCK IS MINATO DOING HERE!?"

Flashback

To tell you the truth, my 'dad' has never really liked me. In fact, i could probably say he hated me. Ever since i was born, he has hated me. Because i took away the one thing he cared about the most... His wife. She died of complications while giving birth to me.

"Naruto get your lazy. worthless ass down here!" Minato yelled.

Naruto sighed, and jumped off of his bed landing in a big 'thump'before starting at the small set of stairs heading towards the down stairs living room.

"Yes, father?" Naruto asked in a sweet sounding, suck up tone. The kind a child would use if they wanted something. Before he could even finish, he found himself on the ground with an instant black eye. To tell you the truth, this is nothing new. This actually happens alot! You see, Minato isn't exactly what you would call a 'stable' person. He is very abusive, and very hateful towards me.

Naruto crept up the stairs towards his apartment, quickly followed by a nervous Shikamaru. Naruto slowly started to open the door, before stumbling back at the impact of the door to his face before being greeted by a seemingly familiar, and uninvited face.

"Hello, son. Welcome home."

Sorry, its been a while since ive updated, but alot of stuff has been going on. Hope you enjoy :)